063 - Long Covid Blood Trails, Weighty Decisions, and Honest Dishonesty? - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

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.

061 - Dementia Cafes, Slowing Aging, Misery, and Mattering - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Exercise and Brain Health

A recent study re-emphasizes the importance of aerobic AND strength training for brain health in our later years. "We found that those who incorporated aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling, and strength exercises like weightlifting into their routines – regardless of intensity and duration – had better mental agility, quicker thinking, and greater ability to shift or adapt their thinking." Aerobic and strength training exercise combined can be an elixir for better brain health in your 80s and 90s, a new study finds.

Build A Strength Training Habit that Sticks

I'm an avid walker but have a more challenging time making strength training part of my routine. The NY Times had an article about ways to make strength training a habit: Strength Training Beginners Guide: How to Make the Workout a Habit - The New York Times. (gift article)

Japan's Dementia Cafes

In Japan, where dementia poses a pressing national health challenge, a heartwarming establishment known as the "Cafe of Mistaken Orders" is making waves. This 12-seat cafe in Tokyo hires elderly individuals with dementia as servers once a month, offering them a chance to interact, stay active, and feel needed. Customers embrace their delightful mix-ups, creating a safe space where smiles outnumber forgotten orders. With Japan's aging population, these dementia cafes are a creative solution to address the chronic caregiver shortage and soaring elderly care costs. In aging Japan, dementia patients staff cafe of mistaken orders - The Washington Post. (gift article)

Sound Medicine: The Healing Power of Music

Music is now recognized for its potential to heal the mind and body. Recent research introduces the concept of "music medicine," highlighting the therapeutic benefits of actively engaging with music. Beyond a temporary mood boost, music has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even reducing blood pressure. While music therapy involves professional guidance, music medicine involves simply listening to recorded music, making it accessible and effective. Music's ability to evoke emotions, entrain brain activity, and trigger neurochemical changes underscores its healing potential, offering a soothing prescription for life's woes. The big idea: could we use music like medicine? | The Guardian.

Food is Medicine Report

The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts released "The True Cost of Food: Food is Medicine Case Study," a comprehensive report on how such an approach could have a myriad of health and economic benefits: Food is Medicine education could save millions of lives and billions of dollars.

If We Are What We Eat, We Don't Know Who We Are

The NY Times reviewed the new book, Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food: van Tulleken, Chris. I am adding this one to my reading list. Book Review: 'Ultra-Processed People,' by Chris van Tulleken - The New York Times.

Senolytics, Sirtuins, and the Race to Fight Aging

This month's Economist's Technology Quarterly focuses on the race to combat aging:

• Slowing human aging is now the subject of serious research
• Eating fewer calories can ward off aging
• Ageing bodies need to get rid of decrepit cells
• Some claim human lifespans can be lengthened indefinitely
• What the young can give to the old
• Fighting aging requires properly equipped cells
• Older genomes have more dodgy genes

One Man's Crazy Quest for Immortality

Time featured a story on Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur developing a life-extension system called Blueprint. Some of the weirder parts of his regimen "include downing 111 pills daily, wearing a baseball cap that shoots red light into his scalp, collecting his stool samples, and sleeping with a tiny jet pack attached to his penis to monitor his nighttime erections." The story and hype made me nauseous. Bryan Johnson's Quest For Immortality | TIME.

Adding Life To Years

"It is not enough for a great nation to have added new years to life. Our objective must also be to add new life to those years." The New York Times featured an OpEd on the importance of healthspan, rather than longevity: Opinion | America's Next Public Health Moonshot Should Tackle Health Spans - The New York Times. (gift article)

Arthur Brooks on How to Banish Misery

Arthur Brooks wrote an article extracted from the thoughts of the philosopher Bertrand Russell: Eight Ways to Banish Misery - The Atlantic.

Science or Spin

In a world where skepticism runs deep, scientific research is scrutinized. Recent revelations by scientists admitting to manipulating their findings to secure publication have sparked controversy. Climatologist Patrick Brown confessed to simplifying his climate change paper for a top journal, while Kristian Andersen altered the language of a COVID-19 origins paper during peer review. While not fraudulent, such actions raise questions about the sincerity of research. While some argue it's a minor breach for the sake of dissemination, others worry about the downstream effects of insincerity, where subtle choices in research can sway public perception on topics like climate change and vaccines. The struggle for genuine scientific discourse continues amidst a landscape of doubt. The Banality of Bad-Faith Science - The Atlantic.

