There will be no newsletter next week as I gather with family and friends to celebrate my son's wedding. The newsletter will resume on Sunday, October 6.

Forever in Your Food

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are increasingly found in food, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. These synthetic substances, used in products like nonstick cookware and food packaging, resist breakdown, contaminating farmland through sewage sludge fertilizer. Linked to cancer, liver disease, and developmental issues, PFAS can accumulate in food, particularly in items like milk, eggs, and seafood. While the FDA's tests show low levels in most foods, the full extent of contamination remains to be seen, and regulatory gaps leave questions about how safe our food supply truly is. How Dangerous Is PFAS in Food? - The New York Times (gift article).

Leaky Gut Instinct

Emerging research suggests long-term COVID-19 in children might be linked to gut permeability, or "leaky gut." Dr. Lael Yonker, a pediatric pulmonologist, has launched the first clinical trial testing larazotide, a drug to tighten intestinal walls. This trial seeks to address symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal pain, and attention issues in children with long-term COVID-19. While long Covid research has primarily focused on adults, Yonker's trial could provide an essential treatment option for young patients, possibly offering a breakthrough in combating this debilitating condition. The Gut Might Hold the Key to Treating Long Covid in Kids | WIRED.

Plastic Fantasy

In a lawsuit backed by ProPublica's reporting, California accuses ExxonMobil of deceptive marketing regarding its chemical recycling process, pyrolysis. The oil giant claims the technology transforms plastic waste into reusable products, such as fruit cups, but evidence shows less than 0.1% of the recycled content ends up in new products. Despite this, ExxonMobil advertises 30% recycled content using controversial accounting methods. The lawsuit likens this practice to past tobacco industry deceptions, calling for billions in penalties to fund public education and sustainability efforts. ExxonMobil Accused of Deceptive Marketing of Plastics Recycling Process — ProPublica.

Genes on Sale

Remember That DNA You Gave 23andMe? - The Atlantic explores the potential sale of 23andMe and its genetic data, raising concerns about DNA privacy. As the company struggles financially, with stock declines and leadership upheavals, its most valuable asset—customers' genetic information—may be sold. This creates uncertainties about how future owners might use sensitive data, with risks extending beyond current privacy policies. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and other third parties could exploit the DNA data for profit or surveillance. The article underscores that once DNA is shared, it cannot be fully controlled, posing long-term consumer risks.

AI Doctor's Notes

As physicians face overwhelming patient messages, AI tools like MyChart's "In Basket Art" are stepping in to draft responses. These tools use AI models to mimic doctors' voices, providing medical advice or administrative replies. Though many hospitals embrace efficiency, concerns over transparency and potential errors in AI-generated responses grow. Experts worry about automation bias, where physicians may rely too much on AI, risking patient safety. As AI edges into clinical decision-making, ethical questions arise about the role of technology in personal doctor-patient communication. That Message From Your Doctor? It May Have Been Drafted by AI - The New York Times (gift article).

The Rapamycin Gamble

Rapamycin, a drug traditionally used as an immunosuppressant, has gained attention in the longevity community for its potential anti-aging benefits. Early studies in animals, including mice, show promise, suggesting the drug can extend lifespan by inhibiting the mTOR complex, which is linked to cellular health. However, human studies remain inconclusive, with mixed results and limited long-term data. While some users report improvements in energy, reduced inflammation, and other minor health benefits, skeptics caution about the drug's potential risks, such as immune suppression. The quest for a longer, healthier life continues—cautiously. Rapamycin and Anti-Aging: What to Know - The New York Times (gift article).

A Recipe for Health

How UTSW's Food as Medicine Program Is Revolutionizing Physician Education - D Magazine explores the Food as Medicine program at UT Southwestern (UTSW) and how it is transforming physician education by incorporating culinary medicine into medical training. Spearheaded by Dr. Jaclyn Albin and Program Director Milette Siler, the initiative teaches medical students and residents how to use food to combat chronic illness. With cooking classes and real-world nutrition lessons, physicians learn to help patients manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease through diet. The program partners with local communities and aims to make healthy eating accessible and culturally sensitive, tackling health outcomes and social isolation. I am currently enrolled in a similar class offered online: Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) Coaching—The Basics-Overview | Continuing Education Catalog. (thanks, Amy!).

Flowing Through Jazz

In a study of jazz musicians, researchers used EEG scans to explore the brain activity behind entering a "flow state," a heightened, effortless creative focus. Jazz guitarists of varying experience levels improvised while their brain activity was recorded, revealing that more experienced musicians frequently entered flow. Brain scans showed reduced activity in areas associated with cognitive control, suggesting that expertise enables performers to "let go" mentally, allowing creativity to flourish. This research sheds light on how mastery and relaxed focus foster spontaneous innovation. Brain Scans of Jazz Musicians Reveal How to Reach a Creative 'Flow State' | Scientific American.

Empathy: A Team Sport?

Empathy isn't just an individual endeavor—it's socially driven. Research shows that empathy flourishes when it's a group norm, not just a personal skill. Programs like "empathy cafes" and classroom workshops reveal that structured dialogues and reflective listening can foster understanding, even across deep divides. Neuroscience supports this: empathetic behavior lights up specific brain regions, and witnessing empathy in others boosts our empathetic response. The key takeaway? Empathy thrives when nurtured in communities, showing that togetherness can make the cognitive challenge of empathy more manageable and rewarding. Being Empathetic Is Easier when Everyone's Doing It | Scientific American.

