Unhealthy,Products.,Food,Bad,For,Figure,,Skin,,Heart,And,Teeth.

Most dietary programs focus on weight loss or meeting U.S. nutrition guidelines. These guidelines do not mention ultra-processed foods (UPFs), even though they are linked to serious health risks. 



Chips, candy, and other mass-produced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-lets-you-check-how-processed-your-food-is-grocerydb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaged foods</a> often replace natural ingredients with additives. Studies show eating UPFs increases the risk of diseases and early death.



Despite these risks, no major dietary programs focus on reducing UPF intake. 



To address this gap, researchers from <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> designed an intervention. The goal was to help people eat fewer ultra-processed foods using multiple strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-ultra-processed-foods-the-basics">Understanding ultra-processed foods - the basics</h2>



Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are the heavily modified, lab-created stuff you find in most grocery store aisles - think packaged snacks, sugary cereals, instant noodles, and even some protein bars. 



They go through multiple industrial processes, packed with additives like preservatives, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-neotame-has-shocking-effects-on-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial flavors</a>, emulsifiers, and loads of sugar or refined oils. 



These foods are designed to be super convenient, hyper-palatable, and have a long shelf life. 



But here’s the catch: they often lack real nutrition and can mess with your metabolism, gut health, and even brain chemistry.



Studies link them to everything from obesity and diabetes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> and even mental health issues.



The problem is, ultra-processed foods are everywhere, and they’re marketed as quick, tasty, and sometimes even "healthy" options. 



But because they’re engineered for taste and texture, they can be addictive, making it easy to overeat without feeling full. 



Most importantly, their ingredient lists often look more like a chemistry experiment than actual food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-ultra-processed-food-intake">Reducing ultra-processed food intake</h2>



The Drexel University program went beyond education. It included mindfulness strategies to handle cravings, one-on-one meal planning, and household involvement.



The researchers also provided financial support to help participants buy healthier foods, which can be expensive.



The two-month intervention involved 14 adults with overweight or obesity who ate at least two UPF items daily. On average, participants cut their UPF intake by nearly half.



“Reducing UPF intake can be extremely difficult, because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> industry wants us to be hooked on UPFs,” said lead author Dr. Charlotte Hagerman.



“The industry designs UPFs to be ultra-delicious, convenient, cheap, and constantly present in the U.S. - even if not directly in front of us, then on our TVs, phones, and roadside signs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-results-from-the-intervention">Promising results from the intervention</h2>



Despite the small sample size, the results of the trial were encouraging.



By the end of the program, participants had nearly halved their UPF <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intake</a>, measured both in calories and total items consumed. They also reduced their daily calorie intake by more than 600 calories. 



Sugar consumption declined by 50 percent, while saturated fat intake dropped by 37 percent. Sodium intake also saw a significant decrease of 28 percent. On average, participants lost 7.7 pounds over the two-month period.



“Interestingly, participants did not have meaningful increases in their fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that if we want to improve dietary intake more holistically, we may need to more strongly encourage people to eat these foods,” said Hagerman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-intervention-worked">How the intervention worked</h2>



Participants met weekly with health behavior coaches in both group and individual sessions. 



They learned how to identify UPFs, cope with cravings, and improve their home food environment. Each participant received a $100 grocery store gift card to support healthier purchases.



To track progress, the participants completed detailed food intake reports. They documented everything they ate on selected weekdays and weekends using a specialized assessment tool. 



The researchers classified foods as UPFs or non-UPFs, consulting experts when needed to avoid bias.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-benefits-of-cutting-upfs">Psychological benefits of cutting UPFs</h2>



Beyond physical health, the participants noticed mental and emotional benefits. Many reported feeling better overall, with improvements in mood and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a>.



Since UPFs can trigger addiction-like behaviors, reducing intake may help regulate emotions and improve mental clarity. Cutting back on UPFs also seemed to help participants feel more in control of their eating habits, making it easier to maintain a healthier diet.



By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of food choices, the program helped participants develop a healthier relationship with eating. This could be crucial for long-term success in maintaining dietary changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-for-research">Next steps for research</h2>



“The findings suggest that people can reduce their ultra-processed food intake, if given the proper tools, and that they will be enthusiastic about interventions designed for this purpose,” said Hagerman. 



“The results also suggest that reducing UPF intake will lead to meaningful health improvements – such as weight loss and better mood – in as short as eight weeks.”



The research team plans to expand the study. Future work will test the intervention on a larger sample and evaluate which strategies are most effective. The researchers also want to see if the program works across different populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



This study highlights the need for better public awareness and policies to reduce UPF consumption. Since UPFs dominate the food supply, long-term solutions should address accessibility and affordability of healthier alternatives. 



Education, financial incentives, and community-based programs could help more people reduce their UPF intake. As research continues, these findings may shape new approaches to improving public health through better nutrition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/osp4.70029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity Science &amp; Practice</a>.



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What happens when you remove processed foods from your diet? Doctors found out

Most dietary programs focus on weight loss or meeting U.S. nutrition guidelines. These guidelines do not mention ultra-processed foods (UPFs), even though they are linked to serious health risks. Chips, candy, and other mass-produced packaged foods often replace natural ingredients with additives. Studies show eating UPFs increases the risk of diseases and early death. Despite these risks, no major dietary programs focus on reducing UPF intake. To address this gap, researchers from Drexel University designed an intervention. The goal was to help people eat fewer ultra-processed foods...

The words we choose matter. They are not merely a string of symbols put together, they carry weight and shape our perception of the world around us.



Each word is selected with a frame in mind that subtly influences how a message is received and perceived by its audience.



One of the fascinating sectors of study that has come into focus is research on framing effects. This is an interdisciplinary exploration of when, how, and why language affects the way we perceive a message, and the ripple effects these variables have on our responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-language-framing-in-our-daily-lives">Language framing in our daily lives</h2>



An intriguing highlight in this area of research comes from <a href="https://www.vassar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vassar College</a>, where a team led by Stephen Flusberg has investigated the power of framing and its impact on the larger society.



The team has presented a comprehensive review of previous studies on framing effects. The researchers have also designed a well-defined classification of linguistic framing techniques.



“The focus on linguistic control in popular media may reflect a deeper concern - and fascination - with the force of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-language-is-specially-stored-in-the-brain-for-easy-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> in our daily lives," the authors mentioned in their study. "We routinely use words to try to influence what other people are thinking, feeling, and doing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metaphors-shape-our-beliefs">Metaphors shape our beliefs</h2>



A striking example of the team's discovery is the use of war metaphors. For instance, the term "battle," when used to describe an issue, can heighten the sense of urgency around it. Moreover, it can shape our beliefs about the subject in question.



The researchers highlighted a study which illustrated the stark difference in the perception of a cancer diagnosis when the framing words used were "battle" versus "journey."



