099 - Forest Bathing, Ripple Effects, and Brain Gains - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

A Wellness Bot in Hot Water?

Big banks and VCs are wary of an AI bubble, but Arianna Huffington dives in. Teaming up with OpenAI’s Sam Altman, she announced a hyper-personalized AI health coach via Thrive Global. This bot, trained on peer-reviewed science and personal data, aims to improve daily habits and reduce health inequities. However, skepticism arises from Huffington’s history with health pseudoscience, charlatans, and Altman’s controversial ventures. While AI has potential in healthcare, critics question the efficacy and equity of this initiative, warning it could perpetuate existing biases and inequalities. Why Arianna Huffington and Sam Altman Are Such a Catastrophic Pair to Make a Health App-Slate.

Mental Wealth Management

Navigating mental health treatment can be daunting due to a variety of options and a shortage of providers. A clinical psychologist, Bryan Cochran, emphasizes recognizing distress and impairment as the first step. Diagnosis and referrals are crucial for treatment, often starting with primary care. Insurance can complicate access, but many communities offer sliding-scale services. Therapy types and effectiveness vary by condition; combining medication with therapy can enhance outcomes. A strong therapist-client relationship significantly impacts success, making it essential to find the right fit. Despite challenges, pursuing mental health care is a valuable endeavor. Navigating mental health treatment options can be overwhelming – a clinical psychologist explains why it’s worth the effort.

+And how professional athletes are changing popular beliefs about mental health: By revealing their mental health struggles, pro athletes are scoring with fans.

Fiber Face-Off: Food vs. Supplements

In Is a Fiber Supplement Just as Good as Fiber From Food? - The New York Times (gift article), experts weigh in on whether fiber supplements can match the health benefits of fiber-rich foods. While supplements can aid digestion and alleviate issues like constipation and bloating, they lack the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds in whole foods. Dr. Denise Millstine emphasizes that fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains offer comprehensive health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower disease risk.

Tree-ting Stress Naturally

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a therapeutic practice from Japan that immerses individuals in nature to promote health. Pioneered by Dr. Qing Li, this method reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances mood and immune function without side effects. Studies reveal significant health benefits, including reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and elevated anticancer proteins. Accessible even in urban parks, forest bathing involves simple activities like walking, tai chi, or mindful observation of nature. Embracing this practice not only improves human health but also fosters environmental conservation. Opinion | Forest bathing as a side effect-free antidote for stress - The Washington Post (gift article).

+and a story on NPR about preschools in the forests of Colorado: Colorado is the 2nd state to approve licenses for outdoor preschools | KUNC.

Weight Loss Showdown

A new study in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, significantly outperforms Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss. Researchers analyzed the health records of 41,000 patients over 12 months, finding that tripeptide users lost up to 15.3% of their body weight compared to 8.3% with semaglutide. The results have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the top of the pharmaceutical market, though Novo Nordisk highlights the study’s limitations and the comprehensive benefits of its drugs. Mounjaro is better for weight loss than Ozempic: study.

Intermittent Fasting Myths Busted

Intermittent fasting, practiced by one in 10 Americans, must be understood despite its popularity. A new study debunks four myths: it doesn’t harm sex hormones, leads to greater muscle loss than other diets, worsens diet quality, or promotes eating disorders. Instead, it can safely aid weight management and metabolic health by reducing overall calorie intake without altering food choices. The simplicity of fasting schedules makes it a sustainable option for many, offering benefits like reduced body fat and improved cellular function. Debunking four popular myths about intermittent fasting.j

Brain Gains: Age is Just a Number

In Can we change how our brains age? Scientists think it’s possible, scientists explore how lifestyle and technology can decelerate brain aging. Communities like Loma Linda’s Blue Zone show that diet, social interaction, and mental stimulation extend lifespans. AI and MRI technology advances allow for early detection and treatment of brain aging signs. Researchers like Dr. Andrei Irimia and companies like Brainkey are pioneering methods to predict and manage brain health. Sleep, depression treatment, and innovative biotech approaches are crucial in maintaining cognitive vitality, offering hope for a healthier, longer life.

