In kitchens around the world, cinnamon weaves its aromatic magic through cakes, lattes, and curries. Yet beyond its culinary allure, the spice has morphed into a coveted dietary supplement. 



Cinnamon now appears in capsules, oils, and extracts, each claiming to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, or even promote weight loss.



But as consumers rush to harness cinnamon’s supposed health benefits, new research casts a shadow over its glowing reputation. 



A study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences urges caution. Concentrated cinnamon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>, particularly those consumed long-term, may carry risks for those on prescription medications or with chronic health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cinnamon-supplement-market">The cinnamon supplement market</h2>



Cinnamon isn’t just a spice; it’s a promise. A sprinkle here, a pinch there - harmless, right? But the cinnamon in your kitchen cupboard is worlds apart from the concentrated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supplements</a> flooding health stores. 



Cassia cinnamon, the type most commonly sold in the United States, harbors high levels of coumarin, a natural blood thinner that can pose serious health risks in excessive amounts.



“Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin,” noted Dr. Leana Wen from <a href="https://washu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a>. "If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk.”



Despite these warnings, the supplement market thrives. Labels scream of miraculous health benefits, while research lags behind. The <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> has yet to approve cinnamon as a treatment for any medical condition, leaving consumers to navigate a maze of unregulated claims.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-supplements-and-liver-metabolism">Cinnamon supplements and liver metabolism </h2>



The latest study doesn’t just scratch the surface - it dives deep into the metabolic fate of cinnamaldehyde, the compound that gives cinnamon its signature scent. 



The researchers tracked cinnamaldehyde from ingestion to metabolism, uncovering a complex cascade of biochemical events.



The compound absorbs swiftly in the gastrointestinal tract, whether the stomach is full or empty. But the real transformation takes place in the liver, where cinnamaldehyde rapidly oxidizes into cinnamic acid. The process isn’t benign. 



Cinnamic acid can interact with enzymes critical to drug <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-dna-thanks-to-an-inexpensive-over-the-counter-supplement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, potentially altering how the body processes medications.



For those taking liver-metabolized drugs, these interactions could spell trouble. Prolonged consumption of cinnamon supplements may unwittingly disrupt the body’s natural rhythm of drug clearance, increasing the risk of adverse effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-s-impact-on-receptors">Cinnamon’s impact on receptors</h2>



Cinnamaldehyde doesn’t just pass through the body unnoticed; it has a way of knocking on cellular doors. The study explored how cinnamon compounds activate two critical receptors: the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR).



In intestinal cells, cinnamic acid and cinnamon oil turned PXR into overdrive, increasing enzyme activity that affects drug metabolism. Cinnamaldehyde, however, stayed relatively quiet, suggesting that the real risk lies in its metabolite and oil form.



AhR, on the other hand, was not so easily subdued. Cinnamon oil sent AhR activation soaring, increasing enzyme production by over twelve-fold. The implications? Faster drug clearance, diminished therapeutic effects, and a body struggling to keep up with its metabolic demands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-target-for-cinnamon">A new target for cinnamon</h2>



CYP enzymes, the body’s metabolic workhorses, usually keep drugs and toxins in check. But cinnamon disrupts their rhythm. 



The researchers found that concentrated cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde inhibited CYP2C9 and CYP1A2, two enzymes responsible for processing a host of common medications.



What happens when these enzymes slow down? Blood thinners may linger longer in the bloodstream, increasing bleeding risks. Anti-inflammatory drugs could accumulate, raising toxicity levels. The impact ripples outward, affecting not just one drug but potentially the entire metabolic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turmeric-supplements-provide-yet-another-health-benefit-according-to-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>.



Even cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde’s less volatile counterpart, displayed mild but notable inhibitory effects on CYP2C9. The study’s findings challenge the notion that natural always means harmless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-supplements-and-chronic-illness">Cinnamon supplements and chronic illness</h2>



For those with chronic health conditions, the cinnamon paradox intensifies. Dr. Wen’s list of health conditions that may exacerbate with cinnamon supplements includes hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and depression.



“I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications. For example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba," said Dr. Wen.



Here, the combination of cinnamon and prescription drugs becomes a potential minefield. The body’s enzyme systems, already burdened by chronic illness, may struggle to cope with the additional load imposed by concentrated cinnamon products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-everyday-cinnamon-safe">Is everyday cinnamon safe?</h2>



The study doesn’t call for a moratorium on cinnamon spice racks. Sprinkling a bit on oatmeal or in coffee likely poses little risk. But concentrated extracts? That’s another story.



The researchers identified a tipping point: doses exceeding 50 micrograms per milliliter significantly impacted enzyme activity.



Your morning latte won’t reach these levels, but daily use of cinnamon oil capsules might. The concern lies not in occasional use but in sustained consumption, where the cumulative effects may silently accumulate.



“Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions,” said Dr. Wen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fda-blind-spot-dietary-supplements">FDA blind spot: Dietary supplements</h2>



Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements float in regulatory limbo. The FDA does not test for efficacy or safety before supplements hit the market. Products like cinnamon oil can land on shelves with scant evidence of their benefits or risks.



The study highlights the consequences of this oversight. With cinnamon’s potential to influence enzyme systems and drug metabolism, the lack of regulation leaves consumers exposed to unknown risks.



“Just because something is marketed as being ‘natural’ doesn’t mean that it is safe,” noted Dr. Wen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-s-new-reputation">Cinnamon’s new reputation</h2>



Once an ancient healer’s go-to spice, cinnamon now wears a more complicated identity. 



The research suggests that while small doses in food remain relatively benign, concentrated supplements open the door to unexpected metabolic consequences.



The study’s revelations challenge the perception of cinnamon as a simple, harmless addition to the diet. 



For those with underlying health conditions or those taking prescription drugs, cinnamon may act as a metabolic wildcard, altering drug efficacy and increasing side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-you-use-cinnamon-supplements">Should you use cinnamon supplements?</h2>



Cinnamon’s rise from spice rack to supplement aisle highlights the demand for natural remedies. Yet the study serves as a sobering reminder that more isn’t always better. A sprinkle in coffee or a dash on toast may add flavor without consequence.



