Different,Types,Of,Non-dairy,Milk

Vegans who replace cow's milk with soy, almond, or other plant-based alternatives may face a higher chance of mental issues like depression and anxiety than individuals who drink cow’s milk regularly.



This finding emerged from a recent investigation of lifestyle patterns and mental health outcomes among hundreds of thousands of adults in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-well-being-of-milk-drinkers">Mental well-being of milk drinkers</h2>



Scientists explored how different milk types might be linked to mental and emotional well-being over more than a decade. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-gmo-plants-make-baby-formula-healthy-as-breast-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milk</a> is consumed by <a href="https://www.fao.org/dairy-production-products/products/milk-and-milk-products/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billions of people</a> worldwide, making it a major part of daily diets.&nbsp;After reviewing participants’ intake habits, researchers noted intriguing contrasts in mental health. 



One group that stood out was semi-skimmed milk drinkers. According to data, they had lower rates of both anxiety and depression when compared to those who either consumed full-fat or plant-based alternatives. 



This observation piqued the interest of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chunyan-Wu-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Chunying Wu</a> from <a href="https://portal.smu.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Medical University</a>, who authored the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-to-non-dairy-beverages">Shifting to non-dairy beverages</h2>



In recent years, many individuals have turned to non-dairy beverages. They cite environmental, health, or ethical concerns in their decision to avoid traditional cow’s milk. 



Yet <a href="https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Trade-General/Trade-Market-reports/Milk-alternatives-popularity-growing-in-the-US-February-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> suggests some of these milk alternatives may not provide the same mental health benefits. One explanation involves nutritional content.&nbsp;



“Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health,” wrote the scientists from Southern Medical University. 



Plant-based options, on the other hand, often differ in protein levels and might include added ingredients that influence mood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calcium-and-serotonin">Calcium and serotonin</h2>



Researchers found that cow’s milk <a href="https://www.adsa.org/About-ADSA/Media/Serotonin-found-to-be-an-important-factor-in-calcium-homeostasis-in-dairy-cows-November-16-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivers calcium</a> in a form that supports pathways involved in serotonin production. Serotonin, sometimes called the body’s “feel-good” molecule, helps regulate mood and stress responses.&nbsp;



“Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in the brain with respect to mood and mental health. The most popular group of antidepressant medications promotes the absorption of serotonin,” the authors explained.&nbsp;



As a result, consistent calcium intake can potentially improve these natural coping mechanisms. Some plant-based milks also offer calcium, but the level and bioavailability may vary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturated-versus-unsaturated-fats">Saturated versus unsaturated fats</h2>



Milk is rich in saturated fats. Semi-skimmed milk reduces the proportion of these fats but still retains valuable fatty acids that might help protect the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11211382/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>. 



Compared to the full-fat version, semi-skimmed appears to occupy a middle ground of moderate fat content without the potential drawbacks of excess saturated fat.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, plant-based milk alternatives can sometimes include added sugars or other compounds that may have unexpected effects on mental well-being. 



These additives, while often enhancing taste or texture, may inadvertently interfere with the body's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-milk-lowers-asthma-risk-in-babies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural hormone regulation</a>, potentially impacting emotional stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-dopamine">Potential impact on dopamine</h2>



In addition to serotonin, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dopamine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a> plays a key part in focus and reward-related behavior. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4850606/#:~:text=Recent%20research%20has%20shown%20that,to%20be%20vulnerable%20to%20dysregulation." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> have suggested that high levels of certain saturated fats can alter dopamine signaling, which may contribute to mood disorders.&nbsp;



Semi-skimmed milk, with its reduced saturated fat, may avoid some of these mental effects and maintain a healthier balance of essential nutrients. 



Scientists suggest this balance could hold the key to the lower rates of depression and anxiety seen among semi-skimmed milk consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-mental-health-benefits-of-milk">Varied mental health benefits of milk</h2>



While findings point to fewer mood challenges for people who choose semi-skimmed over other varieties, each individual’s mental health picture depends on much more than beverage choice. 



Genetics, life stressors, sleep, and socioeconomic circumstances all contribute.&nbsp;



Researchers emphasize that food-related decisions are just one facet of psychological well-being. They recommend that people remain mindful of their overall habits and consult healthcare professionals when making major dietary shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-considerations">Practical considerations</h2>



Experts often promote a balanced diet that combines fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate dairy. Semi-skimmed milk could fit neatly into many people’s meal plans.&nbsp;



Individuals who prefer plant-based options may benefit from checking labels for calcium and protein levels, as well as added substances. 



Though no single approach will suit everyone, looking at subtle dietary factors might pay off for those hoping to support a healthy outlook.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-milk-s-mental-benefits">Future research on milk's mental benefits</h2>



Additional research may help clarify whether semi-skimmed milk truly provides extra mental health benefits.



Controlled clinical trials could investigate how this option affects depression or anxiety in different subgroups, such as older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.&nbsp;



Researchers also <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178197/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">note</a> that genetics can make some people more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-could-carry-deadly-flu-viruses-for-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a> to certain dietary impacts. A closer look at these details might inform tailored recommendations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Many are interested in how small tweaks to daily meals might lift or lower spirits. 



This study urges people to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-raw-milk-health-hazard-pasteurization-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pay attention to milk</a> choice, especially if they already feel down or tense. Substituting semi-skimmed for full-fat or plant-based beverages could make a subtle difference for some.&nbsp;



Experts look forward to future work that explores how simple changes in milk type and eating patterns might support better mental well-being. Further investigation of these connections may help people shape diets that support mental balance.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1435435/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Some types of plant-based milk are linked to mental disorders like depression

Vegans who replace cow's milk with soy, almond, or other plant-based alternatives may face a higher chance of mental issues like depression and anxiety than individuals who drink cow’s milk regularly. This finding emerged from a recent investigation of lifestyle patterns and mental health outcomes among hundreds of thousands of adults in the United Kingdom.&nbsp; Mental well-being of milk drinkers Scientists explored how different milk types might be linked to mental and emotional well-being over more than a decade. Milk is consumed by billions of people worldwide,...

Happy,Jumping,Old,Man,Against,Beach,Background.,Shot,On,The

Researchers have found that for women over the age of 60, maintaining a stable weight could significantly increase their chances of living up to 90, 95, or even 100 years old. The study indicates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/berberine-plant-derived-supplement-is-the-hot-new-weight-loss-trend/">weight loss</a> in later life could perhaps even work against the goal of exceptional longevity.



