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.

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.