South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said that fire crews from Barry, Penarth, Ely, and Cardiff Central are all at the scene tackling the fire.
Appliances, a water bowser, and an aerial hydraulic platform are all being used to deal with the incident.
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Artichokes may look intimidating, but the vegetable is worth getting familiar with thanks to its abundant nutrients and health benefits.
Artichokes are the edible flower buds of a thistle. They are known for the tender heart in the center and the fleshy inner part of the leaves.
While the firm green and purple vegetable may seem less convenient and more challenging to prepare than other produce, artichokes boast a notable mix of fiber, antioxidants and essential micronutrients for relatively few calories.
So don’t let their appearance sway you from trying them even though they have spiky leaves and an unusual structure – dietitians say it is time to brave the artichoke.
Artichokes Are Nutrient-Dense
Studies show how nutrient-dense foods provide a high concentration of beneficial nutrients relative to their calorie content.
‘Artichokes are a great example,’ said Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator for Marquee Health in Detroit, Michigan.
‘One medium artichoke contains only about 60 to 70 calories but delivers substantial amounts of fiber, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and several beneficial plant compounds,’ she added.
‘Artichokes rank among the vegetables with the highest antioxidant capacity, making them a smart addition to an overall healthy eating pattern.’
Artichokes are the edible flower buds of a thistle. They are known for the tender heart in the center and the fleshy inner part of the leaves
Hearty and Healthy
One of artichokes’ biggest benefits is digestive support. Their fiber promotes regularity, helps support healthy cholesterol and blood sugar, and may increase fullness after meals.
‘A medium artichoke provides about 7 grams of fiber, along with folate, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium,’ said Jessica Cording, a registered dietitian in New York and New Jersey.
‘They also contain inulin, a prebiotic fiber that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and supports gut health over time,’ she added.
Beyond digestion, artichokes support heart health.
Their fiber, potassium, and antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress, and their low-calorie, filling profile makes them a smart addition to meals.
A 2019 study in European Food Research and Technology touted the health effects of fiber found in artichokes. Because they are loaded with fiber, artichokes can keep you fuller and healthier.
‘Fiber matters because it supports digestive health, supports stable blood sugar, promotes healthy cholesterol levels, and can help people feel satisfied after meals, a key component of weight management,’ Cording told Daily Mail
Another primary nutrient is folate, which supports cell growth and is an important nutrient in a balanced diet. Other reasons to devour artichokes: vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.
‘Vitamin C contributes to immune function and antioxidant support, while magnesium and potassium help support normal muscle, nerve, and heart function,’ cited Cording.
‘The combination of fiber, potassium, and antioxidant compounds makes artichokes a food that can fit nicely into a heart-healthy eating pattern.’
Artichokes pair nicely with lemon, garlic, olive oil, parsley, basil, thyme, black pepper and parmesan cheese.
Plus, a 2021 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine revealed artichokes support cardiovascular health in surprising ways.
‘Their fiber content may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and promote gut health. Artichokes also contain polyphenols and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation,’ said Derocha, who is also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
‘I often tell people to think of artichokes as a “multitasking vegetable.” They support gut health through fiber, heart health through their nutrient profile, and overall wellness through their antioxidant content.’
How to Choose, Prepare and Store Artichokes
Choose artichokes that feel heavy and have tightly packed, green leaves with no browning.
A slight squeak when gently squeezed is also a sign of freshness, Derocha told Daily Mail. Artichokes naturally oxidize and turn brown after being cut, similar to apples or avocados.
Derocha suggests using lemon juice to slow browning: ‘Lemon juice contains citric acid and vitamin C, which help slow this enzymatic browning and keep the artichoke looking fresh.’
You may have heard about the choke in the vegetable: the fuzzy, inedible center above the heart.
In larger mature artichokes, remove it after cooking and before eating the heart. Baby artichokes usually have little or no choke and can often be eaten whole, Derocha added.
Choose artichokes that feel heavy and have tightly packed, green leaves with no browning
Cooking and Meal Prep Ideas Using Artichokes
Whether steamed whole, roasted or tossed into salads, pasta, or grain bowls, artichokes offer a practical way to add more nutrition and variety to meals.
‘Various cooking methods can affect texture and flavor, but from a nutrition perspective, steaming, roasting, and boiling are all reasonable options,’ said Cording.
