110 - Rapamycin, Genes on Sale, and Flowing Through Jazz - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

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.

060 - CRISPR, Wellness Tech Warnings, and the Brain's Fountain of Youth - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

More on the Impact of AI on Science

More on how AI is revolutionizing science in the Economist: How scientists are using artificial intelligence (gift article) and Could AI transform science itself? (gift article).

CRISPR and the Microbiome

CRISPR pioneer and Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna is focusing on the microbiome: Crispr Pioneer Jennifer Doudna Has the Guts to Take On the Microbiome | WIRED. I highly recommend Walter Isaacson's biography on Doudna: The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race.

Big Tobacco Stains the Food Industry

"In a broader and much less restricting sense," an executive wrote, "R.J. Reynolds is in the flavor business." Although Big Tobacco is no longer in the food business, they left a terrible legacy: Many junk foods today were made and marketed by Big Tobacco - The Washington Post. (gift article)

Is Junk Food Addictive?

Recent studies suggest highly processed foods may have addictive qualities akin to drugs. Rats opt for sugar over cocaine, even enduring electric shocks for the sweet treat. Humans display similar behavior, consuming processed foods to the point of vomiting and diarrhea post-bariatric surgery. Daily snacking on these foods can rewire our brain's reward circuits, mirroring the cravings induced by cocaine. "In 2022, scientists published an opinion piece in the journal Addiction arguing that highly processed foods should be classified as addictive based on a 1988 Surgeon General report on tobacco products." Food Can Be Literally Addictive, New Evidence Suggests - Scientific American.

Healthy Diet Lowers Dementia Risk

Wapo had an article on the importance of diet in staving off dementia. Recent studies suggest the benefits occur even when started later in life: Eating heart-healthy foods also helps lower your dementia risk - The Washington Post. (gift article)

PANDA-monium: Infections Unmask Childhood Psychiatric Illnesses

Many doctors remain unaware PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune-Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus and its counterpart, PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), or dismiss them as fictitious. This ignorance results in misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and even parental accusations. Recent research suggests these disorders stem from an autoimmune reaction post-infection. The changing perception may have broader implications for understanding infections' roles in psychiatric conditions (for both children and adults), offering hope for early intervention and effective treatment. How common infections can spark psychiatric illnesses in children. (gift article)

Plasma, Platelets, and PF4: Searching for the Brain's Fountain of Youth

Groundbreaking research in mice may have revealed a key to rejuvenating aging brains. Neuroscientists have uncovered that platelets, specifically a group of molecules called Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), play a vital role in the age-reversal process. Three interventions—transfusions of young blood, the hormone klotho, and physical exercise—all harness PF4 to deliver their benefits to the brain. When 22-month-old mice were injected with young blood plasma or PF4, their cognitive age reversed dramatically. These findings, independently discovered by three research teams, offer new hope for combating age-related cognitive decline and unlocking the secrets of brain rejuvenation. Scientists uncover how young blood rejuvenates aging brains | BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Animal Communication Unveils Surprising Parallels to Human Language

Researchers are uncovering fascinating connections between animal communication and human language. For years, the belief in an unbridgeable gap between human language and animal communication prevailed. However, recent studies challenge this notion, revealing that various species possess intricate vocal learning abilities, from mice to dolphins. These findings suggest that language-related capacities may exist on a continuum across the animal kingdom. Scientists are now delving deeper into deciphering the meanings and intricacies of animal communication, shedding light on the evolution of language and our shared cognitive landscapes with other creatures. The Animals Are Talking. What Does It Mean? - The New York Times. (gift article)

+How AI is being leveraged to decode animal communication: Can We Talk to Whales? | The New Yorker and ‎Unexplainable: Can we talk to animals? on Apple Podcasts.

When the CIA, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare Collide

Palantir's Reputation Stalks Its Bid for the UK's National Health Data | WIRED is an interesting article about how Peter Thiel's big data analytics company (and surveillance government contractor), Palantir, is courting Britain's National Health Service for access to their data. What possibly could go wrong?

Big Tech Knows Your Most Intimate Health Details

Your most intimate health details have become data points in the digital realm. Tech giants, often unbeknownst to users, accumulate a treasure trove of personal health information through online interactions, from therapy sessions to fitness apps. Recent cases, like BetterHelp's data-sharing debacle, have exposed the extent of this information harvesting, raising concerns about privacy violations and potential harm. While some believe federal laws like HIPAA shield health data, the truth is more complicated. A fragmented regulatory landscape, limited enforcement resources, and the rapid evolution of technology call for comprehensive data privacy legislation to keep pace with the digital age. What Big Tech Knows About Your Body - The Atlantic.

