2020 Lockdowns Led to Reduced Nitrogen Oxide Emissions from Transport
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The reduction in pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown has caused significant chemical changes in the atmosphere, leading to a concerning rise in methane concentrations that could greatly affect future climate change.
Methane, which remains in the atmosphere for only about a decade, has a much higher warming potential than CO2. Its levels have been rising since the 1980s, mainly due to emissions from fossil fuel production. In recent decades, increased microorganisms breaking down organic matter in wetlands, agriculture, and landfills have further amplified these emissions.
From 2020 to 2022, the atmospheric methane surge unexpectedly doubled from approximately 20 million tons per year to roughly 40 million tons annually, reverting to about 20 million tons in 2023. A recent study indicates that this spike is largely attributed to a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles, aviation, and shipping during the lockdown.
NOx compounds catalyze atmospheric reactions that produce hydroxyl radicals (OH), key for breaking down methane. Hence, a decline in NOx typically results in enhanced methane persistence.
According to Matthew Johnson from the University of Copenhagen, “Reducing catalyst emissions leads to an increased methane pollution, akin to a hangover from our fossil fuel dependency.”
Prior research by Professors at Peking University indicated that the methane spike in 2020 was largely due to a decline in hydroxyl radicals and an increase in emissions from wetlands. Surprisingly, methane growth rates continued to rise in 2021 and 2022, despite the global economy’s recovery.
While hydroxyl radicals are too short-lived for direct measurement, satellite data can detect the gases that produce them. The recent study modeled both terrestrial methane sources and atmospheric hydroxyl radical sinks, linking their data with measured methane concentrations.
It discovered that the decline in hydroxyl radicals during 2020-21 and their recovery in 2022-23 accounted for 83% of the variations in methane growth rates. Continued low aviation emissions in 2021, coupled with the slow recovery of the transportation sector, contributed to these findings.
The increase in methane emissions from wetlands and inland waters accounted for the remaining spike. The La Niña climate phase boosted precipitation in Central Africa, expanding wetlands and generating more methane. Additionally, worsening weather in South and Southeast Asia increased methane emissions from rice fields, while rising temperatures accelerated methane emissions from Arctic wetlands.
As countries like China and India move toward electrification, the reduction in NOx pollution could further escalate methane growth, warns Penn.
“Improved air quality will likely mean decreasing methane absorption in the atmosphere,” he states, underscoring the urgent need for reducing human-caused emissions.
Echoing this sentiment, Paul Palmer from the University of Edinburgh expressed surprise at the significance of hydroxyl radical changes compared to emission fluctuations. “If validated, this findings necessitate a reevaluation of factors influencing hydroxyl radicals in the global troposphere.”
Attributing changes to hydroxyl radicals might underestimate the actual variations in methane emissions.
Regardless, methane emissions from wetlands are set to escalate due to global warming, increasing precipitation, and microbial activity. To mitigate climate change, urgent human intervention is essential.
The new research highlighted by Ewan Nisbet from Royal Holloway, University of London, and Martin Manning from Victoria University in Wellington emphasizes that nations like China and India have substantial opportunities to capture methane from coal mines, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities. Global oil and gas production continues to lose significant amounts of methane as well.
“We need urgent action; the methane emissions situation is becoming increasingly critical,” Johnson concluded. “Current trends are reflecting the alarming increase in methane emissions driven by climate change.”
Recent MRI studies reveal that yawning is not simply a sign of fatigue or boredom; it reorganizes fluid flow in the brain, indicating that yawning is unique for each individual.
Yawning is observed in most vertebrates, yet its precise purpose remains largely unclear. Theories suggest that yawning enhances oxygen intake, regulates body temperature, boosts fluid circulation in the brain, and modulates cortisol hormone levels.
“Crocodilians yawn, and even dinosaurs likely did too. This behavior has evolutionary significance, but why does it persist today?” queries Adam Martinac from Neuroscience Research Australia, a non-profit medical organization.
To understand yawning’s mechanisms and its impact on the body, Martinac and his team involved 22 healthy participants, evenly divided by gender, in their study.
Participants underwent MRI scans while performing four distinct breathing actions: regular breathing, yawning, voluntarily suppressing yawns, and deep breathing.
The data analysis revealed surprising findings. The initial hypothesis was that yawning and deep breathing would similarly facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of the brain.
“However, yawning caused CSF to flow in the opposite direction compared to deep breathing,” states Martinac. “We were genuinely surprised by this outcome.”
Specifically, the study discovered a strong directional coupling between CSF and venous blood flow during yawning, both moving away from the brain toward the spine. This stands in contrast to deep breathing, where CSF and venous blood typically travel in opposing directions—CSF flows in while venous blood flows out.
The specific mechanisms governing CSF movement during yawning, including the volume expelled, remain unclear. Current estimates suggest a mere few milliliters of CSF are moved per yawn. Future research aims to quantify this further.
“It’s likely that neck, tongue, and throat muscles collaborate to facilitate this fluid movement,” he adds.
Another noteworthy finding is that yawning augmented carotid artery inflow by over one-third compared to deep breathing. This is presumably because yawning clears CSF and venous blood from the cranial cavity, allowing for increased arterial inflow.
Each participant exhibited a distinct “yawn signature,” showcasing variability even in tongue movements. “It seems that everyone has a unique pattern to their yawns,” says Martinac.
One intriguing area for future research is the physiological benefits arising from CSF movement during yawning.
Theories suggest that this could relate to thermoregulation, waste removal, or potentially other unexplored functions. “It is possible to live without yawning, but there are several subtle effects that likely assist in waste management, temperature control, and even the social dynamics of yawning,” he explains.
The contagious nature of yawning adds another layer of mystery and proved essential for this study, as video footage of yawns was shown to participants while they were inside the MRI scanner.
“In our lab meetings, I always have to speak last because my discussion of this research triggers yawning in everyone else,” Martinac shares.
Researchers like Andrew Gallup from Johns Hopkins University highlight the significant findings of the study, emphasizing its contributions to our understanding of yawning. He also noted that some of the findings have been understated, particularly those affirming yawning’s role in temperature regulation.
“The observed 34% increase in internal carotid artery flow during yawning is a critical finding that deserves more attention,” Gallup asserts.
He further noted that the study focused on contagious yawns versus spontaneous yawns, indicating that spontaneous yawns may induce even greater changes in CSF and blood flow.
“The video suggests contagious yawns are shorter than the average spontaneous yawn, which lasts about six seconds,” he notes.
Professor Yossi Rathner from the University of Melbourne agrees the team may have underestimated certain findings but opposes some claims concerning thermoregulation.
“Increased sleep pressure can elevate levels of a compound called adenosine that accumulates in the brain stem. Yawning seems to facilitate fluid movement in the brain stem, helping to flush out adenosine, temporarily alleviating sleep pressure and boosting alertness,” Rathner explains. “While this isn’t a direct conclusion from the study, the data strongly implies this relationship.”
Even if atmospheric carbon dioxide returns to pre-industrial levels and the global temperature decreases, the Arctic is projected to warm by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius.
It is also expected that the region will receive about 0.1 millimeter of extra precipitation daily, regardless of the implementation of large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies.
“These findings emphasize the irreversible aspect of climate change in the Arctic, even with aggressive CDR efforts,” the researchers stated in their publication.
Current atmospheric CO2 levels are roughly 1.5 times greater than pre-industrial levels, resulting in a warming of 3°C or more. A study published in March revealed that even if extra carbon dioxide were removed, sea ice coverage would still average 1 million square kilometers less.
In a new investigation, researchers led by Xiaodong from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Beijing utilized 11 distinct climate models to assess the likelihood of continued Arctic warming. The findings also indicate that precipitation is likely to increase, according to Michael Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey, who was not part of the study.
The primary reason for this persistent warming is that oceans, which have absorbed 90% of the heat from global warming, will continue to warm the Arctic for centuries, even when atmospheric temperatures decrease. This situation will likely be amplified by feedback mechanisms, such as diminishing sea ice, which causes the open ocean to raise air temperatures.
“Even if the atmosphere continues to cool, the oceans will lag behind and counteract this trend,” Meredith remarked.
Many experts express skepticism about whether CDR methods, including tree planting and mechanical CO2 extraction, can significantly lower atmospheric CO2 levels due to the financial and energy challenges, a process that could take thousands of years.
Dong et al. examined a theoretical scenario where atmospheric CO2 levels quadrupled from pre-industrial amounts over 140 years, decreased for another 140 years, and then remained at pre-industrial levels for 60 additional years.
The study also reviewed two potential real-world climate scenarios: one in which humanity immediately reduces emissions, and another where emissions remain high but CDR efforts ramp up quickly starting in 2070. In these scenarios, similar to the theoretical model, the Arctic was found to be approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer with precipitation increasing by an additional 0.1 mm per day by 2100.
The models forecast a decrease in temperatures and precipitation in the waters just south of Greenland and Iceland, contrasting with other regions in the Far North. This suggests a decline in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is responsible for transporting warm surface water from the tropics to this area. This current is already weakening as global ocean temperatures rise, a trend that might lead to colder winters in Europe over time.
Climate-related effects, such as thawing permafrost and melting of the Greenland ice sheet, are likely to persist but were not included in this study’s models.
“The Greenland ice sheet is expected to behave as observed, meaning it will continue to lose mass and contribute to sea level rise,” stated Mark Selles from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center.
While the study indicates that the Arctic will remain warm for centuries, it is anticipated that it will eventually cool over the course of many more centuries or even millennia.
There’s no denying that protein has become a major industry nowadays. A glance at the aisles of your neighborhood grocery store reveals numerous products highlighting their protein content, whether they originate from natural sources like meat and dairy or from processed items such as breakfast cereals and pasta.
Additionally, protein powders are available for those wishing to enhance their protein intake or source protein from non-animal origins, including fitness enthusiasts and vegans.
However, a concerning new report discloses that some of these powders contain another substance alongside protein: lead. Given this revelation, how concerned should you be about protein powder?
Lead Levels
Consumer Reports, an independent nonprofit organization in the United States that assesses the quality of consumer products, evaluated 23 different protein powder and shake formulations.
Their findings, revealed in October, were alarming. More than two-thirds of the products contained lead levels per serving that exceeded what Consumer Reports’ food safety experts deem safe for daily consumption.
Worryingly, certain products contained amounts that were 10 times the Dietary Intake Restrictions outlined by Consumer Reports.
At first glance, the levels of lead found in items meant for human consumption might appear dangerously high. However, it’s important to remember that Consumer Reports sets a relatively low daily dietary limit of 0.5 micrograms (μg) per day, whereas the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a limit of 12.5 μg per day.
Protein powders are made from proteins sourced from animals like casein and whey derived from milk, or from plant sources like soy, pea, and hemp. Source: Getty
Why is there such a significant difference between these recommendations? “My assumption is that Consumer Reports employs much lower benchmark levels than the FDA to address regulatory gaps,” says Dr. Kathryn Schilling, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University, USA.
This regulatory gap exists because supplements like protein powders do not fall under the categories of food or drugs in the United States. They are classified as dietary supplements and regulated by different FDA guidelines under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
“There are no federal restrictions on heavy metals in supplements in the United States, and manufacturers aren’t required to demonstrate their products’ safety prior to market entry,” Schilling points out. “Given that research shows there is no safe threshold for lead, Consumer Reports may have established its own targets purely for health protection.”
In the UK and Europe, however, protein powders are considered food rather than dietary supplements, which mandates adherence to standard food safety regulations, including regular contaminant testing. But does this guarantee that UK protein powders are free of lead?
“No,” Schilling asserts. “Even with stricter supervision, trace levels can still emerge.”
The Danger
As Schilling emphasizes, no level of lead is safe. This is echoed by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and environmental health research in which Schilling was involved.
Toxic heavy metal exposure can have severe consequences on vital organs, including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys; the documented harm is well-established.
For instance, a significant study by a major U.S. company published in The Lancet Public Health tracked blood lead levels in 14,000 adults over a 20-year period. Researchers discovered that individuals with elevated blood lead levels were 37% more likely to die from any cause and 70% more likely to succumb to heart disease compared to those with lower lead levels.
The body retains lead in the calcified tissues of bones and teeth, where it can build up and remain for decades. Source: Getty
Similarly, the WHO estimated in 2019 that excessive lead exposure led to over 300,000 deaths from strokes worldwide. Lead can harm blood vessel linings, resulting in inflammation, plaque accumulation, and high blood pressure. This is why the American Heart Association lists lead as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
One of lead’s most insidious characteristics, apart from the damage it inflicts, is its tendency to persist in the body over extended periods.
“When lead enters the body, it accumulates in bones, teeth, and other tissues,” Schilling explains. “It can remain trapped in the skeleton for 10 to 30 years, gradually re-entering the bloodstream.”
Unfortunately, this coincides with the fact that even minimal lead consumption can result in bodily harm. Even microgram amounts of lead ingested daily are associated with increased risks of heart disease, kidney issues, and high blood pressure.
As noted earlier, the body eliminates lead at a sluggish pace. Therefore, consistent small amounts can accumulate more rapidly than they can be reduced.
Metal Detection
Consumer Reports’ analysis also revealed that the two protein powders containing the highest lead concentrations (up to 6.3 μg and 7.7 μg per serving) were plant-based products.
“There’s a scientific explanation for why some plant-based protein powders exhibited elevated metal levels,” Schilling states.
“Plants like peas, soybeans, and hemp have a tendency to absorb metals from the soil. If lead is present in even small amounts in the soil or irrigation water, the plants will take it up during growth.
“When these plants undergo processing, the metals from the original plants become concentrated in the final protein powder. Thus, the findings by Consumer Reports are plausible. However, their study examined only 23 products, leaving us unaware of the cultivation locations or manufacturing processes of the powders.”
Soy is a vital ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian supplements due to its high protein content. Source: Getty
“Lead is persistent in soil, dust, and outdated infrastructure,” Schilling notes. “It can still intrude into our homes, water supplies, and food; its prevalence in the environment makes it nearly impossible to eliminate all exposure.”
In fact, a 2019 FDA study estimated that the average American adult is exposed to as much as 5.3 micrograms of lead daily through dietary sources alone. If you inadvertently include a scoop of high-lead protein powder in this total, you could easily surpass FDA limits without even being aware of it.
Even more troubling, Schilling warns that high lead levels in protein powders have long been recognized in the U.S. “We’ve encountered reports like this repeatedly, and little has changed,” she states. “It’s not merely an issue with a single brand or batch; it represents a systemic contamination and oversight problem.”
