Medicosnext
A study conducted by public health researchers in China has revealed the presence of microplastics in every semen sample tested. Published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the study involved 36 healthy adult men from Jinan, China, who provided semen samples for analysis. This alarming discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that microplastics have infiltrated virtually every part of our environment and bodies. Microplastics have already been found in remote mountain tops, ocean depths, and even the human body. It is said that microplastics are consumed by the average person in amounts equivalent to a credit card each week. They enter our systems through various means such as drinking water, air particulates, and food packaged in plastic. The long-term health impacts of microplastic ingestion are still unclear, but scientists are increasingly concerned about its potential link to inflammatory diseases and declining fertility rates.
In this study, researchers used chemical solutions and microscopic analysis to detect microplastics in semen. Shockingly, they identified eight types of plastics, with polystyrene being the most prevalent. Additionally, the presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the samples was associated with reduced sperm motility, suggesting a possible connection to the global decline in fertility rates. PVC is commonly used in products such as pipes, clothing, and flooring. The study found that semen samples containing PVC bits exhibited significantly lower sperm motility, which refers to the sperm’s ability to move effectively. Reduced sperm motility is a key factor in male infertility, as it impedes the sperm’s journey to fertilize an egg. This link between PVC and diminished sperm motility could help explain the global decline in fertility rates. As microplastics like PVC become more ubiquitous in the environment, their impact on reproductive health becomes a critical area of concern.
This research brings forward the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution and its potential implications for human health, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into its effects on reproductive health and overall well-being.
Reference: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-microplastics-semen-sample-team.html
Smartwatches help monitor Parkinson’s Disease Progression
Smartwatches are proving to be valuable tools in understanding Parkinson’s disease. New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center highlights that these devices, particularly the Apple Watch paired with an iPhone, can detect changes in Parkinson’s symptoms over time, even in the early stages.
The study, published in journal of Parkinson’s Disease, reveals that digital measures from smartwatches provide objective, real-world data on disease progression. “This study shows that data generated by smartwatches and smartphones can remotely monitor and detect changes in multiple domains of the disease,” said Dr. Jamie Adams, lead author and associate professor of Neurology.
The WATCH-PD study tracked participants with early-stage Parkinson’s for 12 months, finding significant declines in gait, increased tremor, and modest changes in speech. Smartwatches detected decreases in arm swing and daily step counts, aligning with traditional long-term studies.
This innovative approach could revolutionize Parkinson’s treatment, offering continuous, passive monitoring rather than episodic clinic visits. By partnering with patients, regulators, and industry experts, the project aims to speed up therapeutic development and improve clinical trials. The study, supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, will continue for another 18 months, potentially bringing us closer to more effective treatments for Parkinson’s.
Reference: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240612113239.htm
Past COVID Infections May Protect Against Certain Colds
If you’ve ever been sick with COVID-19, you might have gained some protection against certain versions of the common cold. A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that previous COVID-19 infections can lower the risk of catching colds caused by milder coronavirus strains. In fact several viruses cause colds and coronaviruses are thought to be responsible for about 1 in 5 colds. This discovery could pave the way for more effective and comprehensive COVID-19 vaccines.
The study, led by Dr. Manish Sagar of Boston Medical Center, analyzed COVID-19 PCR test results from over 4,900 individuals seeking medical care between November 2020 and October 2021. After adjusting for variables like age, gender, and preexisting conditions, the researchers found that people previously infected with COVID-19 had about a 50% lower chance of experiencing symptomatic colds caused by other coronaviruses compared to those who were fully vaccinated but had not contracted COVID-19.
The protective effect was linked to immune responses targeting two specific viral proteins not currently used in most COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers suggest that incorporating these proteins into future vaccines could enhance their effectiveness against a broader range of coronaviruses, including potential new strains.
Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist, emphasized that while current vaccines, which target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, remain the best defense against severe COVID-19, the study’s findings open exciting possibilities. “If we can find targets that cross-protect among multiple viruses,” he noted, “we can either add those to specific vaccines or use them as targets for broader-based immunity. And that would be really cool.”
References: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-covid-infections-colds-vaccines.html
