The Daily News – January 20, 2025

In today’s episode, deadly Rate on Gas detected in increasing numbers of Canadian homes. Next ulcerative colitis gene finding offers sufferers hope and last are their health risks of being double jointed. Welcome to the Daily News. First off, deadly rate on gas. An invisible and odorless threat is being detected at increasingly dangerous levels in Canadian homes. According to an article in the Calgary Herald, the number of homes with high radon concentrations has more than doubled in the past 12 years with residents in the Calgary area. Among the most affected radon gas is produced by the breakdown of uranium in the soil and it seeps into homes through foundations and basement floors. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada responsible for an estimated 16% of cases. A radiation biologist at the University of Calgary says Canadians are among the most highly rate on exposed people on earth, and that means we urgently need to address this to avoid a future of prevalent, but otherwise avoidable lung cancers. Some regions are hit particularly hard, the prairies, especially areas like Strathmore, Okotoks, and High River. As more Canadians test their homes, more are discovering elevated levels, particularly in newer airtight homes that trap the gas. The study’s director also emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue with preventative measures. He’s encouraged by the possibility that future Canadian building codes will require new homes to be equipped with radon detection devices. Radon testing is simple and affordable. With an Alpha track device, homeowners can measure radon levels over a few months. If levels are high, effective mitigation systems can be installed to protect your family from long-term exposure. If your concerned about radon in your home, testing is the first step. For more information on testing and mitigation, visit the government of Canada’s website@canada.ca. Next up, new research from Denmark could change the way ulcerative colitis is treated. Scientists have found a gene that helps predict which patients will develop more severe forms of the disease. This discovery offers new hope for better treatment and earlier interventions. According to Newsweek, the study was conducted by researchers at Alburg University. It evolved analyzing genetic data from nearly 4,500 Danish patients with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition affecting the colon and causes symptoms like pain, bleeding, and fatigue. But until now, predicting which patients will develop more severe cases has been challenging. The Danish study tested over 9 million genetic variants. They found one gene that was strongly linked to severe cases. Patients with this variant are more likely to need surgery or require regular hospitalization. The doctoral student who led the research says, out of all these variants, we detected one specific genetic variant strongly associated with severe ulcerative colitis. This finding builds on earlier studies confirming the connection between this gene and severe disease. About two to 3% of people with European ancestry carry this genetic variant. This breakthrough could mean better outcomes for patients, allowing doctors to treat severe cases earlier and more effectively with rising cases of ulcerative colitis. This discovery gives new hope for targeted treatments and a better quality of life for many patients. Now, for our last story, people who have unusually flexible joints are at higher risk for conditions like chronic pain and even long covid. This comes from a report in National Geographic. The report highlights the growing evidence that this condition known as hypermobility, which you might know as being double jointed, can lead to a range of health complications. Hypermobility, which affects around three to 4% of the population means joints can move beyond the normal range of motion. Hypermobility can look very different from person to person, whether it’s being able to contort their limbs into unusual positions or having joints that keep popping out of the socket. Hypermobility is a direct result of loose or weak connective tissue, and the problems related to it often stem from the inability of this connective tissue to properly support and stabilize the body structures. Now, according to the article, for many hypermobility is a sign that their connective tissue is weak and connective tissues roll throughout the body means hypermobility can affect many different systems. That’s why some people with the condition develop a wide range of symptoms from digestive issues to muscle tightness and chronic pain. What’s particularly concerning is that viral infections like COVID-19 can worsen hypermobility. Evidence suggests that viral infections may trigger inflammation in connective tissues, potentially leading to long-term issues such as long covid. If you are double jointed and experiencing unexplained health issues, it might be worth exploring the risks of hypermobility with a healthcare provider. With ongoing research, doctors hope to better understand these risks and improve care for those affected. Those were our top stories for today. As always, thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.