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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Hill or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: A new study published in Environment International shows that toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) disrupt human liver function by triggering fat buildup and cancer-linked cell damage
• Researchers at USC’s Keck School of Medicine found PFAS interfere with liver cell signaling and immune functions through distinct mechanisms
• Effects were sex-specific, with PFOA impacting female liver cells more strongly and PFOS affecting male cells
🔭 The context: PFAS — widely used in household products and firefighting foam — are notorious for persisting in the body and environment
• Linked to cancers and liver disease, their exact biological impact has been unclear until now
• Scientists exposed human liver “spheroids” from 10 donors to four PFAS types commonly found in blood: PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, and PFNA
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Understanding how PFAS harm human health strengthens the case for regulation and targeted medical interventions
• PFOA and PFHxS boosted fat accumulation in liver cells, while PFOS and PFNA triggered cancer-related genetic changes
• PFNA showed the most severe impact, with 61.3% of exposed cells undergoing cancer-associated gene changes
⏭️ What’s next: Researchers say FDA-approved drugs that regulate fat metabolism could be tested to treat PFAS-induced liver damage
• In the meantime, individuals are advised to limit exposure by filtering drinking water and avoiding nonstick cookware
• Regulatory momentum on PFAS restrictions is likely to accelerate as health evidence mounts
💬 One quote: “These chemicals change our bodies and we cannot wait for government regulations to take effect.” – Ana Maretti-Mira, lead author, USC Keck School of Medicine
📈 One stat: 61.3% of liver cells exposed to PFNA showed gene expression changes linked to cancer
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