‘I also love canned and frozen artichoke hearts for easy use in everyday eating. I find these especially useful for things like salads, sheet pan meals, and pasta.’
Add artichokes to your favorite pastas to diversify old or simple recipes.
They also pair nicely with lemon, garlic, olive oil, parsley, basil, thyme, black pepper, and parmesan cheese, Derocha said.
Also, add to yogurt-based dips for a change-up.
‘And, their slightly nutty, earthy flavor also works well in Mediterranean-inspired dishes,’ said Derocha.
The Bottom Line
If you need one reason to eat more artichokes, start with this: they deliver fiber and antioxidants in a low-calorie package.
That combination supports long-term health and makes artichokes a smart way to add both nutrition and flavor to everyday meals.
Our green and pleasant land is sizzling. This week, millions of us across the UK are baking in unprecedented heat. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning from 9am today in parts of southern Wales, and central and southern England. The temperature record for June of 35.6C is almost certain to be broken; Bristol is forecast to hit an alarming 39C tomorrow.
In the heat, the country’s infrastructure is straining: millions of homes are overheating, rail operators have warned against all but essential travel, and hospital admissions are set to surge. The Climate Change Committee concluded last month the UK is built for a climate that no longer exists – and warned today on the country’s policies towards achieving net zero.
But it is not just humans who are struggling. The UK’s landscapes and wildlife have been shaped by – and have adapted to – thousands of years of predictable, moderate weather patterns. Now, Britain’s temperate rainforests, chalk streams, moorlands and broadleaf forests are facing extremes.
For today’s First Edition, I spoke with Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts, about the pressure rising temperatures are placing on nature in the UK, and what we can all be doing to support wildlife during the heatwave. But first, the headlines.
UK news | Searing heat has swept the UK with schools, hospitals, transport networks and water companies struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures caused by climate breakdown.
UK politics | Keir Starmer has met Andy Burnham for the first time since the Makerfield byelection in what sources said was a “frosty” meeting to thrash out a transition of power.
US news | Marco Rubio is to meet Gulf allies in an attempt to reassure them that the US remains committed to their security and the 60-day ceasefire deal struck with Iran last week will not embolden Tehran.
Europe news | Forty people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas across France in recent days, as people across the country sought respite from a record-breaking heatwave.
UK politics | Nigel Farage has said his £5m gift from a crypto billionaire is “not any of your business” as it was given unconditionally to be spent on anything from Ferraris to gambling on horses.
Last week, The Major oak – one of the UK’s most famous trees – was pronounced dead. The enormous, sprawling oak has stood in Sherwood forest in Nottinghamshire for between 800 and 1200 years, and is fabled to have sheltered Robin Hood and his outlaws. Its cause of death is complex, say experts: well-intentioned conservation efforts to help the tree likely contributed to its demise. But the RSPB, which managed the ancient tree, said that extreme heat and drought are also to blame. It’s a symbol of the challenges native species are facing nationwide.
“If we think this is bad now, we ain’t seen nothing yet,” says Bennett, who represents a federation of 47 independent wildlife conservation across the country.
A single mature oak tree can support more than 2,300 insect, fungi, bird and mammal species. But not when it is dead, and worrying preliminary research on Britain’s forests found evidence that many ancient woodlands are failing to regenerate. While the causes are still being studied, climate change is believed to be a major driver.
Says Bennett: “Climate change is causing stress for all kinds of species. Most have not evolved in the conditions we are now experiencing.”
Climate change is by no means the only threat to native biodiversity, but there are already clear signs of disruption to the seasonal patterns upon which wildlife relies. Nature needs predictable cycles: birds hatch their eggs in time for plentiful insects, small mammals rely on autumn fruit to get them through winter. If this does not happen, they do not survive.
Met Office scientists are now predicting we’ll be seeing 45C by 2056. We are already seeing the consequences. When temperatures surpassed 40C for the first time in the UK in July 2022, there were reports of swifts falling from the sky in London. Dehydrated fox cubs, baby birds and hedgehogs were brought to the RSPCA, while many nature reserves “went silent” as insects and other species took shelter, which is only the most temporary of salves. The lack of water that year meant that many trees dropped their leaves during the summer instead of the autumn.
