Summer Issue July 2025
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Better Living Through Well Being

A new report from the Center for Sustainable Economy (CSE) highlights the severe environmental and economic consequences of clearcutting boreal forests in Ontario, Canada, for the production of toilet paper and paper towels sold in the United States. The report estimates that over 3.8 million tons of carbon pollution are generated annually from this practice, equivalent to emissions from more than 824,000 gas-powered vehicles. The resulting economic damages exceed $560 million per year, effectively canceling out any financial gains from pulp exports. Despite this, Canada and the US have failed to incorporate the true environmental costs into their trade and environmental policies.

The report urges policymakers to adopt reforms such as border carbon adjustments (BCAs) to incentivize the production and use of non-wood alternatives like hemp, bamboo, and agricultural waste. Advocates, including CSE and the Environmental Paper Network, argue that the current system unfairly subsidizes timber-based industries at the expense of the climate and public interest. They call for policy changes that support sustainable alternatives and reflect the real cost of environmental degradation, hoping that governments and consumers will push for ethical and eco-friendly reforms in the paper industry.

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A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease highlights how Linus Health's digital platform can detect early signs of cognitive decline far sooner than traditional methods. Using a 7-minute, speech-based digital assessment, the platform measures not just test answers, but the response time (latency) between prompts and answers -- revealing subtle neurological changes that may indicate emerging cognitive impairment, even when responses are correct. This approach, rooted in the Boston Process Approach, introduces novel digital biomarkers and offers a scalable, efficient tool for early detection of conditions like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers argue that Linus Health’s precision neurocognition technology could replace hours of traditional testing, offering clinicians a more efficient, accurate, and earlier way to assess brain health during routine visits. Powered by AI and high-resolution data analysis, this innovation supports timely diagnosis, enabling earlier intervention and improving outcomes for aging populations at risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

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A groundbreaking study led by researchers from NYU Langone Health and collaborators in China has introduced a novel treatment strategy for autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis. The research, published in Cell, shows that a specially engineered bispecific antibody -- called BiTS -- can precisely shut down the immune system’s rogue T cells without broadly suppressing immunity. By holding together two key protein complexes (TCR and LAG-3) on the surface of T cells, the treatment prevents autoimmune attacks on healthy tissues in mice, while minimizing the risks typically associated with immune suppression.

The approach hinges on new insights into how LAG-3, an immune checkpoint protein, suppresses T cell activity when in close proximity to the T cell receptor (TCR). BiTS enforces this proximity more effectively than natural processes, offering targeted immune regulation. The therapy successfully reduced tissue damage in mouse models of diabetes, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis. The findings pave the way for more spatially guided immunotherapies, potentially transforming treatment for a range of autoimmune conditions with fewer side effects than current methods.

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A new nasal COVID-19 vaccine, CVXGA, has shown promising results in a U.S.-based Phase 1 clinical trial led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The trial found that a single nasal dose was safe, well-tolerated, and capable of generating strong immune responses both in the nasal mucosa and systemically. Participants receiving higher doses experienced significantly lower rates of symptomatic infection, with infection rates dropping to as low as 11.1%, compared to 73.3% in the low-dose group. Mild side effects such as runny nose and nausea were reported, but no serious adverse effects occurred.

The vaccine, developed by CyanVac LLC, could offer advantages over traditional injected vaccines by directly targeting the virus at its entry point -- nasal tissues -- potentially preventing transmission more effectively. With COVID-19 still causing hundreds of deaths monthly, especially in the U.S., researchers see nasal vaccines as a crucial next step. Based on these initial results, two larger clinical trials are now underway, including one aiming to enroll over 10,000 participants by 2026, to confirm the vaccine’s effectiveness on a broader scale.

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A recent survey conducted by Horowitz Research reveals that 91% of homeowners in California, Texas, and Florida are deeply concerned about extreme weather, rising energy bills, and grid instability. Many expressed dissatisfaction with existing solar energy solutions and a strong interest in more reliable backup power options. Over 70% of respondents either own or want to own solar battery systems, and 60% are seeking greater independence from the power grid. These concerns are especially urgent in states frequently impacted by climate-related disasters and infrastructure failures.

