Santa,Claus,Sitting,Near,The,Fireplace,And,Christmas,Tree,With

Every December, colorful lights and festive tunes remind kids, and adults, that Santa Claus is on his way. Families fill their homes with decorations, children write wish lists, and a sense of anticipation hangs in the air. 



Parents have long told their kids that if they behave well, Santa will bring them just what they asked for. Until recently, few studies examined whether this belief actually influenced how kids act.



In a new project, researchers decided to see if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/irregular-bedtimes-disrupt-the-well-being-and-behavior-of-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> truly become more considerate when they think Santa is watching. 



They explored whether kids act better because of the story of Santa or because of everything else going on during the holiday season. 



Professor Kapitány from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> led the investigation along with colleagues from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham</a>, <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edinburgh</a>, and <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-santa-and-surprises">Kids, Santa, and surprises</h2>



The study tracked 533 kids between ages four and nine over three separate Christmases and visits from Santa. Families <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-behavioral-issues-have-high-cortisol-levels-in-their-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported on behaviors</a> like sharing, helping others, and following rules. 



Parents also described whether their kids believed in Santa and took part in festive traditions. According to the data, there was no direct link between Santa belief alone and an increase in kindness.



Instead, good behavior rose as Christmas neared when families engaged in activities such as decorating their homes, singing carols, and enjoying special treats.&nbsp;



The study noted that these experiences led to small but consistent boosts in generous and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kindergarten-conduct-childhood-behavioral-problems-will-cost-society-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respectful actions</a>. 



This shift also came with a bump in more rowdy moments, highlighting that heightened excitement can show up in many ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-festive-rituals">The power of festive rituals</h2>



For many families, hanging ornaments or baking Christmas cookies is more than just a fun holiday pastime. 



These rituals offer children a chance to feel a sense of togetherness and excitement that breaks up their usual routine. 



The study suggests that these shared activities have a greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-consider-their-own-past-actions-before-judging-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effect on kindness</a> than the idea of being judged by a mysterious gift-giver in a red suit.



Parents often say they remind kids to be on their best behavior so Santa will reward them. Yet the findings show it’s the holiday atmosphere itself that has the strongest pull. 



One researcher described it by saying “the magic is in the time of year, so to speak, not in the claim over the supernatural big man.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernatural-beliefs-and-morality">Supernatural beliefs and morality</h2>



Some scholars point out that Santa is often placed on the same pedestal as other powerful beings in certain cultures. 



Parents treat him as a figure who can watch children from afar, keep track of good deeds, and decide on gifts. 



This study adds to conversations about how belief in unseen forces might shape moral choices.



Other work shows that religious ideas can sometimes bring out prosocial behavior. Hearing about rules or promises of rewards can prompt more cooperation.&nbsp;



In the case of Santa, though, the results suggest that the presence of traditions might play a bigger role in guiding kids toward friendly, generous actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contrasting-philosophies-on-kids-and-santa">Contrasting philosophies on kids and Santa</h2>



Philosophers have different views on whether parents should even promote Santa’s story. 



Dr. Joseph Millum from the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St. Andrews</a> worries it “breaches trust,” calling Santa a “preposterous lie.” Others feel that Santa can be a healthy way to bring joy into children’s lives. 



Tom Whyman, a lecturer in philosophy at the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, says that “kids need Santa.” 



These opinions highlight the varying attitudes people have toward a figure whose influence has become an enduring feature of holiday culture.



When parents choose whether to encourage this tale, they grapple with how it shapes their children’s sense of wonder and truth. 



Some families see Santa as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pretend-play-builds-the-foundation-for-learning-and-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmless make-believe</a>, while others wonder if creating a magical visitor might later undermine a child’s trust. 



The study reminds us that cultural myths carry weight, yet they may not fully explain shifts in children’s behavior.



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



The research shows that singing festive songs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christmas-trees-have-unique-strategies-to-survive-freezing-winters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">placing ornaments on a tree</a>, or preparing traditional foods creates a distinct environment. That environment is linked with both extra kindness and occasional bursts of negative behavior. 



While the belief in Santa himself did not correlate directly with improved conduct, the coordinated celebration of the season proved to be more powerful.



Families can consider how these moments <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-traits-are-not-strongly-inherited-from-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bring the household closer</a>. Children who help bake cookies or watch a classic Christmas movie often feel a greater sense of involvement. 



This sense of participation aligns with the study’s findings that holiday events can be a driving force behind thoughtful gestures, cooperation, and cheer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-questions-about-childhood-and-culture">Bigger questions about childhood and culture</h2>



Santa’s modern image traces back to a blend of folklore, marketing campaigns, and traditions inspired by Saint Nicholas. 



For countless children, the idea of a kindhearted figure traveling the skies in a single night is a highlight of December. 



This study encourages us to think about how such stories fit into broader questions about parenting approaches and cultural myths. 



Many communities celebrate special figures who reward the nice and ignore or punish the naughty. 



In each case, children experience stories they can hold onto, if only for a few magical years. The current research suggests that these stories may matter less than the rituals and music, but they still add color to the season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Plenty of families continue to share the Santa story, watch Christmas movies, and maintain lively traditions. 



The researchers point out that more studies could explore how different cultural celebrations, and the potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-stress-is-higher-this-year-compared-to-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress levels surrounding them</a>, ultimately help shape child development. 



From the outside, it might seem obvious that gatherings, songs, and decorations encourage bright and kind behavior, yet measuring these elements takes careful planning.



Some psychologists are curious about whether similar patterns show up around other holidays or special events with strong rituals.&nbsp;



The core message remains that communal practices, family bonding, and joyful anticipation often spark gentler and more considerate behavior in children. 



The Santa myth is part of that puzzle, but it may not be the only factor making kids play nicely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-we-learn-about-kids-and-santa">What did we learn about kids and Santa?</h2>



The takeaway here is that Christmas is a powerful backdrop for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-parents-use-threats-to-discipline-children-but-its-not-effective-in-the-long-run/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shaping how children behave</a>. 



A lively household filled with festive foods, carols, and colorful decorations can steer kids toward more thoughtful choices, even if the well-known Santa story doesn’t stand alone as a motivator. 



Traditions that families share appear to matter more than the promise of presents under the tree.



These observations offer a new way to think about how myths and rituals come together to create a meaningful holiday experience.&nbsp;



Children may still look forward to Santa’s arrival each year, but the real spark for positive behavior lies in those precious moments spent enjoying the season.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/osf/e8jm6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSF Pre-prints</a>.



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Does believing in Santa really make kids behave better? A new study found out

Every December, colorful lights and festive tunes remind kids, and adults, that Santa Claus is on his way. Families fill their homes with decorations, children write wish lists, and a sense of anticipation hangs in the air.  Parents have long told their kids that if they behave well, Santa will bring them just what they asked for. Until recently, few studies examined whether this belief actually influenced how kids act. In a new project, researchers decided to see if children truly become more considerate when they think...

