Scientists detect a surprising shift in human blood as atmospheric CO2 rises

 Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may already be influencing human biology. New research has identified long-term changes in blood chemistry that appear to track rising atmospheric CO2, raising concerns that an important blood marker could approach the upper end of its healthy range within the next several decades.

The findings may be particularly important for children and teenagers. Because their bodies are still developing, younger generations are expected to experience the greatest lifetime exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2.

Decades of Blood Data Reveal a Shift

In a study published in Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, scientists from The Kids Research Institute Australia, Curtin University and The Australian National University (ANU) examined more than 20 years of U.S. population health data. They found persistent changes in several measures of blood chemistry that closely followed the upward trend in atmospheric CO2.

The researchers used information from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), analyzing blood test results from roughly 7,000 people at two-year intervals between 1999 and 2020.

Since 1999, average serum bicarbonate levels have increased by about 7 percent. Bicarbonate is a blood marker closely associated with carbon dioxide in the body. During the same period, average levels of calcium and phosphorus decreased.

Those biological trends occurred as atmospheric CO2 climbed from about 369 parts per million (ppm) in 2000 to more than 420 ppm today.

Study author Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe said the results indicate that the body may already be adjusting to changes in the composition of the atmosphere.

"What we're seeing is a gradual shift in blood chemistry that mirrors the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is driving climate change," A/Prof Larcombe said.

How the Body Responds to More CO2

Bicarbonate is essential for regulating the body's acid-base balance. As CO2 increases, the body can retain additional bicarbonate to help keep blood pH stable. Although this response helps preserve that balance, maintaining it over long periods could have physiological effects.

"If current trends continue, modeling indicates average bicarbonate levels could approach the upper limit of today's accepted healthy range within 50 years," A/Prof Larcombe said

"Calcium and phosphorus levels could also reach the lower end of their healthy ranges later this century."

Humans evolved when atmospheric CO2 concentrations were approximately 280 to 300 ppm. During the past decade, atmospheric levels have risen by an average of about 2.6 ppm each year, while 2024 alone saw an increase of 3.5 ppm.

Fellow Author Dr Phil Bierwirth, a retired environmental geoscientist affiliated with the ANU Emeritus Faculty, emphasized that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, he said the consistency of the changes across a large population warrants attention.

"I actually think that what we are seeing is because our bodies are not adapting," Dr Bierwirth said.

"It appears we are adapted to a range of CO2 in the air that may now have been surpassed.

"The normal range maintains a delicate balance between how much CO2 is in the air, our blood pH, our breathing rate and bicarbonate levels in the blood.

"As CO2 in the air is now higher than humans have ever experienced, it appears to be building up in our bodies. Maybe we can never adapt such that it is vitally important to limit atmospheric levels of CO2."

A Potential New Dimension of Climate Risk

The researchers say the results suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 could represent a form of climate-related risk that is different from more familiar threats such as heatwaves, extreme weather and sea-level rise.

According to A/Prof Larcombe, increasing CO2 may need to be considered not only as an environmental concern, but also as a long-term public health factor that should be monitored.

"We're not saying people are suddenly going to become unwell when we cross a certain threshold," he said.

"But this suggests there may be gradual physiological changes occurring at a population level, and that's something we should be monitoring as part of future climate change policy."

The researchers recommend monitoring the composition of the atmosphere together with biological markers across populations. Tracking both alongside established climate indicators could help scientists determine how slow environmental changes affect human biology over periods of decades.

Source: Science Daily

Scientists discover a hidden brain rhythm that could improve Parkinson’s treatment

 Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can reduce movement problems caused by Parkinson's disease, and new research is providing a clearer picture of why the treatment works. Scientists have found that its benefits appear to depend on stimulating a specific brain network that communicates primarily through a relatively fast beta rhythm (20 to 35 Hz).