Changing landscapes
Wildfires have become more regular in recent years. British landscapes have been shaped by rain and mild temperatures, forming a mosaic of peat bogs, heathland, forests and farmland. Our climate has traditionally fed a lush, green land, and wildlife that lives among it. As hotter and drier conditions become more common, this is set to change. Without rain, formerly verdant landscapes turn brown and yellow – primed to burst into flames.
2025 was a record year for blazes, with the largest around Dava in the Scottish Highlands – later described as the country’s first ever megafire. Wildfires are devastating for flora and fauna, burning through habitat, destroying seed banks in the soil, and killing species that cannot escape.
“It’s really hard for wildlife to recover after a blaze, particularly in areas that are seeing repeated fires”, says Bennett. “If you got a heatwave like the one we are having this week and it lasted two months, what would happen? The countryside would be tinder dry.” It hasn’t always been this way.
Britain has lost 90% of its wetland habitats in the last 500 years. To protect against wildfires, far more energy needs to be put into keeping water within British landscapes by restoring and creating new wetlands, argues Bennett. The reintroduction of beavers in parts of the UK have already helped to do this keeping flooded areas wetter for longer. In turn, the habitat protects native species and can help recharge aquifers in water-stressed regions. But this needs to be done at a much greater scale.
“The Westminster government is always very excited about creating new forests,” says Bennett. “But I want us to become obsessed with creating thousands of wetlands across the country and start getting politicians competing over how many they can create, not just trees they can plant.”
Species introduction
In the long term, some conservation groups believe that governments should consider more radical measures to enhance nature’s resilience: if a plant or animal species begins to struggle because their habitat becomes too dry or too hot, move it outside its historic range. The policy known as “assisted migration” is already in use in parts of the US and Canada: sensitive tree species are being planted higher up mountains to help them survive.
Alongside this, some environmentalists support the introduction of non-native species that are better adapted to the climate of the future. Forestry England have put together a list of species that they believe are likely to do well in the future climate, which includes some natives like the sycamore and rowan, and non-native species like the Corsican pine. But this could fundamentally change the country’s landscapes over time if it was done at scale and risks the introduction of invasive species that cause further harm.
“First and foremost, we should be doing everything we can to help our native species,” argues Bennett. “There are big debates in the conservation movement about whether we should begin introductions from Mediterranean climates. We might also need to consider helping species from southern England to move north, for example, and make habitats better connected to allow them to do that.”
In it together
Everyone can help wildlife in periods of extreme weather. Providing a source of water is absolutely essential, says Bennett, whether in the form of a garden pond or even in a bucket that birds and invertebrates can access. Trees and scrubland are important for shelter, providing areas that animals can use to hide from the heat until temperatures drop.
“Having vegetation on buildings is helpful. People have a love-hate relationship with ivy, but it actually helps cool buildings. And of course, it’s a habitat for bugs that live in it and then birds that feed on them. Also, not cutting your lawn too short is helpful. It will probably be more resilient in hot weather if it’s longer, and that’s good for lots of species,” Bennett says.
In prolonged heatwaves, some conservation groups suggest leaving food out for struggling animals to feed on. For example, slugs and snails are harder for creatures like hedgehogs to find in high temperatures.
Whether it is this heatwave or the next, Bennett says, it is time for the UK to get serious about the impact of rising temperatures on nature: “We’re heading to a much hotter future where heatwaves like this will become the new normal. We need to start planning now. Nature can be one of our greatest allies.”
Megha Mohan visited houses in Kerala designed entirely around the needs of women’s bodies for this fascinating piece. Libby
Leah Harper spent a week wearing different kinds of wigs to explore whether their glamorous rebranding is justified. Patrick
Former footballer and Euros 2024 tournament director Phillip Lahm has written about how the Tartan Army’s joyous takeover of the World Cup makes the case for an expanded tournament. Libby
On the pitch
England 0-0 Ghana | England failed to seize the initiative in Group L as they were held to a draw by a Ghana side whose progress is also all but assured.
Panama 0-1 Croatia | Luka Modric 200th cap for Croatia was a victorious one after Ante Budimir’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Panama, the solitary goal scored all day in Group L.
And the rest | Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal rediscovered their goal scoring touch with a 5-0 trouncing of Uzbekistan, and in Mexico, Colombia secured their passage from Group K with a well-deserved 1-0 win against DR Congo.
