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Why Food Noise, Not Willpower, Holds the Secret to Weight Loss

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Among the countless enigmas of science, I find myself intrigued by the enticing toffee tucked away in the kitchen cupboard. It has me completely captivated—almost like I’m being swept into some metaphysical currents.

The pressing question is: how? How do chocolate bars diminish my willpower when I thought I was a seasoned adult who should know better?

The solution may be linked to the concept of “food noise.” This pervasive and disruptive phenomenon relates to the relationship between food and our perceptions of it.

In the case of my beloved toffee crunch, these fleeting thoughts are mere distractions that I inevitably give in to within an hour.

Food noise can be a serious issue

For some individuals, food noise is a substantial concern. Hayashi Daimon, a doctoral researcher at Penn State University, explains.

He notes that when the volume increases, food noise becomes a source of “a constant obsession that undermines an individual’s well-being and complicates healthy choices.”

Although research on food noise is sparse, in 2023, Hayashi and his colleagues published a paper aiming to connect established knowledge about food cues and anecdotal insights into food noise. Their team is actively pursuing further research.

“I believe that research on food noise is at a point where asking the right questions and seeking empirical data is more crucial than making presumptions,” Yayashi highlights.

“From our preliminary findings, I can tell you that most social media accounts describe food noise as a source of distress, with people indicating they would rather avoid it.”

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Individuals respond variably to food cues

Hayashi asserts that food noise is characterized by an ongoing, heightened reaction to food signals—ranging from social media advertisements to the aroma of someone’s dish, and the internal mechanisms that regulate appetite hormones.

While these cues serve to nourish us, some individuals exhibit quicker responses.

“A combination of personal attributes such as genetics, lifestyle, and stress can lead to heightened sensitivity to food noise, particularly as we are frequently subjected to strong external food signals.”

An intriguing study has emerged from research on GLP-1 agonists, a category of weight loss medications including Ozempic.

“Anécdotal evidence suggests that many individuals use the term ‘food noise’ to describe obsessive behaviors regarding food prior to starting such treatments,” says Hayashi.

“My hypothesis is that one of the impacts of these medications, which might clarify their efficacy in obesity treatment, is that they diminish the responsiveness to food cues and lessen susceptibility to food noise.”

Further research will address this inquiry and determine the extent of food noise’s impact on others.

Certain foods are rich in brain dopamine reactions termed “Bliss Points,” particularly those high in sugar, fat, and salt, like chocolate digestives – Credit: Peter Dazelly via Getty

What actions can we take regarding food noise now?

If you’re searching for approaches to manage intrusive thoughts about food (or intense cravings for forbidden toffee), Hayashi suggests consulting a nutritionist. They can assist in examining your dietary habits and devising strategies to enhance resistance to food cues.

These strategies may encompass mindful eating practices or ensuring sufficient meal consumption to avoid the discomfort of hunger at mealtimes.

Crucially, avoid falling into the trap of guilt surrounding the notion that struggling with food represents personal failure.

“We exist in a paradoxical society where cultural messages incessantly promote thinness and muscularity, while simultaneously compelling us to engage with external food cues that lead to poor dietary choices,” he explains.

“This creates an ideal scenario for suffering from food noise, compounded by a social structure that makes access to healthier options more challenging than opting for convenient, highly processed foods lacking in nutritional value.”

About our experts

Hayashi Daimon is a doctoral researcher at Penn State University in the United States. His work has been featured in Nutrients, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient Pot Near Pompeii Holds Honey from 2,500 Years Ago

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Ancient Greek bronze jars displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford have been discovered to contain honey.

American Chemical Society

The findings from the ancient Greek pot located at a shrine near Pompeii serve as evidence of the lasting nature of honey jars.

In 1954, a Greek burial shrine dating back to around 520 BC was uncovered in Pestum, Italy, approximately 70 kilometers south of Pompeii.

The shrine contained eight pots with sticky residues, and their contents remained a mystery since their unearthing.

Honey was initially suspected in tests conducted on one of the pots between the 1950s and 1980s by Luciana Carvalho from Oxford University.

Three distinct teams analyzed the residue but concluded that the jars contained animal or vegetable fats mixed with pollen and insect parts, rather than honey.

At that time, researchers depended on significantly less sensitive analytical methods, focusing on solubility tests.

Carvalho and her team started by examining the infrared reflection of the residues to determine their overall composition.

Ancient honey residues from the interior of the pot

Luciana da Costa Carvalho

Initially, it was hypothesized that the contents could be decomposed beeswax due to its outward resemblance and high acidity.

