Studies Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How a Mammogram Actually Causes Breast Cancer

The AHA! Team — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:07:39 +0000

Abby Campbell via NaturalHealth365 – In reality, more and more studies are showing that a mammogram breast screening has some major flaws – which put women at serious health risk and actually increase the risk of cancer. An X-ray picture of the breast, called a mammogram, is heavily promoted as the ‘primary way to screen’ for breast cancer, according to Western medicine. Conventionally speaking, an annual detection screening is recommended as early as age 40 by both the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, while the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screenings every other year starting at age 50. While mammogram guidelines differ amongst organizations, they all agree there are concerns about the test. Yet, disputes exist amongst experts when it comes to mammography detecting invasive breast cancer. So, the question remains: do the benefits outweigh the risks? In reality, more and more studies are showing that a mammogram breast screening has some major flaws – which put women at serious health risk and actually increase the risk of cancer. Strange logic: Zero-stage cancer detected but treated aggressively Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to the abnormal growth of cells forming a lesion between 1 and 1.5 centimeters in diameter. While this is not cancer, approximately 25 percent (60,000 cases) of all newly diagnosed breast cancer falls within this category each year. Because evidence indicates that less than half of DCIS cases progress to invasive cancer, some experts declare it should be reclassified as a non-cancerous condition. Additionally, they recommend a “watchful eye” for women who have this condition rather than invasive therapy. After all, why treat someone who doesn’t have cancer with chemotherapy or radiation – which places their immune systems at risk for a lifetime? However, mammography proponents claim they’re saving lives through early detection and treatment of DCIS. They view it as pre-cancerous or “stage zero cancer” and believe it could eventually cause harm if left untreated. Therefore, they recommend treating it in the same manner as invasive cancer with aggressive treatments. But is this right or fair? According to Time Magazine, “Cancer has a language problem … A 57-year old woman with low-grade DCIS that will almost certainly never become invasive hears the same word as the 34-year old woman who has metastatic malignancies that will kill her. That’s confusing to patients conditioned to treat every cancer diagnosis as an emergency in a world that still reacts to cancer as though it’s the beginning of the end.” The latest round of controversy was set off about DCIS treatment after a study was published by JAMA Oncology. After a 20-year analysis of 100,000 women who were diagnosed with DCIS, the mortality rate from breast cancer of these patients was the same as the general population at 3.3 percent. Radiation from mammogram screening is a breast cancer risk While several organizations like the Susan G. Komen for the Cure heavily promote mammograms for early screening for breast cancer, it’s ironic that mammogram machines put each woman at risk for the very thing they want to prevent. The ionizing radiation used to detect breast tumors is a risk factor for breast cancer development. Additionally, the crushing compression of this test on the breast tissue may potentially spread cancer if the cancer cells are present. After several studies, Cornell University determined people who are exposed to ionizing radiation emitted from machines like the mammogram machine place themselves at risk for breast cancer. They also stated, “… female breast tissue is highly susceptible to radiation effects” as it “is one of the most sensitive tissues to the carcinogenic action of ionizing radiation.” They also revealed that it takes a minimum of five to 10 years for radiation-induced breast cancer to develop. Finally, they concluded that greater levels of radiation exposure lead to a greater risk of breast cancer. Every time a woman is exposed to this form of radiation, she is placing herself at higher risk – especially if the screening is done when there is estrogen stimulation and tissue proliferation that occurs during monthly menstrual cycles. Prevention of breast cancer is better than detection While early detection of breast cancer can be done by mammogram screening, it is not the same as “prevention.” Lifestyle choices will help you prevent cancer or any chronic illness. Be sure to eat real whole and organic foods, drink plenty of fresh (clean) water, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, and manage stress levels. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to naturally reduce the risk of cancer, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov CDC.gov Nccn.org Time.com To read the original article click here.

