When one cell in an animal divides or proliferates uncontrollably, the result is cancer.

Multicellular organisms, such as humans, have evolved multiple checks and balances that usually prevent this from happening.

For example, cells may only divide a certain number of times before they lose the ability, or they may undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death to prevent uncontrolled growth.

Some genes that can potentially cause cancer appear to have a built-in safety mechanism, which means that they promote not only cell proliferation but also cell death.

One of these cancer genes, or oncogenes, is called SRC.

Scientists have developed several drugs that block the downstream effects of the gene, but they have proved unsuccessful in chemotherapy trials.

The reason may be that the drugs shut down both the cancer-promoting and cancer-inhibiting pathways that the gene governs.

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research in Kobe, Japan, led an international team that has now shed light on how this single gene can have diametrically opposite effects on cells.

By studying the role of the gene in fruit flies, they have discovered how it simultaneously regulates two distinct molecular pathways: one that promotes growth and one that promotes cell death.

Crucially, they have also uncovered a possible way to block the cancer-promoting pathway without also shutting down the growth-inhibiting pathway.

They found that restricting the amount of an amino acid called methionine in the flies food had the desired effect.

We were excited to find that manipulating the amount of dietary methionine can affect cell proliferation but not cell death, says Dr. Sa Kan Yoo, Ph.D., who led the research.

The research features in the journal eLife.

Amino acids are the molecular building blocks of protein.

Methionine, which is abundant in meat and eggs, is known as an essential amino acid because the body cannot make its own.

A wealth of evidence suggests that most cancers are dependent on methionine in the diet. For example, Medical News Today previously reported on a study that showed that mice that ate a diet low in methionine responded better to cancer treatments.

Other studies have found that cancer cells may, in general, be dependent on dietary methionine for their growth and survival.

Dr. Yoo and his colleagues reached their conclusions about methionine by studying the Src gene in the fruit fly Drosophila.

To identify which other genes are involved in the effects of Src on cell proliferation and death, the researchers used a technique called RNA interference to shut down gene candidates one at a time.

By process of elimination, this revealed for the first time that Src exerts its effects on cell proliferation and death via a lynchpin gene called Slpr and the SLPR protein for which it codes.

This protein simultaneously activates two other proteins: P38 and JNK.

The researchers found that the latter protein controls the pathway that leads to cell death, whereas the former controls the pathway leading to cell proliferation.

When they reviewed the scientific literature on P38 and the pathways it plays a role in, the scientists realized that its activity is strongly dependent on nutrients in the diet.

In a further series of experiments, the researchers tried to determine which single nutrient had the strongest influence on the P38 pathway.

By eliminating one essential amino acid at a time from the diet of fly larvae, they discovered that depriving the larvae of methionine shut down the P38 pathway.

This prevented the uncontrolled cell proliferation that led to cancer without affecting the fail-safe pathway to cell death.

However, the current study involved basic research in flies. Only clinical trials can determine whether the strategy would work in people.

Currently, we dont know whether our finding in flies will translate to cases of human cancer, says Dr. Yoo.

But we speculate that it will in particular cases because some human cancers also activate the SRC gene, he adds.

In the course of their experiments, Dr. Yoo and his colleagues discovered that SLPR is the starting point for pathways that other oncogenes, in addition to Src, control.

Finding out how this happens is our next goal, Dr. Yoo says.

Read this article:
Investigating the role of an amino acid in cancer - Medical News Today

While many people all over the world fast for religious and cultural reasons, there are also proven health benefits of this practice, as long as you do it safely.

Heres what you need to know about the health benefits of fasting and the potential safety risks.

Fasting is when you do not eat for a certain period of time.

You can fast in several different ways. According to Andrew Wang, MD, PhD, a professor of immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine, the main types are:

Inflammation is your bodys natural response to infection. However, repeated exposure to pollution, sunlight, or even our bodys own metabolic processes can cause a state of chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs, and is associated with many diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

There are a few ways fasting may reduce inflammation in the body:

When we age, our organs are prone to chronic inflammation called inflammaging, Wang says. Chronic inflammation can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia potentially due to plaque buildup in the brain. Fasting helps to counter this by reducing inflammation, Wang says.

Research suggests fasting can prevent the development of Alzheimers in animals. While the research has not yet been conducted in humans, a 2019 study found that intermittent fasting can slow cognitive decline and improve the symptoms of Alzheimers disease in mice.

However, the cognitive benefits of fasting are not restricted to the elderly. A small 2016 study tested amateur weightlifters after a 48 hour fast and found that fasting improved mental flexibility, which was defined as their ability to quickly and efficiently switch between tasks.