Ripple Effects: How the Brain Chooses Memories

Neuroscientist György Buzsáki explores how the brain decides what to remember by studying sharp wave ripples—high-frequency brain waves fired during rest. His research shows these ripples are crucial in tagging and consolidating meaningful experiences into long-term memories. When animals rest, these ripples replay specific neuronal activity sequences from recent experiences, signaling which memories to retain. This phenomenon underscores the importance of sleep and rest in memory formation, as awake and asleep brains use these sharp wave ripples to filter and solidify memories. How the Brain Decides What to Remember-Wired.

Cracking the Autism Code

A new study in Nature Microbiology reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have unique gut microbiomes. By analyzing over 1,600 stool samples, researchers identified distinct biological markers in autistic children, which could lead to more objective diagnostic tools. Current diagnostic methods rely heavily on subjective observations, which can be error-prone. This groundbreaking research opens the door for earlier, more accurate diagnoses and interventions, though more validation is needed, especially across diverse populations. The findings represent a significant step towards understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD through the gut microbiome. Children With Autism Carry Unique Gut Flora, Study Finds - The New York Times (gift article).

075 - Nature Prescriptions, Nutritional Psychiatry, and Aging Happily - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Netflix Twin Experiment

I'm enjoying the Netflix mini-documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment | Netflix Official Site. I'm halfway through, so I don't know what they will find in twins exposed to different diets, but I think I can guess.

Keeping Medical Diagnosis Private

There was a kerfuffle over Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III's disclosure (or lack thereof) of his prostate cancer diagnosis. It turns out non-disclosure is a coping mechanism. "I always validate a person's desire for privacy, whatever their reasons," Dr. Fann said. "But I also explain that keeping their diagnosis fully secret, or not being able to talk about it, may make it harder for them to ask for help when it's needed — very concretely, getting a ride to treatment or getting a sympathetic ear when you're stressed." Lloyd Austin's Hidden Diagnosis: Why Some People Keep Serious Illnesses Private - The New York Times (gift article).

Plastic Peril

A groundbreaking study reveals that bottled water contains a staggering 240,000 minuscule plastic particles per liter, far more than previously estimated. These tiny plastic fragments, as small as a virus, pose serious health and environmental concerns. Researchers at Columbia and Rutgers universities employed innovative techniques to identify and count nanoplastics, highlighting their prevalence in bottled water. Surprisingly, most particles were not from the bottle material but from contaminants in the filling and purification. The implications for human health are concerning, as nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and potentially cause damage. This study calls for further research and heightened awareness of plastic pollution. Bottled Water Contains 240,000 Plastic Particles per Liter, Study Finds – Mother Jones (thanks, Diana).

Feeding Your Calm

In the article 7 foods that can help you reduce anxiety (gift article), the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry explores the powerful connection between what we eat and our mental health. Nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo reveals that an anti-anxiety diet can significantly improve mental well-being, emphasizing the gut-brain connection. Research indicates that specific foods can boost mood, enhance cognition, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. To calm the mind, Naidoo recommends a diet rich in whole foods and shares seven anxiety-busting foods, including extra dark chocolate, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, avocados, green tea, omega-3 sources, and fiber-packed legumes. These foods offer a holistic approach to mental health through nutrition.

+And an article on social anxiety and the microbiome: Scientists Identified A Strange Connection Between Our Gut Microbes and Anxiety.

Data Diagnosis: Your Medical Records are Code Blue

In an alarming revelation, it has come to light that millions of individuals have had their medical data exposed due to security breaches at healthcare providers and transcription services. This eye-opening article explores the recent incidents where unauthorized parties gained access to sensitive medical records, including diagnoses, operative reports, and personal information. Despite promises of improved security measures, the healthcare industry grapples with data breaches, leaving patients vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. With medical information becoming a prized target for malicious actors, the need for stricter laws and better security practices is more apparent than ever. Your Medical Data Is Code Blue | WIRED.

Nature's Rx: How Much Green is Good for You?

Most people intuitively know that spending time in nature benefits their well-being, and scientific research supports this notion. Nature enthusiasts experience lower rates of depression, healthier blood pressure, improved eyesight, better pain control, enhanced immune function, and even lower mortality rates. "The healthiest forests are the ones that have the most different types of trees," he says. He likens the health benefits to food: there's evidence that eating diverse foods leads to a healthier gut microbiome. "I think the same thing is true with nature." To harness these health benefits, researchers in the U.S. have developed tracking and assessment technology. The NatureScore app rates the richness of nature in different geographical areas, while NatureDose monitors a person's time spent outdoors and encourages a weekly nature goal. The aim is to help doctors prescribe "nature prescriptions" alongside traditional medications, emphasizing the importance of green spaces for human health. How Much Nature Is Enough? - Nautilus.