However, the experts emphasized that women should still follow medical advice when weight loss is recommended to enhance their health or quality of life.



<h2 id="h-exceptional-longevity">Exceptional longevity&nbsp;</h2>



Exceptional longevity refers to the phenomenon of living significantly longer than the average lifespan of a given population. This is often observed in certain individuals who live to be 100 years old or more, known as centenarians.&nbsp;



Genetic factors, lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, as well as a positive mental attitude, are all thought to contribute to achieving exceptional longevity.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on data from more than 54,000 women over the age of 60 who participated in the Women's Health Initiative, a prospective study investigating causes of chronic diseases among postmenopausal women.



The researchers compared women who kept their weight broadly stable over three years to those who lost at least 5 percent.



During the follow-up period, over 30,000 women, or 56% of the participants, survived to the age of 90 or beyond.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-conclusion-about-exceptional-longevity">Conclusion about exceptional longevity</h2>



The comprehensive study revealed that older women with a more stable weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5 percent or more of their weight.&nbsp;



The researchers found that women who lost weight were 38 percent less likely to reach the age of 100, 33 percent less likely to make it to the age of 90, and 35 percent less likely to reach the age of 95.



When the experts looked at separate groups, the results were similar among women who were overweight, obese, or had a normal weight.



<h2 id="h-weight-loss">Weight loss</h2>



The study also revealed that women who unintentionally lost weight were 51 percent less likely to survive until the age of 90.&nbsp;



Among this group of women, who lost weight without trying, about a third said it was due to illness, 23 percent blamed stress, and almost 29 percent had a poor appetite.



<h2 id="h-weight-gain">Weight gain</h2>



Furthermore, the results showed that gaining 5 percent or more weight, as compared to maintaining a stable weight, was also not linked with exceptional longevity.



<h2 id="h-exceptional-longevity-and-stable-weight">Exceptional longevity and stable weight</h2>



Study first author Aladdin Shadyab is an associate professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/">University of California, San Diego</a>.



"It is very common for older women in the United States to experience overweight or obesity with a body mass index range of 25 to 35. Our findings support stable weight as a goal for longevity in older women."&nbsp;



"If aging women find themselves losing weight when they are not trying to lose weight, this could be a warning sign of ill health and a predictor of decreased longevity," Shadyab said in a university news release.



Shadyab also pointed out that unintentional weight loss in aging women could be a red flag for ill health and a predictor of decreased longevity.



However, unintentional weight loss is a common occurrence in older adults and is not always related to an underlying medical cause.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study authors noted that their findings challenge the general recommendations for weight loss in older women, as it may not necessarily contribute to their longevity.&nbsp;



The study is the first of its kind to examine how weight changes among older women may affect the potential for exceptional longevity.



The research contradicts the general recommendation that older women should lose weight for better health. It sheds light on the complex relationship between weight and longevity in older women, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable weight as a key goal.



This research, published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology">Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences</a>, received partial funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 



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Maintaining stable weight dramatically increases odds of living 100+ years

Researchers have found that for women over the age of...

Man,And,Woman,Flirting,With,Each,Other,In,Bar

In the dim lighting of a crowded bar, a few drinks can transform a shy individual into the life of the party. We've all heard tales of the fabled “beer goggles” -- the phenomenon that alcohol makes people appear more attractive.



However, new research suggests a different story. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-more-alcohol-hangovers-thanks-to-new-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alcohol</a> might not enhance the physical allure of others, but instead give individuals the bravery to approach those they already find attractive. This intriguing discovery has just been detailed in the esteemed <a href="http://jsad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</a>.



The common narrative surrounding alcohol's effects paints a picture of individuals perceiving others as more attractive as their blood alcohol levels rise. But according to scientists, this widespread belief has remained largely unexplored in the realm of rigorous analysis. 



Past research endeavors in this domain have primarily focused on asking participants to judge attractiveness in photos when both sober and intoxicated.



<h2 id="h-how-scientists-studied-beer-goggles">How scientists studied beer goggles</h2>



Determined to dig deeper, lead investigator Molly A. Bowdring, Ph.D., of the <a href="https://prevention.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Prevention Research Center</a> in Palo Alto, Calif. joined her dissertation advisor, Michael Sayette, Ph.D. They took a more interactive and tangible approach.



The researchers enlisted 18 pairs of male friends in their 20s. These participants, during their time in the lab, were shown photos and videos and were asked to rate the attractiveness of the individuals presented.



In addition, with an innovative twist, participants were also informed that they might have a chance to meet one of the people they rated in a prospective experiment. As a result, they didn't just give scores based on looks but also had to identify whom they would want to meet.



To further the authenticity of the experiment, the same pairs of men visited the lab twice. In one instance, they consumed alcohol up to a blood alcohol concentration of about 0.08%. This is the U.S. legal driving limit.



On the other hand, they drank a non-alcoholic beverage during their second visit. This approach was designed to replicate the authentic dynamics of a social drinking setting. The participants had a friend beside them.



<h2>What the researchers learned</h2>



Contrary to popular belief, the research results unveiled no evidence supporting the existence of "beer goggles". Dr. Sayette observed, “The well-known beer goggles effect of alcohol does sometimes appear in the literature but not as consistently as one might expect.” The alcohol intake, or the lack thereof, showed no difference in how the participants rated attractiveness.



Yet, a prominent difference did emerge in terms of social interaction. While under the influence, the men were 1.71 times more inclined to choose one of their top-four rated candidates for a potential meeting in a later experiment than when they were sober.



This suggests that alcohol might not be warping our perception of beauty but rather bolstering confidence in social interactions. In simpler terms, it's less about "beer goggles" and more about "liquid courage".



This revelation could have profound implications beyond just casual bar interactions. As Bowdring pointed out, “People who drink alcohol may benefit by recognizing that valued social motivations and intentions change when drinking in ways that may be appealing in the short term but possibly harmful in the long term.” 



Such insights could be valuable for therapists and patients navigating the complexities of alcohol's social effects.



While the myth of alcohol making everyone look more appealing may still persist in pop culture, science tells a different story. Alcohol acts as a catalyst for social courage rather than a lens altering beauty.



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No evidence that "beer goggles" are real, but "liquid courage" is definitely a thing

In the dim lighting of a crowded bar, a few...

Prescriptions for fruits and vegetables can lead to better heart health and food security, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.122.009520">Circulation</a>.



