The discovery of certain microbe species in the human gut that can absorb toxic PFAS chemicals has brought hope for a potential solution to mitigate their harmful effects. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have found that these bacterial species can soak up various PFAS molecules from their surroundings, including those ingested through food and water.

Researchers introduced nine bacterial species into the guts of mice to “humanize” the mouse microbiome and observed that they rapidly accumulated PFAS eaten by the mice, which were then excreted in feces. The study found that as the mice were exposed to increasing levels of PFAS, the microbes worked harder, consistently removing the same percentage of the toxic chemicals.

Within minutes of exposure, the bacterial species tested absorbed between 25% and 74% of the PFAS molecules. This is the first evidence that the gut microbiome could play a helpful role in removing toxic PFAS chemicals from our bodies.

The researchers plan to use their discovery to create probiotic dietary supplements that boost the levels of these helpful microbes in our gut, protecting against the toxic effects of PFAS. However, this has not yet been directly tested in humans.

PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are man-made chemicals used for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and grease. They are found in many everyday items, including waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, lipsticks, and food packaging. Due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS have accumulated in large quantities, affecting human health.

The study’s findings open up possibilities for developing ways to get PFAS out of our bodies where they do the most harm. Researchers are exploring various ways to turbocharge the microbes’ performance and create probiotics that remove PFAS from the body.

In addition to using probiotics, experts recommend avoiding PFAS-coated cooking pans and using a good water filter to help protect ourselves against PFAS.

The UK has launched a parliamentary inquiry into the risks and regulation of PFAS, highlighting the growing concern about their environmental and health impacts. The discovery of gut bacteria that can absorb PFAS molecules brings hope for a potential solution to mitigate these effects.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in human behavior, with people forced to spend more time indoors and away from social interactions. During this period, there was an increase in pet adoption, leading many to believe that having a companion animal would provide a sense of comfort, companionship, and happiness. However, a recent study has challenged this notion, suggesting that the emotional benefits of pet ownership may not be as universal or significant as previously thought.

The study, conducted by researchers at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, involved data collection from almost 3,000 people across Hungary during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. The participants were surveyed three times, with some acquiring a new pet and others losing one during this period. The results showed little support for the idea that pet ownership provides a significant boost to emotional well-being.

While there was a short-term increase in cheerfulness after acquiring a dog, this effect did not last long-term, with dog owners experiencing decreased calmness, life-satisfaction, and activity over time. Perhaps most surprisingly, the study found that losing a pet had no significant impact on the well-being of its former owners.

The researchers suggested that the dynamics of the pandemic may have led people to make impulsive choices against their long-term interest, or that only certain groups, such as devoted animal lovers or older adults living alone, truly benefit from pets in stressful times. The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences and circumstances when evaluating the emotional benefits of pet ownership.

Ultimately, the myth of the “pet effect” may be just that – a myth. While companion animals can undoubtedly bring joy and companionship to some people, it is essential to recognize that this experience is not universal and may not be as emotionally transformative as we like to believe.

The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often sparks controversy when it comes to adults. While originally developed for children, the diagnostic criteria can be difficult to apply in grown-ups. This is partly because the criteria are based on child behavior, and when diagnosing adults, these criteria rely heavily on subjective experiences such as difficulty concentrating or being impulsive.

A recent study from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil shed light on this issue, examining how 292 credible studies on ADHD diagnosed their adult subjects. The researchers found that half of the studies did not ensure a thorough diagnostic assessment before the trial to rule out other disorders like depression or schizophrenia. This methodological shortfall is problematic because it makes it impossible to know which disorders and symptoms the treatment investigated in these trials potentially had an effect on.

Moreover, over half of the studies included subjects who had already been diagnosed with other mental disorders, making the diagnosis even more challenging. The researchers pointed out that this lack of consistency in diagnostic assessment can make research results from many clinical trials difficult to utilize. Despite being considered particularly trustworthy, the results of these trials may inform guidelines used to treat adult ADHD patients.

The study’s findings emphasize the need for consistent and robust diagnoses in psychiatric research. One of the problems with the diagnostic assessment in many of the clinical trials was that it seemed to have been carried out by individuals without proper training or using methods that were not thorough enough. In some cases, the assessment and diagnosis were made by the subject themselves, or even with the help of a computer.

As Julie Nordgaard highlighted, “In psychiatry, we really need all diagnoses, not just ADHD, to be made with the same uniform criteria and by trained professionals.” This is especially crucial in situations where a diagnosis like adult ADHD is increasing. Without thorough diagnostic assessments, people may receive incorrect diagnoses, and thus, ineffective or unnecessary treatment that can cause side effects.

The study’s conclusion serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous methodology and consistency in psychiatric research. By prioritizing accurate diagnoses and thorough assessments, researchers can ensure that their findings are reliable and useful for informing guidelines and treatments for patients with complex mental health conditions like adult ADHD.