"Metaphors are especially effective for shaping beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathtaking-nasa-photo-of-the-malaspina-glacier-resembles-an-abstract-painting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">abstract</a> and complex issues like cancer because they leverage what you know - your cognitive frames - about more concrete, familiar domains like battles and journeys," the authors explained.



The research team also included Kevin Holmes from Reed College, Paul Thibodeau from Oberlin College, Robin Nabi from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Teenie Matlock from the University of California, Merced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychology-of-language-framing">The psychology of language framing</h2>



The paper concluded with insightful recommendations on how to use framing effectively, along with an invitation to ponder over the role of framing in our society.



“A deeper understanding of the psychology of framing can enhance not only our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-coordinate-group-activities-for-language-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication skills</a> and ability to navigate our linguistic environments, but also our prospects for getting things done," the team advised. 



"The research we have reviewed serves as a reminder to be mindful of both the words and phrases we use ourselves and the ones that grab our attention or generate a strong emotional response.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-powerful-effects-of-words">The powerful effects of words</h2>



Accompanying the paper was a commentary from James Walsh of The Agency Fund, where he articulated that framing is not just about mental shortcuts. It also plays a foundational role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-provide-insight-into-human-cognition-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a>. 



Notably, the research on framing is not limited to psychology. It extends to areas such as economics and government policy.



“Flusberg et al. show that we have come a long way in our understanding of frames in the last 100 years," wrote Walsh. "Emerging evidence suggests that we're only just beginning to leverage their full potential, though. The coming 100 years promises to be even more exciting.”



Language and its framing effects have far-reaching implications. The words we choose not only influence our communication but also shape our perception. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-being-intentional-with-language">Being intentional with language </h2>



Framing effects are not limited to academic research or media; they permeate everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-enjoy-deep-conversations-with-strangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversations</a> and decisions. 



The choice of words can subtly guide thoughts, from how we describe a friend's situation to the language we use in workplace communication. 



For example, calling a challenge an "opportunity" instead of a "problem" can shift perspectives and encourage proactive solutions. 



This highlights the importance of being intentional with language, as the words we choose can influence not only how others perceive a message but also how they act upon it.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15291006241246966" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Science in the Public Interest</a>.



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Power of words: How language framing shapes our perception

The words we choose matter. They are not merely a...

Surveillance has a peculiar effect on the human mind, evoking a unique and unsettling sensation of being watched. 



Whether it’s a video camera in a shop or an overzealous co-worker tracking our every move, this feeling isn’t just imagined.



This sensation has a psychological basis, priming our brains to become more alert and aware of others' gaze. Intriguingly, this heightened state often occurs without us even realizing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychology-of-surveillance">The psychology of surveillance</h2>



A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS) conducted a study to explore this phenomenon further.



The goal was to investigate the impact of surveillance on a crucial facet of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory perception</a> - the ability to detect when someone else is looking at us.



Study lead author Kiley Seymour, an associate professor of neuroscience and behavior, explained the intrinsic nature of this effect.



"We know CCTV changes our behavior, and that's the main driver for retailers and others wanting to deploy such technology to prevent unwanted behavior," said Seymour. 



"However, we show it’s not only overt behavior that changes - our brain changes the way it processes information. We found direct evidence that being conspicuously monitored via CCTV markedly impacts a hardwired and involuntary function of human sensory perception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-super-sensing-to-survival-instincts">From super-sensing to survival instincts</h2>



The ability to detect another person's gaze is a survival mechanism. It's an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primal-instincts-kick-in-when-a-threat-appears-too-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instinct</a> that evolved to help us spot potential threats in our environment, such as predators.



When we're being watched by surveillance cameras, that innate sense appears to go into overdrive. 



Participants in the UTS study who were under surveillance demonstrated a heightened sensitivity to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-decipher-every-possible-facial-expression-outperforming-therapists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">facial detection</a>.



They became aware of faces almost a second quicker than those in the control group, showing an impressive enhancement of their perceptual abilities. The most fascinating part? This occurred without the participants even realizing it.



This finding has profound implications, not just for our understanding of human psychology, but also for current debates about privacy and the widespread nature of surveillance in today's society.



The research highlights the need for a closer examination of the effects of surveillance on mental processes and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveillance-subconscious-and-societal-implications">Surveillance, subconscious, and societal implications</h2>



Despite the participants not expressing significant concern about being under surveillance, the researchers found that its effect on social processing was pronounced and imperceptible to them.



The rapid detection of faces is critical to human social interactions. We rely on facial cues, like gaze direction, to predict others' behaviors and inform our social responses. 



This study shows the way surveillance can heighten this sensitivity, raising questions about its possible implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-apps-to-practice-mindfulness-improves-mental-health-of-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



A similar hyper-sensitivity to eye gaze is observed in certain mental health conditions, such as social anxiety disorder and psychosis. In these cases, individuals often harbor strong and irrational fears of being watched.



With the increasing level of surveillance in our society, it's imperative to understand its potential effects on our mental well-being and social interactions.



Overall, this study is not just about surveillance; it's about how we perceive and navigate the world around us. 



It opens up new avenues for exploring the impact of surveillance on broader mental processes, emphasizing the need to revisit our views on privacy and mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-changes-in-social-norms">Long-term changes in social norms</h2>



The findings from the UTS study raise critical questions about how pervasive surveillance might shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-is-crucial-beyond-its-role-as-the-love-hormone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">societal behaviors</a> in the long term. 



As people become increasingly aware of being monitored - whether by cameras in public spaces or algorithms tracking their online interactions - social norms are subtly but significantly shifting.



Researchers suggest that this heightened awareness may lead to a phenomenon called "performance surveillance," where individuals unconsciously adjust their behavior to align with perceived societal expectations.



This shift could have far-reaching consequences. For instance, in public spaces like schools, workplaces, or urban environments, constant monitoring might cultivate a culture of conformity, stifling creativity and spontaneity. 



Conversely, it could enhance accountability and deter anti-social behavior, which is one of the reasons surveillance systems are widely adopted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-burden-of-widespread-surveillance">Psychological burden of widespread surveillance </h2>



However, the psychological burden of constant monitoring cannot be overlooked. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to surveillance may contribute to heightened stress and decreased trust in others. 



These effects are particularly concerning in communities where surveillance is disproportionately concentrated, raising ethical questions about privacy, equity, and the balance of power in society.



As surveillance technology becomes more sophisticated and ubiquitous, understanding its influence on human psychology and social interactions will be vital. 



The insights from this study may ultimately serve as a stepping stone for future research exploring how surveillance not only changes our brains but also reshapes the social fabric of our world.



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Psychological impact of surveillance: How being watched changes your brain

Surveillance has a peculiar effect on the human mind, evoking...

Peyote dots the southern tip of Texas, emerging amidst the dusty aridity and cracked earth like otherworldly creations. These bluish-green cacti, found only here and in northern Mexico, are no ordinary plants.