Build a Real Music Collection

This author cites why she owns her music collection and eschews streaming: Want to Enjoy Music More? Stop Streaming It. - The New York Times. (gift article)

045 - Dying Brains, Frenemies, and the Physiology of Hangry - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Flavanols Combat Memory Loss in Aging Adults

A new study reveals that flavanols, nutrients found in select fruits and vegetables, are crucial in mitigating age-related memory decline. The research demonstrates a positive correlation between flavanol intake and memory test scores among older adults. Notably, individuals over 60 with low-flavanol diets experienced significant memory improvement after reintroducing these dietary components. This study supports the emerging understanding that specific nutrients are essential for maintaining optimal brain health as we age. By highlighting the power of flavanols, the research offers potential avenues for improving cognitive function in older adults and underscores the importance of a flavanol-rich diet or supplements. Memory Boosting Power of Flavanols in Aging Adults

Gut Check

Scientists have discovered the mechanism behind how chronic stress can lead to gut inflammation. Signals originating in the brain reach gut nerve cells, triggering the release of inflammatory chemicals. The study, The enteric nervous system relays psychological stress to intestinal inflammation glucocorticoids act on gut neurons and glial cells, which then activate immune cells. These immune cells release molecules that cause painful bowel inflammation. The findings suggest that managing stress levels could significantly impact the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The research opens possibilities for targeting the brain-to-gut signaling pathway for new therapies. Chronic stress can inflame the gut — now scientists know why

Frenemies Take a Toll

According to psychologists, ambivalent relationships, known as frenemies, which combine positive and negative aspects, can be more detrimental to health than purely negative relationships. Research reveals that interacting with individuals who evoke mixed feelings can raise blood pressure and lead to negative physical symptoms. Even a single ambivalent interaction can have adverse effects on well-being. Unpredictability increases pain from unpleasant interactions, and rumination contributes to the negative impact of such relationships. Recognizing the harmful effects of frenemies is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. Opinion | Ambivalent Relationships May Be Hazardous to Your Health. (gift article)

The Neuroscience of Hangry

Neuroscientists have discovered a cluster of cells called AgRP neurons that stimulate appetite and play a vital role in the infamous "hangry" feeling. These cells near the brain's blood supply receive signals from the stomach and fat tissue, influencing our hunger levels. By manipulating AgRP neuron activity in mice, researchers have identified how they trigger food-seeking behavior and respond to the presence of nutrients. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for eating disorders like anorexia and overeating. By understanding and controlling the hangry feeling, scientists hope to revolutionize our ability to manage our diets effectively. Neuroscientists May Have Found the Part of Your Brain That Makes You Hangry

Electrical Activity Surges in the Dying Brain

A new study reveals that dying brains experience a surge of electrical activity, challenging the assumption that brain activity decreases during dying. Researchers monitored four comatose patients who died in a neurointensive care unit and observed a surge of neurophysiological activity in regions associated with conscious processing. This surge included increased synchronization and connectivity between different brain regions. While the study doesn't directly explain near-death experiences, it suggests that the observed brain activity pattern may contribute to the vivid perceptions reported during such experiences, prompting further investigation into the nature of human consciousness. Scientists monitored four dying patients' brains. Here's what they saw . In the late 2000s, David Auyong and I observed the same phenomenon while on call: Processed electroencephalogram during donation after cardiac death.

Biochemistry of Psychedelics, BDNF, and Neuroplasticity

Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB | Nature Neuroscience reveals that LSD and magic mushrooms dramatically rewire the brain, offering new possibilities for treating depression. The research conducted by an international team of scientists from the University of Helsinki shows that, at least in a test tube, these psychedelics bind to a protein called receptor tyrosine kinase beta (TrkB), which activates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF plays a crucial role in neuron growth and development. This discovery paved the way for developing safer and more effective treatments for mental health disorders. LSD and Magic Mushrooms Dramatically Rewire the Brain, New Study Reveals.

AIHits (Generative AI Music and Podcasts)

"What makes pop work is that it's always changing and always responding. This is just a feedback loop between systems." AI is having a profound effect on artistic expression in music. Now there's a website to listen to. AI Could Usher in a New Era of Music. Will It Suck?

+The Generative AI gold rush is on in the podcasting space, too, as if the genre wasn't already overcrowded: Generative AI Podcasts Are Here. Prepare to Be Bored.

The Evolutionary Significance of Dreaming

"REM [sleep] has been crucial to human creativity."The evolutionary significance of dreaming is an interesting video on BigThink.

External Stressors Affect Cancer Mortality

Surprise, surprise! Higher allostatic load, a quantitive measure of the cumulative physiological damage from stress, is associated with worse cancer outcomes: Evidence Emerges Showing External Stressors Adversely Affect Cancer Outcomes

Sucralose-Genotoxic?

At least in test tubes, new evidence shows that Sucralose (Splenda) can disrupt DNA. "It's time to revisit the safety and regulatory status of sucralose because the evidence is mounting that it carries significant risks." Sucralose Damages DNA, Linked to Leaky Gut: Study (thanks, Diana!)