So, given all this information, how concerned should you be about lead in your protein shakes and powders?
“Protein powder is just one aspect of the bigger picture,” Schilling concludes. “The essential message is not to panic after just one shake, but to acknowledge that even small amounts of lead from various sources can accumulate, highlighting the necessity for enhanced monitoring to remove lead from the products people regularly use.”
You may have heard from biohacking podcasters, flashy social media ads, nutrition experts, or radiant influencers that effectively managing your blood sugar is crucial for maintaining good health.
Blood sugar management is no longer solely a diabetic concern; it’s now heralded as essential for achieving an ideal diet, endless energy, and decreased inflammation.
It’s no wonder that online searches for “blood sugar” have surged by over 30% in the last five years, leading to a booming global market for continuous blood glucose monitors, which are expected to grow tenfold within the next decade.
Yet, amidst all this excitement, there’s a crucial message that many doctors want to convey: Most people don’t need to worry about their blood sugar levels at all. Health proponents often misinterpret this aspect.
As Dr. Nicola Guess, a clinical and academic nutritionist at the University of Oxford, puts it: “These individuals are misinformed.”
Don’t Fear the Roller Coasters
You’ve likely learned to be wary of the “peaks and troughs” in blood sugar levels—but what does that actually entail?
Picture consuming a slice of soft, airy white bread. When you digest carbohydrates, they break down into glucose, a simple sugar that enters your bloodstream.
In a healthy metabolism, your body responds by releasing insulin—a hormone that facilitates glucose transport from the blood into cells for energy. When insulin functions properly, blood sugar levels begin to decline.
As white bread is a refined carbohydrate, it converts to glucose rapidly, causing a swift spike in blood sugar levels followed by an equally quick insulin response to bring it back down.
The outcome? A notable blood sugar peak accompanied by a swift drop.
A slice of white bread can spike your blood sugar more quickly than sugar – Image credit: Getty Images
At first glance, this may sound concerning. Health influencers often warn that such blood sugar fluctuations can lead to inflammation, fatigue, cravings, and, in the long run, decreased metabolic health.
This leads to recommendations against foods that trigger rapid blood sugar changes, including white bread, pasta, white rice, potatoes, cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Instead, they advocate for low-glycemic foods like vegetables, legumes, meats, fish, and healthy fats, believed to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
While this advice holds some truth—eating protein, fiber, and fat alongside carbohydrates can moderate your blood sugar response—it’s important to reconsider the bread scenario.
Applying a generous layer of butter can slow glucose absorption, thereby controlling the blood sugar rise.
Switching to whole wheat bread increases dietary fiber, making it denser. Adding some oily peanut butter can further balance the fat and protein intake.
However, for good health, it’s not necessary to meticulously monitor the balance of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber in every meal. Despite common fears, most fluctuations in blood sugar levels are normal and not something to stress over.
“Blood sugar levels should rise after consuming a carb-heavy meal. This is a standard physiological reaction,” explains Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Science at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at the nutrition company ZOE.
“Blood sugar levels fluctuate, but our bodies are adept at managing this.”
read more:
Peaks and Valleys Are Normal
One of the most enduring but misleading beliefs about blood sugar is that daily fluctuations lead to harmful inflammation.
You may have encountered a TikTok video showcasing a blood sugar monitor graph or read a caption under a photo of avocado toast promising an “anti-inflammatory” blood sugar hack.
However, inflammation isn’t inherently negative.
“Postprandial glucose fluctuations stimulate inflammation, as it’s a natural response to eating,” asserts Dr. Guess.
She clarifies that our immune systems get a small boost with every meal to defend against potential threats like bacteria and pathogens.
This mild, short-lived inflammation is not only typical but often beneficial.
“The issue arises when blood sugar levels soar and then plummet,” Berry states. “If this pattern occurs repeatedly over time, it can heighten the risk of chronic diseases.”
Individuals without diabetes are tracking their blood sugar levels – Image courtesy of Getty Images
In essence, a consistently high intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods can result in frequent blood sugar spikes, increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders over time.
Nonetheless, for most individuals, occasional peaks and dips in blood sugar after meals are completely normal and harmless.
“Moderate spikes and dips in blood sugar are not detrimental,” Berry asserts.
The Afternoon Slump Mystery
You’ve likely heard that blood sugar fluctuations contribute to energy variations, and that peaks and troughs are responsible for your mid-afternoon slump. While there’s some truth to this, scientists still understand only part of the puzzle.
Though the science in this domain remains relatively nascent, recent research, including studies led by Berry, suggests that some individuals may feel fatigued and anxious when their blood sugar levels dip. However, blood sugar might be just one element contributing to this fatigue.
Factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and individual biological differences might equally or more significantly influence energy levels.
“There’s much we don’t know,” admits Guess. “Understanding how people feel is challenging to measure objectively.”
Afternoon slumps aren’t solely due to blood sugar levels; lack of sleep, stress, and your body’s circadian rhythms all contribute – Image credit: Getty Images
While the precise cause of fatigue and sudden energy changes remains unclear, a slight drop in blood sugar levels is typically not hazardous, particularly for those without diabetes.
An afternoon slump doesn’t pose a life-threatening risk nor will it likely affect your long-term health.
This is because the body doesn’t rely exclusively on glucose for energy; it operates on multiple fuel types. If humans were vehicles, we would be hybrids capable of utilizing different energy sources to function efficiently.
“Glucose serves as gasoline; it’s just one type of energy source for the body,” explains Guess. “Our bodies can alternate between using stored fat for energy and energy derived from food intake.”
A temporary drop in blood sugar might make you feel slightly unwell, but it doesn’t imply you’re running on empty; your body simply adapts and taps into other energy reserves.
It’s not on the brink of failure; it’s merely switching fuel sources.
No Blood Sugar Hacks Needed
You might have come across tips, tricks, and hacks designed to prevent those annoying peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels (which are usually benign).
For instance, there are suggestions to sprinkle cheese on grapes, dip apple slices in peanut butter, and start meals with vegetables to moderate your blood sugar response.
These hacks can be beneficial for individuals who are prediabetic, diabetic, or insulin resistant. As we’ve explored, including fat, protein, and fiber with your carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar responses.
However, for the majority of us, Guess asserts that these tips are largely unnecessary.
Blood sugar hacks may be trending, but for most people, they’re unnecessary – Image courtesy of Alamy
Even for individuals facing metabolic issues, adding extra fats can lead to unnecessary caloric intake, according to her.
“Weight gain is the primary contributor to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes; the solution for all these conditions is weight loss,” she clarifies. “Adding fat to carbohydrates only obstructs weight loss.”
Berry underscored that the route to better blood sugar levels isn’t through simple tricks but a balanced diet incorporating protein, fat, and fiber.
Blood Sugar Monitor Concerns
Some individuals amplify their blood sugar apprehensions. In recent times, it has become more common for non-diabetics to utilize continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Originally deemed medical devices for type 1 diabetes patients, these sensors attach to the arm and track blood sugar levels in real time.
Dr. David Unwin, a general practitioner with a focus on nutrition, mentions that CGMs can be advantageous for patients with diabetes, prediabetes, or excessive junk food consumption, as they provide “like having a police officer on your arm,” offering instant feedback about hidden sugars in food.
Many CGM providers suggest wearing the device briefly, such as for two weeks, to observe how blood sugar levels react to various meals.
However, Berry argues that constant CGM use is “neither necessary nor beneficial for healthy individuals.” Guess cautions that it could lead to “profound anxiety and negative impacts on mental health” surrounding food choices.
In extreme cases, this anxiety can spiral into dangerously obsessive eating behaviors, like orthorexia. Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with perfect health.
While evidence suggesting CGM use can escalate to orthorexia is scarce, Unwin notes that those who monitored their blood sugar levels did not exhibit signs of developing eating disorders.
Still, any eating behavior can evolve into an obsession, and relying on blood sugar levels as a measure of food quality is a “false flag,” according to Guess.
Over 2 million people in the United States use continuous blood glucose monitors – Image courtesy of Getty Images
Berry added: “Some may opt for cookies over bananas after learning that bananas spike blood sugar levels more than cookies. Clearly, that’s absurd.”
Similarly, orange juice can cause a notable increase in blood sugar levels, whereas sodas with artificial sweeteners may not. However, while orange juice is a source of vitamin C and other nutrients, soda often contains artificial additives that provide minimal to no nutritional value.
Likewise, lard impacts blood sugar levels minimally, yet as a saturated fat, it can adversely affect heart health.
Ultimately, Berry asserts that blood sugar levels represent only “one piece of the puzzle,” and dietary guidance should consider aspects like cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and gut health—not solely blood sugar.
When addressing significant health threats, particularly heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are “far more critical than glucose,” Guess emphasizes.
In contrast, “the influence of food on blood sugar levels is likely to have a minimal effect on overall health,” she adds.
In essence, refrain from fixating too much on blood sugar levels; even an awareness of them might not lead to substantial improvements. And if that focus dictates your meal choices, you may be overlooking the broader picture.
“As a nutritional scientist, I don’t want to overshadow the essence of food: It is meant to be enjoyed!” Berry concludes.
LTonight’s Dispatch was called “Will AI take my job?” The presence of a question mark usually suggests a negative answer, but this time it feels different. The lurking threat of AI taking over our roles is sobering to ponder.
The film claims that 8 million jobs in the UK are potentially at risk due to AI outsourcing. Occupations including call center agents, translators, and graphic designers—essentially everyone except for masseuses and scaffolders—may soon face redundancy from rapidly advancing technology, despite its dire environmental consequences. My lifespan may be limited, and it’s clear I’ll likely be replaced by a prompt from ChatGPT instructing, “Be histrionic and outraged about what’s on TV.” Grok can even generate a signature image of a comically smug egg to accompany it. Nobody surpasses this level of intelligence.
But why would anyone tune in to Dispatches knowing that AI could render us all obsolete? There wasn’t much to be enthusiastic about unless they were disturbingly motivated to bolster their darkest fears about humanity’s future. However, the film anticipated this sentiment and provided its own clever twist. The segment was introduced by a journalist named Aisha Gavan, who, shockingly, was AI-generated from the start.
Indeed, Channel 4 has fully embraced Tilly Norwood. Gavan was devoid of humanity; she was entirely a computer-generated entity. Yet, despite being mere pixels and code, her hosting was surprisingly convincing. Sure, she had an unfeeling gaze and struggled to articulate sibilant sounds correctly, but she appeared largely human and maintained the stilted pacing typical of TV documentaries. Quite the amusing situation! Who did you consider an authority? Not even a real person! Just kidding, flesh vessel.
The episode itself was fairly well-crafted, featuring four experts—a doctor, a lawyer, a musician, and a photographer—pitted against the capabilities of AI. The overall conclusion seemed to imply that while humans might be superior, AI excels in speed and cost-efficiency. Since greed drives every industry, we’re all in deep trouble.
Some of the technology discussed made sense, like a diagnostic tool capable of assessing a patient in half the time of a typical GP. This could potentially aid healthcare professionals already overloaded by systemic failures. But who really needs an AI photographer? The mission of AI is not to automate creativity but rather to alleviate mundane tasks in our lives. The emergence of AI photographers hints at a daunting future where we could be consigned to producing low-quality art endlessly spewed out by machines.
Ultimately, the spotlight was on Aisha Gavan, touted as Britain’s first AI TV presenter. Honestly, it felt like Channel 4 was trying to have both benefits and fun at once. Not only did they showcase their shiny new toy, but they also managed to lampoon the very technology that generated her. What a clever stunt!
It’s tough to view the film as anything but a stern warning for Channel 4’s other presenters. Hey Krishnan Guru Murthy, you’d better stop grumbling about office snacks or face replacement by an animated mannequin programmed to deliver scripts! Kevin MacLeod, no contract disputes, as a virtual avatar can perform your role without ever needing a break.
And let’s not forget the environmental implications involved. It would have been refreshing if Dispatch wrapped up with Gavan detailing the water consumption required to operate the data center that produced her, especially given Channel 4’s long-standing pledge to reach net zero.
In summary, it was a profoundly challenging watch on various levels. The situation will likely worsen as AI technology continues to advance at a staggering pace. Three years from now, while you’re foraging for bugs to nourish your family, you could have a ChatGPT providing you precise, bullet-point critiques of shows presented by AI-generated hosts. Yet, it was enjoyable while it lasted, wasn’t it?
Wildfires like the one in Greece in 2024 emitted significant quantities of carbon dioxide.
Xinhua News Agency/Alamy Stock Photo
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has disclosed that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are set to soar to unprecedented heights in 2024, reaching levels not seen since records began.
According to WMO, the global average CO2 concentration is projected to rise by 3.5 ppm from 2023 to 2024, reaching 423.9 ppm. This marks the largest increase observed since modern measurements began in 1957, significantly surpassing the 2.3 ppm rise from 2022 to 2023.
This continues a troubling trend of accelerating increases each year, with the growth rate tripling since the 1960s. The last instance of comparable CO2 levels on Earth dates back 3 to 5 million years.
The WMO cautions that surplus carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to global warming effects for centuries. “The heat captured by CO2 and other greenhouse gases is speeding up climate change and causing increasingly severe weather events,” stated Ko Barrett from the WMO.
Continued emissions from fossil fuels, a rise in emissions from wildfires, and a slow rate of carbon dioxide absorption by the planet’s land and oceans were identified as the primary factors behind last year’s record rise, as per WMO’s reports.
Researchers are forecasting that carbon uptake by oceans, forests, and other ecosystems will slow down in 2024 due to recent El Niño weather patterns, which have increased global temperatures and caused heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts in significant areas like the Amazon, thereby hindering carbon absorption. Scientists earlier this year indicated that the loss of tropical forests in 2024 will double compared to 2023. “In certain tropical regions, warm El Niño years like 2024 are generally drier and sequester less carbon dioxide,” noted Richard Allan from the University of Reading, UK.
Nevertheless, there are growing concerns that the decline in carbon uptake by Earth, particularly from land, is indicative of a long-term trend, suggesting that climate change is diminishing the planet’s capacity to absorb excess carbon.
“There are indications that land subsidence was markedly low in 2023 and 2024, even amidst the El Niño conditions, and we are witnessing a troubling decline over time, especially in the Northern Hemisphere outside of tropical regions,” said Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at the Breakthrough Institute. “In summary, there are alarming signs that land subsidence is decreasing, but it’s premature to make definitive conclusions without additional data over the coming years.”