Millions of American lives have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a>, but what's even more striking are the repercussions of long COVID, a condition that continues to drain individuals even after they recover from the initial virus.



A recent study from <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> reveals a startling insight into the plight of those grappling with long COVID. Overall, 14 percent of study participants reported that they did not return to work in the months following their infection.



In the wake of the global pandemic, a long-term survey called the Innovative Support for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE) was initiated in the fall of 2020, extending through the summer of 2022.



The extensive study had over 6,000 participants from various locations in the United States, including Illinois, Connecticut, Washington, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delving-into-the-data">Delving into the data</h2>



Within the INSPIRE study, Yale researchers primarily focused on workplace responses from participants who had contracted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-virus-can-remain-in-sperm-months-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a>. Their return to work after infection and the frequency of workdays missed due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paxlovid-helps-fight-covid-but-it-does-not-prevent-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-related symptoms</a> were key areas of interest.



The researchers also assessed how many symptoms participants experienced after COVID-19 infection.



Among the nearly 3,000 participants who were employed prior to the pandemic, almost 10% reported experiencing five or more symptoms three months post-infection. 



Arjun Venkatesh is the lead author of the study and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine.



"This number was important because we’ve shown in previous studies that the number of symptoms someone has after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be more indicative of how severe their long COVID is," said Venkatesh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-implications-of-long-covid">Economic implications of long COVID</h2>



The study unearthed a startling statistic: more than 7% of participants were absent from work for over 10 days in the three months succeeding their SARS-CoV-2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-virus-lingers-body-two-years-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a> due to COVID-19 symptoms. 



Strikingly, nearly 14% of participants did not resume work within three months after COVID-19 infection. Those with five or more symptoms were more than twice as likely not to return to work compared to individuals with no symptoms.



“We found that having five or more symptoms three months after infection was strongly associated with not returning to work,” noted Venkatesh. “And when we compare the rates observed in this study to the national population, it could mean as many as 2 million people may be out of work because of post-COVID conditions.”



This finding is particularly alarming considering the average age of participants in this study was only around 40. 



“This has big economic impacts,” said Venkatesh. “It also has impacts on those people individually in terms of their own income security and their ability to care for themselves and their families.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-need-for-supportive-measures">Addressing the need for supportive measures</h2>



While economic relief measures were rapidly put in place at the beginning of the pandemic, the economic and personal costs of long COVID remain largely overlooked. 



As public health officials and lawmakers weigh the long-term health and economic effects of COVID-19 and long COVID, Venkatesh emphasized the pressing need to reassess disability policy to support work transitions for people whose long COVID symptoms prevent them from getting back to their previous jobs.



“Given the millions of people who have had COVID-19 in the United States and the millions of people that report prolonged symptoms, this is not a small problem,” said Venkatesh. “So it does require big interventions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-awareness-about-long-covid">The importance of awareness about long COVID</h2>



As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-global-failures-to-control-the-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a>, raising awareness about long COVID is crucial. 



Many individuals remain unaware of the potential long-term effects after recovery from the virus, which can include fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues. 



Education campaigns aimed at both the public and healthcare providers can help ensure that the signs and symptoms of long COVID are recognized early. 



This awareness can lead to timely interventions, support, and resources for those affected, ultimately fostering a better understanding of this condition and its impact on the workforce and society as a whole.



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Millions struggle to return to work amid long COVID crisis

Millions of American lives have been disrupted by the ongoing...

Despite the presence of numerous deadly creatures, Australia reigns supreme in terms of life expectancy among the anglophone nations for the past 30 years.



Other elite English-speaking nations saw significant improvements in their respective life expectancies, with Ireland leading the pack. 



However, America, unfortunately, brings up the rear in this vital health parameter since the early nineties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achievable-gains-in-life-expectancy">Achievable gains in life expectancy </h2>



A group of social researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> recently published their findings on this issue. The report, which delves into the comparative study of life expectancy among various countries, becomes an eye opener for America.



"One lesson we Americans can learn about life expectancy from looking at comparable countries is where the frontier of best performance lies,” said Jessica Ho, associate professor of sociology and demography at Penn State and senior author on the paper. 



"Yes, we’re doing badly, but this study shows what can we aim for. We know these gains in life expectancy are actually achievable because other large countries have already done it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-life-expectancy-data">Unraveling the life expectancy data</h2>



Using data from the Human Mortality Database and the World Health Organization Mortality Database spanning from 1990 to 2019, the researchers compared life expectancy across six countries - the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.



The team meticulously analyzed data based on gender, age, and cause of death, including a variety of areas such as cancers, drug and alcohol related deaths, and fatalities from firearms and motor vehicle accidents.



Their effort also included examining the life expectancy within each country, revealing the geographical inequalities associated with it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-leads-and-america-trails">Australia leads and America trails</h2>



The analysis showed Australians leading with the highest life expectancy at birth over the study period. Compared to Americans, Australian women were found to live nearly 4 more years, while Australian men averaged 5 more years.



Americans, however, had the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-expectancy-drop-men-in-the-u-s-die-six-years-before-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowest life expectancy</a>, with women living an average of almost 81.5 years and men an average of nearly 76.5 years in 2019.



Geographical inequalities in life expectancy also seemed to be the worst in the United States. 



The study reported the highest life expectancy rates for women and men in California and Hawaii, while the southeastern states reflected the lowest life expectancy for both genders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-driving-shorter-american-lifespans">What is driving shorter American lifespans?</h2>



"One of the main drivers of why American longevity is so much shorter than in other high-income countries is our younger people die at higher rates from largely preventable causes of death, like drug overdose, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-small-electric-vehicles-safe-rising-accident-rates-say-no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">car accidents</a>, and homicide,” stated Ho, who is also affiliated to the Social Science Research Institute at Penn State. 



Furthermore, in the age range of 45-64, high mortality rates were noted due to substance abuse and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steep-rise-in-cardiovascular-disease-expected-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>.



Australia serves as a model for the United States, with the country's policies helping them climb to the top of the life expectancy rankings.



By controlling young adult mortality, reducing levels of gun deaths, drug and alcohol use, and improving chronic disease management, Australia significantly outperformed the U.S. in life expectancy.



The researchers suggest that adopting policies such as investing in public transit infrastructure, higher support for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-fentanyl-has-become-disturbing-trend-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substance abuse</a> treatment programs, and robust public health efforts can help the U.S. not only increase its life expectancy but also decrease geographical disparities related to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-to-a-healthier-america">A path to a healthier America</h2>



To bridge the gap in life expectancy, America must prioritize a cultural shift towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-can-lead-to-longer-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health and wellness</a>. This involves not only addressing immediate health concerns but also fostering a long-term mindset that values preventive care and healthy living.



Communities can play a crucial role by promoting physical activity, nutritious diets, and mental health awareness.



Engaging in local initiatives, like community fitness programs and health education workshops, can empower individuals to take charge of their health. Additionally, creating policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare resources is vital in reducing disparities.



