Life in the Fast Lane (podcast)

Ever wonder why time seems to accelerate as you age? Radiolab: The Secret to a Long Life explores the phenomenon.

Chronic Pain Conundrum (podcast)

Chronic pain casts its shadow over approximately one-third of the global population. Shockingly, for one in ten of these individuals, the pain reaches such devastating levels that it incapacitates them, thus establishing itself as the foremost cause of disability worldwide. The enigma surrounding certain types of chronic pain perplexes medical practitioners who struggle to provide effective treatments or unravel the underlying causal mechanisms. This enigmatic challenge looms large over societies, demanding innovative solutions to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and provide much-needed relief for those enduring this relentless agony. Babbage from The Economist: The mystery of chronic pain (paywall).

Whiskey Business

In the article A bottle of scotch recently sold for $2.7 million – what's behind such outrageous prices? the author explores the unprecedented rise in Scotch whisky prices, exemplified by a recent $2.7 million sale. The article delves into the factors contributing to this trend, such as rarity, age, brand prestige, and collector demand. It discusses the allure of owning a piece of liquid history and how whisky has become a status symbol and investment opportunity for affluent enthusiasts. With captivating insights, the article unveils the fascinating world of ultra-high-end Scotch whisky auctions, shedding light on the intoxicating allure of these extravagant prices.

All I Needed to Know, I Learned in Grade School

In the article Teaching positive psychology skills at school may be one way to help student mental health and happiness the author explores the potential benefits of incorporating positive psychology into school curricula. By introducing students to techniques that promote resilience, optimism, and well-being, educators can empower them to navigate life's challenges better and enhance their mental health. The article emphasizes that fostering positive emotions, relationships, and personal strengths can increase happiness and improve overall mental well-being, ultimately providing students with essential life skills for a brighter future.

Age Beyond the Numbers

A New York Times article explored the intriguing world of "biological age testing." The article delves into the cutting-edge scientific methods used to determine one's biological age, including DNA analysis, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence. While these approaches hold promise in uncovering hidden health risks and offering longevity predictions, the article also highlights the skepticism surrounding the accuracy and practicality of these tests. As researchers continue to refine these techniques, the concept of biological age testing challenges our conventional understanding of aging and raises important questions about its role in the future of healthcare. Is Biological Age Testing Accurate or Useful? - The New York Times (gift article).

BMJ Christmas Edition: The British Bake Off

"Conclusion: Recipes for Christmas desserts from The Great British Bake Off often use ingredient groups associated with reductions, rather than increases, in the risk of death or disease. This Christmas, if concerns about the limitations of observational nutrition research are set aside, you can have your cake and eat it too." The BMJ's Christmas issue is now a well-established tradition. "Its mix of quirky comment articles, features, and peer-reviewed research was perhaps best described in a 2012 New York Times article as "lighthearted but rigorous." This year's articles include:

Sinister Secrets of Sugar (podcast)

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman welcomes Dr. Robert Lustig, a renowned neuroendocrinologist and nutrition expert. Together, they dissect the conventional "calories in - calories out" model of metabolism and shed light on the role of macronutrients, fiber, and sugar in the equation. Delving into the nuances of sugar, particularly fructose, they explore its addictive qualities and how it rewires the brain's circuits related to cravings and satisfaction. The conversation extends to the profound impact of sugar on obesity, gut health, mental well-being, and the food industry's manipulation of refined sugars. The podcast is long but a must-listen for those curious about the profound impact of dietary choices on the mind and body. Huberman Lab: Dr. Robert Lustig: How Sugar & Processed Foods Impact Your Health.

The Funniest Articles of the Year

WaPo featured the funniest stories of the year. Opinion | Today's Opinions: The pieces that made us laugh the most in 2023 - The Washington Post (gift article).

Boomers Go Green

In this thought-provoking Wired article, the beef industry faces a seismic shift as baby boomers, traditionally avid beef consumers, pivot towards more sustainable and health-conscious eating habits. The article delves into the reasons behind this transformation, highlighting environmental concerns, health consciousness, and a growing appetite for plant-based alternatives. As boomers increasingly embrace greener diets, the meat industry adapts to changing consumer preferences. With captivating insights and statistics, this piece sheds light on the evolving landscape of food consumption and its implications for the beef industry's future. A Demographic Time Bomb Is About to Hit the Beef Industry | WIRED.