Off the pitch
Racism | Pundit and former Yugoslavia international Rade Bogdanovic has caused outrage after saying that “Black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes” during Belgium’s game against Iran on Sunday.
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‘Overruled’ | The Guardian’s Matt Hughes reports that Fifa leadership vetoed US officials who opposed dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets. “Fifa is understood to have ruled that the tournament was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to maximise revenues,” he writes.
Take your pick | Tonight sees the start of the final round of group games, so here’s your reminder to try our Bracketology game and map out how you think the rest of the tournament will go.
Today’s Fixtures
Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar, 8pm on ITV
Switzerland v Canada, 8pm on ITV
Morocco v Haiti, 11pm on BBC
Scotland v Brazil, 11pm on BBC
Czechia v Mexico, 2am on BBC
South Africa v South Korea, 2am on BBC
Cricket | Ben Stokes returned to the England set-up on Tuesday after talks with Brendon McCullum before training. McCullum said they are still “very aligned” ahead of a third Test against New Zealand.
“Schools, rail and hospitals suffer as heat engulfs UK”, is the Guardian’s splash today, while the i Paper says “Britain set to break 50-year heat record”, Metro has “Killer heat warnings” and the Mirror goes with “Meltdown”.
The FT leads with “Starmer risks clash with Burnham over defence investment blueprint”, the Times says “Starmer and Burnham at odds over defence plan” and the Telegraph’s take is “Burnham: I’ll boost cash for defence”.
The headline in the Express is “Don’t let them get away with Brexit sell-out”. And on the World Cup, the Sun splashes “Ghana be alright”.
Europe battles record-breaking heat: is this the new normal?
Europe is dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France holding an emergency meeting after heat-related deaths.
António Guterres, the UN chief, is urging the world to act on fossil fuels as the continent braces for record-breaking heat.
Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan.
A bit of good news to remind you that the world’s not all bad
Among the modern dating landscape of myriad apps, turning to literature in your search for love may sound a distinctly dated concept. Inspired by newlyweds Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s restaurant meet-cute (midway through the same novel, they started talking), other couples share how books brought them to the loves of their life, from book-club beginnings to intimate inscriptions.
“An attractive male who likes books – what was there not to like?” says Lisa Oakley, of her classroom crush turned husband, Andy Poplar.
Sam Fern and Clíodhna Conboye met at an under-attended Waterstones event. “He liked these books that were a huge thing to me,” says Clíodhna. For the next month they went to three book-based activities a week, and later set up a book club together.
Sign up here for a weekly roundup of The Upside, sent to you every Sunday
And finally, the Guardian’s puzzles are here to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) is telling parents that their children may be entitled to a £2,000 payment that some families have ‘forgotten about’. The consumer website, established by Martin Lewis, issued a social media appeal, noting that children born within a specific timeframe might qualify for thousands of pounds.
Writing on Facebook, MSE said: “Have a child between 15 and 23? They need to know this.” The post continued: “They could be sitting on an average of £2,200 and have absolutely no idea about it.
“All UK children born from 1 September 2002 to 2 January 2011 had a Child Trust Fund, and the state automatically put £250 in it. But many have been forgotten about and lost… But good news! HMRC has a handy tool to find ’em.”
According to MSE’s website, people born between the dates could be “one of 750,000 missing out on an average £2,200 lying dormant in a Child Trust Fund.” The total can vary between accounts, but some could have thousands.
MSE said: “Until 31 July 2010, the Government added the first £250 or £500, plus a further £250 or £500 if the child turned seven before that date. From 1 August 2010 to 2 January 2011, this second payment was scrapped while the initial payment ranged from £50 to £500. Either way, every account has a sum of money sitting in it.”
You can find a missing Child Trust Fund by using the free Find a Child Trust Fund tool on gov.uk. You will require either your National Insurance number or your child’s, along with their date of birth and a Government Gateway ID to pinpoint the provider. You’ll also need any adoption details, reports the Mirror.
In response to the Facebook post, many MSE followers were keen to share their experiences. One parent commented: “My son has £5,000 in his now to be taken when he’s 18 next year.” Another reply said: “My daughters both got around 4k when they were 18 and the trust fund was switched to an ISA.”