By learning from Australia’s success and implementing these changes, the U.S. can pave the way for a healthier future and ultimately boost its life expectancy.



The study was part of a larger project supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and had contributions from other researchers, including a doctoral student from the University of Southern California.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/7/e079365" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a>.



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How Australia outpaces America in life expectancy

Despite the presence of numerous deadly creatures, Australia reigns supreme...

A new study has provided evidence that engaging in arts and crafts could significantly improve our well-being. Since such artistic activities are relatively affordable and accessible to many people, promoting the general public’s access to them could offer a major boost to public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



“Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile,” explained lead author Helen Keyes, a scientist at <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a>. 



“Indeed, the impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">employment</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts-and-public-well-being">The arts and public well-being </h2>



The experts initiated this study inspired by the urgent need to increase public mental health after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-helps-reduce-mental-health-impacts-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Covid-19</a> pandemic. In the wake of the pandemic, any measures which could improve well-being and lower loneliness in the general population would have significant benefits. 



Since previous studies have already shown that specific crafts may be therapeutic for individuals with mental health issues, promoting general accessibility to artistic activities could contribute significantly to public mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers used a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-culture-media-and-sport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport</a>. This survey evaluates public engagement with cultural, digital and sporting activities. 



Such a broad sample allowed the investigators to assess the impact of creative arts in general rather than specific crafts, a method allowing them to evaluate how effective arts-based interventions could be beyond a controlled clinical setting.



The research team controlled for several sociodemographic variables that could affect well-being, including gender, age, health, employment status, and level of deprivation. For example, poor health, unemployment, and increased levels of deprivation have previously been associated with lower levels of well-being.



Participants were asked to rate their feelings of happiness, life satisfaction, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anxiety-logical-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>, and to provide their option of whether life is worthwhile. Moreover, they were also questioned on how often they felt lonely. 



Finally, when asked about their involvement in creative activities, 37.4% of the respondents confirmed that they had taken part in at least one arts or crafts activity over the last year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-creative-arts-on-well-being">Impact of creative arts on well-being </h2>



The analysis revealed that participants who engaged in arts and crafts had increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction, along with a stronger sense that their lives were worthwhile. This boost to their sense that life is worthwhile was as significant as that resulting from being in employment.&nbsp;



Nevertheless, taking part in arts and crafts activities failed to predict levels of loneliness, most likely because some crafts can be solitary. Further research is needed to analyze the social aspects of arts and crafts.



“Engaging in these activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness,” said Keyes.&nbsp;



“The well-being effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your well-being above and beyond these other aspects of your life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-arts-and-crafts-to-improve-well-being">Using arts and crafts to improve well-being </h2>



Although such effects are rather small, their magnitude remains similar to that of various sociodemographic variables, which are much harder to change. Thus, leveraging the positive effects of artistic activities could provide a major opportunity to improve public well-being.



“Governments and national health services might consider funding and promoting crafting, or even socially prescribing these activities for at-risk populations, as part of a promotion and prevention approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and mental health,” Keyes explained.



“There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes. It feels great to focus on one task and engage your mind creatively.”



However, since this has been a correlational study, further research is necessary to confirm causation.



“We can’t know for certain whether crafting is directly causing this increase in well-being,” said Keyes. “The next step would be to carry out an experimental study where we measure people’s well-being before and after significant periods of crafting.”



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Arts and crafts can greatly improve public well-being

A new study has provided evidence that engaging in arts...

A recent study has shed some light on the alarming connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-plenty-of-tea-reduces-the-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a> and an increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a> and other cognitive problems. 



This connection not only heightens Alzheimer’s risk but also raises new concerns about how metabolic disorders can influence brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-the-protein-connection">Diabetes and Alzheimer's: The protein connection</h2>



The study reveals a potential cause: individuals with type 2 diabetes seem to struggle more to get rid of a particular protein linked with the devastating brain disease.



The research team, led by Olov Rolandsson, a senior professor at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, focused on beta-amyloids. These are key components of the plaques commonly found in the brains of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease.



"The results may be important for further research into possible treatments to counteract the risk of people with type 2 diabetes being affected by Alzheimer's," said Rolandsson, emphasizing the significance of the findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-markers-in-alzheimer-s-development">Critical markers in Alzheimer's development</h2>



The study measured the concentrations of two specific beta-amyloids, Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42, in the blood of individuals with type 2 diabetes and a healthy control group. 



These beta-amyloids are known to be critical markers in the development of Alzheimer's disease, as they are the primary components of the plaques that accumulate in the brains of affected individuals.



In addition to measuring specific beta-amyloids, the researchers closely monitored the levels of an enzyme responsible for breaking down these proteins.



The enzyme plays a crucial role in preventing the buildup of beta-amyloids, thereby potentially reducing the risk of plaque formation in the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



To simulate a hyperglycemic condition, both groups underwent a controlled four-hour glucose infusion, which elevated their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-tea-extract-lowers-blood-sugar-and-improves-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels to induce acute hyperglycemia. 



This method was used to mimic the high blood sugar episodes that people with type 2 diabetes frequently experience. 



Following this procedure, the researchers took repeated blood samples to observe how the body responds to the sudden increase in blood sugar and to assess the subsequent changes in beta-amyloid levels and the activity of the amyloid-degrading enzyme.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diabetes-increases-alzheimer-s-risk">How diabetes increases Alzheimer’s risk</h2>



Immediately after the glucose infusion, both the diabetic and control groups showed similar beta-amyloid levels. 



However, in the control group, beta-amyloid concentrations fell significantly, while the levels of the amyloid-degrading enzyme increased. 



In contrast, the diabetic group showed no significant changes, indicating a potential inability to manage beta-amyloid proteins effectively.



These results suggest that people with type 2 diabetes may not be able to clear beta-amyloid as efficiently as healthy individuals, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



While the study involved a small sample size 10 participants with type 2 diabetes and 11 without - the findings are noteworthy.



"More research is needed to confirm the results of this limited study. Hopefully, in the long term, it can also lead to new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pomegranates-may-be-key-in-preventing-and-treating-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatments</a>. But the findings underline the importance of preventing type 2 diabetes as far as possible and ensuring that those who do have it avoid episodes of high blood sugar," said Rolandsson.



The study highlights the crucial need for further exploration into the relationship between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, offering potential pathways for developing new treatments and preventive measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-risk">Managing diabetes and Alzheimer's risk</h2>



Given the study's findings, effective diabetes management emerges as a crucial strategy in mitigating the risk of Alzheimer's disease. 



Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can play a key role in preventing the accumulation of beta-amyloids in the brain, which are strongly linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-rate-of-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>.



For individuals with type 2 diabetes, this research underscores the importance of regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and adherence to prescribed treatments to avoid hyperglycemia. 



Lifestyle interventions, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management, can further reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, including those that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.