But for those tempted by cinnamon’s concentrated forms, caution becomes the guiding principle. Consulting healthcare providers before starting a supplement regimen can prevent unintended interactions and mitigate potential risks.



In a world eager to embrace nature’s cures, cinnamon’s story offers a critical lesson: Natural doesn’t mean neutral. In the quest for health, a spice as innocent as cinnamon may carry a hidden cost.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666566224000443?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Chemistry</a>.



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Eating cinnamon may disrupt how your medications work

In kitchens around the world, cinnamon weaves its aromatic magic through cakes, lattes, and curries. Yet beyond its culinary allure, the spice has morphed into a coveted dietary supplement. Cinnamon now appears in capsules, oils, and extracts, each claiming to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, or even promote weight loss. But as consumers rush to harness cinnamon’s supposed health benefits, new research casts a shadow over its glowing reputation. A study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences urges caution. Concentrated cinnamon products, particularly those consumed long-term, may...

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...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.samford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samford University</a> has found that consuming baby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carrots</a> just three times a week significantly boosts skin carotenoid levels in young adults. This increase is even more pronounced when combined with a beta-carotene <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-daily-multivitamin-improves-memory-and-slows-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multivitamin</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spectrum-of-health-benefits">A spectrum of health benefits</h2>



Carotenoids - the bright red, orange, and yellow pigments responsible for the vibrant colors of many fruits and vegetables - offer numerous health benefits. 



These plant-based compounds can be measured in the skin, reflecting the level of fruit and vegetable intake. 



Carotenoids are linked to enhanced immune function, increased antioxidant protection, and reduced risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-eating-habits-can-lead-to-lifelong-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic diseases</a>. Simply adding baby carrots as a snack can notably raise skin carotenoid accumulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-baby-carrot-effect">The baby carrot effect</h2>



“Previous studies have demonstrated that skin carotenoid levels can be increased by consuming three times the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables every day for three weeks,” said Mary Harper Simmons, a master of science in nutrition student at Samford.&nbsp;



“Our findings suggest that a small, simple dietary modification - incorporating baby carrots as a snack - can significantly increase skin carotenoid accumulation.”



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



The experts randomly assigned 60 young adults to groups receiving different four-week interventions: Granny Smith apple slices (control group), 100 grams of baby carrots, a beta-carotene multivitamin supplement, or a combination of carrots and the supplement.&nbsp;



The researchers measured skin carotenoids before and after the intervention using a noninvasive “VeggieMeter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baby-carrots-boost-skin-carotenoids">Baby carrots boost skin carotenoids</h2>



The analyses revealed a 10.8% increase in skin carotenoids for the group eating baby carrots and a 21.6% increase for those combining carrots with the supplement. There were no changes in the control or supplement-only groups.



“We found that the combination of baby carrots and a multivitamin supplement that contains beta carotene can have an interactive effect on skin carotenoid accumulation,” said Simmons.&nbsp;



“To get a beneficial effect, people should choose a multivitamin that contains beta <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carotenes-have-a-powerful-positive-effect-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carotene</a>, and remember to eat baby carrots at least three times a week.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-carotenoid-research">The future of carotenoid research</h2>



The lack of impact from multivitamin supplementation alone suggests potential differences in how carotenoids are absorbed, whether they are food-based or from supplements.&nbsp;



Encouraged by these results, the research team plans to delve into the mechanisms behind these findings and study the effects of other carotenoid-rich foods, like sweet potatoes or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-leafy-green-vegetables-safe-until-ready-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leafy greens</a>.



The research was presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the annual meeting of the <a href="https://nutrition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Society for Nutrition</a>.



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Baby carrots: Snack your way to better health

A recent study led by Samford University has found that...

Recent research has revealed some interesting findings about pregnancy. People with high intakes of calcium and zinc during the three months before they conceived were significantly less likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.



It's not just about what you eat during pregnancy, but also what you consume <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-improves-sperm-quality-and-fertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">before conceiving</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-scientist-liping-lu-md-phd">Meet the scientist: Liping Lu, MD, PhD</h2>



Meet Liping Lu. She led this intriguing research while she was a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University. Currently, she serves as an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.bsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ball State University</a>.



She stresses on the significance of preconception dietary intake of calcium and zinc in lowering the risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-pregnancy-related-deaths-in-the-u-s-skyrocketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertensive disorders</a> during pregnancy. 



Lu points out, "Higher intakes of zinc and calcium before conception, derived from diet and supplements, are both associated with lower risks."



This significant revelation is set to be presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the annual conference of the American Society for Nutrition, held in Chicago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-hypertension-and-pregnancy">Understanding hypertension and pregnancy</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-influence-cardiovascular-disease-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hypertension</a>, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most frequently occurring disorders during pregnancy, potentially impacting both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus.



 The prospect of adverse effects of antihypertensive medications during pregnancy stresses the need to investigate preventable factors, such as nutrition, to combat hypertension-related disorders like pre-eclampsia.



Focused nutrition is often considered only after pregnancy confirmation. However, Lu argues that nutritional status <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-nicotine-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-infant-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preconception</a> is crucial since it can take considerable time for the body to correct deficiencies or imbalances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-pre-conception-nutrition">Role of pre-conception nutrition</h2>



“The health of women during the preconception period is strongly linked to the pregnancy outcome,” Lu affirmed. 



“Adequate nutrient or mineral stores in the body prior to conception can ensure optimal nutrient status for conception and support the early stages of fetal growth and development.”



The research was conducted separately for calcium and zinc using data from over 7,700 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-speed-up-aging-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnant women</a> across the U.S who shared their health and dietary information through the <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/nuMoM2b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zinc-calcium-and-healthy-pregnancy">Zinc, calcium, and healthy pregnancy</h2>



Individuals with higher pre-conception calcium intake were 24% less likely to suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared to those with the lowest calcium intake. 