In the meantime, it is more critical than ever for humanity to reduce ongoing fossil fuel emissions. Piers Foster, from the University of Leeds, UK, explained, “The primary factor driving the persistent increase in CO2 concentrations is that fossil fuel emissions remain at record levels and have yet to decline.”
South Korea’s intelligence agency has elevated the national cyber threat level due to fears that hackers may exploit the chaos caused by recent fires in government data centers, which have disrupted crucial digital infrastructure nationwide.
The National Cybersecurity Centre, managed by the Intelligence Reporting Agency, has raised its alert from “Warning” to “Warning” as of Monday, highlighting fears that hackers could take advantage of the vulnerabilities during recovery efforts.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at the National Information Resources Service in Great Jeon, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Seoul. This facility is one of three operational government data centers that handle critical digital infrastructure across the nation.
Workers had relocated a Lithium-ion battery from the server room on the fifth floor to the basement when the fire started. It spread to other nearby batteries and servers, resulting in one worker sustaining first-degree burns, while firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze after 22 hours.
By Saturday morning, officials had shut down 647 government systems to prevent further damage. Government email and intranet systems were offline, along with mobile identification services, postal banks, complaint portals, and major government websites.
Schools lost access to student records, and tax deadlines passed without being processed. Real estate transactions faced delays due to the inability to verify digital documents. The national crematorium reservation system was impacted, and many hospitals and transport terminals initially left citizens without physical identification cards.
As of 1 PM on Tuesday, 89 out of the 647 affected systems had been restored, including significant government portals, postal services, and identity verification systems.
Officials estimate that 96 of the affected systems have suffered complete failure, necessitating a recovery period of about four weeks as they are moved to a large backup facility. This disruption is expected to persist through Chuseok, the major public holiday in early October.
President Lee Jae Myung issued an apology on Sunday. During a crisis meeting, he expressed dismay at the lack of a backup operating system, stating, “It was a foreseeable incident, but there were no countermeasures. It’s not that the measures didn’t work; they simply didn’t exist.”
When questioned about the backup procedures, an official remarked that they were “driving without a map.”
The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, set to be hosted in the southeastern city of Kyoto at the end of October, has raised security concerns as officials from the US, China, and other regions plan to attend.
In October 2022, a fire involving a lithium-ion battery at Kakao, the company behind the popular messaging app KakaoTalk, resulted in millions losing access to messaging, taxis, and digital payments, leading to national chaos.
Following the Kakao incident, parliament passed legislation mandating redundant systems and intervals between batteries and other equipment for internet service providers and data center operators.
The left-leaning Hankyoreh newspaper questioned what last week’s failures indicated about “a nation that prides itself on being an information technology powerhouse.”
In a similar vein, the conservative Dong-a Ilbo remarked that referring to South Korea as a digital leader has become “embarrassing.”
Lawmakers from both the ruling party and the opposition have traded blame regarding the responsibility for the crisis. President’s Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-Sik directed authorities on Monday to focus on resolving the issue rather than criticizing the previous administration.
According to new research published in the journal Food, daily consumption of mango (Mangifera indica) over a period of 24 weeks has shown improvements in both short- and long-term glycemic control, reduced insulin resistance, increased insulin sensitivity, and favorable changes in body composition for pre-diabetic patients. These findings indicate that incorporating fresh mangoes into the diet may aid glycemic control for those at high risk for type 2 diabetes, offering a practical food-based strategy to enhance body composition.
Daily consumption of mangoes for 24 weeks significantly enhanced glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with diabetes, underscoring the potential of mangoes as an effective dietary strategy for metabolic health. Image credit: Mohan Nannapaneni.
Currently, over 130 million adults in the United States are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as reported by the CDC.
Predictions indicate that by 2030, nearly 40% of U.S. adults will be affected by prediabetes.
Early identification and prevention at the prediabetic stage is crucial, as many individuals remain unaware of their condition until complications arise.
Nutrition plays a vital role in glycemic control, and a balanced diet can promote both enhanced blood glucose regulation and overall long-term health.
In a diabetes prevention program, lifestyle interventions resulted in a 58% reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, compared to a 31% reduction with metformin versus placebo. Thus, identifying accessible natural strategies to mitigate these risk factors is essential for delaying diabetes onset and minimizing associated complications.
Dietary practices enriched with fruits, vegetables, and bioactive compounds have shown beneficial effects on glycemic control and metabolic health.
Mangoes, being tropical fruits, are rich in several bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, gallbladder acid, and quercetin.
“It’s not merely about the sugar content; the overall context of the food is crucial,” stated Dr. Raedeh Basiri, a Clinical Nutrition Researcher at George Mason University.
“This study stands as the first long-term clinical trial to showcase the metabolic and body composition benefits of mangoes for individuals with prediabetes.”
“Essentially, it’s about more than just the sugar present in food. The naturally occurring sugars in mangoes and other fruits are balanced by the fiber and other vitamins and nutrients that confer additional health advantages.”
“Foods with added sugars, like breakfast cereals and low-sugar snacks, often lack the same nutritional value and may even elevate the risk of diabetes.”
“The objective is to urge people to include whole fruits like mangoes in their dietary strategies for healthy eating and diabetes prevention.”
“Individuals at high risk for diabetes should emphasize not only the sugar content of their food but also how the sugar is delivered.”
Dr. Basiri and her team divided participants into two groups: one receiving fresh mangoes daily and the other receiving low-sugar granola bars.
Throughout the six-month study, researchers measured participants’ blood glucose levels, their insulin response, and body fat.
The results showed that the high-sugar content in mangoes (32 grams of sugar) was more beneficial than the low-sugar granola bars (11 grams of sugar).
The group consuming mangoes daily exhibited improved glycemic control, heightened insulin sensitivity, and reduced body fat.
“Our findings reinforce and broaden the emerging evidence on the metabolic advantages of consuming fresh mango daily among pre-diabetic individuals,” the researchers noted.
“Participants who ate an average of one mango each day for 24 weeks recorded lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group.”
“Future studies should utilize objective dietary biomarkers (like plasma carotenoids and urinary polyphenols) to enhance accuracy and credibility.”
“Additionally, exploring the mechanisms underlying these observed effects, including the role of bioactive compounds in mango on insulin signaling and inflammation, is essential, especially across diverse populations.”
“Longer follow-up periods and comparisons with other fruits and dietary strategies could provide clarity on the specific benefits of mangoes for metabolic health.”
“Final investigations should delve into broader health advantages of mango consumption beyond glycemic control and body composition, including potential impacts on metabolic pathways and variations in gene expression, as individual responses to the same foods can differ.”
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Raedeh Basiri et al. 2025. Daily mango intake improves blood glucose and body composition outcomes in prediabetic adults: a randomized controlled study. Food 14 (17): 2971; doi: 10.3390/foods14172971
A recent study reveals that taking vitamin D2 supplements can actually lower vitamin D3 levels in the body, according to a research published in Nutrition Reviews.
This finding comes at a time when health experts advise individuals to start replenishing vitamin D, especially as the Northern Hemisphere transitions into autumn.
Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. The deficiency of this vitamin is prevalent globally; for instance, in the US, the rates are 31% among non-Hispanic Black adults.
Not all vitamin D is alike; it comes in two primary forms: Vitamin D2, which is derived from plants and mushrooms, and Vitamin D3, which is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight and can also be found in animal products like oily fish.
During summer months, individuals living in higher latitudes can typically produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D through sun exposure. However, as autumn and winter approach, the sun’s angle is often insufficient for this to occur.
“People often produce vitamin D on sunny days in October, November, and December,” said Professor Susan Lanham-New, the Director of Nutrition Science at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study. This was reported by BBC Science Focus. “But they aren’t actually doing anything.”
A simple rule of thumb: If your shadow is not shorter than your height, the sun is not strong enough for vitamin D3 production.
We analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of vitamin D2 supplementation, as noted by Emily Brown, a doctoral researcher in the Lanham-New group. Of these trials, 18 participants receiving vitamin D2 exhibited lower levels of vitamin D3 when compared to placebo or control groups.
In northern latitudes during winter, our bodies cannot produce vitamin D even on sunny days – Credit: Getty
“We don’t want people to think that vitamin D2 is somehow harmful. That’s not the case,” Brown commented to BBC Science Focus. “While vitamin D2 does elevate overall vitamin D levels, vitamin D3 should be prioritized.”
A prior study indicated that vitamin D3 is converted more efficiently into its active form compared to vitamin D2, making it a preferable option for supplementation, particularly during the darker months.
Brown is currently planning to explore the reverse effect, specifically what happens to D2 levels when individuals take D3.
The findings are especially pertinent for vegans who cannot obtain D3 from conventional dietary sources. While vegan-friendly D3 is derived from lichens, it is not as widely accessible as D2.
In 2022, scientists also developed a GMO tomato capable of producing D3, and the Lanham-New team is currently investigating whether this can effectively boost human vitamin D levels.
“I was genuinely surprised to find that when I administered D2, my D3 levels fell even when compared to placebo,” Lanham-New said.
“There is a lot we need to investigate now, as the long-term implications might hinder our ability to meet necessary vitamin D levels, potentially worsening the situation,” she added.
Vitamin D supplements are advised in many countries for the darker months
Olga Pankova/Getty Images
Consuming one variety of vitamin D supplement may lower levels of other forms that your body utilizes better, potentially impacting your immune response.
Our skin generates vitamin D when sunlight’s ultraviolet rays convert a protein known as 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3. With diminishing sunlight in autumn and winter, nations like the UK recommend taking supplements.
There are two primary types of these supplements: Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, derived from lanolin—a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool—and vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, primarily sourced from mushrooms. It was previously believed that the choice between the two wasn’t critical.
However, Emily Brown from the University of Surrey, UK, along with her team, carried out a meta-analysis encompassing 11 previously conducted randomized controlled trials involving vitamin D supplements, with 655 participants overall.
They discovered that taking vitamin D2 could diminish your body’s concentration of vitamin D3. The reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, as does whether vitamin D3 supplements might lower vitamin D2 levels.
Moreover, several studies revealed that individuals taking vitamin D2 had reduced levels of vitamin D3 when compared to those not supplementing. “This is an unprecedented finding,” states Brown.
Brown suggests that vitamin D3 supplements could be more advantageous for most individuals than vitamin D2, yet personal factors like ingredient preferences should be considered, especially for those avoiding animal products.
She also emphasizes that individuals shouldn’t discontinue vitamin D2. “If you’re taking vitamin D2 supplements, your overall vitamin D levels should be adequate, but they are less effective and may result in a reduction of their extra functions concerning immune support.”
“If no adverse effects are evident, a vegan individual with vitamin D deficiency would be wise to opt for a D2 supplement,” explains Bernadette Moore from the University of Liverpool, UK.
Fortunately, plant-based vitamin D3 is becoming more widely available. For instance, a recent development involves gene-edited tomatoes capable of producing vitamin D3, although examinations are still ongoing.
Team member Susan Ranham New from the University of Surrey hopes the findings will highlight the importance of vitamin D supplements. “Many individuals in the UK, especially in northern areas, suffer from mild osteomalacia during winter, a condition linked to vitamin D deficiency, resulting in lethargy, bone pain, muscle issues, and increased sensitivity to infections and fatigue.”
Numerous Mayan individuals reside in Acanceh, Mexico
Educational Images/Universal Image Groups via Getty Images
Historically, the quantity of zinc and other trace elements in human nutrition was largely influenced by the local soil conditions. Recent findings suggest that our ancestors adapted to varying levels of micronutrients as they dispersed globally.
This adaptation may have resulted in notable repercussions. For instance, the shorter statures observed in certain populations might be a consequence of adapting to low iodine availability. Additionally, these historical adjustments may lead to some individuals today experiencing deficiencies or excesses of specific micronutrients.
“For much of human history, the micronutrient profile of our diet has been determined by the soil beneath us,” stated Jasmine Reese from the University of Pennsylvania.
Reese and her team analyzed the genomes of nearly 900 individuals globally to uncover evidence of adaptation to local concentrations of 13 trace elements, including iron, manganese, and selenium. They investigated signs of positive selection in 270 genes related to the ingestion of these elements, highlighting benefits of genetic variations that became more common within certain populations.
The most compelling evidence was for iodine-related genes in the Maya populations of Central America. A similar pattern was observed in the Mbuti and Biaka peoples of Central Africa.
In 2009, it was suggested that the short stature of the Mbuti and Biaka peoples may be attributed to their adaptation to low iodine levels. This relates to iodine-binding genes that influence thyroid hormone function and subsequently growth. These groups are also notably more susceptible to thyroid enlargement due to dietary iodine deficiencies compared to nearby populations.
Maya individuals also exhibit notably shorter statures, providing supporting evidence for the hypothesis that adaptations to low iodine levels influence height. Moreover, it is emphasized that the soils in the Mayan regions, particularly rainforests, are recognized as low in iodine.
“This is quite speculative,” she notes. “While I can’t definitively link short stature directly to iodine levels, we observe a striking correlation with the selection of iodine-related genes in these shorter populations.”
In the Uighur and Blahui populations of Central and South Asia, where soil magnesium concentrations are particularly elevated, there is strong selection impacting two genes involved in magnesium uptake. Some gene variants correlated with low magnesium levels suggest adaptive changes that minimize magnesium absorption to avoid toxicity from environmental excess.
These instances are merely a couple of examples. The research team has identified signs of positive selection related to at least one micronutrient across virtually all examined populations worldwide. “We truly observe a widespread signature of adaptation,” Reese states.
This research marks just the beginning, she emphasizes. Further investigations are crucial to elucidate the impacts of the numerous genetic variants discovered by the team. Given the global trade in food, individuals within certain populations may require increased or decreased intake of specific micronutrients. Reese compares this to populations in the UK, where individuals with darker skin may need vitamin D supplementation not just in winter but throughout the entire year.
“Understanding whether a specific population may require certain micronutrient supplements is essential,” notes Mark Stoneking at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany.
“They’ve conducted groundbreaking work in identifying signatures of selection from genomic data,” he states. “However, further research is needed to confirm these findings as genuine cases of selection, as some may inevitably turn out to be false positives.”
During the Mesozoic era, from 252 to 66 million years ago, analyses of the oxygen isotope composition in dinosaur teeth revealed that the atmosphere contained significantly more carbon dioxide than it does today, with global plant photosynthesis levels roughly double those of the present.
Fossil teeth of Camarasaurus from the Morrison Formation in the US. Image credit: sauriermuseum aathal.
A study conducted by Göttingen University and researcher Dr. Dingsu Feng examined the dental enamel of dinosaurs that roamed North America, Africa, and Europe during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.
