098 - Trust Falls, AI Lie Detection, and Surviving Trauma - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

NY Times Nutritional Nuggets

Nutrition experts share key takeaways to shape our diets. The Mediterranean diet remains a top choice for heart health and longevity. Despite past beliefs, red wine's heart benefits are outweighed by its risks. Avocados stand out for their rich nutrients while delaying morning caffeine lacks scientific support. Environmental concerns temper Shrimp's nutritional value, and reducing sodium intake is essential for many. Apple cider vinegar's benefits are selective, and managing IBS might be more effective with diet changes than medication. Lastly, stay hydrated sensibly and be cautious with ultraprocessed foods.Our Favorite Nutrition Takeaways from 2024, So Far - The New York Times (gift article).

Trust Falls: Mind Your Moves

Nonverbal cues play a critical role in building trust, often betraying our true feelings unconsciously. Mixed messages—like warm tones paired with crossed arms—can create mistrust. Trust hinges on congruence between words and body language. Incongruity, emotional leaks, and closed body language can undermine trust and cause suspicion. To foster trust, align your verbal and nonverbal communication, manage emotional awareness, and practice open body language. Conscious communication helps convey sincerity and reliability, which are essential for strong relationships and successful collaborations. Unconscious behaviors that make people not trust you.

Holo-Doc

Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, has introduced a futuristic approach to telehealth with hologram technology via Holoconnects. Patients can now interact with doctors through a 7-foot-tall, 440-pound Holobox, offering a 3-D, life-like video experience for $42,000 plus annual fees. While proponents tout improved patient engagement and realistic interactions, skeptics question the benefits of traditional 2-D telehealth options. Critics argue that the high cost and limited data on improved care quality make it less practical for widespread medical use, though it shows promise in the physical therapy and hospitality sectors. Your Hologram Doctor Will See You Now - The New York Times (gift article).

America's Diet Dilemma

America's obsession with dieting spans over a century, reflecting a paradox of indulgence and restraint. Early 20th-century essays in The Atlantic highlight the cyclical nature of diet culture, where strict regimens follow periods of indulgence. By the 1920s, slimness equated to health and wealth, further embedding the societal pressure to lose weight. Despite numerous fad diets and the evolution of nutritional understanding, the fundamental misunderstanding of balanced eating persists. Modern weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may change the landscape, but as long as thinness is idealized, the diet culture will endure. America can't stop dieting - The Atlantic. ^

Tau-morrow's Diagnosis Today

UC San Francisco researchers have discovered a method to diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in living patients. Previously identified only post-mortem, PSP, often mistaken for Parkinson's, progresses rapidly and is fatal within seven years. A study in Neurology highlights the use of high-throughput technology to identify protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, differentiating PSP from other forms of frontotemporal dementia. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnostic tests and targeted therapies, offering hope for timely intervention. The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes. Scientists may have discovered how to diagnose elusive neuro disorder (Thanks, Amy!).

Arthur Brooks on Fixing Social Media

In this video, Professor Arthur Brooks discusses how social media harms our socializing ability and proposes a way to fix it. We're lonelier than ever — and there's one big reason - Big Think.

Surviving Trauma

On this podcast, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, psychiatrist and author of The Body Keeps the Score, discusses understanding and dealing with lasting psychological trauma. It's well worth a listen. ‎How To!: How To Survive a Shark Attack (Encore).

Befriending Your Inner Voice

You know that negative voice that constantly berates you with negative self-talk? Thinking about anything else is hard when that inner chatter gets switched on. This podcast discusses how to keep our negative emotions from morphing into chatter. ‎Hidden Brain: Befriending Your Inner Voice.

Healthcare from Cradle to Cane

Designer Yves Behar argues that health care should cater to society's most vulnerable: children, older people, and those with disabilities. He critiques the sector for lagging in innovation compared to consumer experiences like those at an Apple Store. Behar's projects, like the AI companion robot Moxie for neurodivergent children and the FDA-approved SNOO bassinet for safe infant sleep, illustrate his vision. These designs address extreme needs and offer broader benefits, proving that inclusive design enhances everyone's experience. Health Care Should Be Designed for the Extremes of Life | WIRED.