A different social media user replied: “My son didn’t get it, born the week after! However, my daughter did and we was recommended to put into stocks and shares. So glad I did, she did extremely well!”
However, another reply said: “My 15-year-old got £65!!” A commenter responded: “About the same for mine. So disappointing.” Someone else said: “Both grandsons only received £500 each from their trusts.”
Meanwhile, a commenter shared: “Our son got nearly £10k when he turned 18 earlier this year. He has wisely invested some. Spent some. Paid 1/2 for his car and put some into an easy-access savings account.”
Omeprazole is a widely prescribed medication for people with acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn (stock image) (Image: Getty )
People taking medication to manage heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion, such as omeprazole, are being urged to examine the storage instructions on their medicine packaging. With the UK experiencing a severe heatwave this week, including rare Extreme Heat alerts, those on prescribed medication are advised to follow crucial storage guidelines.
Numerous common medicines require proper storage to guarantee they remain effective and don’t deteriorate prematurely. Similar to statins, beta blockers, inhalers, antidepressants and various other frequently-prescribed drugs, omeprazole must be kept in an appropriate location to prevent potential health complications.
According to instructions from the NHS, the majority of medication should be stored in a “cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture”. With conditions pushing temperatures as high as 40C in certain areas of the country, maintaining cool home environments can prove challenging, reports the Mirror.
People are advised to check the label of their medication to see how it should be stored. The NHS adds: “Ensure medicines are stored correctly as indicated on the packaging or label.
“Some medicines need to be refrigerated, kept out of light, or in specific containers. Room temperature medicines should be in regulated rooms and not exposed to temperature fluctuations, like conservatories on hot or cold days.”
The majority of medicines require storage at temperatures below 25C. Pharmacies are urging patients to take steps to keep their medications below this threshold where possible, unless storage instructions specify otherwise, such as those requiring refrigeration.
Those taking medication can look up their medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website. For numerous omeprazole medications listed on the site, identical storage instructions are provided.
These include: “Do not store above 25C. Keep the bottle tightly closed in order to protect from light and moisture.” And: “Do not store above 25C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.”
People are urged to keep their medication out of sunlight and stored below 25C as 40C heatwave hits (Image: Getty)
A statement on the National Pharmacy Association’s website reads: “Most medicines that need to be kept at room temperature should be stored in a cool dry place, away from heat zones and direct sunlight. When temperatures climb medicine can lose its effectiveness, or in some cases, cause unwanted side effects.
“Most medicines should routinely be kept in areas that do not exceed 25 degrees. Pharmacists are also reminding patients to take precautions in the hot weather, including keeping curtains and windows in direct sunlight closed in the hottest hours of the day, drinking plenty of fluids and wearing appropriate clothing and sun protection when outdoors.”
During last month’s heatwave, Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), at the time said: “Let’s face it – when there’s a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it’s easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them.
“Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. To stay safe in the heat: Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you’re out and about.
“Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body; take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn. And remember, for all medicines it’s important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.”
The shop worker’s comments come during an ongoing debate about the use of smart glasses, several million pairs of which have been manufactured and sold in recent years by some of the world’s biggest technology companies.
Meta’s Ray-bans are currently the most popular on the market, estimated to make up more than 80% of all AI or smart glasses sales. But their increased use has also prompted safety concerns.
The retail worker who served Barrymore told the BBC: “Personally I wasn’t unduly bothered because I don’t have any particular reason to be unduly bothered.
“But I can see that there are situations in which you would be very bothered. Let’s say I’ve just come out of a very abusive relationship. It’s not particularly unusual that people have to move area to get away from somebody.
“And in those circumstances, there’s a video on social media platforms where it’s perfectly obvious where I’m working, and somewhat obvious what area, in which case I would’ve been very concerned indeed.”
The worker said he “probably wouldn’t have minded” being filmed, but that he would like to have been asked before the recording began.
Allport said such recordings were an “invasion of privacy”, and in some situations can have a “massive impact on our members’ mental health”.
She said the “really concerning” cases were times when “the customer is disgruntled about something that’s happened… they confront the shop worker, film and upload it in order to embarrass the retailer”.
“If you can imagine going to work and then being confronted by someone, having a discussion with them that may well get heated, that being filmed and then it goes on to social media, you can just imagine how those shop workers are feeling about it, it can be absolutely devastating.”
