Serious conflicts of interest in key UK GMO Advisory Committee

With the arrival of Brexit the UK government has begun the process of deregulating the introduction of GM and gene-edited crops into the UK. An investigation by GM Watch has found that 100% of the members of the 'independent' Advisory Committee, known as the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), set up to advise the UK government on the risks to human health and the environment of the release of GMOs, have either potential or actual conflicts of interest with the very industry set to benefit from the relaxation of existing rules. Calling into serious question its alleged independence. The investigation also found only one member of the committee is an expert in the field of ecology and no-one seems to have expertise in environmental toxicology.

EU endorses integrative cancer care

A new report "Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer - towards a comprehensive and coordinated strategy", published by the European Parliament, stresses the benefits to patients and the importance of developing an integrative and holistic approach to cancer care and prevention. Integrative oncology utilises a range of complementary therapies including nutrition and lifestyle changes alongside conventional treatments to support cancer patients' body, mind and spirit and help them to withstand the rigours of conventional treatment, ease side effects and support their overall wellbeing as they deal with their illness.

Dairy consumption and multiple sclerosis

Eating dairy products has been found to worsen the progression of multiple sclerosis. Publishing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences researchers from Germany, using a mouse model, have found that casein, a protein found in milk, promotes the destruction of the myelin sheath (nerve covering) by the immune system leading to the development and exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.The researchers say that the issue only affects those who are allergic to casein, however, it's long been known in the naturopathic, functional and integrative medicine sectors that autoimmunity and consumption of dairy products are not good bedfellows.

Ask 'Dr' Alexa!

With the continued rise in the use of telemedicine, accelerated by the coronavirus crisis, it's of no surprise that people are being encouraged to consult with 'Dr' Alexa. One of the largest telemedicine providers in the US, Teladoc Health, has announced its partnership with Amazon, which is continuing to advance its reach into the healthcare space. Users of Amazon echo devices will be able to connect with healthcare providers via their device, further distancing patients from hands-on care and pushing them into the world of tick box medicine. The move also further expands the Internet of Bodies, which includes health-related wearables, ingestibles and implantable devices that connect to the Internet of Things.

Designer fat mimics animal fat

A big sticking point for plant-based meat alternatives has been how to replicate the look and feel of fat. A new startup company, called Lypid, which has just raised $4 million in seed funding, now claims to have created a fat that behaves like animal fat to give that authentic feel of real meat. Called 'Phytofat', the faux fat has been created by microencapsulating liquid oils in water to create spongy fats with a high melting point. Its inventors claim it can also be flavoured according to its use. Given many plant oils are highly damaged prior to undergoing additional processing such as this, this is yet one more 'food' innovation we will be giving a wide berth.

Risk and liability from wireless tech

Companies installing and pushing wireless technologies are warning shareholders of the potential harms to human health due to the significant risk of them being sued, but they're not telling consumers. Insurers rank the risks from 5G and electromagnetic radiation on the same level as asbestos leading many to add exclusion clauses to their policies. The full-scale of the cover up of the harms and risks from electromagnetic frequencies, as revealed in this recent article from the Environmental Health Trust, uncovers a truly horrific lack of respect for those being harmed by such technologies that are now an integral part of everyday life.

Common painkillers dampen immune response

Commonly used painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications have been found to dampen the body's immune response in a new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Acetaminophen (also known as paracetemol or tylenol), ibuprofen and aspirin showed an immune dampening effect particularly when taken after vaccination and morphine appears to suppress key immune cell activity and increase infection risk. Acetaminophen is also known to damage the liver and is responsible for over half of all acute liver failure cases in the USA. The indiscriminate use of such medications have become par for the course, regardless of age, with little notice being taken of any potential negative effects.