094 - When Drugs Go Wild, Dodging Microplastics, and The Brain's Fear Gear - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

The Brain's Fear Gear

A recent study, published in Science, elucidated a chemical "switch" in the brainstem's dorsal raphe nucleus of mice that converts stress into fear by altering neurotransmitter release, leading to anxiety disorders and PTSD. This switch involves neurons shifting from releasing glutamate to GABA. Experiments showed that blocking GABA synthesis or using fluoxetine (Prozac) could prevent generalized fear responses. Post-mortem studies on human PTSD patients confirmed this mechanism, opening avenues for targeted treatments. Understanding these molecular processes provides a pathway for developing specific interventions for stress-induced fear and related disorders. The brain's "switch" that puts fear into overdrive - Big Think

Put the 230 Genie Back in the Bottle

The article argues for reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability for user-generated content. Originally intended to encourage moderation of harmful content, Section 230 has instead enabled the spread of misinformation, online harassment, and social polarization. The article suggests a "notice-and-takedown" approach and other modifications to hold platforms accountable while preserving the law's benefits. Reform is necessary to mitigate the negative impacts on social discourse and restore some responsibility to the internet. It's Time to Restore Some Sanity to the Internet-Mother Jones.

A Trip Full of Pitfalls

MDMA's approval for PTSD treatment faces significant hurdles after an FDA advisory panel voted against recommending approval due to issues like biased self-reporting and inconsistent psychotherapy standards. The "unblinding" effect, where participants likely knew if they received MDMA or a placebo, raises concerns about the validity of positive outcomes. Allegations of therapist misconduct and insufficient monitoring of side effects further complicate the case. With the FDA's decision pending, the future of MDMA-assisted therapy remains uncertain, highlighting the challenges in proving the efficacy and safety of psychedelic treatments. The panel's decision will slow but likely not dampen interest in the use of psychedelics for mental health. "In many ways, we're creating a new field of medicine," said Lykos' senior medical director, Alia Lilienstein. The Case for MDMA's Approval Is Riddled With Problems | WIRED.

The Potential of Psychedelics

Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist and psychiatric researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, discusses the surprising potential of psychedelics to change the lives of those grappling with addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress. A must-listen if you're curious about psychedelics and before you get too discouraged by the FDA Panel's decision this week. ‎The Joy of Why: Can Psychedelics Improve Mental Health?

Xylitol's Hidden Risks

Recent research highlights a concerning link between the popular sugar substitute xylitol and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. While xylitol is widely used for its dental benefits and low-calorie content, new findings suggest potential cardiovascular dangers. This revelation urges caution for those seeking healthier sweetener alternatives, emphasizing the need for further investigation into xylitol's long-term effects on heart health. Xylitol Increases Heart-Health Risks (Thanks, Dave - NextDraft).

When Drugs Go Wild

Modern drug pollution is transforming wildlife, with meth-addicted trout, fearless perch, and sex-changed fish among the casualties. Pharmaceuticals like antidepressants and contraceptives, entering ecosystems via inadequate waste treatment, are altering animal behavior and physiology. Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory, caused a dramatic decline in India's vultures, leading to increased rabies from unconsumed cattle carcasses. Experts urge urgent reform in drug design to mitigate these unintended ecological impacts, emphasizing that the same properties that make drugs effective in humans pose severe risks to biodiversity. Environmental exposure to pharmaceuticals is a pressing global issue demanding immediate attention. Meth-addict fish, aggro starlings, caffeinated minnows: animals radically changed by human drugs. (Thanks again Dave-NextDraft).

Food Waste Unpeeled

America's apple obsession reveals the broader issue of food waste. Despite producing 4.36 million metric tons of apples annually, a significant portion rots due to factors like overproduction and market fluctuations. This waste is emblematic of a more substantial problem, with 30-40% of all food in the U.S. wasted, equating to 133 billion pounds annually. The waste spans all stages of food production, exacerbated by weather, inefficient storage, and consumer habits. Innovations like controlled-atmosphere storage and advocacy from groups like The Farmlink Project show promise, but systemic change is essential to curb this massive loss and its environmental impact. America's Favorite Fruit Reveals The Hidden Truth About Food Waste.

+See Also: The Rotten Secret Plaguing America's Grocery Stores.

An Operating Room "Black Box."

Teodor Grantcharov's AI-powered "black box" aims to revolutionize surgical safety by recording and analyzing all OR activities. The technology captures everything from instrument use to environmental factors, offering a comprehensive view of operations. Despite the potential for significant improvements in safety and efficiency, the system faces resistance due to privacy concerns and fear of legal repercussions. Hospitals are divided between leveraging this data for quality improvements and managing the overwhelming influx of information. As the black box spreads, it promises a new era of transparency and enhanced patient care. This AI-powered "black-box" could make surgery safer | MIT Technology Review. (paywall).

Dodging Microplastics

Microplastics in food, air, and household items pose potential health risks. To minimize exposure, opt for less processed foods, use glass containers, avoid heating plastics, and switch to loose-leaf tea. Limit plastic use in furniture and clothing; frequent vacuuming with a HEPA filter and damp cloths can reduce indoor microplastics. Choose reusable water bottles and consider laundry solutions like special filters or washing less often. While complete avoidance is impossible, making informed choices can reduce microplastic intake, emphasizing the importance of manageable, everyday actions.How to Minimize Your Exposure to Microplastics - The New York Times (gift article).