The findings come from an interdisciplinary group of neuroscientists and clinicians at the University Hospitals of Cologne and Düsseldorf, Harvard Medical School and Charité Berlin. Published in the journal Brain, the study, 'The Deep Brain Stimulation Response Network in Parkinson's Disease Operates in the High Beta Band', is the first to bring together two approaches that have largely been studied separately: electrophysiology and brain imaging.

Pinpointing Where and How Brain Stimulation Works

"For the first time, we were able to characterize the DBS response network in Parkinson's disease in terms of space and time, simultaneously," says Professor Dr. Andreas Horn from the University of Cologne, who led the study and specializes in computational neurology. "We show that Parkinson's disease can best be treated if we stimulate a very precisely defined network. This network operates synchronized within a specific frequency band, and offers an explanation for how well patients respond to deep brain stimulation."

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is already an established therapy for easing motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. The treatment uses implanted electrodes to deliver small electrical pulses to areas located deep inside the brain.

Previous research has provided only part of the picture. Brain imaging studies have helped identify the locations where stimulation appears to work most effectively, while electrophysiological research has measured the frequencies of the electrical signals involved. Until now, researchers had not captured both the spatial location and timing of these signals at the same time.

Mapping a Parkinson's Brain Network

To investigate this connection, the team studied a large multicenter group consisting of fifty patients and one hundred brain hemispheres. The scientists simultaneously recorded brain activity through the implanted DBS electrodes and with magnetoencephalography (MEG).

Using these recordings, they mapped functional connections between regions deep within the brain and areas closer to its surface.

Their analysis revealed that the important network connecting the subthalamic nucleus with frontal areas of the brain communicates largely at a comparatively fast frequency (20-35 Hz). Importantly, the strength of this connection was associated with how much individual patients' motor symptoms improved following electrode implantation.

Source; ScienceDaily

Cardiologist reveals 9 simple ways to lower cholesterol without statins

 Somewhere along the way, high cholesterol stopped sounding like a problem and started sounding like a given, one more number everyone expects to go up with age. Maybe that’s why statins, the go-to drug for lowering it, have become the best-selling prescription in the US, taken by nearly 30 million people each year.

But cholesterol itself was never the villain. It’s a fat our bodies rely on, to build cells, make vitamin D, and produce hormones like oestrogen and testosterone. The danger lies in imbalance: when LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol, begins to outpace HDL, the “good” one that helps clear it from our arteries. Those invisible buildups quietly narrow blood vessels, setting the stage for heart disease and stroke long before symptoms appear. According to NHS guidelines, total cholesterol should stay below 5 mmol/L, with healthy HDL levels above 1.0 for men and 1.2 for women. Still, medication isn’t the only route.

Dr Ali Khavandi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Sulis Hospital, tells The Telegraph, “In the modern world though, high cholesterol is most commonly lifestyle-related and you can smash that through dietary and lifestyle changes.”

Eat good fats, rather than ‘low fat’

Cutting saturated fat (butter, processed meats, pies, cookies) is still key, but replacing it with single-ingredient, unsaturated foods makes the difference. Think oily fish, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados rather than heavily processed “low-fat” products. Study published in The New England Journal of Medicine show that diets enriched with extra-virgin olive oil or mixed nuts lower cardiovascular risk compared with low-fat advice, supporting the idea that swapping to quality fats improves heart outcomes.

A daily glass of tomato juice

Some studies show that a tomato-heavy diet can lower LDL and help raise HDL, likely because lycopene, the tomato’s dominant antioxidant, binds to LDL and helps prevent its oxidation. In one study published in Food science and Nutrition, participants who had unlimited access to unsalted tomato juice saw significant drops in LDL and blood pressure; other short trials have found that even days or weeks of concentrated tomato juice can measurably change lipid markers. Drinking a glass of unsalted or freshly made tomato juice (or using tinned tomatoes in cooking) is an easy way to boost lycopene intake.

