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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

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...

A recent study has stirred up conversations in scientific circles and even rippled out to capture public intrigue. The captivating subject matter? Intermittent fasting and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-ingredient-to-healthy-aging-your-midlife-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential anti-aging perks</a>—a topic far more digestible than the dread-spurred headlines of fresh diseases or impending pandemics.



Riding the wave of this eye-opening research were noteworthy scientists, directed by Dr. Ioanna Daskalaki and Dr. Ilias Gkikas. They worked under the guidance of Dr. Nektarios Tavernarakis of the <a href="https://en.uoc.gr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Crete</a> and FORTH, Greece.



The researchers partnered with Dr. Guido Kroemer's team at <a href="https://u-paris.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Cité University</a>, France, and Dr. Frank Madeo's group at the <a href="https://www.uni-graz.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Graz</a>, Austria. Together, they took on the task of unraveling the enigma of aging and longevity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-intermittent-fasting">Decoding intermittent fasting</h2>



Lately, Intermittent Fasting (IF) has been the buzzword. But what does it mean? IF is a pattern of eating that alternates between fasting and eating intervals. 



It's more of a lifestyle choice than a diet, propelled by regimes like the 16/8 method and the 5:2 method. IF has won favor for its potential benefits in metabolic health, cellular repair, and speculated anti-aging perks. 



In essence, intermittent fasting gives our bodies a much-needed hiatus to rest, reset, and repair, thereby fostering longevity and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-the-cellular-cleanup-crew">Autophagy: The cellular cleanup crew</h2>



In this enlightening study, the researchers underscored an incredible revelation: Intermittent fasting boosts spermidine levels. This naturally occurring polyamine bolsters our cells with phenomenal resilience and survival rates. This increase is facilitated by a process known as autophagy.



In plain terms, autophagy is like a cellular cleanup crew, eliminating unrequired or dysfunctional cellular components. 



However, any disruption to autophagy, much like a congested garbage chute in a residential building, often paves the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-diet-puts-the-brakes-on-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">way for aging</a> and the onset of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spermidine-cells-valiant-defender">Spermidine: Cells' valiant defender</h2>



In our cells' battle against aging, spermidine steps up as a valiant defender. As we age, our bodies produce less spermidine, which dwindles autophagic activity and heightens the risk of age-related diseases. 



This theory was put through its paces using experimental models ranging from simple organisms like nematodes and yeasts to fruit flies, mice, and even human cell lines.



Across all these models, spermidine was a protective force. Intermittent fasting noticeably increased cellular spermidine levels, boosting autophagy, and excitingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extending lifespan</a> in these organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-tweaks-gigantic-impacts">Small tweaks, gigantic impacts</h2>



Could our longevity actually be linked with our eating habits? The study certainly points towards that, echoing the time-honored wisdom, "You are what you eat." 



It underscores the importance of maintaining cellular balance, a critical factor in slowing aging and promoting longevity. Consuming less calorie-dense food and adopting IF are suggested as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful strategies</a>.



The consistency of spermidine's role in regulating autophagy and aging across diverse organisms emphasizes its fundamental role in maintaining cellular balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-effects-of-intermittent-fasting">Far-reaching effects of intermittent fasting </h2>



The repercussions of intermittent fasting stretch beyond merely enhancing autophagy and increasing spermidine levels. 



Research indicates that this eating pattern positively affects several health markers, including insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and inflammatory responses. Improved insulin sensitivity reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, while lower blood pressure correlates with decreased cardiovascular events. 



Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of fasting could strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases. 



Significantly, these health markers mirror a holistic approach to well-being, underlining the idea that our dietary choices significantly shape our overall health journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermittent-fasting-and-aging">Intermittent fasting and aging </h2>



As scientific interest in intermittent fasting and its myriad benefits heightens, promising avenues for future research appear. Probing the molecular mechanisms behind increased spermidine levels during fasting could expose new therapeutic targets for age-related conditions. 



Furthermore, longitudinal studies involving diverse populations will be key in determining the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on human health. 



As we untangle the complexities around aging and cellular maintenance, continued exploration of lifestyle choices like intermittent fasting may shine a light on new routes for enhancing healthspan, the period of life spent in good health, especially pertaining to the aging global population.



These promising findings kindle hope for innovative strategies to arrest age-related decline, augmenting life expectancy and the quality of life for our elderly population. 



As we anticipate more enlightening studies, it's a question worth mulling over - could simple adjustments to our diet and lifestyle guide us towards longer, healthier lives?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41556-024-01468-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cell Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



----

Intermittent fasting slows aging by boosting cell health

A recent study has stirred up conversations in scientific circles...

A dopamine-based technique to tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a> has been uncovered, potentially revolutionizing the way we diagnose, manage, and treat this debilitating condition.



The innovative approach promises to change the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment and offers new hope to millions affected by the disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-science">Unlocking the science</h2>



The esteemed <a href="https://cbs.riken.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center for Brain Science</a> (CBS) is the powerhouse behind this promising research. Led by Takaomi Saido and his dedicated team, the study was primarily focused on mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease.



The unique approach consisted of treating these mice with dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the body that transmits signals in the brain and other vital areas. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in many brain functions, including movement and memory. 



The scientists witnessed a compelling reduction in physical symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and a noticeable improvement in memory function in the treated mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-s-dual-role">Dopamine's dual role</h2>



Alzheimer's disease is notorious for forming hardened plaques around the neurons, which are a hallmark of the condition. In fact, this is one of the earliest indicators of the disease, often manifesting decades before behavioral symptoms like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flavanols-a-key-to-slowing-age-related-memory-loss-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a> are detected.



These plaques are composed of fragments of the peptide beta-amyloid, which accumulate over time and disrupt normal brain function, leading to the progressive cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.



The team's previous research had indicated that hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as dopamine, resulted in increased levels of an enzyme known as neprilysin, which can dissolve the harmful plaques.



For a fundamentally new treatment to be viable, it must be practically applicable for human patients, not just experimentally useful. Enter L-DOPA: a precursor molecule to dopamine that is frequently used for treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson's disease</a>. It can enter the brain from the blood and then becomes dopamine.



