Life expectancy in the United States reveals a deeply fractured landscape. Yale School of Public Health researchers examined records of 179 million deaths between 1969 and 2020, and traced how generational health patterns diverged across regions.



The team chose an unconventional approach - analyzing life expectancy by birth cohort instead of by year - to uncover hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unhealthy-habits-can-make-your-heart-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disparities</a> missed by standard mortality reports.



The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, tell a compelling story of a nation where regional policies, economic conditions, and public health initiatives shape life trajectories in dramatically different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-expectancy-gains-in-some-states">Life expectancy gains in some states </h2>



California and New York surged ahead in terms of extending lifespans significantly. In contrast, many Southern states struggled to keep pace. This result indicates that the U.S. is a country where the place of birth remains a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/girls-diets-strongly-influence-when-they-begin-puberty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent predictor</a> of lifespan.



“For females born in some Southern states, life expectancy increased by less than three years from 1900 to 2000,” said Theodore R. Holford, lead author and professor emeritus at <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale</a>.



“That’s a staggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-oddity-human-skin-heals-three-times-slower-than-our-primate-relatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contrast</a> when you consider that in states like New York and California, life expectancy rose by more than 20 years over the same period.”



Washington, D.C., a region once synonymous with low life expectancy, now exemplifies transformative progress. Between 1900 and 2000, the life expectancy of women in the capital increased by almost 30 years, while the life expectancy of men leapt by 38 years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-fueled-such-a-stark-contrast">What fueled such a stark contrast?</h2>



Public health policies, economic revitalization, and aggressive tobacco control campaigns reshaped the region. 



California, banned workplace smoking in 1995, slashed smoking rates among workers and teens, and lowered smoking-related deaths. Kentucky, by contrast, chose a different path by resisting tobacco control efforts and continuing to grapple with high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-are-spreading-a-deadly-disease-across-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mortality</a> rates from smoking.



“These trends in mortality and life expectancy reflect not only each state’s policy environment but also their underlying demographics as well,” said Jamie Tam, assistant professor at Yale. 



“It’s not surprising that states with fewer improvements to life expectancy also have higher rates of poverty, for example.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-expectancy-trends-by-generation">Life expectancy trends by generation</h2>



The study’s approach of using an age-period-cohort model allowed the researchers to isolate the impact of generational experiences. 



Instead of year-by-year comparisons, the team followed birth cohorts from 1900 to 2000, revealing how early-life conditions like disease exposure, sanitation, and vaccine access shaped lifespans.



“Looking at mortality trends by cohort gives us a more accurate reflection of the lived experiences of populations,” noted Holford.



“It shows the long-term impact of policies and social conditions affecting the life course of populations, that might otherwise be invisible in year-by-year comparisons of mortality rates from different generations.”



A child born in Mississippi in 1900 faced vastly different health risks than one born in California in 1950. The study’s cohort analysis illuminated how those risks compounded over time, creating distinct health outcomes across states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-rapidly-or-aging-well">Aging rapidly or aging well</h2>



States varied not only in life expectancy gains but also in how quickly health declined after age 35. Oklahoma and Iowa showed rapid rises in mortality risk, with mortality doubling in less than eight years. 



New York and Florida, in contrast, experienced slower rates of increase, suggesting healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/20-year-study-of-1000-adults-reveals-how-marijuana-alters-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> populations.



Among women, the slowest mortality increase occurred in New York, where it took 9.39 years for mortality risk to double. 



For men, Florida recorded the longest doubling time at 11.47 years. Oklahoma’s women faced the fastest decline, with mortality risk doubling in just 7.96 years - a rate that suggests rapid health deterioration.



“The disparities we see today are the result of decades of cumulative effects on smoking rates, health care access, environmental exposures, and public health investments,” Holford emphasized. “Without conscious policy changes, these gaps will likely persist or even widen.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinvention-in-washington-d-c">Reinvention in Washington, D.C.</h2>



Washington, D.C., a region once plagued by poor health outcomes, now serves as a case study in urban transformation. 



At the dawn of the 20th century, women in the capital could expect to live just 63.9 years. By 2000, life expectancy had soared to 93 years - the highest gain recorded nationwide. Male life expectancy jumped from 48.7 years to 86.5 years over the same period.



What drove this metamorphosis? Improved healthcare infrastructure, urban policy changes, and robust public health initiatives fueled the gains. 



Yet, for rural Southern states, the story remained grim. In Kentucky and Alabama, policymakers resisted public health reforms, leaving residents trapped in cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poverty-s-impact-on-life-expectancy">Poverty's impact on life expectancy</h2>



While Washington, D.C., and California leveraged economic growth to implement effective health policies, states like Mississippi and Kentucky remained mired in economic hardship. 



Poverty compounded existing health risks, leaving residents more vulnerable to chronic diseases and less likely to access preventive care.



California’s tobacco control measures slashed smoking rates, particularly among younger cohorts. In Kentucky, however, the absence of similar policies allowed smoking rates to persist, resulting in higher smoking-related death rates. 



The data illustrate a stark divide: states with strong economies and progressive health policies saw life expectancy gains, while poorer states stagnated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interventions-to-bridge-the-gap">Interventions to bridge the gap</h2>



Targeted public health interventions offer a path forward. Researchers recommend that states with lower cohort life expectancy consider comprehensive tobacco regulations, expanded healthcare access, and environmental health initiatives.



“This research highlights the importance of viewing health through a generational lens,” Tam said. “The benefits of health interventions ripple across lifetimes.”



For Southern states, reversing the stagnation will require targeted investments in public health infrastructure, disease prevention, and health education. 



Without such efforts, the study warns, the gap between states with high and low life expectancy will only widen, locking future generations into predetermined health outcomes.



“Where you are born shouldn’t determine how long you live,” Holford concluded. “But in America, it still does.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Life expectancy in America depends on where you are born  

Life expectancy in the United States reveals a deeply fractured landscape. Yale School of Public Health researchers examined records of 179 million deaths between 1969 and 2020, and traced how generational health patterns diverged across regions. The team chose an unconventional approach - analyzing life expectancy by birth cohort instead of by year - to uncover hidden disparities missed by standard mortality reports. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, tell a compelling story of a nation where regional policies, economic conditions, and public health initiatives shape...

Prejudices are something we've all heard of through the age-old adage, "Monkey see, monkey do." 



Some may see it as a joke, but recent research suggests there's more truth to it than we may realize, specifically when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forming prejudices</a>.



The way we view people and the biases we develop might not necessarily be a product of our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-serving-bias-distorting-beliefs-about-others-feel-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> but rather a reflection of the prejudice we witness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-formation-of-bias">Invisible formation of bias</h2>



So, what exactly is happening? According to this groundbreaking study helmed by psychologists from the University of Amsterdam (<a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UvA</a>), our prejudices can be unconsciously formed simply by observing others' interactions. It's a phenomenon we may not be aware of, making it difficult for us to control.



