Is 'Sticky Gunk' In Your Brain The Reason Behind Alzheimer's Disease?

Updated Mar 20, 2025 | 08:53 AM IST

SummaryThe new findings is based on a subset of 22 participants who received amyloid-removing drugs the longest, on average eight years.
Alzheimer's Disease

Credits: Canva

An experimental treatment happens to be the solution to delay Alzheimer's symptoms in some people. These people are the ones who are genetically destined to get the disease in their 40s or 50s. These new findings form ongoing research has now been caught up in Trump administration funding delas. The early results of the study has been published on Wednesday and the participants too are worried that politics could cut their access to a possible lifeline.

One of the participants had said, "It is still a study but it has given me an extension to my life that I never banked on having." The participant is named Jake Henrichs, form New York City, who is 50 years old. He is one of them to be treated in that study for more than a decade now and has remained symptom-free despite inheriting an Alzheimer's-causing gene that had killed his father and brother around the same age.

Slowing Down The Symptoms

Two drugs which can modestly slow down early-stage Alzheimer's are sold in the United States. These drugs clear the brain of one of its hallmarks, a sticky gunk-like part called the amyloid. However, there have not been any hints that removing amyloid far earlier, way many years before the first symptoms appear, may postpone the disease.

How Was The Research Conducted?

The research is led by Washington University in St Louis, which involved families that passed down rare gene mutation as participants. This meant it was almost guaranteed that they will develop symptoms at the same age their affected relatives did.

The new findings is based on a subset of 22 participants who received amyloid-removing drugs the longest, on average eight years. Long-term amyloid removal cut in half their risk of symptom onset. The study is published in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Washington University's Dr Randall Bateman, who directs the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network of studies involving families with these rare genes says, "What we want to determine over the next five years is how strong is the protection. Will they ever get the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease if we keep treating them?”

The researchers before though did not know what exactly caused Alzheimer's which affects nearly 7 million Americans, most of them in their later life. However, it is clear that these silent changes occur in the brain at least two decades before the first symptom shows up. The big contributor. At some point amyloid buildup can trigger a protein named tau that then starts to kill neurons, which can lead to cognitive decline.

Researchers are now thus studying the Tau-fighting drugs and are looking into other factors, like inflammation, brain's immune cells and certain virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has expanded its focus as researchers have found more reasons for Alzheimer's. In 2013, the NIH's National Institute on Aging funded 14 trials of possible Alzheimer's drugs over a third targeting amyloid. By last fall, there were 68 drugs and 18% of them target amyloid. However, there are scientists too who think that amyloid is not everything and their is way more in the brain tissue, immune cells, and more which can be studied.

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Cyclospora Cases Cross 17,000 In US: Should You Stop Eating Lettuce?

Updated Aug 27, 2026 | 09:27 PM IST

Summary​The CDC is investigating 11,844 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The federal agency added that the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.
Cyclospora Cases Cross 17,000 In US: Should You Stop Eating Lettuce?

Credit: iStock

The Cyclospora outbreak ongoing in the US since May this year has reached 17,180 cases, compared with 1,180 cases through August last year, according to the latest figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cases, reported across 48 states plus the District of Columbia, include two deaths, while 922 people have been hospitalized.

In addition, the CDC is investigating 11,844 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The federal agency added that the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.

“Recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the time it takes to identify and report Cyclospora cases. It can take about six weeks from the start of symptoms to when CDC receives the case information,” the CDC said.

Cyclospora Cases Expected To Dwindle

Historically, the cyclosporiasis season in the United States runs from May 1 through August 31, so cases should dwindle as summer ends, the CDC said.

The largest outbreak this summer was reported in Michigan. Last week, Michigan noted a 3% increase in cases, bringing the state's total to 14,277 cases.

Outbreak Linked To Iceberg Lettuce

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, particularly lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The lettuce was sold at stores and at Taco Bell restaurants across the US before it was recalled.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through food and water contaminated with infected human feces.

The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees food safety, has said it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”

While an average American reportedly eats about 18.3 pounds of lettuce each year, consumers purchased about 7.6 million fewer pounds of lettuce during the four weeks ending July 18 compared with the same period last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Is It Safe To Eat Lettuce Right Now?

Food safety experts noted that people can eat lettuce now, but should choose their greens wisely.

“Consumers should make informed choices rather than avoiding leafy greens altogether,” said Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, Food & Wine reported.

Because the recalls so far are tied to specific products from one producer and have not expanded to include other lettuce producers, other products are likely OK, Detwiler said.

“Consumers should follow FDA and CDC recall information rather than assuming every leafy green product is unsafe,” he said.

Wade Syers, an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University Extension, said the ongoing Cyclospora investigation “does not mean all lettuce or all leafy greens are unsafe.”

How To Prevent Cyclospora Infection

To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends:

  • Wash your hands before handling food.
  • Wash fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it.
  • Cook food to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill Cyclospora.
  • Follow CDC and FDA recall notices and avoid recalled products.
  • Avoid bagged salad mixes.

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US Food Recalls: 54,000 Pounds of Rice, Donuts Over Allergic Reaction

Updated Aug 27, 2026 | 06:00 PM IST

SummaryThe rice has been recalled over potential foreign material contamination and mini doughnuts over undeclared milk that may trigger allergic reactions.
US Food Recalls: 54,000 Pounds of Rice, Donuts Over Allergic Reaction

Credit: iStock

Food safety has become a serious concern in the US in recent months, with a large number of products recalled over contamination, bacterial infections, and other health risks.