The RIKEN CBS team found that treating their test mice with L-DOPA led to increased neprilysin and decreased beta-amyloid plaques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-alzheimer-s-treatment">The future of Alzheimer’s treatment</h2>



According to the first author of the study, Watamura Naoto, the team has demonstrated that L-DOPA treatment effectively reduces beta-amyloid plaques and enhances memory function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. 



However, Naoto cautioned that L-DOPA treatment has been known to have serious side effects in Parkinson's patients, which could limit its direct applicability for Alzheimer's treatment.



Therefore, the next phase of their study will explore how dopamine regulates neprilysin in the brain. The goal is to develop a safer and more effective preventative approach which targets the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease.



Time will tell if dopamine-based treatment can fundamentally change the approach to Alzheimer's, but these remarkable developments shine a beacon of hope in the ongoing fight against this devastating disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dopamine-s-influence">Understanding dopamine's influence</h2>



To fully appreciate the efficacy of dopamine and L-DOPA in combating Alzheimer's disease, it is crucial to delve into the underlying mechanisms. 



Dopamine not only plays a vital role in regulating mood and motivation but also influences several neural processes linked to memory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. 



Research has indicated that dopamine enhances synaptic plasticity, a fundamental property of neurons that enables them to adapt and strengthen their connections based on experiences. 



This adaptive capacity could explain the observed improvements in memory function among the treated mice.



By fostering an environment that promotes neuron health and cognitive resilience, dopamine stands to offer a multifaceted approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pomegranates-may-be-key-in-preventing-and-treating-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's treatment</a>.



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



The insights gained from this research may also have far-reaching implications beyond Alzheimer's disease. 



Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, share common pathological features, including protein aggregation and neuronal death. 



The successful application of L-DOPA in Alzheimer’s mice raises intriguing possibilities for neuroprotective strategies in other conditions. 



If the interplay between dopamine and neprilysin can be further elucidated, it may pave the way for new therapies to mitigate symptoms or slow the progression of various neurodegenerative diseases.



Such discoveries could redefine clinical approaches, offering new hope to millions globally who are suffering with these challenging conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scisignal.adk1822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Signaling</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Dopamine may help restore memory in Alzheimer’s patients

A dopamine-based technique to tackle Alzheimer's disease has been uncovered,...

"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast." This timeless quote from William Congreve resonates with many of us. Whether we're enjoying the symphonies of Mozart or the concertos of Bach, the positive impact of classical music on our moods is widely acknowledged.



Some believe these effects go beyond simply altering our emotions. New research from China is delving into the deeper impact.



Many of us turn to classical music for stress relief, but researchers at the Center for Functional Neurosurgery at <a href="https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Jiao Tong University</a> are uncovering effects that go far beyond mere relaxation.



Their mission? To analyze how these compositions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence the brain</a>, with a focus on individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-therapy">Music and therapy</h2>



In a rather daring expedition into the unexplored territory of neuroscience, psychiatry, and neurosurgery, these scientists are using brainwave measurements and neural imaging techniques for exploration. 



The sieges of senior author Bomin Sun and his diligent team uncover the unique interaction between music and emotion and how that relationship can influence mental health.



The team explored the neural pathways brought to life by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-can-synchronize-the-heartbeats-of-strangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melodies</a> and harmonies. The patients in question already had electrodes implanted in their brains, which were crucial for their deep-brain stimulation treatments.



These implants, strategically positioned in the forebrain's circuitry, became keys to unlocking the secrets of music's antidepressant effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhythm-of-the-brain">Rhythm of the brain</h2>



Don't get lost in the scientific jargon here: the "bed nucleus of the stria terminalis" and "nucleus accumbens." Let's call it the BNST-NAc circuit.



What's important to note is that music, apparently, orchestrates a dance between the auditory cortex (responsible for sound processing) and the reward circuit (handling emotional information).



This dance or "triple-time locking of neural oscillations in the cortical-BNST-NAc circuit through auditory synchronization," as Sun describes it, is the secret sauce to the antidepressant effects of music.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-music-in-depression-treatment">The power of music in depression treatment</h2>



The scientists divided their patient pool into two groups: those with high and low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-enhance-music-appreciation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appreciation for music</a>.



The group with greater appreciation exhibited significant neural synchronization, superior antidepressant effects, and overall better outcomes.



This approach enabled the researchers to study the mechanisms behind these effects with precision, opening up the possibility for personalized therapy plans that could enhance treatment results.



Interestingly, even the group with lower appreciation reported increased enjoyment when theta frequency noise was added to the music.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-sounds-good">The future sounds good</h2>



Western classical music was specifically chosen for this study, due to its unfamiliarity amongst the majority of participants. The aim was to eliminate any bias that could originate from subjective familiarity.



This promising research opens the door to a new frontier of therapy. Looking forward, researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University have plans for a harmonic blend of clinicians, music therapists, computer scientists, and engineers to study how music and deep brain structures interact in depressive disorders.



As for the grand finale? "We plan to develop a series of digital health products based on music therapy, such as smartphone applications and wearable devices," noted Sun.



These innovative tools will use personalized music recommendations, real-time emotional feedback, and virtual-reality multi-sensory experiences as potential self-help tools for emotional management and symptom improvement. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-music-therapy">Personalized music therapy</h2>



One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the potential for personalized music <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-key-features-of-healing-music-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapy</a>. Just as individuals experience depression differently, their responses to music can vary significantly, making tailored therapy essential.



By considering personal music tastes and emotional connections, therapists can create more effective treatment plans that resonate deeply with each patient.



Familiar tunes can evoke strong emotions, enhancing therapy's impact. For instance, a song tied to positive memories might uplift a patient, while an energizing track could boost motivation. 



Incorporating technology can further refine this approach, using algorithms to curate playlists that match a patient's mood and therapeutic needs, with real-time adjustments to support their emotional state.



As our understanding of music's impact on mental health grows, personalized approaches promise to revolutionize treatment, making music a powerful tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-as-a-pain-reliever-the-power-of-your-playlist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(24)00803-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124724008039%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Classical music orchestrates a mood-lifting dance in the brain

"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast." This timeless...