"What we found in our research is that prejudice can form by merely observing other people's social interactions," said study co-author David Amodio.



"When an observer views a prejudiced person's interaction with a group member, they unconsciously form the same prejudice. Moreover, because observers are unaware that they picked up this bias, they go on to act with prejudice in their own behavior."



This unconscious bias extends beyond just forming an opinion. It can significantly impact our behavior as well. 



We can pick up this bias without realizing it and then act based on this prejudice in our own behavior. It's a subtle yet powerful way that prejudice can spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observational-prejudices-and-modern-living">Observational prejudices and modern living</h2>



As potent as this mechanism is, it becomes even more of a concern when we consider our exposure to prejudiced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/students-names-unfairly-impact-grades-due-to-alphabetical-bias/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> through multiple channels in this digital age.



A simple scroll through social media or a casual evening spent watching TV can expose us to numerous biased interactions that can subconsciously influence our biases.



This mechanism helps to explain how societal prejudices spread so easily, for example, through the viewing of TV programs, YouTube, or other social media where biased interactions with certain groups take place.



By merely observing those interactions, vicariously and with no direct contact, people may take on the same prejudices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlled-experiments-reveal-bias-formation">Controlled experiments reveal bias formation</h2>



The study carried out controlled experiments where participants watched an actor interact with two different groups. 



During the experiments, a research participant viewed interactions between an actor and members of two different groups. 



Across participants, the actor varied in prejudice, but the behavior of group members was always identical.



As predicted, the observers developed a preference aligned with the actor's prejudice, showing how easily we can internalize biases we see in others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deceptive-nature">Deceptive nature</h2>



What's even more alarming is how deceptive this mechanism can be. 



The study found that "observers were unaware that they were influenced by the prejudiced actor; instead, they misperceived worse behavior from group members who interacted with a prejudiced actor, when in fact, members of both groups acted the same."



"A troubling implication is that, because the observer believes that their preference is based on objective evidence, they have no reason to question it or control it," said Amodio.



In other words, we can grow convinced that our prejudice is based on personal observation and rightful judgement, making it harder to recognize our bias and change our behavior. 



Knowledge of this mechanism, as brought to light by these researchers, is a first step towards understanding and combating the unconscious formation of prejudices in society.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-unconscious-prejudice">Mitigating unconscious prejudice</h2>



Given the insidious nature of observational bias, the next logical step is developing strategies to mitigate its impact. 



One potential avenue is educational programs focused on awareness and critical thinking. Educating individuals about the existence and influence of unconscious prejudice can empower them to question their assumptions and the sources from which they derive their judgments.



Another promising approach involves promoting diverse and inclusive environments. By exposing individuals to a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/income-inequality-and-carbon-emissions-have-a-complicated-relationship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspectives</a> and interactions, we can dilute the effects of observed prejudiced behavior. 



Encouraging media literacy and critical consumption of digital content can also help individuals recognize and filter biased portrayals they encounter.



Ultimately, while unconscious prejudice formed through observational learning presents a daunting challenge, understanding its mechanisms provides a pathway to fostering a more equitable society. 



By acknowledging the hidden ways in which biases are formed and actively working to counteract them, we can take significant steps towards reducing prejudice and promoting inclusivity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk2030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Prejudice can form unconsciously by observing others' bias

Prejudices are something we've all heard of through the age-old...

From the moment we learn to talk, we also learn about honesty and the possibility of telling lies. A recent study has shown that the tendency for children to lie or tell the truth strongly correlates with their social environment and upbringing.



This revelation challenges our preconceptions about childhood innocence and raises important questions about the development of moral behavior in young minds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-honesty-in-children">Factors influencing honesty in children </h2>



An international team of economists led an intriguing investigation with surprising findings. It turns out, children from higher socio-economic households are more likely to be honest than their counterparts growing up in precarious conditions. 



Factors such as compassionate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hands-off-approach-to-parenting-is-better-for-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parenting</a> and a high level of trust within the household are also linked to honesty.



The good news? The propensity to lie isn't unalterable, it can be influenced and changed by factors such as participation in a mentoring program at the elementary school level, which can encourage a higher level of honesty that lasts years after the program has ended.



This groundbreaking research sheds light on the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, family dynamics, and the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-consider-their-own-past-actions-before-judging-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moral behavior</a> in children.



The study challenges the notion that honesty is purely an innate trait and suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping a child's tendency to tell the truth or lie.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-child-development-and-social-policy">Child development and social policy </h2>



The research team included economists Fabian Kosse from the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a>, Johannes Abeler from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, and Armin Falk from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.



The collaboration between these renowned institutions underscores the significance of the study and its potential impact on our understanding of child development and social policy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-honesty-experiment-among-children">An honesty experiment among children </h2>



Curious about how they uncovered these truths about honesty? The researchers implemented a simple yet effective experiment involving a dice roll. 



Child participants were asked to predict the outcome of their dice roll - if their prediction matched the result, they received a small reward. The catch? The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-do-children-trust-more-robots-or-humans-scientists-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> were left unsupervised, giving them the perfect opportunity to lie without fear of being caught.



As you might expect, if everyone were honest, roughly 16.7% would guess right, says Abeler. However, the results were far from this ideal, with over 60% claiming to have correctly predicted the dice roll. This unexpected outcome strongly suggests a considerable proportion of the participants were not truthful.



Differences in honesty started to emerge when the researchers examined the social backgrounds of the child participants. 



"Our evaluations clearly show that children from richer households are more honest. Additionally, we find a higher degree of honesty in children who experience a warmer parenting style and a higher degree of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharing-dark-secrets-can-build-trust-in-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trust</a> in their family environment," noted Abeler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gleaning-truth-from-numbers">Gleaning truth from numbers</h2>



The researchers had over 700 participating families for the study, all from Cologne and Bonn. 



They collected an array of data, including income level, education level, and family structure. The team also conducted surveys on parenting styles and familial behavior.



A subset of 212 children from socially or educationally disadvantaged families were invited to take part in a mentoring program. The control group included 378 children who grew up under comparable conditions but did not participate in the program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fostering-honesty-in-children">Fostering honesty in children</h2>



The Balu und Du program, as Falk describes, involves volunteer mentors spending one afternoon per week with the children and engaging in various social activities.



The goal of the program is to provide children with a warm, trusting environment, which can significantly impact their development of honesty by helping them recognize the long-term benefits of telling the truth.



The program was found to have a substantial impact on the children's honesty.



"Children who took part in the mentoring program were more honest overall," noted Kosse. Only 44% of the treatment group lied during the dice experiment, compared to 58% of the control group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crucial-takeaway">The crucial takeaway</h2>



The study demonstrated that early interventions not only enhance a child's academic performance but can also significantly influence their social and moral behavior.