Fasting may also regulate blood sugar levels. Maintaining normal blood sugar is important to protect against diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Related Article Module: 6 ways to lower your blood sugar naturallyBlood sugar increases when you eat, so it naturally falls when you fast, Wang says. However, your body will prevent your blood sugar from dipping too much by making glucose itself. This keeps your blood sugar at a healthy level, which is considered above 70 mg/dL.

In fact, a small 2019 study of men at risk for type 2 diabetes found eating in a nine-hour window aka intermittent fasting helped improve glucose tolerance.

While research on this topic is limited, Wang says it is reasonable to assume that fasting boosts heart health by reducing inflammation and protecting against diabetes which are both risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

A small 2012 study tested Muslims with a history of heart disease who fasted intermittently for Ramadan. After their fast ended, there was an improvement in their 10-year coronary heart disease risk score and a reduction in other heart risk factors like lipids profile, systolic blood pressure, and weight.

Fasting helps you lose weight by restricting the number of calories you eat. Intermittent fasting eating your meals in an eight-hour window earlier in the day helps with weight loss by keeping blood sugar levels lower in the evening when you are less active.

However, there is mixed evidence regarding if fasting for weight loss is more effective than a calorie-restricted diet. A 2015 review found intermittent fasting tends to lead to weight loss, with participants typically losing around seven to 11 pounds in 10 weeks. However, other studies found that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction were equally effective in helping people lose weight.

If youre looking to lose weight, talk to your doctor about the best method for you.

Fasting times can range significantly. While intermittent fasting usually involves fasting for about 16 hours a day, longer fasts can range from 24 to 72 hours.

Theres no magic amount of time you should fast for, Wang says. The best thing to do is to listen to your body and determine what type of fast works for you.

However, you should not fast if you are:

In addition, you should consult with your doctor before fasting if you are:

Fasting may offer health benefits, like reduced inflammation, better heart health, and improved cognitive functioning.

However, fasting is not advisable for certain people, and going too long without food can be harmful. If you are interested in fasting, it is important to listen to your body and ask your doctor if its safe to fast.

How to follow an intermittent fasting schedule with 6 different methodsThe different types of intermittent fasting and which may be more beneficial to your healthDoes intermittent fasting work? Research doesnt have a definite answer for its long-term effectsWhat to eat when intermittent fasting for health and hunger pains

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Clubhouse is the new, fast-growing, invite-only social networking app that allows people to voice chat about a variety of topics. Health is one of the fastest-growing areas of discussion. In fact, at any time, day or night, you can find conversations about health, wellness and wellbeing on Clubhouse.

A warning: Clubs are led by a variety of licensed professionals, as well as enthusiasts. When you listen and participate in these discussions, its wise to heed the disclaimer offered by many clubsthat information shared is for the purpose of education or entertainment, and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice.

That said, are you ready to jump into Clubhouse to get physically and mentally healthier? Here are 20 well-known clubs, as well as some hidden gems, to up your healthy game:

5,700 members, 31,100 followers

This club shares and learns evidence-based information on everything related to COVID-19, including vaccines, policy, masks and symptoms. MDs and PhDs are actively involved in discussions.

Popular room: Join the weekly Q&A with scientists and expert clinicians who answer questions about COVID-19 at 12 pm PST on Thursdays.

Related: What Exactly is Clubhouse?

3,300 members, 6,500 followers

This club provides discussions from experts and Q&A about all things related to menstruation, fertility, menopause and more.

Says one member, Women in the rooms are asking everything from basic to complicated questions that are not getting answered from their own OB-GYNs. Dr. Cindy has assembled supportive experts that give answers to those questions, and give them actionable steps to go back to their own providers with.

Recent room topics: Determining possible hormonal imbalances, requesting specific lab tests, learning more about pelvic floor physical therapy and steps that can be taken for heavy periods.

553 members, 48,000 followers

This club offers weekly conversations around ways to increase physical, social, and mental wellbeing.

1 member, 49 followers

Take a deep dive into brain health, with discussions about sleep, depression, brain networks and more. One fan says the weekly conversations on Fridays at 1 pm PST with David Perlmutter, MD, are amazing.

794 members, 109 followers

This club offers sharing, learning and growth on topics about Eastern Medicine, including Tibetan and Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda.

Recent room topics: The Science of Sustainable Weight Loss, Self Care Q&A, and The Science of Healthy Sleep.

516 members, 497 followers

Lea Jacobson, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, leads discussions about the everyday uses of essential oils and how to use them safely, regardless of what brand you use.

Related: Got a Headache? Skip Over the Counter Drugs and Give These 6 Essential Oils a Try

1,100 members; 131,000 followers

The largest food, plant-based and vegan community in Clubhouse offers multiple discussions each day with talks from founders, funders and foodies in the nutrition and plant space.