038 - Ice Cream, Understanding Animal Communication, and Circadian Immunity - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Wait, Ice Cream Might be Healthy?

I enjoyed the article, Could Ice Cream Possibly Be Good for You?. The report not only discusses the controversial, non-spurious outcome that won't go away but also demonstrates what happens in the scientific world when a new finding bucks traditional thinking. And the article contains puns.....

How Generative AI Will Change the Music Industry

Generative AI is not just for text and image creation. AI-Generated Music Is About to Flood Streaming Platforms discusses how AI is changing the music industry and music itself.....

Amyloidosis

The same misfolded proteins found in Alzheimer's Disease can also be found in other organs. Alzheimer's-Like Diseases Can Affect the Body — Scientists Are Working to Find Out Why is an overview of Amyloidosis and its treatment.

Chartreuse Shortage

For my 21st birthday, some friends bought me Chartreuse, a bright green herbal liqueur. That was the only time I tasted it. But now, even if I wanted more, it might not be possible. Chartreuse is getting more difficult to find. Why Is There a Chartreuse Shortage? Ask the Monks Who Make It.

Altered States of Memory

"Memory is "reconstructive." People actively alter the information they remember according to their biases and expectations." Short-term memories were thought to be less subject to alteration, but a recent study demonstrates otherwise: Our expectations can create fake short-term memories. If you'd like to learn more about the fragility/malleability of memory, take a listen to one of my favorite Revisionist History episodes: Free Brian Williams.

How Ultra-processed Food Starves the Microbiome

Another article on how processing alters food--and not in healthy ways: You Could Be Unknowingly Starving Your Gut Bacteria — But The Fix Is Surprisingly Simple. I feel like a broken record....

Is "Non-Communicable Disease" a Misnomer?

Human ailments such as heart disease were thought to be non-communicable. But findings from microbiome research call that belief into question: The Biggest Microbiome Study Sheds New Light on Shared Health Risks.

Covid, Population Risk, and Personal Risk

There is a 1% mortality rate from COVID. If 1% of COVID-19 cases result in death, does that mean you have a 1% chance of dying if you catch it?

FDA Approves Second Bivalent COVID Booster

"Federal health officials will not formally urge that people get a second booster. Instead, the "permissive" policy says they may get a second dose if they want." FDA okays second omicron booster for people at high risk from covid

Why Does Hair Turn Grey?

"A new study suggests stem cells may get stuck as hair ages and lose their ability to mature and maintain hair color." Scientists may have discovered why hair turns grey._

Belated Happy Waldo Day!

This week marked 4/20. In honor of the day, Longreads compiled a list of cannabis-related stories: Weed Between the Lines: A Longreads Cannabis Collection.

Talking to the Animals

I've often joked that I wish Theodore, a six-year-old Labradoodle, could talk. Now, thanks to AI and bioacoustics, my wish may become a reality: How Scientists Are Using AI to Talk to Animals.

Food and Hot Flashes

We don't understand the physiology of hot flashes, but it appears food can influence the severity of this common occurrence: Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? (gift article)

Us versus Them

"It's been said, "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people and those who don't." In reality, there are lots more of the former. And it can be vastly consequential when people are divided into Us and Them, ingroup and outgroup, "the people" (i.e., our kind) and the Others." An stimulating article in Nautilus about us/them dichotomies: Why Your Brain Hates Other People.

Reinvent Yourself According to Experts

Giving credence to your "possible selves" is an evidence-based way to reinvent yourself. How to Reinvent Yourself, According to the Experts tells you how. See also the fantastic podcast: zigzag project.

A Key Character Trait for Happiness

Enthusiasm Is Key to Happiness is an interesting article that touches on psychology and finishes with ways of improving your happiness, regardless of personality type.

Huge Umbrella Analysis of Dietary Sugar

The British Medical Journal published an article that aggregated a huge (8600+) studies on the effects of sugar on health outcomes: Dietary sugar consumption and health: an umbrella review. Read the synopsis here: Study Offers Dozens of Reasons to Cut Sugar

Circadian Rhythms and Immunity

How Circadian Rhythms and Time of Day Control the Immune System describes recent breakthroughs into how our body's internal clock seems to regulate immunity and susceptibility to disease.

028 - Immunometabolism, MusicLM, and Chatting with the Dead - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

How to Live to 100

Want to live to one hundred? Doing so combines luck, hard work, and a good social network: How do you live to be 100? Good genes, activity, and friends. (gift article)

Canine Healthspan and Longevity

I first mentioned scientists and start-ups trying to decode the aging process by studying dogs in 017 - Ganzflicker, Misinformation, Canine Cognition, and Happiness — HealthHippieMD. Here is another article, this time in National Geographic: Could dogs be our best hope to reverse aging in humans?

How Long Does it Take to Get Fit After an Exercise Hiatus?

How Long Does It Take to Get Fit Again? (gift article) has the answers and suggestions on how to slow decline when you take a break.