The power of honesty can indeed be cultivated, offering hope for creating a more truthful future generation.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ej/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ej/ueae044/7679994?redirectedFrom=fulltext&amp;login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Economic Journal</a>.



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Why do some children tell lies, while others prefer honesty?

From the moment we learn to talk, we also learn...

Humanity’s treatment of our planet remains unsustainable, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-the-strongest-in-7000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, deforestation, and biodiversity loss posing significant challenges.&nbsp;Is it possible to fulfill the basic needs of all humans without exceeding the ecological boundaries of our planet?



Despite this, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.empa.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology</a> (Empa), including Hauke Schlesier and Harald Desing, have recently argued that over ten billion people could have a sustainable, ecological life while maintaining a decent standard of living.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-and-just-operating-space-nbsp">Safe and just operating space&nbsp;</h2>



“Humanity is continuing a path towards ecological instability. While resource consumption is unprecedented, significant parts of the human population are still deprived of decent living,” wrote the researchers.



The safe and just operating space postulates that it is possible to simultaneously stay within ecological limits and fulfill basic needs. 



However, evidence that such a state can be achieved given existing population and available technologies is lacking.



“Here, we attempt to show whether a safe and just space exists by modeling material and energy requirements for satisfying basic needs with various technological scenarios," they continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-boundaries-and-ecological-life">Planetary boundaries and ecological life </h2>



The study, published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141447" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cleaner Production</a>, employs the doughnut model, representing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-exceeded-six-of-nine-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary boundaries</a> and human needs, to demonstrate this possibility.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ecological-life-doughnut_credit-Swiss-Federal-Laboratories_1s.jpg" alt="Ecological doughnut: The yellow circle in the middle indicates an adequate standard of living for all people. The red area outside the doughnut is the so-called risk zone, where irreversible environmental damage is likely. Credit: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology" class="wp-image-1938568"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ecological doughnut: The yellow circle in the middle indicates an adequate standard of living for all people. The red area outside the doughnut is the so-called risk zone, where irreversible environmental damage is likely. Credit: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology</figcaption></figure>



Schlesier and Desing, together with Malte Schäfer from the <a href="https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Braunschweig</a>, illustrate the model with two concentric circles: the outer circle represents the limits of key planetary resources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diversity-land-species-same/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and climate, while the filled inner circle indicates that basic human needs have been met.&nbsp;



The area between these circles, the doughnut, represents the amount of natural resources that can be safely used beyond achieving an adequate standard of living.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantifying-basic-human-needs">Quantifying basic human needs</h2>



Quantifying basic human needs was the biggest challenge. After extensive research, the team created a hypothetical “shopping basket” of essential goods and services for an adequate standard of living, including food, water, housing, electricity, mobility, healthcare, education, public areas, and communication tools.&nbsp;



“Of course, people have other basic needs, such as the need for security, but these do not necessarily have to consume material resources,” noted Schlesier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-changes-are-needed-nbsp">Significant changes are needed&nbsp;</h2>



Their findings suggest that a decent and ecological life for more than ten billion people is achievable, but only with significant changes to current systems.&nbsp;



Desing emphasized the need to rethink energy systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agriculture-developed-surplus-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, as the most severely exceeded planetary boundaries are the climate system, biodiversity, and biogeochemical fluxes of phosphorus and nitrogen. 



Achieving this standard requires eliminating fossil fuels and shifting to a predominantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based diet</a>. 



According to Schlesier, “this does not mean that meat consumption will no longer be possible in the future,” but it must be reduced from current levels due to the strain of factory farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-standards-must-align-with-basic-needs-nbsp">Living standards must align with basic needs&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers argue that living standards must align with basic needs. For the global South, this implies a significant rise in living standards, while in the global North, including Switzerland, resource consumption must be reduced.&nbsp;



“However, this does not necessarily mean a reduction in well-being,” Desing said, as studies show well-being stagnates beyond a certain level of prosperity.



In wealthy countries, a reduction in living space and lower individual mobility can lead to a more appropriate standard of living. Public transport and healthcare can be expanded without significantly increasing environmental damage.&nbsp;



Desing noted that with all these transformations, we would only just achieve the doughnut in our model, but there is hardly any leeway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-a-decent-living-for-all">Ensuring a decent living for all</h2>



“Today, humanity is neither ensuring decent living for all, nor is it safeguarding the ecological livelihoods for future generations,” wrote the study authors.



Previous studies show evidence that progress can be made in aligning minimum living standards for all and long-term ecological stability.



However, evidence is lacking that this progress is sufficient to achieve a safe and just operating space (SJOS).”



“Here we show that it is possible to achieve decent living for all with at least 73% confidence with known technologies and under expected population scenarios," the study concluded.



The researchers acknowledge that their model does not account for all potential future changes. Technological progress, different agricultural practices, and a shift towards a circular economy could create ecological leeway, supporting a sustainable future within Earth's planetary boundaries.



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All of humanity could easily live a decent and ecological life

Humanity’s treatment of our planet remains unsustainable, with global warming,...

Have you ever tossed off that sticky polyester T-shirt at the end of a long workout session, only to be accosted by a nasty, lingering odor that seems to be more intense than that of your cotton ones? 



Thanks to some insightful research rolling out from the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a>, we now have the nose-crinkling answer to this mystery.



Working tirelessly to unravel the secrets behind smelly gym clothes, is Rachel McQueen, a seasoned textile scientist from the Faculty of Agricultural, Life &amp; Environmental Sciences.



Partnering with her peers from New Zealand's <a href="https://www.otago.ac.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Otago</a>, Rachel McQueen led the charge to find out why some textiles stink more than others when we sweat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-odor-on-polyester-and-cotton">Odor on polyester and cotton</h2>



Drilling into the heart of the matter, the team analyzed how various fibers -- cotton and viscose (both plant-derived or cellulosic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-vegan-leather-could-transform-the-fashion-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fibers</a>), along with polyester, nylon and wool -- interacted with a simulated sweat solution, which could result from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercising</a>.



The result? Cotton and viscose soaked up fewer odor-causing compounds, releasing less funk than their polyester, nylon, and wool counterparts.



"Although we know that polyester is smellier after being worn next to sweaty armpits compared to cotton T-shirts, we haven't really known why," explains McQueen.



"Now we have a better understanding of how odorants transfer and are selectively absorbed by various fiber types in sweat."



This study, which uses a simulated liquid sweat method rather than just examining how odor passes through the air, basically paints a clearer and more realistic picture of the stink transfer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-polyester-and-cotton">Science behind polyester and cotton</h2>



Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains oily compounds, which bacteria help transform into odors. These compounds can interact differently with various textiles, depending on their fiber composition.