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Cold Plunges Actually Change Your Cells, uOttawa Study Finds

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:20:12 +0000

University of Ottawa via EurekAlert! – Ever wondered what happens to your body when you take those trendy ice baths? Scientists at the University of Ottawa just found out, and it’s pretty fascinating. A new study conducted at the Human and Environmental Physiology Research lab (HEPRU) at the University of Ottawa has unveiled significant findings on the effects of cold water acclimation on autophagic (the cells’ recycling system, which promotes cellular health) and apoptotic (the programmed cell death that gets rid of damaged cells) responses in young males. The research highlights the potential for cold exposure to enhance cellular resilience against stress. The study, conducted by Kelli King, postdoctoral fellow, and Glen Kenny, Full Professor at uOttawa’s School of Human Kinetics and Director of HEPRU, involved ten healthy young males who underwent cold-water immersion at 14°C (57.2°F) for one hour across seven consecutive days. Blood samples were collected to analyze the participants’ cellular responses before and after the acclimation period. “Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” says Professor Kenny. “This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity.” The research revealed that while autophagy was initially dysfunctional after high-intensity cold stress, consistent exposure over a week led to increased autophagic activity and decreased cellular damage signals. “By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants’ cellular cold tolerance,” explains King, the study’s first author. “This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions.” The implications of this study extend beyond athletic performance. Cold water immersion has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, and this research provides some scientific backing for its efficacy. The findings suggest that proper autophagic activity could not only extend cellular longevity but also prevent the onset of various diseases. As the use of cold exposure becomes increasingly mainstream, understanding its effects on cellular mechanisms is vital. Professor Kenny emphasizes, “This work underscores the importance of acclimation protocols in enhancing human health, especially in contexts where individuals are exposed to extreme temperatures.” “We were amazed to see how quickly the body adapted,” notes King. “Cold exposure might help prevent diseases and potentially even slow down aging at a cellular level. It’s like a tune-up for your body’s microscopic machinery.” These results apply to young males and more research is needed to see if it would also apply to other cohorts. The study, titled “The Effect of 7-Day Cold Water Acclimation on Autophagic and Apoptotic Responses in Young Males”, was published in Advanced Biology. Journal Advanced Biology DOI 10.1002/adbi.202400111 To read the original article click here.

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Swedish Study Reveals Low-Fiber, High-Meat Diets Fuel Dangerous Heart Attack Plaques

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:13:52 +0000

Cassie B. via Natural News – The study’s findings highlight a grim reality: The standard Western diet that is pushed on the masses by agribusiness and fast-food giants is engineered to create inflammation, obesity, and heart disease. A Swedish study reveals that diets high in red meat and low in fiber increase the risk of dangerous heart plaques by 67%, proving food choices directly impact heart health. Advanced scans show nearly half of those with poor diets had unstable, life-threatening artery plaques, compared to just over a third of those eating anti-inflammatory foods. The research links processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat to higher blood pressure, inflammation, and obesity — key drivers of heart disease. Low-income and less-educated groups face higher risks due to their reliance on cheap processed foods, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Fiber-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes can prevent heart disease without side effects, debunking the need for expensive pharmaceuticals. In a world where Big Pharma pushes expensive, side-effect-laden drugs as the only solution to heart disease, a groundbreaking Swedish study exposes the truth: Your fork is your most powerful weapon against deadly heart attacks. Researchers at Lund University found that middle-aged adults eating low-fiber, high-red-meat diets were 67% more likely to develop unstable, life-threatening coronary plaques — the kind that silently rupture and trigger sudden cardiac events. The study of 24,079 seemingly healthy adults proves what natural health advocates have long warned: Processed food and meat-heavy diets are a ticking time bomb for your arteries, while fiber-rich, anti-inflammatory foods act as nature’s scrubbing brush for your cardiovascular system. The silent killers in your arteries Using advanced coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans, researchers detected non-calcified plaques — soft, unstable deposits prone to rupture — in 44.3% of participants with the worst diets, compared to just 36.3% in those eating the most anti-inflammatory foods. These high-risk plaques, often undetectable by standard tests, narrow arteries by 50% or more and are far deadlier than calcified deposits. The research, published in Cardiovascular Research, assigned participants dietary inflammation scores based on food questionnaires. Those penalized for red meat, processed snacks, and sugary drinks while lacking fiber-rich foods faced staggering metabolic consequences: 67% higher odds of high-risk plaques Larger waistlines and elevated triglycerides Higher blood pressure and chronic inflammation (measured by CRP markers) How the food industry profits from your poor health The study’s findings highlight a grim reality: The standard Western diet that is pushed on the masses by agribusiness and fast-food giants is engineered to create inflammation, obesity, and heart disease. While drug companies profit from statins and blood pressure medications, this research confirms that dietary changes alone could prevent countless cardiovascular disasters. Participants with the worst diets were disproportionately male (62.2%) and less educated, and this was often paired with smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary habits. This aligns with data showing low-income communities, which tend to be flooded with cheap processed foods, suffer from far higher heart disease rates. Key metabolic mediators linking diet to plaque: Waist circumference: Belly fat drives inflammation Triglycerides: Blood fats spike with sugar and processed carbs Hypertension: Salt-laden meats and snacks strain arteries Your plate is your prescription Unlike risky pharmaceuticals, fiber-rich foods carry zero side effects and cost just pennies per serving. The study’s anti-inflammatory diet blueprint includes: Fruits: Berries, apples, citrus Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans You should aim for 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, which is significantly more than what is indicated by the USDA’s corrupted food pyramid that has long promoted grain-industry profits over science. This study demolishes the myth that heart disease is inevitable or requires lifelong medications. With 67% higher plaque risks tied to diet and metabolic factors like waist size and triglycerides acting as accomplices, the solution is clear: Ditch processed foods, embrace ancestral eating, and reclaim your health sovereignty. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com StudyFinds.org USNews.com To read the original article, click here