“Enamel is one of the most stable biological materials,” they explained.
“It captures different oxygen isotopes based on the air dinosaurs inhaled with each breath.”
“The isotope ratios of oxygen reflect fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide and plant photosynthesis.”
“This connection allows us to infer insights about the climate and vegetation of the dinosaur era.”
“During the late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago, the air contained four times more carbon dioxide than before industrialization, prior to significant human emissions of greenhouse gases.”
“In the late Cretaceous, around 730 to 66 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were three times higher than today.”
Teeth from two dinosaur species, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Kaatedocus siberi, showed an exceptionally unique oxygen isotope composition.
This phenomenon is indicative of carbon dioxide spikes linked to major geological events like volcanic eruptions—such as the massive eruption of the Deccan Traps in India at the close of the Cretaceous period.
The heightened photosynthetic activity of plants at that time on both land and water is likely associated with elevated carbon dioxide levels and higher average annual temperatures.
This research marks a milestone in paleoclimatology. Historically, soil and marine proxy carbonates have served as the primary tools for reconstructing past climates.
Marine proxies, which are indicators of sediment fossils and chemical signatures, help scientists comprehend ancient marine environmental conditions, yet these methods often involve uncertainties.
“Our approach offers a fresh perspective on the planet’s history,” Dr. Fenn remarked.
“It paves the way to use fossilized tooth enamel for probing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere and plant productivity during that era.”
“Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping long-term climate dynamics.”
“Dinosaurs may well become new climate scientists, as their teeth have recorded climate data for over 150 million years. At last, we have received their message.”
Study published on August 4, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Dingsu Feng et al. 2025. Mesozoic Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations reconstructed from the enamel of dinosaur teeth. PNAS 122 (33): E2504324122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2504324122
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.
Researchers have established a connection between being overweight or obese and various illnesses and health issues. Heart disease, some types of cancer, and additional conditions such as mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Beyond specific diseases, obesity is also associated with an increased risk of premature death.
Health organizations in the US and around the world utilize the Body Mass Index, or BMI, to assess whether individuals are overweight or obese. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization both classify overweight as having a BMI over 25 and obesity as a BMI exceeding 30. In simple terms, a person who is 1.8 meters tall (approximately 5’11”) and weighs 90.7 kilograms (about 200 lbs) has a BMI of 28.
While doctors recognize that BMI can serve as a valuable metric in healthcare, some point out its limitations. Athletes with considerable muscle mass may be classified as overweight due to their muscle’s greater weight compared to fat. Additionally, body fat percentages can vary based on ethnicity and gender, suggesting that the standard BMI approach may not accurately reflect every individual’s health.
Recently, researchers from the University of Florida explored whether alternative body composition measurements provide a better prediction of mortality risk in young adults compared to BMI. They analyzed data from the National Health Nutrition Test Survey (NHANES), which was conducted in the US between 1999 and 2004 and connects to an index that indicates if participants had passed away by 2020. The study included data from 4,252 adults aged 20 to 49.
The researchers assessed whether high BMI, elevated body fat percentage, or increased waist circumference were more effective predictors of mortality within 15 years. They defined higher-risk body composition as (1) a BMI over 25, categorizing this as overweight or obese. Causes of mortality they investigated included deaths from any cause, referred to as all causes, heart disease, and cancer.
Findings revealed that body fat percentage is a stronger predictor of mortality in young adults than BMI. Specifically, there was no statistically significant link between overweight or obese BMI and cancer-related or all-cause mortality. In contrast, both high body fat percentage and large waist circumference were significantly related to deaths from all causes and heart disease. However, none of the three body composition measurements were found to be statistically related to cancer mortality.
Researchers acknowledged certain limitations in their study. First, the body fat percentage thresholds they applied were derived from another research and are not universally accepted metrics like BMI. Second, as they focused solely on mortality risk in young adults, BMI could still be a strong mortality predictor in older adults. Lastly, while they observed mortality rates, various diseases and health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, are still linked to higher BMI.
Nevertheless, the research team concluded that BMI may not provide a comprehensive view of body composition, suggesting that other measures, such as body fat percentage, could be more beneficial in healthcare settings. They proposed that future studies should investigate these findings in older populations and explore additional health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease.
Smartwatches are intended to track your well-being throughout the workday, ensuring your life remains balanced.
However, recent studies indicate that these devices are not reliable for accurately assessing stress levels. You may feel overwhelmed when you’re actually just excited.
The findings showed only a weak correlation between smartwatch-reported stress and the levels participants claimed to have felt. In contrast, fatigue was somewhat related to the smartwatch data, while sleep metrics had a stronger association.
Eiko Freed, the study’s author, stated that the connection between smartwatch stress readings and self-reported stress was “essentially zero.”
He further explained, “It’s not surprising since the device doesn’t accurately reflect your emotions and may even heighten feelings of excitement and pleasure.”
Freed recalled that his Garmin had flagged him as stressed while he was exercising and enthusiastically chatting with a long-lost friend from his wedding.
“These findings prompt critical considerations about the ability of wearable tech to truly reflect our mental states,” Fried remarked. “Exercise caution; don’t rely solely on smartwatches. They are consumer gadgets, not medical instruments.”
Freed noted that while many researchers are exploring physiological indicators that could represent emotional states, the accuracy is often insufficient due to the overlap of positive and negative emotions. For instance, increased heart rate can indicate both anxiety and excitement.
Fried, an associate professor at Leiden University’s Clinical Psychology Department, monitored stress, fatigue, and sleep over three months in 800 young adults using Garmin Vivosmart 4 watches. Participants were asked to report their feelings about stress, fatigue, and sleepiness four times daily, which were then compared to the smartwatch data.
As published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, none of the participants found that their smartwatch stress readings accurately reflected their self-reported stress levels. For 25% of participants, the smartwatch indicated they were either not stressed or stressed when they felt quite the opposite.
The link between physical fatigue, dubbed “body battery” by Garmin, was “significantly stronger than stress but overall still weak,” Fried mentioned. Garmin attributes this to a combination of pulse rates and activity levels, though they do not disclose the specifics of how the body battery score is calculated.
The connection to sleep proved to be stronger, although Freed acknowledged the need for improved measurements on undisturbed rest.
In about two-thirds of sleep assessments, a notable correlation between Garmin readings and self-reported data was observed. Researchers highlighted that participants often projected that Garmin sleep duration would increase by around two hours if they reported improved sleep quality compared to a prior day rated poorly. “This effect is quite remarkable,” they noted.
The study aspires to establish early warning systems for depression, enabling wearable technology users to receive data that may facilitate preventive care before a depressive episode occurs.
There are initial indicators suggesting that reduced activity levels could be predictive, although Fried has not yet determined whether this stems from exercise’s protective role against depression or if declining energy arises as mental health deteriorates.
“Wearable technology can offer insightful information about emotions and experiences, but it’s vital to understand their limitations,” stated Margarita Panayiotou, a researcher at the University of Manchester.
“This study will elucidate the reliable insights such data can provide and contribute significantly to the ongoing discussion regarding technology’s role in understanding happiness. It’s crucial to remember that wearable data might not represent objective truths and should be interpreted within a broader context, including individual experiences and perceptions.”
Statin usage is on the rise, with the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Care (Nice) reporting that in October 2024, around 5.3 million people in the UK were using statins or cholesterol-lowering medications in the previous year.
This figure has nearly tripled since 2015/2016, now reflecting almost 10% of the nation’s population. Likewise, statin usage is also increasing worldwide.
Doctors prescribe statins primarily to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. These medications lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to artery clogging—by aiding the liver in cholesterol production and blood extraction.
While statins effectively prevent heart attacks and strokes, there are still questions individuals have before commencing treatment.
Consider inquiries like: If my cholesterol is high, should I take statins? Could I improve my condition through diet and exercise first? What side effects might I experience when I start taking statins?
The answers to the first two questions are ultimately the same: the decision rests with you.
How to Determine if Statins are Right for You
The choice to begin statin therapy should be made alongside a healthcare provider, considering not just cholesterol levels, but the overall risk of heart disease.
This involves evaluating other risk factors such as blood pressure, family history, and even geographic location.
As Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, explains, your physician will use all available information to calculate your individual cardiovascular risk score.
“Once we have that cardiovascular risk score, we can initiate a discussion on measures to reduce that risk,” Ward states. “It’s about individuals [doctors] or pharmacists communicating, ‘This is your cardiovascular risk. We recommend starting you on a statin.’
The initial conversation may focus on lifestyle modifications, such as healthier eating habits and smoking cessation. You can assess your risk with an online calculator like this one. A higher 10-year risk score indicates a greater likelihood of needing to discuss statin therapy.
After a few months, you may visit the calculator again to see if your risk has changed, and perhaps determine that your risk is low enough to pursue dietary changes and exercise instead. But what if the recommendation for statins remains strong?
Statins are Safe and Effective
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about starting a potentially lifelong medication.
However, scientific research may provide reassurance; ample evidence highlights the effectiveness of statins in preventing heart disease, says Professor James Shepherd, a Health Data Scientist at the University of Oxford.
“Statins are arguably the most studied medication in medical history,” he points out. “Numerous clinical trials have examined their effects.”
Additionally, researchers have compiled the results of numerous trials to bolster the evidence surrounding statins.
For instance, in 2015, researchers from Cochrane, a distinguished medical review publisher, synthesized data from nearly 39,000 individuals who participated in 296 trials assessing Atorvastatin, the most commonly prescribed statin.
Their comprehensive review revealed that taking atorvastatin for up to 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol by 37-52%, depending on the dosage.
What’s the impact of statins on the risk of death from heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues? The answer largely depends on individual circumstances.
A recent review from early 2025 indicated a risk reduction ranging from 20% to 62%, with higher percentages for individuals in high-risk groups. This represents significant savings for medications costing less than £2 (around $2.50) per 28 tablets.
However, it’s essential to understand how to interpret numbers for your own decision-making.
In large-scale trials, efficacy is often expressed in relative terms, indicating the difference compared to those not taking statins.
As Shepherd emphasizes, “For real-world treatment decisions, the absolute risk is what matters most.”
For example, if a statin reduces the risk of a heart attack by 20%, a patient with a 1% absolute risk (or cardiovascular risk score) sees their risk drop from 1% to 0.8%.
In contrast, those with risk scores above 10% can realize significantly greater benefits.
read more:
Side Effects Vary
While we know statins are effective, what about the negative aspects related to side effects?
“Previous reporting has skewed public perception,” reveals Ward. “Yet, research demonstrates that side effects are minimal, and statins are well-tolerated by most patients.”
This is supported by findings from Shepherd and his team, detailed in a 2021 study that reviewed side effects across 62 trials involving over 120,000 participants, revealing only “a small number” reported issues.
Approximately 15 out of every 10,000 individuals experienced muscle pain and related symptoms, while liver, kidney, and eye abnormalities were even less prevalent.
When patients discontinue statin use, it is often linked to side effects. So, what’s behind this?
A different 2021 study suggests that the perceived side effects may be associated with the act of taking medication rather than their actual occurrence.
In that research, 60 participants received a month’s supply of different medications—some statins, some placebos—without knowing which was which. A year later, researchers noted more symptoms as patients were taking medication compared to nothing at all, with 90% of those experiencing side effects from statins also reporting symptoms while on the placebo.
Adjusting Dosage or Medication
If you encounter side effects, it’s essential to communicate these with your doctor instead of just enduring them.
For instance, atorvastatin can be prescribed in doses ranging from 10 to 80 mg per day. Side effects are often dose-dependent; hence, 80 mg is more likely to induce issues than 10 mg, though a lower long-term dose is usually possible.
“If someone has high cholesterol, they may start at 80 mg,” explains Ward. “If they’re managing well in a few months, we might lower it to 40 mg, and potentially down to 20 or 10 mg later on, transitioning to a maintenance dose.”
Alternatively, switching medications can also be effective. In the UK, five different statins are available, all functioning similarly, though atorvastatin is often regarded as the most effective.
“If someone previously took a higher dose of a different statin, a doctor could prescribe atorvastatin at a lower dosage that could achieve similar cholesterol-lowering effects with fewer side effects,” Shepherd adds.
In rare cases, taking statins may lead to more serious issues affecting the liver and kidneys, which is why regular blood tests are crucial for monitoring.
Individuals with diabetes might be concerned regarding findings suggesting that statins can elevate blood sugar levels.
Nevertheless, the cholesterol-lowering benefits are believed to outweigh the minimal increases in blood glucose.
In conclusion, taking statins is a personal choice. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation or explore resources on cholesterol at Heart UK.
About Our Experts
Julie Ward is a senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Professor James Shepherd is a health data scientist at the University of Oxford, focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention. His work has been featured in General UK magazines, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and BMJ Open.
A recent analysis utilizing data from the UK Biobank revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, though there is only a weak association with the risk of infection.
Monroy-Iglesias et al. The nested case-control study was based on individuals with serum vitamin D level measurements in Baseline (2006-2010) within the Biobank Cohort, documenting COVID-19 PCR results and prior cancer diagnoses.
The widespread impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services has sparked considerable research interest aimed at understanding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease.
At the onset of the pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to examine various risk factors influencing rates of COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality.
Factors that have consistently emerged include age, male sex, smoking status, obesity, specific ethnic backgrounds, and immune system compromise, which all contribute to severe disease and a heightened likelihood of mortality.
Vitamin D is essential for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and is considered a risk factor for the development of severe, persistent inflammation, which may precede acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Consequently, several investigations have focused on the correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic.
Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and both the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease.
“Our goal was to utilize UK Biobank data to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risks of both COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” stated Dr. Maria Monroy Iglesias of King’s College London.
“We also assessed these associations across the general population, a subset of cancer patients, and examined potential differences related to ethnicity.”
The authors analyzed data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank to ascertain whether the risk of COVID-19 was elevated among those with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L in blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L).
Additionally, they compared hospitalization risks due to COVID-19 across these three groups.
“These findings can help identify at-risk individuals and inform future public health guidance,” noted Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a researcher with the University of South Australia.
“Given vitamin D’s important role in immune regulation, it is possible that low levels may influence responses to infections like COVID-19.”
“Our study indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had a higher likelihood of being hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels; however, they were not necessarily more prone to contracting the virus in the first place.”
The research team also explored the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients across different ethnic backgrounds.
It was found that individuals of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent had a marginally increased risk of infection at lower vitamin D levels, while the link between vitamin D and severe illness was predominantly observed in individuals of white backgrounds.