For example, water-loving fibers like cotton and viscose soak up more sweat water, while polyester, which leans toward the oily side, absorbs more odorants that aren't water-soluble, along with those potentially odorous oily compounds.



This explains why garments made from cellulosic fibers like cotton, viscose, and perhaps bamboo, end up less smelly when compared to synthetic clothing after you've worn them for a bit.



"Body odors commonly transfer to clothing through liquid sweat, but investigation of odor retention in textiles often neglects this route of exposure in test procedures," McQueen says. 



If you had a sweaty armpit that never actually touched the shirt you're wearing, then the fabric wouldn't get very smelly.



By studying the transfer of odorants to fabrics using a liquid sweat solution, we were able to give a more realistic insight into how these smelly compounds really get into our clothes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wash-or-air-out-that-s-the-question">Wash or air out? That's the question</h2>



The study also reveals some interesting insights about nylon and wool clothing. Apparently, while these fabrics initially absorb a lot of the odor-causing compounds, they also dissipate them faster than polyester does. 



After 24 hours, both wool and nylon have much lower odor intensities, similar to the less-smelly cellulosic fibers.



So do you need to pop your nylon and wool gym clothes into the washer after every workout? Not necessarily!



McQueen suggests, "You might be able to freshen them by just airing them out rather than laundering every time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-consumer-choices">Impact on consumer choices</h2>



McQueen stresses that these findings are not just relevant for gym wear but for all clothing, especially considering how much of our daily wear is made from polyester. 



"If you're concerned about smelly clothes, steer clear of polyester," she advises.



"While water-loving cellulosic fibers such as cotton and viscose absorb more of the water from sweat than polyester does, polyester doesn't want to absorb the water," McQueen notes. 



It's more oil-loving, and it absorbs more of the odorants, which don't dissolve in water, and more of the oily compounds, which could also later break down and become smelly.



The study findings are also potentially beneficial for textile scientists and manufacturers. Perhaps the answer to less smelly polyester lies in making the fabric more water-attracted and less oil-loving.



So, the next time you're shopping for workout <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-history-was-forever-altered-by-the-tiny-eyed-needle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clothes</a> or just browsing for casual wear, will you think twice before reaching for that polyester tee?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00405175241249462" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Textile Research Journal</a>.



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Why do polyester clothes stink more than cotton?

Have you ever tossed off that sticky polyester T-shirt at...

Prejudice against fat people is pervasive in our society, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> have exacerbated the issue, according to Rekha Nath, an associate professor of philosophy at the <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-aversion-to-fat-people">Widespread aversion to fat people</h2>



In her new book, <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Why-Its-OK-to-Be-Fat/Nath/p/book/9780367425456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why It’s OK To Be Fat</a>, Nath argues for a fundamental change in how society views fatness. Instead of treating it as a problem to be eradicated, she suggests we should focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-mayan-monument-represents-a-time-of-social-equality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social equality</a> and address the systemic ways that society penalizes fat people for their body size.



“Being fat is seen as unattractive, as gross even. We view fat as a sign of weakness, of greediness, of laziness. And we have made the pursuit of thinness, bound up as it is with health, fitness, beauty, and discipline, into a moralized endeavor: making the ‘right’ lifestyle choices to avoid being fat is seen as a duty we each must fulfill,” she explained.&nbsp;



This collective aversion to fatness translates into an aversion to fat people, leading to widespread bullying, harassment, and discrimination in various areas, including healthcare, education, and the workplace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-obesity-rates-have-tripled">Global obesity rates have tripled</h2>



Research cited in Nath's book shows that global obesity rates have tripled over the past 50 years, with severe obesity linked to lower life expectancy and higher risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-can-prevent-or-reverse-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> and heart disease. 



However, she delves deeper into the science of weight and health, revealing that diet and fitness may play a more significant role than weight alone. For example, a 2010 systematic review found that fit, obese individuals were less likely to die prematurely than unfit, normal-weight individuals.



Nath also highlights the ineffectiveness and potential harm of weight-loss advice, such as dieting. One review cited in her book found that many people who try to lose weight through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tired-of-dieting-time-restricted-eating-is-a-safe-alternative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dieting</a> end up heavier in the long run, with 41% of dieters weighing more four to five years after dieting than before they started.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stigmatizing-fatness-nbsp">Stigmatizing fatness&nbsp;</h2>



Public health campaigns aiming to help people lose weight often make the situation worse by stigmatizing fatness. “The consensus view in the literature on weight stigma is that it doesn’t help. Actually, it’s worse than that,” Nath said.&nbsp;



“Not only does subjecting fat people to weight stigma seem to make it less likely that they will become thin, but, moreover, weight stigma appears to seriously harm their physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> in many ways.” 



Research shows that people who feel stigmatized are less likely to lose weight and more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prejudice-against-fat-people">Prejudice against fat people</h2>



In her book, Nath discusses at great length the profound prejudice fat people face, impacting their lives significantly. She cites studies showing that children as young as three prefer playmates who aren’t chubby, and that one in three American college students agree that becoming obese would be “one of the worst things that could happen to a person.”



Nath envisions a world where fat people enjoy equitable healthcare, workforce inclusion, and the ability to appear in public without shame. “It is OK to be fat because there’s nothing wrong with being fat. There’s nothing wrong with being fat, of course, except for all that our society does to make it bad to be fat: oppressing fat people for their body size by imposing on them the gross injustice of sizeism,” she said.



Thus, Nath’s work calls for a paradigm shift in addressing fatness, focusing on combating sizeism and promoting social equality for all body sizes.



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Fat people are bullied and harassed - even at the doctor's office

Prejudice against fat people is pervasive in our society, and...

The saying "you are what you eat" is more relevant than ever. New research reveals the health benefits of reducing processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/12-of-americans-are-responsible-for-over-half-of-all-u-s-beef-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat consumption</a>. 



In the United States alone, a reduction in the consumption of processed meat could potentially prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of chronic disease within a decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-meat-and-health">Processed meat and health</h2>



In a recent study, experts designed an innovative simulation tool that projects the health impacts of lowering processed meat and red meat consumption.



The research team, hailing from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/global-agriculture-food-systems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh's Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems</a> and the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill</a>, used the tool to predict multiple health outcomes.



The team's microsimulation, the first of its kind, utilized data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national health survey. 



The simulation estimated the health effects of a range of meat consumption reduction -from five to 100 percent - on the U.S. adult population.



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



“Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most common causes of death in the USA, including during the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“High processed meat consumption is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.”&nbsp;



The researchers noted that in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified consumption of processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans,” the same classification as tobacco and asbestos.&nbsp;



“The association of processed meat consumption with these chronic diseases is thought to be due to high haem iron, sodium, nitrites, nitrates, and saturated fat.”



“Compounds generated from high-temperature cooking - namely advanced glycation-end products, heterocyclic aromatic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - have also been implicated in chronic disease outcomes.”