To the local Native American Church members, peyote is less of a plant and more of a holy presence. Places where peyote plants flourish are reverently referred to as the "peyote gardens."



Within the DNA of this modest plant lies a critical aspect of Native American culture. 



Peyote cacti have been steadfast companions to Indigenous communities, serving as healers for the physical and mental afflictions wrought by colonization, displacement, and the erosion of culture, religion, and language.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-plant-with-a-controlled-substance">Sacred plant with a controlled substance</h2>



One might wonder what makes the peyote plant coveted. It contains a spectrum of psychoactive alkaloids, primarily the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hallucinogen</a> mescaline, which is known for its psychedelic properties.



Despite being a controlled substance under federal law, a 1994 amendment to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act allows Native Americans to use peyote for traditional religious purposes.



However, for the past two decades, access to this "medicine," as it is called, has been an escalating concern for the Native American practitioners of peyotism.



These practitioners, which make up a large group of 400,000 individuals in the United States, have raised concerns about their lack of access to peyote.



They attribute the dwindling availability of the slow-growing cactus to poaching, excessive harvesting, agricultural activities, housing developments, wind farms, the border wall, and the burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic</a> renaissance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-opinions-on-peyote-conservation">Diverse opinions on peyote conservation</h2>



While most agree about the dire need for peyote conservation, the Native American Church community houses a diversity of opinions on how to achieve this.



Some members are suspicious of investors' intentions and prefer government funding to safeguard the plant. Peyote, after all, represents more to them than a plant; it embodies the Creator's spirit.



Among many poignant anecdotes that highlight the spiritual significance of peyote, one stands out. 



Adrian Primeaux from the Yankton Sioux and Apache lineage recalls a tale of a malnourished Apache woman who was guided by a peyote plant to survival during a forced relocation by the U.S. government.



This plant wasn't merely a source of sustenance; it was a spiritual guide and a north star for the Native community navigating years of traumatic history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-peyote-gardens">The return of peyote gardens</h2>



In 2017, the National Council of Native American Churches purchased land in Hebbronville, Texas, to establish the Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI). 



This non-profit organization oversees a peyote preserve that is not harvested but naturally propagated in its habitat.



Steven Benally, an IPCI board member, recalls his emotional return to the peyote gardens after years of disconnection, stating: "This is real!"



His words encapsulate the deep bond between the Native Americans and the peyote gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-delicate-balance-of-peyote-conservation">The delicate balance of peyote conservation</h2>



The debate on peyote conservation isn't a simple one. While some argue that cultivation outside of its natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> is necessary for the species's survival, many Native American Church members contest that such a move would dilute its sacred nature.



Hershel Clark, secretary for the Teesto chapter of the Azee Bee Nahagha of Diné Nation, explained that the ceremonial protocols were bestowed by the Creator. 



This is why growing peyote outside of its natural habitat or synthesizing it into pills is not supported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-and-future-of-peyote-preservation">Funding and future of peyote preservation</h2>



Funding has been a significant challenge for peyote preservation efforts. While the Native American Church of North America seeks financial support from the U.S. government, IPCI has taken a different route.



The non-profit kick-started their endeavours with funding from the Riverstyx Foundation run by Cody Swift, a psychotherapist and psychedelic therapy research supporter. 



The organization continues to seek philanthropic dollars to propel its mission while remaining open to government funding.



However, there is a degree of skepticism about the intentions of Swift and other investors among some members of the Native American Church. 



Regardless, there is an indisputable consensus: the sacred peyote plant must be protected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-supply-and-rising-demand">Limited supply and rising demand</h2>



It is clear that opening peyote up to a broader market could create a supply crisis that favors those with financial resources.



Native American Church members might find themselves struggling to access their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-real-impact-of-burning-magic-herbs-in-spiritual-rituals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sacred plant</a> while witnessing others use it in ways they consider profane. 



Zulema "Julie" Morales, one of only three licensed peyoteros legally allowed to harvest the plant for sale to church members, sympathizes with this sentiment.



Morales recalls a time when her father could fill a dozen large trays with peyote, but now she can barely fill one, not because of ethical harvesting practices, but because of illegal poaching.



As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-of-native-american-origins-undermined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native American</a> communities continue to cherish, protect, and conserve the sacred peyote plant, the rest of the world must extend their understanding and respect for the unique spiritual bond shared by the communities and this modest, yet powerful, plant. 



Let it be a lesson to us all about the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, and the profound sacredness that can spring from such a bond.



Information for this article comes from a <a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/psychedelic-renaissance-development-threaten-peyote/3728887/#:~:text=An%20initiative%20to%20conserve%20and%20protect%20peyote&amp;text=He%20recalls%20losing%20access%20to,to%20Native%20American%20Church%20members.">release</a> by the Associated Press.



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Sacred peyote gardens: A cultural legacy under threat

Peyote dots the southern tip of Texas, emerging amidst the...

Every year, over 460 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life. In a review of 3,000 studies, researchers at UC San Francisco have uncovered alarming evidence of how microplastics - tiny fragments less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in size - are impacting human health.



The findings reveal a troubling link between microplastic exposure and serious medical conditions, including colon cancer, infertility, and respiratory issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-microplastics">What are microplastics?</h2>



Microplastics, some as small as a grain of sand or even invisible to the naked eye, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">omnipresent</a>. They result from the gradual breakdown or fragmentation of plastic pollution in the environment.



Microplastics contaminate air, soil, water, food, and even everyday items like drink containers. These particles are ingested or inhaled without our awareness, entering the body through airways or along with food and beverages.



Shockingly, microplastics have been discovered in human tissues, including the brain and placenta. According to recent estimates, the U.S. healthcare system spends $289 billion annually on health issues that are linked to microplastic exposure.



The small size of these particles makes them especially dangerous, as they easily enter the bloodstream and infiltrate tissues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-harm-our-health">How microplastics harm our health</h2>



Once microplastics enter the body, they act as foreign invaders, triggering widespread inflammation. The immune system’s response to these particles can cause tissue damage in vital organs, including the heart and liver. Over time, their accumulation leads to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irreversible harm</a>.



Microplastics have a bio-accumulative nature, meaning their levels in the environment and human bodies will only increase. With plastic production expected to triple by 2060, researchers warn of escalating health risks. 



“Due to ubiquitous exposure and bioaccumulative characteristics of microplastics, the extent of human health impacts due to microplastic exposure is of great concern,” noted the authors of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digestive-system-and-cancer-risks">Digestive system and cancer risks</h2>



The UCSF research revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nanotechnology-is-fighting-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> disrupt the digestive system, particularly in the colon. These tiny particles damage the protective mucus layer of the colon, increasing vulnerability to inflammation and tumor development.



"Exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact the colon and small intestine in humans," noted the researchers.