The same trend was observed with zinc, where the highest pre-conception zinc intakes resulted in a whopping 38% less likelihood to experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy as opposed to those with minimal zinc intake.



While these observational studies do not essentially prove causation, the results align with related studies linking higher intakes of these minerals to a decreased risk of hypertension-related illnesses outside of pregnancy.



Calcium and zinc are known to play important roles in metabolic processes related to maintaining the health of blood vessels. 



This offers a plausible biological explanation for the hypothesis that these minerals could help prevent blood pressure disorders.



The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that women of childbearing age should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 8 milligrams of zinc daily. 



So, for anyone considering motherhood, it’s never too early to start focusing on a nutrient-rich diet -- for your health and the health of your future child.



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



Liping Lu's pioneering research opens the door to a broader discussion on the importance of preconception care. 



As more studies highlight the significance of nutrition and lifestyle choices prior to pregnancy, healthcare providers and would-be parents alike are encouraged to think proactively about health well before conception.



This paradigm shift towards preconception health could have far-reaching implications, potentially reducing the incidence of hypertensive disorders and other pregnancy-related complications. 



By advocating for preconception nutritional counseling and supporting further research in this area, we can pave the way for healthier pregnancies and brighter futures for both parents and their children.



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Calcium and zinc are keys to a healthier pregnancy

Recent research has revealed some interesting findings about pregnancy. People...

Healthy,Nutrition,Concept.,Fruits,And,Vegetables,Vs,Sweets,And,Unhealthy

A recent study offers fresh insight into the debate about ultra-processed and minimally processed foods. It suggests we rethink our approach. Instead of just looking at how processed our food is, we should focus on the types of food we eat.



This enlightening study is from the reputable <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA-ARS</a> Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.



A team of passionate scientists, led by Dr. Julie Hess, worked hard to challenge our current beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimally-vs-ultra-processed-foods">Minimally vs ultra-processed foods</h2>



The researchers contrasted two diets reflective of typical Western consumption. 



One consisted of minimally processed foods, while the other composed of ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, as defined by the NOVA classification system.



Surprisingly, the minimally processed diet was more than twice as expensive. It also had a shorter shelf life. Additionally, it didn't provide any extra nutritional value.



"This study indicates that it is possible to eat a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-diet-quality-in-adolescence-linked-to-lifelong-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-quality diet</a> even when choosing mostly minimally processed foods," Hess explained. 



"It also shows that more-processed and less-processed diets can be equally nutritious (or non-nutritious), but the more-processed diet may have a longer shelf life and be less costly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twist-in-the-tale">Twist in the tale</h2>



The <a href="https://sniglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soy Nutrition Institute Global</a>'s director of nutrition science and research, Mark Messina, Ph.D., is scheduled to present these breakthrough findings at the NUTRITION 2024.



This study is a sequel to their earlier work, revealing that a high-quality menu aligning with dietary guidelines can predominantly consist of ultra-processed foods.



This time, the scientists flipped the script, asking, "Could a low-quality menu be largely comprised of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-food-swaps-could-have-a-major-environmental-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">'simple' foods</a>?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reality-check">Reality check</h2>



The researchers composed a less-processed menu, acquiring 20% of its caloric content from ultra-processed foods. On the other hand, the more-processed menu received 67% of its energy from ultra-processed foods. 



Both menus scored roughly 43-44 on the Healthy Eating Index, a regrettable score indicating inadequate adherence to the <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>.



The less-processed menu set back consumers by $34.87 per day per person, in stark contrast to the $13.53 per day for the more-processed menu. 



The median expiration time for the less-processed and more-processed menu items varied drastically as well, with figures standing at 35 days and 120 days, respectively.



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



Julie Hess underlined that nutrient-dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-labeling-consumer-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaged foods</a>, including unsweetened applesauce, ultrafiltered milk, liquid egg whites, and certain brands of raisins and canned tomatoes, could be classified as ultra-processed.



"The results of this study indicate that building a nutritious diet involves more than a consideration of food processing as defined by NOVA. The concepts of 'ultra-processed' food and 'less-processed' foods need to be better characterized by the nutrition research community," she concluded.



This study serves as a wake-up call, encouraging a holistic approach that goes beyond considering food processing levels, including minimally processed foods, to examining the nature of the foods we consume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-public-health-policies">Implications for public health policies</h2>



The findings from this study could change public health policies and nutritional guidelines. Current advice favors minimally processed foods. 



This research suggests that focusing only on processing levels might miss the full picture of diet quality.



Public health authorities might need to rethink their recommendations. Some ultra-processed foods can be healthy and offer benefits like cost savings and longer shelf life. Policies should promote nutrient-rich foods, regardless of their processing level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-approach-to-nutrition">Approach to nutrition</h2>



This study highlights the need for a personalized approach to nutrition. Instead of avoiding ultra-processed foods entirely, focus on including a variety of nutrient-dense choices. 



This way, you can balance your diet while considering your individual needs.



Consider factors like affordability, convenience, and individual dietary needs. Nutrition professionals can offer tailored advice for each person's situation. 



This approach can lead to better, more effective nutrition strategies, improving public health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-minimally-processed-foods">Implications of minimally processed foods</h2>



One key takeaway is the need to educate the public about nutrition. We need awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform people about food processing and its health impacts.



When people have accurate nutritional information, they can make better diet choices. Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers can help spread this knowledge effectively. By working together, we can help everyone make healthier food choices.



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Minimally processed foods cost more and offer no extra nutrition

A recent study offers fresh insight into the debate about...

Milk,And,Cows.,Emmental,Region,,Switzerland

If you thought everyone agreed on the safety of our go-to glass of yummy moo juice, you may be incorrect. A recent study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania shakes reveals the misconceptions of people related to raw milk.



In a recent survey, researchers found that less than half of the adults in the U.S realize that pasteurized milk is safer than its raw counterpart.