Despite these findings, intake of processed meat in the United States has not been reduced over the past 20 years, said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits">Potential benefits</h2>



The findings of the study are nothing short of impressive. The experts found that a 30 percent reduction in processed meat intake would have significant health benefits over a decade. 



This level of change would prevent more than 350,000 cases of diabetes. Additionally, it would result in 92,500 fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-meat-consumption-linked-with-poorer-heart-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> cases. There would also be 53,300 fewer colorectal cancer cases.



The microsimulation suggests that the health benefits of this scenario are very significant. White males would experience the most considerable benefits. Individuals with an annual household income of $25,000 to $55,000 would also see substantial health improvements.



Furthermore, the researchers considered the impact of cutting unprocessed red meat consumption alone, as well as reducing both processed and unprocessed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red meat intake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-processed-meat-reduction">Impact of processed meat reduction</h2>



The study shows that empowering the public to reduce red meat consumption by 30 percent could have significant health benefits. 



A reduction in both processed and unprocessed red meat could result in 1,073,400 fewer diabetes cases. There would also be 382,400 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. Additionally, it could lead to 84,400 fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seven-major-risk-factors-predict-colorectal-cancer-in-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancer</a> cases.



Moreover, reducing unprocessed red meat intake by 30 percent has a simple implication. It would mean eating around one less quarter-pound beef burger each week.



Interestingly, more disease cases were prevented by reducing unprocessed red meat compared to processed meat. This observation is attributed to the higher daily consumption of unprocessed red meat at 47g a day, compared to the 29g a day of processed meat.



The researchers caution that less is known about the effect of eating unprocessed red meat on chronic disease risk. They recommend interpreting these estimates with care and advocate for more research on the subject.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-climate-and-meat-consumption">Health, climate, and meat consumption</h2>



This research goes beyond the realm of public health, according to Professor Lindsay Jaacks, Personal Chair of Global Health and Nutrition at the University of Edinburgh.



"Cutting consumption of meat has been recommended by national and international organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the Climate Change Committee here in the UK and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC," said Professor Jaacks.



"Our research finds that these changes in diets could also have significant health benefits in the U.S., and so this is a clear win-win for people and planet."



This study presents a compelling case for individuals to consider less meat in their diets. The potential rewards are two-fold, promising a healthier population and a healthier planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healthier-dietary-choices">Encouraging healthier dietary choices</h2>



Beyond individual efforts, public policy can play a crucial role in guiding healthier dietary choices. Implementing educational campaigns about the benefits of reducing meat consumption, along with incentives for choosing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-lower-the-risk-of-major-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> alternatives, could amplify the positive health outcomes detailed in the study.



Governments should consider adopting policies like meat taxes and subsidies for healthier food options. These measures can make it easier for people to make beneficial dietary changes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00118-9/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Diseases linked to processed meat could easily be prevented

The saying "you are what you eat" is more relevant...

As we navigate life, our habits and lifestyle choices in early adulthood, including those that affect inflammation, may have more bearing on future health than once believed. 



In particular, decisions made during our 20s could play a significant role in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-keeps-the-brain-sharp-even-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental acuity</a> during middle age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-consequences-of-inflammation">The hidden consequences of inflammation</h2>



Obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress, and smoking in our youth do not just affect our physical health, they are also linked with inflammation. 



What's more, a recent study out of <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> has discovered a connection between higher levels of inflammation in young adulthood and reduced cognitive function in midlife.



Historically, scientific research has connected higher inflammation in older adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-inflammatory-foods-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>. However, this groundbreaking study is one of the earliest to draw a link between early-adult inflammation and middle-aged cognitive abilities.



"Late-life inflammation has been linked to dementia risk and preclinical cognitive decline, but less is known about early adult inflammation and whether this could influence cognition in midlife," wrote the researchers.



"We aimed to identify inflammation levels through early adulthood and determine association of these trajectories with midlife cognition."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-slow-march-of-cognitive-decline">The slow march of cognitive decline</h2>



"Brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias may take decades to develop," noted study first author Dr. Amber Bahorik of the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences



It is suggested that health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifespan-is-influenced-more-by-lifestyle-than-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle habits</a> formed in early adulthood could potentially affect cognitive skills in midlife that may later influence the incidence of dementia in one's senior years.



The study revealed that only 10% of participants with low inflammation performed poorly on tests measuring processing speed and memory. Comparatively, about 20% of participants with moderate or higher levels of inflammation scored poorly on the same tests.



Even when the researchers factored in variables such as age, physical activity, and total cholesterol, the disparities in processing speed remained. They also discovered differences in executive functioning, which includes capabilities like working memory, problem-solving, and impulse control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-study-a-long-term-view">The study: A long-term view</h2>



The study followed 2,364 adults in the CARDIA study, which focuses on identifying factors in young adulthood that could lead to cardiovascular disease later in life. 



Participants were aged between 18 to 30 years old at the start of the study and tested four times over an 18-year period for the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). 



Their cognitive tests were taken five years after their last CRP measurement when most participants were in their forties and fifties.



The experts concluded that inflammation plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-multivitamins-slow-cognitive-aging-and-improve-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive aging</a> and may begin in early adulthood.



It was also discovered that higher levels of inflammation were correlated with physical inactivity, high BMI, and current smoking habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-inflammation-for-a-healthier-future">Reducing inflammation for a healthier future</h2>



The silver lining in this study is the potential for prevention. By reducing inflammation through healthier lifestyle choices like increased physical activity and eliminating smoking, individuals may be able to protect their cognitive abilities later in life.



"Fortunately, there are ways to reduce inflammation that might be promising paths for prevention," said study senior author Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, neurology, and epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF.



So even facing these findings, there's hope for us all to age with grace and mental clarity by making mindful decisions in our youth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-stimulation-and-social-engagement">Mental stimulation and social engagement</h2>



Mental stimulation and social interaction are other significant factors that contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a> as we age.



Engaging in intellectually challenging activities such as learning a new language, solving puzzles, or playing musical instruments can enhance cognitive reserve - the brain's ability to improvise and find alternative ways of completing tasks.



Social engagement acts as a protective barrier against cognitive decline by reducing stress, fostering emotional support, and promoting neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself.



Studies have found that individuals who maintain strong social ties and participate in community activities tend to exhibit better cognitive performance in midlife. 



Therefore, nurturing a socially active and mentally stimulating lifestyle in young adulthood could be a decisive factor in sustaining cognitive health in later years.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Lifestyle choices in young adulthood impact cognitive ability in midlife

As we navigate life, our habits and lifestyle choices in...

Your diet in midlife can shape your health after 70. It may sound surprising, but new research backs this claim. The study suggests that maintaining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy diet</a> in your 40s could significantly increase your chances of healthy aging.