Potatoes may have long been overshadowed by their less starchy counterparts, but new research reveals that these humble tubers could be a game-changer for those managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-plant-based-diets-reduce-the-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Type 2 diabetes</a> and looking to improve heart health.



Often criticized for their carbohydrate content, potatoes, especially when prepared properly, offer a powerhouse of nutrients capable of slashing waistlines and improving blood sugar levels. 



Despite their rich mineral content and numerous health benefits, potatoes have been unfairly stigmatized by many weight-conscious individuals.



However, new findings by Neda Akhavan, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at <a href="https://www.unlv.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNLV</a>’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, are set to revolutionize how we view these versatile vegetables.



Akhavan, who recently presented her findings to the Alliance for Potato Research and Education, explained the motivation behind the study.



“I like doing research on food items that are highly stigmatized in the nutrition world," said Akhavan. Most people associate the potato as something that is mostly fried or has a lot of fat, and we wanted to shine a light on how a potato - when prepared properly - can be both functional and healthy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health-benefits-of-potatoes">Heart health benefits of potatoes</h2>



The research was focused on 24 individuals, all with well-managed Type 2 diabetes. Participants in the study group were given a pre-prepared baked potato with the skin, portioned to 100g, with a hand-sized 20 grams of carbohydrates to integrate as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potato-chips-and-fries-will-now-be-a-healthy-snack-with-new-cooking-method/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily snack</a> or side dish. A control group consumed an equivalent serving of white rice.



The study extended over 12 weeks, which is the minimum duration required to observe changes in glycemic control and cardiometabolic health indicators.



The participants were allowed to flavor the potatoes with herbs, spices, or up to ½ tbsp of butter, with the only restriction being against frying the potato.



Akhavan’s study is believed to be the first of its kind to scientifically measure the cardiovascular benefits of potatoes for adults with diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potatoes-for-heart-health">Potatoes for heart health</h2>



The results painted a positive picture for potatoes. Those participants who consumed potatoes noticed a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels, improvements in body composition, waist circumference, and a reduction in resting heart rate.



“The results from our study provide evidence that white potatoes can be healthfully incorporated in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes when substituted for other foods with a high glycemic load, such as long-grain white rice,” said Akhavan. 



“Additionally, there were no harmful effects on measured health outcomes, and some cardiometabolic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potatoes-are-packed-with-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits</a> were shown, which aligned with what we expected to see. Therefore, diabetics should not shy away from potatoes.”



Akhavan emphasized the importance of moderation and preparation methods. “Potatoes are a very versatile food and can be eaten with most types of cuisines, but you want to make sure to incorporate them into a well-rounded diet." 



"For those tight on time, consider making a large batch of baked or roasted potatoes and meal prep to last you a while. I’m not against boiling potatoes, but you want to keep as much of the potassium from the skin as you can, and you lose some of that when you boil them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-dietary-potassium">Source of dietary potassium </h2>



Potatoes are the richest source of dietary potassium in Western diets, and high-potassium diets have been shown to prevent high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes development. 



Additionally, potato skins contain a type of fiber called "resistance starch," which has been shown to improve glucose control, lipid profiles, and satiety. Because of these added health benefits, Akhavan recommends eating potatoes with the skin.



So, the next time you want to reach for a banana, she suggests, reach for that potato instead. “A lot of people are shocked to learn that a potato has a higher level of potassium than a banana,” noted Akhavan. 



“Believe it or not, a baked potato is one of the most satiating foods consumed within the Western diet. And, when it is consumed baked, it increases our ability to feel fuller throughout the day.”



Looking ahead, Akhavan intends to expand the study to include a larger and more diverse participant population, as well as to explore the role of potato consumption within a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-keeps-the-brain-sharp-even-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean dietary pattern</a> and its effects on dietary patterns and related health benefits.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Potatoes are an unexpected ally for heart health

Potatoes may have long been overshadowed by their less starchy...

As we stagger under a blazing sun, racing towards unbeaten high temperatures, not everyone is aware of or understands the symptoms of heat-related illnesses or knows where to find a cooling center for relief.



With the increasing connection between scorching heat and climate change, it is crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and resources. 



The Annenberg Public Policy Center (<a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APPC</a>) from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> has been working tirelessly to fill this knowledge gap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperatures-continue-to-rise">Temperatures continue to rise</h2>



Powered by NASA data, the APPC reveals that a record-shattering day took place on July 22, 2024, that could potentially mark July as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-earths-hottest-day-ever-was-recorded-on-july-22-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest month ever witnessed</a>.



The mid-July survey sheds light on startling insights about public awareness, or the lack thereof, regarding heat-related illness and cooling center locations.



A major chunk of people, precisely 67%, reported not knowing the whereabouts of their nearest cooling center. The need for improved public awareness, especially among the most vulnerable, cannot be overstated. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closer-look-at-cooling-centers">Closer look at cooling centers</h2>



Cooling centers, such as libraries, community and senior centers, and schools, serve as a haven of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-the-heat-rising-temperatures-push-the-limits-of-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relief during extremely hot days</a>. 



Despite city governments' efforts to publicize these locations, the APPC's survey reveals a significant knowledge gap.



Interestingly, the survey also shows a sharp rise in public awareness linking climate change to an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, and insect-borne diseases. 



From November 2023 to the present, there has been a significant uptick in this awareness, with 67% of respondents now holding this view, compared to 58% previously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-heat-related-illness">Signs of heat-related illness</h2>



Although public awareness about cooling centers is lacking, most people are aware of three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-endured-an-extra-month-of-extreme-heat-in-the-past-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telling signs</a> of heat-related illnesses. They include dizziness (89%), nausea (83%), and hot, red, dry, or damp skin (72%).



Looking at the bigger picture, 58% of the survey's respondents believe people in their community are more prone to heat stroke caused by extreme heat waves in the coming decade. 



This is a significant increase from the November 2023 survey, which recorded just over half (52%) holding this view.



In contrast, only a meager 30% recognize that a pregnant person in the U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-reality-extreme-heat-worsens-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposed to extreme heat</a> is more likely to deliver their baby prematurely. This is a crucial piece of information that needs broader dissemination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-centers-and-heat-related-illness">Cooling centers and heat-related illness</h2>



The APPC's study also indicates a broad awareness among respondents that heat-related deaths are most common among older adults, aged 65 or older. 