Patrick E. Jamieson who is the director of the <a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APPC</a> led this research. “It is important that anyone planning to consume raw milk be aware that doing so can make you sick and that pasteurization reduces the risk of milk-borne illnesses,” Patrick explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-danger-of-raw-milk">Hidden danger of raw milk</h2>



It turns out that nearly 24% of Americans are in a fog about pasteurization. Some are unsure about whether it can effectively wipe out bacteria and viruses from milk. 



Unpasteurized milk from animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep, is not heat-treated to eliminate harmful germs. 



The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a> informs us that raw dairy products can cause 840 times more illnesses and 45 times more hospital stays than pasteurized items.



Furthermore, the FDA's report from June 6, 2024, stirs up some feathers by stating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-may-transmit-bird-flu-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird flu</a> or highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) of the H5N1 subtype, has been found in cow’s milk.



This revelation is causing scientists to worry about the possibility of transmission to humans consuming raw milk or items made from it.



Fortunately, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> affirms that the commercial milk supply, which undergoes pasteurization, is safe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-lurking-in-the-milk-aisle">Misconceptions lurking in the milk aisle</h2>



Well, here's where things get interesting. The APPC survey brought to light a puzzling statistic. Over half of the respondents believe raw milk is safer, or just as safe, or are unsure about its safety when compared to pasteurized milk.



It seems that some folks are under the illusion that raw milk is more nutrient-rich. Why? Because they mistakenly believe that pasteurization zaps nutrients. 



The CDC clears up this myth by stating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/destroying-microplastics-tap-water-surprisingly-simple-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pasteurized</a> milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the added risks of raw milk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-education-and-awareness">Power of education and awareness</h2>



Interestingly, the APPC survey identifies certain groups that are more likely to misunderstand raw milk's safety. People who are 65 and older, college educated, or identify with the Democratic party are more likely to understand pasteurization's benefits.



“The difference in views of raw milk that we see between Democrats and Republicans is difficult to disentangle from the difference between rural and urban dwellers,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. “Those in rural areas are both more likely to identify as Republicans and&nbsp;to consume raw milk.”



So, where you live and your political affiliation can predict your beliefs about raw milk's safety. 



Education is the secret to bridging the gap in milk safety <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-milk-day-how-do-milk-products-impact-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a>. Public health campaigns, school programs, and resources that are as easy as pie to understand, can help bust myths and deliver the real deal. 



It's not about scaring people away from raw milk, but about arming them with the truth to make safe and informed choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-debate-on-raw-milk">Decoding the debate on raw milk</h2>



It’s amazing how a simple dairy product like milk can churn up so much debate. Whether it’s raw or pasteurized, knowing the process behind it is essential. 



Our decisions shouldn't be soured by myths. So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of milk, take a moment to appreciate its journey from the farm to your fridge. 



And remember, as the APPC survey spotlighted, "natural" doesn't always mean "safe". Stay on your toes, stay informed.



In a nutshell, when it comes to milk, knowledge is power. Being informed means being healthy. Understanding the risks and benefits of raw and pasteurized milk can help us make informed decisions about what we put on our tables and into our bodies. 



So, let's raise our glasses to safe and informed milk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-gmo-plants-make-baby-formula-healthy-as-breast-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a>.



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Drinking raw milk is a health hazard that many people don't realize

If you thought everyone agreed on the safety of our...

As parents or caregivers, how often are we confronted with the exasperated declaration, "I'm bored!"? Rather than dreading the boredom, we may need to start welcoming it as a gateway to our children's untapped creative, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-babies-in-parentese-boosts-their-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social</a>, and life skills.



Taking her cue from the world of small but powerful words, Jamie Jirout, associate professor at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> School of Education and Human Development, delves into the intriguing correlation between a child's curiosity and their learning abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-from-boredom">Curiosity from boredom</h2>



According to Jirout, curiosity is kindled when a child <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-scientifically-proven-steps-for-thriving-infant-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> a void in their knowledge, compelling them to seek information and reduce their uncertainty. 



This thirst for answers breeds creativity as the child starts to cook up unique and useful ideas or products.



Our digital age, saturated with screens, can understandably worry both adults and children when it comes to prolonged periods of unstructured, tech-free time. 



However, Jirout assures us that such intervals can be golden opportunities for children to cultivate their curiosity, creativity, and important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-near-homes-reduce-emotional-problems-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life skills</a>.



"Curiosity occurs when a student experiences a gap in knowledge that motivates them to seek information to resolve their uncertainty. Creativity occurs when students generate novel and useful ideas or products," Jirout explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-break-from-boredom">Creative break from boredom</h2>



Be it summer at home, weekends, or holidays, any break from routine can provide the perfect platform to nurture both creativity and curiosity in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young ones</a>.



"When kids have the agency to do what they want to do, they're going to be motivated to get into activities in a deep way," Jirout said. 



"That motivation will then provide a lot of experience and opportunities for them to develop different skills that they might not get in school, or from more structured activities in general because they don't have to create the entire structure themselves."



How do we make this work? It's all about structuring unstructured time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structuring-the-unstructured">Structuring the unstructured</h2>



So, how do we structure this unstructured time and help our kids combat boredom? Jirout offers a few strategies. If your child struggles with where to start, offer a general activity idea. 



Whether it's building a fort, creating an obstacle course, or making a fairy garden, the key is to be as vague as possible. This allows your child to take charge and explore various aspects of the activity on their own.



Moreover, creating their own schedule for a few hours can greatly enrich a child's sense of control and autonomy, often absent in a typical school or camp day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spawning-creative-skills-through-boredom">Spawning creative skills through boredom</h2>



Provokingly, these moments of boredom can be more enriching than more structured activities. Jirout points out that children cultivate a lot about problem-solving and thinking creatively from these experiences. 



When children are free to follow their interests, they are more likely to dive deep into activities, gaining experiences and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-students-learn-is-key-to-helping-them-succeed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">developing</a> a wide array of skills.