The latest recalls involve rice over potential foreign material contamination and mini doughnuts over undeclared milk that may trigger allergic reactions.

Mini Donuts Recalled Over Undeclared Milk

Packages of mini donuts sold nationwide are being recalled after a consumer reported an allergic reaction linked to the product, USA Today reported.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Better Bakehouse Snack Company is recalling certain lots of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts because they may contain undeclared milk.

People with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity to milk could face a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected product, the FDA said.

The food regulator noted that the consumer who suffered the allergic reaction has fully recovered. The manufacturer has identified the cause of the mislabeling and taken corrective measures.

Also read: From Dog Food To Fruit Bars: Over 10 Products Recalled In US Over Contamination

Which Doughnuts Are Being Recalled?

The recalled doughnuts are limited to a specific lot manufactured and distributed in March 2026. The product was shipped to retailers nationwide and sold through Amazon.

Consumers should check the following details to determine whether they have the recalled product:

  • Product: Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts, 10 Mini Donuts
  • Package: 7.05-ounce carton containing five 1.41-ounce (40g) pouches
  • UPC: 3 50041 39210 3
  • Best If Used By: September 15, 2026
  • Lot Code: 26078

The FDA advises consumers to dispose of the affected product and obtain a refund from the point of purchase with a receipt, or return the product for a refund.

54,648 Pounds of Rice Recalled Over Foreign Material

An FDA update on August 25 provides more details about an April 2026 rice recall involving Lundberg Family Farms.

The company's Jasmine white rice was recalled because of potential contamination with foreign materials.

According to the FDA, 27,324 packages of 32-ounce rice were recalled, totaling 54,648 pounds. Lundberg-branded rice was also part of the recall initiated by the FDA in April this year.

The recalled rice was distributed in:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • North Carolina
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Consumers can identify the affected products using these details:

  • UPC: 073416040281
  • Lot/Best Before: 260201MA, 01FEB2027; 260202MA, 02FEB2027

The expiration dates are February 1 and February 2, 2027. Consumers who were unaware of the earlier recall announcements may still have the affected product at home.

What Is the Risk From the Recalled Rice?

The recall follows the FDA's May 7 Class II classification.

According to the FDA, a Class II recall involves a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

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After US, UK, Belgium Hit By Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Contaminated Eggs; Over 300 Sick

Updated Aug 27, 2026 | 05:00 PM IST

Summary​Salmonella was first detected at Laerco’s Geel facility at the end of April. In May, a large-scale recall was launched, with all eggs from the site withdrawn from the market. The FASFC has notified several other European countries that may have received the eggs, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Portugal.
After US, UK, Belgium Hit by Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Eggs; Over 300 Sick

Credit: iStock

Belgium has been hit by a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs, with more than 300 people falling ill, according to the country’s food safety agency. The outbreak comes after similar Salmonella outbreaks linked to contaminated eggs were reported in the US and UK.

Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

According to the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), the outbreak has been linked to eggs produced by Laerco, a company based in Geel in northern Belgium.

“Salmonella is relatively common in Belgium, but we never had such a broad cluster with so many people hit,” an AFSCA spokesperson said.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the Belgian outbreak. However, officials warned that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some people may have experienced mild or no symptoms and did not seek medical testing, BOL News reported.

Eggs Recalled Across Europe

Also read: UK Food Agency Warns Vulnerable Groups to Avoid Runny Eggs: Who Is At Risk And Which Foods To Avoid

Salmonella was first detected at Laerco’s Geel facility at the end of April. In May, a large-scale recall was launched, with all eggs from the site withdrawn from the market.

The affected products were distributed through several major supermarket chains, including Colruyt, Delhaize, Aldi and Carrefour.

The precautionary recall was also extended to Luxembourg. FASFC notified several other European countries that may have received the eggs, including the Netherlands, France, Italy and Portugal.

As many as 2 million potentially contaminated eggs may have been sold, according to authorities.

Poultry Farm Closed

AFSCA first discovered the contamination in May and responded by recalling the affected eggs and closing one henhouse at the farm in Flanders.

However, additional cases were reported in the following months. Officials expanded the investigation and closed the entire farm. The poultry were subsequently destroyed after a second egg recall was issued on August 10.

Secondary testing found that the bacteria had spread across multiple sheds despite initial isolation efforts, Euronews reported.

UK, US Report Salmonella Cases

Read More: From Dog Food To Fruit Bars: Over 10 Products Recalled In US Over Contamination

The Belgian outbreak comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) linked two deaths and 474 illnesses to three separate Salmonella Enteritidis clusters across the UK.

The US is also experiencing a Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded the recall to its highest risk level and classified nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs as “Class I”, its most serious category for products that could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

The multistate Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. person.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that commonly causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness.

Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover from Salmonella infection without medical treatment. However, children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may develop serious illness requiring medical care.

It can spread through contaminated food, including:

  • Eggs
  • Poultry
  • Meat
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Fresh produce

The bacteria can also spread through contact with contaminated environments or from person to person.

How To Stay Safe

Health officials have advised consumers to follow recall instructions and avoid eating affected eggs. UK officials also urged vulnerable people to avoid undercooked or runny eggs, especially when dining out.

  • Refrigerate items promptly
  • Cook eggs thoroughly
  • Wash your hands
  • Sanitize surfaces
  • Check for recalls
  • Wash before use.

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