Historically, science operated under the notion of a “normal brain,” one that fits standard societal expectations. Those who diverge from this model have often been labeled with a disorder or mental health condition, treated as if they were somehow flawed. For years, researchers have refined the notion that neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and movement disorders, should be recognized as distinctive variations representing different neurocognitive frameworks.
In the late 1990s, a paradigm shift occurred. What if these “disorders” were simply natural variations in brain wiring? What if human traits existed on a spectrum rather than a stark boundary between normal and abnormal? Those at either end of the spectrum may face challenges, yet their exceptional brains also offer valuable strengths. Viewed through this lens, diverse brains represent assets, contributing positively to society when properly supported.
The concept of neurodiversity gained momentum, sparking lively debates in online autism advocacy groups. By 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recognized autism as a spectrum condition, abolishing the Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis and classifying it on a scale from Level 1 to Level 3 based on support needs. This shift solidified the understanding of neurodivergent states within medical literature.
Since the early 2000s, research has shown that individuals with autism often excel in mathematical reasoning and attention to detail. Those with ADHD frequently outperform others in creativity, while individuals with dyslexia are adept at pattern recognition and big-picture thinking. Even those with movement disorders have been noted to develop innovative coping strategies.
These discoveries have led many scientists to argue that neurodivergent states are not mere evolutionary happenstance. Instead, our ancestors likely thrived thanks to pioneers, creative thinkers, and detail-oriented individuals in their midst. A group possessing diverse cognitive strengths could more effectively explore, adapt, and survive. Some researchers now propose that the autism spectrum comprises distinct subtypes with varying clusters of abilities and challenges.
While many researchers advocate for framing neurodivergent characteristics as “superpowers,” some caution against overly positive portrayals. “Excessive optimism, especially without supporting evidence, can undermine the seriousness of these conditions,” says Dr. Jessica Eccles, a psychiatrist and neurodiversity researcher at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Nevertheless, she emphasizes that “with this vocabulary, we can better understand both the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, enabling individuals to navigate the world more effectively.”
Feeling exhausted? Has bloating become a concern? Are sleepless nights troubling you? Your cortisol levels might be elevated – at least that’s the prevailing notion on social media.
Cortisol has recently garnered attention from various health and wellness influencers, who attribute all sorts of issues to it. Fortunately, this is a challenge that can often be addressed with the right blend of supplements.
But what is cortisol exactly? And why has it become a source of so much concern?
Cortisol is widely recognized as a stress hormone. When faced with a potential danger, the amygdala in your brain activates a “fight or flight” mechanism. This leads to the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, preparing your body to either confront or flee from the threat. You might feel this rush when startled by a scary movie or while feeling anxious before a big presentation.
In most instances, stress is temporary – fear is immediate, and presentations are often short-lived – allowing our adrenaline levels to stabilize shortly afterward. Neuroscientists and psychologists refer to this as acute stress, which in moderation can actually be beneficial for us.
Cortisol comes into play when stress is prolonged or perceived as unmanageable. In these situations, cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands situated above the kidneys.
This release peaks after about 15-20 minutes, during which it helps the body sustain its response to threats by ensuring energy availability, maintaining blood flow to muscles, and keeping the brain alert.
However, this isn’t the case for every instance of fear or stress. “It’s quite difficult to trigger a cortisol response from acute stress,” says Professor Stafford Reitman from the University of Bristol School of Medicine.
“While it’s easy to evoke an adrenaline response, initiating cortisol release is more complex, as it depends on how you personally perceive a situation as a genuine threat.”
A 2025 study involving 201 healthy volunteers found that cortisol levels peaked just before waking.
Nonetheless, cortisol’s role extends beyond stress responses. It has several essential functions, some of which are beneficial. For instance, cortisol plays a crucial role in helping you rise in the morning: your cortisol levels increase before you wake up. Without this morning boost, getting out of bed would be even more challenging.
Cortisol is involved in various functions, as Reitman notes. “Cortisol acts as a signaling molecule. Almost every tissue in the body possesses cortisol receptors, found in the muscles, liver, and brain.”