Healthcare providers are encouraged to integrate cognitive health into diabetes management plans, particularly for older adults, to help reduce the long-term risks associated with both conditions.



The study is published in <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230628" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Type 2 diabetes heightens Alzheimer's risk

A recent study has shed some light on the alarming...

Here's to all those secret shower singers out there, your unheralded solos are sounding pretty good, according to new research. Chances are you are singing in perfect musical pitch more often than you think.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replicating-earworms">Replicating earworms</h2>



The study revolves around the concept of "earworms," those nagging bits of songs that get stuck in your head and loop incessantly. 



To unravel this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-orchestrates-a-mood-lifting-dance-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical mystery</a>, psychologists from the <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Cruz</a> asked people to sing out any earworms they had at random points during the day, record them on their phones, and send the recordings for analysis.



The results were striking. Researchers found that a significant number of participants could replicate the pitch of the original song almost flawlessly. 



Specifically, 44.7% of the recordings matched the original pitch perfectly, and 68.9% were within one semitone of the original song.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musical-and-pitch-memory">Musical and pitch memory</h2>



“This demonstrates that a surprising slice of the population has a kind of automatic, covert 'perfect pitch' capability," says Cognitive Psychology Ph.D. candidate Matt Evans from UC Santa Cruz, who spearheaded the study with support from Professor Nicolas Davidenko and undergraduate research assistant Pablo Gaeta.



However, Evans finds it intriguing that many of those with this accurate pitch memory doubted their own ability. 



"They would be much less certain that they were singing in the right key, even though they had the melody right," Evans says. 



This uncertainty could be because they lack the labeling ability that comes with the 'perfect pitch.'



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perfect-pitch-in-music">'Perfect pitch' in music</h2>



True 'perfect pitch' refers to the ability to produce or identify a given <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical note</a> on the first try, without any reference pitch. 



It's a rare skill, with less than 1 in 10,000 people possessing this ability. Renowned musicians like Ludwig van Beethoven, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mariah Carey are among those few.



However, recent trends in scientific research show that pitch memory is much more widespread than previously believed. 



One interesting observation is that participants can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-triggers-unique-prediction-zones-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sing a familiar song</a> from memory in the correct key at least 15% of the time, in laboratory conditions. This occurs much more frequently than what randomness would suggest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recalling-pitch-in-music">Recalling pitch in music</h2>



The researchers chose earworms for their study due to their involuntary nature. The team wanted to test whether pitch memory still holds when one is not consciously recalling the music, and their observations indicated a resounding yes.



"The brain usually captures the essence of long-term memories and takes shortcuts to represent information. One such shortcut could be forgetting the original key of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-can-synchronize-the-heartbeats-of-the-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. But our study shows that the brain does not discard this information," Professor Nicolas Davidenko explains. 



"It suggests that musical memories are highly accurate representations, defying the typical gist formation common in other areas of long-term memory."



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



The findings from this study offer valuable insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-as-a-pain-reliever-the-power-of-your-playlist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music education</a> and how we might cultivate a better understanding of musical abilities among learners.



Given that a substantial portion of individuals possess an inherent capacity to recall pitch accurately, educators can harness this potential by implementing more engaging and supportive teaching methods. 



Rather than discrediting their musical instincts, instructors should encourage students to embrace their auditory memories. 



This approach could foster an environment where learners feel confident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploring their musicality</a>, ultimately leading to richer musical experiences and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-musical-research">Future of musical research</h2>



As research continues to unravel the intricacies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-causes-similar-emotional-experiences-and-sensations-in-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical cognition</a>, further exploration is needed to understand the various factors that contribute to pitch memory and earworms.



Future studies could delve into the potential links between earworms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-gives-rise-to-unique-physical-sensations-in-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional states</a>, examining how feelings might enhance or inhibit one's ability to recall melodies accurately.



Additionally, investigating the neural mechanisms at play within the brain during these processes could provide invaluable information that aids in the development of techniques for both music therapy and skill acquisition. 



Ultimately, a more profound comprehension of musical memory and its impact on daily life can illuminate just how deeply music is woven into the human experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions">Future directions</h2>



As we continue to delve into the mechanisms of musical memory, Evans hopes that these findings will encourage more people to engage in music. 



He points out that none of the study participants were musicians or claimed to have a perfect pitch, and yet they had this hidden musical talent.



“Music and singing are uniquely human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/song-melodies-have-become-much-simpler-since-1950/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> that many refrain from because they believe they can't, or they've been told they can't,” Evans says. 



“But you don’t have to be Beyonce to engage with music. Your brain is doing some of it automatically and accurately, despite that part of you that believes you can't.”



So, next time you get an earworm, don't shy away from singing it out loud. You never know, you might just surprise yourself!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13414-024-02936-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention, Perception, &amp; Psychophysics</a>.



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Most people have a hidden musical talent for singing on pitch

Here's to all those secret shower singers out there, your...

New research reveals that work-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> caused by job strain and an imbalance between efforts applied and rewards received can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. This condition is characterized by an irregular (often rapid) heartbeat that commonly causes poor blood flow. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yoga-improves-mental-and-physical-health-among-patients-with-atrial-fibrillation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atrial fibrillation</a> (also known as AFib or AF) is the most frequent form of arrhythmia and can lead to stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular problems. Over 12 million people are projected to have atrial fibrillation in the United States by 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-work-related-stress-and-atrial-fibrillation-nbsp">Work-related stress and atrial fibrillation&nbsp;</h2>



Previous studies connected high job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. However, this research is the first to investigate the adverse effect of these psychosocial stressors at work on atrial fibrillation.&nbsp;



Study senior author Dr. Xavier Trudel is an occupational and cardiovascular epidemiologist and associate professor at Laval University in Canada.



“Our study suggests that work-related stressors may be relevant factors to include in preventive strategies,” said Dr. Trudel.&nbsp;



“Recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work are required to foster healthy work environments that benefit both individuals and the organizations where they work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-job-strain-and-effort-reward-imbalance-nbsp">Job strain and effort-reward imbalance&nbsp;</h2>



The experts examined the impact of job strain, which refers to a work environment in which employees struggle with high job demands, such as a heavy workload and tight deadlines, along with low control over their work and lack of decision-making in how they execute their work-related tasks.



Another factor assessed was the effort-reward imbalance. This phenomenon occurs when employees invest major efforts into their work but perceive the rewards they get for this work&nbsp; (such as salary, recognition, or job security) as or unequal to their performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-impacts-of-work-related-stress-nbsp">Heart impacts of work-related stress&nbsp;</h2>



By examining medical database records for almost 6,000 adults in white-collar jobs in Canada, with 18 years of follow-up data, the researchers found that employees experiencing high job strain had an 83% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than workers unaffected by such stressors.



The experts also found that those who experienced an effort-reward imbalance had a 44% greater risk than workers who did not report this imbalance.



