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).

091 - Meta Heads, Embracing Solitude, and The Brain's Immunity Master Switch - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

The Brain's Immunity Master Switch

In a groundbreaking study, A body–brain circuit that regulates body inflammatory responses | Nature, researchers led by Charles Zuker at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute discovered that the brainstem plays a crucial role in controlling the immune system. This revelation challenges the long-held belief that immune regulation is solely within the immune system. Using advanced genetic techniques, the team identified specific brainstem neurons that, through the vagus nerve, can either boost or suppress inflammation. This finding opens new avenues for treating immune disorders by targeting this brain-immune axis, potentially transforming the approach to managing diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and toxic shock syndrome. Very exciting! Finding a Master Immune System Controller | HHMI(Thanks, Miriam!).

Siri-ous Competition

OpenAI's latest release, GPT-4o, showcased its advanced capabilities in a live demo, positioning it as a game-changer in natural human-computer interaction on iPhones. This new model demonstrated storytelling, visual understanding, and multilingual conversation interpretation, all within the updated ChatGPT app. The impressive features of GPT-4o signal a potential end for Siri and similar voice assistants, which lag in functionality and responsiveness. Major tech companies like Apple and Samsung are racing to integrate generative AI into their devices, highlighting software as the new frontier in smartphone innovation. This Is the Next Smartphone Evolution - The Atlantic.

Avo-lution

The United States of Avocado | TASTE explores the growing popularity of avocados in the United States, from their rising role as a baby's first food to their integration into various cuisines and cultural dishes. Avocados, celebrated for their nutritional benefits and mild flavor, have doubled consumption in the U.S. since 2001. The article also delves into the avocado industry's expansion, including direct-to-consumer models and the challenges of maintaining quality and affordability. Despite issues like the involvement of organized crime in Mexican avocado production, the fruit's global appeal continues to rise, influencing food trends and diets. (Thanks, Dave / NextDraft!).

Bite-Sized Triumphs

Breaking large goals into smaller, flexible subgoals can significantly enhance goal achievement, as confirmed by a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. The study involved over 9,000 volunteers from Crisis Text Line, revealing that those assigned weekly or biweekly subgoals volunteered 7-8% more hours than those with a broad annual target. This incremental approach mirrors techniques in language learning apps and savings programs, proving effective across various contexts by making daunting tasks feel more manageable and achievable over time. The Secret to Accomplishing Big Goals Lies in Breaking Them into Flexible, Bite-Size Chunks | Scientific American.

Meta Heads

The European Union has initiated an investigation into Facebook and Instagram over concerns about their addictive impact on children. This probe mirrors earlier inquiries into TikTok's influence on young users. Meta's platforms are being scrutinized for fostering excessive exposure to content about depression and unrealistic body images and for potentially allowing children under 13 to use their services. This investigation, led by EU's internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton, is part of the broader Digital Services Act enforcement, aiming to ensure safer online experiences for children. Meta Faces Fresh Probe Over 'Addictive' Effect on Kids | WIRED.

Weight and See

A four-year study on Wegovy (semaglutide) in Nature Medicine shows sustained weight loss in people with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese. Initial weight loss occurred in the first 65 weeks, plateauing after that but remaining stable for the study. The SELECT trial involved 17,604 participants and revealed an average weight reduction of 10.2% for those on Wegovy, compared to 1.5% for the placebo group. Despite limitations like demographic skew, the study supports Wegovy's use for long-term weight management in cardiovascular patients. Researchers now face questions about the drug's long-term usage and cost. Wegovy Can Keep Weight Off for at Least 4 Years, Research Shows | WIRED.

Embracing Solitude

We All Need Time Alone. Here's How to Embrace It (gift article) from The New York Times explores the importance of spending time alone and how to embrace it positively. Psychologists Robert Coplan and Thuyvy Nguyen explain that solitude, distinct from loneliness, offers emotional and physical benefits like stress reduction and increased creativity. They suggest practical tips for incorporating alone time into daily routines, such as tracking moods, engaging in personal hobbies, and setting boundaries with partners. The article encourages finding "micro-moments" of solitude at home or in public spaces to enhance well-being and maintain a healthy balance between solo and social time.