Although no significant correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes among individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, researchers cautioned that this may stem from smaller sample sizes.
“While the overall risk of COVID-19 has diminished over time, the virus continues to pose a public health challenge,” Dr. Beckmann remarked.
“COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it continues to impact individuals’ well-being.”
“Understanding which populations are most vulnerable enables those individuals to take necessary precautions, such as keeping track of their vitamin D levels.”
“Individuals already in poor health may naturally have lower levels of vitamin D.”
“As such, it’s still unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can mitigate the severity of COVID-19.
“This remains a topic worthy of further investigation, especially as we adapt to living with the virus.”
Survey results will be published online in the journal PLOS 1.
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MJ Monroy-Iglesias et al. 2025. The effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 risks and hospitalizations in the UK Biobank. PLOS 1 20(7): E0328232; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328232
Recent studies indicate that elevated temperatures have led to increased groundwater infiltration, exacerbating drought conditions and accelerating evaporation, thereby significantly decreasing the availability of freshwater.
The concept of “continental aridity” reallocates oceanic water to an extent, outpacing the melting of ice sheets as the primary factor contributing to global sea level rise, according to the research.
Loss of land water can severely affect access to safe drinking water and the ability to cultivate crops in some of the most fertile agricultural areas worldwide.
“We consume a significant amount of water for food production,” stated Jay Famiglietti, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability and one of the study’s authors. “If conditions remain unaltered, we anticipate that this will influence food security and overall water availability.”
The findings should be viewed as a primary concern by the public, resource managers, and global decision-makers, the researchers asserted. Research indicates that the identified trends convey a profoundly concerning message regarding the past effects of climate change.
“The continent is becoming drier, freshwater sustainability is diminishing, and the pace of sea level rise is accelerating,” the authors noted.
Published on Friday in the Advances in Journal Science, the study examines shifts in terrestrial water sources, including lakes, subterranean aquifers, and soil moisture over the last two decades. The researchers discovered that various elements, notably climate change, are disrupting Earth’s natural water cycle and complicating its flow between land, oceans, and the atmosphere.
Utilizing data from four NASA satellite suites, researchers analyzed terrestrial water storage modifications over the past 22 years. The satellites are specifically designed to monitor Earth’s water movement, including variations in ice sheets, glaciers, and underground reserves.
For instance, researchers found that arid regions of the world have been rapidly drying since 2014, with these drought-impacted areas expanding annually by regions twice the size of California.
In certain instances, areas experiencing drought have grown into large interconnected “megadry” spaces, as indicated by the research. One such vicinity encompasses Central America, Mexico, California, the southwestern United States, the lower Colorado River basin, and segments of the Southern Plateau.
“The essential takeaway here is that water is indeed a crucial factor influencing changes observed on both land and at sea,” remarked Benjamin Hamlington, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who was part of the science team facilitating decades of data used in this new investigation.
The study revealed that all major land masses, except Greenland and Antarctica, have witnessed unprecedented dryness since 2002.
This widespread continental aridity is anticipated to have significant ramifications for humanity, with researchers noting that three-quarters of the global population resides in nations where freshwater resources are diminishing.
Simultaneously, rising oceans threaten coastal areas globally, decreasing habitability and increasing vulnerabilities to extreme storms and flooding. In the U.S., severe weather has contributed to insurance crises in coastal cities prone to these extreme events.
The correlation between sea level rise and the depletion of groundwater is a consequence of disrupting the planet’s water cycle. Many of these changes, such as excessive groundwater extraction, are regarded as permanent and could remain irreversible for millennia, according to Alexander Sims, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
“When water is extracted from the land, the only viable destination is the ocean,” he explained. “This water then enters the atmosphere, with 88% eventually returning as precipitation on Earth, leading back to the ocean.”
Sims acknowledged that while the study is significant for estimating the global scale of water losses, he harbors doubts about the assertion that these continental water losses outweigh ice sheet melting as the primary contributor to sea level rise.
However, Hamlington emphasized that this study illustrates how the movement of water around the Earth generates substantial ripple effects. It also suggests that further groundwater depletion could diminish freshwater supplies further and exacerbate drought conditions, with implications for the future.
“Monitoring terrestrial water storage is a crucial piece of the puzzle,” he added. “Understanding where that water is moving will aid us in predicting future droughts, floods, and the availability of water resources.”
For many years, eggs have been labeled as major contributors to cholesterol problems. However, recent studies indicate that this reputation may be unjust.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol), often called the “bad” cholesterol, are fatty substances in the bloodstream that can block arteries and heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke. For years, eggs were believed to exacerbate this issue. But new evidence is shifting this perspective.
“Our study’s results indicate that egg consumption does not raise LDL cholesterol levels,” stated Professor John Buckley, the lead author, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “We need clearer messaging on this topic, as it still leads individuals with rising LDL to avoid eggs.”
To investigate the effects of egg consumption on cholesterol, Buckley and his team had participants with healthy cholesterol levels follow one of three diets over five weeks. One diet was high in saturated fat and cholesterol, another was high in saturated fat but low in cholesterol, and the third was high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat.
Only the meal plan that included two eggs a day resulted in lowered LDL levels. The other two diets either allowed for just one egg per week or led to an actual increase in LDL levels.
Eggs are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, making them vital for beneficial effects – Credit: Getty/Gregory Adams
“Eggs are among the few foods that are high in cholesterol yet low in saturated fat,” Buckley noted.
“New evidence suggests it isn’t cholesterol but rather saturated fats that negatively impact cholesterol levels, and we are the first study to conclusively demonstrate this.”
An egg-rich diet also showed improvements in other blood lipids associated with heart health, though Buckley emphasizes the need for further research to fully comprehend these changes.
What’s the takeaway? Cholesterol intake from foods doesn’t necessarily correlate with blood cholesterol, particularly when your overall diet is low in saturated fat.
“Most foods high in cholesterol also contain saturated fats,” Buckley explained. “This is a key reason why dietary cholesterol has been vilified; high intake from those foods raises LDL cholesterol, but isolating the independent effects of saturated fats in research has been challenging, and we are working on that now.”
The next time you enjoy breakfast, don’t feel guilty about having a few eggs—just maybe skip that extra serving of bacon.
And what about Buckley himself? “I had eggs for breakfast this morning and didn’t worry about raising my LDL cholesterol,” he shared.
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About our experts
Professor John Buckley is the Executive Dean of the Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit at the University of South Australia. His research primarily explores the effects of diet and exercise on health and physical functioning across a variety of groups, from patients to elite athletes.
This deficiency is crucial for energy production, brain development, and maintaining a robust immune system.
According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects 31% of women of reproductive age, 36% of pregnant women, and 40% of children under 5.
Inflammation can interfere with iron absorption, stemming from acute diseases or chronic conditions such as obesity. With rising global obesity and chronic disease rates, this creates additional challenges in tackling iron deficiency worldwide.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, as iron is vital for red blood cell production. Anemia is characterized by low hemoglobin levels, the protein that gives blood its red color and transports oxygen.
The World Health Organization reports that anemia affects 31% of adult women of reproductive age, 36% of pregnant women, and 40% of children under 5 years old. Approximately half of all global anemia cases result from iron deficiency. Common symptoms include pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat (known as palpitations).
Iron deficiency poses serious health risks, especially when it causes anemia, including a weakened immune system, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, maternal and infant mortality, and delayed growth and brain development in children.
Diet can influence iron absorption. – Photo credit: Getty
The repercussions of iron deficiency are particularly severe for women and children, who are the most susceptible.
Menstruating women have a heightened need for iron due to monthly blood loss. Pregnant women require extra iron for the placenta, fetus, and increased blood volume. Children need iron for rapid growth and brain development, making adolescent girls—who are both growing and menstruating—especially vulnerable.
In their study, Benson and Law convened a panel of 26 experts alongside four patient representatives. Their collective recommendations advocate for a more positive and inclusive strategy for managing iron deficiency, particularly for at-risk populations.
The panel stressed the importance of regular screening during pregnancy and early childhood. They emphasized utilizing ferritin, a blood protein indicating liver iron storage, as a reliable marker for diagnosing iron deficiency and determining intervention timing.
If treatment is necessary, oral iron supplements are the first recommendation. They are effective, widely accessible, and cost-effective. For those experiencing side effects like nausea and constipation, the panel suggested taking supplements on alternate days to enhance tolerability. In more severe instances, or if oral iron proves ineffective, intravenous iron may be needed.
Lastly, the panel asserted that iron deficiency should not be viewed as an isolated issue, but rather part of the routine care for mothers and children, including pregnancy tests, child health visits, and nutrition programs.
Iron Advice
While some individuals may need treatments for iron deficiency, many cases can be prevented through daily dietary choices.
Begin by adding more iron-rich foods to your meals, such as pulses, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and iron-fortified cereals (opt for lower sugar options for kids and adolescents).
For those consuming animal products, limit intake to moderate amounts of lean meat—about 70g (2.5oz) per day, as recommended by the UK Eatwell Guide—which can provide easily absorbable iron.
If you primarily follow a plant-based diet, consider pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like lemon juice, tomatoes, and strawberries to enhance iron absorption.
Avoid drinking tea or coffee during meals as polyphenols can hinder iron absorption; this applies to taking iron supplements as well. Consuming them with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice, can significantly improve absorption.
If you belong to a higher-risk group—such as menstruating individuals or caregivers of young children—or if you experience excessive fatigue, consult your doctor. A simple blood test can evaluate your iron levels. In children, iron deficiency may also manifest as unusual cravings, such as for ice or non-food items.
Iron deficiency is prevalent but manageable and often preventable. With awareness and mindful choices, maintaining healthy iron levels can be as straightforward as selecting what goes on your plate.
Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at the University of California, San Diego, indicates that the Earth’s atmosphere contains millions, and potentially tens of millions, of carbon dioxide molecules.
For the first time ever, the global average concentration of carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas emitted from burning fossil fuels—surpassed 430 parts per million (ppm) in May. These measurements represent a record high, with an increase of over 3 ppm from last year.
The findings suggest that efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and reverse the growing accumulation of CO2 are insufficient.
“Another year, another record,” stated Ralph Keeling, a professor of climate science, marine chemistry, and geochemistry at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, California; he commented. “I am saddened.”
Carbon dioxide, like other greenhouse gases, traps heat from the sun and can persist in the atmosphere for centuries. High levels of these gases contribute to rising global temperatures and other adverse effects of climate change, including increased sea levels, polar ice melt, and more frequent extreme weather events.
Since the pre-industrial era, CO2 levels in the atmosphere have sharply risen, primarily due to human activities that release greenhouse gases.
Just a few decades ago, crossing the 400 ppm threshold seemed unimaginable. This means that for every million molecules of gas in the atmosphere, over 400 would be carbon dioxide. The planet reached this daunting milestone in 2013. Current warnings suggest that CO2 levels could approach 500 ppm within the next 30 years.
Human society is now in uncharted territory.
According to Keeling, the planet likely experienced such high atmospheric CO2 levels over 30 million years ago, during a time with very different climatic conditions.
He noted the remarkable speed at which CO2 levels are rising.
“It’s changing very quickly,” he told NBC News. “If humans had evolved in an environment with high CO2 levels, the absence of suitable habitats would have likely shaped our evolution. We could have adapted to that world, but instead, we’ve constructed society and civilization based on the climate of the past.”
CO2 levels are typically illustrated using the Keeling Curve, named in honor of Keeling’s father, Charles David Keeling, who began daily atmospheric CO2 measurements in 1958 from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.
The Keeling Curve prominently displays the steep rise in CO2 since the Industrial Revolution, attributed to human-induced climate change.
Ralph Keeling and his colleagues at the Scripps Oceanographic Institute reported that the average atmospheric CO2 concentration for May was 430.2 ppm, while NOAA’s Global Monitoring Institute, which has been conducting separate daily measurements since 1974, noted an average of 430.5 ppm for the same month.
Monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is crucial for understanding how human activities impact the Earth’s climate. These measurements also serve as key indicators of the planet’s overall health.
“These measurements provide insight into the health of the entire system with just one data point,” Keeling explained. “We achieve a comprehensive view of the atmosphere through relatively simple measurement techniques.”
Is this the future in a world where the oceans are rising?
Deep R&D Ltd
The Bajau are indigenous marine people of Southeast Asia, often referred to as sea nomads. For millennia, they have thrived along coastlines, relying on foraging underwater without the aid of diving gear, holding their breath for astonishing durations. Yet, the early 21st century introduced multiple crises that jeopardized their way of life—industrial overfishing, pollution, coral bleaching diminished food sources, and rising sea levels consumed coastal dwellings.
In 2035, a Bajau community near Saba, North Borneo, initiated fundraising for a contemporary floating and underwater settlement. They collaborated with deep, a manufacturer of submarine habitats, to create interconnected rafts and underwater homes, developing business models that could be emulated by other maritime communities facing similar threats from rising seas. Revenue streams included extreme adventure tourism, scientific research facilities, and longevity clinics.
The first habitat comprised a network of platforms and rafts, with tunnels leading to underwater levels. While residents occupied surface structures, they increasingly utilized submerged areas for storage, sustenance, and sleep. This habitat was constructed using a 3D printing technique known as Wire arc additive manufacturing, which allowed the most effective pressure distribution in areas experiencing strain.
The deeper sections were maintained at both ambient water pressure and the corresponding atmospheric pressure from the surface. In modules situated less than 20 meters deep, occupants, referred to as Aquanauts, inhaled a unique gas mixture to prevent nitrogen narcosis. Those exiting deep modules required decompression when returning to normal atmospheric conditions. An advantage of these surrounding modules was the incorporation of a moon door, enabling Aquanauts to swim directly into the deep sea for leisure, research, and farming activities.
Undersea hotels catering to extreme tourism have surged in popularity. In the Galapagos, tourists reside in submerged hydroelectric hotels, exploring hot springs and observing some of the planet’s rarest life forms. Simultaneously, scientists harness these modules to investigate deep-sea ecosystems. Undersea mapping technologies have evolved, enabling researchers to explore vast ocean territories that were previously unreachable, fostering understanding and interactions with whales and other deep-sea creatures, leading to significant advancements in marine biology.