"In general, kids don't get to do things of their choice very often," Jirout said. "And they're going to be most motivated when they have the autonomy of choice. So, I think it is great to provide them the opportunity to figure out what they want to do."



Outdoor activities add the cherry on the cake with additional benefits like physical movement and nature interaction. The child also learns social and collaborative skills as they negotiate decision-making and ideas with friends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-serving-a-slice-of-life-skills">Serving a Slice of Life Skills</h2>



For the slightly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older kids</a>, unstructured time can also serve practical life skills lessons. 



"The summer can be a great time to walk or bike to a nearby store, buy some ingredients, and then return home to do some cooking," Jirout said.



"Or without even leaving the house, packing up a picnic for an outside lunch is a great skill for kids to learn."



While introducing and embracing boredom may initially feel uncomfortable for both adults and kids, with patience and practice, it can foster a habitat of curiosity and creativity, making every day a summer of skillful discovery. 



So next time your child complains of boredom, remember you're stirring a pot of creative soup, one bored moment at a time.



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Boredom can make children more creative and teach new skills

As parents or caregivers, how often are we confronted with...

How much can we trust our memories? In a fascinating new study, researchers explored this question and found that we have a commendable awareness of the accuracy of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-covid-19-pandemic-blurred-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recollections</a>.



When our mind romantically stitches together our past with a blend of true occurrences and general knowledge, we seem to have an innate understanding of which parts to trust and which ones are mere fillers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-blend-of-truth-and-fiction">Intriguing blend of truth and fiction</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> embarked on a journey to investigate the intriguing nature of our memories. 



They found that when generic information seems more pronounced, our confidence in the memory wavers, suggesting that we can distinguish between these two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of memory</a>.



Memories are a blend of recalled details and ‘prototypical’ information, but the study has shown that when prototypes appear more prominent, we become less confident in the recollection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-prototypical-memories">Understanding ‘prototypical’ memories</h2>



Prototypical memories are like snapshots in our minds. Imagine remembering your last birthday party. Your brain blends details from many birthday parties you’ve had. 



This mix forms a typical birthday memory. It helps you know what to expect at future parties.



These memories help us make sense of new things. When you see a new type of dog, you compare it to the typical dog in your memory. This helps you recognize it as a dog.



Our brains use these blended memories to learn and understand the world around us. They make it easier to remember and organize our experiences. It’s like having a mental guidebook that helps us navigate life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-s-reliance-on-prototypes">Memory's reliance on prototypes</h2>



This intriguing mechanism of our brain helps us to streamline our memories, especially when it comes to recurring events. 



For instance, we rely on our memory vividly when recalling a unique event, like a birthday dinner. 



Conversely, our daily commute to work is a recurrent event, and our brain only retains unique elements, such as an unexpected detour or a near accident, while filling in the rest from our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stored general knowledge</a>.



"Events that occur regularly, such as your commute to work, are streamlined by the brain to only retain the unique elements – some roadworks, perhaps, or a near-miss," explains Dr. Ben Griffiths, the lead author. "The rest of the details are filled in from pre-existing knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shining-light-on-prototype-dominance">Shining light on prototype dominance</h2>



Over 200 participants were involved in a series of experiments to test this theory. They were presented with objects in unusual colors, like a blue apple, and after a simple distraction, they were asked to recall and identify the specific shade of the object. Following that, they were asked to rate their confidence in their answer.



The researchers applied unsupervised machine learning techniques to analyze the responses, which helped them identify the prototypical shades people opted for when they were unsure of their recollection's accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindful-of-memory-gaps-and-trust">Mindful of memory gaps and trust</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that participants' confidence in their color selections decreased when the colors resembled the prototypical shades identified by the machine learning model. 



This indicates that we are aware of the extent to which we allow prototypes to fill in gaps in our memory and make conscious adjustments when assessing our memory's accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-trusting-memories">Implications of trusting memories</h2>



The implications of this study reach beyond our personal internal workings and have significant impact on areas like legal cases, where accurate eyewitness recollection plays a crucial role. 



The accuracy of the recollection and the confidence the individual has in their memory could be key in making life-changing decisions.



"Our research shows that people are actually quite good at knowing when their accounts are reliable and when they are influenced by their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-waves-move-in-opposite-ways-to-make-memories-and-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> filling in gaps with generic information," Dr. Griffiths added.



We seem to inherently know when our memories are genuine and when they're filled with general knowledge, making this an intriguing aspect of the human psyche.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00108-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Psychology</a>.



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Can we trust our memories? Separating truth from fiction

How much can we trust our memories? In a fascinating...

A team of researchers at <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> has recently discovered that children’s frequent exposure to cold <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> and bacteria may have protected them from severe disease caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasal-cells-protect-children-against-severe-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a>. 



According to the experts, common types of infections improve innate nasal immunity of young children so they can better confront the new coronavirus in earlier stages of infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heightened-nasal-innate-immunity-nbsp">Heightened nasal innate immunity&nbsp;</h2>



Children are often more susceptible to various respiratory infections than adults, but during the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 generally caused milder symptoms in children leading to fewer hospitalizations and deaths.&nbsp;



The first line of defense, known as the innate immune system, appears to be more active in the nasal passages of children, thus hindering the early stage of coronavirus infection. Yet, the reasons behind this increased activity were previously unclear.



Study senior author Ellen F. Foxman is an associate professor of laboratory medicine and immunobiology at Yale.&nbsp;



“Prior work suggested that heightened nasal innate immunity in children was due to intrinsic biological mechanisms inherent to their age,” said Professor Foxman.&nbsp;



“But we thought it could also be due to the high burden of respiratory viruses and bacterial infections in children.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-colds-and-innate-immunity-in-children">Common colds and innate immunity in children </h2>



To assess whether frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-respiratory-infections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respiratory infections</a> elevate nasal innate immunity in children, the experts re-screened over 600 nasal swabs collected during the pandemic from pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery or emergency room evaluations to test them for 19 different respiratory viruses and bacteria. 