Chronic inflammation and intestinal cell death were also identified as potential outcomes. Using carcinogen classification methods, the team linked microplastics to colon cancer, and called for urgent attention to these health hazards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-reproductive-health">Microplastics and reproductive health</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-trigger-cloud-formation-and-alter-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> may also disrupt hormonal balance in the reproductive system. For men, this could lead to reduced sperm quality and testicular health. For women, they can impact ovarian function and the placenta. 



In one study, researchers linked microplastics in the placenta to low birth weight and pre-term births.



Furthermore, adverse effects on ovarian function and development highlight the potential long-term implications for reproductive health.



“We concluded that exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact sperm quality and testicular health in humans,” the researchers emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-impacts-and-lung-cancer-risks">Respiratory impacts and lung cancer risks</h2>



Microplastics also pose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant threats</a> to lung health. When inhaled, they irritate airways, leading to chronic inflammation and lung injuries. Over time, this can increase the risk of lung cancer. 



The experts concluded that exposure to microplastics is “suspected to be a hazard to the human respiratory system.”



“These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful,” said study senior author <a href="https://profiles.ucsf.edu/tracey.woodruff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracey J. Woodruff</a>, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-environmental-contamination">Widespread environmental contamination</h2>



The minute size of microplastics allows them to spread across the globe, contaminating even the most remote locations. Researchers have detected microplastics in Arctic sea ice, deep ocean trenches, and in snow and sediment across Antarctica.



Alarmingly, these particles have been found in human breast milk, the liver, and in the placenta - raising concerns about their far-reaching impacts on human health.



Each year, plastic production is projected to increase, reaching 1.1 billion tons by 2050. This means the presence of microplastics in the environment - and consequently in our bodies - will only worsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-health-risks-of-microplastics">Addressing the health risks of microplastics</h2>



The UCSF review is the first to systematically examine the health impacts of microplastics using methods approved by the National Academy of Sciences.



While many studies in the review focused on animals, the researchers believe the findings are directly applicable to humans due to similar exposure pathways.



The research builds on previous work by the California State Policy Evidence Consortium, which guides policymakers. 



"We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer," noted study first author Dr. Nicholas Chartres. 



"We hope state leaders will take immediate action to prevent further exposures."



The UCSF findings highlight the pressing need for stricter regulations on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> production and better waste management. 



Without immediate intervention, the health impacts of microplastics will escalate alongside the increase in plastic production. Reducing exposure is critical for safeguarding human health in the years to come.



The review study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/envhealth.3c00052">ACS Environmental Science and Technology</a>.



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Microplastics linked to health issues including cancer and infertility

Every year, over 460 million tons of plastic are produced...

Is your beloved dog more than just a loyal companion - perhaps even a partner in your journey toward a longer, healthier life? 



New scientific advancements suggest that our canine friends might offer more than love and loyalty. Dogs may ultimately hold the power to potentially extend both their lives and ours.



The question at the heart of this is - What if our dogs could live forever, and their secret to longevity could provide us with healthier, extended lives? 



This intriguing thought has given rise to a new kind of synergy between the promotion of canine and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-new-in-the-world-of-dog-longevity">What's new in the world of dog longevity?</h2>



Early next year, the U.S. biotech start-up Loyal anticipates the release of LOY-002, a daily pill designed to give dogs at least one extra year of healthy life.



This San Francisco-based enterprise has secured a staggering $125 million in funding from companies that were previously hesitant to invest in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-transfer-longevity-gene-hoping-to-extend-human-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human longevity</a> projects due to their potentially lengthy timelines.



Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, which is under the umbrella of Cellular Longevity, suggests this endeavor could also benefit our species. 



"Finding out how to prevent canine age-related decline is a really strong proxy for doing the same with humans because dogs get similar age-related diseases, and share our environments and habits in ways laboratory mice do not," explained Halioua.



The LOY-002 pill aims to address metabolic changes tied to aging. It will reduce frailty by controlling age-related insulin increases.



"We’re not making immortal dogs. The way the drug extends <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-link-between-growth-and-lifespan-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan</a>, we hypothesise, is by extending health and thus shortening the rate of aging," said Halioua.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-promising-drug-for-dog-longevity">A promising drug for dog longevity</h2>



Almost a thousand miles away, researchers are working towards the same goal using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taurine-natural-anti-aging-supplement-may-hold-the-key-to-a-longer-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapamycin</a>, a widely available drug. 



This study, which is part of the Dog Aging Project, indicates that low doses of rapamycin could boost the lifespan of dogs and improve their heart and cognitive functions.



According to Daniel Promislow, a biogerontologist at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> and co-director of the project, the study is far more advanced than any human-centric research.



“What we’re doing is the equivalent of a 40-year-long study on humans, testing the ability of a drug to increase healthy lifespan," said Promislow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-opportunity-to-study-longevity">Unique opportunity to study longevity</h2>



Kate Creevy, co-founder and chief veterinary officer of the project, emphasizes their unique opportunity to examine findings by various factors - male and female dogs, pre- or post-spaying. The research could carry implications for pre- and post-menopausal women.



"We also have data on what age dogs have been spayed – which could cross over to the variation in age that women have their menopause – and data on why they were spayed, which could cross over to women who have had hysterectomies for medical reasons," said Creevy.



Promislow is hopeful that the research will demonstrate that rapamycin could grant dogs an additional three years of healthy life. If successful, he believes it could be a turning point in identifying how to offer humans additional healthy lifespan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-connection">The human connection</h2>



The quest to extend the lives of dogs is warmly greeted by the human longevity community.



Professor Tom Rando, the director of the Broad Stem Cell Research Centre at the University of California, admires the work.



"If we’re successful with dogs, it could be a turning point in informing us how to give human populations extra healthy lifespan too," said Professor Rando.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-secret-to-longer-life">The secret to longer life</h2>



However, Jamie Justice of Wake Forest University School of Medicine points out that without a consensus on a human biomarker of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> to test these drugs, their application to human subjects remains uncertain.



The focus now is on establishing these parameters. Then, Justice believes, the work that will yield the most exciting results can begin - results that can be taken to market.



There is much anticipation as we look towards our best friends for the secret to longer and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-healthspan-people-are-living-longer-but-not-healthier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier living</a>. 



In this quest for longevity, dogs might prove to be more than just man's best friend. They could also be our pathway to a future of enhanced health and extended lifespans.



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Longevity pills for dogs could help humans live longer too

Is your beloved dog more than just a loyal companion...

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips is a well-known health risk. However, unseen fat around the heart also poses significant dangers. 



Scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System are developing a non-invasive method to assess these risks, potentially transforming how doctors diagnose and treat heart disease.



Led by Dr. Frederick H. Epstein of UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the researchers are using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the composition of epicardial adipose tissue - the fat surrounding the heart.