Aquanauts can swim directly into the deep sea for recreational, research, and agricultural activities
The Bajau have long been adapted to marine environments. With thousands of years at sea, they possess enlarged spleens that provide a higher quantity of oxygen-retaining red blood cells compared to typical humans. Some Bajau divers can spend five hours underwater, diving freely to depths of 70 meters without oxygen tanks, holding their breath for up to 15 minutes. After transitioning to seabed habitats, many Bajau began to leave behind surface living, opting instead to spend more time submerged, even resorting to gene editing to enhance their aquatic capabilities, including intentional eardrum puncturing to facilitate deeper dives, and utilizing surfactants in their lungs to aid their decompression, akin to adaptations found in diving marine mammals.
Bajau’s Diver
Marco Rayman/Alamie
Numerous communities have established depth clinical treatments. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to intermittent daily sessions of pressurized oxygen therapy can alleviate various medical conditions and age-related diseases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, for instance, has proven beneficial, leading individuals who underwent consistent high-pressure sessions to possess longer telomeres and enhanced clearance of senescent cells, both of which are linked to increased longevity. The deep habitat has attracted affluent seniors looking to extend their lives, simultaneously providing a lucrative income source.
The majority of marine communities have become self-sufficient, cultivating their own food through aquaculture of fish, mollusks, and seaweed, while also growing other crops on the surface. Energy sources include a combination of solar, wind, wave, and geothermal energy, tailored to local conditions. Some communities focus on tourism, whereas others specialize in carbon capture within medical facilities. A significant amount of seaweed is harvested, sunk into the ocean depths, and sold as carbon credits.
Living beneath the waves isn’t for everyone. Nonetheless, these habitats empower those most vulnerable to climate change, giving them the tools to redefine their livelihoods and lifestyles, even in the face of rising sea levels that threaten their homes.
Rowan Hooper is the podcast editor for New Scientist and author of *How to Spend $1 Trillion: These are 10 Global Issues That Can Be Actually Fixed*. Follow him on Bluesky @rowhoop.bsky.social
Known as Verve-102, this treatment could revolutionize heart attack prevention and significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) with a single injection.
While statins can achieve similar cholesterol reductions, they typically require daily administration.
“This is the future,” stated Professor Riyaz Patel, an academic from the University of London and a doctor at Barts Health NHS Trust involved in the trial – BBC Science Focus.
“This is not a fantasy; it’s reality. We are actively implementing it. I was providing this treatment to my patient during the exam.”
Unlike statins, which gradually lower cholesterol, Verve-102 aims for a one-time alteration by “turning off” a specific gene called PCSK9 in the liver. This gene is crucial in managing the levels of LDL cholesterol that the liver can detect and eliminate from the bloodstream.
In simpler terms, a reduction in PCSK9 means less LDL in the bloodstream.
“The results are stunning,” Patel remarked. “This drug disables a small segment of your DNA, and your LDL cholesterol will be permanently 50% lower thereafter. That’s a game-changer!”
Cholesterol builds up in blood vessel walls, leading to plaque formation that can obstruct blood flow.
Elevated LDL cholesterol levels heighten the risk of this buildup, prompting millions (over 40 million in the US and over 7 million in the UK) to take daily medications like statins for cholesterol management.
The VERVE-102 clinical trial included 14 participants with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that heightens the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes due to extremely high LDL cholesterol levels.
Initial outcomes from Verve-102 injections show that all participants reacted positively to the treatment with no severe side effects.
Responses varied by dosage. The lowest dose group experienced an average LDL reduction of 21%, while the intermediate group showed a 41% reduction, and the high-dose group saw a 53% reduction.
Remarkably, one individual in the high-dose group achieved a 69% reduction in LDL cholesterol after receiving Verve-102.
Dr. Eugene Braunwald, a distinguished medical professor and Hershey’s professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who did not take part in the study, noted that the preliminary data is “promising” and indicates “the potential for a new era in cardiovascular disease treatment.”
Verve is actively recruiting participants for further stages of clinical trials involving even higher Verve-102 doses in the UK, Canada, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. The final results are expected to be revealed in the latter half of 2025.
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About our experts
Professor Riyaz Patel is a consultant cardiologist and clinical academic scholar at University College London (UCL) and Barts Health NHS Trust. He is a fully funded clinician scientist with the British Heart Foundation and serves as a professor of cardiology at UCL, where he investigates the causes of heart disease, focusing on cardiovascular risks and the genetics of coronary heart disease. He has established and led new cardiovascular prevention services at Barts Heart Center.
Rising seas pose a significant threat to coastal cities.
Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images
A recent review of the latest scientific data indicates that capping global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels won’t halt sea level rise for centuries to come.
“There seems to be a widespread belief that reaching 1.5°C will solve all our problems,” explained Chris Stokes from Durham University, UK. “While it should certainly be our goal, it won’t prevent sea level rise caused by the melting ice sheets.”
At present, global warming is on track for approximately 2.9°C by 2100, noted Jonathan Bamber from the University of Bristol, UK. “In terms of long-term impacts, we’re looking at a potential sea level rise of over 12 meters,” he stated.
Stokes, Bamber, and their colleagues have compiled data from satellite observations of ice loss and rising sea levels over the last three decades, historical data from warm periods, and satellite insights from models of ice sheets.
Older models that fail to incorporate crucial processes suggest that ice sheets take a significant amount of time to respond to warming, according to Bamber. However, satellite data indicates that the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets are reacting much more swiftly.
“The data presents a very different narrative,” Bamber remarked. “The mass loss observed in Greenland is astonishing and truly unprecedented compared to model predictions.”
Both Greenland and West Antarctica are not only losing ice, but their rates of loss are increasing, said Stokes. “And this is occurring with just 1.2 degrees of warming,” he pointed out. “The notion that limiting warming to 1.5°C would resolve this is misleading.”
Research on previous warm spells over the past three million years reveals that sea levels were significantly higher during those times, as stated by Stokes.
The most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2021, forecasts a sea level rise of 1 to 2 meters over the coming centuries if global temperature rise is curtailed to 1.5°C, according to Stokes.
“We are pushing these projections forward,” he said. “It’s becoming evident that we are witnessing some of the worst-case scenarios manifesting right before us, based on mass balance satellite data.”
The team estimates that merely mitigating the pace of sea level rise from melting ice sheets to manageable levels will require the average global temperature to remain below 1°C above pre-industrial levels.
While wealthier nations may bolster their coastlines against rising seas, as ocean levels continue to escalate, this becomes more challenging and costly, Bamber warned. “Certain countries simply lack the financial resources for such measures.”
This highlights the urgency of taking action, according to Stokes. “Every fraction of a degree is crucial to the ice sheet,” he stated. “While I may alter certain points and thresholds, it’s vital to recognize that all degrees matter.”
AMOC is a system of ocean currents that circulates water in the Atlantic Ocean.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio
The decline in significant Atlantic currents is contributing to flooding linked to rising sea levels in the northeastern United States, which are already affected by climate change. As global temperatures increase, a total collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could exacerbate sea level rise.
“If AMOC collapses, this will greatly increase flood frequency along the US coastline, independent of major storms,” states Liping Chan from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in New Jersey. “Even a partial reduction in current strength can have significant consequences.”
The warm waters melting ice sheets and rising sea levels are influenced by climate change, which leads to uneven rates of sea level rise across different regions. For instance, some coastal areas have subsided, increasing the relative rate of sea level rise there. Local sea levels are also affected by the circulation of heat, water, and salt in the ocean, with warm, fresh water occupying more volume than cold, salty water.
Over the past few decades, sea levels along the northeastern US coast have risen 3-4 times faster than the global average. The slowing of AMOC—responsible for transporting warm water from lower latitudes to the North Atlantic, where it cools and sinks—has long been considered a potential cause of this phenomenon. As this circulation weakens, warm deep water expands, pushing more water onto the shallow continental shelf.
AMOC strength varies naturally over different timescales, and climate change has contributed to its slowdown as the North Atlantic and its waters have become warmer and clearer in recent decades. However, it remained uncertain whether this decrease significantly affected sea levels.
Chang and her team utilized tidal gauge measurements from the New England coast to reconstruct local sea levels dating back over a century. Alongside a steady rise due to climate change, they identified significant fluctuations between low and high sea levels every few decades. Low sea levels correlated with periods of weak AMOC, while high sea levels were also aligned with these intervals, which brought more frequent coastal flooding.
The researchers then employed two distinct ocean models to quantify the impact of AMOC intensity variations on local sea levels. While the primary driver of change was the steady rise due to climate change, they discovered that weakened AMOCs significantly increased sea-level-related flooding. In multiple coastal regions, they noted that the slowdown in AMOC has contributed to delaying flooding by 20-50% since 2005.
Given that the natural cycle of AMOC strength is largely predictable, Zhang asserts that these findings enable researchers to forecast potential flooding events up to three years in advance. This foresight can guide long-term infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness.
“This highlights the critical role of AMOC in [sea level rise],” remarks Chris Hughes, who was not involved in the research, from the University of Liverpool in the UK. “It’s not merely theoretical; it’s evident in the real world.”
It remains unclear how much of the recent AMOC weakening is attributable to climate change versus natural variability. Nevertheless, the findings bolster predictions that if AMOC were to completely collapse due to climate change, significant portions of the US East Coast could experience a surge in sea levels.
Hughes warns that if AMOC nearly collapses, sea levels could rise by around 24 centimeters. “While it may not seem dramatic, even a small increase can have a substantial effect.”
oThe NE drone is lifted into the sky in a shopping centre outside Dublin, then another shopping centre. They rise to 70 feet (21 meters), tilted forward and zipped in different directions, each carrying a paper bag.
On sleepy mornings in the Irish capital, takeoffs became stable every few minutes, with few people exchanging the constant flow of aircraft.
“No one looks up – no one looks up,” says Bobby Healy, director and founder of Dublin’s startup Mannaaero.
People should probably be aware that drones are part of an effort to realize the ambitions shared by Amazon, Google Sister Company Wing, California Startup Zipline: Instant and Autonomous Home Delivery. Healy and his big tech rivals hope that drone distribution will change courses in Ireland’s retail industry and will soon be transformed into the UK this year.
Drones have already had a huge impact, from photography to light shows, humanitarian missions to wars in Ukraine. The promise is clear. Skip the Earth’s crowds. But companies now have to persuade investors and the public. Previous Wing trials in Australia faced public opposition.
“In the suburbs, those delivery drivers are broken models,” says Bobby Healy, founder of Manna Aero. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian
Amazon operates in Texas, Arizona and Italy, and is seeking permission to fly drones from British warehouses, but Wings are already operating in several countries. However, Manaero seems right in the mix. We flew 200,000 delivery services in Blancherstown, outside Dublin, and Helsinki, Finland. Working with Just Eat and Doordash helps to expand and attract businesses such as restaurants, tool stores, and bookstores.
In Manna’s app, the Guardian orders two coffees to be borrowed and delivered to the rented house. Spots on the horizon gradually resolve to a quadcopter as you gazed through the skyline of Dublin’s suburban. It approaches the garden, hoveres temporarily, then drops a paper bag onto the biodegradable strings. The drone flies off and leaves behind two warm, unpainted coffees.
The coffee arrived 16 minutes after I ordered it from the app, including preparation time. This is compared to the preparation time and minimum 11 minutes for those who offer the same thing on an e-bike.
Importantly, drones do not need to be hanging around humans. This means lowering energy, says Healy. Each aircraft makes about 80 deliveries a day, he says — more than twice what delivery drivers and riders generally do. In addition to that, Drone “pilots” can oversee up to 20 aircraft at a time, Healy adds.
Autonomous drones mean fewer people need it. “Pilots” can oversee up to 20 aircraft at a time, says Manna CEO. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian
Autonomous drone
The drone is autonomous from the point that is given a loaded and lifted from the base. Six minutes later, on average, the drone arrived home and floated over the garden. The only intervention from the pilot is for the video to flick its back on the base to see if people or vehicles are exempt from the ground.
“In the suburbs, those delivery drivers are broken models,” Healy says. “There’s no way to do that with delivery drivers and make them profitable.”
Dubliner’s Healy describes himself as a “technical person.” He left school at the age of 17 to make video games and then started and sold six businesses. Recently, we have sold Cartrawler, which operates a vehicle rental service on the airline’s website. He founded Mana in 2018. Because he wanted to create “measurable impacts across the planet,” he took on the challenge of bringing the coder to create an autonomous drone.
The drones were designed by the Manna teams in Monmouth, Wales and Dublin and featured aerospace-grade parts, mainly made in China. Each weight is 23kg (51lb) (including up to 4kg of cargo), and is the weight that can fly in the US.
The Mana drone can carry cargo weighing up to 4 kg, and is sufficient to carry four 15-inch pizzas. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian
Despite being “weight more difficult than weight”, it’s easy enough to carry four 15 inch pizzas for your family or transport some books. Delivery of one of Finland’s 24 toilet rolls had to be halved as they all didn’t fit. “It must have been an emergency,” Healy said.
The drone has eight motors, but in the event of a disaster you can easily fly to four. There is also a built-in parachute, which has been used only once on 200,000 flights over four years, and European aerospace regulators have audited the company’s technology.
The drone works from a slung base with several shipping containers and 5 meters square fitted landLanding zone. Mana employees in the container prepare orders, charge the batteries that are replaced after each flight, and oversee the drops in a 2.1 mile (3.4 km) circle.
Expansion plan
Mana’s catchment covers 150,000 people in Blanchardstown. By the end of the year, the company expects to cover approximately 1 million people across Dublin. It is most of the city outside the centre, and for now there are fewer shorter distances and fewer drop gardens, excludes mana. (While rooftop delivery in the city centre holds promises, there seems to be an unlikely idea of delivery to a flat on the fourth floor.) By the end of the year, Healy hopes to reach a rate of 2 million flights per year.
Mana has flew 200,000 delivery services in Blanchardstown, on the outskirts of Dublin and Helsinki, Finland. Photo: Patrick Bolger/Guardian
According to Healy, UK launches are supported by regulations, but if EU drone standards are adopted on April 1, they will “undetectedly” open the door in 2026 this year. Instead, businesses pay a fee.
Mana still has many obstacles. Currently, each flight is profitable, but the expansion costs are still high for companies that add losses. So far, it has been featured as an investor with Patrick Collison, founder of Coca-Cola and fintech company Stripe, wearing shoes worth 60 million euros in venture capital money.
Healy also knows that some people will acknowledge the idea of instant retail satisfaction. Although birds know they’ll move away, the company may have to solve the problem of avoiding rival operator aircraft in the future.
However, Healy is creepy about the future of drone delivery.
“It would allow for a completely different form of commerce than what we have today,” he says. “Small business people beating the Giants. If they can get everything going in three minutes, they have Amazon Slayer.”