Less than 10% of individuals manage to maintain strong physical, cognitive, and mental health past the age of 70, but the keys to join this elite group may be on your plate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-diet-and-future-health">Midlife diet and future health</h2>



The research, which was focused on an extensive data set of over 100,000 people tracked for 30 years, brought to light some fascinating insights.



It was found that individuals maintaining a healthy diet from their 40s were considerably more likely to enjoy a high-functioning physical and mental state at age 70. In fact, their likelihood of healthy aging was boosted by up to 84% compared to those who did not maintain a healthy diet.



“People who adhered to healthy dietary patterns in midlife, especially those rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, were significantly more likely to achieve healthy aging,” said Dr. Anne-Julie Tessier, postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.</a>



The research provides an all-important clue: "Your midlife diet can significantly impact the quality of your aging process."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-magic-diet-for-healthy-aging">Is there a magic diet for healthy aging?</h2>



Certain foods were linked to higher probabilities of healthy aging, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Conversely, high intakes of trans fat, sodium, total meats, and processed meats were linked to lower odds of healthy aging.



While many studies have explored diet's impact on chronic diseases, this research uniquely focuses on healthy aging. 



In this context, healthy aging is not merely the absence of disease but the ability to live independently while enjoying a good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a> as one grows older.



“Traditionally, research and derived dietary guidelines have focused on preventing chronic diseases like heart disease,” said Tessier. “Our study provides evidence for dietary recommendations to consider not only disease prevention but also promoting overall healthy aging as a long-term goal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-the-dietary-guidelines">Reimagining the dietary guidelines</h2>



The research analyzed data from over 106,000 people starting from 1986, with participants being at least 39 years old and free from chronic diseases. Unsurprisingly, only 9.2% of those surveyed had fully maintained their physical, cognitive, and mental fitness by age 70.



Based on eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-eating-patterns-reduce-the-risk-of-premature-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy dietary patterns</a> from previous scientific studies, some striking trends were noted.



The alternative healthy eating index, closely adhering to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, displayed the strongest correlation. People who followed this dietary pattern were 84% more likely to achieve healthy aging than those who did not.



The experts also found that a diet similar to the one in the EAT Lancet Commission's report - the "planetary health diet" - had a substantial impact on healthy aging.



“A finding that stood out was the association between the planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health diet</a> and healthy aging,” said Tessier. “This diet is based on the EAT Lancet Commission’s report which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins and healthy fats from sustainable sources." 



"The fact that it emerged as one of the leading dietary patterns associated with healthy aging is particularly interesting because it supports that we can eat a diet that may benefit both our health and the planet.”



These findings held up even when factors such as physical activity, known to impact health, were taken into account. Each healthy dietary pattern was linked to overall healthy aging and to its physical, cognitive, and mental components. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-supplements-in-midlife-diets">The role of supplements in midlife diets</h2>



While the primary focus is on whole foods, supplements can also play a supportive role in a midlife diet aimed at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy aging</a>.



Certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, have been shown to benefit cognitive and physical health. 



As the focus of the study was on midlife dietary patterns, future research may help to clarify the potential impact of switching to a healthier diet later in life. However, one thing is made clear from the results of this study - the seeds of healthy aging are sown in midlife. 



The research was presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/N24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.



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The secret ingredient to healthy aging: Your midlife diet

Your diet in midlife can shape your health after 70....

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption and fluid flow in the brain triggers headaches, linking the neurological symptoms of aura to the subsequent migraine. The study has also identified new proteins that could serve as foundations for new migraine drugs.



“In this study, we describe the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system brought about by increased concentrations of proteins released in the brain during an episode of spreading depolarization, a phenomenon responsible for the aura associated with migraines,” said senior author Maiken Nedergaard, the co-director of the <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ctn.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester Center for Translational Neuromedicine</a>. 



“These findings provide us with a host of new targets to suppress sensory nerve activation to prevent and treat migraines and strengthen existing therapies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-migraines-are-preceded-by-an-aura">Many migraines are preceded by an aura</h2>



Approximately one out of ten people experience migraines, and in one-fourth of these cases, the headache is preceded by an aura. This sensory disturbance can include light flashes, blind spots, double vision, and tingling sensations or limb numbness, usually appearing five to 60 minutes before the headache.



The cause of the aura is a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression. This temporary depolarization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> and other cells is caused by the diffusion of glutamate and potassium, radiating like a wave across the brain, reducing oxygen levels and impairing blood flow. 



Most frequently, the depolarization event is located in the brain's visual processing center, hence the visual symptoms that often precede a migraine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-communication-during-migraines">Brain communication during migraines</h2>



Although auras arise in the brain, the brain itself cannot sense pain. Instead, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pain-signals-travel-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain signals</a> are transmitted from the central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) to the peripheral nervous system, which includes sensory nerves responsible for sending information such as touch and pain. 



Until recently, the process of communication between the brain and these peripheral nerves in migraines has largely remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluids-circulating-the-brain">Fluids circulating the brain</h2>



Nedergaard and her colleagues at the University of Rochester and the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> are well-known pioneers in understanding how fluids circulate in the brain. 



In 2012, Nedergard’s lab was the first to describe the glymphatic system, which uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to eliminate toxic proteins in the brain.&nbsp;



Together with experts in fluid dynamics, the team has built detailed models of how CSF moves in the brain, along with its role in transporting proteins, neurotransmitters, and other types of chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-source-of-migraines-nbsp">An unexpected source of migraines&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, scientists argued that nerve endings on the outer surface of the membranes enclosing the brain are responsible for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-migraines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headaches</a> following an aura. 



However, the new study, conducted in mice, describes a different route and identifies proteins - many of which are currently potential new drug targets - which may be responsible for activating the nerves and causing pain.



As the depolarization wave spreads, neurons release a variety of inflammatory proteins (as well as other types of proteins) into the CSF.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed how CSF transports these proteins to the trigeminal ganglion, a massive bundle of nerves located at the base of the skull that supplies sensory information to the head and face.



Scientists have previously assumed that the trigeminal ganglion, like the rest of the peripheral nervous system, resided outside the blood-brain barrier, which tightly controls what molecules enter and leave the brain.&nbsp;



However, Nedergaard and her team identified a previously unknown gap in the barrier, allowing CSF to flow directly into the trigeminal ganglion and expose sensory nerves to the proteins released by the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-proteins-involved-nbsp">Identifying the proteins involved&nbsp;</h2>



The experts identified twelve proteins called ligands that bind with receptors on sensory nerves found in the trigeminal ganglion, potentially causing these cells to activate. The concentrations of several of these proteins found in CSF more than doubled following a cortical spreading depression.&nbsp;



One of these proteins, the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is already the target of a new class of drugs called CGRP inhibitors, which aim to treat and prevent migraines.&nbsp;



Other identified proteins are known to play a role in other pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, and are likely important in migraine headaches as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-for-new-migraine-drugs-nbsp">Targets for new migraine drugs&nbsp;</h2>



“We’ve identified a new signaling pathway and several molecules that activate sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Among the identified molecules are those already associated with migraines, but we didn't know exactly how and where the migraine-inducing action occurred,” said lead author Martin Kaag Rasmussen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen.&nbsp;



“Defining the role of these newly identified ligand-receptor pairs may enable the discovery of new pharmacological targets, which could benefit the large portion of patients not responding to available therapies.”