Plasticulture's Paradox

Plastic mulch revolutionizes agriculture by boosting crop yields, conserving water, and reducing pesticide use. However, it leaves behind massive amounts of waste at season's end. While economically and environmentally advantageous in some aspects, the thin, contaminated plastic is tough to recycle, often ending up in landfills or incinerators. Innovative solutions, like those from Revolution Sustainable Solutions, show promise in recycling agricultural plastics, but challenges remain. As biodegradable alternatives prove costly and inconsistent, the farm sector grapples with balancing efficiency and sustainability amidst growing plastic waste. Giant Heaps of Plastic Are Helping Vegetables Grow - The Atlantic

Mind Over Muscle

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how exercise enhances brain health. When activated, muscles, rich in nerve cells, release compounds that boost cognitive function. Brain-muscle communication is crucial for producing proteins, mRNA, and hormones supporting neural growth. Regular exercise maintains these neural connections, promoting brain health. Researchers used a synthetic model to show that muscle stimulation increases brain-boosting substances' production. Although further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, the findings highlight the profound link between physical activity and cognitive vitality. Why Exercise Is So Good For Our Brains According to A Wild New Study.

083 - Weighty Decisions, Biting Back, and Cellular Suicide - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Are You Doing Too Much

How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? Listen to a fantastic episode of Angela Duckworth's No Stupid Questions: 184. Are You Doing Too Much? on Apple Podcasts

Bullshit Genius

In A Bullshit Genius by Oscar Schwartz, Walter Isaacson's career is scrutinized, revealing a pattern of glorifying tech moguls under the guise of neutral biographies. Once celebrated for his portrayals of historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein, Isaacson shifted his focus to Silicon Valley icons, notably Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. His depiction of Jobs as a flawed yet visionary genius resonated with the public, aligning with the tech industry's self-image. However, his subsequent biography of Musk exposed the limitations of Isaacson's approach. Despite Musk's erratic behavior and questionable achievements, Isaacson attempts to fit him into the same genius narrative, ultimately failing to assess the darker aspects of Silicon Valley's influence critically. The article suggests that Isaacson's works reflect the tech industry's self-aggrandizement rather than objective analyses of true genius.

AI Coaches in the Game

The coaching industry, which focuses on professional development in critical thinking and leadership skills, is experiencing disruption from generative AI. Platforms like CoachHub are exploring AI coaching to democratize access to coaching services. Dr. Nicky Terblanche, a specialist in coaching programs, sees AI's potential in performance coaching and as a support tool for human coaches. While AI cannot yet replace human coaches in developmental coaching, it can effectively assist in structured, goal-based coaching. However, there is skepticism among coaches about AI's impact on the client-coach relationship, highlighting the need for coach education on AI benefits. Would you trust big work-life decisions to an AI coach?

Power of Prevention

"The earlier a first episode of depression begins, and the more episodes a person suffers, the more serious and disabling the condition is likely to be throughout life." Preemptive Measures highlights the importance of early intervention in preventing depression among teenagers. Esther Oladejo, an 18-year-old from Merseyside, England, shares her experience with the Blues Program, a six-week course developed by psychologist Paul Rohde to teach teens skills to manage emotions and stress. This program is part of a global movement to establish effective depression prevention strategies for young people. Research shows that early intervention can significantly reduce the onset of depression, improving life trajectories and potentially saving healthcare costs. Despite the challenges in implementing these programs widely, their success in improving mental health outcomes for at-risk teens is undeniable, as seen in Esther's story and the growing adoption of such programs in schools and communities.

The Mind's Quiet Orchestra

Your brain's "default mode" network takes the spotlight when you're not actively engaged in a task. This network, which was discovered two decades ago, comprises various brain regions that activate during restful states, offering insights into how the brain operates when not focused on external tasks. Initially thought to facilitate mind wandering or daydreaming primarily, the default mode network is now understood to play a more complex role, including memory recall, future envisioning, and self-referential thinking. This network's interactions with other brain networks, such as the salience network, are crucial in determining what to pay attention to and when to switch focus. Abnormalities in the default mode network have been explored about mental health disorders, although findings are not yet conclusive. Understanding this network and its interactions continues to challenge and refine our understanding of brain function, emphasizing the importance of internal mental activities even without overt tasks. What Your Brain Is Doing When You're Not Doing Anything | Quanta Magazine.

+see also How the Brain Creates Your Physical Sense of Self | Scientific American.