To test this hypothesis, the team employed gas chromatography paired with mass spectrometry, which ultimately unveiled the presence of sugars like glucose and fructose, the primary sugars found in honey.

“We unearthed a remarkably intricate mixture of acids and broken-down sugars,” states Carvalho. “The clear indicator of honey was the detection of sugar at the core of the residue.”

Further examination by Elizabeth Pierce from Oxford University confirmed the presence of a protein called major royal jelly protein, secreted by honeybees, along with the detection of peptide traces from Tropilaelaps Mercedesae, a parasitic mite that consumes bee larvae.

“This parasite is believed to derive from an Asian beehive,” Pierce comments.

Carvalho mentions that the cork seal of the bronze jar eventually failed, allowing air and microorganisms to enter. “We believe these bacteria consumed most of the sugar remnants, leading to the production of additional acids and decomposition products. What was left was an acidic, waxy residue clinging to the walls of the jar.”

“Investigating the honey offerings at the shrines in Paestum elucidates how the people honored their deities and their perceptions regarding the afterlife,” Carvalho explains.

Historic Herculaneum – discover Vesuvius, Pompeii, ancient Naples

The journey through history and archaeology embarks on a fascinating exploration where the past comes alive through Mount Vesuvius and the remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Physicists Believe Geometry Holds the Key to All Theories

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Can you envision the impression a 4D hexagon might create as it travels through a 3D kitchen table? It might seem implausible, yet some individuals can perceive it.

One such individual was mathematician Alicia Bourstott, daughter of logician George Bourg. In the early 20th century, she devised models of shapes while moving through three-dimensional objects. Years later, when mathematicians could verify her work with computer programs, they found that Stott had an uncanny ability to accurately depict these shapes.

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For many of us, geometry recalls images of pencils, rulers, triangles, and circles. It evokes the complex questions posed in school involving parallel lines and angles. However, as Boole Stott’s experience illustrates, scholars have been expanding the scope of geometry for some time.

Geometry can transcend the conventional realm of 2D and 3D shapes. A prime example is Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity, known as general relativity, which intertwines with time to form a four-dimensional stage where the universe unfolds.

Moreover, geometry can also explore dimensions that defy physical reality. Take meteorology, for example. Atmospheric data encompasses multiple “dimensions” such as latitude, longitude, temperature, pressure, wind speed, and more.

Researchers visualize these dimensions as shapes extending into higher dimensions, aiding in understanding atmospheric behavior. “From this, we can implement mathematical models to explain what occurs. [those properties] In numerous dimensions,” states mathematician Snezana Lawrence of Middlesex University in London.

For theoretical physicists, extra dimensions appear to be essential for a complete understanding of the universe, with some suggesting that our reality might be a “projection” from a higher dimension. While this idea might sound peculiar, under certain simplified assumptions, physicists can perform calculations related to fundamental particles and black holes.

Some physicists have even proposed the concept of “all theories,” a curious geometric idea that may lead to a unified explanation of the universe and everything within it. One of these concepts is the “amplituhedron,” introduced by Jaroslav Trnka from the University of California, Davis, and Nima Arkani Hamed at the Institute for Advanced Study in New Jersey. Imagine it as an abstract, multidimensional crystal that offers an alternative perspective on the fundamentals of particle physics.

Another concept is “causal dynamic triangulation,” developed by Renate Roll at Radboud University in the Netherlands. This approach stitches together various geometric shapes to craft an explanation of space-time that seems to embody characteristics of both quantum mechanics and general relativity—two concepts that are traditionally seen as incompatible. She asserts that it serves as a testable reflection of both abstract geometric theories and true properties of the universe, as observed in the cosmic microwave background radiation.

Neither of these ideas has yet been universally accepted in all theories. However, some believe that a fresh perspective on physics is essential for progress. There is a growing consensus that this perspective may be expressed through the language of geometry. While the truth of this notion remains to be seen, it is evident that geometry encompasses far more than just hexagons.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Symbiosis Shaped Our Planet and Why It Holds the Key to Our Future

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In the initial two billion years of Earth’s existence, our planet was dominated by a combination of bacteria and their relatives, the Archaea. This period can be described as “slimeball Earth,” marked by a critical merger that shaped the future of life on our planet.

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One of these ancient cells engulfed a bacterial cell, and remarkably, the bacterium survived. Together, they replicated, leading the engulfed bacteria to evolve into mitochondria, which serve as the energy source for these early cells.