Protein Recommendations Through Life's Stages

Protein is a crucial component of our diets, with varying needs at different stages of life. This article explains how protein requirements change as you age. Growing bodies require more protein during childhood and adolescence, while young and middle-aged adults have maintenance-level protein needs. Protein recommendations may increase in older adulthood to support muscle health and recovery. The article also highlights the importance of meeting these protein needs and suggests protein-rich foods for different age groups, emphasizing the significance of protein intake in maintaining overall health throughout life. How Much Protein You Need As You Age - The New York Times (gift article).

The Secrets to Growing Old Happily

"And therein lies the last lesson to help you prepare for your golden years: Start appreciating seniors more for their natural gifts. The practice of seeing yourself as valuing older adults will reprogram the way you think and feel about your aging. That will allay your fears and free you up to get on with the important business of becoming happier.". The author delves into the concept of aging and happiness in the article How to Be Happy Growing Older, . While society often emphasizes youth and fears the passage of time, research shows that growing old can improve happiness. As people age, they experience more positive and less negative emotions. Personality traits like agreeableness, conscientiousness, and kindness improve with age, leading to higher self-esteem. The article encourages individuals to consciously practice these positive traits throughout their lives, making aging a time of personal growth and happiness. Additionally, it suggests appreciating seniors' wisdom and perspective, thus ultimately changing how society views aging.

048 - Mindfulishness, Alzheimer's and the Microbiome, VR Forest Bathing - HealthHippieMD Week In Revie

Alzheimer's and the Microbiome

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that alterations in the human gut microbiome can precede the cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by experts in the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's research, found distinct differences in the gut bacteria of individuals in the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's, even before any visible symptoms emerge. The findings raise the possibility of using stool sample analysis to detect early risk for Alzheimer's, enabling earlier interventions to slow or halt its progression. Further research aims to determine if targeted dietary changes or probiotic treatments can effectively modify the gut microbiome and delay Alzheimer's development. Changes in Human Microbiome Precede Alzheimer's Cognitive Declines

Mindfulishness: Are Meditation Apps a Distraction Trap?

In the thought-provoking article, Your Phone Is the Wrong Place to Go for Mindfulness, the author explores the paradoxical nature of meditation apps and their relationship with smartphones. While mindfulness apps offer convenient access to meditation practices and promise to bring peace of mind, they also contribute to the ever-present distraction of smartphones. The article questions the effectiveness of using these apps on a device that is notorious for causing unfocus and stress. It highlights the need for mindful choices in our phone usage and suggests that true mindfulness may lie in disconnecting from the screen altogether.

When is Anxiety a Problem?

Anxiety disorders affect approximately 1 in 5 American adults. Understanding when anxiety becomes problematic is crucial. While anxiety can serve as a protective alarm system, persistent worry and interference with daily life may signal the need for evaluation and treatment. Dr. Petros Levounis, President of the American Psychiatric Association, sheds light on recognizing anxiety's red flags and the available treatments. Notably, the article also addresses the omission of older adults from the screening recommendations and emphasizes the importance of discussing emotional concerns with healthcare providers. When Is Anxiety a Health Problem? What to Know About New Screening Guidelines - The New York Times (gift article)

Unraveling Statins

Researchers have uncovered the long-standing puzzle surrounding the muscle-related side effects of statins, America's most popular drug for managing cholesterol. While investigating the genetic causes of limb-girdle muscle dystrophy, two independent groups of scientists unexpectedly identified mutations in the gene encoding the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme—the same enzyme statins inhibit to reduce cholesterol production. The discovery sheds light on the connection between a rare genetic disease and statins' common muscle-related side effects, offering potential insights for targeted treatments and improving the lives of severely affected patients. The Gene That Explains Statins' Most Puzzling Side Effect - The Atlantic

Forest Bathing in VR

Scientists are studying whether computer-generated forests have the same effect on health and well-being that natural forests do. "Forest bathing" might work in virtual reality too | MIT Technology Review

Dark Side of the Rainbow

In Pink Floyd, 'The Wizard of Oz' and Me, (gift article) a journalist shares his connection to the phenomenon that occurs when Pink Floyd's album "The Dark Side of the Moon" is played in sync with the movie "The Wizard of Oz." The article delves into the strange and surreal coincidences that arise from this synchronization and explores the journalist's role in popularizing the concept through his early internet presence. The story reflects on the cultural impact of this unique pairing and the enduring intrigue it continues to evoke.

