We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming services make it easy to keep watching, and though it often feels like a guilty pleasure, new research suggests it may not be entirely bad.



A study from the University of Georgia (<a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>) highlights that binge-watching or marathon reading can actually strengthen how we remember stories. 



These memories may not vanish once the credits roll but instead linger in our minds, shaping imagination and reflection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-strengthens-memory">Binge watching strengthens memory</h2>



The research connects this phenomenon to something called retrospective imaginative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/">involvement</a>, or RII. It refers to how people continue to think about characters and events after finishing a story. 



Rather than ending with the last chapter or episode, stories are reconstructed, expanded, and sometimes even altered in imagination.



“Humans are storytelling creatures. One of the functions of narratives is the ability to satisfy motivations for things like connecting with other people, feeling autonomous and confident, and even security and safety. Stories have characters that fulfill these roles, and we can satisfy those needs through them,” noted Joshua Baldwin, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-imagination">Memory and imagination</h2>



The study shows that people who binge-watch are more likely to engage with stories later, carrying them into daydreams. Consecutive viewing appears to help audiences create richer mental models of characters and worlds, which makes these stories more accessible in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-shape-what-goes-viral-on-social-media/">memory</a>. 



By consuming content in longer stretches, viewers weave tighter connections across episodes and character arcs, allowing subtle details to resonate more clearly.



This means binging may support stronger recall in the short term, even if some details fade over time. More importantly, it keeps the emotional and thematic essence alive, which is what fuels imagination and encourages people to revisit stories in new, creative ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-people-binge-watch">Why people binge watch</h2>



Why people binge also matters. Some are drawn to stories to escape stress, while others seek to expand their sense of self through new perspectives. 



The Temporarily Expanding Boundaries of the Self (TEBOTS) model suggests narratives allow people to step outside daily limits and experience autonomy, competence, and connection in imagined worlds.



Escapism-driven viewing, on the other hand, gives relief by pushing aside everyday stress. The study found both motivations can lead to retrospective imagination, though expansion motives appear more powerful in creating long-lasting engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enjoyment-versus-appreciation">Enjoyment versus appreciation</h2>



Not all stories affect memory the same way. Lighter tales that are fun and easy to watch often spark simple recollections. 



By contrast, appreciated stories (those that feel deep, moving, or even bittersweet) encourage people to reimagine, expand, and reshape them.



These more reflective narratives are especially likely to trigger dynamic forms of imagination, such as changing events or exploring hidden backstories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-and-leisure-time">Stress and leisure time</h2>



Stress does not influence story recall in a simple way. When stress is low or moderate, imagination can act as a relief, giving people a way to unwind and mentally process experiences. In these cases, stories serve as a calming outlet.



However, when stress levels rise too high, the brain becomes overloaded, leaving fewer mental resources available for remembering or reflecting on narratives. Instead of nurturing imagination, the mind directs energy toward coping with immediate pressures.



Leisure time changes the picture. When people have free, relaxed moments, their minds are more open to revisiting favorite stories. These quiet breaks - during a walk, while chatting, or simply reflecting - create mental space for narratives to return, grow, and shape daydreams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-can-support-coping">Binge watching can support coping</h2>



Binge-watching has often been criticized for harming sleep and well-being. But this research suggests the picture is more nuanced. 



For some, it builds mental models that last well beyond the show itself. These memories and imagined extensions may even help people cope with challenges, making stories an ongoing psychological resource.



“People who have that habit of binge-watching shows often aren’t doing it passively but are actually actively thinking about it afterwards. They’re very much wanting to engage with stories, even when they’re not around to watch shows,” said Baldwin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stories-live-on-beyond-the-screen">Stories live on beyond the screen</h2>



Most people think bingeing means wasting hours in front of a screen. But the study shows it can be much more than that. 



When you get lost in a story, the characters and emotions often tag along even after you stop watching. Sometimes they reappear in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-dogs-binge-watch-television-everyday/">daydreams</a>, other times in quiet reflections when your mind drifts.



This habit doesn’t just strengthen memory. It can stir creativity, spark imagination, and even help people make sense of their own lives. 



Stories can offer comfort, connection, or a fresh perspective - things we all need from time to time. That’s why they rarely end with the credits. Instead, they linger in our thoughts, shaping how we dream, reflect, and connect with the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691825004147?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acta Psychologica</a>.



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Why binge-watching may actually be good for you

We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming services make it easy to keep watching, and though it often feels like a guilty pleasure, new research suggests it may not be entirely bad. A study from the University of Georgia (UGA) highlights that binge-watching or marathon reading can actually strengthen how we remember stories. These memories may not vanish once the credits roll but instead linger in our minds, shaping imagination and reflection. Binge watching strengthens memory The research connects this phenomenon to something called...

Your brain is never still. Each pulse of sound tweaks its wiring faster than a drummer can tap a snare. A fresh study pairs magnetoencephalography with a clever algorithm called <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40211612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FREQ-NESS</a> to watch that rewiring happen live. 



Lead researchers Dr. Mattia Rosso and Associate Professor Leonardo Bonetti from <a href="https://www.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> and the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> say the method lets them chase brainwaves in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhythms-and-freq-ness">Rhythms and FREQ-NESS</h2>



Healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-doesnt-just-hear-music-it-becomes-the-rhythm/">brains</a> run on repeating electrical patterns that help cells talk efficiently. Those patterns, or oscillations, sit at distinct frequencies that set the tempo for perception, movement, even daydreams.



Rhythmic tones are perfect probes because their timing is predictable. The team played steady 2.4 Hz beeps to volunteers and compared the result with quiet rest.



The first thing they saw was a dramatic handover inside the default mode network. At rest this self-focused circuit dominates, but within seconds of hearing the beat it ceded control to a lean cluster in the right auditory cortex.



“We’re used to thinking of brainwaves like fixed stations, alpha, beta, gamma, and of brain anatomy as a set of distinct regions. But what we see with FREQ-NESS is much richer”, said Dr. Rosso.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-freq-ness-sees">What FREQ-NESS sees</h2>



FREQ-NESS separates overlapping activity by frequency instead of anatomy. During stimulation it found two sharp peaks: one tracking the 2.4 Hz beat and another at its 4.8 Hz harmonic.



The lower component lit up <a href="https://radiopaedia.org/articles/heschls-gyrus-1?lang=us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heschl’s gyrus</a>, the brain’s primary sound hub. The higher one stretched into medial temporal structures tied to memory and emotion.



Beyond these newcomers the spectrum kept its familiar shape, yet every peak nudged elsewhere. That shift proves the sound stream does not add a single track, it retunes the whole orchestra.



Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-mapping-research-mouse-neurons-revolutionary-advance/">brain</a> maps rely on predefined anatomical zones or broad frequency bands. This limits what they can reveal, especially when networks overlap or rapidly shift in real time.



FREQ-NESS sidesteps those issues by identifying networks based on how their frequencies behave, not where they're located. That means it can detect when one rhythm fades and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-triggers-unique-prediction-zones-in-the-brain/">another surges</a>, even if they share the same physical space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alpha-and-beta-switch-roles">Alpha and beta switch roles</h2>



Alpha waves, normally strongest around 10.9 Hz over parieto-occipital cortex, slid up to 12.1 Hz and parked atop the sensorimotor strip. Such <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10216152/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mu-range activity</a> has long been linked to motor readiness..



Beta rhythms near 22.9 Hz stayed put but became more focused. Earlier work shows separate cortical beta sources guide fine motor timing.



Those static beta hubs may hold the metronome steady while alpha and delta circuits flex. Nothing in the data hinted at extra beta power, which fits the simple, unvarying beat used here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamma-joins-the-conversation">Gamma joins the conversation</h2>



The surprise came at the fast end of the dial. Finely tuned gamma oscillations between 60 Hz and 90 Hz rose and fell in sync with the slow 2.4 Hz driver.



Phase-to-amplitude <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3359652/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-frequency coupling</a> has been proposed as a neural handshake that links distant regions. The present data show that handshake tightening when sound demands attention.