Extending the Functional Life of Immune Cells

An interesting article was published last week in Nature about scientist's success (in mice) in enhancing the functional life of T-cells-one of the body's front-line defenses against disease: Functional T cells are capable of supernumerary cell division and longevity "It's probably one of the most extraordinary papers in immunology that I've seen, easily in the past decade...." Read the summary article: The Case of the Incredibly Long-Lived Mouse Cells

Doctors and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

AI will have a profound impact on medicine. Doctors, Get Ready for Your AI Assistants | WIRED discusses a few ways AI will change medical practice.

Coffee

The Atlantic linked to many articles on my favorite beverage, coffee. Why Americans Love Coffee So Much

Generative AI for Music

Google has developed a generative AI (like ChatGPT and DALL-E) for music. You type the text for what you want to hear, and MusicLM generates music on the fly. The problem? Copyright. About 10% of MusicLMs songs would infringe on others' copyright. Nevertheless, I'd love to try this tech out. Google created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions, but won't release it

Microbes in Food Alter Cancer Defense

Food is medicine. Here is a brief overview of how the gut microbiome alters the immune system to fight or allow cancer growth: Microbes in your food can help or hinder your body's defenses against cancer – how diet influences the conflict between cell 'cooperators' and 'cheaters'

Rick Rubin on Creativity

It seems everywhere I look, I see the iconic music producer Rick Rubin. He was recently featured on 60 minutes. Here are some thoughts and excerpts from his upcoming book: Creative wisdom from Rick Rubin.

What you Eat and How you Feel

What you eat affects how you feel, mediated by the microbiome. Recent publications attempt to unravel the mechanism: The link between our food, gut microbiome, and depression (gift article) (Thanks, Jenny!)

How to Stop Ruminating

Are you stuck in a mind loop of worries that never seem to end? Here is some valuable advice from the New York Times: How to Stop Ruminating

"Chatting" with the Dead

The fast-moving development of chatbots like ChatGTP has accelerated the ambitious goal of having conversations with the dead: Founder: You'll Soon Be Able to Talk to Your Dead Mom In the Metaverse Thanks to ChatGPT ^

The Microbiome Could Be Contagious

A recent Nature study documented that individuals who spend time together share similar microbial species. The Human Microbiome Might Be Contagious, Scientists Say. The news clip made me think of this NEJM study that showed obesity was more common in groups of people that spend time together (like close friends and family): The Spread of Obesity in a Large Social Network over 32 Years,

Ultra-Processed Food and Cognition

This article is an excellent overview of the effects of dietary choices on brain health: Ultra-processed foods – like cookies, chips, frozen meals, and fast food – may contribute to cognitive decline

Ultra-processed Food and Cancer

A recent study demonstrated that the higher one's intake of ultra-processed foods, the higher the cancer incidence. "For every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed food in a person's diet, there was an increased incidence of 2 percent for cancer overall, and a 19 percent increase for ovarian cancer specifically...." Ultra-processed foods may increase ovarian cancer risk, U.K. study warns. (gift article)

Are Some Foods Addictive?

Not only are ultra-processed foods bad for us, but it is also possible they are addictive: Are Some Foods Addictive? (gift article)

Immunometabolism

Lots of interesting articles on the role of food on health. This article in The Atlantic discusses recent findings of food's impact on immunity and infection: Someday, You Might Be Able to Eat Your Way Out of a Cold.

Remodeling the Brain

Psychedelics remodel the brain. That can be either good or bad: Psychedelics open your brain. You might not like what falls in.

Latest on Long Covid

Opinion | Three important studies shed light on long covid (gift article) opines on recent publications focused on Long Covid.

024 - Musical Instruments and Cognition, Law of Jante, McGurk Effect, Awe - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

The McGurk Effect

Our senses mediate everything we experience in the world. But sometimes, our senses fool us. One such example is the McGurk Effect: The "McGurk effect" is a mind-blowing auditory illusion—and you can listen to it here.

Cognitive Ability and Instrument Playing

There is a well-known link between playing an instrument and cognitive ability, but the benefit duration was unclear. A recent study suggests the mental benefit of playing a musical instrument remains for decades: Playing an instrument is linked to better cognition.

Awe and Well-being

"Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world." Awe is also a key component of well-being. How a Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health (gift article), has a toolkit to experience more. I'm adding the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life to my reading list.

Microbiome Vaults

Diverse gut microbiota is a key element in health. Unfortunately, gut diversity is negatively influenced by our habits in modern society (processed foods, industrial chemicals, etc.). The article A Mass Extinction Is Taking Place in the Human Gut discusses efforts to preserve a historical record of human microbial diversity through the creation of a biological repository - or colloquially, a shit bank.

Olfaction and Navigation

A 2018 paper showed that those with a superior sense of smell were also better at navigating directions: Got a strong sense of smell? Then you probably also have this special skill. Why? It's thought to be because of the topographical overlap of the sense of smell and spatial memory of the brain.

