042 - Quantum Biology, Wearables, and Birdsong - HealthHippieMD Week In Review
Quantum Biology
This scientist believes nature has harnessed "quantumness" and that our current beliefs about biology are sorely incomplete: Quantum physics proposes a new way to study biology – and the results could revolutionize our understanding of how life works.
Pushing Our Kids to Achieve
Do we do our kids a disservice by pushing them to achieve? This author thinks so: Opinion | What We Lose When We Push Our Kids to 'Achieve' - The New York Times (gift article)
The Newest College Admission Scam: Publish a "Scholarly" Paper
An emerging industry of research services is helping high school students produce and publish research papers to boost their college applications. Online programs, such as Scholar Launch, charge thousands of dollars to connect students with mentors who guide them in writing articles, which are then published in journals of questionable quality. The Newest Way to Buy an Advantage in College Admissions.
Resisting Alzheimer's
Patients whose health doesn't conform to expectations can offer new insight into a possible disease treatment. Such is the case with a man who, based on his D.N.A., "should of" developed Alzheimer's in his 40s but showed resilience to the disease. Mutation Protected Man From Alzheimer's Disease, Hinting at Treatment. (gift article)
WHO Says "No" to Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has cautioned against using artificial sweeteners for weight control and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. The W.H.O. stated that these alternatives to sugar do not effectively reduce body fat in adults or children and could potentially increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. This recommendation contradicts previous studies that suggested no harm from sweeteners. Based on a comprehensive review, the W.H.O.'s advice emphasizes the importance of reducing overall sugar intake and relying on naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and unsweetened foods and beverages. World Health Organization Warns Against Using Artificial Sweeteners (gift article)
Therapy Unpacked
Therapy once stigmatized as a luxury for the neurotic, has gained acceptance and popularity over the years. This article explores the effectiveness of talk therapy in improving mental health. While studies suggest that therapy indeed works and yields positive results, there are ongoing debates and challenges in the field. Researchers are trying to determine the best types of therapy for different individuals and understand the impact of the therapist-patient relationship. Some argue for a shift toward more innovative strategies, while others believe therapy's potential hasn't been fully unlocked. Ultimately, the therapist's skills and the bond formed with the patient are crucial to therapy's success. Does Therapy Work? Let’s Unpack That. (gift article)
New Manuscript Defines Frequency of Chronic Pain
"New cases of chronic pain occur more often among U.S. adults than new cases of several other common conditions, including diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure." A new analysis points to the high disease burden of chronic pain in the U.S. U.S. National Survey Data Show High Rates of New Cases and Persistence of Chronic Pain.
The Slumbering Successes of Innovation in Nature and Culture
In his book "Sleeping Beauties: The Mystery of Dormant Innovations in Nature and Culture,", biologist Andreas Wagner discusses how many brilliant ideas and innovations fail immediately but instead emerge and persist in the shadows until the right time arrives for them to step into the limelight. Wagner argues that the success of an innovative product, whether it's a new form of life or a work of art, depends not only on its inner qualities but also on the right environment and timing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding delayed success and empathizing with oneself in the creative process. Why Many Brilliant Ideas Don't Succeed Immediately.
Patients Hack Wearables to Monitor Chronic Illness
"What we have right now is a health and wellness industry that provides data-driven insights and data-driven advice, so long as their physiology is typical." How Chronic Illness Patients Are 'Hacking' Their Wearables describes how patients are using consumer electronics, such as the Oura Ring, Fitbit, and Apple Watch to monitor less common chronic illnesses.
Burned-Out on Burnout
How to address physician burnout. discusses the issue of physician burnout and challenges the prevailing approach to addressing it by embracing the humanities. I think the article misses the point or at least gives only a partial solution. Rather than implying burnout is a personal failing, it should be considered a healthcare system failure. One of my favorite papers on this subject was written by Tait Shanafelt before the pandemic: Executive Leadership and Physician Well-being: Nine Organizational Strategies to Promote Engagement and Reduce Burnout.
Birdsong and Mental Health
Research has consistently demonstrated that more contact and interaction with nature improves physical and mental well-being. Scientists are examining whether birdsong contributes to nature's positive effects: Why birds and their songs are good for our mental health. (gift article)
Banning Food Dyes
"They have no known nutritional benefits and potentially carry several health risks." The Atlantic had a story on efforts around the world to ban artificial food coloring: The True Danger of Food Dye.