Interestingly, the gamma glow appeared outside the auditory cortex, in insula, inferior frontal gyrus, and hippocampal areas. 



That pattern hints the high-speed chatter helps weave sensory input into memory rather than merely amplifying raw sound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-behind-the-picture">Tools behind the picture</h2>



FREQ-NESS works by contrasting broadband and narrowband covariance, then pulling out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-doesnt-just-hear-music-it-becomes-the-rhythm/">brain-wide components</a> with generalized eigendecomposition. 



Because the sources are reconstructed in three-dimension voxel space, the resulting maps look like ordinary functional images rather than abstract sensor blobs.



The method beat simpler principal-component tricks that often smear frequencies together. Its open-source code means other groups can plug in their own datasets immediately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-freq-ness-could-lead">Where FREQ-NESS could lead</h2>



Clinicians could track whether depression drugs restore normal alpha network flow or whether epilepsy surgery spares critical beat-sensing hubs. Music therapists might tailor tempos that coax brains toward relaxed or alert states.



The fine spatial detail also promises smarter brain-computer interfaces that lock onto a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-and-repeated-sounds-reorganize-your-brain-networks-in-real-time/">internal rhythm</a> instead of forcing external cues. 



Future work will test richer melodies, speech streams, and even silent lip-reading to map how context flips the frequency dial.



Ultimately, the study reinforces a simple truth. Listening is not passive, it is an act of continual remodeling.



The study is published in <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202413195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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Human brain map shows how musical rhythms instantly reconfigure your mind

Your brain is never still. Each pulse of sound tweaks...

Imagine being in your eighties and remembering things as clearly as someone in their fifties. That’s the reality for a remarkable group of people scientists call SuperAgers. For 25 years, researchers at Northwestern Medicine have followed them, trying to understand how their minds resist time.



SuperAgers defy the typical story of aging. Their sharp recall is matched by lively personalities and strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-method-reverses-aging-in-human-cells-without-modifying-dna/">social connections</a>. 



“It’s really what we’ve found in their brains that’s been so earth-shattering for us,” said Dr. Sandra Weintraub, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and neurology at Northwestern University <a href="https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feinberg School of Medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-superagers-stay-sharp">How SuperAgers stay sharp</h2>



Most people experience a steady decline in memory as the years pass, but SuperAgers are the exception. 



“Our findings show that exceptional memory in old age is not only possible but is linked to a distinct neurobiological profile. This opens the door to new interventions aimed at preserving brain health well into the later decades of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-in-extreme-heat-can-age-your-body-just-like-smoking-does/">life</a>,” said Dr. Weintraub.



Their stories and brain scans are now part of a special issue of Alzheimer’s &amp; Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. The work also marks anniversaries of national research efforts into Alzheimer’s disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-inside-a-superager-brain">What’s inside a SuperAger brain</h2>



The term “SuperAger” was coined by Dr. M. Marsel Mesulam in the late 1990s. Since then, nearly 300 participants have joined the program, and 77 have donated their brains for study after death.



Some of these brains carry the same Alzheimer’s-related plaques and tangles found in many older adults, while others are almost completely free of them. Yet both groups show equally strong memory <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/scientists-discover-we-age-in-bursts/">performance</a>.



“What we realized is there are two mechanisms that lead someone to become a SuperAger,” explained Dr. Weintraub. “One is resistance: they don’t make the plaques and tangles. Two is resilience: they make them, but they don’t do anything to their brains.”



This means there isn’t just one formula for preserving memory - there may be multiple biological paths to the same outcome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-that-stand-out">Traits that stand out</h2>



In memory tests, SuperAgers consistently perform like people decades younger, recalling at least 9 out of 15 words after a delay. Brain scans reveal that their cortex (the brain’s outer layer) remains thick and healthy rather than thinning with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-how-some-people-live-past-100-years/">age</a>.



Remarkably, a region called the anterior cingulate cortex is sometimes thicker than in adults 20 to 30 years younger. This area is important for decision-making, emotion, and motivation.



Under the microscope, their brains hold more von Economo neurons (special cells tied to social behavior) and larger neurons in the entorhinal cortex, which is key to memory. These differences may help protect cognitive function, even in the presence of age-related changes.



Lifestyle habits among SuperAgers vary dramatically. Some eat well, exercise regularly, and follow classic health advice. 



Others have smoked, enjoyed drinks, or avoided structured workouts. Yet one trait appears almost universal: they are highly social, rating their relationships positively and staying engaged with others. From book clubs to volunteer work, their calendars tend to be full.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-back-to-science">Giving back to science</h2>



Each year, SuperAgers return for evaluations and some choose to donate their brains. 



“Many of the findings from this paper stem from the examination of brain specimens of generous, dedicated SuperAgers who were followed for decades,” said Dr. Tamar Gefen, an associate professor at Feinberg. 



“I am constantly amazed by how brain donation can enable discovery long after death, offering a kind of scientific immortality.”



One participant, followed for more than two decades, kept her memory scores steady from her sixties into her eighties. Even after serious illness, her mind stayed alert, her conversations animated. After her passing, her brain revealed minimal damage from age-related disease - a rare and inspiring sight.



The full journey of this research, and the people behind it, is detailed in “The First 25 Years of the Northwestern SuperAging Program” by Mesulam, Weintraub, Gefen, and Geula. 



For anyone wondering whether a clear, vibrant mind can last a lifetime, the answer from these extraordinary individuals is a resounding yes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.70312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer s &amp; Dementia</a>.



Image Credit: Shane Collins, Northwestern University



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SuperAgers have a brain that can resist Alzheimer’s

Imagine being in your eighties and remembering things as clearly...

Laughter may be a potent ally for mental and physical health. Around the world, scientists are exploring how structured laughter sessions can help calm anxiety and lift life satisfaction, and they're finding that these activities deliver real results.



Laughter is not unique to humans. From apes to rats, many animals share this response, hinting at its deep evolutionary roots. In people, laughter can strengthen social bonds, build trust, and even help babies develop an early sense of self.



Hospitals have also discovered the healing potential of laughter. For example, children who receive visits from clowns often recover and go home sooner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-laughter-therapy">Studying laughter therapy</h2>



Yelsyn-Mauricio Porras-Jiménez of the <a href="https://www.ujaen.es/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jaén</a> in Spain wanted to improve health in all dimensions. “Not just the physical, but also the spiritual and emotional,” he noted. This led him to study laughter therapy’s role in holistic care.



Porras-Jiménez and his team analyzed 33 studies from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Participants ranged from nursing students to patients in end-of-life care, surgery candidates, IVF patients, and individuals facing depression or burnout.



The laughter therapy methods varied - some joined laughter yoga classes, others watched comedic films, took part in guided group <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-and-the-mind-new-clues-about-how-we-experience-pleasure/">laughs</a>, or enjoyed visits from hospital clowns.



"Unlike spontaneous humour, laughter therapy is a structured and deliberate intervention that uses techniques such as laughter yoga, guided group sessions, or therapeutic clowning to induce laughter as a means of generating psycho-emotional benefits," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-laughter-therapy">Benefits of laughter therapy</h2>



Each study included two groups: one that received laughter therapy and another that continued with standard care or no intervention. The data was striking.



On an anxiety scale from 0 to 100, the control group averaged around 60. The laughter therapy group scored 8 to 10 points lower. Life satisfaction told a similar story - the control group averaged 50, while the laughter group scored 10 to 12 points higher.



Sophie Scott of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> acknowledged that because participants knew they were part of a special activity, the placebo effect could be influencing results. But this doesn’t discount the measurable physiological effects of laughter. 



Laughing can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and trigger the release of endorphins - natural brain chemicals that boost mood.



“It’s hard to say whether it’s because of the laughter or because of the social context in which you felt comfortable enough to laugh,” said Scott. “I suspect it’s both.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-laughter-therapy-helps">Why laughter therapy helps</h2>



Positive psychology research shows that humor-based activities can help reframe stressful situations, turning them into challenges that feel less overwhelming. 