Have porridge for breakfast

Oats contain beta-glucan, a viscous soluble fibre that forms a gel in the gut and binds cholesterol, reducing how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. Study published in British Journal of Nutrition showed consistent LDL reductions with oat β-glucan, adding oats to your morning can lower LDL in a matter of weeks.

Get your plant sterols naturally

“Plant sterols and stanols are molecules that are similar in size and shape to cholesterol, so they almost ‘compete’ with it,” says Dr Khavandi. When we eat them and they are absorbed from the intestine into the blood, they will be preventing some of the cholesterol from being absorbed instead. Broccoli, cauliflower and avocado are all rich in sterols, while stanols are found in peanuts, almonds and sunflower seeds.

Add more beans

Don’t base meals around starchy carbohydrates like pasta, sugary cereal, baked potatoes and white bread. Refined carbs can spike blood sugar and raise LDL and triglycerides; swapping in pulses, beans, chickpeas, lentils, gives you low-saturated-fat meals that are high in fibre, especially soluble fibre that traps cholesterol and helps eliminate it.

Skip the snacks (or choose nuts)

Evidence is mixed but promising: time-restricted eating (for example, eating within a 10-hour window consistently) has been associated with reductions in LDL and triglycerides in some studies, and a large umbrella review found intermittent fasting can lower waist circumference, LDL and triglycerides across multiple trials. If you can’t give up snacking, replacing crisps and sweets with whole nuts, almonds, for example, has been shown in randomized trials to lower LDL and improve vascular function.

Reduce alcohol intake

Studies show alcohol raises fasting and postprandial triglycerides and, in heavier drinkers, increases LDL and total cholesterol; even moderate drinking raises triglycerides for many people. If you’re trying to lower lipids, cutting back on daily alcohol is one of the faster, measurable changes you can make.

Source: The Times of India

Why diabetes patients should eat onions: Study shows they slash blood sugar and cholesterol

 Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is characterised by persistently high blood sugar levels caused by insufficient insulin production from the pancreas. Managing this condition often requires a combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. Recent research indicates that a common kitchen vegetable, the onion (Allium cepa), may offer additional benefits for diabetes management. A study presented at The Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting found that onion extract, when administered alongside the antidiabetic drug metformin, significantly reduced blood sugar by up to 50 percent in diabetic rats. The extract also lowered total cholesterol, suggesting that including onions in daily meals could support blood sugar and heart health naturally. Take a look...

Diabetes-friendly benefits of onions and how to include them

Onions may help regulate blood sugar levels, support cholesterol management, and improve overall metabolic health. They are low in calories but may increase metabolic rate and appetite, making them a healthy addition to meals. Diabetes patients can include onions in various ways:

• Raw in salads or sandwiches for a crunchy, flavorful addition
• Cooked in soups, stir-fries, or curries to enhance taste and nutrients
• Grilled or roasted as a side dish
• Blended into sauces or dips for everyday consumption

Cholesterol-lowering effects

In addition to reducing blood sugar, onion extract also lowered total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. The higher doses of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg produced the most significant reductions. This dual benefit on both blood sugar and cholesterol positions onions as a promising dietary supplement for managing metabolic and cardiovascular health in people with diabetes.

ncorporating onions regularly can complement existing treatments like metformin and provide a simple, cost-effective way to support diabetes management naturally. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, onions could provide a simple, affordable, and effective dietary addition for diabetes patients. Incorporating onions into daily meals may help manage blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and support overall metabolic health while complementing medications such as metformin. Even small dietary changes, like adding onions daily, can have long-term health benefits. This makes onions not just a flavor enhancer, but also a potential natural ally in diabetes care.