AI Lie Detection

A study has shown AI outperforms humans in detecting lies, achieving a 67% accuracy rate compared to humans' 50%. Utilizing Google's AI model BERT, the tool identified falsehoods more effectively. However, reliance on AI led to increased accusations, raising ethical concerns about trust and social bonds. Despite skepticism, a third of participants trusted the AI tool's predictions, demonstrating its potential impact on evaluating claims and detecting misinformation. The study highlights the need for thorough testing before widespread implementation. AI lie detectors are better than humans at spotting lies | MIT Technology Review.

Mindful Matters

Despite its widespread promotion as a mental health cure-all, mindfulness may not benefit everyone equally. Research shows that the effectiveness of mindfulness practices varies with age. Older adults tend to experience better mental health by acting with awareness and being nonjudgmental, while younger individuals, who are more focused on observing, often see fewer benefits. A tailored approach to mindfulness, emphasizing aspects like nonjudgment for youth, could enhance its impact. Personalized mindfulness practices, reflecting one's age and specific needs, may be essential to unlocking its full potential. Here's Why You May Not Be Getting the Benefits You Expected From Mindfulness.

082 - AI Emotional Surveillance, Ibogaine, and the Microbiome of Death - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

NCCIH Guide to Yoga

Yoga is an ancient and complex practice rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but has become popular to promote physical and mental well-being. Here is the evidence behind its health benefits: Yoga: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

Daily Uses of ChatGPT

Here is an excellent set of suggestions for using ChatGPT to make your life easier. 10 ways to use ChatGPT in daily life

Baking End-of-Life Conversations into Family Gatherings

How to Make End-of-Life Planning Less Stressful - The New York Times (gift article) explores the importance of end-of-life planning, inspired by the author's family unconventional approach to discussing the topic over a meal. Despite initial reluctance, the gathering provided clarity and comfort, revealing unexpected preferences like her parents' desire to avoid memorial services and her sister's wish for a Starbucks-held ceremony. The article emphasizes the need for open communication, preparation, and regular check-ins to ensure loved ones' wishes are respected and to alleviate future stress. It serves as a reminder that addressing end-of-life matters can be a gift to family members, sparing them from guesswork and chaos during grief.

Microbes Clock In to Solve Mysteries of Death

Scientists have uncovered a consistent network of microbes in decomposing human corpses, regardless of location or climate. By studying 36 cadavers across different environments, researchers found that these critical decomposers, comprising about 20 types of bacteria and fungi, appear predictably during the first 21 days of decomposition. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize forensic science, as tracking the abundance and patterns of these microbes can help estimate the time since death with high accuracy. This microbial clock could be a valuable tool in forensic investigations, providing a more precise determination of the postmortem interval (PMI). However, further research is needed to apply these findings in real-world scenarios, especially in cases where bodies are buried or submerged, which can alter the decomposition process. 'Microbiome of Death' Uncovered on Decomposing Corpses Could Aid Forensics | Scientific American

Sleep Engineering

Recent studies suggest that manipulating sleep could offer novel treatments for mental health issues and memory loss. Techniques like "imagery rehearsal" therapy and sleep-engineering devices aim to reshape nightmares and enhance positive memories during sleep. Researchers have found that pairing specific sounds with positive imagery before sleep and replaying those sounds during REM sleep can reduce the frequency of nightmares and improve overall mood. This approach leverages the brain's ability to consolidate memories during sleep and offers a potential new avenue for addressing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. While the technology is still in development and has risks to consider, the potential for sleep engineering to provide effective and non-invasive treatment options is promising. Stimulating the Sleeping Brain Could Help Heal Memory Loss or Mental Health Problems | Scientific American

Mind Matters: p-Factor of Mental Illness

Mental illnesses often display a perplexing overlap, challenging the traditional diagnostic boundaries set by the DSM. This phenomenon is exemplified by the case of a Ph.D. student with schizophrenia whose family members suffer from a range of psychiatric conditions. Researchers attribute this overlap to a concept known as the "p factor," a general psychopathology factor that suggests a shared genetic predisposition to various mental disorders. Evidence indicates that about 40% of the risk for mental illness can be explained by this factor. This has led to a call for reevaluating diagnostic classifications and treatment approaches, advocating for a focus on commonalities rather than distinct categories. The pursuit of understanding the p factor involves exploring genetic correlations, brain structures, and psychological traits to develop more effective, generalized treatments for psychiatric illnesses. However, the concept remains contentious, with critics questioning the statistical models used to justify the p factor's existence and suggesting that mental illnesses may fall into broader categories rather than sharing a common set of features. Why Do So Many Mental Illnesses Overlap? | Scientific American