Laughter can encourage optimism, which in turn is linked to stronger immune function, better heart health, and more resilience in the face of adversity. Over time, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/">humor</a>-based habits can help people adapt more easily to life’s unexpected turns.



Laughter therapy is increasingly being explored in mental health treatment, palliative care, and rehabilitation. In recovery settings, it can energize patients, improve motivation, and increase participation in therapy. 



In palliative care, it offers moments of connection and joy during difficult times. The affordability and low risk of laughter therapy make it accessible in community programs, workplaces, and educational settings.



Some research even suggests that laughter can improve pain tolerance, partly due to the release of endorphins and the relaxed muscle state that follows a good laugh. Combined with social bonding, it creates a unique emotional buffer against stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-mood-boost">More than just a mood boost</h2>



The power of laughter may lie in its ability to work on multiple levels at once - biological, psychological, and social. 



Laughter engages the body’s stress-reduction systems, strengthens relationships, and reframes how we experience challenges. Even if part of the effect is placebo, the benefits remain real and tangible.



Whether it’s through a clown’s antics in a hospital room, a stand-up show with friends, or a spontaneous giggle fit at home, laughter therapy offers a joyful, low-cost way to support mental and emotional well-being - and perhaps add a little more lightness to everyday life.



The study is published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-025-00934-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Happiness Studies</a>.



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Laughter makes the stress of life feel less overwhelming

Laughter may be a potent ally for mental and physical...

A new study that tracked more than 205,000 U.S. adults for almost 40 years reports a 20 percent rise in type 2 diabetes among people who eat french fries three times a week.



The same <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2024-082121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> found no meaningful change in diabetes rates for similar amounts of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes. This suggests that preparation, not the potato itself, influences diabetes risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooking-styles-and-diabetes-risk">Cooking styles and diabetes risk</h2>



Study lead author Seyed Mohammad Mousavi of the <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> noted that his team wanted to separate cooking style from the crop itself. Boiling or baking leaves the tuber’s structure mostly intact, so more starch resists quick digestion.



That slower breakdown keeps blood sugar steadier, while deep frying breaks starch granules and surrounds them with fat, pushing their glycemic index higher. 



Because the index measures how fast a food raises <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-diabetes-type-5-is-now-officially-recognized-linked-to-nutritional-deficiencies/">glucose</a>, a higher value can translate into more insulin demand and, over time, greater metabolic strain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-french-fries-raise-diabetes-risk">French fries raise diabetes risk</h2>



“Small changes in our daily diet can have an important impact on risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition. He recommended swapping a side of fries for a salad or whole grain roll.



Deep fried potatoes often arrive salted, sometimes battered, and usually cooked in oils repeatedly heated - creating compounds that may harm pancreatic cells.



Portion size matters too, because a restaurant “serving” can exceed two cups, far more than the study’s single cup baseline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-grains-lower-diabetes-risk">Whole grains lower diabetes risk</h2>



Replacing any potato dish with three weekly servings of <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2206" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whole grains</a> trimmed diabetes risk by up to 8 percent, and the drop hit 19 percent when the swap targeted fries. 



Whole grain kernels carry fiber, magnesium and phytochemicals that blunt glucose spikes and may improve insulin sensitivity. They also displace refined starches, lowering overall dietary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-this-amount-of-water-per-day-helps-control-blood-sugar-levels-in-people-with-diabetes/">glycemic</a> load. 



Participants who regularly chose oats, farro or true whole grain bread tended to exercise more and smoke less, but the researchers adjusted for these habits. The protective link remained after lifestyle factors were stripped away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-rice-also-raises-risk">White rice also raises risk </h2>



When the same models substituted <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e1454" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white rice</a> for potatoes, diabetes odds crept upward, a pattern echoed in a 2012 meta analysis of four continents. 



White rice loses bran and germ in milling, leaving almost pure starch that digests quickly.



Its high glycemic index mirrors that of fries, offering little metabolic advantage. Brown rice fared better but was not the standout that whole grain wheat products proved to be, possibly because it contains less fiber per gram.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-diet-and-diabetes-link">Tracking the diet and diabetes link</h2>



Mousavi’s team pooled data from three well-known cohorts: the Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II and the Health Professionals Follow up Study, covering 5.2 million person years.



Dietary questionnaires repeated every four years enabled the researchers to examine how habits changed, reducing the error that plagues one time food recalls.



The team adjusted for weight, smoking, exercise, alcohol use, family history and dozens of dietary variables, yet the fry signal persisted. Even after carving out early cases to avoid reverse causation, the 20 percent excess risk stood firm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-french-fries-vs-boiled-potatoes">French fries vs. boiled potatoes</h2>



The researchers point to several factors that might explain why fries, but not boiled or baked potatoes, show a clear link with higher diabetes risk. 



Frying increases calorie density, changes starch structure, and introduces compounds formed at high heat that can harm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-sub-type-of-diabetes-discovered-that-will-change-how-the-disease-is-treated/">insulin</a> function over time.



Another factor could be what typically accompanies fries. They are often eaten alongside processed meats, sugary drinks, or refined breads, creating a meal pattern with a higher overall glycemic load and saturated fat intake. This broader dietary context may compound the effects seen in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-healthier-fries">Tips for healthier fries</h2>



The experts recommend to choose potatoes that preserve their skin, keep added fat modest, and pair them with vegetables or protein to slow digestion. 



Cold potato salad made from boiled tubers delivers resistant starch, which further tempers post meal glucose.



You don’t have to give up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potato-chips-and-fries-will-now-be-a-healthy-snack-with-new-cooking-method/">fries</a> completely, but eating them less often and in smaller amounts can help lower your risk. Instead of a cup of fries, try a cup of barley, quinoa, or air-fried potato wedges to keep your meals tasty without hurting your health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2024-082121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BMJ</a>.



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Eating french fries comes with an unexpected health risk

A new study that tracked more than 205,000 U.S. adults...

Stress hormones do not surge in one long wave, they arrive in steady pulses that tick through the day and steer metabolism. A new study in mice and rats shows that the brain cells driving those pulses fire on an almost clock-like hourly schedule, even when no threat is in sight.



Professor Karl Iremonger and colleagues at the <a href="https://www.otago.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Otago</a> discovered the pattern by watching stress neurons glow in real time inside freely moving animals.



Their findings link these hourly bursts to brief spikes in the stress hormone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-stress-makes-us-take-more-risks-in-financial-decisions/">cortisol</a> and to short bouts of wakefulness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-precise-stress-rhythm">Brain’s precise stress rhythm</h2>



An ultradian rhythm repeats more than once in 24 hours, and cortisol follows that rule by spiking about 12 to 18 times each day in healthy adults. 



The team shows that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus march in lockstep with that rhythm. They switch from quiet to active roughly every 60 minutes.



Hourly pulses have been reported in blood samples for decades, yet skeptics argued they were a quirk of laboratory measurements. Direct brain recordings reveal a constant cell rhythm matching hormone patterns during both day and night.



Such precision hints at an internal timer that is independent of the master <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hijacks-the-brain-disrupting-sleep-and-memory/">circadian clock</a> in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. 



Exactly how this shorter timer works remains an open question. Computer models suggest feedback loops between CRH cells and downstream adrenal signals could create a self-sustaining oscillator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-animal-stress-pulses">Tracking animal stress pulses</h2>



To peek inside a living brain without restraint, the researchers used fiber photometry. This technique delivers and collects light through a hair-thin optic cable.



The team engineered CRH neurons to produce a calcium-sensitive fluorescent protein so that each burst of activity produced brief flashes detectable through the fiber.



Light pulses were recorded continuously for up to three days while animals ate, slept, and explored. The signal rose sharply for a few minutes every hour, then faded - a pattern that mirrored hourly blips in the animals’ core temperature and movement.



Because mice are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nighttime-buzz-insect-activity-increases-by-31-4-at-night/">nocturnal</a>, bursts clustered during the night when the animals roamed, yet the hourly spacing never broke.



That consistency allowed the team to predict upcoming activity peaks with simple statistics. This is a step toward forecasting stress reactivity in real time.



