Weight Loss Revolution?

 

Semaglutid and tizepatide are active ingredients in the so-called 'weight loss' drugs. They basically mimick  glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a natural hormone helping to control of blood glucose levels (and, hence diabetes mellitus). It also markedly suppresses appetite. Reduced food intake naturally generates a weight loss (https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/may/17/weight-loss-drugs-altering-views-how-body-brain-work). Helping folk to attain a healthy weight is obviously beneficial. It reduces the incidence of diabetes, strokes and cardio-vascular disease. 'Weight loss' drugs are also big money-spinners for their manufacturers. Having said that, one can't stress too strongly the view that medicalising all weight loss has its downsides. Folk may well get a sub-optimal diet. There's really no substitute for a healthy life-style, with a balanced intake of foods and appropriate levels of exercise.

Consumption Gazumps Recycling

 

A report has found that the amount of recycled material used annually by the global economy continues to decline. Currently, less than 7% of the material used to make stuff comes from recycled sources (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/16/global-recycling-rates-have-fallen-for-eighth-year-running-report-finds). This means that most people are continuing to behave as if the supplies of materials are infinite. That's clearly not true, given the current obsessions with rare metals. 

Invasion of the Chinese Vapes?

 

The Good News: the UK is banning single use vapes. The Bad News: the US-China 'tariff wars' is likely to result in a UK influx of almost indistinguishable notionally 'reusables' (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/19/uk-vapes-e-cigarettes-chinese-imports-tariffs-trade). Nicotine is highly addictive and can become a very expensive (in terms of money and health) habit. The only real legitimate use of vapes is to wean cigarette addicts off a more damaging obsession. The UK is banning single use vapes because they a) are clearly targeted at children; b) waste enormous amounts of lithium and other metals; c) are a fire hazard and d) are difficult to recycle. Re-chargeable vape kits would still be allowed. Most vapes are produced in China. China is, on health grounds, cutting its home sales. That country's vape producers are now also finding it more difficult to export their products to the US. It's predicted this will drive sales towards the lucrative UK market. They're likely to get round the single use ban, by producing ever-cheaper re-chargeable vape kits. These look almost identical to single use vapes. Research suggests that recharging 'pods' for these devices aren't widely available. There's, consequently, every possibility that users will discard these new items onto UK streets in exactly the same way single use vapes. 

Recoding a Baby

 

Doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, appear to have successfully used gene editing to treat a baby with a severe genetic condition. That condition generally kills 50% of infants in early infancy. The doctors completed the complex design, manufacture and safety testing of the baby's personalised therapy in a mere 6 months. The baby has received several infusions of the therapy and currently appears to be in a healthy condition (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/15/us-doctors-rewrite-dna-of-infant-with-severe-genetic-disorder-in-medical-first ). This seems to be the first example of gene editing being successfully used to 'rewrite' a child's DNA. The baby concerned will, of course, need to be monitored for an extended period to ensure the benefits persist. Using gene editing in this way is labour-intensive and requires fast action. 

Sandwich Islands Saga 1. Introduction

 

The Hawaiian Islands, when they were under British control, were known as the Sandwich Islands (after the lordly inventor of the sandwich, who wanted to avoid interrupting his activity at the gaming table). The state flag, still bares the union jack in one corner. I'm hoping to return shortly to Hawaii, after an absence of about 30 years. Whilst on leave from darkest Wales, I hope to note some of the changes that have occurred, as well as continuing to post on topical scientific issues. Posts are likely, as a consequence, to have more of an American flavour. 

Pressure Cooking?

 

Ultra-processed foods are clearly linked to human obesity and ill-health. Retail offers, like BOGOFF (buy one get one free), should consequently not include such  unhealthy items. Minimally processed and nutritious foods, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, as well as fresh meat and fish would be better candidates for money-saving offers. The  UK government had planned to get retailers to make just such a switch. This would have made it more affordable for poorer families to improve their diets. Retailers will be tasked with reducing offers on fatty and salt-laden foods. Pressure from the Food and Drink Federation  has, however, caused the government  to ditch its ban on ultra-processed food offers (https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2025/may/17/uk-government-drops-healthy-eating-push-after-lobbying-by-ultra-processed-food-firms). The Food and Drink Federation is a well-funded lobby group set up by the big ultra-processed food producers. Bowing to its pressure, will have severe financial consequences for the NHS and poorer families.

Seeing the Changes 2172

 

Lots of critters around at the Penclacwydd-Bynea border. Spotted a female Common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerm); a male Oedemera nobilis beetle; lots of Parsnip moth (Depressaria radiella) larvae and a female Brimstone butterfly (Gonopteryx rhamni).