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Researchers Admit: Chemo Worsens Quality of Life with No Benefit of Overall Survival in Advanced Stage Cancer

The AHA! Team — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:22:16 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Chemo, as a treatment for cancer, has always been controversial with many patients and healthcare providers doubting its efficacy and safety as a cancer treatment. Bottom line: chemotherapy does trigger more harmful effects than beneficial ones, in many cases. Now, researchers admit that chemotherapy can actually accelerate deterioration in cases of late-stage cancer who still have the mobility and energy for daily activities. Another study published in JAMA Oncology also showed that cancer patients with limited or moderate functioning ability feel worse when undergoing chemotherapy. Is chemo worth the effort? The risks and side effects exposed In the words of the study author and lead researcher, Dr. Holly Prigerson, cancer patients who feel good have “the most to lose and the least to gain” through undergoing chemotherapy. Prigerson is a palliative care researcher at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York and Weill Cornell Medical College. The side effects of chemotherapy are numerous and include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, constipation, bladder issues, bleeding, bruising, edema, hair loss, fatigue, infections, neutropenia, lymphedema, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, throat and mouth issues, nerve issues, pain, sexual and fertility issues, insomnia, and more. Other medical professionals have expressed similar concerns regarding chemotherapy administered near a patient’s death. Doctors have long debated whether the strong, toxic chemicals used in chemotherapy bring enough positive effects to justify the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Some have referred to this practice of administering chemo to clients with late-stage cancers as harmful at worst and wasteful at best. Cancer patient warning: Chemotherapy hazards outweigh gains and benefits The above study monitored the chemotherapy effects that 312 cancer patients experienced in their final week of life at six oncology clinics in the United States. Within this group, chemotherapy tended to be administered most often to those who were younger, more educated, receiving treatment at a university medical facility, had pancreatic or breast tumors, and presented additional issues besides cancer. They also were able to engage in their normal daily activities. To assess chemotherapy’s impact, caregivers were interviewed shortly after these patients died. Among those who had high functionality in their last week of life, chemotherapy was shown to reduce their quality of life dramatically, even beyond the impact of being in intensive care or on a ventilator. A lower quality of life was reported versus similar patients who didn’t receive chemo. Sound the alarm: Quality of life should be considered in end-stage cancer cases At the very least, clinical guidelines should be reviewed and revised to adjust for this potential harm from chemotherapy near the end of life. After all, quality of life matters in all cancer cases, and areas like pain control, addressing insomnia, and boosting mood, as well as the potential side effects of chemotherapy, should be given greater consideration. Clearly, chemotherapy isn’t helping patients feel better or live longer in many cases. While the objective is often to fight cancer and tumors with every option, terrible side effects and erosion of quality of life are a heavy price to pay. We would hope that medical professionals take a more cautious approach to prescribing chemotherapy, especially in late-stage cases. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Jamanetwork.com Cancer.gov Reuters.com To read the original article click here.