The Psychedelic Potential of Ibogaine

Ibogaine, a natural psychoactive compound derived from the iboga tree's bark, is gaining attention for its potential in treating addiction, PTSD, and brain injuries. Despite being illegal in the United States, it has shown promise in small studies for reducing opioid dependency and cravings. The drug's mechanism is believed to involve neuroplasticity, allowing patients to reevaluate their behavior and trauma. However, its legality is a barrier to access, and it carries risks of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Ibogaine's treatment experience is intense, often involving confronting past traumas. While some studies, particularly in Brazil, support its anti-addictive properties, the lack of large-scale clinical trials and its cardiac risks make FDA approval unlikely soon. What to Know About Ibogaine, a Psychedelic - The New York Times (gift article).

Feelings Under Surveillance

The article Emotion-tracking AI on the job discusses the growing use of emotion-tracking artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, which analyzes biological signals and computer usage to infer employees' emotions. Despite claims of benefits like improved well-being and productivity, workers express concerns about privacy, bias, and the potential for inaccurate or unfair employment decisions. The technology, often seen as flawless by employers, has been criticized for its scientific validity and reliance on contested theories of emotion. The study highlights the additional emotional labor imposed on workers, who must mask their true feelings to present favorably to the AI, exacerbating existing workplace challenges. Critics suggest that its use should be reevaluated until the technology's implications are fully understood.

The Divergent Paths of Discordant Twins

A comprehensive study involving 25,252 Swedish adult twins, published in JAMA Psychiatry, has provided substantial evidence on how childhood trauma influences adult mental health. The research focused on "discordant twins," where only one twin experienced abuse or neglect. The findings revealed that those who faced childhood trauma were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, or stress disorders. The impact of trauma was evident even after controlling for genetic and environmental factors, highlighting the profound effect of childhood adversities on adult mental well-being. This study underscores the urgent need to address child abuse and neglect to prevent long-term mental health consequences. One Twin Was Hurt; the Other Was Not. Their Adult Mental Health Diverged. - The New York Times (gift article).

071 - Bitter Truths, F-Bombs, and Twinning - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Twinning to Understand the Impact of Food

New research published in JAMA Network Open involved identical twins on an eight-week dietary trial comparing vegan and omnivorous diets. The vegan group experienced notable health benefits: a 10-15% reduction in LDL cholesterol, 25% lower insulin levels, and a 3% weight loss. This study, unique for using genetically identical twins, highlighted the efficacy of a plant-based diet in improving cardiovascular markers and suggested even partial dietary shifts away from animal products can be beneficial. The findings underscore the potential health advantages of vegan diets while acknowledging the challenges of dietary changes. One identical twin went vegan while the other didn't. See what happened | CNN.

The Rising Tide of Autoimmunity

The article Autoimmunity Has Reached Epidemic Levels. We Need Urgent Action to Address It | Scientific American highlights the alarming increase in autoimmune diseases, now considered an epidemic. It emphasizes the urgent need for action to address this growing health crisis. Autoimmune conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, affect an increasing number of people worldwide. The article calls for more research, better public awareness, and improved healthcare strategies to combat these diseases. It underscores the importance of understanding environmental triggers and genetic factors contributing to this surge, advocating for a comprehensive approach to tackle the autoimmune epidemic

A Bitter Truth

"Artificial sweeteners were originally intended to stave off the increasing obesity and metabolic disease epidemic, but instead, they may have directly contributed to it." Artificial Sweeteners May Have Despicable Impacts on Gut Microbes - Scientific American Blog Network delves into the potentially harmful effects of artificial sweeteners on gut microbes. It highlights a study suggesting that these sugar substitutes can inhibit the growth of certain beneficial gut bacteria. This disruption may lead to negative health consequences, as a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being. The article underscores the importance of further research to fully understand the impact of artificial sweeteners on our gut health and the broader implications for our diet and lifestyle choices.