In response to this growing demand, EcoFlow is launching its OCEAN Pro energy storage system in the U.S., a grid-tied home backup battery compatible with rooftop solar systems. The product, which builds on EcoFlow’s success in Europe, promises 24/7 whole-home backup, AI-driven energy savings, and the ability to sell electricity back to the grid. The survey highlights a shifting energy landscape where consumers are actively seeking more trustworthy and effective alternatives to traditional energy providers and solutions.

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Other articles of interest in this TMIS eNewsletter for Summer 2025:

* Sustainable biodegradable products company has developed world’s first climate-positive, biodegradable cellulosic filament yarn engineered to replace polyester and nylon.

* AI conversational companion supports family and caregiver interactions with daily phone calls to seniors to help address the growing loneliness crisis.

* Public health campaign increases awareness and promotes preventive care on unprecedented scale through free posture screening and analysis using AI-powered digital billboard at public bus stops.

* New book, Shattering the Plastics Illusion, challenges common misconceptions about plastics with well-researched facts.

* Beauty and peril of vanishing glaciers takes center stage in global photography exhibition, urging climate action.

* Eye specialists encourage proactive response to evidence of early glaucoma, as waiting for symptoms to develop could result in lost vision.

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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
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Boreal Forests Down the Toilet: New report documents the climate consequences of clearcutting Canada's vanishing forests for tissue paper and paper towels
Seattle, Washington

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.

The report also quantifies the economic damages associated with this pollution – over $560 million each year, or $1,715 for every ton of pulp exported to the US. The export price of pulp from Ontario is currently hovering around this same level, meaning any financial benefits from export are entirely canceled by the economic harm created.

"It's hard to imagine a more wasteful use of carbon-rich forests. In a rational economic system, this should not be happening," said Dr. John Talberth, President and Senior Economist for CSE. "The problem is that neither Canada nor the US is putting a price on the climate and environmental damages associated with boreal forest clearcutting and factoring that price into trade and environmental policies. Our report helps lay the groundwork for doing so."

Full Story

Rewriting the Timeline of Detection: Linus Health's Digital Platform Uncovers the Earliest Signs of Cognitive Decline
Boston, Massachusetts

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.

Full Story

Finding Suggests Treatment Approach for Autoimmune Diseases
New York, New York

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.

Full Story

Nasal COVID Vax Shows Promise in Phase 1 Clinical Trial
Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

Full Story

Survey: Extreme Natural Disasters, Soaring Energy Bills and a Failing Power Grid Spark Demand for Better Household Solar and Backup Battery Solutions
Irvine, California

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.

Full Story

Altri to Acquire a Majority Stake in AeoniQ to Scale World's First Industrial Production of Climate Positive Textile Yarn
Porto, Portugal

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.

Full Story

inTouch Addresses Senior Loneliness Crisis with Launch of AI Conversational Companion for North America
New York, New York

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.

Full Story

Croatia Transforms Bus Stops into Waiting Rooms and Digital Billboards into AI Screening Tools
New York, New York

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.

Full Story

Foremost Materials Scientist Releases New Book to Confront Harmful Environmental Myths
Cincinnati, Ohio

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."

Full Story

World's Best Glacier Photos Launch in Global "Walk of Water" Exhibition
Neuotting, Germany

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.

Full Story

Get Proactive with Your Eye Health
Mission, Kansas

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.
Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and reduce vision, sometimes making objects look blurry or dark. Early on, most people don't notice what's happening, but as glaucoma progresses, you may notice some loss of peripheral vision. By this point, the disease has progressed significantly toward blindness, and treatment options may be limited.

Regular eye exams, including specific glaucoma tests, are important for the early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma. If diagnosed early, an eye doctor can recommend treatment to manage glaucoma and help prevent vision loss.

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In loving memory of my late husband Laurence Neil “Mack” McLaughlin, Jr.
January 9, 1951 – November 19, 2023

The Green Man


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