The Mediterranean Diet

For the fifth straight year, the Mediterranean Diet was voted the most healthy eating pattern. The New York Times discusses many of the commonly asked questions: The Mediterranean Diet Really Is That Good for You. Here’s Why. (gift article)

Loneliness

Going from surviving to thriving is crucial for healing after a disaster. Disasters usually bring out pro-social behaviors. In 2023, instead of coming together, emerging evidence suggests that we are in the midst of a long-term crisis of chronic loneliness, in which relationships were severed and never re-established. How We Learned to Be Lonely mentions several ways to buck the trend.

Dishwashing Agents and the Microbiome

Here is a worrisome study looking at the effect of dishwashing agents on the microbiome. It is a well-known dish soap that breaks down the gut's mucus layer. Researchers find potential risks to the gut from rinse agents in dishwashers implicates alcohol ethoxylates, ingredients prevalent in commercial rinsing agents, in breaking down the epithelial layer of the gut. (thanks, Dave)

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Early January is a time to reflect on the direction of our lives and make plans for the upcoming year. 5 ways to set yourself up for success offers some good advice for the upcoming year.

Law of Jante

Denmark routinely ends up at the top of the world's happiest people, while the U.S. ranks far down the list. Some argue that societal belief in Jante Law, ten rules around accepting the average (rather than needing to be the best), are at least partially responsible for the nation's happiness. "Law of Jante": The grim Danish philosophy that makes people happy .

Diabetes and the Microbiome

A recent study revealed a distinct correlation between insulin sensitivity and certain butyrate-producing gut microbes. New findings link gut bacteria with diabetes risk, but questions remain discusses the findings.

019 - Farmaceuticals, Psychobiotics, and Darwinian Medicine - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Psychobiotic Diet

The article, This diet helps your mental health by boosting your gut health, discusses food to improve mental health. Psychobiotics and nutritional psychiatry are fields in their infancy, but you're going to hear more and more about the role of food on stress, anxiety, and depression.

YAMS and Sweet Potatoes

Yams and sweet potatoes are NOT the same things. But in the U.S., the names are used interchangeably. Here's the story: What's the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

What Are Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are in many of today's processed foods. What are they? Sugar Alcohols Are in Many Sugar-Free Foods. What Are They? (gift article)

Darwinian Medicine, Evolutionary Psychiatry

What if illness is not a disease but an adaptation to evolutionary pressures? The provocative article Evidence grows that mental illness is more than dysfunction discusses a controversial way of reframing our thoughts about mental illness.

Humor: An Essential Life Skill

Why a good sense of humor is an essential life skill has a lot to say about the importance of humor in your personal and professional lives.

The Formula for Happiness

"What we think it is about is an attachment to another person. And a sense that another person is there for you, particularly when you need them. We think of relationships as safety nets, as stress regulators." There are many important insights in this podcast/transcript from Arthur Brook's How to Build a Happy Life. A New Formula for Happiness

Pursuing Happiness in All the Wrong Places

More Arthur Brooks. Before he taught at Harvard and wrote publicly about happiness, he led a well-known conservative think tank. The article, America Is Pursuing Happiness in All the Wrong Places, adapted from his November remarks at the Irving Kristol Award & Annual Dinner, is packed with wisdom. Although I am not a conservative, and despite some of the political overtones of the article, his words spoke deeply to me.

Farmaceuticals

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem across the world. Here is an article about a new antibiotic isolated from potatoes, incredibly potent against certain types of fungus: New antibiotic found in potato bacteria

Lucid Dreaming

Scientists are studying the phenomenon of lucid dreaming. Lucid Dreaming Is a Mystery We're Starting to Crack is focused on the quality of sleep during lucid dreaming.

Gut Microbiome and Prosocial Behavior

Scientists are studying the role of gut bacteria and the gut-brain axis in prosocial behavior. In a preclinical study with implications for neurodevelopment issues, Researchers found Zebra Fish lacking a gut microbiome are less social and have different brain structures than peers who had normal gut flora. Specifically, the lack of bacteria influenced the microglia of Zebra Fish brains and led to structural changes. It will be interesting to see if a similar phenomenon exists in mammals, especially humans.

Wasted Healthcare Spending

It's conceivable that half of the healthcare dollars are wasted. A small portion of the total, a mind-numbing $160 billion, is attributed to absenteeism-not showing up for appointments. According to the article, A big source of wasted healthcare spending is your fault, one in four appointments is missed. I will track down the NEJM article mentioned, although I'm sure it will raise my blood pressure.

Mindfulness vs. Anti-Anxiety Medications

A recent paper compared Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to the medication escitalopram's (Lexipro's) ability to reduce stress. Mindfulness meditation may be just as effective as anxiety medication reports the study, published in JAMA Psychiatry. Although 45 minutes of daily mindfulness practice may not be practical for everyone (I usually only do 15-20 minutes), the paper indicates that cultivating mindfulness should be more widely taught (and prescribed).

