CMI dr.Alexe Alexandru

04/08/2025

A surprising new study suggests that Parkinson’s disease doesn't begin in your brain.

According to new evidence uncovered by researchers in a study published in Nature Neuroscience, it may be caused by the kidneys
The team found that a key protein involved in Parkinson’s, called alpha-synuclein, can build up in the kidneys and travel to the brain through nerve connections, especially when kidney function is poor. This shifts the focus away from the brain as the starting point and suggests that chronic kidney disease might silently trigger changes that later affect the brain. Alpha-synuclein is known to cause damage when it misfolds and clumps, forming toxic deposits seen in Parkinson’s and similar disorders.

In tissue samples from people with Parkinson’s or kidney disease, the researchers found these misfolded proteins in kidney nerves and, in some cases, even in brain regions linked to the disease. In animal tests, healthy kidneys cleared the protein quickly, but in mice with kidney failure, the protein lingered and eventually spread to the brain, where it caused damage and movement problems.

The researchers also showed that cutting the kidney’s nerve supply blocked this spread entirely. Additional experiments confirmed that red blood cells, which carry much of the protein, may worsen the problem when kidney disease is present. Mice with blood cells that didn’t produce alpha-synuclein had less brain damage, unless the harmful protein was directly injected. The overall findings suggest that when kidneys can’t filter properly, alpha-synuclein can build up, deposit in nerves, and travel to the brain, setting the stage for Parkinson’s. This could explain why people with chronic kidney disease face a higher risk. However, not all cases of Parkinson’s begin this way, and the kidney-brain link may not apply to everyone. More studies are needed to see how this process works in people over time.

source
Yuan, X., Nie, S., Yang, Y. et al. Propagation of pathologic α-synuclein from kidney to brain may contribute to Parkinson’s disease. Nat Neurosci 28, 577–588 (2025).

image: Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, King's College London

04/08/2025

Brain scans show that watching a lot of short videos literally rewires your brain.

New brain imaging research published in NeuroImage looked at young adults with signs of addiction to short videos.

These users were less sensitive to financial losses during decision-making and showed brain activity patterns similar to those seen in other types of addiction, like gambling.

Participants with stronger short-video addiction symptoms were more likely to take risks and made decisions more quickly, with less mental reflection. Brain scans showed reduced activity in areas linked to self-control and long-term thinking, and more activity in regions tied to movement and sensory input when facing possible losses.

These brain differences may help explain why some people focus more on short-term rewards, like endless video scrolling, and ignore long-term downsides like lost time, poor sleep, or mental fatigue. The researchers also found that people with similar addiction levels had similar brain response patterns. Though the study was small and focused only on university students, it adds to growing evidence that short-form video use can shape how the brain handles risk and reward.

The researchers warn that the fast-reward design of short video apps could gradually rewire how people make decisions.

source
Chang Liu a et al. "Loss aversion and evidence accumulation in short-video addiction: A behavioral and neuroimaging investigation" NeuroImage (May 2025)

04/08/2025

🚨 Real heart attacks don’t look like the movies. Learn the signs that could save a life.

Most people *think* they know what a heart attack looks like. Sudden chest-clutching followed by a dramatic collapse. Or a shooting pain down the arm that is so intense it paralyzes you.

But that image, shaped largely by film and television, is often dangerously misleading.

A new study from Illinois State University and the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that real-life heart attacks can involve vague symptoms.

Here's what to look for:
- Slight tightness in the chest
- A small twinge of pain in the chest that lasts or returns
- Pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back
- Slight shortness of breath.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling unusually tired
- Feeling lightheaded

The more minor signs (like pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back) are especially common in women and may not be recognized as serious.

The research surveyed nearly 600 adults over 35 and found that media depictions have skewed public expectations, causing people to overlook early, milder warning signs.

This disconnect can delay life-saving care. Many participants assumed symptoms would be intense, sudden, and disabling, and believed pain during activity was more dangerous than pain at rest. But experts say that heart attack symptoms are often subtle and can build gradually.

Because of this misconception, people may dismiss what they feel and wait too long to seek help. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers shift language when speaking to patients—asking about "discomfort" or "tightness" rather than just “pain.” Better public education on real-world symptoms could dramatically improve early detection and survival rates.

Source: Illinois State University & University of Texas at Arlington, 2025 study on public perception of heart attack symptoms.

04/08/2025

🚨 Just one workout can reduce cancer cell growth by up to 30%, new study shows

Here’s what you need to know.

Yes, a single workout may be enough to spark powerful anti-cancer effects, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.

The study found that a single session of resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase levels of myokines—muscle-released proteins known to inhibit cancer growth—by up to 30%.