Asked what advice she would offer to Barrymore, Allport replied: “ I would say, just take five minutes before you do the filming.
“Go into the store, explain to the staff what you’re intending to do, and ask them if they mind starring in… his video.
“And I suspect quite a number of them won’t mind at all,” she added. “But it is common courtesy to ask for permission.”
Dozens of “pirates, misfits and mermaids” gathered on the pebbles at Penarth seafront before dawn, sharing flasks of hot drinks, laughter and pre‑swim nerves as the sky slowly lightened above the pier.
Dawnstalkers is an outdoor swimming community that meets at first light on Penarth seafront, encouraging people to “sea you at the shore” and discover the mental and physical benefits of cold‑water dips.
The group is built around three simple ideas: community, information sharing and motivation, with regular swimmers using social media to organise meet‑ups and support newcomers.
For the solstice, the usual early‑morning routine came with added magic.
Swimmers checked the Cardiff tide times, packed their robes and towels and set alarms for well before 4am, before heading to the seafront for a sunrise sea swim, silent disco, coffee and cake.
On the shore, music played through wireless headphones as swimmers in bobble hats, brightly coloured swim caps and tow floats danced on the pebbles to warm up.
As the first glow of sunrise appeared, the group made its way down the slipway and into the sea, shouts and squeals mixing with the sound of the waves as they dipped beneath the surface.
The community prides itself on being open to all, whatever people’s age, speed or confidence in the water.
New swimmers are encouraged to read the group’s responsibility statement, check conditions and tides, and always put safety first before joining the daily habit of getting in the sea at dawn.
Much of the atmosphere is captured through the lens of James, the group’s well‑known shore‑based photographer, instantly recognisable in his yellow jacket, cap and waders, with a camera “bigger than his head”.
His near‑daily images of sunrise swims, shared on Instagram as @halfwit0.5, have helped the Dawnstalkers’ following grow far beyond Penarth, inspiring others to brave the cold and find their own early‑morning community.
Heavy drinking has long been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease – but scientists now believe people whose faces flush after drinking alcohol may be especially vulnerable.
A new study from the University of Florida examined how a toxic byproduct of alcohol may reshape the brain at a cellular level.
Researchers focused on acetaldehyde, a harmful compound produced when the body breaks down alcohol, and a gene variant linked to the so-called alcohol flush reaction.
The gene, ALDH2, provides instructions for making an enzyme that helps convert acetaldehyde into acetate, a less toxic substance that can be more easily processed and cleared by the body.
But some people carry a faulty version of the gene, known as ALDH2*2, which means they clear acetaldehyde less efficiently.
This can cause acetaldehyde to build up after drinking, triggering symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, headaches and a racing heart.
In the study, researchers used mice genetically engineered to carry the ALDH2*2 variant to examine how acetaldehyde toxicity from chronic heavy alcohol use may influence brain inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and tau pathology – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
‘People carrying this variant struggle to clear acetaldehyde efficiently, allowing this toxic compound to linger like an unwelcome guest and fuel inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, including the brain,’ said Nagalakshmi Balasubramanian, the study’s lead author.
Just a couple of glasses a wine a night could increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, especially if your prone to flushing, new research has suggested
Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.
‘While carrying this variant does not mean someone is destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease, it may stack the deck toward accelerated ageing and neurodegeneration, especially in people with chronic heavy alcohol exposure.’
She added that heavy drinking – generally defined as more than eight drinks per week for women or 15 for men over long periods – may leave a lasting imprint on brain health.
The research – which was presented at the annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol – also aimed to find out whether boosting ALDH2 activity could help the brain fight back against alcohol-induced damage.
They concluded that identifying these molecular ‘red flags’ and genetic variations early may ‘pave the way for earlier detection and more targeted human therapies before irreversible brain damage takes hold.
‘Research suggests that chronic alcohol use can fast-track biological aging in the brain and ‘fan the flames’ of pathways linked to Alzheimer’s,’ Balasubramanian added.
‘Alcohol can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction while also contributing to depression, anxiety and social withdrawal, changes that are often early warning signs of the disease.
‘In many cases, the writing may be on the wall long before memory loss appears.
‘When it comes to protecting brain health, knowledge truly is power.’
This study isn’t the first one to suggest that cutting down on alcohol consumption could play a significant role in preventing the disease.