Source: The Times of India

Stop eating these fruits if you have kidney failure and high potassium

When your kidneys are healthy, they quietly deal with extra minerals in the body without you needing to think about it. Potassium, for example, comes from many everyday foods, and the kidneys simply filter out what you do not need. Things change when the kidneys begin to fail. They cannot remove potassium properly, so the mineral builds up in the blood and may reach unsafe levels. This can affect how your muscles move and how your heart beats. Many people feel confused at first because fruits are usually seen as healthy, yet some of them can cause trouble if your kidneys are not working as they should.
A peer-reviewed study in PMC looking at chronic kidney disease and potassium management explains that high potassium can be dangerous in advanced kidney failure and that limiting high potassium foods becomes important when blood potassium rises. The research highlights why people with kidney failure and high potassium need clear guidance on which fruits to reduce or avoid.

Worst fruits for kidney failure and high potassium levels
Potassium is essential for health, but in kidney failure the body struggles to get rid of extra amounts. When the level becomes too high, it may lead to hyperkalaemia, a condition that can cause tiredness, muscle weakness and, in more serious cases, heart rhythm problems. Some fruits contain very high potassium in small portions, which means even regular snacking can push levels up without you noticing. Below are fruits that are commonly restricted when someone has kidney failure and high potassium.

Bananas and kidney failure with high potassium
Bananas often top the list because they pack a lot of potassium in one serving. A single medium banana can be more than someone with kidney failure should eat in one go. If bananas are a regular part of your breakfast, this habit might raise your potassium slowly over time. You may be advised to avoid them entirely or only have very small pieces occasionally, depending on your blood test results.

Oranges, orange juice and kidney failure
Oranges feel harmless because of their vitamin C content, but the potassium level is high. Orange juice is even more concentrated, so a single glass can push your daily potassium intake far beyond what your kidneys can manage. Many renal diets recommend replacing oranges with lower potassium fruits such as apples or berries if potassium levels are already high.

Avocados and kidney failure potassium spikes
Avocados are creamy, versatile and popular in modern meals, but they are extremely high in potassium. Even a small portion can be too much for someone trying to limit this mineral. If you have been eating avocado toast often and your potassium is rising, this fruit might be contributing more than you think.

Avocados are creamy, versatile and popular in modern meals, but they are extremely high in potassium. Even a small portion can be too much for someone trying to limit this mineral. If you have been eating avocado toast often and your potassium is rising, this fruit might be contributing more than you think.

Source: The Times Of India

 

8 nighttime habits to swear by to keep kidneys healthy

 The main function of kidneys is to remove waste and excess fluid from your body. Therefore, maintaining good kidney health is considered as the foundation of good health and overall well-being. Your kidneys are also responsible for maintaining a healthy balance between water, salt and other minerals like sodium, calcium, phosphorus, among others, in the blodd.

Did you know that your hydration habits before bedtime have a bearing on the healthy functioning of kidneys? Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Anupam Roy, Additional Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, to understand what are some the nighttime habits one can swear by to keep kidneys healthy. "Maintaining good hydration doesn't stop at the end of the day. There are three important ways that your habits at night can also play an important role in compromising kidney health," he said.

1. Do not go to bed dehydrated

Many people limit how much fluid they take in for the last part of their day so they won't wake up to use the bathroom during the night. This can increase urine concentration, which can stress the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney stone formation. By having a small amount of fluid (approx. half a cup to 1 cup per night) before bed, you can maintain your hydration before going to sleep, Dr Roy suggested.

2. Do not drink excess amount of fluids late in the evening

Dr Roy told Moneycontrol that it's extremely important to remain hydrated; however, drinking excessive amounts (more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of fluid may disturb your ability to sleep. Poor sleep patterns can negatively affect health (including kidney health), and sleep quality also plays an indirect role in overall health.

3. Stay hydrated all day long

Good hydration habits during the day will also help improve your hydration status at night. "If you take in adequate amounts of fluid each day, at a steady pace, you are less likely to need to “catch up” on your hydration overnight," Dr Roy said.

4. Avoid eating high-water-content foods at night

Foods that are made with high amounts of water (e.g., watermelon, soups) are considered to be included in your fluid intake, Dr Roy highlighted. Individuals who are on dialysis or have medical conditions that require limited fluid intake should be especially careful about how much of these types of foods they eat prior to bedtime.