Patients receive electronic cards or vouchers to access free or discounted produce at retail grocery or farmers' markets.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-improved-health-and-well-being">Improved health and well-being&nbsp;</h2>



People with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease who participated in produce prescription programs increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables, resulting in improved body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, and blood pressure levels, as well as a decrease in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-systems-will-play-a-key-role-in-future-food-security/">food insecurity</a>.



Dr. Kurt Hager, lead author of the study and an instructor at UMass Chan Medical School, explained that produce prescription programs allow doctors to prescribe fruits and vegetables alongside medications.&nbsp;



"We know that food insecurity impacts health through several important pathways, including overall dietary quality, but also through stress and anxiety, mental health, and tradeoffs between paying for food and other basic needs such as housing costs, utilities, and medications,” said Dr. Hager.&nbsp;



“These results indicate produce prescriptions may lay an important foundation for improved health and well-being.”



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The study involved participants receiving a median of $63 per month to purchase produce at local stores and farmers markets and attending nutrition classes.&nbsp;



Data was collected via questionnaires about fruit and vegetable consumption, food insecurity, and health status, and routine testing of blood pressure, weight, height, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at the start and end of the program.&nbsp;



The study did not include a control group, comparing outcomes among participants before and after program participation instead.



<h2 id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



According to the results, adults reported an increase in their intake of fruits and vegetables by nearly one cup per day (0.85 cups per day), while children's intake increased by about a quarter of a cup per day (0.26 cups per day).



Systolic blood pressure decreased by more than 8 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased nearly 5 mm Hg among adults with high blood pressure at the start of the study.



Blood sugar, as measured by HbA1C levels, decreased by 0.29 to 0.58 percentage points among adults with diabetes. BMI improved significantly among adults with obesity, although children's BMI did not change.



The results also showed that adults were 62% more likely, and children more than twice as likely, to report better health status by program completion.



Participants were one-third less likely to report food insecurity after completing the programs compared to beforehand.



<h2 id="h-nutrition-insecurity">Nutrition insecurity&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chief clinical science officer of the American Heart Association and a tenured professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University, noted that poor nutrition and nutrition insecurity are major drivers of chronic disease globally.&nbsp;



“This analysis of produce prescription programs illustrates the potential of subsidized produce prescriptions to increase consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables, reduce food insecurity, and, hopefully, improve subjective and objective health measures," said Dr. Elkind.&nbsp;



He also highlighted the need for future research to include randomized controlled trials to offset any potential bias and more rigorously prove the benefits of produce prescription programs.



<h2 id="h-food-is-medicine-initiative">Food is Medicine Initiative</h2>



The <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/professional/food-is-medicine-initiative">Food is Medicine Initiative</a>, announced in September 2022 by the American Heart Association and The Rockefeller Foundation at a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, aims to ensure patients receive medical prescriptions for healthy food to help prevent and manage chronic diseases.&nbsp;



A 2022 American Heart Association Policy Statement noted that poor nutrition plays a significant role in serious long-term illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;



In 2019 alone, poor nutrition contributed to nearly 8 million deaths. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of equitable and stable availability, access, and affordability to foods and beverages that promote well-being and prevent and treat disease.



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Prescriptions for fruits and vegetables linked to better heart health

Prescriptions for fruits and vegetables can lead to better heart...

Recent data from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) reveals a surprising statistic: nearly 99% of reported "Covid deaths" each week are not primarily caused by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">virus</a>.&nbsp;



This finding, based on the CDC's Covid dashboard, indicates that only 1.7% of the 324 Covid deaths registered in the week ending August 19 had the coronavirus as the primary cause of death.



<h2 id="h-secondary-causes">Secondary causes&nbsp;</h2>



This means that only a handful of American lives are being lost directly to the virus each week, a stark contrast to the pandemic's peak in 2021 when the virus accounted for one in three "Covid deaths."



The primary or underlying cause of death is the disease, situation, or event that initiated the chain of events directly resulting in death.&nbsp;



Complications arising from the primary cause are usually considered secondary causes when doctors register a death certificate.&nbsp;



For instance, Covid could be listed as a secondary cause of death when the virus puts too much stress on a person with a pre-existing heart condition. In this case, the primary cause of death would be heart disease, with Covid listed as a contributing cause.



<h2 id="h-drastic-decline-in-covid-deaths">Drastic decline in Covid deaths</h2>



Despite a slight increase from the previous week and a five-week upward trend, the percentage of Covid deaths for the week ending August 19 represents a drastic decline from the peak of the pandemic when 30% of deaths listed Covid as the primary cause.&nbsp;



Although the CDC has not reported the primary cause of death in cases where Covid was a secondary factor, separate data from the agency shows that, thus far in August, the largest cause of death in the US has been cancer, followed by heart diseases.



<h2 id="h-death-rates-per-state">Death rates per state</h2>



Furthermore, the data reveals that some states, including Washington, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, and New York, have higher rates of deaths due to Covid, with Maryland and Florida having the highest at 3.4%.&nbsp;



Other states, like Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, and New York, hover around 2%, while more than two dozen states experienced just one to nine deaths due to Covid in the week ending on August 19. The death rate is slightly higher among women than men, and highest in people 75 years and older.



<h2 id="h-new-variants-on-the-rise">New variants on the rise</h2>



This new Covid data comes as a relief at a time when panic is rising across the US due to the circulation of highly transmissible new Covid variants, leading to more infections and hospitalizations and causing the reimplementation of some Covid mandates.&nbsp;



Recently detected variants EG.5, or Eris, and BA.8.26, or Pirola, have been found in several countries and the US. These variants, highly mutated, are thought to be better at avoiding vaccine and natural immunity, causing more infections.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-infections-have-reportedly-doubled">Infections have reportedly doubled&nbsp;</h2>



Infections have reportedly doubled across the US amid the emergence of these variants, and hospital admissions among people with the virus have risen for the fifth week in a row.&nbsp;



However, they still remain at near-historic lows, and crucially, Covid deaths are not rising quickly.



<h2 id="h-mask-mandates">Mask mandates&nbsp;</h2>



This uptick in Covid cases led Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate to reinforce mask mandates at its Santa Monica, California offices last week. However, just several days later, the studio reversed its decision.&nbsp;



Similarly, Rutgers University in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Georgia announced that face masks would be required for staff and students. Kaiser Permanente hospital in Santa Rosa, California, and Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, New York, also reinstated mask mandates for doctors, nurses, patients, and visitors.



