Reducing Use of Personal Care Products Quickly Lowers Toxic Chemicals in the Body
Researchers in France found that replacing conventional personal care products with non‑toxic alternatives for just five days sharply lowered urinary levels of BPA, parabens and phthalates among 103 female university students. BPA fell about 39%, parabens 30% and phthalates 22%, demonstrating that everyday product choices can quickly reduce exposure to hormone‑disrupting chemicals. Modeling suggests such reductions could prevent roughly 4% of childhood asthma cases and modestly improve cognitive outcomes. The study underscores both the power of consumer behavior and the need for stronger regulatory action on toxic ingredients.
Solo Screen Time Is a ‘Unique Peril’ for Young Children Already at Risk, Researchers Report
A Danish study of 546 preschoolers found that solitary screen time of just 10‑30 minutes daily worsened behavior and emotional problems in children with already weak language skills. Boys spent more time alone on screens and exhibited greater behavior issues...
Some Ultra-Processed Foods Are as Addictive as Cigarettes and Cocaine
Recent research shows ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) trigger brain reward pathways similarly to cigarettes and cocaine, making them highly addictive. About 57% of calories consumed by U.S. adults and 67% by children come from UPFs, with addiction rates comparable to alcohol...
Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Risk of Preterm Birth and Pregnancy Complications, Study Finds
A large U.S. study of 6,693 pregnancies found that each 10‑percentage‑point rise in calories from ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) during pregnancy is associated with an 11% higher risk of preterm birth and a 5% increase in hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia....
PR Firm Linked to Gates-Backed AGRA Edited Wikipedia to Remove Criticism
An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed that Portland Communications, a London‑based PR firm, orchestrated a network of 26 sock‑puppet Wikipedia accounts to delete criticism of the Gates Foundation‑backed Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The...