+See also my lecture on mindfulness/meditation: Mindfulness-The Basics

More Bugs in Space

Knowledge of what happens to microbial life inside and outside the body while in space is important to understand as we contemplate missions to Mars and beyond. Scientists are struggling to figure out how space transforms our gut microbiome is an overview of the emerging science.

Bed Habits

Is Falling Asleep to TV So Bad? An Investigation is an entertaining article written about an insomniac's immersion into the science of sleep.

How to Recognize and Treat Your Pet's Anxiety

Pet anxiety is quite common. Here is an article to help you decode your pet's behavior and some ideas for treating their anxiety: Puppies on Prozac: How to Handle Your Pet's Anxiety.

Do Something Boring, Yet Engaging to Boost Your Creativity

How to unblock your creativity: Scientists say this bad habit can help is an interesting article on how to boost your creativity and get over mental blocks.

Cannabinoids and Opioids for Pain Relief

Cannabis for pain: A scientist reveals how weed activates our body's opioid system is an overview of work to decode these two substances that might safely work together to alleviate pain.

017 - Ganzflicker, Misinformation, Canine Cognition, and Happiness

What Your Dog Wants

+Dogs understand our behavior better than we do theirs. The article What Your Dog's Behavior Means (gift article) gives insight into what your canine companion might be thinking.

+An article that resonated for me (and Theodore and many of his pals): The Pet-Name Trend People Can't Resist.

Ganzflicker and Hallucinations

For millennia, humans have sought alternate states of consciousness. Most of us are aware of the effect of psychedelic drugs on consciousness. Here is an article about using light to achieve altered states: What is ganzflicker? The strange history of hallucinating without drugs. Although ganzflicker sounds risky for those prone to light-induced seizures, (and perhaps seizures are the reason for the hallucinations), I'm increasingly fascinated by the effect of repetitive light and sound on human physiology: Alzheimer's Disease and Gamma Waves.

How to Help Someone you Love With Their Depression

An estimated 21 million adults in the United States have suffered at least one bout of depression. How to Help Someone With Depression (gift article) has some tips on how to recognize the illness with others and some things to do to help.

Tips to Improve your Sleep

The NY Times published the article, How to Get Better Rest, According to a Sleep Expert (gift article) with helpful tips to combat sleep disruption and insomnia. If you're interested in the topic, read Matthew Walker's book, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

Prebiotic Primer

I often find myself explaining the difference between prebiotics and probiotics. Now I may refer folks to the N.Y. Times article: What Are Prebiotics And How Do They Work? (gift article)

Resilience First, Then Happiness

+For whatever reason, my inbox has recently overflowed with stories about happiness. Parents: Don't focus on happiness, help build resilience instead argues that to cultivate happiness in our children (and ourselves), we should focus on resilience. After all, cultivating happiness depends on one's ability to regulate distress.

+The happiness paradox, explained in 7 minutes is from a different source with an identical message.

Fermented and Fibrous Foods May Lessen Stress

+John Cryan is a prolific scientist who has published a great deal on food, the microbiome, and how they likely influence cognitive and mental health (for an overview, see his Tedx talk and his list of publications: ). This week, he published a brief overview of his most recent paper on how eating particular foods may lower perceived stress levels: Fermented foods and fiber may lower stress levels.

+Here's a story on foods to improve gut health: Best Foods For Gut Health

Cultivating Levity

Humor and levity are essential for well-being. Why Humor and Levity Are Important, According to Experts (gift article) has tips to cultivate more.

The Evolution of Laughter

+Why do we laugh? And why is laughter contagious? Why Is That Funny, describes the phenomenon and evolution of laughter. ^a2a14a

Understanding the Science Behind Complementary Health Approaches

If you are using (or thinking about using) a complementary approach to your health, read these fact sheets from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science of Complementary Health Approaches.

Triskaidekaphobia

Everything you might want to know about the number 13: Why is 13 considered unlucky? The power behind this notorious number.

What Makes a Song Great, Beato, and Dylan

+Music plays an integral part in my well-being. Bob Dylan wrote a book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. Here is a summary article in The Atlantic: Bob Dylan Reveals Himself Through 66 Songs.

+Although quite a different animal, the premise of Dylan's book reminded me of Rick Beato's YouTube Channel. My favorite feature of Beato's channel is "What Makes This Song Great," where he dissects classic rock songs. If you'd like to see a list of the songs he's covered, see: Rick Beato - What Makes This Song Great Playlist

How to Make Life More Transcendent

People traditionally turned to religious and spiritual behaviors to gain a sense of meaning in a confusing world. Religious belief correlates with searching for and finding purpose in life. Although, as a whole, our society is less religious than previous generations, it is still possible to infuse transcendence into your life: What Transcendent Experiences Do to Your Brain.