In Kentucky, the Lee County School District canceled classes less than two weeks after opening because nearly one-fifth of its students were out sick with a "tripledemic" illness, including Covid, strep throat, and the flu.



<h2 id="h-covid-vaccines">Covid vaccines</h2>



As the situation evolves, President Biden indicated that his administration would "likely" recommend Americans receive another Covid booster vaccine in the coming weeks.&nbsp;



Biden signed a proposal on Friday asking Congress for more funding to update Covid vaccines to better protect against the new variants.&nbsp;



However, there seems to be little interest among Americans to receive boosters, with only 18% of eligible Americans having received any version of a booster.



While the rise of new variants and the reimplementation of some Covid mandates have caused a surge in panic, the CDC data shows a drastic decline in the percentage of deaths primarily caused by Covid since the peak of the pandemic.&nbsp;



As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to stay informed, follow the guidelines provided by health officials, and consider the broader context when interpreting new data.



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Only a small fraction of "Covid deaths" directly attributed to the actual virus

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Researchers have discovered that laughter may indeed be the best medicine for your heart, literally. The study reveals that laughter has a positive impact on heart health by inducing the expansion of heart tissue and enhancing oxygen circulation throughout the body.&nbsp;



These findings suggest that laughter therapy could be a promising intervention for addressing symptoms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">heart disease</a>, particularly in individuals with coronary artery disease.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



Coronary artery disease is a condition that results from the accumulation of plaque within the arteries that supply blood to the heart.&nbsp;



The study involved twenty-six participants, all diagnosed with coronary artery disease and with an average age of 64.&nbsp;



Over a period of three months, the participants were divided into two groups to investigate the relationship between laughter and heart health.&nbsp;



One group watched hour-long comedy programs twice a week, while the other group watched serious documentaries on topics such as politics and the Amazon rainforest.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



Remarkably, at the end of the 12-week experiment, the group that watched comedy shows exhibited significant improvements in heart health.&nbsp;



The functional capacity of their cardiovascular system was increased by 10 percent. This conclusion was reached following a test that measured the heart's ability to pump oxygen throughout the body.&nbsp;



Moreover, this group displayed improved arterial expansion. Blood tests measuring inflammatory biomarkers showed a significant reduction in plaque-related inflammation, indicating a decreased risk of heart attack or stroke.



<h2 id="h-laughter-therapy">Laughter therapy&nbsp;</h2>



“When patients with coronary artery disease arrive at the hospital, they have a lot of inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation is a huge part of the process of atherosclerosis, when plaque builds up in the arteries," explained study lead author Professor Marco Saffi of Brazil's Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.



“This study found that laughter therapy is a good intervention that could help reduce that inflammation and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke."



“Laughter therapy could be implemented in institutions and health systems like the NHS for patients at risk of heart problems."



"It does not have to be TV programs – people with heart disease could be invited to comedy evenings, or encouraged to enjoy fun evenings with friends and family. People should try to do things that make them laugh at least twice a week.”



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Saffi suggested that laughter therapy might provide an opportunity to reduce dependence on medication. However, he emphasized that additional research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings.



This study highlights the importance of exploring alternative therapies and lifestyle changes that can contribute to improved heart health and overall well-being.&nbsp;



It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that positive emotions and laughter can have on our physical health, and encourages us to incorporate more joy and laughter into our lives.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-benefits-of-laughter">More about the benefits of laughter&nbsp;</h2>



Laughter therapy, also known as humor therapy, is a form of therapy that uses the natural physiological process of laughter to help relieve physical or emotional stresses or discomfort.&nbsp;



It's based on the belief that laughter is a powerful and positive form of communication that has physiological benefits.



<h3 id="h-physiological-benefits">Physiological benefits</h3>



<h4 id="h-reduces-stress">Reduces stress</h4>



When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. It also reduces the level of stress hormones, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.



<h4 id="h-improves-cardiovascular-health">Improves cardiovascular health</h4>



&nbsp;Laughter increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels, which can help prevent cardiovascular problems.



<h4 id="h-boosts-immune-system">Boosts immune system</h4>



Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases the production of antibodies and activates immune cells, which helps boost your immune system.



<h4 id="h-relieves-pain">Relieves pain</h4>



Laughing releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers.



<h4 id="h-burns-calories">Burns calories</h4>



One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories, which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.



<h4 id="h-improves-respiratory-function">Improves respiratory function</h4>



Laughter helps to clear out your lungs and increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can improve your respiratory function.



<h3 id="h-emotional-benefits-of-laughter">Emotional benefits of laughter</h3>



Laughter can help to improve your mood and make you feel happier. Sharing laughter with others can strengthen relationships and improve teamwork.



Furthermore, laughter boosts cognitive function and creativity. It also helps to create a positive mental state to enhance coping skills in difficult situations.



Laughter therapy is used in many hospitals and rehabilitation centers as it has been found to speed up recovery and improve mental health. It is also commonly used in senior centers as it has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental well-being.



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Laughter may be the best medicine for your heart

Researchers have discovered that laughter may indeed be the best...

The shocking weather extremes witnessed around the world in 2023 - including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-fueling-more-extreme-heatwaves/">heatwaves</a>, wildfires, and floods - are expected to become the norm if dramatic action is not taken to mitigate the climate crisis.



A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> has exposed a negative aspect of climate change that has been largely overlooked: an increase in child marriages.



The experts reviewed 20 studies that investigated a potential link between extreme weather and forced child marriages in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.



<h2 id="h-compelling-evidence">Compelling evidence&nbsp;</h2>



Overall, the studies provide compelling evidence of the problem, said Fiona Doherty, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate in social work at Ohio State.



Doherty explained that the effect of extreme weather on child marriages is indirect. “What these disasters do is exacerbate existing problems of gender inequality and poverty that lead families to child marriage as a coping mechanism."



<h2 id="h-child-marriages-will-increase-with-climate-extremes">Child marriages will increase with climate extremes</h2>



The experts report that globally, one in five girls is married before the age of 18, and in lower- and middle-income countries that number jumps to 40 percent.&nbsp;



These numbers will likely grow as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events around the world, said study co-author Professor Smitha Rao.



“The complexities surrounding child marriage and extreme weather will worsen amid climate change,” said Rao.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on 20 studies published between 1990 and 2022. The studies investigated how extreme weather was related to marriages involving children, mostly girls, in low- and middle-income countries.



Some of the natural disasters examined were droughts, floods, cyclones and extreme heat shocks. According to Doherty, the analysis revealed the impacts of disasters on child marriage in a variety of contexts.