When organs and muscles receive cortisol signals, they trigger vital processes that stabilize the body. For example, when organs like the liver or pancreas detect cortisol, they help maintain stable blood sugar levels and consistent blood pressure. Additionally, cortisol can initiate anti-inflammatory responses within the body, providing short bursts of immune system support.
“Cortisol performs multiple tasks,” Lightman explains. “Its regulation is critically important, as it’s the only hormone essential for life – without cortisol, survival is impossible.”
Understanding Patterns
Clearly, some cortisol is necessary, but what if you’re concerned about having too much?
This can be tricky to assess because cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day (rising in the morning and declining by evening). The challenge is that home test kits used for measuring cortisol typically capture a single snapshot each day, labeling levels as “high” or “low.”
Lightman describes these tests as “utterly inadequate,” noting that “normal fluctuations can vary widely at any given moment, making it difficult to determine whether someone’s cortisol level is truly high or low. Levels could differ completely just 20 minutes later.”
For an accurate assessment, you’ll need to track cortisol over several days. This is how healthcare professionals diagnose conditions related to cortisol release abnormalities.
Moreover, cortisol tends to be released in bursts approximately every hour. This release pattern influences gene activity and is critical for numerous bodily functions. One study investigating this involved healthy volunteers undergoing cortisol suppression, then receiving matching doses that either mimicked a non-pulsed daily (circadian) pattern or a pulsatile circadian rhythm (akin to natural cortisol release).
Participants following the non-pulsed protocol exhibited declines in working memory tasks and sleep quality. However, those in the pulsed protocol were less adept at identifying facial expressions linked to improved mental health compared to their counterparts. The findings suggest that the release pattern may be crucial for functionality rather than merely the cortisol amount present.
Research involving mice indicates that higher cortisol levels may facilitate neuronal connections, aiding in more effective skill acquisition. However, adequate cortisol levels are imperative for learning new skills. These connections are retained in the brain for extended periods.
Even if continuous tracking of cortisol were possible, it wouldn’t necessarily inform your health status. “You first need to establish what’s considered normal for an individual,” Reitman emphasizes. “Then it becomes evident if their daily pattern deviates from that norm. No one has performed this assessment. Claims of ‘dysregulated patterns’ are misleading,” he asserts.
Incorporating the Japanese practice of “Shinrin Yoku” or forest bathing has consistently been shown to lower cortisol levels – Getty
Stay Calm
Scientists concur that chronic stress can negatively impact our health, and managing it can improve our quality of life. However, Reitman advises against hastily attributing health issues to cortisol.
“Experiencing long-term stress from events like divorce, job loss, or restless nights can lead to health problems, but this doesn’t necessarily mean cortisol is the culprit.”
Addressing the underlying causes of stress is often the most effective treatment, rather than relying on supplements to reduce cortisol levels, although this may not always be viable.
Fortunately, there are various strategies available for managing stress. For instance, a 2019 survey revealed that older adults who engaged in three months of dance training experienced lower peak cortisol levels. Dance has also been shown to reduce stress.
Additionally, physical affection can be effective in managing immediate stress levels. One study indicated that students receiving more hugs than usual experienced lower morning cortisol spikes the following day.
Spending time in nature, such as walking through forests, has also proven beneficial. One study found that forest bathing can reduce cortisol levels by 53%.
Unless you’re a villain, cortisol is crucial for our body and brain; for most of us, worrying about it is hardly necessary.
It’s best to steer clear of influencers selling the latest health trends and focus instead on the fundamentals of healthy living (diet, exercise, sleep) – especially when true joy can often be found in the real world.
Today’s rotation is inexplicably accelerating, making it one of the shortest days of the year.
While summer days are certainly longer, July 9th, 2025, will be 1.3 ms shorter than the average.
This speed fluctuates slightly, but it generally takes 24 hours, or 86,400 seconds, for one complete rotation around the axis. To monitor these variations, International Earth Rotation and Reference System Services (IER) continuously tracks the length of the day with remarkable precision.
In 2020, the IER noted that our planet has been spinning faster and has continued this trend since then.