SuperForecasting

I enjoyed reading the book Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction, as mentioned in my newsletter 016 - Vampire Hormones, Zombie Fungi, Micromorts, and Bugs in Space. IARPA, the U.S. government's Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity heavily influenced the subject matter. IARPA is to the intelligence community what DARPA is to the Department of Defense. The book offered a fascinating integration of math, history, economics, psychology, positive psychology, and a whole host of other domains. I'm always a sucker for a Dark Horseand Philip E. Tetlock is one.

Why do We Believe Misinformation

WaPo had a good article on the psychology of misinformation entitled Why do we believe misinformation? I learned the concepts of the "illusionary truth effect" and the "continued influence effect." The article is well worth a read especially since political misinformation is so abundant these days.

Quote of the Week

"It is only possible to live happily ever after on a daily basis." —Margaret Bonanno

Thank you for voting!

015 - Deja Vu, Pilates, and Recycling Theater - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Fight for the Soul of Pilates

An interesting story in the NY Times about the fight over Joseph Pilate's legacy (gift article) The Fight for the Soul of Pilates.

Technology and Shallow Relationships

It's well-known that frequent social media use contributes to feelings of loneliness and depression. Despite this, technology use accelerated during the pandemic. Arthur Brooks talks about how to combat over-reliance on technology in our relationships: Technology Can Make Your Relationships Shallower.

Predicting Long-Covid

A manuscript published this week, Early immune markers of clinical, virological, and immunological outcomes in patients with COVID-19: a multi-omics study, describes the use of multi-omics and machine learning to predict individuals who will develop long-covid.

Banana Genealogy

Everything you wanted to know about the origins of the modern banana: The Search Is on for Mysterious Banana Ancestors.

The Paradox of Atypical Anorexia

Eating disorders can affect anyone of any body, shape, or type. I learned quite a bit from 'You Don't Look Anorexic.' (gift article)

Lessons from a "Difficult Patient"

I enjoyed an essay in the NY Times about how medicine, in many ways, has lost its humanity. The article, Lessons From a 'Difficult Patient' (gift article), follows one physician's internal journey as she cares for a challenging patient throughout her training.

Understanding Deja Vu

I learned a few new things about the neuropsychological underpinnings of deja vu in the article: What is déjà vu? A psychologist explains this common but creepy phenomenon.

More Terramation

It seems like stories about human composting are everywhere. This article was in Slate: Composting offers a greener way to dispose of human remains.

Brain Cells on a Chip Learn to Play Pong

I found this article on brain-machine interfaces: Brain cells on a chip learn to play Pong within 5 minutes. Although the title is a bit sensational, I still find the concept disturbing.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Health

In a new study, Omega-3's Linked to Improved Brain Structure and Cognition at Midlife, , the authors opined increasing omega-3 fatty intake might help preserve brain health and cognition in middle age. We still don't understand the mechanism of how omega-3 fatty acids work in the brain. My guess is the mechanism involves our endogenous endocannabinoid system, as I mentioned in 006 - Loneliness, Mucus, and Cannabinoids - HealthHippie Week In Review.

Return on Investment for Employee Wellness Programs

Michael Greger released the first video in a series focused on the business case for offering wellness programs in corporate environments: The Return on Investment (ROI) for Employee Health and Wellness Programs. His take after reviewing the literature: $3 returned for every $1 spent.

Rethinking Healthy Eating in Terms of the Microbiome

I loved the manuscript, Rethinking healthy eating in light of the gut microbiome. The manuscript synthesizes a wide range of information from around the world and makes recommendations on what constitutes healthy eating by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. I will be referring to this paper for a time to come.

The Rocky Road of Aspartame

I've had a long-standing interest in non-nutritive sweeteners. Aspartame, only one of many artificial sweeteners, is a multi-billion dollar product. Aspartame: Decades of Science Point to Serious Health Risks is a compilation of the primarily negative data on the multi-billion dollar substance. For a less critical view, see: The_History_of_Aspartame

Think You Are Responsible with your Recycling? Think again.

The article Big Plastic Wants You to Think You Can Recycle Your Yogurt Container, was eye-opening for me. Only a tiny fraction of plastics are recycled, and there is incredible resistance to doing so, given the cost. The take-home point of the article for me: buy fewer products made of ANY plastic.

Our Pets, Our Microbiome

I enjoyed reading Does owning a pet boost your gut health? on how humans and our animal companions swap bacteria -likely beneficial to our overall health and well-being. The one downside of the article is not being able to unsee the phrase "fecal patina."

Behold Envy, The Happiness Killer

Arthur Brooks tackles the topic of envy in the article How to Stop Being So Envious. The article touches on social comparison, social media, and the importance of authenticity. In addition, he offers a few practical suggestions to minimize the role of envy in your life.