Nearly all respondents (92%) also know that drinking water is better for preventing heat-related illnesses than drinking sugary drinks.



This treasure trove of information comes from the 20th wave of a nationally representative panel of 1,496 U.S. adults, first empaneled in April 2021 and conducted for the APPC by SSRS, an independent market research company. 



The APPC's team, now three years into tracking American public's knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-temperatures-directly-linked-to-severe-vision-impairment-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical health issues</a>, continues its tireless work on this knowledge survey panel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-awareness">Importance of awareness</h2>



Education plays a pivotal role in enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public awareness</a> about heat-related illnesses and the associated risks. 



Schools, community organizations, and local governments can implement educational campaigns to inform individuals about the symptoms of heat-induced health issues and the importance of staying hydrated. 



Workshops, flyers, and social media campaigns can serve as effective tools in this initiative, ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and outdoor workers, receive critical information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-temperature-threshold-can-the-human-body-handle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat safety</a>.



Establishing clear communication channels for sharing updates about heat advisories and cooling centers will also foster a more informed community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-engagement-initiatives">Community engagement initiatives</h2>



To bridge the awareness gap highlighted by the APPC survey, communities can launch engagement initiatives that encourage action and collaboration. 



“Communities must do a better job of making the public, especially the most vulnerable, aware of these centers,” said Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC.



Partnering with local businesses and healthcare providers, community leaders can organize outreach programs that provide resources and support during heat waves. 



Events such as "Cooling Center Days," where community members are invited to visit cooling centers and learn about heat safety, can foster a proactive approach to combating heat-related illnesses. 



Additionally, trainings for staff at local institutions can equip them to assist individuals in distress, ensuring that communities are prepared to face extreme heat together.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Recognizing symptoms of heat-related illness as temperatures rise

As we stagger under a blazing sun, racing towards unbeaten...

The world today is more understanding – and embracing – of cannabis use than it has ever been before. Oddly enough, the green herb with its distinctive odor has quickly jumped the ranks from a controversial substance to an almost celebrated component of pop culture.



However, like with most things too good to be true, it may have a darker side. New research unveils that cannabis, while soothing in its allure, might be hiding some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cannabis-significantly-increases-the-risk-of-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not-so-chill health risks</a> in its smoke puffs -- namely, an elevated likelihood of developing head and neck cancer!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-connection-to-cannabis">Cancer connection to cannabis</h2>



The study that lets this cat out of the bag was led by Dr. Niels Kokot, a reputable head and neck surgeon from the USC Head and Neck Center, an integral part of <a href="https://keck.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keck School of Medicine</a> at USC.



“This is one of the first studies -- and the largest that we know of to date -- to associate head and neck cancer with cannabis use,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keckmedicine.org/provider/niels-c-kokot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Kokot, MD</a>, a head and neck surgeon with the USC Head and Neck Center and senior author of the study.



“The detection of this risk factor is important because head and neck cancer may be preventable once people know which behaviors increase their risk.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-numbers-that-demand-attention">Numbers that demand attention</h2>



The study finds that individuals with cannabis use disorder (in simpler words, a dependency on the drug) are about 3.5 to 5 times more prone to develop head and neck cancer compared to non-users.



These digits are not just mathematical concoctions. They represent real, breathing people whose lives could take a nose-dive because of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affinity for cannabis</a>.



Head and neck cancer, the unwelcome sixth most common type of cancer worldwide, encompasses malignancies that manifest in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oropharynx (which includes the tongue, tonsils, and back of the throat), and the neighboring salivary glands.



The study suggests that the link between cannabis use disorder and increased head and neck cancer risks holds true across different demographics – age, gender, ethnicity – making it all the more chilling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-smoke-and-cancer-risk">Cannabis smoke and cancer risk</h2>



So, what is the true villain in this narrative? Our researchers point to the smoke produced when cannabis is ignited.



While many people view <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-cannabis-use-disorder-risk-varies-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis as entirely safe</a>, it is critical to acknowledge that both cannabis and tobacco smoke may represent different aspects of the same challenge.



Each contains a complex array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-potency-linked-to-dramatic-rise-in-psychiatric-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful chemicals</a>, including tar and various carcinogens, which can disrupt the intricate structure of DNA and contribute to inflammation in the tissues of the head and neck. 



Over time, this cumulative damage could lead to serious health concerns, including cancer.



Understanding the impact of these substances on our health is essential, as it empowers us to make informed choices about their use and underscores the need for further research into their long-term effects on the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-vs-tobacco">Cannabis vs. tobacco</h2>



The analogy between cannabis and tobacco is vital, primarily when many individuals consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis as a safer alternative</a>.



However, the findings from this research could turn the tables, indicating that cannabis may carry similar, if not higher, risks when it comes to head and neck cancers.



“Cannabis smoking is typically unfiltered and involves deeper inhalation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-nicotine-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-infant-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compared to tobacco</a>,” Kokot emphasized. “Additionally, cannabis burns at a higher temperature than tobacco, increasing the risk of cancer-causing inflammation.”  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-more-research">Need for more research</h2>



This doesn't imply it's the end of the road. The study reiterates the need for more extensive research work, especially as cannabis is becoming a global mainstay.



The researchers hope to sprinkle awareness about potential risks tied to cannabis use while continuing their quest for more concrete findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-signal-for-the-world">Smoke signal for the world</h2>



With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-smokers-not-lazy-unmotivated-despite-stereotypes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis topping the charts</a> as the most frequently used illicit substance globally, the study's findings could send ripples throughout the world.



As more regions contemplate making cannabis legal, these health risks should be on the table of discussion too.



Remember that when it comes to cannabis (or anything else, for that matter), informed decisions are your best bet. 



This study is a wake-up call for us to stay updated about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prenatal-cannabis-exposure-has-unexpected-effect-on-infant-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">likely consequences</a>, particularly when they are as severe as head and neck cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-and-the-future-of-cannabis">Cancer and the future of cannabis</h2>



The link between cannabis use and head and neck cancer represents a crucial finding that warrants careful consideration. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-cannabis-capitals-people-these-us-cities-consume-most-marijuana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis becomes increasingly mainstream</a>, this study underscores the necessity of understanding the potential risks linked to its use.