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Infant-Directed Singing Shown to Boost Emotional Health

The AHA! Team — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:23:15 +0000

Society for Research in Child Development via News-Medical – Many parents know that infants love to be sung to; however, there is limited prior research to show the long-term effects on parental singing. In a new study, researchers explored whether using a music enrichment intervention program to encourage parents to sing more frequently to their babies could improve the health of both infants and caregivers (as with skin-to-contact). This research was featured in a new Child Development article with authors from Yale University (United States), the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands), the University of Auckland (New Zealand), McGill University (Canada), Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell (United States) and Princeton University (United States). Researchers advertised for study participants through in-person visits to baby fairs, distribution of flyers at local daycare centers, preschools, and delivery hospitals, and an announcement on public radio in New Haven, Connecticut. Online recruitment efforts targeted social media groups for expecting and new parents, along with online communities related to early childhood education. The study requirements mandated that all participants have a smartphone to be able to communicate and complete surveys online in English and be a primary caregiver of the infant. The study was conducted with 110 caregivers and their infants, who were on average nearly 4 months old. Most caregivers were from the United States and New Zealand, predominantly white, educated, and socioeconomically advantaged. Study participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The main portion of the study lasted six weeks, starting with a pre-test in week one, followed by a four-week intervention, and then a post-test in week six. Caregivers in the intervention group completed a brief, smartphone-based music enrichment program to help them sing more often to their babies (through access to instructional videos with children’s songs). Throughout the study, participants completed smartphone surveys one to three times daily, reporting on infant and parent mood, stress, sleep quality, and music use. The findings suggest that simple, low-cost interventions, such as increasing infant-directed singing, have the potential to improve health outcomes for both infants and caregivers. The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Samuel A. Mehr from Auckland University along with Dr. Eun Cho from Yale University and doctoral student, Lidya Yurdum from the University of Amsterdam to learn more about the research. SRCD: Can you please provide a brief overview of the study? Author team: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test whether a simple, low-cost music intervention-encouraging caregivers to actively integrate singing into daily routines with their infants-could improve wellbeing for both infants and caregivers. The study included 110 caregiver-infant pairs, primarily from the United States and New Zealand (with infants on average about 4 months old). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. During the 4-week intervention, participants in the intervention group were encouraged to sing more to their infants than usual. We measured how this change in behavior would influence infant mood, stress, sleep, and music behavior, using brief, smartphone based surveys that caregivers completed at random times throughout the day. Our main finding was that the intervention successfully increased the frequency of infant-directed singing, especially in soothing contexts, and led to measurable improvements in infants’ general mood as reported by caregivers. SRCD: Did you learn anything that surprised you? Author team: One interesting finding was how intuitively caregivers incorporated singing into soothing routines for their infants, even though the intervention did not explicitly instruct them to use singing for this purpose. Among a dozen soothing strategies, singing was the only one that showed a significant increase in use following the intervention. From a methodological perspective, a particularly encouraging outcome was the high level of compliance with the study protocol-caregivers completed over 70% of the surveys across the 10-week period, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach for future developmental research. This strong compliance supported our decision to move forward with a longer-term, longitudinal study, which is currently underway. SRCD: Can you please explain how this research might be helpful for parents, caregivers and pediatricians? Author team: Our findings suggest that encouraging parents and caregivers to sing more frequently to their infants can have a positive, causal impact on infant mood. Singing is a universal practice-parents from almost every culture and throughout history have intuitively used singing to soothe and connect with their infants. It’s easy to do, requires no special equipment or training, and is accessible to everyone. Because infant mood is closely linked to parenting stress, caregiver-infant bonding, and later social-emotional development, such a simple intervention could have meaningful downstream benefits. For pediatricians and professionals working with families, recommending increased infant-directed singing is a practical, accessible strategy to support infant well-being. SRCD: Can you please address some of the research limitations? Author team: There are several limitations to note. First, our sample was predominantly white, highly educated, and socioeconomically advantaged and composed mainly of mothers, which limits the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations. Second, all infant mood data were based on caregiver reports-although these reports were collected in real time to reduce recall bias, they remain subject to potential reporting biases. Third, the intervention was relatively brief and low-intensity; longer and more structured interventions might yield broader effects, including on caregiver mood or other health outcomes. Finally, music was already a regular part of many families’ routines at baseline, which may have limited the observable effect size of the intervention. SRCD: What’s next in this field of research? Author team: Despite the intervention lasting only four weeks, we observed clear benefits for infant mood. This suggests that the positive effects of singing to infants may be even more pronounced with longer-term, higher-intensity interventions-and may also extend to caregiver wellbeing and additional aspects of infant health beyond mood. Building on these findings, we are currently conducting two follow-up studies. The first is a direct replication of our original study, but with professionally developed, higher-quality intervention materials designed to help parents sing more to their infants. This will allow us to determine if improved resources can enhance the intervention’s effectiveness. The second is a longitudinal, randomized trial that follows families over eight months. In this study, we are comparing three active interventions -singing (music plus active parent-infant interaction), music listening (music without active interaction), and reading (no music but active interaction) – as well as a general control group. This design will help us disentangle the unique contributions of music, singing, and interactive activities to infant and caregiver outcomes. More information about this ongoing research can be found at https://www.togetherwegrow.study. This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (United States), the Royal Society of New Zealand, the University of Auckland (New Zealand) and Princeton University (United States). Source: Society for Research in Child Development Journal reference: Cho, E., et al. (2025) Ecological Momentary Assessment Reveals Causal Effects of Music Enrichment on Infant Mood. Child Development. doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14246. To read the original article click here.