This technique could help doctors pinpoint patients who are at risk for severe heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. It may also help predict patient responses to treatments, which would enhance care strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-heart-imaging">Progress in heart imaging</h2>



Initial testing has shown promising results. The new MRI technique offers insights that were previously unavailable.



“Using this new MRI technique, we now for the very first time have the ability to know the composition of the fat that accumulates around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>,” said Dr. Amit R. Patel, a cardiologist at <a href="https://uvahealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVA Health</a>.



“This is important because, depending on its makeup, the fat which surrounds the heart has the potential to release damaging substances directly into the heart muscle, leading to serious heart problems.”



Dr. Patel noted that the research could enable patients to convert unhealthy fat into healthier forms using lifestyle changes or medications.



“We believe that by doing so, we will be able to reduce some of the complications associated with heart disease,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-nature-of-epicardial-fat">Dual nature of epicardial fat</h2>



Epicardial adipose tissue is a type of fat that surrounds the heart. In healthy individuals, this fat plays an important protective role, helping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart function</a> properly.



However, in people with conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or unhealthy habits like smoking and poor diets, this fat can accumulate excessively. In this case, it may become inflamed and undergo changes that can harm the heart instead of protecting it.



Scientists can now study the composition of this fat by analyzing the types of fatty acids it contains - saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.



These insights help doctors identify people at risk of heart disease before symptoms appear. Finding and addressing these risks early can slow down the progression of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-challenges-of-heart-scans">Tackling the challenges of heart scans</h2>



Capturing clear images of heart fat posed significant technical challenges due to constant heart and lung motion. To overcome this, the team developed advanced computational methods and innovative imaging approaches.



“The ability to make these measurements in epicardial adipose tissue required the use of advanced computational methods that can extract the unique signature of saturated fatty acids from an overall noisy signal,” said Dr. Epstein.



He commended&nbsp;Jack Echols, a biomedical engineering graduate student, for his pivotal contributions.



With these advances, the team can now obtain precise images in a single breath hold, paving the way for real-world applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-findings-from-heart-scans">Early findings from heart scans</h2>



Tests revealed that the fat surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-accurately-predicts-cardiovascular-heart-disease-risk-30-years-into-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> in obese patients with prior heart attacks contained excessive saturated fatty acids. 



This discovery suggests that the new MRI technique could help identify at-risk individuals and improve patient outcomes.



“Being able to see the composition of the fat that surrounds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> will improve our understanding of heart disease and may lead to the development of new treatment strategies in the future,” noted Dr. Patel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-scans-and-early-interventions">Heart scans and early interventions</h2>



The new MRI technique represents a significant leap in heart disease care. 



"Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the adipose depot positioned between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, has emerged as an important contributor to cardiovascular disease, particularly in obesity and metabolic heart disease," explained the researchers.



By providing a clearer picture of this fat composition around the heart, the new imaging technique could empower doctors to intervene earlier and more effectively, reducing the burden of heart disease worldwide.



The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mrm.30285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magnetic Resonance in Medicine</a>. 



The study received funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;National Institute on Aging,&nbsp;American Heart Association, and other organizations.



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Simple scan can predict risks of serious heart problems

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips...

What if a selfie could tell you something more than just how your hair looks today? What if selfies could reveal your biological age, regardless of the number of candles on your last birthday cake? 



The "face age" test from selfies is a type of AI-powered analysis that estimates a person's age based on facial features in a photo, and it's making waves in the medical community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selfies-reveal-your-body-s-true-age">Selfies reveal your body's true age</h2>



"Face age" is more than a novel idea - it’s becoming a tool for making critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-of-ai-enhancing-patient-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical decisions</a>. In some cases, it has influenced cancer treatment plans and even predicted patient survival rates.



Dr. Raymond Mak, a radiation oncologist at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a> in Boston, Massachusetts, recently demonstrated the power of this technology.



Dr. Mak treated Lou Magelaner, a 90-year-old lung cancer patient, who appeared much younger than his age. Relying on his intuition and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-driven tool</a> FaceAge, Dr. Mak confirmed his assessment.



When he uploaded Magelaner’s photo, the tool estimated his biological age to be 66. This result reinforced Dr. Mak's confidence in pursuing a treatment plan designed for younger patients.



"My gut was like, he’s more like a 70-year-old,” said Dr. Mak. After several weeks of radiation therapy, the treatment proved successful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-faceage-tool-works">How the FaceAge tool works</h2>



The FaceAge tool analyzes facial features using an AI model trained on thousands of images. By detecting subtle signs of aging, it offers insights into a person's health. 



Preliminary research suggests cancer patients often look biologically older than their actual age. This "older appearance" might correlate with earlier mortality, helping doctors refine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment decisions</a>.



FaceAge isn't alone in this space. Consumer versions of such tools are already available online. For instance, Novos, a company focused on longevity, provides a free test that examines wrinkles, eye condition, and other facial features to estimate biological age. 



Over 300,000 people have tried it, including Novos CEO Chris Mirabile, who uses it as a motivation for healthier living.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-s-growing-role-in-healthcare">AI's growing role in healthcare</h2>



Artificial intelligence is being steadily integrated into healthcare. Beyond FaceAge, AI tools are detecting conditions like Parkinson’s disease from facial scans and identifying Covid-19 on X-rays.



“These digital tools aim to enhance clinical intuition,” noted Dr. Mak. In his study, FaceAge even outperformed doctors in predicting cancer patient survival rates.



Such advancements could guide treatment decisions or alert patients to seek medical attention. However, these tools remain primarily in research stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-ethical-concerns">Challenges and ethical concerns</h2>



Despite its promise, face-age technology isn’t perfect. Training datasets often rely on images of wealthy individuals or celebrities, leading to potential biases. 



As a result, the technology may struggle to provide accurate results for underrepresented racial groups. Factors like poor lighting, low image quality, and cosmetic procedures can also skew predictions.



Additionally, ethical concerns surround its use in clinical settings. Patients identified as biologically "older" may face unconscious biases from doctors, potentially impacting their care.



Nicole Martinez-Martin, a bioethics expert at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, warns about these risks. "Patients flagged by these tools might receive less attention," she noted, which could lead to unequal treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-face-age-testing">Future of face age testing</h2>



While the technology is still evolving, the potential of tools like FaceAge is undeniable. Ultimately, these tools could play a crucial role in precision medicine, allowing doctors to make better-informed decisions for individual patients.



Further studies aim to refine the algorithms, ensuring more inclusive and accurate predictions. Researchers like Jing-Dong Jackie Han at <a href="https://english.pku.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peking University</a> are exploring how specific facial changes, such as drooping eyes or shrinking foreheads, correlate with age and health. 



Some studies even suggest that youthful-looking individuals might have younger blood, linking biological age to overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-healthier-living">A tool for healthier living?</h2>



Consumer-friendly tools like those from Novos show how face-age technology could extend beyond clinics. 