Chemogenetic tools offered a second line of evidence. When the group artificially forced CRH neurons into an “on” state, resting animals snapped to attention and began frantic grooming within seconds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-bursts-prompt-sudden-waking">Stress bursts prompt sudden waking</h2>



“These bursts of brain cell activity seem to act like a natural ‘wake-up’ signal and often lead to a rise in stress hormones, or cortisol,” said Iremonger. 



Each neural flare preceded a brief switch from quiet rest to alert scanning, suggesting the stress system doubles as a rapid response alarm that keeps animals ready for change.



The optical recordings also showed that some hormone pulses followed the neural peaks while others did not. That mismatch implies additional checkpoints, perhaps in the pituitary or adrenal glands, that decide whether a neural warning should translate into a systemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/">hormone</a> surge.



Earlier work in the nucleus accumbens found that activating local CRH neurons can flip mice from sleep to wakefulness in milliseconds. Taken together, the evidence positions CRH cells as key players that manage both body chemistry and behavioral state.



“Our new research is helping us to understand how the brain controls these normal rhythms of stress hormone release,” said Iremonger. Mapping that network could explain why some people feel alert at night or tired during the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-tied-to-mood-disorders">Hormones tied to mood disorders</h2>



Chronic stress is a hallmark of depression, and many patients show overactive CRH signaling and flattened hormone rhythms. 



Drug developers have chased CRH receptor 1 blockers for years, and a recent structure-guided screen produced compounds that eased depressive behaviors in mice.



Hourly brain pulses may be the physiological target those drugs must tame. If the rhythm turns erratic, patients could face unpredictable swings in energy, sleep, and emotion - a scenario often reported in mood disorders.



Disrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hormones-rise-during-sleep-to-prepare-your-body-for-the-day/">ultradian patterns</a> also appear in adrenal insufficiency. Standard three-times-a-day steroid pills create long plateaus instead of sharp pulses.



The PULSES clinical trial showed that delivering hydrocortisone in brief microdoses improved fatigue and emotional processing in such patients.



Taken with the Otago findings, the trial suggests that mimicking the natural hourly beat matters as much as the total daily dose. Endocrinologists are now testing wearable pumps that release cortisol in programmable bursts to restore both circadian and ultradian balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontiers-in-stress-rhythms">New frontiers in stress rhythms</h2>



Future work will probe the molecular gears behind the hourly switch, from ion channels on CRH neurons to feedback from circulating cortisol and brainstem arousal centers.



Genetic screens could reveal why stress rhythms shift with age, sex, and early-life adversity - factors already known to reshape hormone patterns.



The Otago team also plans to study humans using noninvasive neuroimaging paired with fast saliva sampling. Showing that the same brain hormone choreography exists in people would pave the way for rhythm-based diagnostics in psychiatry and sleep medicine.



In the future, simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-fitness-trackers-and-smartwatch-bands/">wearables</a> could detect erratic stress patterns early - before symptoms develop - much like smartwatches that alert users to irregular heartbeats.



Behavioral interventions, timed light exposure, or low-dose CRH blockers could then nudge the rhythm back on track with fewer side effects than blunt hormone suppression.



Ultimately, the research suggests that good health depends not just on maintaining cortisol levels within a safe range, but on allowing those levels to fluctuate at the right times.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2510083122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Stress hormones keep an hourly rhythm, shaping mood and energy

Stress hormones do not surge in one long wave, they...

Excessive screen time might be doing more than just straining young eyes. A new study suggests it could also raise the risk of serious heart and metabolic problems later in life.



The researchers found that children and teens who spend more hours on recreational screen use - like watching TV, gaming, or scrolling on phones - tend to show higher signs of cardiometabolic risk. 



That includes factors like higher blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and insulin resistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-screen-time-to-heart-health">Linking screen time to heart health</h2>



The scientists analyzed data from over 1,000 children and adolescents who took part in two long-running studies. The participants were either ten years old in 2010 or 18 years old in 2000.



The researchers measured screen time based on leisure activities such as TV, movies, video games, and personal devices.



They then compared that with a “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-can-improve-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic score</a>.” This score is a composite measure of risk factors including waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A score of zero meant average risk, while each additional “standard deviation” above zero indicated greater risk.



“Limiting discretionary screen time in childhood and adolescence may protect long-term heart and metabolic health,” said study lead author Dr. David Horner, a researcher at the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> in Denmark.



“Our study provides evidence that this connection starts early and highlights the importance of having balanced daily routines.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-screen-time-matters">How much screen time matters</h2>



The research showed that every extra hour of screen time increased the cardiometabolic score by about 0.08 in 10-year-olds and 0.13 in 18-year-olds.



“This means a child with three extra hours of screen time a day would have roughly a quarter to half a standard deviation higher risk than their peers,” explained Dr. Horner.



“It’s a small change per hour, but when screen time accumulates to three, five, or even six hours a day, as we saw in many adolescents, that adds up. Multiply that across a whole population of children, and you’re looking at a meaningful shift in early cardiometabolic risk.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-explains-screen-effects">Sleep explains screen effects</h2>



The study also revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/">sleep</a> plays a big role in the screen time–health connection. Kids who slept less, or stayed up later, had higher risks for the same amount of screen time.



“In childhood, sleep duration not only moderated this relationship but also partially explained it: about 12 percent of the association between screen time and cardiometabolic risk was mediated through shorter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-counteracts-negative-effects-of-sleep-deprivation/">sleep duration</a>,” said Dr. Horner.



“These findings suggest that insufficient sleep may not only magnify the impact of screen time but could be a key pathway linking screen habits to early metabolic changes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fingerprint-in-the-blood">A “fingerprint” in the blood</h2>



Machine learning identified a specific set of blood markers that may be tied to screen time.



“We were able to detect a set of blood-metabolite changes - a ‘screen-time fingerprint’ - validating the potential biological impact of screen time behavior,” said Dr. Horner.



Using the same metabolomics data, the researchers assessed how screen time influenced predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walkable-neighborhoods-help-reduce-cardiovascular-risk/">cardiovascular risk</a> in adulthood.



They found a positive trend in childhood and a significant association in adolescence. This suggests that screen-related metabolic changes may carry early signals of long-term heart health risk.



“Recognizing and discussing screen habits during pediatric appointments could become part of broader lifestyle counseling, much like diet or physical activity," Horner said. "These results also open the door to using metabolomic signatures as early objective markers of lifestyle risk.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackle-nighttime-screen-use">Tackle nighttime screen use</h2>



Dr. Amanda Marma Perak, chair of the American Heart Association’s Young Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Committee, noted that one way to cut back is to focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-sleep-can-be-disrupted-by-even-dim-light-at-bedtime/">bedtime</a> first.



“If cutting back on screen time feels difficult, start by moving screen time earlier and focusing on getting into bed earlier and for longer,” said Perak, who was not involved in the study.



“All of us use screens, so it’s important to guide kids, teens, and young adults to healthy screen use in a way that grows with them."



Parents can model healthy screen use by showing when to put devices away, use them, and avoid multitasking. As children grow, it's best to explain why you put away devices during dinner or other shared time, noted the researchers.



“Make sure they know how to entertain and soothe themselves without a screen and can handle being bored," Perak said. "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boredom-can-make-children-more-creative-and-teach-new-skills/">Boredom</a> breeds brilliance and creativity, so don’t be bothered when your kids complain they’re bored."



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



The researchers emphasize that the study shows correlation, not direct cause and effect. 



Since parents reported their children’s screen time, there’s also a chance that the actual hours spent may be under- or overestimated.



Still, Dr. Horner suggests future research could explore whether reducing screen use before bedtime might lower heart risk. Light from devices at night may interfere with sleep.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.125.041486" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>.



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Too much screen time could put kids’ hearts at risk

Excessive screen time might be doing more than just straining...

People with Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have lower lithium levels in their brains. A recent study showed that giving lithium to mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms helped restore their memory and thinking skills.