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New Research: Snooze Alarms Steal Hours of Sleep Each Month

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:08:24 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – Why do so many people hit snooze? This global smartphone study uncovers surprising patterns and raises questions about how repeated alarms may be impacting our sleep health. Harvard Medical School researchers conducted a study on users of a sleep monitoring smartphone application to explore the prevalence and characteristics of snooze alarm use, a typical but poorly understood human behavior. The findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports. Background Sleep is a complex and dynamic physiological process for maintaining health and well-being. Internal circadian rhythms, together with time spent awake, influence the timing and duration of sleep. However, humans often subdue these biological regulatory processes for personal or professional reasons. The recommended duration of night sleep for adults ranges from 7 to 9 hours. However, over the past several decades, a trend of not meeting this recommendation has been observed in global populations, which may increase the risk of both physical and mental health complications. Although humans naturally wake after sufficient sleep, they often require assistance, such as the use of an alarm clock, to meet a desired wake time under conditions of insufficient sleep duration. The “snooze” function commonly available in alarm clocks is designed to repeatedly alert the sleeper in fixed intervals following the initial alarm. However, according to sleep experts, a sleeper should set an alarm for the last realistic wake time instead of setting a snooze alarm to get as much consolidated, uninterrupted, high-quality sleep as possible. Using a snooze alarm is a typical but poorly understood human behavior. Only a few studies have investigated the health impact of snooze alarms and reported that this practice is associated with short and poor-quality sleep and feelings of drowsiness upon waking. In the current study, researchers analyzed a large dataset to explore the prevalence and characteristics of snooze alarm use across countries, cultures, and climates. Study design The study analyzed a large pool of data from the users of a sleep monitoring smartphone application called “SleepCycle.” The database included six months of data from 21,222 app users and more than 3 million sleep sessions from users across four continents. The dataset included users who elected to use the traditional snooze feature, logged sleep sessions 50% or more of the nights in each month of the monitoring interval, used the app on an iPhone as opposed to an Android device, and consented for their data to be used in research. Study findings The analysis of sleep sessions opted by users at night revealed that more than half (specifically, 55.6%) of sessions end up with a snooze alarm. Of all users, about 45% were heavy snooze alarm users, 28% were moderate users, and 27% were light users. Compared to light and moderate users who used snooze alarm less frequently and demonstrated more consistent sleep times, heavy snooze alarm users, who used the alarm almost every day and multiple times within each day, demonstrated erratic sleep/wake times. Overall, users pressed the snooze alarm approximately 2.4 times daily and spent on average 10.8 minutes snoozing. This is equivalent to a monthly loss of nearly one 6-hour night of sleep. Heavy users chose the snooze alarm approximately 4 times daily, resulting in about 20 minutes of snoozing duration. On the other hand, light users chose the snooze alarm on average 1.2 times a day, resulting in 3 minutes of snoozing duration. The use of a snooze alarm was more frequent during weekdays (Monday to Friday) and less frequent on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Fewer commitments on weekends among employees and students might be the reason for this less frequent use. The duration of snooze alarm use was significantly longer among women than men. The researchers suggest that this could stem from factors such as additional childcare and household duties over professional duties or an increased risk for insomnia among women, which might be the reason for women’s higher reliance on the snooze alarm. Month-to-month variations in snooze alarm use were minimal in the study population. Users in the Northern hemisphere exhibited slightly higher usage in December and less usage in September, while users in the Southern hemisphere exhibited the opposite trend. These variations might be associated with changes in seasonal sleep patterns due to factors like less access to natural light during winter months, potentially causing a delay in circadian rhythms. The frequency of snooze alarm use was also higher among long sleepers (more than 9 hours of sleep) compared to that among short sleepers (less than 7 hours of sleep) or those meeting the recommended sleep duration (7 to 9 hours of sleep). As researchers mentioned, higher snooze alarm usage observed after long sleep sessions could be indicative of hypersomnia or compensatory sleep to recover from sleep deficiency. The snooze alarm usage frequency was also higher among sleepers who went to bed later than usual compared to those who went to bed earlier. An unusual sleeping time is more common among shift workers who may have inadequate time in bed, and hence, more reliance on the snooze alarm. Furthermore, users with misaligned sleep may experience more fragmented sleep, and thus, greater reliance upon the snooze alarm. While the study provides valuable insights from a large, international dataset using objective snooze alarm data, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations. These include the sleep data being app-derived, which may overestimate actual sleep duration as it doesn’t account for time taken to fall asleep or awakenings during the night. Additionally, it was not certain if users were actually sleeping between alarms, and the sample of app users may not be fully representative of the general global population. The study also did not have information on the age of participants or self-reported feelings of grogginess upon waking. Overall study findings Overall, the study findings highlight that a higher frequency of snooze alarm use might be indicative of a poor sleep pattern and potentially part of the phenotype of poor sleep health. Given that snooze alarm use is discouraged by experts to avoid sleep fragmentation, researchers highlight the need for future investigations to understand the impact of snooze alarm use on daytime performance and overall health. They also suggest that public health messages encouraging individuals to set their alarm for the latest possible wake time, rather than relying on the snooze button, could be a viable strategy to promote better sleep habits. Journal reference: Robbins R. et al. 2025. Snooze alarm use in a global population of smartphone users. Scientific Reports. DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99563-y, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-99563-y To read the original article click here.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Education Not Going Away, UM Study Finds