Conducted on breast cancer survivors, the study revealed that despite the challenges posed by treatment, participants showed a measurable and immediate increase in these cancer-fighting proteins after just one session of exercise.

Lead researcher Francesco Bettariga emphasized that exercise is more than a fitness strategy—it’s a form of medicine. He also found that consistent exercise that improves body composition, particularly by reducing fat and building lean muscle, may lower inflammation linked to cancer progression and recurrence. Bettariga cautioned against relying solely on diet for weight loss, stressing that preserving muscle is key to producing myokines and fighting inflammation.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that physical activity should be a standard part of cancer treatment and recovery plans.

Source: Bettariga, F., Taaffe, D. R., Crespo-Garcia, C., Clay, T. D., De Santi, M., Baldelli, G., Adhikari, S., Gray, E. S., Galvão, D. A., & Newton, R. U. (2025). A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatmen

04/08/2025

Study shows creatine isn’t just for athletes — it may be one of the most important supplements for brain, muscle, and aging.

Creatine, long associated with muscle-building in athletes, is now being hailed by health experts as one of the most overlooked daily supplements for whole-body health.

New research underscores creatine’s vital role not just in enhancing physical performance but in protecting brain function, preserving muscle during aging, and supporting cellular energy during stress.

According to Dr. Richard Kreider of Texas A&M University, the body naturally produces about a gram of creatine a day, but optimal levels for health and performance require double or even triple that—amounts hard to achieve through diet alone, especially for vegetarians and low-meat eaters.

A comprehensive review of 685 clinical trials found no significant safety concerns, debunking long-held myths about bloating or cramping. In fact, creatine may help prevent muscle cramps and fluid imbalance. Supplementing as little as 5 grams daily has been linked to improved cognitive function, reduced age-related muscle loss, and better growth in adolescents. As more experts speak out, creatine is stepping beyond the gym to become a serious contender in everyday health routines—possibly one of the most valuable supplements most people aren’t taking.

Source: Kreider, R. B., Gonzalez, D. E., Hines, K., Gil, A., & Bonilla, D. A. (2025). Safety of creatine supplementation: analysis of the prevalence of reported side effects in clinical trials and adverse event reports. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, April 8, 2025.

04/08/2025

🫁 Scientists just built a mini lung on a chip — this could be the key to saving lives during the next pandemic.

In a groundbreaking development aimed at better understanding—and potentially preventing—future pandemics, scientists at Kyoto University have engineered a “lung-on-a-chip” system that closely mimics the human respiratory tract.

This micro physiological system (MPS) combines advanced microfluidic technology with isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to recreate both the airway and alveolar regions of the lungs.

Traditional lab models and animal testing have struggled to capture the nuanced responses of different lung regions to respiratory viruses like COVID-19.

This new chip changes that by offering a more accurate, human-relevant platform to study infection and treatment responses in real time.

Beyond its immediate relevance to infectious diseases, the technology opens doors to personalized medicine. Since iPSCs can be derived from individual patients, scientists can use the chips to model patient-specific lung responses and tailor treatments accordingly. According to lead researchers, the system could also be adapted to simulate other human organs, enabling future studies of multi-organ interactions. As global health experts remain vigilant about the next viral threat, this innovation provides a powerful new tool for early drug screening, immune response analysis, and developing more effective therapies.

Source: Yadav, S., Fujimoto, K., Takenaga, T., Takahashi, S., Muramoto, Y., Mikawa, R., Noda, T., Gotoh, S., & Yokokawa, R. (2025). Isogenic induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived airway- and alveolus-on-chip models reveal specific innate immune responses. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 16 July 2025.

04/08/2025

🦟 Experts just created a pill that makes human blood deadly to mosquitoes!

And it cuts malaria cases by 26%.

A simple pill may soon become a powerful tool in the global fight against malaria. In a landmark study spanning Kenya and Mozambique, researchers found that mass administration of ivermectin—a widely used antiparasitic drug—reduced malaria cases by 26%.

How?

The pill doesn’t attack the parasite directly. Instead, it turns the blood of people who take it into a mosquito-killing agent.

When a mosquito bites someone who has taken ivermectin, it dies—disrupting transmission of the disease. The study, known as the BOHEMIA trial, involved over 20,000 participants and demonstrated that monthly doses during the rainy season offered protection even in areas already using bed nets and insecticides.

Beyond malaria, the communities in the study saw added benefits: reductions in scabies, lice, and even bed bugs. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and global partners say ivermectin could become a vital addition to the malaria control toolbox—especially as mosquitoes grow resistant to traditional insecticides and change their biting patterns. With its well-documented safety profile and unexpected versatility, ivermectin may help reshape the way we approach one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Source: Chaccour, C., Maia, M., Kariuki, M., et al. (2025). Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 23 July 2025.

