‘The wonders of science and technology are mind-boggling, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence. The world is, indeed, blessed with countless brilliant minds and talents.’
CURRENTLY, there is a mosquito-borne epidemic in Guangdong Province in China, with about 8,000 cases of Chikungunya viral infections (first started mid-June), reported on July 26, 2025, mostly in Foshan city, the epicenter. Other areas of the province are also affected. This is the largest outbreak in China’s history. The officials are concerned with the impact of the weather (potential typhoons and rain), which favors mosquito breeding.
The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes; no human-to-human transmission. The signs and symptoms include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, nausea, red eyes, and significant joint pains. These usually resolve in a week, but some may experience debilitating joint pains for months or even years. It rarely causes death.
The government has initiated and maintained “aggressive containment efforts, including widespread insecticide fogging, door-to-door inspection, and forced hospitalization for those who are infected.”
The Chikungunya infection has spread beyond China, affecting Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. This same viral infection has been reported in over 110 countries in 2025, including Africa (Senegal, Kenya), the Americas (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru), and Europe (France and Italy).
Chikungunya is not endemic in the United States, although these two varieties of mosquitoes are present in the USA, and usually travel-associated cases enter the country. “Locally acquired cases reported in Florida were in 2019, none since,” according to the CDC.
The global concern for a potential pandemic is being closely monitored worldwide.
Mosquito repellents in the form of bracelets, skin spray, cream, gels, and electronic devices are available to prevent mosquito bites for outdoor adventurers, especially for those who are traveling.
While the cases in Guangdong have plateaued, with fewer new cases in Foshan, the authorities have not reduced their vigilance and containment strategies.
COVID is back
“Stratus,” the new XFG variant of COVID-19, is rapidly spreading across the US and in Europe. The WHO has assessed the global risk to be low, so we can relax, but also be vigilant.
Microplastics in our bodies
For the past couple of years, we have been warning people of microplastic contamination in our brains, our blood, and other vital organs. The brain appears to have the highest concentration, about 7 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon. The highest concentration is in our frontal cortex, the area responsible for the higher-order cognitive functions. And it appears no one is exempt from this contamination; all human beings (and animals) have microplastics in their body.
The number one source of microplastic contamination is the atmosphere, in the air we breathe, since plastic materials are ubiquitous, especially in our homes. Bottled water is another source, where plastic bottle microplastics leach into the water. Any plastic container leaks microplastics.
For drinking water, we have purchased a 9-stage under-sink and tabletop water filtration system, with a Reverse Osmosis membrane filter, and a UVC light to kill bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc. The membrane filters out microplastics, besides harmful chemicals and other total dissolved solids (TDS).
It is recommended that we use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel housewares, especially in the kitchen, where food items are stored. For grocery items, food, and drinks, glass containers are preferred.
The various harmful effects of microplastics on human health include inflammation, oxidative stress, potential links to cardiovascular and reproductive issues, and even cancer. Microplastics can also enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. More studies are ongoing about microplastics and their definitive effects on health.
M-diet for longevity?
Gaining its popularity in the 1970s for its health benefits, the Mediterranean Diet has been studied around the globe to find out if it holds the key to longevity. MD relies on fresh whole vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and moderate amounts of oily fish, and “appears to help with weight loss to better heart health.”
Eating meat, about the size of a deck of cards, is allowed. It has been shown that “eating plant-based meat substitutes offered no significant benefits to heart health over actual animal meat.”
In 2025, various studies have found that a “Mediterranean-type diet is linked to better brain health, better gut health, a lower risk of cancer, lower blood pressure, and even a decreased risk of chronic constipation,” according to MNT.
The broader implication is that it promotes health and maximizes the natural potential longevity of the individual.
Breakthroughs
The latest medical breakthroughs: (1) A new blood test has been developed that can detect Alzheimer’s with 90 percent accuracy, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment; (2) Advances in gene therapy offer hope for treat diseases like sickle cell anemia, and exploring potential applications for muscular dystrophy and other conditions; (3) An mRNA vaccine has shown promise in trials for pancreatic cancer, potentially reducing recurrence following surgery; (4) A new implant that stimulates the Vagus nerve may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients; and, (5) Researchers have successfully grown a backbone using human stem cells, which could aid studies into spinal cord injuries and birth defects.”
The wonders of science and technology are mind-boggling, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence. The world is, indeed, blessed with countless brilliant minds and talents.