During this process, they measured the levels of antiviral and inflammatory proteins produced by children’s innate immune systems.



The analyses revealed that many children - even those without symptoms - were infected with other respiratory pathogens. This was especially common among younger children, with around 50% of asymptomatic patients under five years old harboring various viruses or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-for-classification-of-bacteria-includes-all-strains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. 



Regardless of age though, children with higher levels of respiratory pathogens exhibited increased nasal innate immune activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-viral-defenses">Activation of viral defenses</h2>



To further understand the relationship between respiratory infections and nasal innate immunity, the experts compared nasal swabs from healthy one-year-olds at routine checkups and follow-up appointments one to two weeks later.&nbsp;



Over half of the children tested positive for a respiratory virus during one of their two visits, indicating they had either acquired or cleared an infection in that period. Nearly every time, the child's innate immune activity was higher during infection and lower when virus-free.



“This reveals that nasal antiviral defenses are not continually on high alert in young children but are activated in response to acquisition of a respiratory virus, even when that virus is not causing symptoms,” Foxman explained.



The innate immune system in children's nasal passages is frequently activated due to frequent infections with pathogens such as rhinoviruses, which cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cure-common-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common colds</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-seasonal-respiratory-viruses-nbsp">The role of seasonal respiratory viruses&nbsp;</h2>



According to Foxman, children have more infections with such seasonal viruses than adults because they lack immunological protection from prior exposures.&nbsp;



During the COVID-19 pandemic, neither adults nor children had prior protection against the new coronavirus. Thus, the activation of generalized antiviral defenses in children by other infections may have helped them fight off early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in milder outcomes compared to adults.



“We have identified respiratory viruses and bacteria as key drivers of the enhanced nasal innate immunity in children. Our results compel further study of how seasonal respiratory viruses and nasal bacteria impact disease severity of COVID-19 and pediatric immune responses in general,” Foxman concluded.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1084/jem.20230911" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Medicine</a>.



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Common colds boost children’s immunity against severe COVID

A team of researchers at Yale University has recently discovered...

Scientists have been grappling with the subject of fish consumption during pregnancy for a long time. While fish are laden with nutrients like polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium, iodine, and vitamin D, essential for brain development, they also contain methyl mercury, a neurotoxicant. 



It’s a tricky balance to navigate, prompting the <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Food and Drug Administration</a> to recommend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-speed-up-aging-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expectant mothers</a> to limit fish consumption. This, however, has an unintended consequence: many women completely avoid fish during their pregnancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dilemma-with-fish-consumption-during-pregnancy">Dilemma with fish consumption during pregnancy</h2>



A recent study took on this complex issue, producing a novel framework based on data from a Massachusetts coastal community. 



“For patients who are seeking guidance about fish consumption, public advisories can be confusing and lead to decreased fish intake,” said senior author&nbsp;<a href="https://physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org/details/1026/susan-korrick-pulmonary_and_critical_care-boston" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Susan Korrick, MD,</a>&nbsp;of the Brigham’s Channing Division of Network Medicine and Division of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Brigham%E2%80%99s+Channing+Division+of+Network+Medicine+and+Division+of+Pulmonary+and+Critical+Care+Medicine&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine</a>.



The researchers believed that understanding the health risks of mercury should factor in the nutritional benefits of fish that might reduce or counterbalance mercury toxicity.



Along with Dr Korrick, leading the charge were Sally Thurston, PhD, from the <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester Medical Center</a> and David Ruppert, PhD, from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>. 



They proposed an innovative modelling approach to improve evidence-based advice on the risks and benefits of fish consumption. 



Thurston, Korrick, and Ruppert suggested that in fish-eating populations, mercury exposure could be dissected into fish intake and the average mercury content of the consumed fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-mystery">Mercury mystery</h2>



The scientists drew their data from the New Bedford Cohort, a group assembled to assess the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hormones-during-pregnancy-may-affect-child-iq/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> born to mothers residing near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site in Massachusetts. 



The study included 361 children who underwent neurodevelopment assessments at eight years of age, measuring IQ, language, memory, and attention.



The researchers measured mercury exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy using hair samples from mothers collected after birth. 



A significant drawback, however, was that this method couldn't discern between mothers who frequently ate low-mercury fish versus those who consumed smaller quantities of high-mercury fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-angle-to-an-old-problem">New angle to an old problem</h2>



The scientists broke new ground by devising a model that incorporated estimates of mercury exposure per serving of fish. 



They drew upon a food questionnaire completed by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-features-influenced-by-mothers-diet-during-pregnancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mothers</a>, which outlined the type, frequency, and mercury content of fish and shellfish consumed during pregnancy. 



With these details, the researchers could estimate the joint effects of fish intake and fish mercury levels on neurodevelopment.



“We propose an alternative modelling approach to address limitations of previous models and to contribute thereby to improved evidence-based advice on the risks and benefits of fish consumption,” said the authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-pregnancy-and-neurodevelopment">Fish, pregnancy, and neurodevelopment</h2>



The results were intriguing: the relationship between pregnancy fish consumption and subsequent neurodevelopment pivoted on the estimated average mercury levels in the fish. 



Specifically, eating low mercury-containing fish was beneficial, while consuming fish with higher levels of mercury was detrimental.



“Our study finds that eating more fish was generally beneficial for neurodevelopment when pregnant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-pregnancy-related-deaths-in-the-u-s-skyrocketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individuals</a> consumed fish containing low levels of mercury but detrimental when individuals consumed fish with the highest average mercury levels. It’s important for people to think about what kind of fish they are consuming rather than simply cutting down on fish intake entirely,” said Thurston.&nbsp;



“Our goal is for our study to help facilitate better estimation of the risk-benefit tradeoffs of fish consumption, a key component of many healthy diets,” added Korrick.&nbsp; 



The team hopes that future work will expand on this modeling approach, taking both the average mercury and nutritional content of fish into account.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clarity-amid-confusion">Clarity amid confusion</h2>



These hopeful findings could be the key to demystify public advisories on fish consumption and avoid inadvertently reducing fish intake. 