Recent research found drinking any amount of alcohol may increase the risk of developing dementia.
The study, led by experts at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale looked at data from 559,559 people and found people who did not drink at all , and those who drank heavily had higher dementia risk than light drinkers.
However, researchers said this was likely to be the result of people with early symptoms cutting back on or giving up alcohol entirely.
There are an estimated one million people in the UK living with dementia – and by 2040 that figure is expected to climb to 1.4 million.
But while the search for a cure continues, there is mounting evidence that prevention may be the best form of defence for now.
A major consensus earlier this year by world-leading experts, building on The Lancet Commission on Dementia concluded that almost half of all cases globally could be prevented, or at least delayed for several years, if action was taken to address 14 risk factors – ranging from smoking and excess alcohol consumption, to loneliness and a sedentary lifestyle – that are driving up rates of illness.
NHS guidelines state adults shouldn’t drink more than 14 units a week, the equivalent of one medium glass of wine a night.
You might be getting a migraine if you experience one common symptom (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A brain specialist has revealed the everyday symptom many people encounter regularly that could in fact signal a migraine is imminent.
Migraines are a “complex neurologic disorder with multiple stages” usually marked by intensely painful, incapacitating and recurrent headaches. The discomfort of a migraine is severe and predominantly affects one side of the head.
It can intensify with movement and is frequently accompanied by nausea and can result in vomiting. Numerous sufferers also experience acute sensitivity to light, sound and smell.
The NHS warns people may experience various symptoms at the beginning of a migraine attack, heralding its onset.
Symptoms can include “feeling very tired and yawning a lot, craving certain foods or feeling thirsty, changes in your mood, a stiff neck” and even “peeing more”.
One of these typical migraine indicators was explored in detail by Jessica Lowe MD, a neurologist and epileptologist who shares content on social media under the name Doctor Brain Barbie.
In a recent TikTok video, she concentrated on yawning and its possible connection to the beginning of a migraine.
Speaking directly to the camera, Jessica began: “Fun fact – excessive yawning can be a symptom of migraine and, no, it’s not necessarily because you’re tired.”
She continued: “For many patients, frequent yawning is actually a part of the ‘prodrome phase’, which is the earliest stage of a migraine attack that can occur hours and sometimes days before the headache begins.
“One of the key brain regions involved in this phase is the structure called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus helps regulate things like sleep, wakefulness, appetite, body temperature, hormone release and many other automatic functions within the body.”
The expert explained “brain imaging studies have shown activation of the hypothalamus very early during migraine attacks before the pain phase begins”.
She described this as “particularly relevant” because numerous “symptoms migraine patients experience during the prodrome phase are functions that the hypothalamus helps regulate”.
These include “yawning, food cravings, fatigue, changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, increased thirst and even neck discomfort”, mirroring guidance provided by the NHS.
@doctorbrainbarbie Did you know excessive yawning can be a symptom of migraine? ?????? For many patients, frequent yawning isn’t just a sign of being tired. It can actually be part of the prodrome phase, the earliest stage of a migraine attack, occurring hours or even days before the headache begins. As part of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we’re talking about the symptoms, stages and science of migraine that don’t get discussed nearly enough. What other migraine symptoms should we cover this month? Let me know in the comments. ??????⚡️ ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. #migraine #migraineawareness #migraines #brainhealth #neuro ♬ original sound – Doctor Brain Barbie ??????
Dr Lowe continued: “Yawning is also closely linked to dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, movement and arousal.
“So when dopamine pathways are activated, yawning can occur – and we know that dopamine signalling appears to be altered in migraine.
“In fact, migraine patients can be unusually sensitive to dopamine which may help explain why symptoms like yawning, nausea, food cravings, changes in alertness, can occur before the headache phase.”
The doctor suggested if you ever notice yourself “yawning repeatedly for no obvious reason”, it doesn’t automatically indicate you’re exhausted and in need of a caffeine boost.
Dr Lowe added: “For some migraine patients, it may be one of the first signs that a migraine attack has already begun so remember, a migraine attack doesn’t necessarily start when the headache starts.
“The headache is just one phase of a neurologic process that may have been developing in the brain for hours or even days because migraine is a complex neurologic disorder with multiple stages – and the pain is only one part of the story.”
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