Virtual Tours of the NIH

Are you curious about the history and footprint of the National Institutes of Health? You can now take a virtual tour: Virtual Tour | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Canine Clinical Trials

Dog cancer research is helping drug development for humans and canines (gift article) is about driving advancements in the development of cancer drugs for both humans and canines. Comparative oncology, the study of cancers in companion animals, offers insights into human treatments and has gained momentum due to the high failure rate of cancer clinical trials using mouse models. Studying dogs provides advantages such as shared environmental factors, cleaner data, and easier data sharing, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment for both species.

The Brain as a Prediction Engine

"For as long as we've studied human cognition, we've believed that our senses give us direct access to the world. We see what's there—or so the thinking goes. But discoveries in neuroscience and psychology have turned this assumption on its head. What if rather than perceiving reality passively, your mind actively predicts it?" I just bought the book The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality.

Trauma Hijacks the Prediction Algorithms of the Brain

The neuroscience of trauma is an interesting video featuring Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, who contends that trauma alters the prediction algorithms of the brain.

Anti-Prosopagnosiacs: Human Super-Recognizers Outshine AI in Facial Recognition

Current facial recognition technology has error rates ranging from 48 to 62 percent. To address this issue, police forces in London, Berlin, and Queensland have enlisted super-recognizers help—individuals with an innate talent for recognizing unfamiliar faces. Studies show that these human experts excel in challenging scenarios where AI falls short, such as low-resolution images or crowded environments. However, racial bias remains a challenge even for super-recognizers. Researchers aim to identify exceptional talents and uncover the secrets behind their extraordinary face recognition abilities. Police Are Using Human Super-Recognizers to Replace Facial Recognition Algorithms in Some Contexts.

End the Tyranny of Processed Food

"Anyone who's struggling with [food-related disease] as an individual should take their guilt and shame and transfer it outwardly to the corporations that are feeding us these addictive substances, to the governments doing nothing about it, and to the physicians and the social media personalities who keep telling us that this stuff is healthy. We must end the conflict of interest between the industry, politicians, doctors, and scientists. Only then can we tackle the problem." An opinion piece about the role of processed food in today's society. I agree with most, except for the part about physicians conspiring. The actual problem with physicians is a lack of understanding. It's Time to End the Tyranny of Ultra-Processed Food

Aspartame to be Declared Carcinogenic by WHO

The World Health Organization will reportedly categorize Aspartame/Nutrasweet as potentially carcinogenic. Aspartame: Key ingredient in Diet Coke set to be declared 'possible cancer risk' by WHO I also learned of a study last year (in mice) where aspartame increased anxiety and fear processing across generations.Transgenerational transmission of aspartame-induced anxiety and changes in glutamate-GABA signaling and gene expression in the amygdala

018 - Living Medicines, Dangerous Cookware, and Toad Licking - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

No Matter Your Age, Improving Your Diet can Extend Your Life - NEJM

At any age, a healthy diet can extend your life is a recap of the 2018 NEJM Paper, Association of Changes in Diet Quality with Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. The take-home message is "No matter how old you are or how much junk food you consume, it's never too late to start undoing the damage caused by a poor diet."

Gut Check

Radiolab replayed an episode on the importance of your gut: Radiolab: Guts. The episode features stories on a UC Davis fistulated cow, the microbiome, the gut-brain axis, and autoimmune disease. As my daughter exclaimed when she sent me the episode, "This is the most dad-like episode I've ever listened to." She knows me well.

Psychedelics and End-of-Life Care

Colorado approved the legalization of medicinal psilocybin on Tuesday. A physician and nurse wrote an opinion piece on How Psychedelics Can Transform End-of-Life Care.

Wood-Wide Web

Do the trees in the forest "talk" to one another? The debate continues. The Wood Wide Web: Scientists Debate Whether Trees Really Talk (paywall-I'm waiting for my gift articles to replenish)

The Race to Develop "Living Medicines."