Nick Lane from University College London discovered that mitochondria enabled these cells to express an extraordinary 200,000 times more genes, fostering growth and the emergence of varied life forms. This new combination eventually evolved into complex eukaryotic cells, resulting in nearly every organism observable without a microscope, including humans.

Coexistence is fundamental to our existence, a factor that continues to sustain us today. Over 80% of terrestrial plant species engage in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which provide essential nutrients while plants supply the fungi with carbohydrates. Without this interaction, oxygen as we know it would be nonexistent. The soil itself is a product of symbiosis among fungi, bacteria, and plants—an ecological partnership that took root when life transitioned from sea to land roughly 500 million years ago.

When many think of “symbiosis,” they often envision entities coexisting peacefully, like the clownfish and anemone or the vibrant ecosystems of coral reefs. Lichens, too, symbolize the intimate connections among distinct life kingdoms. Generally, we perceive symbiosis as a benevolent arrangement characterized by mutual benefit.

However, experts suggest viewing symbiotic relationships on a spectrum, ranging from parasitism to mutualism. Katie Field from the University of Sheffield, UK, points out that reciprocity isn’t always altruistic; partners often give in hopes of future benefits.

To illustrate this spectrum, consider the diverse strategies employed by orchids. Their minuscule seeds contain very few resources and must parasitize mycorrhizal fungi to access the sugars and nutrients needed for germination. As they develop leaves, some species begin to establish a more reciprocal relationship with the fungus, shifting from parasitism to mutual benefit.

Conversely, older orchids might provide sustenance for younger ones, while certain species may remain parasitic indefinitely, never developing photosynthetic leaves. “There’s a whole cycle of different stages of symbiotic interactions,” Field remarks.

Another significant perspective on symbiosis is its potential as a key to a sustainable future. Leguminous plants such as pulses, beans, and lentils utilize symbiotic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizer. Recent studies indicate that these plants have adapted mechanisms from existing cellular structures for this purpose.

This revelation could pave the way for other crops, notably grains like wheat and corn—staples that account for half of human caloric intake—to produce their fertilizers. Giles Oldroyd from the Crop Science Center at Cambridge University is exploring this avenue, with hopes of significantly reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Oldroyd is conducting field trials using modified crops to harness the power of symbiosis, with a clear mission to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. “I’m committed to this goal,” he states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

In 2024, Birth Rate Holds Steady Near Record Lows

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Amidst the Trump administration’s focus on declining US fertility rates, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that births remained relatively stable in 2024, increasing by 1% compared to the previous year.

In the United States last year, there were 3,622,673 births, according to a CDC report published on Wednesday. From 2015 to 2020, births experienced an average annual decline of 2%, with fluctuations in subsequent years.

The report also outlines the birth rates for women aged 15 to 44, known specifically as the birth rate. This rate declined between 2014 and 2020, fluctuating until 2024, where it reached 54.6 births per 1,000 individuals—an increase of 0.2% from 2023.

Brady Hamilton, the primary author of the report and a CDC statistician, noted that the data continues the ongoing downward trend in teenage births and the upward trend in births among older women observed in the past three decades. However, the CDC refrained from offering specific explanations for this trend.

An analysis of CDC data by a sociologist suggests that this trend largely reflects women delaying childbearing in their 20s and opting to do so in their 30s and 40s. Birth rates increased last year among women aged 25 to 44, while declining in teenagers and individuals under 25.

“There are various factors at play,” explained Karen Benjamin Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. These factors include considerations about partners, financial stability, job security, and overall expenses.

According to a CDC report, the average woman in 2024 had one or two biological children compared to three or more in 1960. Since 2007, overall birth rates in the US have been decreasing, with sociologists anticipating this trend to persist despite a slight increase last year.

Sarah Hayford, director of Ohio State’s Institute of Population, highlighted that economic improvements post-Great Recession have not necessarily translated into enhanced financial conditions for many individuals, impacting decisions around childbearing.

Guzzo noted that the Trump administration’s policies, including tariffs and federal programs supporting women and children, could impact the environment for childbearing decisions. The administration has expressed concerns over declining fertility rates, with Vice President JD Vance advocating for increased births in the US.

President Donald Trump himself has championed family formation, signing an executive order to expand access to in vitro fertilization. The administration is reportedly considering incentives, such as a $5,000 cash bonus after birth, to encourage more births, although experts suggest these efforts may not reverse declining fertility rates.