Cellular Suicide

Recent research suggests that apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, first arose billions of years ago in bacteria. While seemingly counterintuitive, this self-destructive process is an essential and productive mechanism in complex organisms. Apoptosis can be traced back to ancient forms of cell death undertaken by single-celled organisms, which appear to have evolved as a social behavior. The origins of apoptosis might be linked to the mitochondrion, an organelle central to the process, or a long-ago interaction between our ancestors and bacteria. Studies indicate that the last common ancestor of yeast and humans already had the necessary tools for self-destruction around 2 billion years ago. This research challenges the assumption that programmed cell death is unique to multicellular organisms and suggests that it may have evolved as a way for single-celled organisms to benefit their kin or protect their colonies from disease. The discovery of bacterial genes involved in apoptosis in eukaryotic genomes points to a complex evolutionary history of this process, highlighting the interplay between survival, death, and the collective good in the natural world. Cellular Self-Destruction May Be Ancient. But Why? | Quanta Magazine.

Biting Back

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals is developing a groundbreaking pill to protect humans from Lyme disease by killing ticks before they can bite. This innovative drug, derived from the veterinary medicine lotilaner, has shown promising results in early trials, killing up to 97% of ticks within 24 hours and maintaining effectiveness for up to 30 days. The pill targets the ticks, offering potential protection against other tick-borne diseases. As Lyme disease cases continue to rise, this new form of pre-exposure prophylaxis could be a game-changer in preventing the debilitating effects of the disease. A Pill That Kills Ticks Is a Promising New Weapon Against Lyme Disease | WIRED.

Weighty Decisions

Medicare may soon cover the weight loss drug Wegovy following the FDA's approval of its use for reducing serious heart risks in obese or overweight adults. Wegovy, from the same drug class as the diabetes medication Ozempic, has shown a 20% reduction in the risk of severe heart events in clinical trials. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are reviewing the decision, with the possibility of adding Wegovy to Medicare's prescription plans. However, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, needs help to meet the high demand for the drug, with a supply shortage ongoing since May 2023. To address this, Novo Nordisk acquired three facilities for $11 billion to increase production capacity starting from 2026. Weight loss drug Wegovy could be covered by Medicare.

Uncommon Connections

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health has unveiled a significant link between ADHD symptoms and abnormal interactions within the brain. Analyzing over 10,000 functional brain images from youths with and without ADHD reveals enhanced connectivity between the frontal cortex and deeper brain regions responsible for learning, emotion, and behavior control. This large-scale study provides robust evidence of the neural pathways involved in ADHD, surpassing previous smaller studies. The findings not only deepen our understanding of ADHD but also open doors for developing more targeted treatments. Brain Connectivity Breakthrough Sheds New Light on ADHD - Neuroscience News (thanks, Wendy!).

074 - The Yips, Resilience, and Pig-Plant Hybrids - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Mitochondria: Unmasking the Culprit Behind Long COVID Fatigue

In the article Scientists Pinpoint Key Part of Cells That Could Drive Long Covid Fatigue researchers shed light on the mysterious fatigue that often plagues long COVID sufferers. They reveal how the mitochondria, tiny energy factories within our cells, play a pivotal role. By studying the dysfunctional mitochondria in long COVID patients, scientists hope to uncover new treatment avenues, offering relief and insight into the lingering exhaustion that many survivors face. This research illuminates the cellular culprit behind post-COVID fatigue and opens doors to potential solutions for this debilitating condition.

The Magic of Immersive Tasks

Amid the 6-Day Energy Challenge, the New York Times explores the concept of flow states, where individuals become wholly absorbed in an activity, losing track of time and self-consciousness. These moments of intense focus, as described by positive psychology pioneer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, can lead to increased alertness and motivation. The article suggests finding your "low-stakes flow state" by identifying past immersive experiences and hobbies that bring joy. It offers various time-friendly activities, from learning a foreign language to tackling an adult Lego set, emphasizing the rejuvenating power of losing oneself in a task. The Energy Challenge: How Losing Yourself in A Task Can Boost Your Mood - The New York Times. (gift article)