The AHA! Team — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:09:02 +0000

University of Mississippi via EurekAlert! – Student performance scores dipped following the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent UM research shows they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The team discovered that a loss of life skills normally developed in high school that prepare students to succeed may be to blame. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student performance is well known, but four years after the pandemic, scores in college classes are not returning to their pre-pandemic levels. A University of Mississippi study might point to an answer. In a study published in a special issue of the Educational Sciences journal, three Ole Miss researchers found that student performance scores started a downward trend following COVID-19. Dozens of studies have documented the pandemic’s negative impact on education, but the Ole Miss team discovered evidence of a deeper problem. “We were a little puzzled at first because if learning was impacted by one big event, why didn’t scores drop and level off or start to climb again?” said Gregg Davidson, professor of geology and geological engineering. “Why did scores continue declining each year since COVID-19?” The researchers – Gregg Davidson; Kristin Davidson, lecturer in computer and information science; and Hong Xiao, assistant professor of computer and information science – make the case that it was not just missed exposure to educational material during school shutdowns, but a loss of life skills normally developed in high school that prepare students to succeed both in college and future careers. “As educators, recognizing that this is happening is important in order to be proactive about identifying causes and remedies,” Davidson said. These skills include time management, self-motivation, critical thinking and social interaction. Without these skills, students can struggle to stay engaged, manage coursework and seek help when needed, directly affecting their academic performance, the researchers said. “I started studying this before the pandemic when I was doing my dissertation for my Ph.D. program in higher education,” Kristin Davidson said. “I knew from day one I wanted to look at the difference between online and face-to-face classroom performance, because I believed there was something there. “Following the pandemic, the study expanded to determine if the impact of school shutdowns changed anything – and did it ever.” Prior to the pandemic, a student’s performance scores in online classes were often lower than for equivalent classes taken face-to-face. Highly motivated students who earned As in face-to-face settings usually got A’s in online classes, too. But students who received Bs or below for face-to-face classes were likely to drop by a full letter grade in online courses. For these students, the structure of a regular meeting schedule, with instructor-controlled pace, minimal distractions and fellow students nearby, normally translated into better performance, the researchers said. “Post-COVID, that structural benefit disappeared. The performance of students in the face-to-face classes dropped to be indistinguishable from the online scores,” Gregg Davidson said. Steady decline in scores The steady decline in scores in college classes provides additional evidence that students still in high school during shutdowns were more impacted than those already in college, he said. “The scores are a reflection of growing percentage of undergraduates each year who were in high school during the pandemic.” Hong Xiao analyzed more than 15,000 records from non-major geology courses over eight years. At the end of 2023 – the last year covered during the study – student performance scores showed no signs of improving. The findings The findings draw attention to the need for being intentional about life skill development before arriving at college and after. Those skills are critical for academic, professional, and personal success, the researchers said. “That can start with family,” Xiao said. “Family is their first major connection.” DOI 10.3390/educsci14111268 To read the original article click here.

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Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Hypertension, Cancer, & Early Death