Recent room topics: Plant-Based Eating for Athletic Performance, Yoga Is Vegan! Healing Through Yoga and Veganism and Plant-Powered Physicians The Kitchen Clinic, as well as conversations around recipes, products and services.

4,300 members, 34,100 followers

This group is moderated by Registered Dieticians and opens a space for discussions about health, nutrition and food research. Weekly discussions share knowledge and evidence-based information.

736 members, 402 followers

This club offers a safe place to talk about losing weight, diets, workout plans, and emotional struggles. Its open to those considering a weight loss journey, people who want to get motivated, and anyone who wants to share a success story.

107 members, 65 followers

This club is the first Low FODMAP community on Clubhouse, and discusses and educates on gastrointestinal issues, gut health, IBS and FODMAPs. Anyone from those interested in a Low FODMAP diet to those who follow it are welcome.

Says one member, This club is level 10 for anyone thats been struggling with GI issues. The thing about gut problems is that you feel alone. Being in a space with people that get it helps you to feel less alone. The best thing is that you get to connect with those that are struggling and create solutions and a sense of belonging.

5,800 members, 7,300 followers

Learn everything you need to know about the ketogenic diet and eating low carb, in this popular club. Daily discussions include Ask a Keto Coach, Keto Support and Motivation and keto cooking tips.

Related: The Ultimate Keto Guide for Beginners, Including Exactly How to Get Started

25,500 members, 461,000 followers

Consistently ranked in the top 10 most followed clubs on Clubhouse, discussions center on the ways in which lifestyle changes, tech interventions and pioneering thinkers in the mental health field can come together to improve mental health.

Popular room: Behavioural Health AMA with Psychiatrists: Sunday nights from 6:55 to 9 pm EST. Discussions include education on common mental health concerns like depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD, as well as specialized talks on OCD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and more.

9,200 members, 5,500 followers

This clubs goal is to change the conversation about mental health.

Being able to listen to providers/patients/family members of patients/even random folks speak about mental health is an outlet that does not exist in real life for most people, says one member. It has become my home base for all things mental health. And Ive been pleasantly surprised to even learn about groundbreaking treatments that Ive never heard about anywhere else, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

The member recommends the PsychCrunch Disrupt room on Sundays at 2 pm EST, as well as The Future of Mental Health that is hosted on Mondays at 7:30 pm EST as great starting points for those new to Clubhouse and interested in mental health.

25 members, 198 followers

This club offers a safe space to have conversations about ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, including autism and dyslexia.

Says one member, I love to hear from real people about how ADHD is affecting their lives. I always learn something new about myself or about my clients. Either way, I realize that I am not alone with ADHD and Dani Donovan is a terrific room leader and ADHD ambassador.

Related: 30 of the Best Mental Health Apps, Because We All Deserve to Feel a Little Better Right Now

21,200 members, 12,400 followers

Lisa Abramson, called an inspiration by Oprah, leads daily, brief, powerful meditation sessions.

6,400 members, 42,100 followers

The goal of this club is to elevate mental health conversations that lead to social change. Discussions are led by industry experts and real people who have experienced mental health issues.

19,400 members, 97,500 followers

The largest fitness club on Clubhouse offers a variety of scheduled weekly discussions, on everything from womens wellness to gratitude and self-love, to conversations for Peloton fans.

Popular room: The Clip Out podcast show post discussion takes place Sundays at 2 pm PST. Says one member, The ClipOut keeps me informed on whats going on with my favorite instructors. Clubhouse has added an additional social element that I had been missing during the pandemica place to hear other voices, all of us chatting live about our common interest in fitness and Peloton.

Another popular room: The daily 10-minute workout at 12 pm-12:10 pm PST, M-F. Each session includes 10-15 bodyweight exercises. The rooms motto: Come for the workout, stay for the throwback jams.

Related: Get Ready to Clip Into Your Peloton, Because We Just Found the Most Popular 30-Minute Rides of All Time

41 members, 39 followers

Host Carolyn Cohen created this club as a complement to her popular podcast of the same name. Clubhouse provides the opportunity for more interaction. Discussion topics include gratitude, sustainability, the 10,000 steps goal, and more. Participants are encouraged to walk or move in some other way during the conversation, even doing laundry or cleaning the house.

Popular room: The weekly Clubhouse walk and discussion on Wednesdays at noon EST.

26 members, 4,500 followers

This club is for those interested in Crossfit or already participating in Crossfit. Discussion topics include sharing lifestyle tips, favorite equipment, working out safely during COVID-19 and more.

4,600 members, 16,500 followers

This club is a place for Peloton lovers to come together and share best practices, favorite classes and instructors, and successes.

Popular room: Weekly discussion on Wednesdays at 8:30 pm EST

Up next: Does sugar cause Iiflammation?