The Mediterranean Diet's Heart-Healthy Legacy

The Mediterranean Diet, rooted in decades of research and the lifestyle choices of millions, emerges as a powerhouse for heart health. This lifestyle, emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods and rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, showcases an impressive array of benefits, including lowered blood pressure, cholesterol and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. Moderation is key, with occasional indulgences allowed. While not a guaranteed cure, the Mediterranean Diet can substantially enhance heart health with other healthy habits. With the potential for cognitive improvements within days and lasting benefits with commitment, this diet is a delicious and sensible choice. The Mediterranean Diet Is That Good for You. Here's Why. - The New York Times. (gift article)

Ozempic's Potential: Beyond Weight Loss, a Medical Revolution in Progress

The article Can Ozempic and Weight-Loss Drugs Treat Other Diseases? - The New York Times(gift article) explores the groundbreaking impact of drugs like Ozempic, which have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Scientists are now embarking on numerous clinical trials to investigate their potential in treating a wide array of conditions, from alcohol use disorder to polycystic ovary syndrome, liver disease, cardiovascular issues, sleep apnea, and kidney disease. These medications could offer hope to millions of patients with limited treatment options while presenting a lucrative pharmaceutical company market. As researchers unravel the mysteries of these drugs, they promise to reshape the future of medicine.

Reducing Food Waste

"In the United States, most dates consumers see on food items are for freshness, not safety, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture." "A product past its 'best, if used by' date, may not taste as good as something fresh off the shelf. But it is often perfectly healthy to eat." The Washington Post had some great tips on how to minimize food waste. How to reduce food waste while cooking at home - The Washington Post (gift article).

A Surgeon Faces the Yips

"The principle "everything else is fixable" can apply to so much of life." The Washington Post published an opinion piece on the folly of perfectionism. Opinion | I had the yips as a young surgeon. Here's what it taught me. - The Washington Post (gift article).

Stepping into Creativity

In this article, titled How Walking Fosters Creativity Stanford researchers validate a timeless belief held by philosophers and writers - that walking enhances creativity. The study underscores how strolls can significantly boost creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. By examining participants' cognitive processes and neural activity while walking, the research confirms that walking sparks innovative thoughts and ideas. The findings provide scientific evidence for the age-old practice of "thinking on your feet" and highlight the valuable role of walking in nurturing creative thinking.

Building Resilience: The Recipe for Stress Management

In the article, What is resilience? A psychologist explains the main ingredients that help people manage stress, the author explores the concept of resilience and its vital role in handling stress effectively. Drawing on psychological insights, the article highlights the key components that contribute to resilience, such as adaptability, social support, and a positive mindset. By delving into these main ingredients, the author offers valuable insights into how individuals can cultivate resilience to better cope with life's challenges and stresses, ultimately leading to improved mental well-being and overall success.

Plant-Pig Hybrids Fake Meat Revolution

Moolecs, a cutting-edge biotech company, has unveiled a novel approach to enhance the taste and texture of plant-based meat alternatives. By creating plant-pig hybrids, Moolecs is bridging the gap between plant-based and animal-derived meats, promising consumers a more authentic, meatier experience. Through innovative genetic engineering, they have integrated essential flavor and texture components from pigs into plants, offering a sustainable and ethical solution for meat production. This exciting breakthrough can potentially revolutionize the fake meat industry and satisfy the cravings of even the most devoted carnivores. I have three words: No, thank you. The Plan to Put Pig Genes in Soy Beans for Tastier Fake Meat | WIRED.

055 - Forever Chemicals, Prebunking Misinformation, and Chronic Pain - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Fiber Up

Fiber deficiency is a widespread issue, despite its numerous health benefits. Research suggests that fiber-rich diets promote healthier digestion, longer lives, and reduced risks of chronic conditions. Modern diets often fall short of recommended fiber intake, potentially due to processing that strips food of its fiber content. Experts advocate for gradually increasing fiber consumption through whole plant-based foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and fruits. These dietary adjustments can help prevent various health issues and support a well-balanced gut microbiome. Why is Fiber Good For You? And How to Eat More of It - The New York Times (gift article)

+and an article on the growing popularity of psyllium....Psyllium Husks Entice the Ozempic Generation - The New York Times

AI Transforming Music

3 ways AI is transforming music is an interesting article that mentions several sites I plan to explore.