How might these findings influence our choices regarding health and wellness?



As research progresses, it is essential for individuals to reflect on these insights, prioritizing their long-term health and well-being in an informed manner.



By fostering a deeper awareness of such critical issues, we can better navigate the complexities of our choices and their implications for our lives.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2822269" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Otolaryngology–Head &amp; Neck Surgery</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Cannabis use directly linked to head and neck cancer

The world today is more understanding – and embracing –...

Young,Woman,Drinking,From,A,Bottle,With,Stationary,Plastic,Cap.

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the plastic items in your close vicinity? Plastic objects are quite ubiquitous, fulfilling various roles; from the bags we fill with food supplies to the water bottles we use to maintain our hydration. 



However, there could be more to these everyday items than just their utility and environmental concerns.



Hot on the trail of this fascinating research is a team from the Department of Medicine at <a href="https://www.dp-uni.ac.at" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danube Private University</a> in Austria. 



Their recent investigations suggest that the ordinary habit of drinking water from plastic bottles could be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributor to a concerning health issue</a> – high blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threats-in-plastic-bottles">Invisible threats in plastic bottles</h2>



It turns out that microplastics from our bottles could gain access to our bloodstream, leading to a rise in our blood pressure levels. 



The surprise doesn't end here. These microplastics aren't exclusive to plastic containers; they've been detected in glass bottles as well.



As the study progressed, the researchers observed a drop in blood pressure when the participants switched from drinking from both glass and plastic bottles to consuming tap water. 



This revelation makes us question the indirect yet serious health threats posed by these microplastics. After all, high blood pressure is a primary contributor to heart diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics">Understanding microplastics</h2>



Microplastics -- tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm -- are infiltrating our daily lives more than we might realize. These particles stem from various sources, including the wear and tear of car tires, the breakdown of larger plastic waste, and even the washing of synthetic clothing. 



Alarmingly, these minuscule plastics are making their way into our food, water, and the air we breathe, leading to unintentional ingestion and inhalation regularly.



The implications of microplastics on human health are still somewhat unclear; however, preliminary research raises significant red flags. Studies have detected microplastics in our bloodstream, organs, and even in the placenta of unborn babies. 



This prompts us to ask: what are the potential health risks? 



Concerns include inflammation, hormonal disruption, and other complications. While the long-term effects remain largely unknown, the idea that we may be becoming repositories for plastic is indeed troubling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-plastics-maze">Navigating the plastics maze</h2>



"We concluded, after extensive research, that beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided," warns the Austrian team. They discovered significant patterns as they navigated the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-risk-of-stroke-and-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexities of plastics</a>. 



A decrease in plastic usage, they found, could potentially lower blood pressure due to a reduction in the number of plastic particles in the bloodstream. The implications of this discovery are not just significant; they could be a matter of life and death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-plastic-bottles">Microplastics in plastic bottles</h2>



Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic typically resulting from the breakdown of plastic due to exposure to UV rays or physical friction. 



These tiny particles are present everywhere – in our saliva, heart tissue, liver, kidneys, and even the placenta. Numerous studies have reported high levels of microplastics in bottled water.



The study suggests that these microplastics could be a hidden trigger for cardiovascular risks. "The changes we observed in blood pressure suggest that reducing the intake of plastic particles could lower cardiovascular risk," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tap-water-vs-bottled-water">Tap water vs. bottled water</h2>



For the investigation, the scientists asked eight volunteers to fulfill their daily fluid needs from tap water, steering clear of any drinks from plastic or glass bottles.



The results were quite eye-opening, showing a significant decline in diastolic blood pressure – the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats - after two weeks.



Simply put, their findings propose that "plastic particles present in the bloodstream could contribute to increased blood pressure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-impact-of-microplastic-exposure">Wider impact of microplastic exposure</h2>



As we probe into the effects of microplastic exposure, it becomes increasingly clear that the issue isn't limited to hypertension. 



The emerging body of research indicates that these tiny particles could impact other bodily systems as well. The potential for microplastics to disrupt endocrine functions, incite inflammation, and induce oxidative stress are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-microplastic-ingestion-levels-mapped-across-109-countries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serious worries</a> for our overall health. 



These reactions trigger a series of biological processes that can exacerbate existing conditions or even kickstart new health problems, which emphasizes the urgent need for further research into the effects of plastic consumption on human physiology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-our-bond-with-plastics">Rethinking our bond with plastics</h2>



The insights unveiled by the Austrian team's innovative research call for a critical reassessment of our reliance on plastic products, especially in how we consume beverages. 



Individuals are encouraged to consider eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging, such as stainless steel or glass containers, which, apart from preserving taste and quality, also promote a healthier lifestyle. 



Policymakers can also play a crucial role by driving educational campaigns about plastic pollution, backing laws that curb plastic production, and promoting recycling efforts. 



The time has come to reconsider our dependence on plastics and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plausible effects on our health</a>. The convenience we hold dear might be coming at a high cost. So, the next time you reach out for that plastic or glass bottled drink, bear in mind: tap water might be a healthier option.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/3/3/26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Drinking from plastic bottles raises your blood pressure

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the plastic...

Cocaine has long been known to hijack the brain's natural reward system, but the precise mechanism of its power has remained elusive - until now.



The hidden depths of our brains, driven by the dopamine "feel-good" hormone, hold the key to our deepest desires and motivations. 



However, when this delicate balance is disrupted by potent drugs like cocaine, the brain's ability to regulate pleasure is thrown into chaos. 



A critical component in this process is the dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein that usually ensures not every experience is perceived as pleasurable. 



Thanks to research from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, we now have a clearer understanding of how cocaine interferes with this crucial mechanism, providing new insights that could lead to effective treatments for substance abuse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-on-cocaine">Breakthrough discovery on cocaine</h2>



Previously a mysterious process, the Copenhagen team has revealed more about how cocaine interacts with the brain's dopamine transporters.