For example, the results of a study focused on Bangladesh showed that in years with prolonged heat waves lasting more than 30 days, the likelihood of 11- to 14-year-old girls getting married increased by 50 percent.



<h2 id="h-economic-vulnerability">Economic vulnerability&nbsp;</h2>



“Child marriage is often seen as a coping strategy to reduce economic vulnerability and food insecurity that a family is facing because of a disaster,” Doherty said.



For example, tne study found that girls in Bangladesh were forced to marry after Cyclone Aila to reduce the economic strain on households.



The researchers noted that early marriage is also used as a means to provide additional workers for families.&nbsp;



In Kenya, young brides were sought to help with increased labor demands when a drought threatened water sources and livestock. The girls were needed to walk long distances to find food and water.



<h2 id="h-regional-customs">Regional customs</h2>



The study revealed that customs of bride price and dowry payment were some of the key contributors to the link between child marriage and extreme weather. 



In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the groom’s family pays the bride’s family a "bride price." In these areas, girls were more likely to be forced to marry during droughts and periods of heavy rainfall, according to the analysis.&nbsp;



By contrast, in regions like India where the bride’s family pays a "dowry" to the groom’s family, girls were less likely to get married during a drought year.



<h2 id="h-ripple-effects">Ripple effects</h2>



Beyond economics, studies showed a variety of ripple effects from weather disasters that led to more child marriages, explained Rao.



When communities were displaced by floods and other weather disasters, families often ended up in dangerous camps where young girls were targeted for sexual violence.



“Families sometimes made the choice to get their young daughters married off in these situations to protect them from harassment and sexual violence,” said Rao.



<h2 id="h-education">Education&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found that education was a key factor that helped protect girls from being forced into marriage.&nbsp;



The analysis showed that girls who were educated were less likely to be married off early. In addition, parents who were more educated were less likely to marry off their daughters. 



While education is one way to help protect against child marriage, Doherty and Rao said more needs to be done, including laws against child marriage.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Furthermore, the experts noted that financial support for families facing economic difficulties could help prevent them from marrying off daughters.



“But we found the main driver of child marriage is gender inequality,” said Doherty. “We need to find ways to empower women and girls with education and financial control that will allow them to make their own decisions.”



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers noted that all of the studies they analyzed were focused on low- and middle-income countries – only because they could not find any studies focused on high-income countries.



However, the experts said that weather disasters could also be increasing child marriage in high-income countries, including the United States. 



“We need more research to understand the differences and additional factors that may be affecting the link between extreme weather events and child marriage in other parts of the world, including high-income countries,” said Rao. 



Angelise Radney, a doctoral student in social work at Ohio State, was also a co-author on the study. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00208728231186006">International Social Work</a>.



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Extreme weather increases the likelihood of forced child marriages

The shocking weather extremes witnessed around the world in 2023...

Before going to work each day, most people spend the night dreaming, and, according to recent studies, about 40 percent of the working population recalls their dreams on any given morning.&nbsp;



Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/">University of Notre Dame</a> has found that, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dreams-keep-the-brain-from-becoming-too-familiar-with-everyday-life/">dreams</a> are first recalled, people frequently draw meaningful connections between their dreams and waking lives, which can significantly alter how they think, feel, and act at work.



<h2 id="h-feelings-of-awe">Feelings of awe</h2>



“Similar to epiphany, we found that connecting the dots between dreams and reality gives rise to awe - an emotion that sparks a tendency to think about ourselves and our experiences in the grand scheme of things,”&nbsp;said lead author Casher Belinda, an assistant professor of Management at Notre Dame.&nbsp;



“This makes subsequent work stressors seem less daunting, bolstering resilience and productivity throughout the workday.”



“People experience awe when they undergo something vast - something that challenges their understanding or way of thinking about things."



“These experiences can come in different forms, whether physical, such as when witnessing aurora borealis, or conceptual, such as when grasping the implications of a grand theory."



"Awe often borders on the extremes or upper bounds of other emotions, for example, when people experience profound gratitude or admiration. Dreams are conceptually vast experiences that have a striking capacity to elicit feelings of awe.”



<h2 id="h-psychological-benefits">Psychological benefits&nbsp;</h2>



The experts conducted three studies capturing about 5,000 reports of dream recall among full-time employees (a morning-of study, a single-day morning-to-afternoon study, and a two-week experience study).&nbsp;



The investigations revealed that the positive relationships between dreams and waking life persisted even after accounting for how much or how well people slept, suggesting that the psychological benefits of recalling and finding meaning in dream experiences may sometimes offset the physiological consequences of poor sleep.



<h2 id="h-gaining-perspective">Gaining perspective&nbsp;</h2>



Although dreaming seems to have little or no connection to work, these findings indicate that when we recall our dreams, our mundane experience can change substantially.&nbsp;



“We arrive at work shortly after interacting with deceased loved ones, narrowly escaping or failing to escape traumatic events and performing acts of immeasurable ability. Regardless of our personal beliefs about dreams, these experiences bleed into and affect our waking lives — including how productive we are at work,” Belinda explained.



For instance, if someone recalls an awe-inspiring or meaningful dream in the morning, and then, in the afternoon, their supervisor asks them for an unexpected amount of extra-work, they might consider this less frustrating than usual since their dream may have put everything into a larger perspective.&nbsp;



“Harnessing the benefits of awe may prove invaluable to organizations,” Belinda said. “And one of our primary goals was to understand how to do so.”



<h2 id="h-increasing-the-frequency-of-awe-inspiring-dreams">Increasing the frequency of awe-inspiring dreams&nbsp;</h2>



First, reaping the most benefits from dreams requires a good night’s sleep. Although dreams occur in all stages of sleep and are impactful regardless of sleep habits, the most vivid dreams – which are most likely to have a deeper meaning and create a sense of awe after waking up – occur during REM sleep.&nbsp;



Since this type of sleep takes place late during a sleep cycle, getting a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep is essential to get the most out of our dreams. 



Sleep-tracking devices indicating when and how much time we spend in REM sleep could help improve sleep schedules and increase the chances of having awe-inspiring dreams.&nbsp;



“Also, keep a dream journal to allow meaningful dreams to stick with you,” Belinda added. “Recording dreams gives them repeated opportunities to elicit beneficial emotions and make connections between dreams.”&nbsp;



Thus, for both managers and employees, promoting the “awe experience” at the workplace can be highly beneficial. 