Insurers' Unexpected Fees

As if insurers weren't making enough money, The Hidden Fee Costing Doctors Millions Every Year — ProPublicadiscusses how a powerful lobbyist's influence led to a federal agency allowing health insurers to charge fees on payments to doctors. The shift went largely unnoticed but financially impacted medical professionals. Doctors must now pay up to 5% in fees for electronic payments, creating an extra burden in an already strained healthcare system. As large insurers profit, doctors are left grappling with additional costs, potentially forcing some practices to close and increasing patient healthcare expenses.

+And more alleged shameless behavior by Cigna, one of the biggest U.S. healthcare insurers: Cigna Accused of Using AI, Not Doctors, to Deny Claims "The lawsuit says that Cigna relies on an algorithm, PxDx, to review and frequently deny medically necessary claims. According to court records, the system allows Cigna's doctors to "instantly reject claims on medical grounds without ever opening patient files." Using the system, the average claims processing time is 1.2 seconds."

Aristotle's Virtues for a Good Life

The Greek philosopher Aristotle offered a recipe for happiness, focusing not on seeking happiness but cultivating virtues to attract it. He identified ten virtues, including courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, and more, which modern research indicates can lead to a happier life. These virtues encompass qualities like self-control, kindness, truthfulness, and forgiveness. By following this ancient wisdom and turning these virtues into habits, individuals can open the door to a life of well-being and contentment. Aristotle's 10 Rules for a Happy Life - The Atlantic

How Genes Shape Your Palate

New research has revealed 481 genome regions connected to dietary patterns and preferences for specific foods. These findings highlight the influence of genetics on our taste preferences, ranging from fruit to alcohol. Based on a large-scale genomics study, this comprehensive analysis is a significant advancement in understanding how genes impact our eating habits. The research could offer insights into nutritional needs and disease risks and guide interventions for healthier eating patterns. Your Genes May Influence What You Like to Eat - Scientific American

How to Say You're Sorry

How to Apologize Like a Pro - The Atlantic gives tips and tricks for life's inevitable disagreements and misunderstandings.

Academic M-AI-lfeasance

Academic journals struggle to spot the infiltration of generative AI in submitted papers. The use of AI to craft scholarly articles, like a recent fossil fuel efficiency study, is difficult to discern. Although some efforts have been made to enforce disclosure, many cases have slipped through. The evolving technology poses both benefits and risks. While AI can enhance non-native writers' language skills, undisclosed AI-written content could mislead, harm credibility, and even propagate AI-generated misinformation. The challenge of identifying AI-generated submissions grows as language models become more sophisticated, prompting researchers to advocate for improved detection tools and more transparent disclosure protocols. Use of AI Is Seeping Into Academic Journals—and It's Proving Difficult to Detect | WIRED

"Prebunking" Misinformation

Sander van der Linden, a University of Cambridge psychologist, pioneers a method to immunize people against fake news. Inspired by the concept of vaccines, van der Linden's approach involves exposing individuals to weakened misinformation to build cognitive defenses. His work began by countering climate change denial and evolved into collaborating with social media platforms like YouTube to display pre-video warnings about misinformation tactics. By partnering with technology giants and disseminating his ideas, van der Linden aims to empower individuals to prebunk false narratives and protect themselves against deceptive content. This Psychologist Wants To Vaccinate You Against Fake News | WIRED

Wegovy Origin Story

The article Where Ozempic, Wegovy and New Weight Loss Drugs Came From - The New York Times (gift article) explores the origin and enigmatic effectiveness of groundbreaking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications offer hope for combating obesity, which affects a significant portion of the population. Unlike previous approaches, developing these drugs was not straightforward; researchers stumbled upon unexpected ways to induce weight loss. The drugs' mechanisms remain mysterious, exposing the brain to hormone levels never seen in nature. Despite this uncertainty, the drugs offer a new era of potential treatments for obesity.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Pain

The NCCIH has a page devoted to the efficacy of non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief: Chronic Pain: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

Forever Chemicals

The NY Times had an excellent (and sobering) article on "Forever chemicals: "'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere. What Are They Doing to Us? - The New York Times (gift article)

020 - Biohacking, Pheromones, Comfort Food, and Obesity - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Long Covid and ME/CFS

More on how the phenomenon of Long Covid is shedding light on a disease that, until now, has lived in the shadows: myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME/CFS, for short. How long COVID reignites attention for chronic fatigue syndrome

What Causes Obesity? Scientists Still Don't Agree

The NY Times had an opinion piece on a recent attempt to develop a consensus statement on the cause of obesity which affects more than 40 percent of U.S. adults and costs the health system about $173 billion yearly. Scientists could not agree: Scientists Don't Agree on What Causes Obesity, but They Know What Doesn't.

Obesity Drugs

The estimated cost of obesity in the U.S. is over $170 billion. A new class of drugs, glucagon-like peptide-1s receptor agonists (GLP-1s), initially approved for diabetes, are increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss. The drugs are effective in stimulating weight loss (some as much as 20%), now approaching the efficacy of bariatric surgery (the current gold standard). Earlier this year, the FDA approved Wegovy as a treatment for obesity. Despite the potential of these drugs to positively impact the obesity epidemic, they are considered non-essential "lifestyle drugs" and are priced financially out of reach to the general public. Most insurance companies will currently not cover GLP-1s for obesity, meaning out-of-pocket costs, even with insurance, of $1200-$1500 / month-another indicator of the misaligned incentives of much of our medical and pharmaceutical systems, prioritizing profit over the health of individuals. What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?

+If you are taking one of the GLP-1 medications; all is not a bed of roses: 'I miss eating': the truth behind the weight loss drug that makes food repulsive.

Are Near-Death Experiences Real?

Big Think has an article on a scientist who studied more than 1000 near-death experiences. As with so many things, the more we know, the less we understand. Are near-death experiences real?

Telomeres and Cancer

I've seen lots of stories on telomeres lately. Here is one about how telomeres and telomerase influence different types of cancer. How cancer tumor cells can become immortal.

Navigating the Financial World After Death

The article, After someone dies: death certificates, bureaucracy, and grief (gift article) is a written experience of a woman who had the additional stress of financial and institutional red tape after her husband's death. Death is a depressing topic, but the article offers valuable advice on managing your important information now to minimize future stress on your loved ones.

Holidays for the Immunocompromised

Although the world is slowly returning to its pre-pandemic behavior for most individuals, there is a subset of the population, the immunocompromised, for whom very little has changed. How Immunocompromised Experts Will Celebrate Another Pandemic Holiday discusses the many challenges of navigating the holidays with an abnormal immune system.

How To Choose a Healthy Cooking Oil

The Washington Post's article offered an excellent overview of the many oils available in the supermarket. How to choose a healthy cooking oil.) (gift article). If you'd like to compare different brands of olive oil, head over to one of my favorite resources, ConsumerLab: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review & Top Picks. (requires a membership). ConsumerLab is a fantastic resource for sleuthing out dietary items and supplements: ConsumerLab: Independent Testing of Supplements and Botanicals.

Embracing Pheromones on the Farm

Wired had a piece on the effort to develop pheromones to combat infestations and limit the number of pesticides used in farming. To Ditch Pesticides, Scientists Are Hacking Insects' Sex Signals.

Love or Hate Brussel Sprouts? The Reason Might be Your Genes

Inverse had an interesting article on the genetic influence on taste and enjoyment of food: There might be a biological reason you hate Brussels sprouts.

Chronic Illness and the Holidays

Although some people say being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness was good for them, others struggle with negative emotions, especially around the holidays: What if You Can't Find the Silver Lining in Your Illness?

Does Playing Pickleball Count as Vigorous Exercise?

Many of my friends are dropping other sports, such as tennis and racquetball, and instead playing pickleball. Is pickleball a good exercise? Yes, and no has some good information on this rapidly growing sport.

Advanced Glycation End Products and Cognitive Decline

Michael Greger had a good video on Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) and Cognitive Decline. I was surprised by order of food in a table he referred to listing foods highest in AGEs.

Biohacking and Health-Span

An interesting article in The Guardian, Who wants to live to 100 on a diet of lentil and broccoli slurry? Mostly rich men. "The goal shouldn't be to extend life endlessly but to create joy and purpose at every stage of it... What we need is to make life worth living." Different from the author, I'm in the camp of extending my health span AND creating joy and purpose at every stage. This article reminded me not to be draconian about my health regimen. Eighty percent adherence to healthy behaviors should significantly impact my health without sucking the joy out of life.

The Science of Comfort Food

Food takes a centerpiece in many of this season's holiday celebrations. The Science of Comfort Food (gift article) examines why certain foods give us so much pleasure.