GLP-1's Weighty Decision

Are you considering semaglutide or liraglutide for weight management? A recent study has highlighted some significant gastrointestinal concerns. Those using these GLP-1 receptor agonists face a nine-fold increased risk of pancreatitis and are four times more likely to develop bowel obstruction. Additionally, there's a 3.5 times elevated risk of gastroparesis. While these drugs offer potential benefits, especially for those with diabetes and obesity, it's crucial to be informed and weigh the risks against the benefits before deciding. GLP-1 Agonists Linked to Higher Risk for GI Complications.

The Ephemeral Nature of Dreams

The article, Why Do We Forget So Many of Our Dreams? - Scientific American, delves into the intriguing phenomenon of why we forget most of our dreams. The primary stage of dreaming, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is where the brain's activity mirrors that of a waking state. However, the regions responsible for transferring memories to long-term storage are less active during this phase. This means that its memory fades away unless we awaken immediately after a dream. The duration of REM sleep increases throughout the night, making the last dream before waking the most memorable. Factors like age, gender, and personality traits also influence dream recall. Interestingly, focusing on dreams or even reading about them can enhance our ability to remember them.

+More on sleep/dreams. Should You Wake Someone from the Throes of a Nightmare? - Scientific American

+And how are memories saved, anyhow? The Usefulness of a Memory Guides Where the Brain Saves It - Nautilus.

The Therapeutic Power of Penmanship

The journey to self-awareness has a new ally: the act of writing. The article, Know Yourself Better by Writing What Pops into Your Head - Scientific American, emphasizes the profound benefits of documenting unfiltered thoughts daily. This simple practice, spanning just 5 to 20 minutes, can enhance health, reduce stress, and bolster self-confidence. Concerns about facing a blank page or the looming inner critic? The article provides insightful strategies to navigate these challenges. Thus, embracing the pen (or keyboard) might be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of oneself.

Keeping Produce Fresh

"Every year, over a third of the food grown globally is thrown away. In the U.S., food waste is on the rise. Wasted food accounted for about 38 percent of the total food supply in 2021, worth roughly $444 billion, according to ReFED_." Counter or fridge? Here's how to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshness has some great recommendations.

Plastic Paradox

Despite popular belief, the journey of our recycled plastics is fraught with challenges. Influenced by industry lobbyists, several states have implemented policies that counteract plastic reduction efforts. The core dilemma? The undeniable profitability and affordability of plastics. However, innovative solutions are on the horizon. Streamlining plastic production and introducing methods to process mixed polymers are gaining traction. Remarkably, microbes like Ideonella sakaiensis have shown potential in breaking down plastics, with some even relying solely on plastic as a food source. Small policy shifts, such as a five-cent charge on plastic bags, have demonstrated significant impact. Yet, the overarching solution to the plastic conundrum remains elusive. Think that your plastic is being recycled? Think again. | MIT Technology Review.

23andMe's Genetic Security Breach

23andMe, the popular genetic testing company, recently experienced a significant data breach affecting 14 million users. Intriguingly, the hacker seemed interested in individuals of Jewish ancestry, offering their names, locations, and ethnicities for sale. The company confirmed the breach's origin as "credential stuffing," a method where attackers use previously leaked username-password combinations. This isn't 23andMe's first brush with privacy concerns. In the past, they pledged enhanced security after a DNA database was used in a police investigation. Their current remedy? Advising users to reset passwords and ponder data deletion. This article has some suggestions if you were affected by the breach. 23andme hack: What you can do after the data leak - The Washington Post. (gift article)

Devo-Lution

The NY Times had an article on one of my favorite bands in the 80s: Devo: Devo's Future Came True - The New York Times (gift article)

Start-up Mentality Enhances Relationships

"The sweet spot for a durable romantic partnership, then, is a new venture between two mature co-founders who are not so set in their ways that they act like entrenched corporations." Arthur Brooks wrote an article that likened successful relationships to business start-ups. Before you roll your eyes, give the piece a read: Why the Most Successful Marriages Are Start-Ups, Not Mergers - The Atlantic.

Decoding Long COVID: A Blood Trail

Over three years post the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 10% of patients continue to grapple with long COVID symptoms. Recent research published in Nature has identified specific blood biomarkers that provide insights into this condition. These markers indicate abnormal T-cell activity, viruses such as Epstein-Barr reactivation, and a notable decrease in cortisol levels. Impressively, utilizing these biomarkers, a machine learning algorithm has been developed that can identify long COVID cases with 96% accuracy, offering a promising avenue for understanding and potentially treating this elusive condition. Researchers Are Closing In on the Biomarkers for Long COVID.

The Paradox of Dishonesty Studies

Behavioral economists Dan Ariely and Francesca Gino, known for their extensive research on dishonesty, are now under the microscope. Ariely, recognized for integrating personal experiences into his work, and Gino, noted for her prolific output, contributed significantly to their field. However, this article suggests potential irregularities in their research, hinting at possible fabricated data and dubious practices. The situation presents an intriguing paradox: scholars of dishonesty potentially being dishonest in their work. They Studied Dishonesty. Was Their Work a Lie? | The New Yorker.