✨🚀 Towards Eternity #4
Revolutionizing Cancer Detection with a Blood Test, Exploring Bhaang's Legal Status in India, a16z's Big Ideas for 2025, and a Deep Dive into Protein Bars
Imagine detecting cancer early with just a drop of blood—Strand Life Sciences’ new CancerSpot test could make this a reality for millions. Meanwhile, the story of bhang in India highlights the curious intersection of ancient traditions and evolving drug laws. We also look ahead to 2025, where Andreessen Horowitz envisions biotech tackling major diseases and AI democratizing healthcare.
And for those on the go, we dive into protein bars: how to choose the good ones, avoid the bad, and use them to fuel your health journey.
This newsletter brings you the top three healthtech stories from the past week, along with a deep dive into one standout story that caught our attention.
This is Towards Eternity, a weekly newsletter that curates and brings together insights from the world of healthtech. This newsletter is aimed at health enthusiasts, biohackers, investors, Quantified Self enthusiasts, founders, and investors to get the pulse of the ecosystem.
I’m Pradeep, a writer, recovering health enthusiast, and part of the C4E Village.
Three for the Week
Strand Life Sciences unveils CancerSpot test for early detection of multiple cancers 🔬
Strand Life Sciences, backed by Reliance Industries, has unveiled CancerSpot —a groundbreaking test for early cancer detection. This innovative diagnostic tool can detect over 20 cancer types, including lung, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, using a simple blood sample.
This innovative test employs advanced methylation profiling technology to identify tumor DNA fragments in a simple blood sample, providing a non-invasive and efficient screening method for cancer detection.
The test is designed to be user-friendly, enabling proactive and routine cancer screening with minimal discomfort. It represents a significant advancement in making early cancer detection accessible to a broader population
Is bhang legal in India? ⚖️
Legal Restrictions with Exceptions: Cannabis resin and flowers are prohibited, but leaves and seeds are not, under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act, 1985. Bhang (made from cannabis leaves) is legally consumed during festivals and is sold in licensed shops due to its exemption from the act.
State and Contextual Variability: Legal status differs by state; for example, Uttarakhand allows hemp cultivation, Odisha tolerates its recreational use, and medical cannabis has been legalized under strict regulations since 2017.
Evolving Perspectives: In December 2020, India supported a resolution at the United Nations to remove cannabis from a restrictive classification under international drug treaties, signaling a shift towards recognizing its potential therapeutic benefits.
Andreesen Horowitz’s Big Ideas in Tech for 2025 - Bio and Health edition 💡
Biopharma’s Big Shift: 2025 sees biotech startups targeting large, common diseases again, driven by the success of GLP-1 drugs ($100B+ market by 2030) for diabetes and obesity, and breakthroughs like Dr. Georg Schett’s CAR-T cell therapy, which shows transformative results for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis.
Health Democratization: AI and consumer tech are revolutionizing healthcare, from biomarker analysis to wearables, empowering patients with data for prevention and early detection. This shift refocuses the system on proactive care and health longevity.
You can read more here. It reminds me of the last edition where we highlighted the trends we saw in 2024.
A Deep Dive into Protein Bars
Last week, SuperYou, a health and nutrition startup, received investment from Rainmatter, the fund led by the Kamath brothers. This turned my attention to protein bars, a technology that has simplified the way we consume essential nutrients like protein. For this edition of the newsletter, I decided to dive deeper into the world of protein bars and their role in nutrition.
Protein 101
Protein isn’t just for gym enthusiasts or “gym bros” looking to recover from workouts. It’s a fundamental nutrient that supports immunity, hormonal balance, and enzyme production.
Everyone needs protein—children, adults, and seniors alike. The recommended daily intake is a minimum of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, most people struggle to meet this requirement through diet alone, which is where supplements, like protein bars, come into play.
What to Look for in a Protein Bar?
Protein bars can be a convenient way to fill nutritional gaps, but not all bars are created equal. Here’s what you should consider when picking a protein bar:
Protein Content: Look for at least 10 grams of protein per serving. For those involved in intense strength training, aim for 20 grams or more.
Protein Source: Prioritize bars made with whey, casein, or egg protein for complete amino acid profiles. Plant-based options are also available but may lack some essential amino acids.
Added Sugar: Keep added sugar to under 6-8 grams per serving.
Saturated Fat: Ensure saturated fats are less than 10% of total calories.
Fiber: Look for 3-5 grams of fiber per serving.
Ingredients: Choose bars with fewer than 10 ingredients and avoid those packed with artificial additives.
Are Protein Bars Enough?
Protein bars should not replace whole, nutrient-dense foods. They’re a convenient supplement, but a balanced diet is key. Incorporate a variety of natural protein sources, such as:
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
Nuts and seeds
Lean meats and fish
By diversifying your protein sources, you ensure your body gets all the essential amino acids and nutrients it needs for optimal health.
How to Spot a Bad Protein Bar?
Watch out for:
High Added Sugars: Excessive sugar can counteract the health benefits of the bar.
Unhealthy Fats: Avoid bars with trans fats or high levels of saturated fats.
Artificial Additives: Skip bars with long lists of artificial ingredients, preservatives, or unpronounceable chemicals.
Wrapping up
Protein bars can be a helpful addition to your diet, especially when you’re on the go. However, choosing the right one is crucial to maximizing their benefits. Always read labels carefully and remember that no supplement can replace the power of a wholesome, balanced diet.
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This is super good. Thanks!