5. Reduce intake of caffeine and sugary drinks at night

Many beverages contain caffeine and sugar. Diuretic properties such as those found in tea and coffee may cause problems with sleep. And a lack of sleep combined with dehydration can put a strain on your kidneys, Dr Roy emphasised.

6. Balanced electrolyte levels in your body

Dr Roy also mentioned that water (without any added flavors) is important for hydration; however, it is equally important for the electrolyte levels in your body to be balanced. For people with chronic illness or who are at risk of deficiency, drinking fluids without any electrolytes or eating food that contains none can dilute their sodium levels; therefore, increasing their risk.

7. Special considerations for those with kidney disease

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or patients on dialysis must adhere closely to their prescribed fluid restrictions each day. A little extra intake before bed (even an ounce or more) may result in excessive swelling, shortness of breath, or an increased workload before the next dialysis treatment, Dr Roy warned.

Source: Moneycontrol

7 surprising health benefits of jackfruit seeds you need to know

 Jackfruit seeds are often overlooked, but these little powerhouses are packed with nutrients that can boost your health in multiple ways. From aiding digestion to supporting heart health, jackfruit seeds are more than just a byproduct of the tropical fruit. Recent research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology highlights their significant antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress and protect the body from harmful free radicals.

Rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, jackfruit seeds can improve overall wellness while being a sustainable addition to your diet. Incorporating them into your meals, whether boiled, roasted, or ground into flour, can provide a natural boost for your body, enhancing immunity, supporting weight management, and even potentially lowering cholesterol.

In this article, we’ll explore the seven most surprising health benefits of jackfruit seeds and how you can include them in your daily routine for maximum impact.

7 amazing health benefits of jackfruit seeds

Before diving into the specific benefits, it is important to understand why jackfruit seeds are considered a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein, fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, they provide a concentrated source of nutrients that support overall health. The antioxidants and bioactive compounds in jackfruit seeds also play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Including jackfruit seeds in your diet can enhance immunity, support digestion, and contribute to long-term wellness. Now let’s explore the seven health benefits that make jackfruit seeds a must-add to your meals.

Nutrient-rich composition of jackfruit seeds

Jackfruit seeds are a rich source of essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting energy production, muscle function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Including jackfruit seeds in your diet can be an easy and natural way to fill nutritional gaps.

How jackfruit seeds support digestive health

The high fiber content in jackfruit seeds promotes proper digestion and helps prevent constipation. Fiber also acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and improving overall gut health. Consuming jackfruit seeds regularly may contribute to smoother digestion and reduce digestive discomfort, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

Antioxidant benefits of jackfruit seeds

Jackfruit seeds contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics that act as antioxidants. These compounds neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases. Incorporating jackfruit seeds into your diet can support the body’s natural defense system and promote overall health.

Jackfruit seeds for heart health

Rich in potassium and fiber, jackfruit seeds support cardiovascular health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while dietary fiber may contribute to lower cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of jackfruit seeds can reduce the risk of hypertension and related heart conditions, promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. They also contain antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, further protecting the heart and improving overall circulation.

Weight management with jackfruit seeds

The combination of high protein and fiber content in jackfruit seeds promotes satiety, helping to control appetite and support weight management. Adding jackfruit seeds to meals can make you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating and supporting healthy weight maintenance.

Potential anticancer properties of jackfruit seeds

Preliminary studies indicate that bioactive compounds in jackfruit seeds may inhibit abnormal cell growth and reduce cancer risk. While more research is needed, including jackfruit seeds in your diet can provide natural antioxidants and phytochemicals that support overall cellular health and disease prevention.

Boosting immunity with jackfruit seeds

Jackfruit seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. The antioxidants, along with minerals like iron and zinc, support the body’s ability to fight infections and maintain overall health. Regular consumption can help keep immunity strong and protect against common illnesses.

Source: The Times of India