Sociologists opine that low fertility rates are not inherently problematic, and the decline in teenage birth rates is viewed as a positive trend. Guzzo expressed optimism that individuals today have more autonomy in deciding the right time for childbearing.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Unlocking the Mystery of Dinosaur Dominance: Fossilized Poop Holds Clues

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We now know that dinosaurs were large reptiles that ruled the Earth, but scientists have always been curious about why it took them 30 million years to reach their peak. New research on fossilized poop and vomit may have found the answer – food.

According to the study, carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus may owe their massive size to their plant-eating ancestors. If these herbivores hadn’t consumed so many plants, researchers suggest that dinosaurs might not have evolved into the colossal creatures we know today.

The fossilized poop and vomit, dated back to about 230 to 200 million years ago, provide insights into the ancient food web. By studying over 500 fossils, scientists identified various prey items from beetles to bones, shedding light on the evolving food chains during the Triassic period.

By combining this information with climate data and other fossils, researchers gained valuable knowledge about the prehistoric environment and the species that coexisted with dinosaurs on Earth.

“Sometimes seemingly ordinary fossils hold extraordinary information that is invaluable,” said study co-author Dr. Martin Kvarnström from Uppsala University in Sweden, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Co-author Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki added, “Understanding the dietary habits of early dinosaurs can offer insights into their success as a group and the importance of predator-prey relationships in shaping Earth’s evolutionary history.”

The study, featured in Nature magazine, analyzed digestive samples from south-central Poland, providing clues about the Late Triassic period and the changes in vegetation during that time.

By employing advanced scanning techniques, researchers were able to visualize intricate details of the fossils, unveiling significant discoveries about the size and distribution of vertebrate populations before the dominance of dinosaurs.

Scientists scanned more than 500 fossils for the study. – Illustration: Qvarnström et al., Nature, 2024

This research model opens up opportunities to explore ancient species in different regions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of analyzing fossilized remains beyond just skeletal findings.

“We aim to highlight the significance of saprolites in reconstructing ancient ecosystems, moving beyond their conventional perception as mere curiosities,” noted Kvarnström.

“While everyone focuses on fossilized skeletons, it is the organic remains that provide crucial insights into the ancient ecological dynamics,” added Niedzwicki.

About our experts:

Dr. Martin Kvarnström, a researcher at Uppsala University, specializes in using fossils to study reptilian diets, particularly dinosaurs.

Dr. Grzegorz Niedzwicki, also a researcher at Uppsala University, focuses on the early evolution of dinosaurs and quadrupeds.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Virtual Idol, Hatsune Miku, Holds a Unique Place in My Heart

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CThrongs of J-Pop enthusiasts gathered outside John Cain Arena on a scorching 36-degree Melbourne night, flaunting their iconic green wigs. However, the blistering heat wasn’t a concern for Hatsune Miku, the night’s star attraction who is digitally animated and doesn’t sweat. The 16-year-old ‘Vocaloid’ virtual pop sensation embarked on her inaugural Australian tour.

As followers are well-informed, Miku is the avatar of a 157 cm tall teenage girl with distinctive green pigtails. She is the representation of a collection of voice samples created using Yamaha’s Vocaloid speech synthesis technology by Krypton Future Media. Users input lyrics and melodies, which are then “sung” by the sampled audio (portrayed by actor Saki Fujita as Hatsune Miku). While some Vocaloid producers fine-tune their software for realism, others cherish its artificial essence.

Hatsune Miku on stage. “The basic idea of ​​Vocaloid is that it's a gift to the fans,” says one audience member. Photo: ©CFM

Inside the arena, Miku came to life on an LED screen, igniting a controlled frenzy among the audience. Most attendees remained seated, focusing on synchronizing their battery-powered colored glow sticks. Miku, towering over with a mesmerizing presence, danced to a live band amid a massive lighting setup. Speaking in English with a Japanese accent, she engaged with the audience, creating an illusion of a live, spontaneous performance.

“Thank you all for making this night truly special,” she joyfully exclaimed. “I hope we had a great time.” The crowd erupted in cheers. “Until we meet again!” she signed off.

Vocaloid tracks have gained popularity in Japan, often appearing on mainstream pop charts and even reaching the top spots. Billboard introduced a chart exclusively for Vocaloid, Niconico. Since its debut in 2007, Miku’s first demo, 01_Ballad, has inspired over 100,000 fan-made songs, mostly from Japan’s otaku community, known for their fervent passion for characters over celebrities. Miku’s prominence led her to open for Lady Gaga, perform at Coachella, and be remixed by Pharrell Williams.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/bkY_3vXuGBA?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="“01_ballad” (Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, Original PV)" height="480" width="640" allowfullscreen="

Other popular characters based on various voicebanks include Rin Kagamine and Luka Megurine, who made a surprise appearance at Miku’s Melbourne concert, delighting fans.

