Unnatural Selection is a 2019 TV documentary series that presents an overview of genetic engineering focusing primarily on the DNA-editing technology of CRISPR. The documentary is from the perspective of scientists, corporations and biohackers working from their home.
Read MoreA new study suggests taking hypertension medicines at bedtime results in better blood pressure control as well as a decreased risk of cardiovascular and neurovascular events (heart attack and stroke).
The [study](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehz754/5602478), published in the European Heart Journal, followed almost 19,000 patients over six years. They found that taking once a day blood pressure medications at bedtime was beneficial when compared to those that took their medicine in the morning.
Read MoreHumans that own dogs live longer than those that do not say a recent pair of studies published last month.
Dogs and humans that like each other secrete the hormone oxytocin that is a behavioral trigger for bonding. According to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, according to the studies ([1](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554),[2](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005342)) dog ownership decreased mortality from all causes and was associated with a 21% reduction in mortality in people with pre-existing heart disease. Interesting, the reduction in mortality was more pronounced in those that lived alone, suggesting that the companionship of a dog might be a vital component of the effect.
Read MoreA healthy microbiome is a diverse microbiome. One of the substances up-regulated in those with the healthiest microbiomes is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs influence gut health directly by acting as food for the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and by tightening the junctions between cells, but SCFAs are also are increasingly associated with a wide range of systemic health benefits. These benefits include improved immunologic function, lower systemic inflammation, and anti-cancer effects. Individuals with the highest level of SCFAs tend to have the healthiest and most diverse gut flora.
Read MoreProbiotics are all the rage. But a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Those Probiotics May Actually Be Hurting Your ‘Gut Health’, drove home a point I often try to make about prebiotics and probiotics.
Probiotics contain live, microscopic organisms. Yogurt, Kefir, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, and other fermented foods have live bacterial strains. The type of bacteria and yeast often vary by brand. Prebiotics contain no live organisms. Instead, they are substances that humans cannot digest. The substances instead feed the beneficial bacteria of our gut (e.g., psyllium or inulin).
Read MoreThe cannabis plant contains more than 110 cannabinoids and 120 terpenes, but the only compound that's been studied extensively is THC.
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