This Gulp of Engineered Bacteria Is Meant to Treat Disease features a company engineering E. coli, a gut bacteria, as therapeutic agents. Microbiome therapeutics is a hot area of development these days, with a market expected to grow to $1.5 billion by 2027. Here is a list of some of the top microbiome startups by the amount of funding raised: Top 10 Microbiome startups. (disclosure - I own shares of Seres Therapeutics and Finch Therapeutics)

Dangerous Cookware

The EPA has labeled "forever chemicals," such as PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, commonly found in traditional nonstick pans, hazardous substances. That means your nonstick pans are now considered dangerous. Teflon Nonstick Pans Are Bad. Consider These Alternatives discusses the various options to replace your cookware. Time to get my Le Creuset out of storage!

National Park Service Asks Visitors to Stop Licking Toads

Stop licking psychedelic Sonoran Desert toads, National Park Service says is an article about attempts to stop visitors from sampling Bufotoxin, a potent hallucinogen, secreted by Sonoran Desert Toads. The article reminded me of one of my favorite NPR radio stories ever: The Dog Who Loved to Suck on Toads. (listen, don't read)

Cell Senescence, Immunology, Stem Cells, and the Gut

Longevity by Design: Dr. Jennifer Elisseeff—Regenerative Medicine and Immunology was a fascinating discussion about aging, tissue repair, immunology, and cell senescence. The part that most excited me was her current studies investigating the role of the microbiome in stem cell activation. I'm going to track down some of Dr. Elisseeff's papers.

COMPASS Synthetic Psilocybin Study - NEJM

In 003 - Mad Honey, Frisson, and Psychedelic Capitalism I mentioned the controversy behind COMPASS and their attempts to corner the psychedelic market via intellectual property. This week, COMPASS published the results of a study in the NEJM: Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. Here is an article summarizing the findings: A single dose of psilocybin may alleviate major depression for 12 weeks, study finds.

Quiet Quitting and Going to the "Neutral Zone."

"More of us want to find ways to align our work with our values. And for some of us, those values have changed." Post-pandemic, many people are considering the nature of their employment and, in many cases, "quiet quitting." Quiet quitting is a work phenomenon in which employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of their contract or job. The author of Have you quietly quit? Your next step: Go to the neutral zone recommends rather than jumping directly into a new job, to take time to reflect before drastically changing the way we work and live. The ZigZag Project is a great resource to help contemplate your professional direction.

How do "Super-Agers" Maintain Their Cognitive Abilities?

Super-agers are elderly individuals for whom aging doesn't seem to impact cognitive abilities. "SuperAgers" with super memory have super neurons summarizes a study attempting to figure out why.

Dietary Fiber and the Efficacy of Immunotherapy

The article, More fiber for the microbiome may boost immunotherapy cancer drugs is an overview of recent studies demonstrating an increased efficacy of immunotherapy drugs based on dietary intake. The microbiome mediates the effect.

Brain Training with Crossword Puzzles

A study published in NEJM Evidence has found that regularly attempting a crossword may help slow decline in some people with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage of faltering memory that can sometimes progress to dementia. Read the summary of the study here: Crossword puzzles may benefit people with mild cognitive impairment .

Quote

"The future influences the present just as much as the past."- Friedrich Nietzsche

016 - Vampire Hormones, Zombie Fungi, Micromorts, and Bugs in Space - HealthHippieMD Week In Review (Halloween Edition)

Dungeons and Dragons for Mental Health?

I was called a nerd for playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRGs) back in the '70s and '80s. It warms my heart that TTRGs have had a resurgence. The article, How Therapists Are Using Tabletop Games to Help People, discusses how TTRGs are being leveraged outside of entertainment to improve mental health.

Predicting The Likelihood of Death - Micromorts

We all know riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. But have you ever wondered precisely how much more dangerous? Enter the concept of micromorts and superforecasting. Worried About Nuclear War? Consider the Micromorts, covers micromorts in the context of the likelihood of nuclear war. The choice of context is not pleasant, but the concept of micromorts is useful. For more on micromorts and other attempts to quantify the likelihood of dying, see my article: The Spreadsheet of Life and Death. For more on Superforecasting, see How spooks are turning to superforecasting in the Cosmic Bazaar (paywall). For one of my favorite Wired articles of all time, see: Why the Future Doesn't Need Us.. I've added the book Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction to my reading list.