AI Travel Tips

Who has "packing a suitcase" on their valuable applications of AI Bingo Card? I certainly didn't. AI Teaches Robots the Best Way to Pack a Car, a Suitcase--Or a Rocket to Mars | Scientific American.

What Ails the NHS

Many people (including me) believe a single-payer system is the only way out of the United State's current healthcare morass. Detractors often point to the issues facing Britain's National Health Service (NHS). The New York Times had an interesting opinion on the origins of the current problems with the British System. As with everything in healthcare, the issue is far more complicated than it first appears: Opinion | Britain Ruined One of the Best Healthcare Systems in the World - The New York Times (gift article).

CVS's New Prescription for Pricing

CVS Health has announced a significant shift in pricing prescription drugs, aiming to simplify and make a traditionally complex system more transparent. Set to launch on January 1, 2025, for commercial payers, the new model, named CVS CostVantage, will calculate drug prices and pharmacy reimbursements using a precise formula. This formula includes the cost of the drug, a defined markup, and a dispensing fee. While this change may not uniformly reduce the cost of all medications, it is expected to generally lower prescription costs for consumers, employers, and health insurers. This initiative follows years of criticism over the U.S. healthcare system's lack of clarity and inflated prices. CVS's move mirrors a similar approach by Mark Cuban's online pharmacy, Cost Plus Drugs, which also aims to reduce medicine prices by selling them at a set markup over cost, plus pharmacy fees. Count me as skeptical that the change will benefit consumers. CVS Says It Will Change the Way Its Pharmacies Are Paid - The New York Times (gift article).

Scientific Grounds

A recent study has brewed up a simple yet effective solution to the messy business of coffee grinding. The research, focusing on the role of moisture in reducing static electricity in coffee grounds, found that a spritz of water on beans before grinding can significantly reduce static. This makes for a tidier grinding process and results in a more consistent and stronger-tasting espresso shot. The study, published in the journal Matter, is a part of the growing field of coffee science, which combines diverse disciplines to enhance our understanding of coffee preparation. Interestingly, the collaboration began through a shared interest in electric charge buildup, a common thread between coffee grinding and volcanic eruptions. This interdisciplinary approach led to the discovery that moisture levels in coffee beans play a crucial role in how they accumulate electric charge during grinding, with lighter roasts gaining less static due to higher internal moisture. The practical takeaway from this study is clear: a little water can go a long way in improving both the cleanliness of coffee grinding and the quality of the brew. There's a better way to grind the coffee, according to science - The Washington Post (gift article).

F-Bombs

Expletive use is on the rise. I present to you A very short history of the F-word - Big Think.

Present Tense

"Traumatic memories are not experienced as memories as such," but as "fragments of prior events, subjugating the present moment." A recent study in Nature Neuroscience delves into the unique neural mechanisms of traumatic memories, which may illuminate why they are so vivid and intrusive. Researchers at Yale University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai conducted brain scans on 28 individuals with PTSD, analyzing their responses to recorded narrations of their memories, ranging from neutral to traumatic. The study revealed that traumatic memories engage the posterior cingulate cortex, a brain area typically involved in introspection or daydreaming. This groundbreaking research offers new insights into the workings of PTSD, suggesting that traumatic memories are processed as ongoing experiences, thereby explaining their persistent and disruptive nature in everyday life. Brain Study Suggests Traumatic Memories Are Processed as Present Experience - The New York Times (gift article).

Harvard's Morgue Mystery

In a shocking scandal at Harvard, the Anatomical Gift Program, where people donate their bodies for scientific study, was exploited for a macabre trade. Cedric Lodge, the morgue manager, along with several others, was indicted for stealing body parts and selling them to oddity collectors. Families who had donated their loved one's body were horrified to discover that the remains might have been part of this gruesome trade. This betrayal of trust at such a prestigious institution has left many in disbelief and mourning, questioning the integrity of body donation programs and the dark underbelly of oddity collecting. Inside The Harvard Morgue Scandal: Missing Body Parts, Mourning Families.

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