Furthermore, the study showed that combined experiences of high job strain and effort-reward imbalance were linked to a 97% increased risk of AFib.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



According to Dr. Trudel, the effectiveness of workplace interventions to reduce psychosocial stressors that may also reduce the risk of AFib should be investigated in future research.&nbsp;



“Our research team previously conducted an organizational intervention designed to reduce psychosocial stressors at work, which was shown to effectively reduce blood pressure levels,” said Dr. Trudel.&nbsp;



“Examples of organizational changes implemented during the intervention included slowing down the implementation of a large project to prevent increased workload; implementing flexible work hours; and holding meetings between managers and employees to discuss day-to-day challenges.”



Some of the limitations of this study include that all participants were white-collar workers in Canada, which means that the results may not apply to other types of workers or to workers in other countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-details-and-background-nbsp">Study details and background&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists collected data through the PROspective Quebec (PROQ) Study on Work and Health, which was initiated in the Quebec region in 1991-1993 and recruited white-collar workers from 19 public and semi-public organizations.



The analysis was focused on 5,926 workers (49% men, 51% women), with an average age of 45 at the beginning of the study (1999-2001) and 65 at the end of the follow-up (Dec. 2018), were included. Levels of work stress were assessed through self-reported questionnaires.&nbsp;



The experts controlled for a broad number of socioeconomic characteristics (sex, education), health risks (diabetes, high blood pressure) and lifestyle factors (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-smoking-among-teens-has-declined-dramatically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a>, drinking alcohol).



Overall, the researchers identified 186 AFib cases. Among that group, 19% reported high job strain, 25% reported effort-reward imbalance, and 10% reported experiencing both of&nbsp; these stressors at the same time.



The study showed that over one third of all participants had been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydration-reduces-the-risk-of-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart failure</a> before developing AFib.



The research is published in the <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.032414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>. 



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Work-related stress linked to serious heart condition

New research reveals that work-related stress caused by job strain...

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-update-august-14-2024-12-44-pm-et">Update -- August 14, 2024, 12:44 PM ET</h2>



The World Health Organization (WHO) has just labeled the mpox outbreaks in Congo and various parts of Africa as a global emergency. 



The virus is on the rise, with cases popping up in both kids and adults across more than a dozen countries. Unfortunately, Africa is facing a serious vaccine shortage.



Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://africacdc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Africa CDC</a>) declared it a public health emergency. With over 500 reported deaths, they're urgently asking for international help to curb the virus's spread. 



“This should concern us all... The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mpox-surging-in-over-a-dozen-countries">Mpox surging in over a dozen countries</h2>



According to the Africa CDC, mpox, or monkeypox, has been detected in 13 countries this year, with Congo accounting for more than 96% of all cases and fatalities. 



In fact, cases have surged by 160% and deaths by 19% compared to last year. So far, there have been over 14,000 reported cases, leading to 524 deaths.



“We’re now at a point where mpox poses a risk to many more neighboring countries in and around central Africa,” said Salim Abdool Karim, a South African infectious diseases expert leading the Africa CDC emergency group. He pointed out that the new strain of mpox coming from Congo has a death rate of about 3-4%.



Back in 2022, the WHO declared mpox a global emergency after it spread to over 70 countries that hadn’t seen any cases before. That outbreak largely affected gay and bisexual men, with less than 1% of cases resulting in death.



Michael Marks, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (<a href="https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LSHTM</a>), supports the emergency declaration. “It’s a failure of the global community that things had to escalate to this extent to mobilize the necessary resources,” he said.



This situation raises important questions about global health preparedness and how interconnected our societies are. As we work to tackle these challenges, understanding the implications of mpox and promoting international cooperation is crucial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-vigilance-declines">Public vigilance declines</h2>



It's easy to forget about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public threats</a> that are no longer in the headlines, but when it comes to health, forgetting can be a deadly trap. Take mpox - a disease that's been shuffling in and out of the world's spotlight for years.



Today, two years after the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) triggered a global health alarm over an mpox outbreak, this notorious enemy has reemerged, this time spreading its lethal tendrils across African nations. 



But as the stakes rise, public memory and understanding about this disease seem to have taken a nosedive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perceptions-about-mpox">Public perceptions about mpox</h2>



The evidence for this public "out of sight, out of mind" mentality comes from none other than the respected Annenberg Public Policy Center of the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>. 



Under the leadership of Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the center has been closely monitoring public knowledge and perceptions about mpox. 



Here's the truth: as media attention shifted, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influenza-is-considered-the-biggest-pandemic-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threat</a> of mpox didn't just pack up and leave. Instead, it quietly snuck into the shadows, covertly marching across the globe as a hidden potential health crisis.



“The speed with which the public learned needed information about mpox in the summer of 2022 was a tribute to effective communication by the public health community,” said Jamieson.



“That same expertise should now be deployed to ensure that those at risk remember mpox’s symptoms, modes of transmission, and the protective power of vaccination.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-into-the-data">Diving into the data </h2>



The center's ASAPH survey conducted in July 2024 sheds light on some hard truths. For starters, only five percent of Americans are worried about contracting mpox in the next three months -- a huge drop from 21 percent back in August 2022. A mere nine percent are concerned about their families being hit by the disease.



The public's understanding that mpox is less contagious than Covid-19 has plummeted from 41 to 17 percent.



Knowledge that men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of infection has spiraled down from 63 to 34 percent. Furthermore, recognition of the existence of an mpox vaccine has fallen from 61 to 45 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmasking-mpox">Unmasking mpox</h2>



Understanding a disease is often the first armor in our battle against it. Mpox, first identified in 1958, is a rare but deadly member of the orthopox virus family. It brings with it a medley of symptoms -- fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and painful rashes.



The transmission of the disease is through contact with infected animals or close interaction with an infected person, including sexual contact and touching with contaminated materials.



Today's outbreak features a different face of mpox -- clade I. This strain is particularly relentless in its attack on infants and children under the age of 5. 



A report from the WHO reveals this led to the unfortunate loss of 511 lives, with 62 percent of the deaths involving children under the age of 5 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.



While clade I currently resides within the boundaries of central and east Africa, clade II, seen in the 2022 outbreak in the U.S., is still lurking around. 



The majority of these cases are found in individuals who didn't receive the vaccine or got only one of the two doses necessary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigilant-public-awareness-on-mpox">Vigilant public awareness on mpox</h2>



In the face of resurfacing threats like mpox, fostering awareness and understanding among the public is not merely advisable; it is essential.



Public education campaigns must proactively combat misinformation and rekindle interest in health implications linked to mpox.



This strategy should focus on providing clear, accessible information about transmission, symptoms, and the importance of vaccination. 



Engaging a diverse audience through trusted community leaders and health professionals can amplify the message, ensuring that individuals at higher risk understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-surfaces-can-naturally-reduce-virus-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">necessity of preventive measures</a>. 



Furthermore, maintaining the momentum of the discussion around mpox - even when it fades from mainstream media - can help keep the public informed and alert, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and preparedness.