Misled to Misread

In the article Health misinformation is rampant on social media – here's what it does, why it spreads and what people can do about it the author delves into the pervasive issue of false health information circulating on social media platforms. The piece explores the damaging consequences of this misinformation, including the amplification of public health risks and the erosion of trust in medical experts. The article also sheds light on the mechanisms behind the rapid dissemination of such content and offers valuable insights into how individuals can combat this problem by promoting accurate information and critical thinking.

Wise Selfishness

"....a truly enlightened self-interest also means recognizing that acting in great and altruistic ways makes you happier than solely being out for yourself." I enjoyed reading The Benefits of Being Selfish.

Nobody Has My Condition But Me

We often think that in modern medicine all maladies have been cataloged. That is far from the truth. Nobody Has My Condition But Me is about the trials and tribulations of a woman with a unique condition.

Recycling Plastic

More on recycling of plastic: Is plastic recycling a scam? Here's the truth about the common practice. We have a long way to go....

David Crosby's 15 Essential Songs

Another rock icon passed away last week. The NY Times published a list of David Crosby's best songs: David Crosby's 15 Essential Songs. (gift article)

10 Myths in Nutrition

An interesting article for both the myth-busting and the experts consulted: 10 Nutrition Myths Experts Wish Would Die (gift article)

The Microbiome and Thermoregulation

This summary article had a wealth of provocative information:

The presence or absence of certain bacteria was associated with the body's temperature response in sepsis (in both humans and mice).
Mice without a microbiome have a lower basal body temperature than conventional mice.
The administration of antibiotics lowers basal body temperature.

The authors of the study opine that changes in the microbiome may account for the reduction in basal body temperatures of humans over the last 150 years: Gut Microbes Control the Body's Thermostat

Mixed Feelings

Feeling conflicted can feel worse than feeling bad and can bring with them a great deal of distress. Mixed Feelings Can Be Worse Than Bad Ones offers advice on how to overcome the distress.

Amazon is Happy to be Your Pharmacy

Here's an article on Amazon's RxPass, the newest service from Amazon. With a Prime Membership, you can receive as many of the 80 generic medications the service offers for a flat fee of $5 (assuming you have insurance and are not on Medicare or Medicaid). Amazon Will Now Be Your Pharmacist, If You Subscribe to Prime

Food Compass

A relatively new system aims to demystify identifying healthy and unhealthy foods. Parsing which foods are healthy and which are less so isn't always straightforward – a new rating system aims to demystify the process explains.

Gene Snippets from Mother Shape a Baby's Microbiome

A recent study published in Cell demonstrated that it's not just pure bacterial transfer between mother and baby that's important in developing a newborn's microbiome. Small pieces of DNA called mobile genetic elements hop between maternal and newborn bacteria and ultimately influence the baby's microbial development: Mobile Genes From the Mother Shape the Baby's Microbiome.

Odors Change Purchasing Decisions

I did not realize there was a body of research on the sense of smell and consumerism. How body odors influence your buying behavior explains the latest research.

Yerba Mate

Although Yerba Mate is a staple of South American dietary traditions, traction in the U.S. has slowly evolved. The recurrent description of the taste, "like freshly cut green grass," will not help to stimulate demand. The Coffee Alternative Americans Just Can't Get Behind

The Universal Aging Clock and GrimAge

Aging research is all the rage. Here is an interesting article on Horvath's Clock, GrimAge, and the effects of umbilical and young blood plasma transfusion: The Universal Clock of Aging. I learned about the GrimAge metric. I'm continuing to keep a close eye on this body of research.

The Benefits of Yoga

Another article on the benefits of yoga: Yoga: Modern research shows a variety of benefits to both body and mind from the ancient practice. For the latest science: Yoga: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

Adding New Life to Friendships and Relationships

TED had an article with helpful information on how to revitalize interactions with the people most important to you: How to add new life to your relationships (even your best ones!) |

Neurocognitive Testing for Aging Physicians

An interesting interview tackling the subject of competency exams for physicians: Age Competency Exams for Physicians -- Yes or No? For the record, I think it's a good idea.

Physicians Open Notes

Being able to read what your physician writes about you in your chart is a good thing, right? Not so fast. Why Reading Your Doctor's Notes Can Be Painful covers some of the issues.