University of California, Riverside

Excessive Sedentary Time Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk, Even in Active Individuals

a month ago

• New research reveals that more than 10.6 hours of daily sedentary behavior significantly increases risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality, even among those meeting exercise guidelines. • A complementary study from the University of Colorado demonstrates that prolonged sitting accelerates heart aging through negative impacts on cholesterol levels and BMI, with vigorous exercise only partially offsetting these effects. • Researchers recommend replacing sitting time with physical activity, using standing desks, and incorporating at least 30 minutes of vigorous daily exercise to mitigate cardiovascular risks.

Skin Color Impacts Drug Effectiveness, Highlighting Need for Diverse Clinical Trials

6 months ago

• Melanin, the pigment determining skin color, can absorb certain drugs, influencing their effectiveness based on skin tone. • Preclinical research predominantly uses cell lines from people of European descent, potentially skewing drug development. • Regulatory bodies are urged to implement guidelines promoting the use of diverse cellular models in drug testing. • New legislation and FDA guidance aim to increase diversity in clinical trial participation, addressing historical underrepresentation.

Probiotics Show Promise in Mitigating Toxic Effects of Fire Retardant Chemicals

6 months ago

• A new study shows that the probiotic _Limosilactobacillus reuteri_ (LR) can reduce the negative impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on neurodevelopment, behavior, and metabolism in mice. • Maternal supplementation with LR corrected most of the behavioral and metabolic abnormalities caused by PBDE exposure in offspring, suggesting a protective effect against toxic exposures. • The research highlights the potential of gut microbiota-focused therapies, administered through the mother, to protect against developmental and adult diseases linked to environmental toxins. • The study found that LR supplementation promoted gut bacteria diversity in female pups and prevented changes in gut bacteria in male pups exposed to PBDEs.