The researchers found that cocaine majorly disrupts this sensitive mechanism, causing the brain to lose control over regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine levels</a>.



"We have learned how cocaine binds to the dopamine transporter, which is a protein responsible for regulating dopamine levels in the brain," explained lead scientist and PhD student Jeppe Cederholm Nielsen.



"What we did was describe the structure of the dopamine transporter, which gave us molecular-level insight into how it is inhibited by cocaine."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pleasure-deception-of-cocaine">The pleasure deception of cocaine</h2>



Disruption of the DAT leads to an unusual situation where every activity seems pleasing. Cocaine doesn't cause the brain to release more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-helps-us-understand-ourselves-and-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a>; it halts the brain's ability to regulate and remove the neurotransmitter, creating a skewed perception of pleasure.



"When cocaine blocks the dopamine transporter, dopamine will continue to stimulate the reward center - even though the experience itself is not particularly pleasurable," explained Professor Claus Løland.



"In other words, we become incapable of distinguishing between what is truly pleasurable and what is not, and then all types of input given by our senses will seem great. You could say that cocaine tricks the brain. It is a form of chemical brainwashing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-the-unseen">Seeing the unseen </h2>



In order to grasp cocaine's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-may-negatively-impact-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on the brain</a>, the team utilized the most powerful microscope in the world to study the infinitesimal dopamine transporter. 



Their efforts provided a breakthrough understanding of how cocaine binds with and disrupts this protein.



"These proteins are so tiny that they are invisible under a microscope – even this extremely powerful microscope. But we used a couple of tricks to work around this and make them visible," noted Nielsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-substance-abuse-treatment">Hope for substance abuse treatment</h2>



With no current treatment for cocaine abuse, this research instils hope for the development of measures to combat addiction. The ultimate goal is to provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychoactive-drug-relieves-symptoms-of-traumatic-brain-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical treatment</a> for cocaine abuse – a daunting task, considering how addictive and accessible cocaine has become.



"We have dreams of finding a medical treatment for cocaine abuse. It's one of the most addictive substances out there, and it's becoming more and more affordable,” said Professor Løland.



The team's newfound knowledge about the dopamine transporter could prove invaluable in understanding and treating addiction more broadly.



“Perhaps we will be able to treat addiction to a number of things, not just cocaine. For instance, addiction to gambling or other substances, which is also caused by a release of dopamine into the brain," noted Professor Løland.



In the fight against addiction, this research offers hope. With the right tools, we might one day be able to help countless individuals break free from the shackles of addiction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-research-to-real-world-applications">From research to real-world applications</h2>



As promising as this research is, translating molecular insights into effective treatments is no small feat. There are numerous stages involved in drug development, including extensive testing for safety and efficacy in humans.



The researchers emphasized that while their findings are a critical first step, collaboration with pharmacologists and clinicians will be essential to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world applications.



The hope is that this research will spur new clinical trials focused on targeted therapies that can modulate dopamine transporter function, potentially leading to successful interventions for those struggling with cocaine addiction as well as other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine-related disorders</a>. 



By fostering a comprehensive understanding of addiction mechanisms, this innovative research may ultimately pave the way for more effective addiction management strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07804-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How cocaine tricks and hijacks the brain

Cocaine has long been known to hijack the brain's natural...

Happiness is an omnipresent quest, an ever-elusive goal that many strive to achieve throughout life. But what if we are judging our happiness too much?



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pursuit of happiness</a> is often seen as the holy grail of a meaningful life, yet this quest could potentially be a double-edged sword, leading to unintended consequences.



New research published by the <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2024/08/judging-your-happiness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Psychological Association</a> suggests that constantly measuring and evaluating your own happiness could cause it to wither away, negatively impacting overall life satisfaction and psychological well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-of-judging-personal-happiness">Hidden costs of judging personal happiness</h2>



For their investigation, the researchers conducted three experiments involving more than 1,800 participants.



The results of the analysis showed that having concerns or judgments about one's level of happiness was associated with lower well-being, partly due to increased negativity and disappointment about positive events.



Lead researcher Felicia Zerwas, PhD, was a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California-Berkeley</a> during this research and is now a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>.



Zerwas explained that thinking too much about one's own happiness might relate to fears of not measuring up or not being as happy as others.



"There are plenty of societal pressures, at least within the United States, which encourage the fallacy that people must feel happy all of the time to achieve greater well-being," she noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-social-constraint-of-constant-joy">The social constraint of constant joy</h2>



In many societies, as Zerwas noted, there is an overwhelming amount of pressure to maintain constant happiness as a key to life satisfaction. However, the study's findings suggest otherwise.



Zerwas emphasized that allowing yourself to experience and accept your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>, whether they are positive or negative, could be a useful tool in the pursuit of happiness and well-being.



Contrary to some previous studies, the current research found that simply viewing happiness as an essential goal did not negatively affect well-being. Instead, the issue emerged in the judgment of one's own happiness.



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



The study included diverse samples of participants, such as students from <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>, community members from Denver and Berkeley, California, and online participants from across the United States and Canada. 



The participants were asked detailed questions about their beliefs regarding happiness and their overall psychological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a>.



Those who were particularly concerned about their own level of happiness demonstrated significantly lower overall life satisfaction, poorer psychological well-being, and greater depressive symptoms. 



Moreover, these individuals exhibited more negativity towards positive experiences, highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive self-judgment and high expectations on personal joy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-double-edged-sword-of-judging-happiness">The double-edged sword of judging happiness</h2>



In light of these findings, cultivating authenticity in our emotional experiences is crucial. 



The pressure to project constant happiness can disconnect us from our true feelings and distort self-perception. Instead of striving for an idealized version of happiness, we should embrace our authentic selves, acknowledging both the highs and lows of our emotions.



Practicing authenticity fosters a deeper understanding of our emotions and builds <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilience-is-surprisingly-linked-to-gut-and-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>. Experiencing a full spectrum of emotions, including discomfort and sadness, as natural parts of life can enhance overall well-being by allowing genuine responses without self-judgment.