The research suggests that maintaining sufficient lithium levels might be important for healthy brain function and potentially for preventing or treating Alzheimer's. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-studies-were-unclear">Previous studies were unclear</h2>



Past research hinted at this connection. A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8929585/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 study</a> reported that patients who were taking lithium had nearly half the risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those who were not. Another study linked lithium in drinking water with a lower risk of dementia.



However, the studies faced uncertainty. “The trouble with these studies is that other hidden factors might explain the associations,” said Bruce Yankner of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.



Yankner noted that other metals, such as magnesium, could be influencing dementia risk instead.



To investigate further, his team examined brain samples from 285 deceased individuals. Of these, 94 had Alzheimer’s, 58 had mild cognitive impairment, and the rest showed no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/">cognitive decline</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-lithium-in-alzheimer-s-brains">Lower lithium in Alzheimer’s brains</h2>



The prefrontal cortex, vital for memory and decision-making, showed lithium levels about 36 percent lower in people with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy individuals. For mild cognitive impairment, the drop was about 23 percent. 



“We suspect that’s due to a number of environmental factors: dietary intake, genetics and so forth,” Yankner said.



An unexpected finding emerged. Amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-help-detect-early-signs-of-alzheimers-disease/">brains</a> contained nearly three times as much lithium as plaque-free regions. 



“Lithium becomes sequestered in these plaques,” noted Yankner. “We have two things going on: impaired uptake of lithium very early on and then, as the disease progresses, the lithium that is in the brain is further diminished by being bound to amyloid.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-loss-tied-to-low-lithium">Memory loss tied to low lithium</h2>



To understand the effects of low lithium, the team fed a lithium-deficient diet to 22 genetically engineered mice prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-drug-helps-protect-memory-in-brain-diseases-like-alzheimers/">Alzheimer’s-like symptoms</a>.



After eight months, these mice performed worse on memory tests compared to 16 mice on a normal diet. 



In a water maze, lithium-deficient mice took around 10 seconds longer to find a hidden platform, even after several days of training. Their brains had nearly 2.5 times more amyloid plaques.



Genetic analysis revealed increased activity in genes associated with neurodegeneration. The mice also showed greater brain inflammation and a reduced ability to clear plaques - changes similar to those seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-aids-brain-performance">Lithium aids brain performance</h2>



The team tested various lithium compounds for their tendency to bind to amyloid. Lithium orotate, a naturally occurring compound in the body, appeared least likely to get trapped in plaques. Nine months of treatment with lithium orotate significantly reduced plaques in Alzheimer’s-like mice.



These treated mice performed as well as healthy mice on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/built-in-memory-janitor-helps-your-brain-forget-some-things-on-purpose/">memory tests</a>, showing marked improvements in learning, spatial navigation, and recall. The compound also preserved synaptic integrity and reduced inflammation in the brain.



The treatment improved myelin maintenance, supported healthier neuronal connections, and enhanced the microglial ability to clear amyloid deposits.



Researchers believe its lower plaque-binding tendency allows more lithium to remain available in brain tissue, enhancing its protective and restorative effects over time and slowing disease progression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-lithium-awaits-human-trials">Safe lithium awaits human trials</h2>



Lithium is already used in high doses to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, but those doses can harm the kidneys and thyroid. 



“One major limitation of lithium treatment in aging individuals is that, given the high doses that are used, people often run into kidney and thyroid toxicity,” Yankner said. 



The doses in the mice study were about 1,000 times lower than psychiatric treatment doses, and no kidney or thyroid problems were observed during the study. Clinical trials will be essential before any human application. 



"The challenge is, how do you determine whether somebody needs lithium?” said Rudolph Tanzi of Massachusetts General Hospital. “Because you wouldn’t want to overload the body with lithium. That could lead to severe side effects.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-cognitive-decline">Preventing cognitive decline </h2>



A growing body of evidence suggests that lithium plays a critical role in brain health, influencing processes that protect against Alzheimer’s-related damage. Lithium orotate, with its ability to evade plaque sequestration, stands out as a promising low-dose therapeutic option.



By preserving lithium availability in the brain, it may help reduce toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-may-lower-levels-of-alzheimers-abnormal-proteins/">protein buildup</a>, curb inflammation, and protect neural connections. 



While these findings in mice are encouraging, translating them into safe, effective treatments for humans will require carefully designed clinical trials.



If successful, this approach could provide a new strategy to slow - or even prevent - the devastating cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09335-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Common drug shows potential to treat Alzheimer’s

People with Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have lower...

Happy,Girls,At,German,Fasching,Carnival,Eating,Doughnut-like,Traditional,Pastry

Modern convenience can carry an unseen price. A new <a href="https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2025/07/19/thorax-2024-222100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> of more than 100,000 Americans finds that people who eat the most ultra-processed food (UPF) face a 41 percent higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who eat the least.



Lung cancer remains the world’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33538338/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deadliest</a> malignancy, causing an estimated 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2020.. Those grim numbers make any avoidable risk factor worth close attention.



“Worse still, over the past two decades, the consumption of UPF has significantly increased worldwide, regardless of development or economic status,” said lead author <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kai-Wang-171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Kai Wang</a> of <a href="https://en.cqch.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chongqing University Cancer Hospital</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lung-cancer-and-upf">Lung cancer and UPF</h2>



Researchers mined the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (<a href="https://prevention.cancer.gov/research-areas/networks-consortia-programs/plco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLCO</a>), focusing on 101,732 adults aged 55 to 74. 



Participants logged their diets once at enrollment, then their health was tracked for a dozen years, during which 1,706 lung cancers emerged.



Compared with the lowest quarter of UPF eaters, the top quarter had hazard ratios of 1.41 for all lung cancer, 1.37 for <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6203-non-small-cell-lung-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-small cell lung cancer</a> and 1.44 for <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6202-small-cell-lung-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small cell lung cancer</a>. 



Those figures held after accounting for smoking, overall diet quality, body size and many other variables.



Lunch meat, diet sodas and white bread were the biggest single contributors to UPF intake in this cohort. The median participant still averaged nearly three servings of these packaged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-microbes-powering-our-entire-food-system-are-under-threat/">products</a> each day.



Study statisticians noted a non linear dose response curve, meaning risk climbed fastest between the first and third daily servings, then rose more slowly. Still, no amount of UPF appeared protective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-people-eat-way-too-much-upf">Most people eat way too much UPF</h2>



UPF already supply more than half the calories eaten at home in the United States, rising from 51 percent in 2003 to 54 percent in <a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/ultraprocessed-foods-account-for-more-than-half-of-calories-consumed-at-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2018</a>. Globally, market growth echoes that trend as manufacturers push shelf stable snacks into every aisle.



“Greater exposure to ultra processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes,” reported Melissa Lane, lead author of a 2024 umbrella <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38418082/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a>. Her team linked UPF to 32 different problems, from heart disease to depression.



These products are rich in added sugars, salt, saturated fats and chemical additives while lacking dietary fiber and micronutrients. They often replace oatmeal, fruit and vegetables on busy mornings and rushed lunches.



Marketing targets all ages but especially children, creating taste <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-link-confirmed-between-ultra-processed-foods-upf-serious-health-problems/">preferences</a> that can persist for decades. That lifelong exposure may magnify the cancer risk flagged in the new study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-biological-pathways">Possible biological pathways</h2>



Poor nutrient density is only part of the story. Industrial formulation changes the food matrix, altering how nutrients and contaminants interact with human tissue.



Heating and smoking meats can produce <a href="https://www.oncotarget.com/article/19710/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acrolein</a>, a reactive aldehyde also abundant in cigarette smoke. Laboratory work shows acrolein damages mitochondrial DNA, triggers mitochondrial fission and promotes cell stress in human lung cells.



Package leaching adds another layer of concern. Serum studies have linked elevated <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22729568/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polychlorinated biphenyls</a> to higher lung cancer odds, possibly via estrogen receptor signaling in lung tissue.



Food dyes, emulsifiers and preservatives likewise influence gut bacteria, systemic inflammation and insulin regulation. A 2023 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38389712/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meta-analysis</a> tied each 10 percent rise in daily UPF calories to an 11 percent jump in cardiovascular events.