There's a general consensus that more work needs to be done to refine this model, taking into account differences in the beneficial nutrients in the fish consumed, like PUFA or selenium content. 



However, the study marks an essential step forward in understanding the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/aje/kwae149/7700982?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Epidemiology</a>.



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Knowing which fish to eat during pregnancy is very important

Scientists have been grappling with the subject of fish consumption...

Americans are increasingly curious about microdosing, a practice involving the minimal consumption of psychedelics or cannabis over extended periods. 



This escalating interest is unveiled in a comprehensive study conducted by scientists at the <a href="https://www.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a>, published in JAMA Health Forum. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-spawns-microdosing-boom">Curiosity spawns microdosing boom</h2>



The researchers noted a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tremendous 1250% surge</a> in Google searches concerning microdosing from 2015 to 2023, recording a substantial margin of over three million searches in 2023 alone.



Responsible for unmasking this complex web of intrigue is Kevin Yang, M.D., a psychiatry resident at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and the primary author of the research. 



Yang and his team's fascinating study has served to enlighten us on how legislative shifts on substance use are influencing people's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microdosing-mushrooms-solving-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inclinations and behaviors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legalization-and-relaxation">Legalization and relaxation</h2>



The study reflects a direct correlation between the uptick in curiosity around microdosing and the relaxation of local, federal, and state laws sanctioning recreational cannabis usage and the deployment of psychedelic substances in therapy. 



Advocates of microdosing argue that it can enhance mood, cognition, and overall health without triggering the profound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-5-5-million-american-adults-have-used-hallucinogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hallucinogenic effects</a> that larger doses might instigate.



Despite the absence of concrete clinical evidence validating these health assertions, the last decade has seen an undeniable escalation in the popularity of microdosing. 



The researchers utilized Google search behaviors to gauge public interest and comprehend how policy amendments have impacted this curiosity. This approach was deemed necessary given the shortcomings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microdosing-lsd-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current survey data</a> on microdosing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-policy-reforms">Power of policy reforms</h2>



The eight-year study period bore witness to substantial policy reforms concerning substance use. Colorado paved the way in 2012 by becoming the maiden U.S. state to authorize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recreational cannabis use</a>. 



By 2023, half of the U.S. adult population was living in states that had followed Colorado’s lead. Concurrently, eight states had decriminalized the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic substances</a> in certain cities or counties, and two states sanctioned psychedelic-assisted therapy.



The researchers skillfully deployed a dynamic event-time difference-in-difference model to weigh the causal effects of these policy amendments on the interest in microdosing. 



The results of their meticulous analysis illuminated the fact that policies mitigating punitive measures for psychedelic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis use</a> were linked to a spike in curiosity about microdosing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-in-a-keyword">What's in a keyword?</h2>



Interestingly, the study revealed shifting preferences in the substances of choice for microdosing. Between 2015 and 2018, LSD dominated the search terms linked to microdosing. 



However, from 2019 to 2023, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms took the crown</a>, with Adderall, cannabis, CBD, DMT, ketamine, and MDMA also featuring in the search terms.



These findings mirror the growing societal shift towards psychedelics and psychotropic substances as potential alternative therapies. 



The headway on the legislative front, along with President Biden's proposition to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous, has perhaps opened the doors for more extensive scientific investigation. 



However, as Yang aptly points out, "As public interest in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-magic-mushrooms-evolve-to-contain-psilocybin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using psychedelics</a> and cannabis for health grows, it’s crucial that the medical community conducts studies to establish a strong evidence base for their safety and efficacy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caution-in-the-mushroom-fields">Caution in the mushroom fields</h2>



While microdosing is trending, there are still critical concerns about the market for microdosed products. 



As emphasized by Eric Leas, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor in the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and a senior author of the paper, these substances, like psilocybin, are Schedule 1 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-psilocybin-mushroom-potency-just-got-easier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controlled substances</a>. 



This legality poses risks for consumers and raises apprehensions about product quality due to the lack of manufacturing standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microdosing-and-american-mental-health">Microdosing and American mental health</h2>



Indeed, curiosity about microdosing has spiked, likely driven by changes in policy and cultural attitude. However, the potential hazards concealed beneath the intrigue remind us of the critical role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/synthetic-psilocybin-less-effective-therapy-than-natural-mushroom-extract/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research and clinical studies</a>. 



As Leas puts it, "We need to better translate clinical evidence for consumers and policymakers to understand the benefits and risks of microdosing and how policy changes drive interest in substance use." 



So, as interest in this phenomenon continues to expand, let's remember the importance of knowledge, safety, and informed decision-making in this complex and enthralling world of microdosing.



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Millions of Americans are microdosing, but what does that mean?

Americans are increasingly curious about microdosing, a practice involving the...

Procrastination, the intentional delay of tasks despite knowing the negative consequences, manifests in various forms. Sahiti Chebolu from the <a href="https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics</a> has recently employed mathematical frameworks to dissect the patterns and underlying causes of procrastination, aiming to devise strategies for managing it.



“Why did I not do this when I still had the time?” This is a common lament when facing tasks like filing taxes or meeting deadlines.&nbsp;



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



“Many of us have finished assignments at the last minute, repeatedly put off going to the gym, sat on tax returns for weeks and worse,” wrote Chebolu. 



“Procrastination is widespread, affecting some 80% of students and 20% of adults. Many suffer effects on their health and finances, and most procrastinators wish to reduce it. But what exactly is procrastination and what are the underlying mechanisms?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-types-of-procrastination-behaviors-nbsp">Multiple types of procrastination behaviors&nbsp;</h2>



Procrastination not only hampers productivity but is also linked to <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> issues. However, as Chebolu stresses, “procrastination is an umbrella term for different behaviors. If we want to understand it, we need to differentiate between its various types.”



