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Summer Issue | July 2025 |
Better Living Through Well Being
I am grateful to be in a collaborative business with many talented and skilled professionals. Your feedback is always welcome. - Mary Michele McLaughlin From the Front Page of TMIS News
Boreal Forests Down the Toilet: New report documents the climate consequences of clearcutting Canada's vanishing forests for tissue paper and paper towels
In a new report, the NGO Center for Sustainable Economy (CSE) estimates that clearcutting over 32,000 acres of boreal forests in Ontario to produce pulp for toilet paper made in the US generates over 3.8 million tons of carbon pollution each year. This is equivalent to what is emitted by over 824,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles or several small coal-fired plants.
Rewriting the Timeline of Detection: Linus Health's Digital Platform Uncovers the Earliest Signs of Cognitive Decline
A pioneering study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease highlights how efficiently digital assessments can uncover the earliest signs of cognitive impairment -- likely years before traditional testing methods or noticeable symptoms emerge. The narrative review and synthesis study is titled, "Precision neurocognition: An emerging diagnostic paradigm leveraging digital cognitive assessment technology." The study's lead authors are David J. Libon, PhD, professor at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging at Rowan University, and Rod Swenson, PhD, clinical professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Both are advisors to Linus Health, which is revolutionizing brain health with science-driven digital solutions. The findings demonstrate how a 7-minute speech-based digital cognitive assessment from Linus Health captures quantifiable data on neurodegenerative disease risk based on patients' process of answering questions and test prompts. In the peer-reviewed article, Libon and Swenson introduce a series of novel digital biomarkers based on latency -- the pauses and reaction times between actions -- when responding to questions or test prompts. They describe how subtle changes in the time required to respond -- even when answers are 100% correct -- can be interpreted as biomarkers for identifying the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Finding Suggests Treatment Approach for Autoimmune Diseases
An engineered protein turns off the kind of immune cells most likely to damage tissue as part of Type-1 diabetes, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, shows a new study in mice. In these autoimmune diseases, T cells mistakenly target the body's own tissues instead of invading viruses or bacteria as they would during normal immune responses. Treatments focused on T cells have been elusive because blocking their action broadly weakens the immune system and creates risk for infections and cancer. Published online June 30 in the journal Cell, the study revealed that holding closely together two protein groups (signaling complexes) on T cells, including one found more often on T cells involved autoimmune disease, shuts down those T cells in a limited way. Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhejiang University, the study built on biology newly discovered by the team to design an antibody that attached to both T cell signaling complexes, the T cell receptor and the LAG-3 checkpoint, held them closely together, and eliminated autoimmune tissue damage in three mouse models of disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that label specific markers on cells for notice by the immune system. Researchers learned decades ago to engineer antibodies to target certain molecules as treatments, and more recently, antibodies that attach to two targets. Nasal COVID Vax Shows Promise in Phase 1 Clinical Trial
During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists learned that the critical path to infection started with the SARS-CoV-2 virus invading the nasal tissues of its victims, then causing millions of deaths by spreading through the body and robbing the sickest people of their ability to breathe. While the traditional way to administer protection has been to inject vaccines into the bloodstream, many experts called for developing a nasally delivered vaccine as a potentially more-effective approach. Now, encouraging results are in from the first human clinical trial to be conducted in the United States of a nasal COVID vaccine. Findings from the study led by an expert at Cincinnati Children's were published July 4, 2025, in Science Advances. "A single dose of this vaccine (CVXGA) was well tolerated. It generated a wide spectrum of specific immune responses including mucosal and systemic immune responses. Those who received the highest dose of the vaccine showed significantly lower rates of symptomatic COVID-19 infection," says the study's lead author, Paul Spearman, MD, a long-time leader in vaccine research and vice chair for clinical and translational research and education at Cincinnati Children's. Survey: Extreme Natural Disasters, Soaring Energy Bills and a Failing Power Grid Spark Demand for Better Household Solar and Backup Battery Solutions
An overwhelming 91% of combined homeowners polled in California, Texas and Florida worry about the impacts of extreme weather, rising energy costs and power grid instability, and majorities are interested in power backup solutions and reducing grid reliance, according to a new Horowitz Research survey. A majority also expressed dissatisfaction with current home solar energy solutions from entrenched players on the market. While one of the key industry players remains the most recognized name in the space, nearly 24% of those familiar with the brand say they would not consider it. According to the poll, they cited shifting public sentiment and a desire for a less polarizing and more trustworthy solution. The survey, commissioned by EcoFlow, found 60% of respondents wish to become less dependent on grid power and 70% said having a power backup solution is important. It also found 70% currently own or are interested in owning a solar battery solution in the future. Solar and home backup batteries can offset utility costs and provide a source of household backup power during blackouts caused by natural disasters or other grid issues. Energy concerns have become top of mind in the U.S. due to an increasing number of natural disasters, rising electricity costs and more frequent power outages. These issues can be particularly acute for residents of California, Texas and Florida, who are often disproportionately impacted. Altri to Acquire a Majority Stake in AeoniQ to Scale World's First Industrial Production of Climate Positive Textile Yarn