The lessons learned from past outbreaks underscore the critical need for a well-informed populace that is prepared to respond to health threats as they present themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inoculation-our-best-bet">Inoculation: Our best bet</h2>



Hope, however, is on the horizon. The intention of people to get vaccinated against the disease still holds strong. 



The CDC recommends the use of Jynneos, administered in two doses, four weeks apart, for those exposed to the mpox virus and those with risk factors, including men who have sex with men.



Time to kick out complacency and reignite our efforts. Let's dust off the cobwebs of forgetfulness and strengthen our understanding about mpox. In the face of a pandemic, knowledge is indeed our most powerful weapon.



The <a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annenberg Public Policy Center</a> continues its tireless efforts to illuminate the public and policy makers about significant health issues. 



Their work is a beacon in the darkness, reminding us to remember, relearn, and react to keep the threat of mpox at bay.



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WHO Warning: Mpox cases are climbing rapidly with a much higher death rate

Update -- August 14, 2024, 12:44 PM ET The World...

As the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-the-epidemic-crisis-of-our-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity crisis</a> intensifies, researchers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to combat this pressing health issue. 



A cutting-edge project led by a team at the <a href="https://www.keri.re.kr/html/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute</a> (KERI) may offer a breakthrough in how we approach the management of metabolic syndrome, with a particular focus on obesity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-a-daunting-global-health-concern">Obesity: A daunting global health concern</h2>



Metabolic syndrome is a complex of multiple metabolic abnormalities, including obesity, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides, often caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-linked-to-mothers-poor-dietary-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor diet</a> and lack of exercise. 



According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people worldwide is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overweight</a>, making obesity treatment one of the most prominent markets.



Dr. Shin highlighted the challenge of treating obesity, as well as a possible solution using brain stimulation. 



"Traditional obesity treatments, including drug injections and pharmaceuticals, often come with potential side effects when used long-term," said Dr. Shin.



"To address this, our team has proposed a novel approach: suppressing appetite by electrically stimulating the cerebral cortex through the scalp."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-obesity-with-brain-stimulation">Treating obesity with brain stimulation</h2>



The official name of this electrical stimulation technique is transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). Through years of research, Dr. Shin's team identified that appetite suppression could be induced through non-invasive electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using tRNS technology.



"The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in executive functions such as planning, flexibility, and abstract thinking," noted Dr. Shin. "By targeting this area, we aim to influence the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-what-triggers-our-brains-to-overeat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain's control over appetite</a> and hunger."



The team has been working on three key technologies essential to this innovation:



<ol>
<li>A technology that accurately delivers electrical stimulation to the specific area of interest,</li>



<li>An electrode technology that can penetrate the space between hairs to make contact with the scalp,</li>



<li>A monitoring technology that confirms that the electrical stimulation has been delivered to the target point and has triggered a change in brain activity.</li>
</ol>



Dr. Shin’s team at KERI has advanced significantly in developing these technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-trial-insights">Clinical trial insights</h2>



To demonstrate the clinical utility of tRNS stimulation, KERI collaborated with Professor Hyung-jin Choi’s team at Seoul National University Hospital. 



The clinical trial aimed to prove the effectiveness of tRNS in reducing appetite, involving 60 female volunteers - 30 in the tRNS group and 30 in the active sham group.



Over two weeks, participants underwent six sessions of electrical stimulation, with a barely perceptible current of 2 mA applied for 20 minutes per session.



The results were promising. "We observed that the tRNS treatment group showed significant reductions in appetite, willingness to eat, and hunger compared to the placebo group," said Dr. Shin. 



"Moreover, the treatment appeared to address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotional-eating-by-teens-is-influenced-by-their-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional eating</a>, significantly reducing the urge to eat in response to stress, depression, anxiety, or joy."



While the short duration of the trial did not allow for confirmation of long-term weight loss, the participants reported significant appetite suppression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-and-verification">Further research and verification </h2>



Looking forward, Dr. Shin acknowledges that the technology is not yet complete and requires further research and verification. 



"However, if commercialized, this electrostimulation treatment - with far fewer side effects than existing obesity treatments - could be used at home instead of hospitals, providing a simple method for daily appetite suppression management."



The research team plans to complete the first project phase by the end of this year and aims to validate the developed technology both academically and clinically in subsequent phases. 



"Our ultimate goal is to transfer this technology to companies for mass production, which could revolutionize the way we approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swallowing-a-vibrating-capsule-may-revolutionize-obesity-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity treatment</a>," said Dr. Shin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-obesity-a-complex-challenge">Understanding obesity: A complex challenge</h2>



Obesity is more than just a number on the scale; it's a complex health issue influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. 



As societies evolve, sedentary lifestyles and the prevalence of high-calorie foods contribute to rising obesity rates. 



Recognizing obesity as a multifaceted condition is crucial in developing holistic treatment approaches. Education about nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being could play a vital role in combating this epidemic.



Addressing obesity not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces the economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. 



By combining innovative treatments like brain electrical stimulation with comprehensive lifestyle changes, we can take significant steps toward curbing obesity.



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Brain stimulation may be the new frontier in obesity treatment

As the global obesity crisis intensifies, researchers are increasingly turning...

The echoes of childhood neglect and maltreatment continue to reverberate long into adulthood, taking a far harsher toll on cognitive abilities than we had initially estimated. 



This is the startling revelation being shared by new research from a team of scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology &amp; Neuroscience (<a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IoPPN</a>) at King’s College London and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cuny.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City University of New York</a>.



Among the researchers is Professor Andrea Danese, acclaimed for his work in Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry at King’s IoPPN. 



Danese's extensive experience and reputation provide ample validation for this study's findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-oversight">Troubling oversight</h2>



The study, now accessible in Lancet Psychiatry, warns against an overreliance on retrospective self-reports of maltreatment in research. 



Such a methodology is problematic, it argues, because it results in a skewed evidence base that ignores the genuine challenges faced by children exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-maltreatment-fuels-mental-health-crisis-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">documented maltreatment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maltreatment-and-cognitive-issues">Maltreatment and cognitive issues</h2>



The research team put this theory to the test, examining both court-documented exposure to maltreatment and adult recollection within the same individuals.&nbsp;



The participant group, comprised of 1179 individuals from an ongoing US cohort, underwent various tests to assess cognitive abilities in adulthood.



The results were stark. Those with official records demonstrating childhood maltreatment exhibited average cognitive deficits across most of the tests conducted. 



However, these significant cognitive challenges did not appear among participants whose accounts of maltreatment were based solely on retrospective self-reporting.



Interestingly, this trend wasn't consistent across all types of maltreatment. Neglect left a notable&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive impact</a>, whereas documented experiences of physical and sexual abuse did not seem to do so.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-maltreatment-nbsp">Consequences of maltreatment&nbsp;</h2>



“While there are some important exceptions, most research in this area has relied on retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment from adult participants," noted Andrea Danese, Professor of Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry at King’s IoPPN and one of the study’s co-authors.