The rest is here:
20 Best Healthy Clubs to Join on Clubhouse - Parade

Worms are now firmly on the menu in Europe.

The European Union (EU) has ruled that the larval stage of the Tenebrio molitor beetle, the mealworm, is safe for people to eat and it will shortly be on the market as a novel food.

EU researchers said that the worms, eaten whole or in powder form, are protein-rich, while the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said that edible insects contain high-quality protein, vitamins and amino acids for humans.

As well as being a nutritious food source, insects consume fewer resources than traditional livestock. There are, of course, many parts of the world where insects are already part of everyday diets. Industrializing their production and consumption could open up new routes to feeding the worlds growing population and alleviating some of the environmental pressures caused by conventional agriculture.

Ensuring access to safe, healthy sources of food is a key part of the UNs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) drive. From zero hunger to climate action, from ending poverty to ensuring responsible use of resources, many of the 17 SDGs relate to the food people eat, how it is grown and how it is distributed.

According to the World Economic Forums Meat: The Future report, keeping up with the demand for animal-derived protein could put meeting the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement targets in jeopardy.

Livestock around the world is responsible for around 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions relating to human activity. The need for land whether for grazing animals or growing crops to feed animals is the single greatest driver of deforestation, with major consequences for biodiversity loss, the paper says.

Another approach to closing the protein gap is growing artificial meat and other protein alternatives. Lab-grown meat requires animal stem cells, which are cultured in nutrient-rich material. Protein alternatives, like mycoprotein (which is derived from fungi), are used to create meat-free meals.

Meat production has boomed in the past 50-plus years. According to Our World in Data, in the early 1960s, Europe and North America were the largest meat producing areas, but this has now changed. Asia accounts for around 40-45% of global meat production, while Europe and North Americas share had fallen to 19% and 15%, respectively.

Meat is a growing business. Can insect-derived protein change peoples eating habits?

Image: Our World in Data

That change reflects broader shifts around eating habits; by 2050, the demand for meat-based protein is expected to double, according to Meat: The Future. Currently, animal-based protein provides 40% of the worlds protein supply though meat, fish and dairy products such as eggs and milk, the papers authors write.

However, as meat-based protein (for instance, beef, lamb, pork and chicken) is tasty, protein-rich and energy-dense, it is the preferred or aspirational way for a significant part of the global population to consume protein. Consequently, as the population grows and the world becomes richer and more urbanized, demand for meat-based protein is growing fast.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

Continue reading here:
Mealworms are a safe source of protein, says the EU - World Economic Forum

Governor Larry Hogan Proclaims Friday, May 7 as School And Community Nutrition Hero DayMay 7, 2021

Contact: Lora Rakowski, lora.rakowski@maryland.gov

BALTIMORE (May 7, 2021) Today, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed Friday, May 7, 2021 as Maryland School and Community Nutrition Hero Day. The designation is a tribute to the dedication and continuous efforts of Marylands child nutrition programs staff, who have been on the frontlines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. School nutrition staff and volunteers have served more than 81 million meals throughout the State during the pandemic. As students return to in-person learning, school nutrition staff are providing both emergency and in-school meals.

Serving millions of meals on the frontlines since the pandemic began, our school nutrition program staff are truly heroes. They are making school meals safe for in-person learning, and continue to serve emergency meals as well, said Governor Larry Hogan. As part of National School Lunch Hero Day, we are proud to recognize our school nutrition teams unwavering commitment to nourishing our States children.

The Maryland State Department of Educations Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs provides Marylanders with a variety of nutrition program options for infants, preschoolers, school-aged children and certain adult groups as well. School nutrition staff, prepare and serve meals help nurture our children. In some cases, that meal is the only or most nutrient-rich meal of that students day.

Our incredible school nutrition employees have been a critical part of ensuring that our students are fueled for success during these unprecedented times, said State Schools Superintendent Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. Our gratitude extends on School Lunch Hero Day and every day.

The United State Department of Agriculture funded child nutrition programs provide a critical safety net for millions of people in our State, in addition to meeting rigorous nutrition guidelines and standards. Participation in the nutrition programs support good health, development of life long healthy behaviors, promotion of academic achievement, nutrition education and promotion, and addresses food insecurity. For more information, please visit eatsmartmaryland.org

National School Lunch Hero day was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to honor those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of Americas students each school day. Learn more about School Lunch Hero Day at http://www.schoollunchheroday.com.

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School Lunch Hero Day 2021 5 7 21

School & Community Nutrition Hero Day May 7, 2021 Proclamation

Continue reading here:
Governor Larry Hogan Proclaims Friday, May 7 as School And Community Nutrition Hero Day - maryland.gov