According to the scientists, in addition to dreams, other elicitors may include nature, art, music, or exposure to senior, charismatic leaders, all of which can increase productivity and enjoyment at work.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2021.0377">Academy of Management Journal</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Meaningful dream experiences can boost your work productivity

Before going to work each day, most people spend the...

A recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10112860/">study</a> published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website suggests that wearing N95 Covid masks, specifically KF94 medical masks, may expose individuals to a dangerous level of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).&nbsp;



Researchers from <a href="https://www.jbnu.ac.kr/eng/">Jeonbuk National University</a> in South Korea analyzed two types of disposable medical-grade masks and several reusable cotton masks. They found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/">chemicals</a> released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of TVOCs.



"An increase in the concentration of environmental particulate matter and the spread of the COVID-19 virus have dramatically increased our time spent wearing masks. If harmful chemicals are released from these masks, there may be harmful effects on human health," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-tvoc-exposure">TVOC exposure&nbsp;</h2>



Exposure to TVOCs has been associated with health issues like headaches and nausea, and prolonged and repeated exposure has been linked to organ damage and even cancer. "It is clear that particular attention must be paid to the VOCs associated with the use of KF94 [medical] masks and their effects on human health," the researchers stated.&nbsp;



However, they also noted that "exposure can be significantly reduced if a mask is opened and left to sit for at least 30 minutes," suggesting that the packaging of these masks could play a role in the chemical levels they contain.



<h2 id="h-limitations">Limitations</h2>



The study did not measure the effects of people actually wearing the masks, leading Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician in New York, to caution against drawing strong conclusions from the study.&nbsp;



Dr. Fischer told DailyMail.com that there is increasing evidence showing the drawbacks of mask-wearing, and "there seems to be diminishing returns on the need for masks."



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



TVOCs are a large group of odorous chemicals released by cleaning and beauty products, burning fuel, cooking, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, moth repellents, air fresheners, automotive products, building materials, office equipment, permanent markers, correction fluids, carbonless copy paper, and craft materials including glues and adhesives.&nbsp;



These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and damage the central nervous system and organs like the liver, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Some are even considered human carcinogens.



For the investigation, 14 disposable and cloth masks purchased online were tested for TVOCs. The disposable masks were KFAD and KF94 models made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon, popular in South Korea, whereas KN95s are more popular in the US.&nbsp;



The cloth masks were made from cotton, ramie (a vegetable fiber), and polyurethane.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The researchers found that the disposable masks contained up to 14 times the TVOCs contained in cotton masks, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended limit of 0.5 parts per million in indoor air.



The experts specifically flagged the chemicals dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF) for being linked to liver and reproductive damage. They acknowledged that the sample size was small and that they did not test several other popular disposable masks like KN95s.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study builds off previous research suggesting that mask-wearing could cause more harm than good, including a study by the Cochrane Institute that suggested face masks made "little to no difference" in Covid infections and deaths.



Dr. Fischer told Daily Mail that "it is indeed possible that certain masks have side effects, just as certain helpful medications (anti-histamines, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics) have side effects. Almost everything in healthcare has a benefit/side effect profile."&nbsp;



Dr. Fischer emphasized the need for policies that do not fracture society while providing minimal protection as Covid is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.



<h2 id="h-covid-variant-ba-2-86">Covid variant BA.2.86</h2>



The study's findings may have new relevance as the Covid variant BA.2.86 spreads, potentially dodging the body's immune defenses from prior infections or vaccinations.&nbsp;



Authorities consider BA.2.86 part of the Omicron variant family, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated this could change if the strain spreads more widely.&nbsp;



With Covid cases climbing in the US and businesses and schools reinstating mask mandates, the study's findings could make mask mandates ineffective.&nbsp;



"I think following the general recommendations might be helpful, but it's not clear yet if we need the sweeping edicts of three years ago," Dr. Fischer told Daily Mail.



"Extreme fears about the lethality of Covid may have led to decisions that were counterproductive."



"Covid won't be going away for a long time, if ever. We desperately need policies that do not fracture our society while providing minimal protection."



The NIH said: "Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health."



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Covid masks may expose users to harmful chemicals

A recent study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental...

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the 19th century, widely recognized as an ecological catastrophe, also delivered a crippling blow to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>.



The research sheds light on the long-lasting economic and social consequences the bison slaughter had on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/">Indigenous</a> communities that once thrived on bison.



Researchers from Emory University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria quantified the economic shockwaves that continue to affect Indigenous populations. The study exposes the economic disparities rooted in this nearly forgotten aspect of American history.



<h2 id="h-economic-shock">Economic shock</h2>



In the mid-19th century, the United States was home to an estimated eight million bison, a number that plummeted to fewer than 500 in just two decades.&nbsp;



While this decimation momentarily boosted the economies of settlers, hunters, and traders who profited from selling bison hides and bones, the Indigenous peoples who had depended on the bison for their livelihood for over 10,000 years experienced a catastrophic economic shock, the reverberations of which are still felt today.



<h2 id="h-health-consequences">Health consequences&nbsp;</h2>



The economic fallout manifested in several ways, including a striking decline in the average height of bison-dependent Indigenous men.&nbsp;



“Adult height across a population is one proxy of wealth and health given that it can be impacted by nutrition and disease, particularly early in development," said study co-author Professor Maggie Jones.



Prior to the slaughter, bison-reliant Indigenous men averaged around six feet in height, making them “among the tallest people in the world in the mid-19th century,” said Jones.&nbsp;



However, in the aftermath of the slaughter, the average height of the most affected Indigenous populations dropped by over an inch within a generation. “That’s a major drop, but given the magnitude of the economic shock, it’s not necessarily surprising,” she adds.



<h2 id="h-a-persistent-economic-gap">A persistent economic gap</h2>



The researchers also found that by the early 20th century, child mortality rates among bison-dependent Indigenous nations were 16 percentage points higher, and the likelihood of working-age males reporting an occupation was 19 percentage points lower compared to Indigenous nations never reliant on bison.&nbsp;



Furthermore, income per capita for bison-reliant nations remained 25% lower on average than other nations from the mid-20th century to the present day. This persistent gap could not be accounted for by variations in agricultural productivity, self-governance, or the application of the Dawes Act of 1887.



The study identifies limited access to credit as a key factor that hindered the economic adjustment of bison-reliant nations following the near-extinction of the bison.&nbsp;



“One role of economists is to provide quantitative evidence that people can turn to when trying to design more effective policies,” said Jones. “By providing data that benchmarks disparities among bison-reliant people and the sources and evolution of these disparities, we hope to support efforts to improve the situation.”