Finally, the researchers found that the transport of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-may-lower-levels-of-alzheimers-abnormal-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a> released in one side of the brain reaches mostly the nerves in the trigeminal ganglion on the same side, potentially explaining why pain occurs on one side of the head during most migraines.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adl0544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists finally discover what causes migraines

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption...

Imagine attending a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live</a> music performance and feeling a sense of unity with the audience as everyone's hearts beat in rhythm with the melody.



This occurrence isn't just a poetic expression; recent research suggests it could occur scientifically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulse-behind-the-phenomenon">Pulse behind the phenomenon</h2>



Recent findings from the esteemed <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University in Japan</a> indicate that an audience's heartbeat can synchronize during a live performance.



The research, conducted by Professor Ryota Nomura, experimented with the idea of "common input synchronization." This phenomenon explains how systems or organisms respond equivalently when exposed to the same stimulus - in this case, music.



“Music-induced synchronization of heart rate may be the mechanism underlying the coherent behavior of a large audience in a theater,” said Professor Nomura.



Although previous studies have shown low correlations in heart rate synchronization between different individuals, Nomura's focus on intra-person correlations presents a fresh perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-live-music-and-the-heart">Live music and the heart</h2>



Nomura's research pivoted from a broad, intersubjective perspective to a more intra-focused approach.



Addressing a significant challenge in this field of research - the elusive control of intra-person correlation - the study sought to minimize individual processing differences by applying the same "common input" repeatedly.



Analyzing intra-subject correlations (within one individual) and inter-subject correlations (between multiple individuals), Nomura gained fascinating insights.



The findings revealed that an individual’s heart rate synchronization in response to music was less dependent on their mood or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical preferences</a>. Instead, it hinged on the person’s reliable physiological responses to the music.



“This study allows us to explain the reproducibility of the aesthetic experience of the theater in terms of reliability,” noted Professor Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-of-synchronization">A symphony of synchronization</h2>



By having participants listen to the same piece of music on different days and by investigating differing music preferences, Nomura determined that heart rate synchronization was more reproducible within an individual over time than between different people.



“Inter-subject correlations were consistently lower compared to intra-subject correlations, regardless of participants’ music preferences and daily moods. Furthermore, music-induced heart rate synchronization depends on the reliability of physiological responses to musical pieces rather than mood or motivation,” said Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-live-music-performances">Future of live music performances</h2>



The research opens up new avenues in understanding collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-gives-rise-to-unique-physical-sensations-in-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>, particularly those evoked during shared aesthetic experiences like theatre.



By identifying the key factors contributing to heart-rate synchronization and subsequent emotional responses, the field of performing arts stands to gain valuable insights. 



“From data on small audiences, for example, the degree of proficiency of performers, commercial success can be predicted in terms of reliability. This could contribute to better performances in theaters," said Nomura.



"Moreover, engineered devices that enhance reliability may facilitate synchronization of the physiological states of multiple audience members."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



The implications of the study extend beyond the realm of live performances. Understanding how physiological synchronization can be influenced by shared stimuli might open new pathways in fields such as education, therapy, and virtual reality (VR).



In educational settings, for instance, teachers could design lessons that foster synchronized engagement among students, thereby enhancing collective learning experiences. 



In therapy, music and other stimuli could be used to promote emotional and physiological harmony between patients and therapists, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. 



Furthermore, in VR, developers could create experiences that elicit synchronized physiological responses, making virtual environments feel more immersive and emotionally engaging.



As technology advances, the applications of this research could revolutionize how we connect and interact across various domains, making shared experiences even more profound and impactful.



While we continue to dive deeper into understanding the connection between music, heart rhythms, and collective experience, we may soon discover new ways to enhance our enjoyment of the shared auditory experience.



As we eagerly anticipate the day our heartbeats align with the music's rhythm, we should take time to appreciate the profound impact music has on our lives and bodies.&nbsp; It connects us, evokes emotions, and can even synchronize our heartbeats, enhancing the shared experience during live performances.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62994-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Live music can synchronize the heartbeats of the audience

Imagine attending a live music performance and feeling a sense...

Is eternal youth within our grasp? A team of scientists at Harvard University believes so as they edge closer to discovering the famed Fountain of Youth.



Their recent publication in the scientific journal Aging unveils the identification of six chemical concoctions capable of reversing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging process</a> in both human and rodent skin cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-dr-david-sinclair">Meet Dr. David Sinclair</h2>



Dr. David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>, and co-author of the study, hails this as a "breakthrough". He sees it as a step towards "affordable whole-body rejuvenation."



Sinclair's audacious prediction that human trials could commence within the next year got people talking, including none less than the tech titan Elon Musk, who curiously asked: "Ok, so what exactly is it?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-fountain-of-youth">Understanding the "Fountain of Youth"</h2>



The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that reputedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.



People have recounted tales of such a fountain across the world for thousands of years. Mention of a Fountain of Youth appear in writings by Herodotus, the Alexander romance, and the stories of Prester John.



The exact location of the mythical fountain has been described differently in various stories and legends. One of the most famous associated locales is Florida.



Tradition says that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the first recorded European to reach Florida, discovered Florida while he was searching for the Fountain of Youth. However, there is no contemporary evidence to support this claim.



In modern times, people often use the Fountain of Youth metaphorically to represent anything that has the potential to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase longevity</a> or reverse aging. This can be anything from a scientific breakthrough, to a new skincare product, or a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthful lifestyle</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cramming-the-fountain-of-youth-into-a-pill">Cramming the Fountain of Youth into a Pill</h2>



The Harvard researchers used high-throughput cell-based assays to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">differentiate young cells</a> from their older, non-dividing, or senescent counterparts -- a characteristic of aging.



They tested thousands to millions of samples rapidly for biological activity, resulting in the identification of six chemical mixtures that "restored genome-wide transcript profiles to youthful states and reversed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transcriptomic age</a> in less than a week."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miraculous-aging-reversal">"Miraculous" aging reversal</h2>



Testing these mixes on mice and human cells suggested a de-aging effect for all six combinations.



The effect of this four-day treatment is comparable to the total change seen after a year of a regenerative treatment described in a landmark study from 2019, which also focused on restoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-epigenetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetic information</a>.



Researchers evaluated age changes using rodent and human transcriptomic clocks, which predict biological age using gene expression data.