By highlighting areas of improvement, these tools could encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. Mirabile believes this feedback can act as a wake-up call for users. "It’s a great way to measure and motivate change," he said.



As AI continues to evolve, tools like FaceAge may redefine healthcare. They could offer insights into aging, help combat diseases, and support healthier living. 



While challenges remain, the promise of "face age" lies in its ability to merge cutting-edge technology with personal and clinical applications. With further refinement, it might soon become a vital tool in both medicine and everyday life.



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Selfies reveal your 'face age' and subtle signs about your health

What if a selfie could tell you something more than...

Marriage or long-term relationships often seem like the societal norm. However, a growing number of people choose to remain single for life. While singlehood offers independence and freedom, it may also pose challenges, especially in later years.&nbsp;



A new study published in the journal Psychological Science takes a deep look at people who have stayed single their whole lives, revealing important differences in both their life satisfaction and personality traits compared to those in relationships.



The study was led by Dr. Julia Stern, a senior researcher at the University of Bremen in Germany.



Her team analyzed data from over 77,000 Europeans aged 50 and above, making it the first research of its kind to examine lifelong singles across different cultures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-life-more-than-just-relationship-status">Single life: More than just relationship status</h2>



The research team didn't just look at who was currently single. They dug deeper, creating different categories: people who never lived with a partner, those who never married, and those who never had any long-term relationship.



This detailed approach revealed something fascinating - people who had never been in a serious relationship showed lower scores in extraversion, openness, and life satisfaction compared to those who were currently single but had previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-power-are-more-likely-to-cheat-on-their-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship experience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-context-matters">Cultural context matters</h2>



Your location as a single person can influence your life satisfaction. The study revealed that in countries with higher marriage rates, especially in southern Europe, single individuals tended to feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-rejection-teaches-us-valuable-lessons-about-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">less satisfied</a> with their lives.



This suggests that societal expectations around marriage might intensify feelings of isolation or inadequacy for singles in these regions. 



Surprisingly, the level of religiosity in a country didn’t significantly impact the life satisfaction of single people. This indicates that cultural norms about relationships play a more prominent role than religious influences in shaping their well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-and-gender-of-singles">Age and gender of singles</h2>



Here's a silver lining for older singles - the research found that they tend to be happier with their single status compared to middle-aged singles. 



Women who were single also reported higher life satisfaction than single men. 



Dr. Stern suggests that older singles might find more peace with their status once they're past the age where their peers are actively starting families and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/making-a-partner-jealous-hurts-relationships-much-more-often-than-it-helps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting married</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personality-differences-in-single-people">Personality differences in single people</h2>



One big question emerges: do certain personality types lead people to stay single, or does being single shape personality? The evidence points to the former. 



"It's more likely you have these selection effects: For example, people who are more extraverted are more likely to enter a relationship," explained Dr. Stern.



However, she emphasizes that these are average effects and don't apply to everyone - you'll find plenty of single extroverts and partnered introverts out there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-people-report-lower-life-satisfaction">Single people report lower life satisfaction</h2>



The study's findings highlight significant health implications. 



Research has shown that life satisfaction and personality traits like extraversion and conscientiousness strongly influence health outcomes and even mortality. Individuals with higher levels of these traits tend to experience better physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-compassion-enhances-relationship-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



As people age and their reliance on support networks grows, these connections become even more critical. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-needs-of-older-singles">Addressing the needs of older singles</h2>



Lifelong singles, who often score lower on these traits and life satisfaction, may face heightened health risks. This emphasizes the importance of addressing their specific needs to promote healthier aging and overall well-being.



"When there are differences, they might be especially important in elderly people who face more health issues and financial issues," noted Dr. Stern. "They need more help, and the help is usually the partner."



This research highlights the need for better support systems for single people, especially as they age. Dr. Stern advocates for developing new programs that consider personality differences and help older singles connect with like-minded individuals. 



"If they have people who care for them or look out for them regularly, this might help," said Dr. Stern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-single-people">Supporting single people</h2>



As more people choose to live single lives, society needs to adapt. This research doesn't just highlight differences between singles and partnered individuals - it points to the urgent need for support systems that work for everyone, regardless of relationship status.



The findings call for creative solutions that go beyond the traditional family-centered approach to care and support. 



Whether through community programs, social networks, or healthcare systems, we need to ensure that single individuals have access to the same level of support and care that partnered people often receive through their relationships.



This research from <a href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bremen</a> marks an important step toward understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by lifelong singles. As our society continues to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-love-live-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a>, these insights could help shape more inclusive support systems that serve everyone, regardless of their relationship status.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241286865" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Science</a>.



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Why do some people stay single their whole lives?

Marriage or long-term relationships often seem like the societal norm....

There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and harmonies of a symphony orchestra, right? Well, did you know that something similar happens inside your brain while you're catching some sleep? It turns out, our brains have a maestro of their own - breathing. 



Just as a conductor harmonizes an orchestra to create a symphony, breathing synchronizes the rhythm of brain waves during sleep. This phenomenon takes place in the hippocampus - a region of the brain that is critical for memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-rhythms-during-sleep">Breathing rhythms during sleep</h2>



This fascinating revelation comes from a recent study by <a href="https://www.nm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a>. It marks the first time scientists have linked breathing rhythms during sleep to the hippocampal brain waves known as&nbsp;slow waves, spindles, and ripples. 



Study senior author Christina Zelano is a professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.



“To strengthen memories, three special neural oscillations emerge and synchronize in the hippocampus during sleep, but they were thought to come and go at random times,” noted Professor Zelano. "We discovered that they are coordinated by breathing rhythms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-memory-synchronization">Science behind memory synchronization</h2>



The study shows that certain brain waves, called hippocampal oscillations, align with specific phases of the breathing cycle. These oscillations are critical for organizing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-coordinates-brain-waves-for-memory-storage-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strengthening memories</a>. 



Andrew Sheriff is a postdoctoral student in Zelano's lab and the corresponding author of the study.



This means that the rhythm of your breathing during sleep plays an active role in helping your brain store and recall information effectively. 



“Memory consolidation relies on the orchestration of brain waves during sleep, and we show that this process is closely timed by breathing,” explained Sheriff.



This research opens new doors for understanding the intricate relationship between breathing, brain activity, and memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-sleep-and-memory-consolidation">Breathing, sleep, and memory consolidation </h2>



The connection between sleep and improved memory is not a new discovery. The ancient Roman scholar Quintillion stated: "The interval of a single night will greatly increase the strength of the memory."



This phenomenon, now recognized as memory consolidation, involves the precise coordination of brain waves in the hippocampus.



Sheriff shared a personal example to explain how memory consolidation works. While attending a conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, he had to find his way around an unfamiliar city. 



After sleeping, he realized his sense of direction and understanding of the city's layout had improved. This improvement happened because, during sleep, the brain replayed and reinforced the experiences and maps he had formed earlier. 



His hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial memory, used specific brain waves to process and solidify this information overnight.



“The hippocampus plays a major role in forming a map of a new area,” Sheriff said. “I would wake up and feel I had a better representation of the city around me. That was facilitated by the oscillations that occurred during my sleep, which we found are coordinated by breathing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-sleep-disorders">Implications for sleep disorders</h2>



The study’s findings carry significant implications for individuals suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea. Poor memory consolidation is one of the many cognitive challenges associated with such conditions.



“When you don’t get sleep, your brain suffers, your cognition suffers, you get foggy,” Sheriff noted. He emphasized the connection between disrupted breathing during sleep and serious conditions such as stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.



Interestingly, the unique rhythm of breathing during sleep may serve a specific purpose. “If you listen to someone breathing, you might be able to tell when they are asleep, because breathing is paced differently when you’re sleeping,” Sheriff said. 



“One reason for that may be that breathing is performing a careful task: coordinating brain waves that are related to memory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-in-sleep-research">New frontier in sleep research</h2>



The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to maintain cognitive health and memory. Sheriff emphasized the need for individuals with disrupted breathing to seek treatment, as improved sleep could have far-reaching benefits for overall brain function.



This study was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and a Ruth L. Kirchstein Institutional National Research Award.



This remarkable research adds a new layer of understanding to the intricate processes that occur during sleep. By uncovering the role of breathing in synchronizing brain waves, Northwestern scientists have paved the way for new interventions aimed at improving memory and cognitive health.



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.



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Breathing rhythms help strengthen memories during sleep

There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and...

New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more than just wake you up - it could help protect against head and neck cancers.



A comprehensive analysis by scientists at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah sheds light on the potential benefits of coffee and tea in reducing cancer risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-concern-head-and-neck-cancer">Rising concern: Head and neck cancer</h2>



Head and neck cancer ranks as the seventh most common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> worldwide, with cases increasing in low- and middle-income countries. 



In the United States alone, the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a> estimates that 71,100 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx cancer in 2024. 



Tobacco and alcohol remain the leading risk factors, but experts are now exploring dietary influences, including coffee and tea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-cancer-risk">Coffee and cancer risk</h2>



The researchers evaluated data from 14 prior studies which involved a total of 25,331 participants, including 9,548 cancer patients and 15,783 cancer-free individuals. The goal was to uncover dietary patterns linked to head and neck cancer.



"While there has been prior research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee and tea consumption</a> and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact," explained Dr. Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, senior author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-s-protective-potential-against-cancer">Coffee’s protective potential against cancer</h2>



The study revealed strong evidence that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of head and neck cancers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the findings:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overall-risk-reduction">Overall risk reduction</h3>



Individuals who drank four or more cups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> daily experienced a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. This includes cancers affecting areas like the mouth, throat, and voice box.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specific-cancer-types">Specific cancer types</h3>



The protective effects of coffee were even more pronounced for certain types of cancer:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Oral cavity cancer: Coffee drinkers had a 30% lower risk of developing cancer inside the mouth.</li>



<li>Throat cancer: The risk of throat cancer was reduced by 22% among coffee drinkers.</li>



<li>Hypopharyngeal cancer: Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee daily lowered the risk of cancer in the lower part of the throat by 41%.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-decaffeinated-coffee">Benefits of decaffeinated coffee</h3>



Even without caffeine, coffee showed significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-coffee-good-for-you-it-may-depend-on-your-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protective effects</a>. People who drank decaffeinated coffee had a 25% lower risk of oral cavity cancer, suggesting that other compounds in coffee may contribute to its anticancer properties.



These findings from <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huntsman Cancer Institute</a> highlight the potential role of coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, in reducing the risk of specific cancers in the head and neck region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tea-a-mixed-brew-of-benefits">Tea: A mixed brew of benefits</h2>



Tea consumption also showed protective effects in some cases. Drinking tea was associated with a 29% reduction in hypopharyngeal cancer risk. 



However, consuming more than one cup daily was linked to a 38% increase in laryngeal cancer odds. This paradox suggests other factors, such as beverage temperature, may influence outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-coffee-beyond-cancer-protection">Benefits of coffee beyond cancer protection</h2>



Coffee contains over 2,000 compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants like chlorogenic acids. 



These compounds have been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related conditions. Chlorogenic acid, in particular, shows potential in addressing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



"Coffee should be enjoyed as a treasure trove of benefits tailored for the golden years," noted researchers from the <a href="https://www.uc.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Coimbra</a> in Portugal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



While the findings are promising, the study acknowledges the complexity of coffee and tea habits. Variations in preparation methods, consumption levels, and other lifestyle factors influence outcomes. 



Head and neck cancer rates are declining in wealthier nations due to improved healthcare and HPV vaccinations, but remain a significant burden in resource-limited regions.



"Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk," said Dr. Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-prevention">A holistic approach to prevention</h2>



Beyond dietary habits, public health initiatives should continue addressing tobacco and alcohol use, which significantly increase cancer risks. 



Vaccination programs, early detection efforts, and awareness campaigns can further reduce the global burden of head and neck cancers.



Your morning coffee might offer more than just a caffeine kick - it could play a role in cancer prevention. As research progresses, understanding the relationship between dietary habits and cancer risks can empower individuals to make informed choices.



Whether you enjoy coffee for its flavor, energy boost, or potential health benefits, one thing is clear: this beloved beverage has layers worth exploring.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35620" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer</a>.



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Drinking coffee reduces the risk of certain cancers

New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more...

It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain of our own minds and uncover the mysteries of how and why we behave the way we do. In a comprehensive interview, Professor Inga Neumann has unveiled her research into the role of oxytocin in shaping social behavior and emotional responses.



Professor Neumann is the Chair of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology at the University of Regensburg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-beyond-the-love-hormone">Oxytocin: Beyond the "love hormone"</h2>



Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the interview provides a deep dive into her exploration of neuropeptides and their profound effects on social behavior and emotional responses.



<a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/biologie-vorklinische-medizin/neurobiologie-tierphysiologie/team-mitarbeiter/prof-dr-inga-d-neumann/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Neumann</a>’s work redefines oxytocin’s role, moving beyond its popular reputation as the “love hormone.” 



"I am convinced that increasing our knowledge about the stimuli, dynamics, and consequences of their intracerebral release at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-rejection-teaches-us-valuable-lessons-about-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavioural</a>, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels will improve our understanding of general brain mechanisms," said Professor Neumann.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-anxiety">Oxytocin's role in social anxiety</h2>



Professor Neumann’s team has created an advanced mouse model to study social fear conditioning, a process where individuals learn to associate social situations with fear or anxiety. 



This model allows researchers to simulate and observe the effects of chronic stress and early life experiences on social behavior in a controlled environment. It provides valuable insights into how these factors influence brain function and behavior over time.



