Research Topic: public health

Psychedelic use in Poland: prevalence, correlates and social attitudes

This study found that about 6% of Polish adults have tried psychedelic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms, mostly young men in cities driven by curiosity. Most users took these substances at home and described mixed experiences. While negative attitudes toward psychedelics were common overall, people with meditation experience and previous psychedelic use had more positive views about their therapeutic potential.

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Safe Meat, Smart Science: Biotechnology’s Role in Antibiotic Residue Removal

Antibiotics used to treat sick animals can leave residues in meat that contribute to dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria affecting human health. This review explores cutting-edge biotechnology solutions like rapid detection sensors, engineered enzymes, and bacterial viruses that can identify and eliminate these harmful residues. When combined with smarter antibiotic use on farms, these technologies offer practical ways to make meat safer and protect public health.

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Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

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Online Availability of Diamond Shruumz Before and After FDA Recall Initiation: Qualitative Assessment and Simulated Test Purchasing

Diamond Shruumz mushroom-based edible products caused severe illnesses in consumers and were recalled by the FDA in June 2024. Researchers discovered that despite the recall, many online sellers continued to advertise and sell these products across social media and websites. The study found that even two weeks after the recall, about one-third of the websites still successfully completed product sales, showing how difficult it is for regulators to enforce recalls on the internet.

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Vaping danger: A hidden threat among Malaysia’s youth

A 15-year-old student in Malaysia was hospitalized after vaping a product labeled as having a magic mushroom flavor. Testing revealed the vape actually contained MDMB-4en-PINACA, a highly potent synthetic cannabinoid that is 100-200 times stronger than natural cannabis. This case highlights the danger of unregulated vaping products being mixed with illegal substances that can cause serious health effects including seizures, heart problems, and organ damage. Doctors and the public need to be aware of these hidden threats in vaping products.

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Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Agricultural Soils: A Comprehensive Review of the Hidden Crisis and Exploring Control Strategies

Antibiotics used in farming and medicine are creating resistant bacteria that accumulate in soil, threatening food safety and human health through the food chain. This review explains how these resistant genes spread through soil microorganisms and presents practical solutions including special soil treatments, chemical processes, and beneficial microorganisms to reduce the problem. The authors emphasize the need for stricter regulations on antibiotic use in agriculture and better management of farm manure to protect both soil health and public health.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practice on mushroom poisoning among residents of Jilin province

This study surveyed over 500 residents in Jilin Province about their understanding of mushroom poisoning risks. The results showed that most people had limited knowledge about toxic mushrooms, though many held positive attitudes about food safety. However, knowing about the dangers did not always translate into safer behaviors. The research suggests that better education, especially for rural residents, could help prevent dangerous mushroom poisoning incidents.

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The impact of climate change on the epidemiology of fungal infections: implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health strategies

Climate change is making it easier for dangerous fungi to grow and spread to new areas where people have never encountered them before. As temperatures rise and weather becomes more extreme, fungi are becoming resistant to our medicines, especially antifungal drugs used in both farming and hospitals. People living in poverty, displaced by natural disasters, and those without good healthcare access are most vulnerable to these infections. We need to act quickly by developing new treatments, improving diagnosis, reducing agricultural fungicide use, and strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable communities.

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Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Cutaneous Fungal Infections

Climate change and natural disasters are creating conditions that allow fungal infections to spread more easily and affect people in new ways. Warmer temperatures help fungi adapt to infect humans, while floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes expose people to fungal spores and create wounds through which infections can enter. Doctors need to be alert for unusual fungal infections after disasters, especially since some of these infections can cause serious complications and resist common treatments.

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Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

This paper highlights how patients with fungal infections and their caregivers are rarely included in discussions about healthcare policies and research funding, unlike patients with cancer or HIV. The authors argue that fungal diseases deserve more attention and resources, and that listening to patient experiences is essential for improving how these diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. They propose that dedicated advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, can help bridge this gap and ensure fungal infections receive the policy support and research investment they need.

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