Antibiotics as an Adjunct to Improve Mental Health

An article at Medscape, Antibiotic May Enhance TMS, Improve Depression Outcomes, summarized a new publication that demonstrated the addition of the broad spectrum antibiotic, D-cycloserine, to transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain, may improve outcomes in major depressive disorder. The study team credits the ability of D-Cycloserine to bind to the NMDA receptors for effect, but I can't help wondering if the effect is mediated through changes in the microbiome.

Mindfulness for Substance Abuse Disorder?

Mindfulness has many benefits. Most people think of mindfulness as modulating anxiety and depression. This researcher believes mindfulness should also be part of addiction-treatment programs.

Melatonin - The Vampire Hormone

Most people in the U.S. take melatonin incorrectly. Melatonin for Sleep: How the Aid Works (gift article), has lots of helpful information on the hormone. During a trip to Australia (where melatonin is unavailable over the counter), I took a self-imposed crash course on naturally occurring sources of melatonin. Here is a good WebMD article on melatonin-rich foods: 6 Foods High in Melatonin and Why You Need It

More on the Psychedelic Gold-Rush

The NY Times had an interesting article on the attempts to cash in on psychedelics by patenting everything from molecular compounds to treatment rooms. With Promise of Legalization, Psychedelic Companies Joust Over Future Profits (gift article).

The Therapeutic Potential of "Zombie Fungus"

I have often used pictures of Cordyceps in my lectures to reinforce the notion that at least some human behavior may not be under our control but instead might be driven by microbes: The Zombie Fungus Takes Over Ants' Bodies to Control Their Minds. I was not aware this same fungus has been used to treat various maladies and is currently being examined by pharma for its therapeutic potential: How to grow a zombie fungus in a lab. (thanks, Laura!)

Canine Gilgamesh

The Search for a Pill That Can Help Dogs—and Humans—Live Longer in Wired tells the story of the start-up Loyal, aiming to increase the life expectancy of dogs, and ultimately, humans. I had not heard of the company before. The article is short on science and long on the political challenges and the venture capital exploits of the founder, Celine Halioua. Whether Loyal is truly onto something, is a flash-in-the-pan, or is another Theranos, remains to be seen.

How to Interpret Scientific Literature

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health of the NIH released How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article. This is a good resource if you're not familiar with scientific literature.

Microbiomes in Space

Over the last decade, we've learned much about what happens to gut flora in space. This knowledge will be critical for prolonged space flight like a mission to Mars. Studying astronaut Scott Kelly and his identical twin who remained on earth offered many exciting insights. The article, Gut health in space: How zero gravity could wreak the microbiome reports some of the findings.

Can Sense of Smell Predict Depression?

An article on Medscape discussed a recent publication demonstrating hyperawareness of smell may be an indicator of anxiety and/or depression: Can Sensitivity to Common Smells Sniff Out Depression, Anxiety?

Shinrin-yoku: The Soothing Practice of Forest Bathing

More on forest bathing: Shinrin-yoku: The Soothing Practice of Forest Bathing. As I mentioned in 009 - Doritos Dementia, Pain Clocks, and Forest Bathing, I believe a good portion of the benefits of forest bathing are derived from the forest's microbiome. I'd love to prove/disprove my hypothesis.

How are Memories Encoded in the Brain?

The news release, During Sleep, One Brain Region Teaches Another, Converting Novel Data Into Enduring Memories, discusses work building neural networks to understand human memory encoding processes, especially during sleep. In this case, Androids MIGHT Dream of Electric Sheep.

Quote

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important manners." - Albert Einstein.

009 - Doritos Dementia, Pain Clocks, and Forest Bathing - HealthHippie Week In Review - September 11, 2022

Random Acts of Kindness

Prosocial behaviors are good for you and the recipient of your generosity. The article, The Unexpected Power of Random Acts of Kindness, talks about the phenomenon. I learned that many underestimate how much the receiving party appreciates a small act of kindness.

Compassion

Empathy, the ability to feel someone else's pain and take on their burdens, is a valued trait in society. There is evidence that empathy comes at a cost. Instead, we should strive for compassion. Are You Empathetic? Try Compassion Instead. discusses the differences between empathy and compassion and offers practical advice on how to cultivate compassion in one's life.