“Our study highlights the importance of identifying young people who have experienced neglect so that the proper support can be put in place, for example, to mitigate the negative consequences in education and employment.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-cognitive-challenges">Facing cognitive challenges</h2>



While this study has shed light on the underestimated impact of neglect, it brings to light another question -- why exactly do those with documented instances of neglect face cognitive challenges? 



The researchers suggest potential factors such as limited stimulation in childhood, familial transmission of cognitive challenges or the influence of other concurrent experiences like family poverty.



Their study also has important implications for mental health policy and clinical practice. It highlights how neglect affects cognitive development, urging a review of current strategies for helping at-risk children. 



Policymakers should focus on early identification and intervention that meet the cognitive and emotional needs of neglected kids, creating supportive systems. 



Additionally, training for clinicians should stress the need to use objective evidence, like documented abuse cases, in assessments to provide the right support for individuals based on their experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maltreatment-research-and-cognitive-issues">Maltreatment research and cognitive issues</h2>



Given the study's revelations, there is a pressing need for future research to explore the underlying mechanisms through which neglect affects cognitive outcomes.&nbsp;



Investigations could delve deeper into the interplay between environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, and the developmental trajectories of children who endure maltreatment.&nbsp;



Additionally, longitudinal studies that track the cognitive and emotional growth of neglected individuals over time may yield insights into effective interventions and support mechanisms. 



Understanding these dynamics will be vital for fostering resilience and improving the life trajectories of those affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childhood neglect</a> and maltreatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maltreatment-and-cognitive-development">Maltreatment and cognitive development</h2>



As the scientific community continues to investigate, we can hope to better understand the nexus between childhood maltreatment and cognitive development and to craft effective interventions.&nbsp;



With this knowledge comes the potential to transform countless lives, offering a future where the traumas of the past need not dictate one's cognitive capabilities.



Remember, the shadows of the past may be long, but our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-can-be-overcome-in-adulthood-even-in-the-animal-kingdom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capacity to learn, respond, and adapt</a> is infinite.



The National Institute of Justice (<a href="https://nij.ojp.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIJ</a>), the National Institute of Mental Health (<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIMH</a>), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (<a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NICHD</a>), and the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute on Aging</a> all supported this research. 



It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of mental health, a core focus for the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology &amp; Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s, renowned for its highly cited outputs on psychiatry, mental health, and neuroscience.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(24)00209-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Psychiatry</a>.



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Childhood maltreatment linked to severe cognitive issues

The echoes of childhood neglect and maltreatment continue to reverberate long into...

In recent times, the medical world has faced an unprecedented challenge: the diagnosis and treatment of a condition now largely referred to as long COVID. 



Characterized by a myriad of symptoms that linger well beyond the initial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sars-cov-2-can-survive-on-frozen-meat-for-up-to-a-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a> infection, it presents a puzzle for doctors worldwide. 



Emerging research suggests routine laboratory tests may fall short in pinning down this elusive illness, highlighting the complexity of identifying and diagnosing long COVID.



“Our challenge is to discover biomarkers that can help us quickly and accurately diagnose long COVID to ensure people struggling with this disease receive the most appropriate care as soon as possible,” said Dr. David Goff, director for the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NIH’s <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute</a>. 



“Long COVID symptoms can prevent someone from returning to work or school and may even make everyday tasks a burden, so the ability for rapid diagnosis is key.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms-of-long-covid">Symptoms of long COVID </h2>



Long COVID encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms and health conditions that persist for months or years after infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.



The signs of long COVID vary widely, affecting multiple organ systems. Common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paxlovid-helps-fight-covid-but-it-does-not-prevent-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a> range from mild to debilitating, including fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, or difficulty breathing.



People with long COVID also experience cognitive difficulties such as trouble concentrating, memory issues, or confusion.&nbsp;



Severe headaches, chest pain, aching muscles, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal issues are also reported by long COVID <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patients</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-long-covid-enigma">The long COVID enigma</h2>



Despite tireless research, no validated clinical biomarkers for long COVID have been identified to date, making the diagnostic process intricate. 



Currently, it demands a comprehensive medical history, a thorough physical examination, and extensive lab work to eliminate other potential causes.



The study in focus is part of NIH’s Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative. The primary goal is to determine whether individuals with a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection had distinct changes in biomarkers, such as platelet counts or protein in the urine, compared to those without a prior <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-covid-19-deaths-were-caused-by-secondary-infections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-recover-study">The RECOVER study</h2>



More than 10,000 adults were enrolled in the RECOVER Adult Cohort at 83 sites across the United States between October 2021 and October 2023. 



The cohort is demographically diverse, with participants from various geographic locations, including some who had never contracted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-virus-lingers-body-two-years-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a>.



Among the 8,746 participants with a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, many were exposed to different variants of the virus.



Study participants underwent a baseline regimen of surveys, physical examinations, and 25 standard lab tests, followed by periodic surveys and lab work throughout the two-year study. 



The lab tests included a complete blood count panel, metabolic panel, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urinalysis, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR), among others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-few-variations-in-biomarkers">Few variations in biomarkers </h2>



Despite the vast range of testing, the lab results showed few significant variations in biomarkers between those with prior infection and those without. 



Notably, prior infection was associated with modest increases in HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels over two to three months, though these increases disappeared after excluding people with pre-existing diabetes. 



Another intriguing find was a minor rise in uACR, a measure of low kidney function, among those previously infected. However, this was observed in only a small subset of participants, suggesting it could be a result of the severity of their initial infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-efforts-to-decipher-long-covid">Ongoing efforts to decipher long COVID</h2>



In a further analysis, researchers compared individuals who developed long COVID with those who did not within the infected group. 



Using a long COVID index that highlighted twelve symptoms typically identifying people with long COVID, the experts found no significant differences in lab test results between the two groups.



But as with any complex phenomenon, the research continues. Dr. Kristine Erlandson is a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.



"Future work will use RECOVER's biobank of cohort samples such as blood and spinal fluid, to develop more novel laboratory-based tests that help us better understand the pathophysiology of long COVID," said Dr. Erlandson.



Thus, while the mystery of long COVID diagnosis remains largely unsolved, the relentless pursuit of understanding it better continues, offering hope to those grappling with this enigmatic condition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M24-0737" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>.



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Long COVID remains an elusive condition with no reliable diagnosis

In recent times, the medical world has faced an unprecedented...

Laughter is often called the best medicine, but according to a new study led by researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, it could also serve as an effective parenting tool.



In a pilot study, the research team discovered that many people consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playful-teasing-among-apes-suggests-that-humor-has-ancient-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humor</a> to be a valuable tool in parenting. They found that the use of humor by parents or caregivers significantly influenced the quality of their relationship with their children.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humor-puts-a-positive-spin-on-life">Humor puts a positive spin on life</h2>



Most participants who experienced humor from their parents viewed their relationships and upbringing in a positive light.