<h2 id="h-a-critical-industry-lost">A critical industry lost</h2>



The slaughter of the bison was precipitated by the completion of the transcontinental railroad, advancements in European tanning technology, and a deliberate strategy by the U.S. Army to force Indigenous peoples onto reservations. The slaughter is described by the researchers as one of the most rapid and extensive losses of a critical industry in North American history.&nbsp;



“Centuries of human capital were built around the use of the bison, and within 10 to 20 years this economic underpinning disappeared,” said Jones. “And many channels of economic adjustment were cut off for Indigenous populations.”



<h2 id="h-cultural-aftershocks">Cultural aftershocks</h2>



For over 10,000 years, bison were integral to the livelihoods of many Indigenous communities, offering not just sustenance but also hides for clothing, bones for tools, and other invaluable resources. Their disappearance did more than just topple an economic cornerstone; it ripped apart a cultural fabric that cannot be quantified.



“Bison were not just key to the economies of some Indigenous nations,” said Jones. "The bison were also important cultural and spiritual symbols. You would expect a psychological impact when they were ripped away. That’s an important part of the story that this paper didn’t get to tell.”



Even though the study was focused on the economic impacts, the researchers acknowledge the complex toll the bison slaughter had on Indigenous communities, from immediate loss to generational trauma.&nbsp;



The research shines a light on an overlooked part of American history, and emphasizes the urgency of understanding and addressing the inequalities that continue to persist in Indigenous communities.



The research is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdad060">The Review of Economic Studies</a>.



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.

Bison slaughter had lasting, traumatic impacts on Indigenous communities

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the...

In a new study conducted by the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a>, experts found that bus drivers faced double the risk of being hospitalized for severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/">COVID-19</a> during the later stages of the pandemic.&nbsp;



This research revealed that several other occupations in education and healthcare were also at a heightened risk of serious illness due to the virus.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers meticulously analyzed a substantial amount of data, specifically 552,562 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,985 cases of severe COVID-19 infection, from various registers.&nbsp;



This data, encompassing hospitalizations from October 2020 to December 2021, was then cross-referenced with the occupations of the individuals from November of the previous year.&nbsp;



The researchers compared occupations that required close contact with others and those that did not require significant interaction with colleagues or the public.



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that bus and tram drivers had a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19.



The study also exposed an elevated risk among staff at after-school clubs (72% increased risk), registered nurses (68% increased risk), compulsory school teachers (60% increased risk), and preschool child minders (60% increased risk).



The study uncovered interesting disparities between men and women in several occupations. A 53% increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization was observed among specialist doctors of both genders. However, when focusing solely on female specialists, the increase in risk jumped to 105 percent.



“When looking at specific occupations, interesting gender differences emerge," said Maria Åberg, professor of General Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.



"Among women, there are increased risks for specialist doctors, nurses, midwives, and preschool staff. Male occupations that carry higher risk include bus and tram drivers and security guards. This also reflects the fact that we have a gender-segregated labor market.”



<h2 id="h-high-risk-occupations">High-risk occupations&nbsp;</h2>



The research team hopes that these findings will serve as a wake-up call for employers, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessment and preventive measures across various sectors, not just in healthcare. The results of the study indicate a work-related contagion in several different types of contact professions.



“The workplace is also an important arena for informing about and carrying out vaccination," said Kjell Torén, professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy.



"Over the course of our research, we have come to the strong conclusion that workplaces or employers need to be involved in getting these high-risk occupations access to vaccination, for example by allowing them to be vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at their place of work. And occupational healthcare has an important role to play in making this happen.”



“We know that vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 and we believe that vaccination in high-risk workplaces during working hours would further reduce the risks," said Professor Åberg.&nbsp;



"This applies in particular to bus and tram drivers and preschool staff. Healthcare workers were usually offered vaccination during working hours, but perhaps additional measures could have increased vaccination uptake.”



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4103">Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment &amp; Health</a>, was a collaborative effort with Karolinska Institutet.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-high-risk-workplaces">More about high-risk workplaces&nbsp;</h2>



High-risk workplaces are environments where employees are more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, due to the nature of their work, which often involves close contact with others.&nbsp;



The recent study conducted by the University of Gothenburg highlights that not only healthcare settings but also several other sectors, including education and transportation, fall into this high-risk category.



Bus and tram drivers, for instance, were found to have a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19. This is particularly concerning given that public transportation is a vital service, and its operators are exposed to a large number of people on a daily basis.&nbsp;



It is crucial for employers in these sectors to acknowledge the heightened risk faced by their employees and to implement comprehensive preventive measures to protect their workforce.&nbsp;



These measures may include regular testing, enforcing mask-wearing, maintaining physical distance wherever possible, enhancing ventilation, and encouraging frequent hand hygiene.&nbsp;



Additionally, vaccination plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of severe illness. Therefore, employers should actively facilitate vaccination for their employees by allowing them to get vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at the workplace.



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Bus drivers have double the risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19

In a new study conducted by the University of Gothenburg,...

Smoothies have become a popular choice for those seeking a quick and delicious way to consume the fruits and vegetables essential for a healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-lifestyle-linked-to-a-30-percent-lower-risk-of-death/">diet</a>. But could your go-to banana-blueberry blend actually be shortchanging you nutritionally?&nbsp;



A new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/">UC Davis</a> has revealed that the mix of ingredients you throw into your blender is more crucial than you think in determining the nutritional output of your smoothie.



<h2 id="h-the-power-of-flavanols">The power of flavanols</h2>



The study hinges on understanding flavanols, a class of bioactive compounds found in several fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, pears, and even cocoa.&nbsp;



Previous research has shown that flavanols benefit heart and cognitive health, positioning them as crucial dietary components.&nbsp;



The UC Davis researchers aimed to investigate how these important compounds fare when included in smoothies, a widely popular dietary staple.



Study lead author Javier Ottaviani is the director of the Core Laboratory of Mars Edge and an adjunct researcher with the UC Davis Department of Nutrition.



“We sought to understand, on a very practical level, how a common food and food preparation like a banana-based smoothie could affect the availability of flavanols to be absorbed after intake,” said Ottaviani.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



When you slice an apple or peel a banana, you often see the exposed flesh of the fruit turning brown. This browning is due to the action of an enzyme known as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;



When these PPO-rich foods are cut, bruised, or exposed to air, the enzyme triggers the browning process. The UC Davis researchers were particularly interested in understanding whether this enzyme impacts the absorption of flavanols when consumed in smoothies.