Taken together, these mechanisms suggest UPF do more than crowd out wholesome fare. They may foster a biochemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-are-willing-to-switch-to-plant-based-food-to-save-the-climate/">environment</a> where rogue cells thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-non-smokers-at-risk">Even non-smokers at risk</h2>



Smoking still drives most lung tumors, yet one quarter occurs in non smokers. For them, diet, air pollution and occupational exposures loom larger.



Interestingly, Dr. Wang’s subgroup analysis hinted that never smokers experienced a steeper relative risk from heavy UPF intake than current or former smokers. When baseline risk is lower, every harmful exposure carries more weight.



Passive smoke combines with UPF related contaminants such as acrolein, compounding oxidative stress. Add sedentary habits and excess body fat, and non smokers may unknowingly accumulate multiple small hits to lung tissue over time.



The study controlled for body mass index, yet obesity itself may mediate some dietary effects through chronic inflammation. Further work is needed to tease apart these overlapping pathways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-risks-and-upf-habits">Cancer risks and UPF habits</h2>



Because participants reported diet only once, shifts in eating style went unrecorded. People who quit UPF midway, or adopted them later, all looked the same on paper.



Smoking intensity details were unavailable, leaving residual confounding possible. Yet the researchers calculated an <a href="https://www.medhub.com/software/evalue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eValue</a> of 2.17, meaning only an undiscovered factor with a hazard ratio stronger than heavy smoking could erase the observed link.



The cohort was mostly non-Hispanic White and well educated. Findings may differ in younger, more diverse or lower income settings where UPF represents an even larger calorie share.



Longer follow up could reveal whether risk falls after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-devastate-global-food-production/">dietary change</a>, but randomized trials are unlikely for ethical reasons. 



Observational evidence, mechanistic data and consistent signals across health outcomes build a persuasive narrative nonetheless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-swaps-for-everyday-meals">Smart swaps for everyday meals</h2>



Swapping one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bvo-highly-toxic-soda-ingredient-banned-by-the-fda-in-2024-still-being-used-today/">sugary drink</a> for water or unsweetened tea each day eliminates a key UPF source. Replacing lunch meat with roasted chicken or hummus on whole grain bread cuts sodium and nitrate exposure.



Frozen vegetables, plain yogurt and canned beans demonstrate that convenience need not equal heavy processing. Look for ingredient lists shorter than a tweet, and favor foods your grandparents would still recognize.



Meal planning on weekends can reduce midweek reliance on instant noodles and microwave entrées. Community programs that subsidize fresh produce make those choices easier for households on tight budgets.



Public health advocates call for front of pack warnings, advertising restrictions and taxes similar to soda levies. Whether policy shifts or personal habits change first, the Thorax findings add urgency to reducing UPF on our plates.



The study is published in <a href="https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2025/07/19/thorax-2024-222100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thorax</a>.



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Scientists confirm direct link between ultra-processed foods and higher cancer rates

Modern convenience can carry an unseen price. A new analysis...

For decades, scientists assumed that as women age, their egg cells collect genetic damage, just like the rest of the body. But new research suggests that human eggs might be playing by their own rules.



In a study spanning women aged 20 to 42, researchers discovered that the tiny power plants inside our cells - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-map-of-the-brains-mitochondria-may-explain-cognitive-decline/">mitochondria</a> - keep their genetic material remarkably pristine in eggs, even as the years pass. 



These same energy makers in blood and saliva do pick up more damage with age. But in eggs? The mutation rate barely budges.



“When we think about age-related mutations, we think about older people having more mutations than younger people,” said Kateryna Makova at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a>. “But expectation is not necessarily the truth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-women-s-eggs-store-clean-dna">Women’s eggs store clean DNA</h2>



Mitochondria pass exclusively from mother to child. Their DNA is short, circular, and essential for making energy. Damage to it can sometimes trigger devastating disorders, especially in tissues with high energy demands like muscles and the brain.



“The oocyte [egg] provides this stockpile,” said Ruth Lehmann, professor of biology at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>, referring to the generous stash of mitochondria inside each egg cell.



To see how these precious packages fare over time, the team used a cutting-edge method called duplex sequencing. It can spot even the rarest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cellular-cleanup-helps-preserve-eggs-and-fertility/">mutations</a> - changes present in less than one percent of a cell’s mitochondrial copies. 



This was no small undertaking: they sequenced 80 single eggs, plus blood and saliva samples, from 22 women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-resist-aging-mutations-in-women">Eggs resist aging mutations in women</h2>



The study revealed a clear difference between eggs and other tissues. Blood and saliva from older women contained more mitochondrial mutations than those from younger women, showing the expected age-related increase.



Egg cells, however, showed no such rise. In fact, they consistently had 17 to 24 times fewer mutations than blood or saliva, regardless of the woman’s age.



Within the mitochondrial genome, vulnerability was uneven. In eggs, most mutations appeared in the D-loop, a noncoding control region, while the crucial protein-coding sections remained mostly untouched.



This pattern points to a protective mechanism that directs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/">genetic changes</a> away from regions essential for energy production.



By protecting these critical genes, eggs help preserve the functional integrity of mitochondria, ensuring they can perform their energy-supplying role for decades. This built-in protection could be a key reason eggs maintain reproductive potential well into later stages of a woman’s life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-filter-removes-harmful-dna">Natural filter removes harmful DNA</h2>



A woman may inherit some mitochondrial DNA variants from her mother, which then appear in both her eggs and other tissues. These shared variants, called inherited heteroplasmies, often exist at lower levels in eggs than in blood or saliva.



This difference points to a natural quality-control system within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-humans-to-hens-the-diabetes-drug-that-boosts-fertility/">reproductive</a> process that reduces potentially harmful mitochondrial changes before they are passed to future generations.



Researchers also measured the “germline bottleneck” - the sharp reduction in the number of mitochondrial DNA copies that are actually transmitted during egg development. This bottleneck acts as a filter, determining which variants survive to the next generation. 



For high-frequency variants, the team estimated the bottleneck size to be around 30 mitochondrial DNA units, which is consistent with earlier findings from family-based genetic studies. 



This small number helps explain how reproduction can effectively minimize harmful mutations, protecting offspring from potential mitochondrial disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-fertility-s-genetic-secret">Unlocking fertility’s genetic secret</h2>



The study challenges the long-held assumption that egg cells deteriorate genetically in step with the rest of the body. Instead, they appear to have protective systems that guard their mitochondrial DNA well into a woman’s reproductive years.



“I think that we evolved a mechanism to somehow lower our mutation burden, because we can reproduce later in life,” said Makova.



It’s a finding with big implications. If we can understand - and maybe even mimic - this natural preservation system, we might unlock new ways to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sperm-have-a-heat-activated-switch-that-may-be-key-to-fertility/">fertility treatments</a> and reduce the risk of passing on mitochondrial disorders.



For now, the message is surprisingly optimistic: while the rest of the body’s cells may bear the marks of time, women's eggs seem to have found a way to keep part of their genetic story young.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.adw4954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Women's egg cells shield DNA from the effects of aging

For decades, scientists assumed that as women age, their egg...

Keeping quiet about nagging worries often feels like the polite thing to do. However, new evidence shows that this habit may carry a hidden cost, slowly wearing down the memory centers that help us keep track of names, appointments, and the story of our lives.



Researchers followed 1,528 Chinese Americans aged 60 and older for roughly six years, asking detailed questions about how often they felt hopeless, overloaded, or personally to blame for life’s hassles. 



The study was led by neurologist Michelle Chen of the <a href="https://ifh.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers</a> Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bottling-stress-damages-memory">Bottling stress damages memory</h2>



Older Asian Americans are the fastest growing senior group in the United States, projected to reach nearly eight million by 2060. Many came of age believing that enduring hardship in silence is a virtue - a stance that researchers call stress internalization.



In Chen’s study, each standard deviation jump on that scale translated to about 0.024 standard deviations of extra memory loss per year - a pace similar to the impact of a small stroke. 



