Chewing gum releases microplastics:

A new study shows that off-the-shelf chewing gum releases a couple thousand microplastics particles into the saliva.

www.acs.org/pressroom/pr...

A study published in Nature Medicine last month found significantly more microplastics in brain samples of deceased individuals in 2024 compared to samples from 2016.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
What steps are you taking to eliminate microplastics from your life?

A new study shows how and why aspartame increases atherosclerosis. Prior studies had shown the connection, but researchers didn’t know why. While aspartame doesn’t raise blood glucose levels, it does increase insulin.

www.cell.com/cell-metabol...

A new study in a mouse model of autism links an altered brain glutamate/GABA balance to the gut-brain axis. What’s interesting is that they were able to reverse some symptoms with a lactobacillus probiotic.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

~ Non-REM slow-wave sleep is important for memory consolidation.
~ BDNF, a brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is important in slow-wave sleep.
~ Low BDNF levels have links to sleep disturbances and to an increased risk of depression.

www.geneticlifehacks.com/increased-slow-wave-sleep/

~ High Lp(a) levels are strongly linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and aortic stenosis.
~ Genetic variants in the LPA gene drive Lpa(a) levels.
~ Knowing that you are likely to have genetically higher Lp(a) can help you understand when it is important to test it and talk with a doctor.

Neuroinflammation in aging and Alzheimer's

NLRP3 regulates immunometabolism, impacting microglial function in Alzheimer’s disease
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...

~ Histamine levels rise and fall throughout the day according to the circadian rhythm of mast cells.
~ In the brain, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter and is associated with wakefulness.

This may be of interest for orthostatic stress or POTS:

Study: Melatonin attenuates the sympathetic nerve responses to orthostatic stress in humans

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12869610/

New study tracing nanoplastics from ingestion through absorption in the intestines and then through the bloodstream - ending up clogging tiny vessels in the brain.

This is an important study to trace where and how the nanoplastic particles travel.
science.org

Creatine has multiple benefits:
~ boosts cognitive function in aging
~ building muscle mass with weight lifting
~ takes the strain off the methylation cycle and lowers homocysteine

Genetic considerations: 👇
www.geneticlifehacks.com/creatine-boo...

Genetic variants in IGF2 are associated with power athletes and muscle mass. rs680 G allele (in 23andMe v4 data) is associated with greater muscle mass gains in strength training.
www.geneticlifehacks.com/resistance-t...

Biotin Deficiency: Genetic Reasons for Increasing Biotin

Key takeaways:
~ Biotin is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production.
~ Deficiency of biotin can cause hair loss, brittle nails, or a scaly rash around the mouth.

Estrogen, Histamine, and Mast Cell Connections
ey takeaways:
~Mast cells release histamine when triggered.
~Estrogen receptors on mast cells may make them slightly more easily triggered when estrogen levels are high.
~Histamine from certain foods can add to your overall histamine levels.