While many attendees in Melbourne cosplay as Miku, some fans create new Miku designs to embody specific traits or brands. For instance, “Bunningsmiku” or “Woolysmiku.” This quirky practice aligns with the highly commercialized subculture. A recent Live Nation survey found that Asian pop fans spend 138% more per ticket and 85% purchase merchandise.

“Vocaloid is essentially a gift to the fans. It’s the fans who shape its identity,” Olivia shared. “There’s a vibrant community surrounding it that unites everyone.”

Despite her eternal teenage years and cutting-edge technology, Hatsune Miku is now in many ways a traditional artist with a setlist of classic hits. Photo: Jonathan White/©CFM

For some fans, concerts serve as an opportunity for identity exploration. Tori, 19, dressed as the gender-swapped male Mikuo, embracing their transgender identity.

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“I’m transgender, but I feel more comfortable.” [dressed this way]. “I love music, I love her as an instrument, and I find the technology amazing,” they said. “I feel like a lot of nerd people, transgender people, people who don’t feel like they fit in can relate to that.”

Initially unrelated to artificial intelligence, Vocaloid software paved the way for today’s generative AI models trained on artists’ voices, often without consent. Open source pop music is on the rise. Grimes announced that AI could render artists’ voices in exchange for royalties.

Despite her perpetual teen persona and cutting-edge tech, Miku has established herself as a legendary figure with timeless hits. Fans like Kong, 36, a devotee since 2008, hold a special place in their hearts for Miku and revel in nostalgic performances of classics like world is mine.

“Miku has a special place in my heart. Before I had a job, before I had a family, before I had children, I gave birth to Miku,'' Kong reminisced, under the glow of home lights. “She embodies what you need in life when you know her, when you meet her. The song is haunting. It transcends time.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ancient snake painting holds record as world’s largest rock art

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Animal sculptures carved into rocks along the Orinoco River in South America

Philip Riris et al.

The prehistoric rock carvings of giant snakes along the Orinoco River in South America are some of the largest known rock art in the world, some measuring over 40 metres in length.

The Orinoco is one of the world’s largest rivers, and it flows through Venezuela along the border with Colombia. “There is a fantastic record of rock art along the Orinoco, especially on the Venezuelan side,” he said. Jose Oliver at University College London. “Typically, they are paintings found under rocks.”

He said carvings are common at many open-air sites along the river, but not all of them have been officially recorded.

Oliver and his colleagues have made several visits to the coastal areas on both the Colombian and Venezuelan sides of the river since 2015, trying to get a better picture of the river’s rock carvings.

“It wasn’t hard to find new sites,” a team member said. Philip Lillis Professor at Bournemouth University in the UK. “Every time I turned a corner there was always something new.”

Of the 157 rock art sites the team visited, 13 consisted of carvings over four meters in height. “Anything that size is monumental to us,” Lillis says, “meaning they’re often visible from quite a distance, anywhere from 500 meters to a kilometer away.”

Most of the carvings depict humans, mammals, birds, centipedes, scrolls and geometric shapes, but snakes are one of the largest motifs, the largest measuring 132 feet (42 meters) wide. In indigenous Orinoco mythology, anacondas and boa constrictors are highly revered because they are primordial creator beings, Lillis said.

The prominence of rock art along the river suggests that the ancient carvings may have been territorial markers indicating that a particular group lived there, but not necessarily a warning not to trespass. “The carvings were not exclusionary, but rather may have been an inclusive practice shared between communities,” Lillis says.

Pottery excavated in the area, dated to 2,000 years ago, contains motifs similar to those in the carvings, suggesting that the rock art was created 2,000 years ago as well.

The team hopes to find more of these carvings and glean clues about their origin and purpose — for example, many of them are found close to rock shelters containing burial sites, suggesting a possible connection to ancient funerary practices.

“This is valuable research.” Andres Troncoso “This discovery sheds light on rock art in a little-known part of South America and furthers our knowledge of the region,” said researchers from the University of Chile.

“When Westerners think of rock art, they often think of mammoths, cave lions, and other large mammals that inhabit the Pleistocene cave sites of Western Europe,” he said. Patrick Roberts Commenting on the findings, a researcher from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology in Germany said: “However, the giant snake carving studied in this paper is one of the largest single rock art in the world, and was found in the heart of a lowland tropical environment.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com