Mattering

"To matter, people must feel valued — heard, appreciated, and cared for — and like they add value in ways that make them feel capable, important, and trusted. It's a two-part definition: feeling valued and adding value." Mattering influences self-compassion, relationships, and achieving one's goals. Why 'Mattering' Is a Key Part of Mental Health - The New York Times. (gift article)

055 - Forever Chemicals, Prebunking Misinformation, and Chronic Pain - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Fiber Up

Fiber deficiency is a widespread issue, despite its numerous health benefits. Research suggests that fiber-rich diets promote healthier digestion, longer lives, and reduced risks of chronic conditions. Modern diets often fall short of recommended fiber intake, potentially due to processing that strips food of its fiber content. Experts advocate for gradually increasing fiber consumption through whole plant-based foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and fruits. These dietary adjustments can help prevent various health issues and support a well-balanced gut microbiome. Why is Fiber Good For You? And How to Eat More of It - The New York Times (gift article)

+and an article on the growing popularity of psyllium....Psyllium Husks Entice the Ozempic Generation - The New York Times

AI Transforming Music

3 ways AI is transforming music is an interesting article that mentions several sites I plan to explore.

Insurers' Unexpected Fees

As if insurers weren't making enough money, The Hidden Fee Costing Doctors Millions Every Year — ProPublicadiscusses how a powerful lobbyist's influence led to a federal agency allowing health insurers to charge fees on payments to doctors. The shift went largely unnoticed but financially impacted medical professionals. Doctors must now pay up to 5% in fees for electronic payments, creating an extra burden in an already strained healthcare system. As large insurers profit, doctors are left grappling with additional costs, potentially forcing some practices to close and increasing patient healthcare expenses.

+And more alleged shameless behavior by Cigna, one of the biggest U.S. healthcare insurers: Cigna Accused of Using AI, Not Doctors, to Deny Claims "The lawsuit says that Cigna relies on an algorithm, PxDx, to review and frequently deny medically necessary claims. According to court records, the system allows Cigna's doctors to "instantly reject claims on medical grounds without ever opening patient files." Using the system, the average claims processing time is 1.2 seconds."

Aristotle's Virtues for a Good Life

The Greek philosopher Aristotle offered a recipe for happiness, focusing not on seeking happiness but cultivating virtues to attract it. He identified ten virtues, including courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, and more, which modern research indicates can lead to a happier life. These virtues encompass qualities like self-control, kindness, truthfulness, and forgiveness. By following this ancient wisdom and turning these virtues into habits, individuals can open the door to a life of well-being and contentment. Aristotle's 10 Rules for a Happy Life - The Atlantic

How Genes Shape Your Palate

New research has revealed 481 genome regions connected to dietary patterns and preferences for specific foods. These findings highlight the influence of genetics on our taste preferences, ranging from fruit to alcohol. Based on a large-scale genomics study, this comprehensive analysis is a significant advancement in understanding how genes impact our eating habits. The research could offer insights into nutritional needs and disease risks and guide interventions for healthier eating patterns. Your Genes May Influence What You Like to Eat - Scientific American

How to Say You're Sorry

How to Apologize Like a Pro - The Atlantic gives tips and tricks for life's inevitable disagreements and misunderstandings.

Academic M-AI-lfeasance

Academic journals struggle to spot the infiltration of generative AI in submitted papers. The use of AI to craft scholarly articles, like a recent fossil fuel efficiency study, is difficult to discern. Although some efforts have been made to enforce disclosure, many cases have slipped through. The evolving technology poses both benefits and risks. While AI can enhance non-native writers' language skills, undisclosed AI-written content could mislead, harm credibility, and even propagate AI-generated misinformation. The challenge of identifying AI-generated submissions grows as language models become more sophisticated, prompting researchers to advocate for improved detection tools and more transparent disclosure protocols. Use of AI Is Seeping Into Academic Journals—and It's Proving Difficult to Detect | WIRED

"Prebunking" Misinformation

Sander van der Linden, a University of Cambridge psychologist, pioneers a method to immunize people against fake news. Inspired by the concept of vaccines, van der Linden's approach involves exposing individuals to weakened misinformation to build cognitive defenses. His work began by countering climate change denial and evolved into collaborating with social media platforms like YouTube to display pre-video warnings about misinformation tactics. By partnering with technology giants and disseminating his ideas, van der Linden aims to empower individuals to prebunk false narratives and protect themselves against deceptive content. This Psychologist Wants To Vaccinate You Against Fake News | WIRED

Wegovy Origin Story

The article Where Ozempic, Wegovy and New Weight Loss Drugs Came From - The New York Times (gift article) explores the origin and enigmatic effectiveness of groundbreaking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications offer hope for combating obesity, which affects a significant portion of the population. Unlike previous approaches, developing these drugs was not straightforward; researchers stumbled upon unexpected ways to induce weight loss. The drugs' mechanisms remain mysterious, exposing the brain to hormone levels never seen in nature. Despite this uncertainty, the drugs offer a new era of potential treatments for obesity.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Pain

The NCCIH has a page devoted to the efficacy of non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief: Chronic Pain: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

Forever Chemicals

The NY Times had an excellent (and sobering) article on "Forever chemicals: "'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere. What Are They Doing to Us? - The New York Times (gift article)

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.