04/08/2025

04/08/2025

⚠️ Energy Drinks May Be Dangerous for Your Health

Energy drinks have surged in popularity, with brands like Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius dominating shelves and marketing campaigns.

While these beverages offer promises of heightened alertness and energy, health experts warn that their stimulant-heavy formulas pose real risks—especially for those with preexisting heart conditions or sensitivities.

Ingredients like caffeine, taurine, and guarana can disrupt heart rhythms, elevate blood pressure, and, in genetically predisposed individuals, even trigger life-threatening cardiac events.

Alarmingly, a condition called reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which narrows brain blood vessels and can lead to stroke, has been linked to frequent consumption.

Despite being generally safe for healthy adults in moderation, energy drinks can exceed recommended daily caffeine limits—particularly troubling for teens, whose limit is only 100 milligrams.

The mix of caffeine with sugar, herbal extracts, and sometimes alcohol raises the stakes, contributing to anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and other health concerns. Medical professionals urge children, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiovascular or metabolic conditions to avoid energy drinks entirely. Safer alternatives like coffee, green tea, and electrolyte-based sports beverages are encouraged for sustainable energy without the risks.

source
Costantino A, Maiese A, Lazzari J, Casula C, Turillazzi E, Frati P, Fineschi V. The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 9;15(18):3922

04/08/2025

🧠 Your gut is the key to preventing Alzheimer’s.

A new probiotic cocktail has been shown to help protect the brain from dementia.

A team of researchers at the University of South Florida has developed a probiotic “cocktail” that may offer a promising way to slow or even prevent the progression of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The formulation, led by Dr. Hariom Yadav, consists of a carefully selected blend of beneficial bacteria aimed at restoring gut health and reducing inflammation.

In mouse trials, those given the probiotic mix showed significantly better cognitive performance in maze tests and had lower levels of brain plaque and inflammation compared to a control group. The cocktail also helped maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, potentially blocking harmful microorganisms from reaching brain tissue.

The breakthrough rests on the growing understanding of the gut-brain connection. When the gut becomes "leaky," harmful substances can pass into the bloodstream, trigger immune responses, and ultimately cause inflammation in the brain—a key factor in neurodegeneration. By rebalancing the gut microbiome, the probiotic mix appears to interrupt this chain reaction. While human trials are still needed, the research suggests this gut-targeted strategy could become a safe, early intervention to protect against cognitive decline as people age. The team is now working toward commercialization and clinical testing to bring this innovative therapy closer to public use.

Reference: “Protection of Alzheimer’s disease progression by a human-origin probiotics cocktail” by Santosh Kumar Prajapati et al., 10 January 2025, Scientific Reports.

04/08/2025

👁 Surgeons just removed a spinal tumor through a patient’s eye socket, in a world first.

Here’s how this groundbreaking approach saved a young woman’s life.

In a world-first surgical breakthrough, doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center removed a spinal tumor through a patient’s eye socket—a route never before used to access the spine.

The patient, 19-year-old Karla Flores, had a rare and aggressive chordoma tumor wrapped around her cervical spine and pressing on her spinal cord.

Traditional approaches posed high risks of damaging critical nerves and blood vessels. Instead, neurosurgeon Dr. Mohamed A.M. Labib and his multidisciplinary team pioneered a "transorbital" method, creating a surgical corridor through the eye socket to access the spine without external scarring or injury to vital structures.

This innovative approach preserved key neurological functions and allowed complete tumor removal, followed by proton radiation and spinal fusion surgery. The transorbital technique—previously used for brain tumors—was refined through extensive cadaver-based research. It represents a major leap forward in minimally invasive neurosurgery and demonstrates the power of anatomical precision, technology, and collaboration. Flores, now 20, is cancer-free and recovering well, a testament to the team's resolve to challenge conventional limits in pursuit of the best outcomes.

source
"In First-of-Its-Kind Surgery, Rare Spinal Tumor Removed Through Patient’s Eye Socket at University of Maryland Medical Center" via University of Maryland Medical Center (May 06, 2025). UMMC Media Relations

12/04/2025

https://dailypositiveinfo.com/study-suggests-key-link-that-could-help-explain-autism-development/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4CAz85d-v5rHLrR13ZTCf910k-ho4a9yys2qnzI451FAs7L5YI2PHb5_Xi3g_aem_e9XWhBe7ht0TvdPu5OUiJA

The importance of our gut microbiota to our health has become increasingly clear in recent years as more and more studies have been released.