In the News
Precision Therapy Could Stop Breast Cancer at the Source
New Study Links Blood Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Better Cognitive Health in People at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
New Step One Foods survey by The Harris Poll reveals a dangerous information gap as heart disease remains America's leading killer
46% Drop in Mental Energy? The FoundationMED Report That Has Every Industry on Edge
Paul Stamets Speaks at the United Nations on the Power of Mushroom Mycelium
Precision Therapy Could Stop Breast Cancer at the Source
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified a promising new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is among the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. Their approach employs an antibody-drug conjugate — a delivery system that uses an antibody to identify cancer cells and deliver a highly potent chemotherapy directly into those cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue. Antibody-drug conjugates make it possible to use chemotherapy drugs that are too toxic to deliver on their own, offering a promising avenue for treating the most difficult cancers.
In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancer cases, and it is widely considered the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat. This is because TNBC tends to grow and spread more quickly than other forms of breast cancer, and it typically fails to respond to therapies that work in other subtypes, such as hormonal therapies. As a result, survival rates for TNBC tend to be lower than for other breast cancers. Additionally, TNBC disproportionately affects younger women, Black women and those with certain genetic mutations.
Key findings from the new study include:
- A cell-surface protein called FZD7 is present on cells with high tumor-initiating potential in TNBC.
- By engineering an antibody-drug conjugate to target cells with FZD7, the researchers significantly reduced tumor growth in mouse models without observable toxicity.
- In mouse-derived organoids — 3D models of organ tissue — cells with FZD7 were more aggressive and more sensitive to the treatment than other tumor cells.
- The approach was also effective in human TNBC cell lines.
While it will take further research to advance the treatment into the clinic, the study results suggest that targeting tumor-initiating cells through FZD7 could offer a new path forward for patients with aggressive breast cancers that do not respond to existing therapies. The research team believes this strategy may pave the way for more precise, effective treatments for TNBC, and the approach could also one day be leveraged against other cancers with similar biology.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Dennis A. Carson, M.D., professor of medicine and Karl Willert, Ph.D., professor of cellular and molecular medicine, both at UC San Diego School of Medicine. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, The Mary Kay Foundation, and Curebound. The researchers declare no competing interests.
Source: University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr Dept 518, La Jolla, CA 92093 United States
New Study Links Blood Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Better Cognitive Health in People at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition reveals that higher levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood — particularly DHA and ALA — are associated with better cognitive performance over time in middle-aged adults at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The research, conducted within the ALFA (Alzheimer and Families) Study, followed 323 cognitively unimpaired participants over three years. By analyzing red blood cell (RBC) concentrations of three omega-3 fatty acids — docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — researchers discovered that participants with higher DHA levels showed slower cognitive decline, while higher ALA levels were linked to stronger visual processing abilities.
Key Findings
DHA and global cognition: Participants with higher DHA levels demonstrated a more favorable rate of change in overall cognitive performance, measured using the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC)
ALA and visual processing: Higher blood levels of plant-derived ALA were linked to improved performance in visual processing tasks.
EPA not significantly associated: No statistically significant associations were observed between EPA and cognitive performance.
Consistency across risk groups: The associations between omega-3 status and cognition were similar regardless of sex, APOE-ε4 genotype (a key genetic risk factor for AD), or underlying Alzheimer’s pathology detected through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers.
The ALFA+ cohort, a subset of the larger ALFA project, includes middle-aged individuals (aged 45–74 years) with a family history of Alzheimer’s or other risk factors. All participants were cognitively healthy at baseline but genetically or clinically predisposed to AD.
Researchers measured omega-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cells — a more stable and long-term indicator of dietary intake and metabolism than plasma measurements. Participants underwent a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests at baseline and again three years later, assessing domains such as memory, attention, executive function, language, and visual processing.
The study’s statistical models controlled for several variables, including age, sex, education, physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, and APOE-ε4 status. Even after accounting for these factors, DHA emerged as a significant predictor of better cognitive trajectories.
“Our findings reinforce the idea that diet-linked omega-3 fatty acids are important for long-term brain health,” said Dr. Aleix Sala-Vila, Research Scientist at the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) and principal investigator at Hospital del Mar Research Institute and senior researcher in the ALFA project.
“While DHA from fish has long been associated with brain structure and function, our results also point to potential benefits from ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, which may be particularly relevant for people with low fish consumption.”
Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with limited options for treatment once symptoms appear. Identifying modifiable lifestyle and nutritional factors that can delay or prevent disease onset has become a major global health priority.
