A new study finds that people who regularly eat ultra-processed foods – things like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food – have a higher risk of developing and dying from cancer.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 100,000 adults in the UK and found that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in someone’s diet was associated with a 2% higher risk of developing cancer and a 6% higher risk of dying from cancer.
The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, identified specific types of cancer with stronger links to ultra-processed food consumption, including ovarian and brain cancers.
“This study adds to a growing body of evidence linking ultra-processed foods to a range of health problems,” says Dr. Ian Johnson, a nutrition researcher at King’s College London, who was not involved in the study. “It’s not necessarily proving cause and effect, but it’s certainly raising concerns.”
ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugar, fat, and salt, and low in nutrients. They often contain additives and ingredients not commonly used in home cooking.
While the study doesn’t prove that ultra-processed foods cause cancer, researchers say the findings highlight the importance of a healthy diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.the view from the rebuilt Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole hotel on the canyon’s North Rim. It was destroyed in a wildfire over the weekend, nearly a century after the original burned down.
National Park Service
A raging wildfire has destroyed dozens of structures in Grand Canyon National Park, including a beloved historic lodge that was already rebuilt once after burning down nearly a century ago.
For decades, the Grand Canyon Lodge was the only hotel inside the North Rim, a more secluded portion of the park with higher elevation and cooler temperatures.An undated photo shows Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim of Grand Canyon, Ariz. A wildfire has destroyed the lodge.
The National Park Service says the “extreme and volatile” blaze grew by 500 acres on Saturday night, destroying an estimated 50 to 80 structures including the lodge, cabins and visitor facilities.No injuries were reported.
“We are grateful that all our employees and guests have been safely evacuated, and we join the National Park Service in mourning the loss of these iconic and beloved structures,” local newspaper coverage.The Utah Parks Company set about rebuilding.But the Great Depression – and a series of other inci[Image of a landscape with mountains and trees, with a sign visible in the foreground.]https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/617×480+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2F04%2F75dbbc42421f8a574f2acfb4aca3%2F63fd398f-155d-451f-67e7e554e23db334original.jpg 400w,
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NPS, EDEN/National Park Service
The hotel was long staffed by college students who served not just as waiters but entertainers, Crockett says (his aunt was one of them in the 1960s). For decades, workers put on traditions like nightly talent shows and “sing-aways,” in which they would line up outside to serenade departing visitors.
“And so it was just an amazing experience for both the tourists who came there and also for those who worked there,” Crockett says.
A future unknown
The full extent of the damage isn’t yet known as the fire continues.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable said on sunday that the visitor center,gas station,a wastewater treatment plant,an administrative building and some employee housing were among the dozens of structures lost.
The hotel’s website says it will be in contact with guests who have existing re
The Looming Challenges Facing America’s National Parks
America’s treasured national parks, vital ecosystems and popular tourist destinations, are increasingly vulnerable to the repercussions of reduced federal support. Both the natural habitat and the economies of communities adjacent to these parks are beginning to experience strain due to budgetary constraints and subsequent staff reductions.
Economic and Ecological Impacts Mount
Recent reports indicate a growing trend of financial instability within the National Park System. A February 2025 analysis highlighted the disruptive effects of layoffs and diminished resources on park operations [[1]]. these cuts aren’t merely administrative; they directly impact visitor services, maintenance of crucial infrastructure, and essential conservation efforts. For example,delayed trail maintenance can lead to erosion and habitat damage,while reduced ranger patrols can increase instances of poaching and vandalism.
The National Park Service, which manages over 400 sites across the country, saw a visitor count of over 327 million in 2023, generating an estimated $50.3 billion in economic output.However,continued funding reductions threaten this economic engine,perhaps leading to decreased tourism and lost revenue for local businesses.
The Case of the north Rim Lodge
The potential loss of accessible viewpoints exemplifies the challenges. One individual, Crockett, expressed cautious optimism regarding the future of a lodge, acknowledging the financial hurdles but maintaining hope for its eventual reconstruction. He emphasized the unique accessibility the lodge provides,contrasting it with other scenic locations that require navigating unpaved roads. This highlights a critical point: national parks aren’t just about pristine wilderness; they are also about providing equitable access to natural beauty for all visitors.
A Future in Question
While the long-term consequences remain uncertain, the current trajectory raises serious concerns. The proposed budget cuts, as detailed in a June 2025 report, specifically target safety and resource management within parks like Joshua Tree [[2]]. This could lead to increased risks for both visitors and the delicate ecosystems these parks protect.The situation demands a renewed commitment to preserving these national treasures, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come. Without adequate funding, the very qualities that make these parks so valuable – their natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and economic contributions – are at risk of diminishing.