A common dietary supplement coudl potentially help lower levels of PFAS-so-called “forever chemicals”-in teh body, according to research from Boston University. This finding is particularly noteworthy, as nearly every person in the United States carries detectable levels of these persistent pollutants.

The pervasive Problem of ‘Forever Chemicals’

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PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in countless products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam.

PFAS don’t break down easily in the surroundings or the human body, leading to their nickname: “forever chemicals.” Exposure has been linked to a range of health concerns, including immune deficiencies, certain cancers, and developmental issues.

Fiber Supplement Shows Promise

Jennifer Schlezinger, a professor of environmental health at Boston University School of Public Health, explained the meaning of the research. “Every person in the United States, essentially, is walking around with PFAS in their body,” she said.

The study suggests that certain fiber supplements may bind to PFAS in the digestive system, reducing their absorption into the bloodstream. While more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects, the initial findings offer a potentially simple and accessible way to mitigate PFAS exposure.

Alzheimer’s Warning: Common Sleeping Pill May Disrupt Brain Cleansing

Research from the University of Rochester reveals a potential downside to the widely prescribed sleep aid zolpidem. The drug appears to suppress the glymphatic system, a crucial network responsible for clearing waste products from the brain during sleep. This disruption could potentially increase the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain.

“The motivation for this research was to better understand what drives glymphatic flow during sleep, and the insights from this study have broad implications for understanding the components of restorative sleep,” said Maiken Nedergaard, codirector of the University of Rochester Center for translational Neuromedicine.

‘Midlife Window’ for Brain Health

Preventing cognitive decline may be more effective than previously thought, according to researchers at Stony Brook University. They’ve identified a “midlife window”-a period when interventions targeting neurometabolic markers could have the greatest impact on long-term brain health.

“This represents a paradigm shift in how we think about brain aging prevention,” explained Botond Antal, a postdoctoral associate in biomedical engineering.”Rather than waiting for cognitive symptoms, which may not appear until significant damage has occurred, we can potentially identify people at risk through neurometabolic markers and intervene during this critical window.”

‘Magic’ Lenses Make Infrared Light Visible

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed an ultra-thin lens capable of transforming infrared light into visible light.This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for various applications, including medical imaging, security, and environmental monitoring.

“We have only scratched the surface so far and are very excited to see how much of an impact this type of new cost-effective technology will have in the future,” said Rachel grange, a professor at the Institute for Quantum Electronics at ETH Zurich.

How Long Did Humans Colonize Australia?

The question of when humans first arrived in Australia continues to be debated among archaeologists. Research from the University of Utah is contributing to the ongoing discussion,suggesting a potential re-evaluation of current timelines.

“I would expect in the next five years or so, the pendulum is going to swing back to general agreement for an under 50,000-year date for Australian colonization,” said James O’Connell, professor emeritus in University of Utah’s anthropology department.

Protein Timing for Optimal Recovery

The type of protein consumed after training can considerably impact recovery, according to researchers at Texas A&M University. They found that individuals with low creatine and low-quality protein intake may experience impaired recovery and performance.

“It applies to sports, and it even applies to aging,” said Richard Kreider of Texas A&M University. “We used to think simply having enough protein is all you need, but the type of protein does matter.”

Eye Changes as Early Warning for Alzheimer’s

Changes in the retina may serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study from Indiana University. Researchers found that the eye reflects changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions, potentially offering a non-invasive method for early diagnosis and intervention.

“The eye is a window to the brain reflecting changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,” said Ashay Bhatwadekar, associate professor of ophthalmology. “Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and our study will help provide ease of diagnosis and potential intervention for Alzheimer’s disease, thus enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life in the future.”

Ancient Maya Population Larger Than Previously Thought

New data suggests the ancient Maya civilization was even more densely populated and socially organized than previously believed. Research led by Tulane university revealed a 45% jump in population estimates based on lidar analysis.

“The ancient Maya never fail to amaze me,” said Francisco Estrada-Belli, a research professor in Tulane University’s Middle American Research Institute. “We expected a modest increase in population estimates from our 2018 lidar analysis, but seeing a 45% jump was truly surprising. This new data confirms just how densely populated and socially organized the Maya Lowlands were at their peak.”

Solid-State Batteries Closer to Reality

Solid-state batteries, considered a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, are moving closer to widespread adoption. researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have been tracking the progress of this technology.

“Solid-state batteries are moving closer to reality every day,” said Cengiz Ozkan, a professor of mechanical engineering. “Our review shows how far the science has come and what steps are needed next to make these batteries available for everyday use.”

Keeping Pets Flea-Free

Fleas can cause notable discomfort and health problems for pets. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers guidance on preventing and managing flea infestations.

“Fleas can cause pets to become itchy, especially on their lower back, inner thighs, and head,” Teller says. “With enough scratching and chewing, a pet can pull out its hair, create raw and inflamed lesions on its body, and develop a secondary bacterial infection.”