Altri SGPS S.A., a Portuguese-listed leader in sustainable cellulosic pulp production, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in AeoniQ -- marking a decisive leap into sustainable textiles. The Altri investment, including a capital increase, will allow building out commercial-scale AeoniQ production capacity, reinforcing its strategic vision to diversify into high-value, low-impact cellulosic applications. AeoniQ, a Swiss-based cleantech spin-off of HeiQ Materials AG, has developed the world's first climate-positive, biodegradable cellulosic filament yarn engineered to replace polyester and nylon. The AeoniQ platform is poised to disrupt the global textile industry by offering a fully circular, plastic-free alternative that mirrors the performance of synthetic fibers -- without their environmental toll. As part of the agreement, the world's first industrial AeoniQ plant will be constructed at Altri's Caima pulp mill. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with an initial capacity of 1.750 tons per year. On top of the already existing pilot lines in Austria, a pre-industrial plant will be launched in early 2026 in Portugal to accelerate prototyping, brand partnerships, and capsule collections. inTouch Addresses Senior Loneliness Crisis with Launch of AI Conversational Companion for North America
Following a successful launch in Europe earlier this year, inTouch announced that its AI conversational companion is now available in North America. The service provides personalized daily phone calls to help seniors stay mentally engaged and independent wherever they live, while addressing the growing loneliness crisis and supporting the "sandwich generation" of caregivers. inTouch is the first in its category and available in English, Spanish and French to serve the diverse aging population with exciting new features, which allows seniors to call in 24/7. A recent National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 75% of Americans over 65 report poor mental or physical health and feelings of loneliness, with isolation rates particularly high among those living alone. According to a recent inTouch survey, 47% of US caregivers indicated value in an AI service that would call their loved ones, especially seniors, on a daily basis and provide them with daily updates. inTouch was born from founder Vassili Le Moigne's experience caring for his mother while living far away. "Even with the best intentions, it was difficult to call my mom on a daily basis while living and working across the country. I created inTouch so that she could have daily conversations that help her stay mentally active and independent. It was also a great way for her to keep me informed of her well-being," said Le Moigne. Croatia Transforms Bus Stops into Waiting Rooms and Digital Billboards into AI Screening Tools
In response to a growing epidemic of untreated spine issues affecting nearly half of the population, the Croatia Polyclinics has launched an innovative public health initiative called "Your Posture Is Your Future." This project combines health awareness with AI technology to promote preventive care on an unprecedented scale. "In Croatia, nearly half the population unknowingly faces potential spine issues. Reluctance to seek professional help has led to what is commonly known as a silent pandemic, hurting the nation's collective spine with alarming numbers. But now, we made sure the innovation steps in where the hesitation prevails," said Dr. Tatjana Kujundžic, head of Croatia Polyclinics. Here's how it works: passers-by stand in front of an interactive digital billboard equipped with computer vision and AI-powered software. The system scans their posture by analyzing the alignment of the neck, mid-back, and lower spine through eight key points. Within seconds, it detects potential problems and provides immediate feedback, both visual and numeric, highlighting any areas of concern. If an issue is identified, the screen prompts the individual to book an appointment with a physiotherapist on the spot via a QR code, turning what might have been a casual wait for the bus into proactive health action. Foremost Materials Scientist Releases New Book to Confront Harmful Environmental Myths
Dr. Chris DeArmitt, internationally acclaimed materials scientist and the world's #1-ranked plastics expert, has released "Shattering the Plastics Illusion," a revolutionary book that exposes how environmental misinformation is creating serious public health risks and preventing life-saving solutions. This urgent scientific exposé follows his acclaimed first book, "The Plastics Paradox." Dr. DeArmitt's extensive analysis of thousands of peer-reviewed studies reveals that widespread myths about plastics are driving people toward choices that may actually harm their health and the environment. Dr. DeArmitt is committed to uncovering and communicating the truth about plastics, microplastics, and their health and environmental impact. "Shattering the Plastics Illusion" has also been peer-reviewed and endorsed by top scientists from around the world. "Society has been fed myths about plastics by organizations that often have questionable motives," says Dr. DeArmitt. "It's time to be informed and ground our decisions in solid science rather than sensationalism so that we can finally implement solutions that genuinely benefit our environment." World's Best Glacier Photos Launch in Global "Walk of Water" Exhibition
Breathtaking glacier photography features in the international exhibition "Walk of Water", which launched in June. Amid predictions that up to two-thirds of Earth's glaciers will vanish by 2100, this exhibition offers a stunning visual journey into melting ice worlds, highlighting critical water stories, ingenious local solutions, and the urgent need for global action. Organised by German non-profit Onewater, with support from UNESCO's World Water Assessment Programme, MPB, the Asian Development Bank, and the City of Burghausen, the 2025 "Walk of Water" showcases a curated collection from highly decorated artists, including World Photography Awards winners and National Geographic explorers. Their powerful images span Alpine peaks, Himalayan communities, and polar expanses, capturing not only the stark reality of receding ice but also vibrant water festivals, indigenous adaptation strategies, and the profound cultural ties to these frozen landscapes—all threatened by a warming planet. The loss of glaciers means rising sea levels, endangered drinking water and food production, and the disappearance of unique plants, animals, ecosystems and cultural heritage. Get Proactive with Your Eye Health
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of permanent blindness, often does its damage silently -- with no noticeable symptoms -- as vision is lost. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans, but most people don't know they have the condition until it's revealed in an eye exam. Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. That's why when it comes to detecting and treating glaucoma, the earlier, the better. Division of TMIS Greenman Microgreenswww.greenmanmicrogreens.com In loving memory of my late husband Laurence Neil “Mack” McLaughlin, Jr. If you can be efficient, you can be effective! TM Information Services P.O. Box 1516; Orting, WA 98360 Copyright 2025© TM Information Services All Rights Reserved |
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