One pattern involves failing to act on planned decisions. For instance, setting aside time for a task but opting for a leisure activity instead. Another pattern involves waiting for ideal conditions before committing to a task.&nbsp;



Chebolu identified multiple procrastination <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/an-optimistic-outlook-can-break-the-vicious-cycle-of-procrastination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a>, from starting late to abandoning tasks halfway, each with potential explanations such as time misjudgment or protecting the ego from potential failure. Such an approach frames procrastination as a series of temporal decisions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maladaptive-decision-making-nbsp">Maladaptive decision-making&nbsp;</h2>



According to Chebolu, our brains weigh immediate rewards more heavily than future consequences, leading to maladaptive decision-making.&nbsp;



“Only when we place excessive value on experiences in the present and not enough on those lying further ahead, such a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision-making</a> policy becomes quickly maladaptive,” explained Chebolu.



To study real-life procrastination, she analyzed data from <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, tracking students required to complete experiment hours over a semester. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-procrastination">Causes of procrastination </h2>



The data revealed various procrastination patterns, which Chebolu simulated to find the best explanations. She found that procrastination often stems from more than just a preference for immediate rewards.&nbsp;



“Uncertainty is another major factor in procrastination,” said Chebolu. This uncertainty could involve predicting task duration or self-confidence.



Chebolu believes that understanding procrastination as a series of decisions and identifying where we typically err can guide effective interventions.&nbsp;



For instance, if you tend to seek instant gratification, rewarding yourself for small achievements might help. Those who underestimate task time could benefit from setting specific, time-bound goals. If distractions are your downfall, creating a focused work environment might be key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-patterns-of-procrastination-nbsp">Understanding the patterns of procrastination&nbsp;</h2>



Regardless of the type of procrastination you experience, Chebolu argued that it’s not just laziness. Recognizing this and forgiving yourself for past procrastination is essential for improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meaningful-dream-experiences-can-boost-your-work-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity</a>. 



By identifying and understanding the different causes of procrastination, individuals can develop personalized strategies to manage and overcome this common challenge.



This research provides a nuanced view of procrastination, highlighting its complexity and offering hope for those looking to break the cycle.&nbsp;



With a better understanding of the mechanisms at play, tailored approaches can be more effectively developed to help people achieve their goals and enhance their productivity.



The study is available as a preprint in <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/69zhd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PstArXiv</a>.



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To overcome procrastination, we must understand what causes it 

Procrastination, the intentional delay of tasks despite knowing the negative...

Childhood obesity, an escalating concern worldwide, is in the crosshairs of breakthrough research involving a seemingly simple dietary change. 



The study underscores the potential of a readily available supplement - fish oil, not for the children, but intriguingly for their fathers.



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



<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>'s alarming statistics reveal a spike in obesity among children between 5 to 19 years - from 31 million cases in 1990 to a staggering 160 million in 2022. 



This burgeoning health issue often paves the way for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, not to mention the psychological impact in the form of low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-loved-as-a-teen-linked-to-healthier-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-esteem and depression</a>.



Initiated by scientists determined to explore how paternal diet might shape the health profile of the offspring, this compelling research has thrown new light on the fight against childhood obesity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-paternal-diets">Focusing on paternal diets</h2>



Latha Ramalingam, PhD, an assistant professor in nutrition at <a href="https://www.syracuse.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syracuse University</a>, led the research using male mice fed on a high-fat diet, with or without a serving of fish oil.



The results were promising. Offspring of the males fed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil</a> supplement showed reduced body weight and heightened metabolic health compared to their counterparts. 



“While further human studies are needed, this discovery opens a new frontier in our understanding of how parents, beyond just genetics, influence their offspring's well-being,” Ramalingam shares with noteworthy enthusiasm. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/an-omega-3-fatty-acid-known-as-dha-may-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish oil</a>, a readily available and safe supplement, could become a powerful weapon in our fight for a healthier next generation.”



These findings are set to be showcased by Sarah Dellet, a research student in Ramalingam’s lab, at <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the leading annual event by the American Society for Nutrition.



Historic in its pursuit, this is the maiden study focusing intently on inheritance patterns through the paternal line, advancing previous research on the benefits of fish oil supplementation in mothers to curb childhood obesity risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-implications-of-fish-oil">Profound implications of fish oil</h2>



The study divided nearly 150 male mice into two groups, one with a high-fat diet supplemented with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-fatty-acids-may-provide-superior-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil</a>, and the other without. They were mated with females on a regular low-fat healthy diet. 



Offspring fathered by males on a fish oil diet weighed significantly less on both the 7th and 21st day compared to those from the second group. 



Furthermore, female offspring from the first group manifested better metabolic health, evidenced by rapid glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity.



“This concept offers a significant potential to reshape our strategies in combating childhood obesity,” shared Ramalingam. 



She purposes a future where dietary advice is not limited to mothers but involves fathers too, allowing them to actively contribute to their children's well-being right from the beginning.



To further advance their research, the team is now examining how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary changes in the father</a> affect sperm, thereby influencing their offspring's health. 



They are also studying muscle and liver gene expression for a deeper understanding of the superior insulin sensitivity in females.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-step-in-combating-childhood-obesity">Big step in combating childhood obesity?</h2>



This research, though primarily conducted on mice, takes a leap forward in the domain of public health, offering a unique perspective on combating childhood obesity. 



The potential role of fathers in this fight, apart from the genetic contribution, has been largely overlooked until now. This study cements the notion that parental influence extends well beyond genetics.



A key takeaway from this research is the potential of a simple dietary change featuring<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-fish-may-protect-the-brain-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fish oil for fathers</a> to shape a healthier future for the next generation. 



It signals a promising direction in the combat against childhood obesity, urging for further human studies to validate these findings. 



In this light, the future might just hold a more inclusive approach to pre-conception dietary advice, one that involves not just mothers but fathers too, in their quest to foster healthier offspring.



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Dads' diets have a direct impact on childhood obesity rates

Childhood obesity, an escalating concern worldwide, is in the crosshairs...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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