The ALFA study’s focus on individuals in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer’s — those who show no symptoms but carry biological or genetic risk markers — offers critical insight into early preventive strategies.
“These results suggest that maintaining adequate omega-3 fatty acid levels through diet or supplementation may help preserve cognitive function before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms,” said Dr. Bill Harris, Founder of OmegaQuant, and President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI). “Longer and larger studies, including randomized clinical trials, are needed to confirm causality.”
Study Link: Red blood cell omega-3 status and longitudinal cognition in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
New Step One Foods survey by The Harris Poll reveals a dangerous information gap as heart disease remains America's leading killer
Despite clinical evidence showing that food can lower cholesterol in just one month, and by as much as medications in some cases, most Americans — and even doctors (primary care physicians (PCPs)) — are unaware of how powerful diet can be for heart health. A new Harris Poll survey commissioned by Step One Foods, a cardiologist-created food system clinically proven in a Mayo Clinic–led trial to rapidly and meaningfully lower cholesterol through real, whole foods, exposes a critical gap in America's approach to cardiovascular care.
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (89%) believe food can be as powerful as medicine for managing heart health, yet fewer than 1 in 10 (6%) realize adults with high cholesterol can lower their cholesterol levels using diet alone in one month. The disconnect extends to the clinical side: 95% of PCPs surveyed don't know that the average adult with high cholesterol can see meaningful cholesterol reduction by incorporating and adhering to prescribed dietary changes alone in 1 month. Doctors also overestimate patients' preference for prescriptions — 63% of PCPs surveyed think most of their patients would rather take medication than make dietary changes if they needed to manage or lower their cholesterol, while only 35% of Americans said the same. Meanwhile, nearly three in four PCPs surveyed (74%) wish they had better resources to help guide their patients on which foods they should eat or avoid to manage their cholesterol.
These findings highlight what preventive cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas calls "a systemic blind spot in medicine's approach to heart disease."
With heart disease claiming more than 919,000 lives in 2023, according to the CDC, the findings expose a critical disconnect between research and patient care in the fight against America's most preventable killer. And as Americans prepare to turn the page on another year, understanding the quick, measurable impact of food on heart health could mean the difference between resolutions that fizzle and actions that truly save lives.
"Clinical research shows that the right combination of foods can significantly lower cholesterol in just 30 days," said Dr. Klodas, founder of Step One Foods. "It's not a theory — it's a proven first step that should come before (or alongside) medication in every treatment plan."
The Leading Killer — and the Least Addressed Cause
Heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 75% of medical schools have no required clinical nutrition classes and those that do, average less than 20 hours of instruction. The result is a system better equipped to prescribe medications than to prevent disease.
Dr. Klodas, a Mayo Clinic–trained cardiologist, founded Step One Foods to change that equation. Every serving of every product is scientifically formulated to deliver clinically meaningful amounts of fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants, and omega-3s — nutrients proven to lower LDL cholesterol within 30 days in a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted by Mayo Clinic and the University of Manitoba.
A Call to Reconnect Food and Medicine
The Harris Poll results highlight a public health opportunity hiding in plain sight. By reconnecting food and medicine, experts say, the U.S. could take meaningful strides in preventing the chronic conditions that drive healthcare costs and shorten lives.
"Patients want options, physicians want better tools, and the science is already here," said Dr. Klodas. "We don't need to wait for the next breakthrough drug. The most powerful intervention for heart disease prevention can already be sitting on our plates."
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Step One Foods on September 23-25, 2025 among 2,095 adults ages 18+ ("Americans") and on October 17, 2025 among 104 physicians who specialize in general/family practice or internal medicine ("PCPs"). For complete survey methodology, including credible intervals, weighting variables, and subgroup sample sizes (where applicable), please reach out to the media contact below.
About Step One Foods
Step One Foods offers convenient, scientifically-formulated foods clinically validated to rapidly reduce cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic health. Real food. Real results. Unapologetically delicious. Learn more at steponefoods.com .
46% Drop in Mental Energy? The FoundationMED Report That Has Every Industry on Edge
New data reveals a staggering 46% decline in self-reported mental energy among adults over the past year, with sharp drops not just in tech and corporate sectors but also in healthcare, education, and service industries. According to the newly released Energy and Brain Health 2025 report from FoundationMED, this widespread depletion in cognitive vitality signals a looming crisis, with metabolic stress, disrupted sleep, and poor nutrition combining to threaten productivity and performance on a global scale.
Why This Matters
- Adults facing chronic metabolic strain, including fluctuating blood sugar and mitochondrial dysfunction, were nearly twice as likely to experience brain fog, decision fatigue, and emotional burnout.
- High-intensity industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, and remote work environments reported a 38% higher incidence of severe energy loss compared to last year.
- If left unaddressed, the decline in mental energy could contribute to a $2 trillion global productivity shortfall by 2030.
What's Causing the Decline
The report identifies four major drivers of the ongoing decline in brain energy:
- Metabolic dysfunction with irregular blood sugar and cellular overload strongly correlated to reduced cognitive performance.
- Sleep disruption with half of respondents averaging less than six hours of quality sleep reporting severe fatigue.
- Chronic stress and "burnt-out brain" syndrome from high-stakes decision making without recovery time.
- Nutritional imbalance driven by processed diets lacking in essential micronutrients.
Industries and Individuals Are Feeling It
From hospitals to classrooms to home offices, no sector is immune. The findings suggest a universal pattern of energy collapse impacting focus, creativity, and emotional regulation. Foundation Med emphasizes that organizations can no longer treat brain health as an individual concern but as a core metric of performance and sustainability.
Act Now or Fall Behind
The report calls for immediate action to restore cognitive energy. Key recommendations include improving metabolic health through structured nutrition and recovery periods, prioritizing sleep quality as a strategic business goal, and incorporating resilience and mindfulness training into workplace wellness programs. Without proactive change, companies risk widespread burnout, reduced innovation, and long-term economic loss.
View the full report from FoundationMED here .
About FoundationMED
FoundationMED is a consultative medical practice in Raleigh, NC designed to apply both traditional medical knowledge as well as advanced functional medicine principles to health care and health optimization.
Paul Stamets Speaks at the United Nations on the Power of Mushroom Mycelium
Internationally renowned mycologist Paul Stamets recently addressed a distinguished audience at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City as part of a global gathering highlighting transformative leaders advancing human and planetary health.*
Stamets' talk explored the powerful immune-supporting properties of Turkey Tail and Agarikon—two mushroom species with extensive research demonstrating their ability to bolster immune function. Drawing on decades of study and discovery, Stamets emphasized how the mycelium of these mushrooms holds profound potential for supporting both personal wellness and the health of our planet.*
"Speaking at the United Nations was truly an honor," Stamets said. "The immense potential of Agarikon and Turkey Tail mushroom mycelium to support immune function cannot be understated. The opportunity to share such remarkable findings in front of a global audience is a true testament to fungi's inextricable role as stalwart allies in the health of both people and planet."*
For 50 years, Stamets has devoted much of his work as a mycologist to researching and advocating for the essential function that fungi have as cultivators of life on this planet. As Founder, Member, and Owner of Fungi Perfecti, LLC, Makers of Host Defense® Mushrooms™, Stamets directs his company to reinvest $1 million annually into mycological research and discovery.*
Stamets' efforts include organizing clinical trials on the efficacy of mushroom mycelium to support human health and contributing to numerous peer-reviewed scientific journal articles in the field of mycology. As owner of Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense, he and his team have cultivated the world's largest Agarikon culture library in a pursuit to preserve the at-risk species.*
"No other company in the mushroom supplement space has contributed more to the field of mycology or fungi for ecological preservation than Fungi Perfecti," Stamets said. "I've ensured that our work has always been in service to science, sustainability, and discovery—this moment at the United Nations stands as a milestone of this lifelong mission."
About Fungi Perfecti, LLC—Makers of Host Defense® Mushrooms™
Fungi Perfecti, LLC is a family-owned company founded by internationally renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, who launched Host Defense Mushrooms under Fungi Perfecti with the goal of building a bridge between people and fungi. Host Defense is now a leading mushroom supplement brand in the U.S., specializing in mushroom mycelium-based supplements designed to support human health. Its product line reflects the company's commitment to sustainability, scientific integrity, research, and education.*
Fungi Perfecti has become synonymous with cutting-edge mycological research and solutions—from water filtration (mycofiltration) and ecological rehabilitation (mycoremediation) to combating Colony Collapse Disorder in bees. A Certified B Corporation, Fungi Perfecti is third-party designated as Climate Positive, offsetting 110% of its carbon emissions, and is a certified Leading Living Wage Employer. Follow Host Defense and Fungi Perfecti on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
SOURCE Fungi Perfecti, LLC