Building a Simple Life

The article, 5 rules to build your version of the simple life, offers some helpful advice on how to decrease complexity day-to-day and live a better life. "By dedicating yourself to less, you do those things better. What activities and pursuits you decide to cut should result from a long, honest self-examination of the things that are important and meaningful to you." I've touched on many of the topics covered in the article: Dark Horse: Purpose, Fulfillment, Success (and Ikigai), Time Poverty: a significant threat to wellness, and ZigZag Project - ZigZag Podcast.

Mucus, Slime, and Snot

The article, Slime keeps appearing in nature and scientists are just starting to figure out why, discusses the ubiquity of this biological product of proteins and sugars found everywhere, from our saliva to snail trails.

+More on snot: The Science Behind Why We All Have Snot

Immortal Jellyfish

The article, This Jellyfish Can Live Forever. Its Gene May Tell Us How, was interesting. The report covers the research into why the jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, is essentially immortal. Although scientists doubt there is generalizability in humans, the study is interesting nonetheless.

Optimizing Forest Bathing

Numerous scientific studies reveal the physiological and psychological benefits of time spent among trees. Japanese doctors go as far as prescribing "forest bathing:" Take a Walk in the Woods. Doctor's Orders There is not yet an understanding of how different kinds of treescape affect us. Scientists Are Unlocking the Secrets of Why Forests Make Us Happy, focuses on some of the issues. The article does not mention the microbiome. The microbiome is involved in mood: Gut Feelings: The Role of the Microbiome in Behavioral Health. I've often wondered if the inhaled and ingested products of the forest (bacteria, fungi, etc.) play some role in the beneficial effects of nature on physiology and psychology. I'm willing to bet they do. Give me a holler if you're interested.....

Measuring Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence positively influences health, relationships, and how well one does personally and professionally. Some research suggests people with emotional intelligence have enhanced resilience to stress. Interestingly, scientists cannot agree on a definition of emotional intelligence. A unified theory of emotional intelligence is important because the theory determines what must be measured. Emotional intelligence might make you more resilient, but there's a catch.

Are we in a Psychedelic Bubble?

The Wired article, Is the Psychedelic Therapy Bubble About to Burst, , offers an alternative view to the current hype surrounding psychedelics. The report is well worth the read.

Synthetic Microbiomes

An article on a Stanford group that successfully developed a stable microbiome when transplanted into bacteria-free mice: Scientists Have Made a Human Microbiome From Scratch. The article summarizes the recent manuscript published in Cell: Design, construction, and in vivo augmentation of a complex gut microbiome. I have yet to read the paper, but the initial thought that grabbed me was questioning how generalizable this tool could be. The assemblage of microorganisms in the gut microbiome has many interdependencies. Thus, if even a single resident ordinarily present in the gut is missing in the model, any conclusions reached could be erroneous. I hope this is used as a research tool, not just a way to cash in on the microbiome gold rush.

Cognitive Biases, Brain Biology, and Stubborn Minds

"People form opinions based on emotions, such as fear, contempt, and anger, rather than relying on facts. New facts often do not change people's minds." Cognitive biases and brain biology help explain why facts don't change minds, is an interesting article that gives some insight into biology and psychology of polarized thinking.

Science-Backed Friend-Making

I've enjoyed a new podcast find, Healthier Together (except for the advertisements). Making friends as an adult is hard. The recent episode, Science-Backed Secrets For Making Friends As An Adult with Dr. Marisa G. Franco, offered many insights and tips. The interview, along with a recent article prompted me to purchase Dr. Franco's book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends I'll let you know what I think.

+More on making friends as an adult (listen to this first): The Secret to Making Friends as an Adult.

The Pain Clock

We have known patients experience increased pain at night, which was assumed to be due to sleep deprivation. But a recent small study, Circadian rhythmicity of pain sensitivity in humans, hints that the periodicity may be due to circadian rhythms. The study's findings are summarized in Why Pain Feels Worse at Night. Although the study was small and performed only in men, it offered plenty of food for thought.

Doritos Dementia

Yet another reason to put aside processed food in favor of whole plant-based foods. The article, More Evidence Ultraprocessed Foods Detrimental for the Brain, summarizes a recent study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The study showed that a higher intake of highly processed foods was associated with a faster executive and global cognitive function decline. _"Participants who reported consumption of more than 20% of daily calories from ultra-processed foods had a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25% faster decrease of the executive function compared to those who reported eating less than 20% of daily calories from ultra-processed foods." _

Quote of the Week

"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg