Individuals suffering from hay fever understand that histamine stimulates an immune response in various parts of the body. Interestingly, recent research shows that histamine plays a distinct role in the brain, where elevated levels can enhance memory accuracy by approximately 10%.
“We believe it enhances something known as excitement associated with novelty,” explains Michael Colwell from Oxford University. “It affects how alert we are when encountering new stimuli in our environment.”
There’s substantial evidence that the brain contains receptors specifically for histamine. “These receptors are concentrated around areas crucial for learning and memory,” Colwell notes. Animal studies further support the correlation between histamine and learning.
This link may clarify some side effects associated with early antihistamines, as elaborated in academic research. “Many older antihistamines penetrated the brain,” Colwell explains. “Consequently, they appeared to impair memory, which is a common issue for long-term users.”
But what happens when histamine levels rise in the brain? Previously, there was no method to examine this in humans until Colwell and his team discovered that an existing narcolepsy medication, pitolisant, could achieve this. It binds to histamine-3 receptors, raising histamine levels throughout the brain.
In their study, the team enlisted 60 volunteers, administering pitolisant to half of them, while the others received a placebo. MRI scans revealed that subjects treated with pitolisant exhibited enhanced connectivity between the histamine-producing regions and the hippocampus, an essential area for memory. These volunteers were also 11% more accurate in recalling learned information during scanning.
However, Colwell cautions against using pitolisant as a “smart drug.” “It significantly impacts sleep, and I suspect that prolonged use might ultimately worsen memory.”
Roland Seifert
from Hannover Medical University in Germany suggests the rarity of pitolisant misuse as a cognitive enhancer, given the difficulty in accessing it. He emphasizes that findings in animal models likely reflect similar trends in humans, signaling potential for targeting histamine receptors in treating neurological disorders.
Those using pitolisant for genetic conditions such as narcolepsy or Prader-Willi syndrome have reported increased alertness. Holger Stark, who collaborated on the drug’s development at Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, states, “In cases where cognitive function suffers due to illness, pitolisant has shown promise in reversing cognitive decline and enhancing alertness. However, in most scenarios, the goal was to normalize function rather than to exceed typical cognitive levels.”
The dual effects of histamine in the body illustrate evolution’s resourcefulness. “This reflects how economical the human body can be,” Colwell concludes.
From cognitive fog to heightened anxiety, the mental health effects of menopause are well-documented. However, recent findings indicate that the neurological changes are more severe than previously understood, possibly explaining the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women.
Roberta Brinton from The University of Arizona explains that these brain changes can be compared to renovating a house: “It becomes a different brain.”
These findings underscore the impact of midlife on brain health and the astonishing resilience of this organ.
“Menopause often reveals neurological vulnerabilities,” Brinton states. “This phase is critical for identifying and addressing neurological risks in women.”
Menopause, which typically occurs around age 50, marks the end of menstruation and is associated with diminished production of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This leads to a spectrum of symptoms, including sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Symptoms can start in the perimenopausal phase, characterized by significant estrogen fluctuations, which greatly affect brain function, especially since estrogen is essential for various brain activities. This hormone contributes to energy production in the brain by facilitating glucose conversion, making up about 25% of its energy supply. A sudden drop in estrogen can initiate a “bioenergetic crisis,” as Brinton describes.
Evidence of this energy crisis is apparent in MRI studies. In 2021, Brinton and colleagues analyzed the brain activity of 161 women, identifying three distinct groups: premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal.
On average, postmenopausal women exhibited about 20% lower glucose metabolism in memory-related brain regions compared to their premenopausal counterparts. Perimenopausal women showed a 10% decrease.
Animal studies suggest that the brain adapts to energy deficits by shifting to alternative fuel sources, primarily lipids. Brinton notes that during menopause, the brain utilizes lipids for energy from the white matter.
White matter acts as a communication network in the brain, facilitating message transmission. In Brinton’s research, a notable 10% reduction in white matter was observed post-menopause compared to pre-menopause, emphasizing the menopausal brain’s dependence on lipids.
Related findings imply potential links between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that hormonal changes might set the stage for cognitive decline. This may help explain why women represent two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases, and those who enter menopause early face a higher risk.
Despite the assertions about the menopausal brain’s fuel needs, skepticism exists among researchers. In a groundbreaking long-term study, Pauline Maki scanned the brains of 242 women aged 40 to 60. Preliminary findings indicated no significant differences in brain volume, including white matter, across different menopausal stages.
This discrepancy may result from variations in study demographics, leading to the ongoing need for deeper investigation. As more studies are released, the understanding of these findings may evolve.
Regardless, evidence indicates that the loss of estrogen can impair verbal memory, particularly during perimenopause. Maki emphasizes, “These cognitive abilities are highly sensitive to declining estrogen levels.”
However, it’s important to note that most women in perimenopause score within normal ranges on verbal memory tests. “It’s not indicative of dementia,” Maki clarifies, “but there are still noticeable changes.”
Impact of Decreased Estrogen on Memory in Perimenopause
Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
In a recent study, Maki and her team assessed the brain activity of nearly 200 postmenopausal women performing memory tasks. The results indicated that higher estrogen levels correlated with improved memory performance and enhanced activation of brain areas linked to memory.
Another unpublished study from Maki’s team has connected lower postmenopausal estrogen levels to diminished connections between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are essential for memory function.
These findings illuminate how hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which restores estrogen levels, can enhance cognitive performance in perimenopausal women. Research indicates a connection between HRT and a reduced likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease. However, timing plays a crucial role; most studies suggest that the protective effects of HRT are strongest for those who initiate treatment up to 10 years before menopause.
Early estrogen introduction may help the brain maintain its energy supply to white matter, according to Brinton; once this adjustment occurs, it may be too late for intervention.
Additionally, HRT alleviates hot flashes, which can severely disrupt sleep. “Chronic sleep deprivation is detrimental to brain health,” notes Maki.
Maki’s research has also indicated that local anesthetics can interrupt neural systems responsible for temperature regulation in the spinal cord, potentially aiding in memory improvement for menopausal women. Brinton’s team is also exploring non-hormonal agents that target estrogen receptors to minimize hot flashes and possibly lower Alzheimer’s risk, currently undergoing Phase II trials.
Encouragingly, the brain seems capable of adaptation even without HRT, with studies showing shifts in brain structures after menopause. A recent investigation involving around 11,000 women discovered that gray matter volume decreases during perimenopause, but some areas may rebound after menopause.
The research indicates no significant disparity in memory performance between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, those in the latter group appeared to recruit more pronounced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, crucial for memory tasks. This suggests that the brain may adapt to hormonal changes by integrating additional neural circuits to compensate.
While the transition may elevate Alzheimer’s risk for some, Maki emphasizes the importance of managing other potential risk factors like high blood pressure and hearing loss.
Despite the rapid cognitive alterations associated with menopause, enduring cognitive issues are not universally anticipated. “All women undergo menopause,” Maki asserts. “However, not all will develop dementia or persistent brain fog. The brain’s transition during menopause highlights its remarkable capacity for reorganization and adaptation in response to change.”
Scanning Electron Micrograph of Bacteria on Human Tongue
Credit: Science Photo Library/Alamy
Our dietary habits significantly impact our health, and the microorganisms residing in our mouths are equally crucial. A groundbreaking study investigating the relationship between the oral microbiome and metabolic health indicates that these findings could eventually help identify risks for obesity, prediabetes, and fatty liver disease.
“This represents one of the most ambitious efforts to correlate the oral microbiome with metabolic health across various organ systems,” noted Lindsay Edwards from King’s College London, who was not involved in the research.
The oral microbiome, the second largest microbial ecosystem in the body after the gut, has been linked to various health conditions. Previous research mainly focused on limited participants or single conditions, utilizing 16S ribosomal RNA profiling. While this method identifies broad microbial groups, it cannot specify bacterial strains or the genes they may carry.
In contrast, Imran Razak and his colleagues at the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence analyzed oral swabs from 9,431 participants using whole metagenomic sequencing, allowing for a comprehensive examination of all microbial DNA present. They paired this microbiome data with liver ultrasound scans, continuous blood glucose monitoring, and body composition analysis to create a robust statistical atlas. This atlas relates specific oral bacteria and their genes to 44 metabolic traits, such as liver fat, blood sugar fluctuations, and visceral fat, all relevant to conditions like high blood pressure, prediabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
Many bacteria identified in this study have appeared in previous research. For instance, in early 2023, Ashish Jha from New York University Abu Dhabi reported that Streptococcus parasanguinis and Oribacterium sinus were more prevalent in obese individuals. Razak’s study corroborates these findings, linking these bacteria to increased BMI and body fat.
Additionally, new research has provided insights into microbial functions that may influence disease processes. For example, polyamine biosynthesis, associated with worse liver health and blood sugar control, as well as microbial pathways related to ceramide breakdown (lipids known to contribute to insulin resistance), were linked to adverse glycemic control.
Although the study does not definitively state that these bacteria cause health issues, Razak emphasizes that “bacteria serve as reliable indicators for future mechanistic studies.” The researchers hypothesize that the oral microbiome might not merely be a passive marker but may actively influence metabolic diseases.
Jha discusses potential pathways through which oral microbes might affect metabolic health, including the translocation of bacterial products into the bloodstream through inflamed gums, which can cause further inflammation. Oral microbes can also alter gut microbiota ecology and secrete chemicals that impact processes like blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health.
Overall, the prevailing hypothesis suggests that it is not individual oral bacteria that lead to obesity or metabolic disorders, but rather “dysbiosis” of the oral microbiome, contributing to chronic inflammation and metabolic burdens through repeated microbial exposure, oral-gut transit, immune activation, and microbial metabolite production, as noted by Jha.
A puzzling aspect of this research is understanding why some individuals harbor potentially harmful microorganisms. Razak suggests that factors such as gum health, age, gender, smoking, and diet may all play a role. Notably, many associations persisted even when considering common oral health issues like periodontal disease.
Future studies that confirm these findings could enable the use of microbial signatures in the oral cavity as metrics for assessing metabolic risk. The prospect of a simple oral swab offering early warnings for conditions like fatty liver disease and blood sugar imbalances is particularly compelling, especially given the rising prevalence of metabolic disorders and the urgent need for non-invasive diagnostic tools, as highlighted by Edwards.
Adjusting the balance of these microorganisms may eventually become a viable therapeutic approach, Razak suggests.
While further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these associations and validate them across diverse populations, this study marks a significant advancement in microbiome research at a population level. It reinforces the growing recognition that the oral cavity is not only a reflection of oral health but may also act as a sentinel of systemic physiology, according to Edwards.
Recent studies reveal that bacteria in our gut can recycle discarded sex hormones back into the bloodstream. Researchers found that individuals in industrialized societies host significantly more bacteria that perform this recycling than those in hunter-gatherer populations or non-industrialized farmers. This phenomenon may lead to elevated blood levels of certain sex hormones, presenting potential health risks.
“We don’t yet know how the body reacts to this increased input,” explains Rebecca Britten from Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Poland. “However, the implications could be substantial.”
Sex hormones, including estrogen, travel in the bloodstream. Elevated hormone levels trigger a chemical signal in the liver, causing the hormone to be excreted via the intestines. Bacteria feed on a sugar molecule attached to the hormone, utilizing an enzyme named β-glucuronidase to remove this tag.
Once the tag is cleaved, hormones can be reabsorbed by the body and re-enter the bloodstream. Research indicates that a notable portion of excreted sex hormones undergoes this recycling process due to gut bacteria.
The term “oestrobolome,” introduced in 2011, refers to the collection of intestinal bacteria that influence estrogen levels. Recently, the term “Testbolome” was proposed, indicating gut bacteria’s role in altering testosterone levels as well.
The latest research, conducted by a British team, analyzed gut microbiome data from various populations, including hunter-gatherers in Botswana, rural farmers in Venezuela, and urban residents in Philadelphia and Colorado. The findings show that the estrogen recycling ability of gut microbes in industrialized populations is up to seven times greater and twice as diverse compared to hunter-gatherers or rural communities.
Interestingly, the study also highlights that formula-fed infants exhibit up to three times more recycling capacity and eleven times more diversity than breastfed infants. However, factors such as age, gender, and BMI did not significantly affect the oestrobolome composition.
Researchers are now investigating if the enhanced recycling capabilities linked to gene sequences translate to actual increases in estrogen levels in the bloodstream. It remains to be seen whether the body compensates for heightened recycling by adjusting hormone levels.
If certain individuals maintain high estrogen levels due to their microbiome, it could significantly impact fertility and overall health, potentially raising the risk for conditions like certain cancers. Conversely, increased recycling might be beneficial for those with low estrogen levels. “We shouldn’t automatically assume that higher estrogen recycling is detrimental,” Britten notes. “In some cases, it can be advantageous.”
Katherine Cook, a professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine studying the microbiome’s connection to breast cancer risk, emphasizes the growing evidence of gut microbiome’s role in human health. However, she cautions that the current study’s cohort is primarily based in the United States, suggesting that including a European group could strengthen the findings.
Britten expresses her intention to explore the lifestyle factors contributing to these observed differences. “We want to gather more precise data for further research,” she remarks.
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Why Iodized Salt Deserves a Comeback
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In university, I had a passionate biology lecturer dedicated to resolving global iodine deficiencies. He always advocated for iodized salt, claiming it plays a pivotal role in enhancing public health. His emphasis on its significance still resonates with me whenever I browse the salt aisle at the supermarket.
Recently, I’ve observed a decline in the availability of iodized salt. Fancy varieties like Cornish sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and gourmet kosher salts are dominating the shelves. The remaining iodized salt products are often unattractive, posing the question: Are we risking the benefits brought by this simple yet vital mineral?
Iodine is a crucial mineral that the thyroid uses to produce hormones essential for metabolism, growth, digestion, heart rate, and body temperature regulation.
Ensuring adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is especially critical, as thyroid hormones influence fetal brain development. Mild iodine deficiency can diminish intelligence significantly—by as much as 13 IQ points. It is equally important for children, supporting both brain development and thyroid functionality. Reports exist of children suffering from iodine deficiency displaying poor school performance and fatigue due to extreme pickiness in food choices. Additionally, both adults and children can develop goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, due to insufficient iodine intake.
Natural sources rich in iodine include seaweed, seafood, and dairy products. Milk contains iodine due to iodine being added to cow feed and the use of iodine-based disinfectants during milking. Fruits, vegetables, and grains can capture minimal amounts of iodine from soil, which varies significantly in iodine content. Regions like Switzerland and Michigan historically had iodine-poor soil, resulting in high incidences of goiter among children.
In 1922, Switzerland pioneered iodized salt by adding iodine to table salt. This initiative led to a near elimination of goiters and remarkable increases in children’s height and IQ, as economist Dimitra Politi described it. High school graduation rates soared as a result of this public health intervention.
Iodized salt made its way to Michigan in 1924, followed by widespread adoption across the U.S. and other countries. Its introduction significantly contributed to the global rise in IQ witnessed in the 20th century. Rarely has such an inexpensive invention delivered such monumental benefits. Endocrinologist Gerald Barrow famously stated, “Five cents per person per year can make the entire population smarter than before.”
Despite these gains, iodized salt faces a popularity crisis today. The allure of pink Himalayan sea salt often overshadows the practical benefits of iodized options. Many consumers avoid iodized salt, mistakenly believing it contains harmful additives, despite iodine being a natural element.
As people reduce their use of iodized salt at home, they increasingly rely on processed foods, which typically contain non-iodized salt. The growing popularity of vegan diets and plant-based milk alternatives further diminishes iodine intake.
A recent study indicates that Americans not consuming enough iodine has doubled since 2001, with alarming findings showing that 46% of pregnant women are iodine deficient.
This trend is mirrored in the UK, where women of reproductive age show average iodine levels below recommended standards. In Australia, 62% of pregnant and breastfeeding women lack sufficient iodine. Conversely, some regions in Japan report excessive iodine intake leading to thyroid complications.
Consequently, public health experts urge residents of the U.S., U.K., and Australia to reintroduce iodized salt into their diets to safeguard against cognitive impairments, thyroid issues, and the potential return of goiter.
It’s perplexing. The supplement industry thrives, with people consuming large doses of zinc, selenium, and ginkgo biloba for brain health, often despite minimal evidence supporting these benefits. In contrast, iodine supplements and iodized salt remain overlooked, despite the risks associated with iodine deficiency.
Regardless of current trends, I will persist in my quest for iodized salt at the supermarket, wary of the judgment that may accompany a purchase of those appealing pink flakes.
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Investigating the Olfactory Response to Citrus for Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease
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Research indicates that individuals with Parkinson’s disease often struggle to enjoy pleasant aromas, such as that of lemons. This intriguing finding suggests that “the world smells different” for those affected, presenting a potential opportunity for healthcare professionals to diagnose Parkinson’s disease using a cost-effective and non-invasive method, which traditionally requires several years and extensive evaluations.
The inability to detect scents is a primary symptom of Parkinson’s disease, affecting 75-90% of patients and frequently manifesting years or even decades prior to the characteristic tremors. Although numerous efforts have aimed to utilize olfactory loss as a diagnostic criterion, challenges arise since this sensory decline also occurs with normal aging.
Recently, Professor Noam Sobel and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, adopted a novel method of examining odor perception.
The study involved 94 participants, primarily aged 50 to 70. Among them, 33 were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, another 33 reported no known medical issues, while 28 were affected by anosmia not related to Parkinson’s. Standardized tests and surveys were employed to evaluate the participants’ ability to recognize and identify odors.
A unique feature of the study was the assessment of so-called olfactory fingerprints. Participants rated the intensity and pleasantness of scents from three bottles: one with a high concentration of lemon-scented citral, another containing a mix of compounds that emitted a feces-like odor, and a third bottle that was empty.
All tests observed periods of reduced olfactory ability, but only the olfactory perceptual fingerprint successfully differentiated between those with anosmia and individuals with Parkinson’s disease, achieving an impressive 88 percent accuracy. This accuracy rose to 94% when participants were matched by age and gender.
Interestingly, individuals with Parkinson’s disease reported perceiving citrus scents as equally strong compared to a healthy group, though both scent-related issues considered had lower comfort ratings than the healthy participants. Notably, those with Parkinson’s sniffed nearly 2 percent longer in response to unpleasant odors than lemon scents, while the other groups exhibited a decline in sniffing duration by 11 to 12 percent.
Sobel and his colleagues hypothesize that while the olfactory system remains functional in people with Parkinson’s disease, their brains interpret these signals differently, resulting in reduced enjoyment of pleasant scents and an involuntary sniffing response that is disconnected from the aroma’s pleasantness.
Distinguishing between aging-related anosmia and that caused by Parkinson’s is immensely valuable. Michał Pieniak from the Smell and Taste Clinic at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, highlights that around one in ten individuals seeking help for lost smell may, in fact, develop Parkinson’s disease. “If we can refine the identification of their personal risk, it would be a major breakthrough.”
Charles Greer, a professor at Yale University School of Medicine, asserts that this innovative method shows remarkable potential but emphasizes the necessity for further testing with a larger population. Given that olfactory loss can precede other Parkinson’s symptoms by years, it may take considerable time to fully evaluate this approach.
Recent studies reveal that vitamin C concentrations in the skin are closely linked to blood (plasma) levels, and can be enhanced by increasing fruit consumption. This research, involving 20 healthy individuals from New Zealand and Germany, demonstrated that eating two kiwifruits rich in vitamin C daily boosts plasma levels, elevates the vitamin content in the skin, enhances skin thickness (collagen production), and supports the regeneration of the skin’s outer layer.
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is found in all parts of the skin. Puller et al. conducted an extensive study to correlate plasma and skin ascorbic acid levels, emphasizing key skin compartments. Image credit: Pullar et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587.
“The strength of the link between skin thickness and vitamin C intake is striking,” remarked Professor Margriet Vissers from the University of Otago.
“We were taken aback by the significant correlation between plasma and skin vitamin C levels, which was notably stronger than that in other organs we examined.”
“For the first time, we have shown that circulating vitamin C penetrates all skin layers and correlates with enhanced skin function.”
“I’m incredibly proud of my team’s work and thrilled by the insights from our findings.”
The results imply that true beauty emanates from within, suggesting that vitamin C delivered through the bloodstream effectively supports skin function holistically.
“Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.”
“This understanding has prompted the inclusion of vitamin C in numerous skincare formulations.”
“However, due to its high water solubility, vitamin C is not easily absorbed through the skin’s outer barrier.”
“Our findings indicate that the skin effectively absorbs vitamin C from blood circulation.”
“The uptake into the outer epidermal layers seems to be prioritized.”
The researchers utilized healthy skin samples from patients undergoing elective surgeries to establish the connection between plasma and skin vitamin C levels.
They carried out a pre- and post-dietary vitamin C intervention study involving 12 healthy participants in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Germany.
“Participants were instructed to consume two kiwifruits (equivalent to 250 micrograms of vitamin C) daily for eight weeks,” explained Professor Vissers.
“We collected skin samples before and after the dietary intervention, enabling us to analyze the basal skin layer in Christchurch and the integumentary skin layer alongside skin functionality tests in Germany.”
The researchers assessed skin sample regeneration, including skin thickness, elasticity, UV protection, and epidermal cell regeneration via ultrasound, to provide a comprehensive understanding of skin function.
“A significant finding was that participants’ skin thickness levels showed a notable increase, indicating enhanced collagen production and epidermal cell regeneration, essentially reflecting skin regeneration,” stated Professor Vissers.
Scientists propose that boosting dietary vitamin C intake can enrich all regions of your skin.
“It’s crucial to maintain optimal plasma levels, and we know that healthy individuals can easily reach these levels with approximately 250mg of vitamin C daily,” commented Professor Vissers.
“Nonetheless, vitamins are not stored by the body. Therefore, a healthy habit is to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, including foods high in vitamin C.”
Refer to the study published on October 28, 2025, in the Journal of Research Dermatology.
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Juliet M. Puller et al. Dietary intake of kiwifruit, a high vitamin C food, improves vitamin C levels and skin function in human skin. Journal of Research Dermatology published online October 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587
In 1964, a San Diego high school student named Randy Gardner participated in a Science Fair Project by staying awake for an astounding 11 days.
By the second day of the experiment, Gardner began to experience memory lapses. By the seventh day, he suffered from intense hallucinations, and by the 11th day, he exhibited inconsistencies, paranoia, and muscular tremors.
Fortunately, the 17-year-old fully recovered without any lasting effects. No one has surpassed this record since then, as noted in the Guinness Record Book. Due to health concerns, sleep deprivation records were discontinued in 1997.
However, cognitive decline can occur without an 11-day deprivation; even a few nights of poor sleep can lead to diminished functioning, memory recall, and emotional regulation.
Now, let’s explore the science behind sleep and its impact on brain performance.
What happens to your brain while you’re sleeping?
Photo credit: Getty
During sleep, our brains engage in essential repairs and various tasks, including removing waste and detoxifying itself.
Short-term memories are organized, long-term memories in the neocortex are solidified, and REM sleep plays a crucial role in problem-solving and emotional regulation.
But it’s not just all activity; there are restorative phases during non-REM sleep stages 1, 2, and 3, which slow the heartbeat, relax the muscles, and reduce brain wave activity—with brief bursts during stage 2.
In REM sleep, brain activity intensifies, resembling the state of wakefulness. The amygdala and hippocampus are highly active, aiding in memory processing and emotion regulation. This dream phase supports creative thinking when you wake up.
Brain impacts of poor sleep
Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can impact your brain’s performance in several ways.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and problem-solving, becomes less effective. This leads to reduced attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
An overactive amygdala can hinder the emotional contextualization of information, and difficulties in storing information in the cortex weaken memory integration.
Other short-term effects of inadequate sleep include: • Impaired judgment • Slowed reaction times • Declined risk assessment
When sleep deprivation becomes normal
For individuals with chronic sleep disorders, these short-term consequences are part of their everyday reality.
Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation has serious ramifications. Research conducted by the National Medical Library reveals a link between chronic sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Studies indicate that sleep performs essential housekeeping, such as clearing potentially harmful beta-amyloid proteins,” states the Sleep Foundation.
“In Alzheimer’s disease, the aggregation of beta-amyloid leads to cognitive decline. Even one night of sleep deprivation can increase the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain.”
According to one study, individuals with sleep disorders have a significantly elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s, with an estimated 15% of cases linked to lack of sleep.
Maintaining brain health and cognitive function heavily relies on regular, quality sleep, making it essential to optimize your sleep environment.
Optimizing sleep quality
Hästens, a bed maker based in Sweden, recognizes the vital importance of quality sleep. Since 1852, Hästens has crafted handmade beds in the Swedish town of Kaepi, taking up to 600 hours and using only natural materials.
“A good night’s sleep will enhance your performance,” notes Hästens. “In today’s fast-paced world, sleep may feel like a luxury, but from a medical standpoint, it’s crucial for a strong immune system and overall health.”
Explore the full range of Hästens beds and accessories, and learn more about the benefits of quality sleep here.
Local Hästens Sleep Spa bed tests can be booked online www.hastens.com or at your nearest certified retailer.
The color of a vehicle significantly influences the surrounding temperature. Darker cars tend to absorb and emit more heat than brighter ones, especially when parked on the street or in a parking lot. The cumulative effects of countless vehicles in urban areas can substantially intensify the urban heat island effect, exacerbating heat stress for pedestrians on sunny days.
“Have you ever noticed how you feel the heat radiating when passing a parked car on a hot day?” asks Marcia Mattias from the University of Lisbon, Portugal. “It’s not just your imagination!”
Mattias and her team monitored two parked cars (one black and one white) for over five hours under direct sunlight. Their findings revealed that the black car increased local temperatures by up to 3.8°C compared to the surrounding asphalt, which was already at 36°C on a clear summer day. In contrast, the white car had a considerably lesser impact on its environment.
This variation in temperature is primarily due to the reflective properties of vehicle paint; white paint reflects 75-85% of sunlight, whereas black paint reflects only 5-10%, absorbing the majority of incoming light. The thin metal and aluminum bodies of cars heat up rapidly in strong sunlight, unlike dark asphalt, which warms at a much slower rate. “With thousands of cars occupying city spaces, each acts like a small heat source or shield,” Mattias notes. “Their colors can genuinely transform the thermal dynamics of our streets.”
Research indicates that repainting vehicles from dark to light colors can create cooler surfaces on sunny, low-wind days and lower nearby air temperatures. For instance, in the case of Lisbon, performing this change could significantly enhance the sun’s reflection off road surfaces where parked cars occupy over 10% of the area.
Alicia Burke from the University of North Carolina remarked that “utilizing light-colored vehicles as a strategy to mitigate urban heat is particularly innovative.” Previous studies have mainly focused on improving the reflectivity of roofs and pavements.
Government vehicle fleets, taxis, delivery vans, and similar transportation groups are prime candidates for color transformation, according to Mattias.
The stiffening of arteries with age, exacerbated by Covid-19
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Covid-19 seems to speed up the aging of blood vessels, particularly in women.
The virus has been linked to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. For further insights, see Rosa Maria Bruno from the University of Parisite and her research team, who studied 2,390 individuals with an average age of 50 across 16 nations, including the UK and US, from September 2020 to February 2022.
Participants included those testing positive for Covid-19 viruses or for antibodies without vaccination, alongside others who were negative for both without past infections.
The health of their arteries was evaluated by measuring the speed of pressure wave transmission between the carotid artery in the neck and the femoral artery in the foot. This assesses arterial stiffness, which naturally increases with age and elevates heart disease risk.
Findings indicated that confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were related to increased arterial stiffness in women. This correlation appeared to grow with infection severity; for instance, women hospitalized for Covid-19 showed an average arterial age roughly five years greater than their uninfected peers, rising to 7.5 years among those who needed intensive care.
Researchers accounted for other factors influencing arteriosclerosis, such as smoking and obesity.
However, no similar findings were present in men. Earlier studies indicate that women tend to have stronger responses to infections than men, and an inability to modulate immune responses can result in inflammatory damage. Bruno expressed hope for observable gender differences but noted that this study didn’t yield significant ones.
The results also shed light on long Covid, which is more prevalent among women. After six months, arterial stiffness in women showed slight improvement, yet remained notably high in patients with ongoing Covid-19 complications. “Our study demonstrated measurable changes in blood vessels correlating with the symptoms of long Covid patients,” said Bruno.
Some individuals in the uninfected group may have experienced mild infections unbeknownst to them, potentially influencing the study’s validity.
Regardless, Vassilios Vassilio from the University of East Anglia highlighted the study’s robustness, asserting it could aid in identifying individuals affected by long Covid. “This research marks the first large, international multicenter investigation confirming an association between COVID-19 and accelerated vascular aging,” he noted. “The findings enhance comprehension of mechanisms post-Covid-19 syndrome and may pave the way for targeted pharmaceutical approaches.”
Intermittent fasting has emerged as a popular approach to enhance health and boost metabolism. However, recent research indicates that its advantages may be diminished by body fat due to inconspicuous disruptions in the liver’s hunger adaptation.
In a study, researchers assessed liver modifications in both healthy and obese mice that lacked leptin, the hormone responsible for regulating appetite, during food deprivation periods. Intermittent fasting entails extended calorie restriction followed by a regular eating window.
Both mouse groups exhibited similar metabolic networks, comprising liver molecules that collaboratively manage energy; however, significant differences in timing were observed.
“In a healthy liver, energy-centric molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) quickly respond to starvation and modulate various metabolic reactions,” stated Professor Shinya Kuroda in BBC Science Focus.
“This mechanism appears to be deficient and confused in obese individuals.”
To put it differently, in healthy mice, energy-related molecules like ATP and AMP operate as primary hubs, swiftly adapting metabolic responses to conserve and redistribute energy. Conversely, in obese mice, these molecules did not exhibit a quick response, resulting in a sluggish and disoriented reaction to starvation.
A rapid response from ATP and AMP during periods of food scarcity enables the liver to utilize energy from stored reserves. This process is believed to facilitate several benefits of intermittent fasting, such as weight reduction and better glycemic control.
Through a combination of structural and temporal metabolic analyses, the research team elucidates how obesity induces metabolic “jet lag,” complicating not just the timing but also the manner in which crucial molecular events transpire.
“Our findings could have significant implications for enhancing the effectiveness of intermittent fasting in humans,” Kuroda remarked.
“Next, we aim to identify easily detectable blood-based biomarkers in humans,” Kuroda added. “Ultimately, clinical research is necessary to assess our findings. The journey is lengthy, but every thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.”
Shinya Kuroda is a professor at the Faculty of Science at the University of Tokyo, Japan, focusing on Systems Biology. His research includes publications in Cell, Journal of Biochemistry, and Natural Cell Biology.
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