Her findings indicate that oxytocin plays a significant role in alleviating social fear. Additionally, other neuroactive molecules, such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which regulates the stress response, may also be critical in shaping these behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-social-anxiety-disorders">Treating social anxiety disorders</h2>



Together, these molecules could offer new therapeutic targets for addressing social anxiety disorders. By understanding how they work within the brain, researchers hope to develop treatments that effectively reduce social anxiety and improve overall mental health.



"We started to focus on the potential role of the brain's oxytocin and AVP systems as therapeutic targets for psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety disorders or autism," she notes.



Her research highlights the clinical promise of oxytocin-based therapies for treatment-resistant conditions, including social anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The findings inspire hope for more effective treatments that leverage the brain’s own neuropeptide systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-mechanisms-of-social-fear">Molecular mechanisms of social fear</h2>



Professor Neumann’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind social fear, a condition where individuals experience anxiety in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-observation-our-decisions-shift-when-people-are-watching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social situations</a>. 



Her studies delve into how oxytocin and CRF, which is linked to the body’s stress response, work together to influence stress resilience and social behavior. 



This interplay provides critical insights into how these molecules might be targeted to treat psychiatric conditions such as social anxiety, depression, and autism.



Going forward, the team from University of Regensburg aims to address important questions:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-oxytocin-delivery">Optimizing oxytocin delivery</h3>



While oxytocin shows promise as a therapy, delivering it effectively to the brain remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring methods to ensure it reaches the intended brain regions without degrading or causing side effects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-factors-in-social-disorders">Epigenetic factors in social disorders</h3>



Epigenetic factors, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, may influence how individuals develop social behavior disorders. Understanding these factors could uncover why some people are more prone to these conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-animal-studies-to-humans">Translating animal studies to humans</h3>



Much of what we know about social behavior and treatments comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal models</a>. Bridging the gap between these studies and human applications is crucial for developing therapies that work effectively in clinical settings.



These lines of inquiry aim to advance both our understanding of brain mechanisms and the development of targeted treatments for psychiatric disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-behaviors">Oxytocin's role in social behaviors</h2>



The interview with Professor Neumann not only explores her scientific contributions but also provides a glimpse into her personal journey and experiences. 



The conversation blends Professor Neumann's research with stories of her challenges and triumphs, offering a more human perspective. By doing so, it highlights not just the technical aspects of her studies but also the broader implications of her findings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-cuddle-hormone-fosters-love-boosts-memory-and-may-cure-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">society and mental health</a>.



This narrative approach connects readers to the person behind the research, making the science more relatable and impactful. 



The series emphasizes how individual perseverance and innovation can drive meaningful advancements in understanding complex topics like brain function and social behavior. 



Through this blend of professional and personal insights, the interview offers a holistic view of both the research and the researcher’s role in shaping the future of neuroscience.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.



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Oxytocin is crucial beyond its role as the 'love hormone'

It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain...

Heart attacks cast an unexpected shadow over the much-loved winter holidays. On one hand, the season is filled with joy and cheer, reunions and festivities, cakes and candies. On the other hand, it emerges as a surprising time of sorrow, with the highest rate of heart-attack-related deaths reported during this time of the year.



Yes, you read that right. The last week of December, celebrated globally with pomp and show, coincidentally marks a peak in mortality due to cardiac events.



According to the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> (AHA), a leading advocate for heart and brain health, the holiday season records a significant rise in heart-related fatalities.



As we celebrate with festive traditions, it’s crucial to recognize this concerning trend. By staying aware and embracing heart-healthy habits during this busy time, we can help protect our health and potentially save lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holidays-raise-the-risk-of-a-health-emergency">Holidays raise the risk of a health emergency </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-struggle-to-maintain-a-healthy-routine-during-the-holidays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holidays</a> serve as a much-needed break from the monotonous routine. But they also disrupt our daily habits with an influx of festive food and drinks, late-night parties, and increased stress - both physical and emotional.



The combination of indulgence and neglect creates a perfect storm for health risks, often catching people off guard.



Dr. Mitchell S.V. Elkind, Chief Clinical Science Officer at the American Heart Association, stated: "The holidays are a busy, often stressful, time for many of us. Routines are disrupted; we may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We’re getting too little sleep and experiencing too much stress."



"We also may not be listening to our bodies or paying attention to warning signs, thinking a trip to the doctor can wait until after the new year."



Together, these factors create a dangerous convergence that significantly raises the risk of a heart emergency. 



"While we don’t know exactly why there are more deadly heart attacks during this time of year, it’s important to be aware that all of these factors can be snowballing contributors to increasing the risk for a deadly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-stimulation-can-improve-cardiac-function-overnight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiac</a> event," said Dr. Elkind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holiday-heart-attack-deaths">Holiday heart attack deaths </h2>



Studies published in the journal Circulation, an esteemed publication of the AHA, confirm the rise in cardiac events during the winter holiday season.



The researchers point out that the most cardiac deaths occur on December 25, followed by December 26 and January 1. 



The cold winter weather plays a part by constricting blood vessels and restricting blood flow. But research suggests that holiday stress may be the biggest contributing factor. 



Intriguingly, a similar pattern was observed in sunny LA County, where December and January registered a third more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-people-die-from-heart-attacks-during-the-holidays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack deaths</a> than the balmy months of June through September. 



The trend held true even in New Zealand, where December is a summer month, lending support to the theory of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-stress-can-take-a-major-toll-on-health-and-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">festive stress</a>.



What's alarming is that the majority of these holiday heart attack deaths happen mostly outside of the hospital.



"This highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical care," said Dr. Elkind. "Don’t ignore heart attack warning signs because you don’t want to spoil the holidays, the consequences could be much worse."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-your-health-a-priority">Make your health a priority </h2>



As we gather around the table for a festive feast, let’s not forget to prioritize our health. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack - which are different for men and women - is essential, as swift action and immediate medical care can save lives.



Enjoy the celebrations, but remember moderation is key. A balanced diet during the holidays can help you stay healthy. Consider making small, healthy swaps to your favorite dishes and keep an eye on your salt intake to support your heart health.



Amidst the holiday hustle, carve out moments of calm for self-care. Managing stress effectively and staying active - even through a leisurely walk with loved ones - can go a long way in maintaining your well-being.



Lastly, don’t let the holiday excitement disrupt your medication routine. Use a medication chart or reminders to ensure you stay on track and monitor your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-5-minutes-of-daily-exercise-can-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure</a> regularly. A little planning can help you enjoy the season while safeguarding your health.



For more tips on heart healthy living during holidays and all year long, visit <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart.org</a>.



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Heart attack deaths spike during the winter holidays

Heart attacks cast an unexpected shadow over the much-loved winter...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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;



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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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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;



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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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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



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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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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



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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



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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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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.

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 



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.

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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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 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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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 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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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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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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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 Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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



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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

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