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:16:23 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Study Exposes Hidden Dangers of Modern Diet In a world where convenience trumps nutrition, a groundbreaking study exposes the deadly consequences of ultra-processed foods—linking them to skyrocketing rates of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. Presented at the ACC Asia 2025 conference in Singapore, the research analyzed data from 8.2 million adults across four continents, revealing a disturbing trend: the more ultra-processed foods people eat, the faster their health deteriorates. Key points: A new study reveals that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. Every additional 100 grams consumed daily raises the risk of digestive diseases by 19.5% and all-cause mortality by 2.6%. Researchers warn of hidden additives, synthetic ingredients, and nutrient-deficient formulations in mass-produced foods. Governments and health officials urged to enforce stricter labeling and promote whole-food alternatives. The silent killers in your pantry Ultra-processed foods—those factory-made products loaded with synthetic additives, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils—are not just empty calories. They are engineered for addiction while stripping away essential nutrients. According to Dr. Xiao Liu, a cardiologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, these foods disrupt metabolism, gut health, and even mental well-being through: Blood lipid imbalances Gut microbiome destruction Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress Insulin resistance and obesity Common offenders include: Sugar-laden cereals (high-fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes) Packaged cookies and candy (hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers) Processed meats (sodium nitrites, MSG) Soda and energy drinks (aspartame, phosphoric acid) A dose-dependent health crisis The study found that for every 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed daily (roughly a small bag of chips or a sugary drink), the risks climb: 14.5% higher hypertension risk 5.9% increased cardiovascular events 19.5% spike in digestive diseases 2.6% greater chance of early death Even more alarming? The GRADE assessment confirmed high-to-moderate certainty in these findings—meaning the evidence is undeniable. Where did the term “ultra-processed food” come from? The term “ultra-processed food” (UPF) was introduced by Brazilian nutrition researcher Carlos Monteiro and his team in 2009 as part of the NOVA food classification system. This system categorizes foods based on their level of processing rather than just their nutritional content. The NOVA classification divides foods into four groups: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk). Processed culinary ingredients (e.g., sugar, salt, butter, oils). Processed foods (e.g., canned vegetables, cheese, cured meats). Ultra-processed foods (e.g., sodas, chips, fast food, packaged snacks). Monteiro’s research highlighted how UPFs are linked to obesity and chronic diseases, leading to global awareness of their health risks. How do ultra-processed foods differ from processed foods? Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured products containing numerous additives, artificial flavors, and minimal whole food content. Unlike processed foods—such as canned beans, cheese, smoked fish, and bread—which are altered mainly for preservation or taste and retain recognizable ingredients, UPFs (like soda, candy, instant noodles, chicken nuggets, and frozen pizza) rely on artificial colors, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and preservatives. While processed foods may still provide some nutrients despite often being high in salt, sugar, or fat, UPFs are typically calorie-dense, loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and lack fiber and essential nutrients. The primary purpose of processed foods is to extend shelf life or enhance flavor, whereas UPFs are engineered for hyper-palatability, convenience, and long shelf life, prioritizing low cost and mass appeal over nutritional value. Why are ultra-processed foods considered addictive? Research suggests UPFs may trigger addictive-like eating behaviors due to: Hyper-palatability – High levels of sugar, fat, and salt stimulate brain reward pathways. Artificial additives – Flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG) and sweeteners (e.g., high-fructose corn syrup) may increase cravings. Rapid digestion & absorption – Refined carbs and fats cause blood sugar spikes, leading to overeating. Marketing & convenience – Easy access and aggressive advertising reinforce habitual consumption. Studies comparing UPFs to addictive substances (like nicotine) suggest they may lead to loss of control over eating, similar to substance dependence. The solution to this is simple; making America healthy again won’t come from the top down. Individuals have to decide that their life is worth living and they have to choose to eat real foods, and maybe grow some of their own! Sources include: ScienceDaily.com ACC.org ACC.org To read the original article, click here