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers administered two types of smoothies to participants: one containing bananas, which are naturally high in PPO activity, and another made from mixed berries with low PPO activity.&nbsp;



Blood and urine samples were taken and analyzed to measure the absorption of flavanols after the smoothies were ingested. Participants also consumed a flavanol capsule as a control.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that those who consumed the banana smoothie had a staggering 84% lower absorption of flavanols in comparison to the control group.



“We were really surprised to see how quickly adding a single banana decreased the level of flavanols in the smoothie and the levels of flavanol absorbed in the body,” said Ottaviani. “This highlights how food preparation and combinations can affect the absorption of dietary compounds in foods.”



<h2 id="h-study-recommendations">Study recommendations&nbsp;</h2>



Last year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasized the importance of consuming between 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols per day for cardiometabolic health.&nbsp;



Based on the findings, Ottaviani suggests that people who aim to meet these flavanol intake recommendations should consider combining flavanol-rich fruits like berries with other low-PPO ingredients like oranges, pineapples, mangoes, or yogurt.



Ottaviani assures that bananas are still an excellent fruit to consume or include in smoothies. However, if the goal is to maximize flavanol absorption, it may be best not to combine bananas with flavanol-rich fruits like berries.



<h2 id="h-future-research">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



The study opens up intriguing avenues for future research, exploring how the preparation of other foods might impact the availability of flavanols.&nbsp;



Ottaviani noted that tea is a major dietary source of flavanols, and depending on how it is prepared, a different amount of flavanols would be available for absorption.



“This is certainly an area that deserves more attention in the field of polyphenols and bioactive compounds in general,” said Ottaviani.



The study is published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D3FO01599H">Food and Function</a>.



<h2 id="h-healthy-smoothie-ideas">Healthy smoothie ideas</h2>



<ul>
<li>Green smoothie: Spinach, banana, almond milk, and a dash of honey.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Berry blast: Mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and a splash of orange juice.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Tropical twist: Mango, pineapple, coconut water, and a bit of lime juice.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Protein power: Vanilla protein powder, almond milk, banana, and peanut butter.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Antioxidant boost: Blueberries, pomegranate juice, chia seeds, and a small banana.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Spiced up: Carrot, ginger, orange, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Chocolate avocado: Unsweetened cocoa powder, avocado, banana, and almond milk.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Morning coffee: Cold brew coffee, banana, oats, and almond milk.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Nutty banana: Almond milk, banana, and a scoop of almond or cashew butter.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Veggie delight: Kale, cucumber, apple, and lemon juice.</li>
</ul>



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The science behind a smoothie: The ingredients you choose makes a difference

Smoothies have become a popular choice for those seeking a...

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. Researchers from various institutions in Argentina have recently published a study in the open access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002257">PLOS Biology</a>, which suggests that common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-are-not-always-safe/">supplements</a> containing phytosterols might help in reducing natural hearing loss associated with aging.&nbsp;



The study was led by María Eugenia Gomez-Casati from the University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Mauricio Martin from the Institute of Medical Research Mercedes, and Martín Ferreyra from INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, National University of Córdoba.



The results demonstrate the connection between the decrease of cholesterol in the inner ear and sensory dysfunction in mice.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The inner ear consists of sensory cells called outer hair cells (OHCs) that play a crucial role in amplifying sounds by changing their length.&nbsp;



As individuals age, these cells lose their ability to stretch in response to sound, thereby preventing sound amplification and ultimately leading to age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-brain-cholesterol">Brain cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Cholesterol is a key component in the stretch response of OHCs. Recent studies have shown a decrease in brain cholesterol with age, leading the researchers to theorize that hearing loss might be related to the loss of cholesterol in OHCs.&nbsp;



To test this hypothesis, experiments were conducted on mice. The team of researchers began by measuring the levels of CYP46A1, an enzyme involved in breaking down and recycling cholesterol, in the inner ear OHCs of mice.&nbsp;



As anticipated, the experts found higher levels of CYP46A1 in the inner ears of older mice compared to younger ones, resulting in less cholesterol.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



To establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers induced hearing loss in young mice by over-activating CYP46A1 with a drug, which led to abnormal inner ear-cell output.&nbsp;



Following this, they tested whether increasing cholesterol in the brain could counter the effects of the drug.&nbsp;



Since cholesterol cannot directly enter the brain from the blood, the researchers used plant-based cholesterol-like compounds called phytosterols, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-study-revealed">What the study revealed</h2>



Young mice treated with both the CYP46A1-activating drug and a three-week regimen of dietary phytosterols displayed improved OHC function.



This discovery is particularly promising as phytosterols are present in many over-the-counter supplements, making them a convenient option to combat age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



However, the researchers caution that further testing on older mouse models and humans is necessary before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.&nbsp;



Nonetheless, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the relationship between cholesterol levels in the inner ear and age-related hearing loss, and opens up new avenues for potential treatments.



The study authors noted: “In the present work we show that: 1) aging triggers cholesterol loss from sensory cells of the inner ear, 2) a retroviral treatment widely employed for HIV/AIDS patients reproduces the cholesterol loss observed in aged individuals and leads to impaired outer hair cells’ function and 3) we found that these defects can be partly reversed by phytosterols supplementation."



"Our findings are very promising because they provide the first proof-of-principle supporting phytosterols supplementation as a possible approach for prevention or treatment of hearing loss



<h2 id="h-more-about-age-related-hearing-loss">More about age-related hearing loss&nbsp;</h2>



Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition that affects many people as they get older. It usually occurs gradually over time and can affect one or both ears.&nbsp;



This type of hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.



<h3 id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



The exact cause of age-related hearing loss is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a combination of several factors:



<h3 id="h-wear-and-tear">Wear and tear</h3>



Years of exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. These hair cells do not regenerate, so their loss is permanent.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-blood-flow">Changes in blood flow</h3>



As people age, there can be changes in blood flow to the ear, which may affect hearing.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-the-structure-of-the-ear">Changes in the structure of the ear</h3>



The structure of the ear changes with age, which can also contribute to hearing loss. For example, the eardrum may become less flexible, making it harder for sounds to pass through.



<h3 id="h-genetic-factors">Genetic factors</h3>



Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing hearing loss as they age.



—-



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.”

Common supplements can combat age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...