Cultivating a supportive social environment is also essential. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who value emotional honesty can help mitigate societal pressures. Open conversations about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-67-minutes-daily-outdoors-boosts-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> and emotional struggles normalize varying emotional states, reminding us we are not alone.



Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness should be a fluid journey guided by self-acceptance and understanding. Embracing authenticity and fostering a supportive community allows us to navigate our emotional lives with grace, finding fulfillment in the richness of our shared human experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindfulness-as-a-path-to-well-being">Mindfulness as a path to well-being</h2>



In addition to embracing authenticity, integrating mindfulness practices into our daily lives can further enhance our emotional well-being and life satisfaction.



Mindfulness encourages us to be present in the moment, allowing us to experience our emotions without judgment. This practice can help us manage stress, improve focus, and find a sense of inner peace.



By combining mindfulness with authenticity, we can develop a more holistic approach to our emotional health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/emo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emotion</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Judging your happiness makes you less happy

Happiness is an omnipresent quest, an ever-elusive goal that many...

Life can sure feel heavy at times, right? But what if a diet change could lighten that load? Recent findings from a diligent team at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a>, State University of New York (<a href="https://www.suny.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY</a>) suggests that Mediterranean diet reduces perceived stress, promoting mental and physical health.



This isn't some casual presumption. It's a conclusion drawn from a meticulously conducted comparison of Mediterranean and Western diets and their impact on stress perceptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-diet-for-stress">Mediterranean diet for stress</h2>



Driving this exploration is Lina Begdache, an esteemed associate professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University. She's been deeply invested in uncovering the effects of various elements on our wellbeing, particularly our mental health.



Begdache and her team delved into whether embracing a Mediterranean diet – plates brimming with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthful fats – could alter how people perceive their stress. 



The researchers found that consuming Mediterranean diet staples is tied to lower levels of perceived stress and mental distress.



This Mediterranean approach isn't all about chowing down; it represents a balanced lifestyle teeming with variety and top-notch nourishment. In stark contrast stands the typical Western diet, laden with processed and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unhealthy-diet-leaves-brain-feeling-foggy-frazzled-sad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-glycemic foods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-stress-nexus">Diet-stress nexus</h2>



Stress is a global experience, isn't it? However, your perception of stress can significantly affect your mental and physical health.



“Stress is recognized to be a precursor to mental distress, and research, including our own, has demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet lowers mental distress,” Begdache said. 



“Thus, one element of the puzzle may be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a decrease in the negative components of perceived stress and an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-keeps-the-brain-sharp-even-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improvement in its positive attributes</a>.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



How did Begdache and her team arrive at this conclusion? They conducted a survey with over 1,500 participants, probing their food habits and measuring their stress levels. 



Post crunching the data with a machine learning model, it became evident that the components of the Mediterranean diet were associated with lower stress and mental distress levels. Conversely, the typical Western diet seemed to be tied to heightened stress and mental distress experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopting-a-balanced-lifestyle">Adopting a balanced lifestyle</h2>



Embracing the Mediterranean diet doesn't just dampen stress - it's linked to a smorgasbord of health perks. Research suggests this diet can minimize the risk of chronic diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, and certain cancers.



Additionally, the focus on whole foods and healthy fats boosts cognitive functioning, potentially lowering depression risks. By remolding our diet, we can cultivate a lifestyle that champions physical and mental well-being, creating a sturdy foundation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-may-be-a-fountain-of-youth-for-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pivot-to-the-mediterranean-diet">Pivot to the Mediterranean diet</h2>



Shifting to the Mediterranean diet does not have to be overwhelming. You can start by including more fruits and vegetables in your meals; aim for an array of colorful produce.



Opt for whole grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice over refined versions. Infuse healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, while cutting down on processed foods and sugars. 



Play with herbs and spices for flavor in lieu of salt, and remember to share your joyful meals with loved ones. These manageable steps can drive you towards a healthier lifestyle and possibly curtail stress in the bargain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-food-affect-our-stress-levels">How does food affect our stress levels?</h2>



Begdache noted that this study bridges a vital gap in the field. Although plenty of studies scrutinize how stress influences our dietary choices, scant research investigates how food can affect our stress levels.



Her team continues to probe various aspects of brain function, behaviors, and dietary trends, eager to unearth more correlations and health advantages.



The next time you're drawn to a doughnut or a packet of chips in a stressful moment, why not consider a fresh fruit salad or a handful of nuts instead? 



Switching from a Western diet to a Mediterranean approach might be just the trick to managing stress more effectively. Isn't it heartening to realize that your next meal could be a stride towards a less stressful existence?



Remember, stress does not have to rule your life. So, are you primed for a dietary shift to lead a healthier, more cheerful life? The decision is entirely up to you.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02601060241263375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrition and Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Mediterranean diet: A delicious way to manage stress

Life can sure feel heavy at times, right? But what...

If you could live to a ripe old age, but with a youthful spring in your step, would you take the chance? Researchers are now turning that fantasy into a reality. They've devised a treatment for aging that doesn't just add years to your life -- it adds life to your years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-life-but-at-what-cost">Longer life, but at what cost?</h2>



It's a fact of modern life: we're all living longer. Thanks to advancements in medicine and public health, human lifespans have grown incredibly over the last century. 



But there's a catch. These extra years don't always come with good health. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease often become unwelcome companions in later life, followed by frailty. 



Most interventions focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonging life</a>, but not necessarily good health, leading to a significant health decline in the last decade of life. In short, no one wants to spend their added years in decrepitude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-treatment-promises-healthy-aging">New treatment promises healthy aging</h2>



But what if that feeble decline isn't our fate? In their research, published in the August issue of Cell Metabolism, <a href="https://medicine.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut School of Medicine</a> gerontologist, Dr. Ming Xu, and his team have shown that this doesn't have to be the case.



Their breakthrough? A new treatment that allowed a group of mice to live 9% longer with monthly treatments -- that's about 79 extra days of energy-filled life for our furry friends.



The treatment involved targeting and removing inflammatory cells from the body.&nbsp;These cells <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/losing-loved-ones-can-speed-up-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contribute to aging</a> and age-related diseases.&nbsp;By eliminating them, researchers were able to extend lifespan and improve overall health.