Making Better Use of Antidepressants

I learned a lot from the article, How to make better use of antidepressants (pay-wall). I did not realize that 10-15% of the population is on antidepressants, many for a very long time. With the serotonin theory of depression recently called into doubt coupled with a re-examination of this class of drug's efficacy (only about 15% response rate, mainly in severely depressed), it is likely time to reexamine our overuse of these medications, especially in the elderly.

New Evidence Linking the Microbiome to Rheumatoid Arthritis

The 2017 paper, Evidence of the Immune Relevance of Prevotella copri, a Gut Microbe, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, hypothesized that a protein produced by a common gut bacteria, Prevotella copri, could trigger the immune system and lead to arthritic inflammation. A new study summarized in New evidence linking gut bacteria with rheumatoid arthritis development provides further evidence supporting the 2017 hypothesis.

Quote of the Week

"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Friedrich Nietzsche (thanks, Lauren!)

014 - Terramation, Farmacies, and Edible Cities - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Are You Still the Same You?

I enjoyed the essay in The New Yorker, Are You the Same Person You Used to Be? about how our personalities and our views of ourselves often change over a lifetime. _"We change, and change our view of that change, for as long as we live."

A New Role for the Cerebellum

In medical school, we were taught the cerebellum was primarily involved in the coordination of body movement. As with the majority of the brain, reality is much more complicated: A New Function of the Cerebellum

Food as Medicine - Welcome to the Farmacy

The concept of food as medicine is gaining acceptance. How to Prescribe Food as Medicine is a quick overview on the topic. I especially appreciated the links to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine white papers .

Human Composting / Terramation

There is now an alternative to cremation or burial after death; Terramation or "natural organic reduction," turns your body into soil. In fact, human composting is now legal in five states.

Electrical Memory Prosthesis

Here is an interesting article about a DARPA-funded initiative, centered at Wake Forest and University of Southern California, to help with memory formation. Brain-zapping tech improves memory by more than 50%

The Rise of Edible Cities

Edible cities are growing in the U.S. and Europe I love the idea of an "edible city," a place where space is rehabilitated with fruit and vegetable plants with food free for the taking. Check out the Edible Cities Network to see if there is an edible city near you.

How to Strengthen your Bond with your Canine Companion

Researchers are studying the human-canine bond in part to build better robotic dogs. The article, Want a better relationship with your dog? These 7 factors are key, describes ways to bond with your biological canine companion today.

Recognizing Smell from Molecular Structure

Here is an interesting article about attempts to use machine learning to determine how a substance smells solely from its molecular structure: AI Model Links Smell Molecules With Metabolic Processes

Gaslighting in Scientific American

Scientific American is one of my favorite magazines. I was surprised to see an article on gaslighting, but How Gaslighting Manipulates Reality taught me a thing or two.

Chasing Success and Happiness

Many people chase achievement because they believe it will lead to happiness/well-being. Arthur Brooks writes most people have the equation backwards.....Why Happiness Is the Key to Success

+Arthur Brooks was also featured on The Peter Attia Drive Podcast talking about the science of happiness talking about his book, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

The Real Paleo Diet

Although today's Paleo Diet is all the rage, it is historically innacurate. If you're interested in what our ancestors truly ate, the article, The “paleo” diet bears little resemblance to the real thing, offers insight from a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health.

Changing Baseball through Diet

Baseball's athletes are far behind many other professional sports when it comes to the use of nutrition to enhance performance. The NY Times article, How Team Dietitians Are Changing How Baseball Players Eat, explains.

How to Tell Good Research from Bad

The article, Psychedelic drugs: how to tell good research from bad, offers great advice on how to spot good and bad research, and not just the psychedelic kind.

Inventing Food

Meet the Man Who Invented Cool Whip, Tang and Pop Rocks talks about a General Mills chemist who invented some of the iconic (unhealthy) foods of my youth.

Left-Handedness

I hadn't really thought much about handedness. About 10% of the population is left handed. I knew that lefties are considered more creative and are statistically more likely to be president of the U.S. I did not know lefties are more likely to be elite athletes or to suffer from mental illness: Why left-handed people are likelier to be mentally ill.

The Microbiome and Brain Macrophages

In newsletter 003 - Mad Honey, Frisson, and Psychedelic Capitalism, I mentioned one of the foundational papers in Alzheimers research had been called into question. One of the alternative explanations for the cause of Alzheimers is dysregulation of the immune system of the brain. Here is a synopsis of a pre-clinical study that supports the alternative conclusion: Age-related changes in microbiome composition affects brain macrophages. And here is a link to the paper: Age-dependent effects of gut microbiota metabolites on brain resident macrophages

Lateral Thinking

I'm fascinated by metacognition, so the article, The most undervalued problem-solving tool? Lateral thinking, was catnip for me. The article starts with a puzzle that caught my attention and went on to describe the phenomenon of lateral thinking-a process highly correlated with creativity.

Quote

“Our bodies are our gardens – our wills are our gardeners.”
– William Shakespeare