084 - Digital Doppelgangers, Whispers in White Noise, and Optimism in Longevity - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Digital Doppelgangers: Revolutionizing Diabetes Management

Twin Health has innovated a groundbreaking approach to managing type 2 diabetes by creating digital twins of the human body. These virtual avatars are built using multiple data points from sensors and AI algorithms to generate a personalized model of a patient's metabolism. The digital twin continuously learns from real-time data, offering tailored predictions and recommendations for managing blood sugar levels. In a clinical trial, patients using this technology saw significant reductions in blood sugar levels, with nearly 73% achieving remission after a year. The future of this technology promises a personalized and proactive approach to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, potentially transforming global healthcare standards. Interestingly, in 2014, I wrote a proposal for NLM and then NIDDK for this exact purpose. My proposal went unfunded, but seeing I was on the right track is rewarding. Digital twins are an effective new way to control your metabolism.

Sitting on a Time Bomb

A recent study by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has unveiled alarming findings about the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Tracking 5,856 women aged 63 to 99 over a decade, researchers discovered that those sitting for more than 11 hours daily had a 57% higher risk of death compared to those sitting for less than 9.5 hours. Contrary to popular belief, even regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise couldn't offset the dangers of excessive sitting. However, an Australian study suggests that walking 9,000 to 10,500 steps daily could reduce the risk of premature death, even for habitual sitters. The discrepancies between studies might be due to different methods of measuring sitting time. The UCSD study's robust evidence underscores the importance of minimizing sitting time and breaking it up with periods of standing or walking, which aligns with World Health Organization guidelines. Sitting Is Even Deadlier Than We Thought, A New Study Reveals.

The Concussion Conundrum

The article explores the misconceptions surrounding concussion treatment, highlighting the story of Conor Gormally, who suffered multiple concussions. For years, the medical advice for concussion recovery emphasized total rest, but emerging research indicates that active rehabilitation, involving activities like exercise, reading, and screen time, is more effective. Despite this shift in understanding, many patients still receive outdated advice to "cocoon" themselves in rest, delaying their recovery. The article calls for a change in how concussions are treated, emphasizing the need for updated medical education and patient-centered care. Concussion: there's an insidious myth about a common sports injury. Even doctors believe it.

Optimism's Role in Longevity

The New Science of Optimism and Longevity explores the biological significance of optimism in promoting healthy aging and reducing disease risk. People with optimistic mindsets exhibit better cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and immunological health, leading to lower incidence of age-related illnesses and reduced mortality. A 2019 review found that optimists have a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular events and tend to live 11-15% longer than pessimists. The article also discusses the potential of optimism in slowing down cellular aging, as evidenced by studies on telomere shortening. While genetics play a role, optimism can be cultivated through social relationships and positive thinking practices, offering a strategy for enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Whispers in the White Noise

Have you ever heard mysterious voices or music in your white noise machine? You're not alone. This phenomenon, known as auditory pareidolia, occurs when your brain tries to match patterns in continuous noise, like white noise, with familiar sounds. It's a normal brain function, not a sign of schizophrenia or other psychological disorders. Experts explain that our brains are pattern-matching machines, constantly searching for recognizable sounds in the noise we hear. While it might be unsettling to listen to these phantom sounds, there's no need for concern unless you hear them without any noise present. If you're bothered by these sounds, try switching to a different type of noise or moving away from the source. Why You Hear Voices in Your White Noise Machine | WIRED.

The Impact of Electronic Music on Consciousness

Electronic music isn't just for dancing; it can also significantly alter our consciousness. Research shows that electronic music's repetitive beats and rhythms can induce trance-like states, impacting brainwave patterns and emotions. This effect is not only utilized by club-goers but also by therapists for meditation and relaxation. The article explores how electronic music's unique characteristics can influence our mental and emotional well-being, offering a new perspective on the power of music in shaping our state of mind. Brain beats: How electronic music can alter our state of consciousness. +see also Electronic music appears to alter our state of consciousness | New Scientist (subscription required)

Disconnect to Reconnect

Finding a healthy relationship with our devices is crucial in an age where technology is omnipresent. 5 Tips for a Healthier Relationship With Your Phone - The New York Times (gift article) offers practical advice for managing screen time without completely unplugging. Key suggestions include being mindful of automatic urges to check devices, limiting phone use while on the move, scheduling short tech breaks, creating an environment that encourages less phone usage, and ensuring that technology serves you, not the other way around. These tips help individuals regain control over their digital lives and foster a more balanced interaction with their gadgets.

Cool Your Jets

A comprehensive review of 154 studies by Sophie L. Kjaervik and Brad Bushman has revealed that traditional methods of managing anger, such as hitting a punching bag or jogging, may be ineffective. Instead, activities that decrease physiological arousal, like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, have significantly reduced anger and aggression across various settings and populations. The research challenges the notion that venting anger is beneficial, highlighting that simple and accessible techniques can be more effective for anger management. This study offers evidence-based strategies for better anger control, promoting healthier outcomes and societal well-being. Chilling out rather than blowing off steam is a better way to manage anger − new review of 154 studies reveals what works.

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!)