From Gemini:

I think I’m probably using too much plastic in the kitchen.

Here is some further information

The study was led by Dr. Matthew Campen at the University of New Mexico.

The study analyzed human brain tissue and made the alarming claim that approximately 0.5% of the brain by weight was composed of microplastics, with polyethylene making up roughly 75% of that plastic.

Here is the breakdown of the recycling symbols associated with that plastic and the specific scientific challenges to the study.

1. The Plastic and Its Recycling Symbol

The study identified the dominant plastic as Polyethylene. Since polyethylene comes in two main densities, it is associated with two recycling symbols:

* **#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles.

* **#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Found in plastic grocery bags, shrink wrap, and squeezable bottles.

Because microplastics degrade and fragment in the environment, the particles found in the body could originate from either source.

Who is Challenging the Study?

Beyond the plastics industry (specifically the American Chemistry Council, which called the study "unnecessarily alarming"), there is a legitimate scientific challenge regarding the methodology used in the study.

The Scientific Critique: "Lipid Interference"

The primary scientific criticism comes from analytical chemists regarding the tool used to measure the plastic, called Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS).

* How it works: This method heats the sample until it decomposes into gas, which is then analyzed to identify chemical signatures.

* The Problem: The human brain is largely made of lipids (fats). When brain fats are heated to high temperatures, they can break down into chemicals (hydrocarbons) that look almost identical to the chemicals produced when polyethylene burns.

* The Argument: Critics argue that the "0.5% by weight" figure may be vastly inflated because the machine might be counting natural brain fats as plastic. They contend that without a different confirmation method (like spectroscopy that uses light rather than heat), it is difficult to distinguish the plastic from the brain's natural fatty tissue.

Summary of Challenges:

* Industry: Claims the study ignores the lack of proven health effects.

* Scientists: Argue the method likely confused brain fats for polyethylene, potentially producing a false positive or an exaggerated weight percentage.

I was fuzzy on the details of former President Clinton‘s heart problems. So I asked our dynamic duo from Google’s notebook LM to review the history. And it is fascinating.

Almost six years after my stroke, I discovered a test that might help explain my stroke:

The Cardio IQ(R) Advanced Lipid Panel, which tests for Lipoprotein(a) often called Lp(a) - This is not a standard test in the US.

My doctor then put me on a PCSK9 inhibitor, Repatha (evolocumab).

I've uploaded some of my medical record and blood work to Google's notebook LM and this is its analysis.

It is now my belief that everyone should be tested at least once in their lifetime for Lp(a).

Elton

Disclaimer: This podcast episode was generated using AI engines. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The hosts and AI engines consulted are not healthcare professionals and do not hold medical degrees.

AI-generated summaries may contain factual errors, omissions and mispronunciations. This information is intended solely as a conversation starter; it should never be relied upon as the sole basis for making medical decisions. Consult a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before making any health-related changes.

A comparative overview of plant-based and dairy yogurts.

This is the prompt that I gave to Google’s NotebookLM:

This episode dives into the puzzling medical event where a patient, like actress Sharon Stone, seems to recover well from a severe brain bleed and is sent home, only to have their symptoms dramatically worsen days or weeks later.

This is part 3 of a series on Sharon Stone's terrifying medical emergency: a subarachnoid hemorrhage (a severe type of Hemorrhagic stroke).

BE FAST: Stroke Warning Signs

B – Balance

Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

E – Eyes

Sudden vision changes: blurred, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.

F – Face

Facial drooping or numbness on one side. Ask the person to smile—does it look uneven?

A – Arms

Arm weakness or numbness. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?

S – Speech

Slurred speech or difficulty speaking/understanding. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.

T – Time

Time to call 911 immediately. Do not wait—every minute counts.

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly. If you notice any of these signs—even if they go away—act fast. Every minute without treatment means millions of brain cells lost

This podcast episode was produced by Elton Sherwin from publicly available sources and generated using AI engines.

Disclaimer: These podcasts are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The hosts and AI engines consulted are not healthcare professionals and do not hold medical degrees.

AI-generated summaries may contain factual errors, omissions and mispronunciations. This information is intended solely as a conversation starter; it should never be relied upon as the sole basis for making medical decisions. Consult a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before making any health-related changes.

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe type of hemorrhagic stroke.

• SAH is a Type of Stroke: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is specifically classified as a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding (hemorrhage) into the subarachnoid space—the area between the brain and the protective membranes that cover it.

• No Blood Clot Required: A stroke does not have to involve a blood clot. Strokes are broadly categorized into two main types based on their cause:

1. Ischemic Stroke (the most common type, about 87%), which is caused by a blood clot or blockage that cuts off blood flow to the brain.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (about 13% of cases), which is caused by a weakened blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into or around the brain tissue.

SAH is one of the two main types of hemorrhagic stroke, the other being intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain itself). The most common cause of a spontaneous SAH is the rupture of a brain aneurysm, which is a weak, ballooned area in a blood vessel.

Cover art was AI generated by Microsoft’s copilot using a picture from Roland Godefroy adapted by Blofeld, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3531420art

Could Sharon Stone's nine-day misdiagnosis happen today?

That is the question that I asked Google’s Notebook LM.

I’m Elton Sherwin and this podcast was produced from publicly available sources and generated using AI engines.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The hosts and AI engines consulted are not healthcare professionals and do not hold medical degrees.

AI-generated summaries may contain factual errors, omissions and mispronunciations. This information is intended solely as a conversation starter; it should never be relied upon as the sole basis for making medical decisions. Consult a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before making any health-related changes.

BE FAST: Stroke Warning Signs

B – Balance

Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

E – Eyes

Sudden vision changes: blurred, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.

F – Face

Facial drooping or numbness on one side. Ask the person to smile—does it look uneven?

A – Arms

Arm weakness or numbness. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?

S – Speech

Slurred speech or difficulty speaking/understanding. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.

T – Time

Time to call 911 immediately. Do not wait—every minute counts.

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly. If you notice any of these signs—even if they go away—act fast. Every minute without treatment means millions of brain cells lost

Background Info:

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe type of hemorrhagic stroke.

• SAH is a Type of Stroke: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is specifically classified as a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding (hemorrhage) into the subarachnoid space—the area between the brain and the protective membranes that cover it.

• No Blood Clot Required: A stroke does not have to involve a blood clot. Strokes are broadly categorized into two main types based on their cause:

1. Ischemic Stroke (the most common type, about 87%), which is caused by a blood clot or blockage that cuts off blood flow to the brain.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (about 13% of cases), which is caused by a weakened blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into or around the brain tissue.

SAH is one of the two main types of hemorrhagic stroke, the other being intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain itself). The most common cause of a spontaneous SAH is the rupture of a brain aneurysm, which is a weak, ballooned area in a blood vessel.

Cover art was AI generated by Microsoft’s copilot using a picture from Roland Godefroy adapted by Blofeld, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3531420art