"This new discovery offers the potential to reverse aging with a single pill, with applications ranging from improving eyesight to effectively treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-protein-linked-to-healthier-aging-and-lower-risk-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age-related diseases</a>," said Dr. Sinclair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-of-caution-not-all-are-convinced">Word of caution: Not all are convinced</h2>



However, other biologists are skeptical of this enthusiastic claim. <a href="https://halo.dlmp.uw.edu/people/matt-kaeberlein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Kaeberlein</a>, a biogerontologist, offered cautious praise. 



He noted that while the innovative screening method could lead to significant discoveries, the study is still preliminary.



Kaeberlein suggested the team should have validated at least one of the concoctions in an animal model and shown improvements in age-related health metrics or lifespan before making claims about effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-proteins-responsible-for-aging-cause-als/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological aging</a>.



<a href="https://www.cityofhope.org/charles-brenner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Charles Brenner</a>, a metabolism researcher, raised concerns about three compounds in the study. CHIR99021 blocks glycogen formation during sleep to store energy; tranylcypromine is an antidepressant; and valproic acid treats bipolar disorder but can harm the liver.



The study didn't mention these risks, and Brenner warned, "These are generally not safe alone or in combination."



Brenner also criticized the study for not using single-cell sequencing to evaluate cell identity. He pointed out that researchers initially reported these cocktails in 2013, suggesting the compounds aren't new discoveries.



"Getting these readouts on cells is not a groundbreaking study on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-diet-puts-the-brakes-on-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversal of aging</a>," said Brenner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-young-not-quite-yet">Forever young? Not quite yet</h2>



The pursuit of eternal youth has taken a significant step forward with Harvard scientists identifying six chemical mixtures that show promise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-can-help-decode-the-mysteries-of-aging-and-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversing the aging process</a> in human and rodent cells.



While Dr. David Sinclair and his team hailed this as a breakthrough towards potential whole-body rejuvenation, skepticism remains among other biologists regarding the safety and preliminary nature of the findings.



As the scientific community awaits further validation and research, the dream of a Fountain of Youth in pill form remains tantalizingly close yet still elusive.



-----



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'Fountain of Youth' pill created by Harvard scientists reverses aging

Is eternal youth within our grasp? A team of scientists...

Cardiovascular disease is a global epidemic, taking nearly 18 million lives in 2019 alone. What if we could drastically reduce heart disease risk just by making a few changes to our diet?



An important study from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a> and the Hamilton Health Sciences' Population Health Research Institute (<a href="https://www.phri.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PHRI</a>) gives us this hopeful possibility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-choices-at-your-grocery-store">Healthy choices at your grocery store</h2>



According to the research, incorporating these six key food items into our diets can greatly reduce our chances of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a> (CVD). And what are these miraculous medicaments, you ask?



<ol start="1">
<li>Fruits </li>



<li>Vegetables </li>



<li>Legumes </li>



<li>Nuts </li>



<li>Fish </li>



<li>Whole-fat dairy products</li>
</ol>



Regular consumption of these foods could be the secret to combating heart diseases and strokes, responsible for a staggering 85 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CVD-related deaths</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-heart-disease-risk">Diet and heart disease risk</h2>



Despite similar investigational undertakings in the past, most focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slimming-down-on-a-western-diet-incredible-new-drug-could-make-it-happen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western countries and diets</a>. In a refreshing departure, this study takes an innovative, global approach.



The research team analyzed diet data from 245,000 individuals across 80 countries, casting a broader net than ever before.



Salim Yusuf, the senior author and principal investigator of the study, explains, "The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414411/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PURE Healthy Diet Score</a> included a good representation of high, middle, and low-income countries.”



Similarly, Andrew Mente, PHRI scientist and assistant professor at McMaster’s Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, highlights the unique approach.



He notes that unlike previous diet scores, which often blended harmful processed foods with nutrient-rich foods, the PURE Healthy Diet Score focuses on the power of protective foods and moderation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-the-healthy-heart-road">Taking the healthy-heart road</h2>



The PURE Healthy Diet Score suggests eating two to three servings of fruits and veggies every day, along with one serving of nuts and two servings of dairy. 



They also recommend having legumes three to four times a week and fish two to three times a week.



Can't imagine your life without grains or meat? No worries -- go for unrefined whole grains and unprocessed meats in moderation as substitutes.



This study is a beacon of hope in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-fuels-cardiovascular-deaths-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight against CVD</a>. The researchers' dedication to this cause over a significant 25-year period, sans specific funding, shows the value they place on our global heart health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-health-issues-instead-of-treating-them">Preventing health issues instead of treating them</h2>



The study underscores the potential to combat CVD, one of the world's deadliest health issues, through simple dietary adjustments.



It paints a hopeful picture of a future where health isn't determined by geographical or economic boundaries but by universal access to knowledge about key foods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-the-six-food-formula-to-your-diet">Adding the six-food-formula to your diet</h3>



Making the switch to a heart-healthy diet is much easier than it sounds, and definitely much easier than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fighting heart disease</a>. 



There are many simple ways to add these six food groups into your daily routine.



<ul>
<li>Start your day with a piece of fruit. Choose an apple, banana, or a handful of berries. These small choices can make a big difference.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>At each meal, fill half your plate with vegetables. Pick a variety of colors to get a range of vitamins and minerals. Try adding more salads or experimenting with new vegetable recipes.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are tasty and versatile. Add them to soups, stews, and salads, or use them as a protein-rich base for vegetarian dishes.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Keep a small container of unsalted nuts for a quick, healthy snack. A daily handful can boost your heart health.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Aim to eat fish two to three times a week. Enjoy a simple grilled fish or try a new seafood recipe. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for your heart.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Choose yogurt, cheese, and milk with natural fats. These foods are satisfying and rich in essential nutrients, unlike their low-fat versions which often have added sugars.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-heart-disease-and-the-future">Diet, heart disease, and the future</h2>



The study from McMaster University and PHRI shows how important our diet is in preventing heart disease. It might seem hard to strive for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart-healthy life</a>, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference.



With this knowledge, we can take steps to make heart disease preventable. The promise of prevention is within reach. Rethink your food choices, take care of your heart, and move towards a healthier life.



Think about more than just what you eat. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metamorphosis-exercise-triggers-molecular-changes-in-major-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regular exercise</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress management</a>, and enough sleep can all boost heart health.



Find activities you enjoy like walking, yoga, or cycling. Aim to create a daily routine that supports your well-being.



Finally, the next time you’re grocery shopping, remember: it’s not just about filling your stomach -- it’s about protecting your heart. Are you ready for a healthier you? Start today!



The full study was published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Heart Journal</a>.



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-----

Six key foods are now proven to dramatically reduce heart disease risk

Cardiovascular disease is a global epidemic, taking nearly 18 million...

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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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