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Cold Water Immersion Boosts Cellular Health & Resilience

The AHA! Team — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:46:52 +0000

University of Ottawa via News-Medical – Ever wondered what happens to your body when you take those trendy ice baths? Scientists at the University of Ottawa just found out, and it’s pretty fascinating. New Study A new study conducted at the Human and Environmental Physiology Research lab (HEPRU) at the University of Ottawa has unveiled significant findings on the effects of cold water acclimation on autophagic (the cells’ recycling system, which promotes cellular health) and apoptotic (the programmed cell death that gets rid of damaged cells) responses in young males. The research highlights the potential for cold exposure to enhance cellular resilience against stress. The study, conducted by Kelli King, postdoctoral fellow, and Glen Kenny, Full Professor at uOttawa’s School of Human Kinetics and Director of HEPRU, involved ten healthy young males who underwent cold-water immersion at 14°C (57.2°F) for one hour across seven consecutive days. Blood samples were collected to analyze the participants’ cellular responses before and after the acclimation period. Findings “Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” says Professor Kenny. “This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity.” The research revealed that while autophagy was initially dysfunctional after high-intensity cold stress, consistent exposure over a week led to increased autophagic activity and decreased cellular damage signals. By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants’ cellular cold tolerance. This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions.” – Kelli King, postdoctoral fellow, study’s first author The implications of this study extend beyond athletic performance. Cold water immersion has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, and this research provides some scientific backing for its efficacy. The findings suggest that proper autophagic activity could not only extend cellular longevity but also prevent the onset of various diseases. As the use of cold exposure becomes increasingly mainstream, understanding its effects on cellular mechanisms is vital. Professor Kenny emphasizes, “This work underscores the importance of acclimation protocols in enhancing human health, especially in contexts where individuals are exposed to extreme temperatures.” “We were amazed to see how quickly the body adapted,” notes King. “Cold exposure might help prevent diseases and potentially even slow down aging at a cellular level. It’s like a tune-up for your body’s microscopic machinery.” These results apply to young males and more research is needed to see if it would also apply to other cohorts. Source: University of Ottawa Journal reference: King, K. E., et al. (2024). The Effect of 7‐Day Cold Water Acclimation on Autophagic and Apoptotic Responses in Young Males. Advanced Biology. doi.org/10.1002/adbi.202400111. To read the original article click here.

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