Having low levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood can decrease the risk of developing dementia, according to recent Korean studies published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. While the connection between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and heart health is well-known, its impact on brain health and dementia is still being studied.
Scientists analyzed data from 11 university hospitals in Korea, studying 571,000 adults without dementia. Participants were divided into two groups based on their cholesterol levels, with one group having high LDL-C levels above 3.4 mmol/L or 130 mg/dL, and the other group having low LDL-C levels below 1.8 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL.
The study found that individuals with low LDL-C were at a lower risk of developing dementia, with a 26% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with any type of dementia and a 28% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the high LDL-C group. However, extremely low LDL-C levels below 1.4 mmol/L or 55 mg/dL did not show a significant decrease in dementia risk.
Additionally, the study observed that individuals in the low LDL-C group who took statins to lower their cholesterol levels had a 13% lower risk of dementia and a 12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those not taking statins.
While the study found a significant association between low LDL-C levels and reduced dementia risk, it had some limitations, such as being a retrospective study that did not consider other influencing factors like age, gender, genetic risk, and lifestyle. The study did not establish a causal link between LDL-C and dementia risk, emphasizing the need for further research.
Dr. Petra Proitsi, a genetic epidemiologist at Queen Mary University, London, acknowledged the complexity of the relationship between cholesterol and dementia, calling for more comprehensive studies involving diverse ethnic groups to explore this association further.
read more:
About our experts:
Dr. Petra Proitsi is a genetic epidemiology specialist at the Preventive Neurology Centre at Queen Mary University, London. She leads themes of digital and health data science at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from King’s College London.
When you arrive at work, what is the first thing you do? Do you unpack your bag, set up your desk, and then head straight for the coffee machine? You’re not alone.
According to the National Coffee Association, the average American drinks more than three cups of coffee a day. In moderation, coffee is often considered part of a healthy lifestyle for good reason. It is linked to a reduced risk of conditions like diabetes and certain types of cancer.
However, your morning brew may not be as healthy as you think. Coffee contains natural compounds that can raise cholesterol levels, and depending on how it is prepared, your daily cup may contain more of these compounds than ideal.
A team of Swedish researchers investigated coffee machines in workplaces and found that many people brewed coffee with high levels of these cholesterol-raising substances.
“For decades, we’ve known that certain types of coffee can elevate cholesterol levels,” said Dr. David Igman, co-author of new research published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism, Cardiovascular Disease to BBC Science Focus.
In particular, unfiltered or boiled coffee is known to contain two cholesterol-raising compounds (cafestol and kahweol) that belong to a group of naturally occurring fats called diterpenes.
Liquid model coffee machines contain lower levels of diterpenes than other brewers. – Getty
These compounds are associated with an increased risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, as well as a slight reduction in “good” cholesterol (HDL).
In contrast, filtered coffee typically contains much lower levels of these compounds and is considered a safer choice in terms of cholesterol levels.
Dr. Igman explained, “At work, many people get their coffee from machines, and yet no one has actually tested these machines to see if they produce filtered or unfiltered coffee.”
To investigate, the team tested 14 coffee machines in different workplaces, collecting samples brewed on different days and measuring the levels of cafestol and kahweol in the final cup.
In their analysis, they also examined other common types of coffee, such as Scandinavian-style drip coffee, percolators, French presses, espresso, and boiled coffee.
The results showed significant variations between the machines, with some producing coffee with very low diterpene levels similar to paper coffee.
Paper-filtered coffee contains minimal cholesterol-raising cafestol. – Erik et al. Nutrition, Metabolism, Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Igman concluded, “From our data, liquid model machines are definitely a better option, producing coffee with very low diterpene levels similar to paper coffee.”
Liquid model machines do not brew coffee in the traditional way; they combine liquid coffee concentrate with hot water to create a cup.
In contrast, traditional brewers use ground or whole beans, passing hot water through a metal filter, resulting in higher levels of cholesterol-raising compounds.
In summary, Dr. Igman advised, “Don’t worry about drinking coffee, as it is associated with various health benefits. However, if you regularly consume machine-made coffee at work, pay attention to how it is brewed, especially if you are monitoring your cholesterol levels.”
“While we don’t fully understand how these machines affect blood lipids, it’s likely dependent on the amount of coffee consumed. Using a paper filter or instant coffee is the safest option for cholesterol levels,” he added.
About our experts
David Igman is a research associate at the Dalana Centre for Clinical Research at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. His research focuses on American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Diabetes, and Internal Medicine.
Exciting news for pecan enthusiasts: these tasty nuts may be even more beneficial for your health than previously thought. Swapping out your usual snacks for pecans could be a smart move for your overall well-being.
A recent study revealed that incorporating pecans into your daily snack routine can lead to improvements in cholesterol levels and enhance the quality of your diet. The research, as featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on adults dealing with or at risk for metabolic syndrome—a condition that raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes or heart-related issues.
Participants in a 12-week study were split into two groups: one replaced their usual snacks with 57g of pecans daily, while the other maintained their regular diet. The outcome? Those snacking on pecans experienced a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol), and non-HDL cholesterol.
Lowering LDL levels and improving the HDL to total cholesterol ratio are crucial steps in reducing the risk of heart disease. Dr. Christina Petersen, an associate professor of nutrition science from Pennsylvania, highlighted the benefits of substituting typical snacks with pecans for heart health.
Participants who replaced regular snacks with 57g of pecans per day saw improvements in their cholesterol levels and overall diet quality. – Getty
The study involved 138 adults aged 25 to 70, all meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, low HDL, and hypertension. Results showed enhanced adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and a higher consumption of plant protein and seafood among those who opted for pecans as snacks.
While weight gain was observed in the pecan group compared to the non-pecan group, the cholesterol-lowering benefits of pecans remained unaffected. According to the researchers, additional guidance on calorie intake could help achieve a balance between energy consumption and pecan nutrition.
In conclusion, making the switch to pecans from less nutritious snacks can have a positive impact on heart health and overall dietary patterns. It’s important to be mindful of calorie intake while enjoying the benefits of these nutritious nuts.
According to satellite measurements from the European Union’s Climate Service Copernicus, there is less sea ice covering the ocean this February.
“One of the consequences of a warm world is to melt sea ice, and both Poles’ records or near-recorded low-sea ice covers have pushed the world’s sea ice cover to the lowest ever.” Samantha Burgess The European Middle Distance Centre is forecast in a statement. According to the service, global temperatures in February this year rose 1.59°C above the pre-industrial average, making it the third security in March on record.
These high temperatures have affected the global sea ice range, including both the Arctic and Antarctic, which is currently close to the largest in the year. Satellite records from both regions date back to 1979.
In the Arctic, sea ice was 8% below average throughout February, missing an area of nearly the size of the UK ice. This was the three consecutive months of successive months that set a low monthly new record in the Arctic.
This decline in the Northern Hemisphere is combined with the long-term decline in Antarctic sea ice seen over the past two years. Antarctic ice appeared to recover to near average levels last December, but then again fell rapidly. In February, the ice reached the fourth-lowest range on record for the month, 26% below the average.
Record low ice in both hemispheres is a “cause of serious concern,” he said. Robert Larter In a statement in the UK Antarctic Survey. He says that ice shortages could harm the polar ecosystems, expose ice shelves to more seawater, and accelerate melting and rising sea levels.
The lack of ice also affects beyond the poles. Less ice means less solar radiation is reflected in the universe, increasing warming. It can also weaken global ocean currents, relying on the dense salt water that is generated when sea ice forms.
Have you ever visited a cave? Most caves are formed from rocks made of calcium and carbonates, Limestoneand includes vast passages beautifully decorated with unique minerals in columnar formation. for example, Mammoth Cave Kentucky has 426 miles (or 686 kilometers) of corridors, with over 100 rooms lined with giant titro stones and stalagies.
Where the caves are located there are often underground reservoirs. Aquifer. Aquifers are also commonly formed from limestone, conserving enormous amounts of water in cracks and other pore spaces in the rock. The population harvests billions of gallons of water from the aquifer every day.
Chemical reactions between limestone and acid dissolve the limestone, resulting in caves and aquifers being formed in limestone. The most common acids that react with limestone to form caves and aquifers are Carbonated. Carbonated acids are weak acids that naturally form when carbon is indicated as CO.2dissolves in water. However, other naturally occurring acids such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid can also dissolve limestone.
Scientists have shown that limestone melting affects the world's climate. Carboxylic acids dissolve limestone and consume Co2this is a powerful greenhouse gas. However, when other acids dissolve the limestone, Co is released2 For the atmosphere. In particular, sulfuric acid and nitric acid are produced during human activities such as agriculture and other industrial processes. Scientists want to know if these acids dissolve a significant amount of limestone in aquifers and other underground areas.
Recently, a team of researchers in Florida used chemical analysis and mathematical models to measure the amount of limestone dissolution caused by acids other than carbonic acid in large aquifers known as the Floridan aquifer. Researchers explained that the Suwanee River is above the Floridan Aquifer and that there is water from the Suwanee River refill. charging Aquifer. They wanted to determine how much dissolution would occur in the aquifer with this charged water.
First, they measured the co2 and the concentration of acid in water samples from various surfaces and underground locations of the Suwanee River Basin, collected over five years. This data was then used to create a mathematical model that calculates the amount of limestone dissolved within the aquifer if all molecules of acid in the aquifer react with the limestone molecule.
Using this model, the researchers estimated that acid input to the aquifer could dissolve 100-10,000 kilograms (or 220-220,000 pounds) of limestone in six months. This corresponds to the weight of melting at least two humans or three or more rocks! Based on the model output, they also found that only carboxylic acids cannot drive the dissolution of all estimated limestones. Researchers concluded that other acids, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, must contribute to the dissolution of limestone.
The team also explained that water can flow through the aquifer in just a few hours or years. They reported that several storms had occurred while sampling the river. It increased charging and produced a surge that pushed water through the aquifer faster than usual. They calculated that the most limestone dissolved during these storm surges, suggesting that the storm could exacerbate aquifer growth.
For many Florida people, the Florida aquifer is the main source of clean water. Therefore, the researchers emphasized that how this aquifer interacts with the environment affects millions of livelihoods. The researchers concluded that acids released from human activity could affect the dissolution of all limestones from the aquifers we rely on from the caves we visited. They suggested that future researchers would consider weathering rocks when studying carbon dioxide dynamics in other limestone-dominated regions.
A team of scientists from Helmholtz Senturm Dresden Rossendorf, Tad Dresden Institute of Technology, and the Australian National University have discovered an “unexpected” accumulation of Beryllium-10 from the bottom of the central and North Pacific Oceans.
Col et al. Report on the discovery of anomalies in the beryllium-10 concentration profiles of several deep-sea ferromanganese crusts (stars) from the late Miocene central and North Pacific Oceans. The main bottom (blue line) and surface (red line) ocean currents of the thermal halin circulation are shown. Image credit: Koll et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55662-4.
Radionuclides are types of nuclei (isotopes) that decay into other elements over time.
They are used to date archaeological and geological samples, and radiocarbon dating is one of the best-known methods.
“The major ocean floors on Earth show one of the most pristine geological archives documenting environmental conditions and changes over millions of years, the ferromanganese crust,” Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and his colleagues.
“Dating these marine archives can be achieved through fossils through changes in biostratigraphy, isotope, or elemental composition. Alternatively, we can analyze the imprinted changes in the Earth's magnetic field due to magnetic stratigraphy. Masu.”
“Another commonly employed technique is dating space-forming nuclides,” they added.
“The radionuclide Beryllium-10 is continuously produced in the upper atmosphere, primarily through cosmic ray spallation for nitrogen and oxygen.”
“The residence time of Beryllium-10 in the atmosphere is about 1-2 years for it to adhere to the aerosol and precipitate.”
“In the ocean, atmospheric beryllium-10 mixes with the stable beryllium-9 of the lithosphere, which is transported to the ocean by river runoff and river dust, primarily after erosion of terrestrial minerals.”
Dr. Koll and co-authors have discovered long-term cosmicogenic beryllium-10 anomalies in central and North Pacific samples.
Such anomalies can be attributed to changes in ocean currents or astrophysical events that occurred during the late Miocene era around 10 million years ago.
The findings have the potential to serve as a global time marker for promising advances in dating geological archives over millions of years.
“For a period of millions of years, such space-forming time markers still do not exist,” Dr. Koll said.
“However, this beryllium abnormality can act as such a marker.”
result It will be displayed in the journal Natural Communication.
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D. Koll et al. 2025. Cosmic genome 10It becomes abnormal in the late Miocene as an independent time marker for marine archives. Nut commune 16, 866; doi:10.1038/s41467-024-55662-4
Cortisol, a hormone produced by adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys, plays a crucial role in various body functions such as metabolism regulation, inflammation reduction, and stress response promotion. While essential for health, chronically elevated cortisol levels can lead to numerous problems.
Increased cortisol levels can occur due to factors like Cushing’s syndrome from long-term use of synthetic cortisol-containing steroid drugs or tumors in the brain or adrenal glands causing excessive cortisol production.
There are several indicators of elevated cortisol levels:
Weight Gain
High cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Cortisol influences fat storage, causing more fat to accumulate in that area. While this is true for both genders, hormonal variations can affect distribution.
Other factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, and hormonal imbalances such as insulin resistance also contribute to increased abdominal fat. Signs may include fat accumulation in the neck and shoulders (buffalo hump) and a rounded, swollen face.
Fatigue and Insomnia
Despite feeling tired, individuals with high cortisol levels often experience sleep disturbances, leading to chronic fatigue. Disrupted cortisol circadian rhythm affects sleep patterns negatively.
Man fighting fatigue while lying on the sofa – Credit: Catherine Falls Commercial
High Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated cortisol levels can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels over time, raising the risk of hypertension and diabetes.
Mood Changes
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can induce anxiety, depression, and irritability by affecting brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Bone Weakness
Prolonged high cortisol levels can cause muscle atrophy, loss of bone density, and increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Other Symptoms
Additional symptoms may include bruising-prone skin, large purple stretch marks, low sex drive, and fertility issues.
This article addresses the query (sent by Stephen Donnelly): “How do I know if my cortisol levels are high?”
To submit questions, email questions@sciencefocus.com or message us on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (include name and location).
For more fascinating science facts, visit our Ultimate Fun Facts page.
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory has been recording atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations since 1958.
Fred Espenak/Science Photo Library
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels measured by Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory weather station increased by 3.58 parts per million in 2024, the largest increase since records began in 1958.