In other words, people who kept <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hijacks-the-brain-disrupting-sleep-and-memory/">feelings</a> bottled up lost ground almost four times faster than peers who talked things out.



The research team reports that neither neighborhood friendliness nor outside help from family changed the trajectory, demonstrating that the damage stems from how stress is processed, not how much support is on offer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-worsens-faster-with-stress">Memory worsens faster with stress</h2>



The study was focused on annual interviews, paper and pencil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-stress-harms-the-brains-of-low-status-fish/">memory</a> tests, and medical histories completed in Mandarin, Cantonese, or Toisanese. 



By analyzing results from these three waves of data, the investigators could separate ordinary forgetfulness from true cognitive decline, the downhill trend that often precedes dementia. 



The experts found that memory slipped in step with internalized strain, while reasoning speed and attention held steady.



Earlier work in multi ethnic cohorts has linked perceived <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-links-stress-management-ability-with-positive-personality-traits/">stress</a> to faster cognitive losses across age, sex, and income brackets. The new analysis strengthens that link by showing the effect inside one cultural group, ruling out language bias as the main driver.



The team’s statistical model accounted for age, education, income, stroke history, and hearing loss - confirming that the stress effect was not just a by-product of poorer health. 



Even participants with college degrees and active social calendars exhibited the same stress-memory link when worry turned inward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stereotypes-stop-people-from-sharing">Stereotypes stop people from sharing </h2>



Asian American elders grew up under the model minority stereotype, a belief that their community is uniformly healthy and successful. That label makes it harder to admit hardship, leading many seniors to swallow anxiety rather than seek help.



Chen thinks that constant self pressure may echo a coping style social scientists call John Henryism, first described in Black Americans who work tirelessly to disprove prejudice. 



Pushing hard without the safety valve of open conversation taxes the cardiovascular and hormonal systems that also feed the brain.



“Stress and hopelessness may go unnoticed in aging populations, yet they play a critical role in how the brain ages,” said Chen. She hopes the findings prompt frank discussions about mental strain during routine check ups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-shrinks-brain-parts">Stress shrinks brain parts</h2>



Chronic stress floods the bloodstream with cortisol, a hormone that in high doses shrinks the hippocampus, the brain’s filing cabinet for new memories. Over time, smaller hippocampal volume predicts quicker slippage in everyday recall.



In one classic study, older adults who reported heavy stress showed sharper memory declines over five years than relaxed peers. Chen’s work suggests the same biological path is at play in Chinese American seniors.



By contrast, neighborhood warmth, social visits, and hobby clubs did not slow memory loss in the Rutgers analysis. That surprising null result mirrors mixed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10034713/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> in other racial groups, where social engagement sometimes helps and sometimes fails to budge cognition.



Animal <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683934/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> show that high cortisol can prune branches off hippocampal neurons, trimming the surface area available for forming new memories. Although rodents are not people, the cellular changes line up with the memory patterns seen in Chen’s volunteers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-families-can-spot-hidden-stress">Families can spot hidden stress</h2>



Chen recommends that families listen for phrases like “it’s hopeless” or “I don’t want to bother you,” which signal inward turned stress. Early counseling or community workshops can teach breathing skills, group storytelling, and brief mindfulness routines.



Randomized trials show that eight weeks of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (<a href="https://palousemindfulness.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBSR</a>) can blunt cortisol related immune changes in adults over 65, hinting at a biological brake on stress damage. Culturally adapted versions of that program are now being piloted in New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu.



Community programs like the On Lok PACE centers in California already weave Cantonese speaking counselors and exercise classes into day long elder care, reporting longer life and lower hospital bills for participants. Similar wrap-around models could offer safe places for seniors to air stress before it settles in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-ways-to-protect-aging-brains">New ways to protect aging brains</h2>



Chen’s team plans to examine saliva cortisol and brain scans in the PINE cohort to see whether stress linked memory loss shows the same neural fingerprint seen in lab studies. They are also partnering with Chinatown clinics to test five minute breathing breaks that can be taught during check in.



For families, Chen suggests a simple rule: if an elder says “I’m fine” while showing worry lines, ask again, then offer to walk together or share a meal. Those small invitations can open space for feelings before they harden into internal stress.



Policy makers can help by funding bilingual counseling services and dementia screenings in Asian American enclaves. Such steps may prove cheaper than treating advanced Alzheimer’s later, and they reaffirm that emotional pain deserves care no matter how quietly it is carried.



Stress may start in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-stress-makes-us-take-more-risks-in-financial-decisions/">mind</a>, but it ends up in the memory ledger. Letting it out early could keep that ledger balanced well into old age.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.jpreventionalzheimer.com/current-issue.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease</a>.



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Bottling up stress may accelerate memory loss in older adults

Keeping quiet about nagging worries often feels like the polite...

Matcha,Collagen,Powder,Is,Add,To,Glass,Of,Water,With

PFAS - often called “forever chemicals” - show up in food, water, and even the air. An analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>) found PFAS in the blood of an estimated 97% of Americans. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, cardiovascular and liver diseases, and immune suppression.



PFAS are persistent because most can take years to leave the body, and while they are there, they can do some serious damage to your health because they constantly recirculate. 



The liver sends PFAS substances <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-offer-new-hope-against-forever-chemicals/">into the intestines</a>, and transport proteins pull some back into the bloodstream. A similar recapture can occur in the kidneys.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-can-t-be-that-easy">It can't be that easy</h2>



After asking what people can do about PFAS, a team tested a simple option using a very common and readily available <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-enough-fiber-prevents-cancer-in-a-surprising-way/">dietary supplement</a>: soluble, gel-forming fiber taken with meals.



Two recent pilot studies suggest that regularly consuming such fiber can reduce <a href="https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-criteria-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFOA</a> (perfluorooctanoic acid) and <a href="https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-criteria-perfluorooctane-sulfonate-pfos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFOS</a> (perfluorooctane sulfonate) - two of the most studied PFAS in a family of over 15,000 human-made chemicals.



The work involves Professor Dhimiter Bello, associate dean of research in the <a href="https://www.uml.edu/health-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences</a> at UML, and Professor of Environmental Health Jennifer Schlezinger at <a href="https://www.bu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>. 



“By consuming gel-forming fibers such as psyllium with a meal, we can trap PFAS inside the fiber gel, which can then be removed in feces,” explains Bello, whose lab developed methods for measuring PFAS in human tissues and biological fluids while documenting PFAS exposure sources. 



“Professor Schlezinger and I have complementary expertise, a shared common interest and the same drive to produce impactful research,” says Bello.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pfas-reacts-with-fiber">How PFAS reacts with fiber</h2>



Researchers used male mice on diets modeled after typical U.S. eating patterns. Some received inulin as a control fiber and others received <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2012.00189.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oat beta-glucan</a>, a soluble dietary fiber found naturally in the cell walls of oats, as the test fiber. 



The mice drank water containing a mix of seven PFAS for six weeks, then switched to clean water for four weeks to see how much PFAS cleared during this washout period.



Because the beta-glucan mice <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/">drank more water</a>, they took in more PFAS. The team adjusted the results to account for that. 



After the adjustment, their blood levels of PFOA and PFOS trended lower (p &lt; 0.1). These mice also had a slightly lower body fat percentage and lower fat in the liver and small intestine. 



PFAS turned on some liver genes that help process chemicals; after the clean-water period, only one of those genes, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/13112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyp3a11</a>, moved back toward normal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-fiber-reduces-pfas">Why fiber reduces PFAS</h2>



Some of the better-known PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have been linked to higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-one-handful-of-pecan-nuts-each-day-can-lower-cholesterol-heart-health/">LDL cholesterol</a>, lower vaccine responses, and certain cancers. 



Soluble fibers such as beta-glucan and psyllium form gels in the gut that can bind bile acids. That action is known to help lower LDL cholesterol by pushing the body to make new bile acids instead of reusing old ones. 



Because PFAS share some chemical features with bile acids, trapping them in the same gel is a reasonable approach.



“As a scientist, I had a life-meets-science moment while looking for ways to control bad cholesterol,” says Schlezinger. 