But the real success wasn't just the extension of life; it was the vitality that came with it. The treated mice showed impressive strength, maintaining their grip and walking speed up to the very end of their lives. 



In human terms, that's like an 80-year-old running around like they've found the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fountain of youth</a>!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-aging-treatment-works">How the aging treatment works</h2>



What sets this research apart is the record-keeping and aging measurements carried out. In contrast to most experiments that select a specific end point in time and measure the effect of the treatment then, Dr. Ming Xu and his collaborators embarked on a longitudinal study. 



They tracked the health, grip strength, and walking speed of the mice from the time they were 20 months old (about 60 in human years) until their death. 



This approach allowed them to assess the physical function and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-ingredient-to-healthy-aging-your-midlife-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall health</a> changes of each mouse throughout the entire treatment period. 



And here's the exciting part: even though the treated mice were older at their time of death, their physical function and overall frailty were better than the untreated controls. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-successful-in-mice">Very successful in mice</h2>



"We are all very excited about this finding," says Dr. Xu. "It demonstrates that we not only extend the lifespan, but indeed extend life with good health in mice, which is a key goal for the aging field."



While the findings from UConn are undoubtedly exciting, further research is necessary to bridge the gap between animal studies and human application. 



Future studies must explore various variables such as dosage, treatment duration, and the effects of this intervention across different ages and genetic backgrounds.



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



The research involved two groups of mice. One received monthly treatments to remove highly inflammatory cells from their tissues, and the other group, kept as a control, did not. 



The cells targeted for removal were those actively expressing a specific gene known as p21. The oldest treated mice lived to be 43 months old -- equivalent to about 130 years in human terms. 



The average treated mouse, meanwhile, lived longer and healthier than an average untreated mouse.



Now, the real question is, can this translate to humans? If it can, it would mean 8 to 10 additional years of healthy old age. 



It's an exciting prospect in the field of aging, and the researchers are currently exploring ways to bring their results to our lives.



Innovative scientific studies like this one give us hope for the future -- hope for a future where aging doesn't equate to frailty, where we can live longer, healthier, and fuller lives.



This intriguing research was primarily supported by the NIH <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute on Aging</a>, American Federation for Aging Research (<a href="https://www.afar.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AFAR</a>), and <a href="https://hevolution.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hevolution Foundation</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Monthly aging treatment aims to help you live long and die healthy

If you could live to a ripe old age, but...

As we step into a new decade, it's high time we zoom into our children's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, especially their sugary drink intake. Researchers have uncovered a startling fact: children are consuming 23% more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) now than they did back in 1990.



Behind this significant research is an expert team that vigorously collected and analyzed global dietary data. The team was led by an eminent scientist who is dedicated to understanding dietary patterns and their influence on our health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-consuming-sugary-drinks">Children consuming sugary drinks</h2>



“Sugary beverages increase weight gain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-diets-have-a-direct-impact-on-childhood-obesity-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of obesity</a>, so even though kids don’t often develop diabetes or cardiovascular disease when they are young, there could be significant impacts later in life,” said first author&nbsp;<a href="https://depts.washington.edu/healthms/people/laura-lara-castor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Lara-Castor</a>, a recent graduate of the Friedman School and now a postdoctoral scholar at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>. 



“This study highlights the need for targeted education and policy interventions to change behavior early on and prevent the adverse outcomes associated with sugar-sweetened beverage intake in childhood.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-numbers">Alarming numbers</h2>



The numbers are indeed chilling. Globally, our children and teenagers are drinking these sugary drinks more and more, showing an average increase of 23% from 1990 to 2018. This trend mirrors a rise in obesity among young individuals in the same period.



Sugary drinks aren't just limited to the traditional soft drinks, they're also those deceptive fruit drinks, energy drinks, punch, and lemonade. Any beverage with added sugars and at least 50 kcal per serving is considered an SSB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childrens-sugary-drink-intake-by-region">Childrens' sugary drink intake by region</h2>



When we dive into the geographical details, an interesting picture emerges. Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed the largest increase with an additional 2.17 servings per week.



On the other side of the spectrum, South Asia has the least weekly intake of 1.3 servings. The highest intake? Latin America and the Caribbean, averaging around 9.1 servings.



The study also sheds light on the urban-rural divide. It reveals that children and adolescents who live in cities consume more SSBs than their rural counterparts. Further, the intake is higher among children of parents with higher education levels.



“Our findings should raise alarm bells in nearly every nation worldwide,” said senior author&nbsp;Dariush Mozaffarian, Jean Mayer Professor of Nutrition and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/">Food is Medicine Institute</a>&nbsp;at the Friedman School. “The intakes and trends we’re seeing pose a significant threat to public health, one we can and must address for the future of a healthier population.”



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



Education is vital in influencing children's dietary choices. Studies show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-sugar-sources-are-key-to-preventing-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive nutrition education</a> leads to healthier beverage choices among kids. 



By informing children and their guardians about the impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages, schools and communities can foster healthier lifestyles from an early age.



To combat the rising consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, effective policy interventions are needed at local and national levels. 



Strategies like taxing sugary drinks, regulating marketing to children, and increasing access to healthier options can change public habits. 



Collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations is crucial in promoting health consciousness and fostering well-being for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-children-s-sugary-drink-intake">Limiting children's sugary drink intake</h2>



The researchers emphasize that efforts to control the marketing of SSBs to children and teenagers are crucial. And rightly so, as the study suggests that the increase in SSB intake among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2018 was almost double that seen among adults.



Despite certain limitations, such as the availability of dietary survey data, the findings act as a crucial tool in understanding and addressing the rising consumption of SSBs worldwide. These findings "should be taken as the best currently available, but nonetheless imperfect, estimates of SSB intake worldwide," add the authors.



The findings serve to guide national and targeted policies aimed at reducing SSB intake among young people globally. This can help curb the growing problem of SSBs for public health, particularly in regions like the Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.



The study's intent is aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It's a call for everyone involved, from parents to policy makers, to take a look at our young ones' plates and glasses. 



After all, the health of children is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflection of the health</a> of our future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-079234" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Children are consuming more sugary drinks than ever

As we step into a new decade, it's high time...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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