‘We’re still going in the wrong direction,’ climate scientists say Richard Betts At the Met Office, the UK’s weather bureau.
Part of this record increase is due to carbon dioxide emissions from human activities such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation, which reached an all-time high in 2024. Added to this were numerous wildfires caused by record global warming driven by climate change. Long-term warming plus El Niño weather patterns.
Betts predicted that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations measured at Mauna Loa would rise by 2.26 parts per million (ppm) this year, with a margin of error of 0.56 ppm either way. This is significantly lower than the 2024 record, but it would exceed the last possible pathway to limiting the rise in global surface temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“You can think of this as another nail in the 1.5°C coffin,” Betts says. “Now that’s highly unlikely.”
Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is the most important indicator when it comes to climate change, as increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is the main driver of short- and long-term warming. The first continuous measurements of CO2 levels were taken at Mauna Loa.
“Because this station has the longest observation record and is located far from major anthropogenic and natural sources of CO2 emissions and sinks, it is often used to represent changes in global CO2 concentrations. It will be done.” Richard Engelen At the EU’s Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service.
However, observations from satellites have made it possible to directly measure the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. According to CAMS, it rose by 2.9 ppm in 2024. Although this is not a record, it is one of the largest increases since satellite observations began.
“The reasons for this large increase require further investigation, but are likely a combination of a recovery in emissions in much of the world after the coronavirus pandemic and interannual fluctuations in natural carbon sinks.” says Engelen. Carbon sinks refer to marine and terrestrial ecosystems that absorb about half of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans.
It has long been predicted that as the Earth warms, this excess CO2 will become less absorbed. “The concern is whether this is the beginning of that,” Betts said. “We don’t know.”
At Mauna Loa, carbon dioxide increases will be higher than global average levels in 2024 due to the large number of wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere, Betts said. CO2 plumes from sources such as wildfires take time to mix evenly into the world’s atmosphere. “Fire emissions in the Northern Hemisphere were particularly high last year,” he says.
Although it is now certain that global warming will exceed the 1.5°C threshold, Betts believes it is still the right goal to set that goal. “The Paris Agreement is carefully worded to seek to limit global warming to 1.5%. We recognized from the beginning that this would be difficult,” he says. “The idea was to set this stretch goal to motivate action, and I actually think it was successful. It galvanized action.”
Lead pollution likely lowered the average IQ of ancient Rome by 2.5 to 3 points, a study has found.
The study is based on analysis of lead concentrations in ice cores taken from Greenland.
The findings provide evidence that lead may have contributed to the fall of Rome, an issue that historians and experts have debated for decades.
In ancient Rome, toxic lead was so prevalent in the air that it likely lowered the average person’s IQ by 2.5 to 3 points, a new study suggests.
The study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to long-standing questions about what role, if any, lead pollution played in the collapse of the empire.
The authors link lead found in Greenland ice samples to ancient Roman silver smelters and determine that the incredible background pollution they produced would have affected much of Europe. .
Researchers used research on lead exposure in modern society to determine how much lead was likely in the Romans’ bloodstream and how it affected their cognition. was able to judge.
Lead, a powerful neurotoxin, remains a public health threat today. There is no safe amount to ingest into the body. Exposure is associated with an increased risk of learning disabilities, reproductive problems, mental health problems, and hearing loss, among other effects.
The researchers behind the new study said the discovery was the first clear example in history of widespread industrial pollution.
“Human and industrial activities 2,000 years ago were already having a continent-wide impact on human health,” said the study’s lead author, a researcher at the Desert Research Institute for Climate and Environment, a nonprofit research campus in Reno, Nevada. said scientist Joe McConnell. . “Lead pollution in Roman times is the earliest clear example of human impact on the environment.”
Stories of ancient pollution are buried in Greenland’s ice sheet.
Ice cores are extracted from the Greenland ice sheet. Joseph McConnell
The chemical composition of ice there and in other polar regions can yield important clues about what environments were like in the past. As snow falls, melts, and compacts to form a layer of ice, the chemicals trapped inside provide a kind of timeline.
“In environmental history, you’ve been building this layer cake every year,” McConnell said.
By drilling, extracting and processing long cylinders of ice, scientists can measure properties such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in past climates or, as in this case, lead concentrations over time.
Researchers analyzed three ice cores and found that lead levels rose and fell over roughly 1,000 years in response to important events in Rome’s economic history. For example, levels rose when Rome organized its rule over what is now Spain and increased silver production in the region.
A longitudinal ice core sample awaits analysis for lead and other chemicals at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nevada. Jesse Lemay / DRI
“For every ounce of silver produced, 10,000 ounces of lead can be produced,” McConnell said. “Just as they produced silver, the Romans were smelting and mining silver for coinage and economy, and they were introducing large amounts of lead into the atmosphere.”
McConnell said lead attaches to dust particles in the atmosphere during the smelting process. A small portion of those particles were blown away and deposited in Greenland.
Once researchers determined how much lead was concentrated in Greenland’s ice, they used a climate modeling system to determine how much lead the Romans would have released to pollute Greenland to observed levels. I calculated the amount.
The research team then analyzed modern information on lead exposure to determine the health effects of atmospheric lead during the Pax Romana, a period of peace in the empire that lasted from 27 BC to 180 AD. has been identified.
Ice samples on a melter during chemical analysis at a desert laboratory.
The researchers found that average lead exposure is about one-third of what it was in the United States in the late 1970s, when leaded gasoline use was at its peak and before the Clean Air Act was enacted. Lead levels in Rome were about twice what American children are exposed to today, McConnell said.
Researchers believe that people who lived closest to silver mines on the Iberian Peninsula (now Spain) would have had the most lead in their blood.
“Virtually no one got away,” McConnell said.
However, these results likely do not tell the full story of the health effects of lead in ancient Rome. This is because Romans were exposed through other sources, such as wine sweetened in lead-lined vessels, lead piping, and lead goblets.
Dr. Bruce Lanphear, lead expert and professor of health sciences at Canada’s Simon Fraser University, said lead was “ubiquitous” in ancient Rome. He was not involved in this study. Therefore, the new study is limited because it only assesses lead in the atmosphere, he said, and the authors acknowledge that.
A lead toy unearthed from the grave of Julia Graphis in Brescello. DeAgostini/Getty Images
“Their estimate is likely an underestimate,” Lanphear said.
Still, the study provides evidence that lead exposure may indeed have played a role, so the findings raise questions about how lead may have contributed to the decline of ancient Rome. may stimulate the ongoing debate.
“I believe that lead played a role in the decline of the Roman Empire, but it was only a contributing factor. It was never the only one,” Lanphear said.
Joe Manning, a history professor at Yale University, said most researchers believe Rome fell for a myriad of reasons, including epidemics, economic problems and climate change. Manning said it’s important to remember that ancient Rome was a tough place to survive, with an average lifespan of about 25 to 30 years.
“Under no circumstances do you want to go to a city in the ancient world. That would be the last place you want to go. ,” Manning said. “Reed has really bad hygiene.”
called radiation-resistant bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans It can withstand radiation doses thousands of times higher than what would kill a human. The secret behind this resistance is the existence of a collection of simple metabolites that combine with manganese to form a powerful antioxidant. Now, Northwestern University professor Brian Hoffman and his colleagues have discovered how this antioxidant works.
First discovered in 1956, Deinococcus radiodurans It is one of the most radiation-resistant organisms known.
It was isolated in an experiment aimed at determining whether high doses of gamma rays could be used to sterilize canned food.
In a new study, Professor Hoffman and co-authors characterized a synthetic designer antioxidant called MDP. Deinococcus radiodurans'Resilience.
They show that the components of MDP, manganese ions, phosphates, and small peptides, form a ternary complex that is a much more powerful protector from radiation damage than when manganese is combined with other individual components alone. I discovered that.
This discovery could ultimately lead to new synthetic antioxidants specifically tailored to human needs.
Applications include protecting astronauts from intense space radiation during deep space missions, preparing for radiation emergencies, and producing radiation-inactivated vaccines.
“This ternary complex is MDP's excellent shield against the effects of radiation,” said Professor Hoffman.
“It has long been known that manganese ions and phosphates together make a powerful antioxidant, but now we discover and understand the 'magical' potency brought about by the addition of a third ingredient. That's a breakthrough.”
“This study provided the key to understanding why this combination is such a powerful and promising radioprotector.”
In a previous study, researchers found that: Deinococcus radiodurans It can withstand 25,000 Grays (or units of X-rays and gamma rays).
But in a 2022 study, Professor Hoffmann and his team found that this bacterium, when dried and frozen, can withstand 140,000 Gy of radiation, 28,000 times the dose that would kill humans. did.
Therefore, if there are dormant frozen microbes buried on Mars, they may have survived the onslaught of galactic cosmic radiation and solar protons to this day.
In an effort to understand radioresistance in microorganisms, researchers investigated a designer decapeptide called DP1.
When combined with phosphate and manganese, DP1 forms the free radical scavenger MDP, which protects cells and proteins from radiation damage.
Professor Michael Daly, from Uniformed Services University, said: “This new understanding of MDP could lead to the development of even more powerful manganese-based antioxidants with applications in areas such as medicine, industry, defense and space exploration. Yes,” he said.
of result will appear in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Hao Yang others. 2024. A ternary complex of Mn2+, synthetic decapeptide DP1 (DEHGTAVMLK), and orthophosphate is an excellent antioxidant. PNAS 121 (51): e2417389121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2417389121
Recent research has found a significant connection between cholesterol levels and the risk of developing dementia. It is not just high cholesterol levels that are concerning, but also the fluctuations in levels over time. A study of 10,000 individuals suggests that these fluctuations could increase the chances of developing dementia by up to 60 percent.
The study also indicates that large variations in cholesterol levels, from high to low, are linked to a higher risk of general cognitive decline, regardless of dementia. Dr. Jen Zhou, a researcher at Monash University in Australia, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring and actively intervening to prevent such fluctuations.
The research focused on two main types of cholesterol – “bad cholesterol” or LDL and “good cholesterol” or HDL. Large fluctuations in LDL levels were found to accelerate cognitive decline, while fluctuations in HDL levels did not impact cognitive decline risk significantly.
The study highlighted the potential adverse effects of LDL cholesterol levels above 130mg per deciliter and the role of LDL fluctuations in destabilizing atherosclerotic plaques in arteries, potentially leading to impaired blood flow to the brain.
The study involved individuals in their 70s from Australia and the United States who did not have dementia at the start of the observation period. By the end of the study, a portion of participants developed dementia while others experienced cognitive decline. Those with stable cholesterol levels had a lower risk of neurological symptoms.
Globally, high levels of bad cholesterol contributed to millions of deaths in 2021. To manage cholesterol levels, individuals are advised to undergo regular medical check-ups and make lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and consuming a healthy diet.
According to Emily McGrath from the British Heart Foundation, lowering cholesterol can be achieved through various lifestyle adjustments, including reducing saturated fats and opting for foods rich in unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
As the world emerges from lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are seeking climate-friendly solutions as recovery efforts are expected to accelerate global progress towards net-zero emissions. He promised to rebuild the economy. In fact, the opposite is happening.
Instead of a “green recovery”, global greenhouse gas emissions are now increasing at a much faster pace than in the decade before the global pandemic. Emissions increased by 1.3 percent in 2023, reaching 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is a much faster annual growth rate than the decade from 2010 to 2019, when emissions increased by an average of 0.8 percent per year. In fact, global greenhouse gas emissions are currently just below the peak of 59.1 gigatonnes recorded in 2019.
According to one report, all sources of greenhouse gas emissions except land use are increasing. report Support from the United Nations Global Environment Program (UNEP) as the economy continues to recover from COVID-19. Emissions from road transport, leaks from oil and gas infrastructure such as pipelines, and industrial emissions all rose rapidly in 2023, with emissions from aviation increasing by 19.5%, according to UNEP.
Rising emissions mean the world’s opportunities to avoid catastrophic climate change are shrinking. inger anderson UNEP said in a statement. “The climate crisis is here,” she said. “I ask all citizens, please stop the heat.”
Since 2015, countries have jointly pledged to limit global warming to as close to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels as possible, but current national targets are far from meeting that goal. Given countries’ current commitments, the world is on track for 2.6°C to 2.8°C of warming, and this situation will remain largely unchanged from 2022.
Countries are expected to submit new national climate plans by February ahead of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil in November. Plans must spell out in detail how countries will reduce emissions between now and 2035.
Mr Anderson said it was important for countries to develop bolder plans to reduce emissions and they needed to start now. He added that while the 1.5°C target is still technically achievable, it is becoming increasingly likely to be achieved. “Even if global temperatures rise above 1.5°C, and the possibility of that happening increases every day, we must continue to strive for a net-zero, sustainable and prosperous world. “No,” Anderson said.
According to one researcher, daily consumption of strawberries (1-4 cups per day) improves lipid metabolism and inflammatory outcomes in people at high cardiovascular risk. new review paper Published in a magazine Critical reviews in food science and nutrition.
Strawberries are a natural and delicious way to support heart health and manage cholesterol. Image credit: D. Сroisy.
“Strawberries contain a number of potentially health-promoting phytonutrients, including phenols, polyphenols, fiber, micronutrients, and vitamins,” said Roberta Holt, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and colleagues.
“The purpose of our review is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent human studies on the effects of strawberry and strawberry phytonutrient intake on human health.”
For the review, the authors conducted a literature search through the PubMed and Cochrane databases.
They combined results from 60 papers (47 clinical trials and 13 observational studies) published from 2000 to 2023.
They found that strawberries are rich in beneficial phytonutrients such as polyphenols and fiber, which help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing inflammation.
The result is improved overall heart health and better management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Daily consumption of strawberries, whether in fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried form, can have a significant impact on cardiometabolic health, especially in those at high risk for heart disease.
Strawberries can help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by improving lipid metabolism and reducing systemic inflammation.
“Our research shows that regular consumption of strawberries not only lowers cholesterol, but also helps reduce inflammation, a major contributing factor to heart disease,” Dr. Holt said.
“This means that simply adding a cup of strawberries to your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.”
Beyond heart health, the team's review revealed exciting benefits for brain health.
The findings suggest that strawberries are rich in flavonoids, which may help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia.
The researchers said, “Strawberries may support cognitive function and fight oxidative stress, which is an important factor in keeping the brain sharp as we age.”
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Phrae Charonwoodhipon others. strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Intake on human health and disease outcomes: a comprehensive literature review. Critical reviews in food science and nutritionpublished online on September 11, 2024. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2398634
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