“In published research studies, I found that consuming gel-forming fibers can increase the elimination of bile acids, which in turn reduces cholesterol in the blood."



The liver then pulls cholesterol out of the blood to replace the lost bile acids. 



"It occurred to me that bile acids and PFAS have similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/">chemical characteristics</a>, and both are recirculated between the liver, the bile and the gut," Schlezinger continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migrating-from-mice-to-people">Migrating from mice to people</h2>



Earlier research linked high-fiber eating patterns with lower PFAS levels. The new pilot work tested fiber supplements with meals, using beta-glucan and psyllium. 



In one pilot study, the researchers documented an 8% decrease in PFOS and PFOA after four weeks among people who took a fiber supplement. The researchers are running additional studies to replicate the results. 



“Increasing fiber intake with a supplement could be a win-win situation, reducing PFAS in the body with a supplement that’s available and economical,” Schlezinger enthused. 



“Before beginning any fiber supplement routine, however, you should consult with your physician.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-all-came-together">How it all came together</h2>



The collaboration between the two universities started as part of a larger effort to build research capabilities for PFAS biomonitoring and develop solutions to the PFAS <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-popular-beers-in-the-u-s-contain-forever-chemicals/">contamination problem</a>. 



Funding from a <a href="https://www.uml.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass Lowell</a> seed grant allowed Bello to develop laboratory methods for quantifying PFAS in tissues, blood, stool, and urine in support of the pilot studies.



“Within three years, we amended our analytical method twice to expand biomonitoring from an initial list of 15 common targets to about 50 PFAS,” says Bello. 



“Then we built additional expertise to conduct untargeted PFAS analysis and offered in-kind PFAS testing to several research groups to promote initial data generation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-fiber-and-human-health">PFAS, fiber, and human health</h2>



PFAS are everywhere and stubbornly stick around, but this research points to a practical, low-cost way to nudge them out: take gel-forming soluble fiber like psyllium or beta-glucan with meals to trap PFAS in the gut and send them out of the body.



The researchers are now testing novel and inexpensive PFAS removal and detoxification strategies such as multiple fibers, different diets, and cholestyramine - a medication used to lower cholesterol.



The field of PFAS testing continues to change as labs refine methods and standards. 



“With thousands of PFAS species in use, we as a society have a long way to go before we can claim that we have fully understood the real scope of PFAS exposures to humans and the environment and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-increase-cancer-risk-by-up-to-33/">health impact</a>,” Bello concluded.



It’s early, not a cure-all, and anyone considering supplements should talk to a clinician, but the signal is promising and actionable.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041008X24003879?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology</a> and <a href="https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01165-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health</a>.



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Common dietary supplement removes "forever chemicals" from the body

PFAS - often called “forever chemicals” - show up in...

People who work late or binge watch shows often lean on an extra cup of coffee after dark. The new evidence suggests that habit may backfire by nudging behavior toward rash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-caffeine-slow-down-aging-yeast-may-hold-the-answer/">choices</a>.



About <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24189158/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">85 percent</a> of American adults sip at least one caffeinated drink each day. 



The latest <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225014580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiments</a> from The University of Texas at El Paso (<a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UTEP</a>), led by Paul <a href="https://hb2504.utep.edu/Home/Profile?username=pbsabandal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabandal</a>, Ph.D., Kyung An <a href="https://hb2504.utep.edu/Home/Profile?username=khan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Han</a>, Ph.D., and colleagues, ask what happens when that drink lands after sunset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-at-night-causes-impulsive-acts">Caffeine at night causes impulsive acts</h2>



“Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, with about 85 percent of adults in the U.S. using it regularly,” said Sabandal, research assistant professor in UTEP’s Department of Biological Sciences. 



The researchers slipped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-helps-bacteria-resist-antibiotics-in-your-gut/">caffeine</a> into the feed of fruit flies and then blasted the insects with a strong airflow to see whether they would hold still or bolt. 



Under normal conditions the insects freeze when wind hits them, a survival trick. After nighttime caffeine, many kept flying, a textbook display of impulsivity that mirrors risky behavior in people who act before thinking.



The team also ran daytime trials with the same caffeine dose. Those flies behaved themselves, underscoring that timing, not dose alone, determines the outcome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-help-show-caffeine-effects">Flies help show caffeine effects</h2>



The species <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/drosophila-melanogaster" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drosophila melanogaster</a> shares key genes and signaling pathways with humans, including those governing decision making. That genetic overlap lets scientists trace cause and effect far faster than in human volunteers.



Flies also cycle through 24 hour activity patterns much like ours, making them a practical model for shift work questions. 



Their tiny brains respond to psychostimulants in ways that map onto mammalian circuits, so discoveries often scale up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-and-day-caffeine-work-differently">Night and day caffeine work differently</h2>



Evening caffeine can shove the human <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4657156/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circadian</a> clock back by roughly forty minutes, delaying the nightly melatonin surge that signals bedtime. 



The new fly data show a behavioral echo of that clock shift, tying late night stimulation to weaker inhibitory control.



Day drinkers in the study absorbed the same amount of caffeine but stayed cautious, suggesting that the drug’s impact is gated by the biological night rather than blood concentration. 



Chronobiologists see a parallel in people: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-reduce-frailty-in-aging-adults/">caffeine</a> taken near bedtime undermines self control and lengthens reaction times the next day.



The finding matters for nurses, truckers, and other night shift workers who count on coffee to stay sharp. A jolt that keeps eyes open might also loosen the brake on risky moves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-caffeine-triggers-impulsive-acts">How caffeine triggers impulsive acts</h2>



Biochemical tests pointed at dopamine, the neural currency of motivation and reward. When the scientists damped dopamine production or silenced specific dopamine releasing neurons, caffeine no longer spurred reckless flight.



Flies lacking the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28902472/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D1 type</a> dopamine receptor in mushroom body neurons, a decision hub, were similarly protected, while boosting the same receptor amplified the impulse. Earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16005288/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> shows that altering dopamine shifts arousal thresholds in flies.



Together, the results sketch a tidy chain: nighttime caffeine heightens dopamine signaling in select brain cells, those cells dial down inhibition, and the animal acts before it weighs the cost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-flies-hit-the-throttle-harder">Female flies hit the throttle harder</h2>



“Flies don’t have human hormones like estrogen, suggesting that other genetic or physiological factors are driving the heightened sensitivity in females,” said Han, professor of biological sciences. 



One surprise jumped out, females were far more sensitive than males, even though their internal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-help-women-stay-sharp-and-strong-as-they-age/">caffeine</a> levels matched. 



Human <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10052698/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> echo the pattern: women report more negative effects such as anxiety after caffeinated drinks, while men more often describe positives like vigor. The sex gap hints at biology that could inform dosing guidelines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-caffeine-can-make-people-impulsive">Late caffeine can make people impulsive</h2>



The work does not prove that a midnight latte will make a human run a red light, yet it flags a plausible hazard. 



Laboratory <a href="https://scholarworks.brandeis.edu/view/pdfCoverPage?download=true&amp;filePid=13500349880001921&amp;instCode=01BRAND_INST" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> link high caffeine to bolder risk taking in adolescents and college students, especially under sleep pressure.



Shift work research already shows that sleeplessness saps self control, adding caffeine’s dopamine kick may further erode judgment. 



Employers relying on coffee rather than adjusted schedules or lighting may be courting error.



For individuals, a simple tweak could help: keep the last cup at least six hours before planned sleep, and rely on bright light, movement, or short naps to push through late duties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-safer-caffeine-use">Testing safer caffeine use</h2>



The UTEP team plans to map the molecular switches that make nighttime neurons so caffeine sensitive, work that could inspire safer stimulants. 



They also want to test whether graded doses, rather than the fly equivalent of a double espresso, carry the same risk.



Meanwhile, the findings offer an easy takeaway: if you must stay alert, try morning brew and evening water. Your inhibitory control may thank you.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225014580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Evening caffeine consumption may lead to more impulsive behavior

People who work late or binge watch shows often lean...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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