“Despite the widespread use of humor in social interactions and the considerable literature on humor in multiple fields of study, the use of humor in parenting has received very little formal study. The purpose of this pilot study was to gather preliminary data on the use of humor in the raising of children,” the authors wrote.



“Humor can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem solving and resilience,” noted Benjamin Levi, a professor of pediatrics and humanities at Penn State College of Medicine and the senior author of the study. 



“My father used humor, and it was very effective. I use humor in my clinical practice and with my own children. The question became, how does one constructively use humor?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallel-between-business-and-parenting-nbsp">Parallel between business and parenting&nbsp;</h2>



Study first author Lucy Emery was a medical student at Penn State College of Medicine during the research and is currently a pediatrics resident at <a href="https://www.childrenshospital.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Children’s Hospital</a>.&nbsp;



According to Emery, there is an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are both hierarchical. “In business, humor has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create better environments for collaboration and creativity, and diffuse tension.”



Emery noted that while parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, stressful situations are common in parenting. “Humor can help diffuse that tension and hierarchy, making both parties feel better about a stressful situation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humor-and-the-joy-of-parenting-nbsp">Humor and the joy of parenting&nbsp;</h2>



This preliminary research was designed to explore how people perceive the relationship between humor, their experiences of being parented, and their experiences of parenting.&nbsp;



The study aims to lay the foundation for understanding how to use humor constructively in parenting and identify situations where humor might be riskier.



The researchers surveyed 312 individuals aged 18 to 45. More than half reported being raised by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-a-sense-of-humor-are-perceived-as-being-more-attractive-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caregivers</a> who used humor, and 71.8% agreed that humor can be an effective parenting tool. 



The majority also said they either use or plan to use humor with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-appreciate-humor-very-early-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> and believe it has more potential benefits than drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humor-and-parent-child-relationships">Humor and parent-child relationships</h2>



The study also revealed a correlation between a parent’s use of humor and how their now-adult children viewed their upbringing and their relationship with their parents.&nbsp;



Among those who reported that their parents used humor, 50.5% said they had a good relationship with their parents, and 44.2% felt their parents did a good job raising them.&nbsp;



Conversely, among those whose parents did not use humor, only 2.9% reported having a good relationship with their parents, and just 3.6% believed their parents had done a good job.



While it might be expected that parents would use humor with their children if they were raised by caregivers who did the same, Levi found the stark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-traits-are-not-strongly-inherited-from-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">differences</a> between the two groups surprising.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



The research team is now expanding on this initial study by surveying a larger and more diverse group of parents, as well as gathering qualitative data based on parents’ experiences with using humor.



“My hope is that people can learn to use humor as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but also to develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-teen-friendships-build-lasting-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children,” Levi said.



The study authors noted that if these findings are generalizable, they potentially open the door to a much deeper and broader exploration of how “parenting humor” functions and how it can be appropriately leveraged to enhance the experiences of both children and their parents.&nbsp;



“To that end, future research should examine the ways parents currently use different kinds of humor; children’s lived experiences with such humor; and how these uses of humor map onto existing knowledge and theory about how humor functions.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306311" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Parents who use humor have better relationships with their children 

Laughter is often called the best medicine, but according to...

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched into our cultural psyche through popular media, with iconic portrayals ranging from Eleanor Abernathy in The Simpsons to Angela Martin in The US Office.



Can you think of other such characters? The stereotypical portrayal often depicts such individuals as neurotic solitaires. But are these portrayals based on a shred of truth, or merely figments of creative imagination?



A recent study from Down Under suggests that there may, surprisingly, be a larger grain of truth to the stereotype than we initially thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crazy-cat-lady-phenomenon">"Crazy cat lady" phenomenon</h2>



This distinctive study was led by two diligent psychologists, Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines, affiliated with <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> in Queensland, Australia.



While their research did not specifically probe into the "crazy cat lady" phenomenon, it unearthed some eye-opening findings that lend credibility to its existence.



"Cat ownership positively predicted neuroticism," the experts noted in their report, which is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facts-on-crazy-cat-people">Facts on 'crazy cat people'</h2>



The study conducted by Oliva and Baines involved an in-depth survey of 321 Australian adults, a mix of dog owners, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> owners, and those who didn't own pets.



Survey participants who owned both dogs and cats were asked to choose the pet they were closest to or spent the most time with, to be classified as a dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-experience-puppy-blues-with-a-new-pet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> or cat owner. Overall, 60% of this group chose dogs.



Every participant was scrutinized for various personality traits that included extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and resilience. After accounting for other factors such as age and gender, the results were quite revealing.



Dog owners, it seems, bagged the prize for resilience. Simply put, they were evidently better at managing and adapting to challenging situations. Cat owners, on the other hand, portrayed heightened levels of neuroticism. 



Interestingly, among cat owners, it was the women who outscored men on the neuroticism scale, giving some weightage to the crazy cat lady stereotype. But it's not a woman's game alone. The research also uncovered the existence of a "crazy cat gentleman."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeling-the-layers">Peeling the layers</h2>



These findings may raise more questions than they answer. What's causing these differential behaviors among our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homeless-pet-owners-need-better-options-to-protect-their-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline-loving and canine-adoring friends</a>? Could it be that people who are more introverted or neurotic choose cats, while the adaptable ones prefer dogs? Do our genes hold the key to this mystery?



"There is evidence to support the idea that genes guide ownership of a particular species," said Dr. Oliva. Another aspect to ponder is whether owning a cat can render someone more neurotic compared to owning a dog.



For instance, dogs need more outdoor time and hence, the owner naturally gets to spend more time outdoors, engage in social interactions, and potentially curb neurotic tendencies. In contrast, as cats are relatively low maintenance, their owners might not get the same level of social interaction.



Another angle Dr. Oliva brings to the light is the proven difference between "dog people" and "cat people."



"Dog ownership has been associated with reduced loneliness in people living alone during periods of prolonged isolation, like Covid lockdowns, suggestive of higher levels of resilience in dog owners," she noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



To sum it up, the study intriguingly suggests that cat owners might be more prone to anxiety and stress than dog owners. 



Whether this is down to temperament, genetics, or simply the nature and needs of the pet, requires further exploration. So, is the concept of crazy cat ladies (and gentlemen) a dramatic exaggeration, or mere art imitating life?



But remember, while these findings are fascinating to ponder, they are not universally true for every cat or dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owning-a-pet-can-lead-to-more-restless-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> out there. So, if you are a cat owner, don't worry - it doesn't mean you are neurotic. And if you are a dog owner, don't get too self-assured - resilience isn't a given. 



At the end of the day, we are as beautifully unique and complex as the pets we adore. Let's embrace that.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.&nbsp; 



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Are cat people really more 'crazy' than dog lovers?

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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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.

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

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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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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?

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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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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 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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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



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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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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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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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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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