Their data suggests that the shortest days of the year will occur on July 9th, July 22nd, and August 5th, when the moon is at its farthest from the equator.
The moon subtly influences Earth’s rotation through tidal braking, where its gravitational pull slightly distorts our planet.
This phenomenon not only creates tides but also gradually siphons off angular momentum from Earth’s rotation, slowing it down by about 2 ms each century.
This means that during the Triassic period, around 200 million years ago, a day was just under 23 hours long. After another 200 million years, we can expect days to extend to 25 hours.
Days were shorter for Brachiosaurus
IERS may implement a second leap second to ensure that high-precision clocks remain accurate. The most recent leap second was added on December 31, 2016.
During times when the moon is far from the equator, the impact on Earth’s rotation is less pronounced, causing these days to be slightly longer. However, the duration seen in recent years is about half of what it was before 2020.
Several events can alter Earth’s rotation, such as the 2011 9.0 magnitude Japan earthquake, which shortened the day by 1.8 microseconds, but the cause of the current accelerating trend remains unknown.
A gradual slowdown is unlikely to have any catastrophic consequences for our planet. The time difference is too minimal for most to notice—you may need to consider skipping a leap second in 2025, with one potentially added again in 2029.
Regardless of the cause, this phenomenon is unlikely to be permanent, and our planet will eventually revert to its long-term rotation pattern.
Chemists at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research have discovered that sulfurous acid (H2So3), once formed in the gas phase, is kinetically stable enough to allow its characterization and subsequent reactions.
In the gas phase, sulfurous acid, once formed, exhibits some kinetic stability with a lifetime of at least 1 second in atmospheric water vapor conditions. Image courtesy of Berndt others., doi:10.1002/anie.202405572.
Sulfurous acid Having formula H2So3 The molecular weight is 82.075 g/mol.
This molecule, also known as sulfuric acid(IV) or thioic acid, is a difficult-to-reach acid that has never before been observed in aqueous solution.
However, sulfite Detected It was discovered in the gas phase in 1988 by dissociative ionization of diethyl sulfite.
“The only experimental detection of sulfurous acid to date was achieved in 1988 by the team of Helmut Schwarz at the Technical University of Berlin using in situ generation with a mass spectrometer,” said Dr. Torsten Berndt of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and colleagues.
“Under vacuum conditions, we estimated an extremely short lifetime of more than 10 microseconds.”
“Theoretical calculations show that H2So3 As a possible reaction product of the gas-phase reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which are produced from ozone and water molecules in the troposphere primarily in the presence of ultraviolet light.”
“DMS is produced primarily by biological processes in the ocean and is the largest source of biogenic sulfur in the atmosphere, producing approximately 30 million tonnes per year.”
The researchers experimentally investigated possible reaction pathways to H.2So3 It starts with DMS.
Formation of H2So3 Its formation in the gas phase was clearly demonstrated in a flow reactor under atmospheric conditions.
“Under our experimental conditions, sulfurous acid remained stable for 30 seconds, regardless of humidity,” the researchers said.
“With the existing experimental setup, longer residence times have not yet been explored.”
“Therefore, H2So3 It may persist in the atmosphere long enough to affect chemical reactions.”
“The observed yields were somewhat higher than theoretically expected.”
According to related model simulations, about 8 million tons of H2So3 They form every year all over the world.
“In this pathway, the mass of H increases by about 200 times.2So3 Sulfuric acid (H2So4“It produces carbon dioxide (CO2) from dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere,” said Dr Andreas Tilgner and Dr Eric Hofmann from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research.
“The new results may contribute to a better understanding of the atmospheric sulfur cycle.”
Team paper Published in the journal Applied Chemistry.
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Torsten Berndt others2024. Gas-phase production of sulfurous acid (H)2So3) floats in the atmosphere. Applied Chemistry 63(30):e202405572;doi:10.1002/anie.202405572
I I received a message from a former colleague, a once cheerful person who is now a provocateur of “alt-right” nostalgia to an aging society. Whatever he wanted, I would have told him to get on with it, but it just so happened that I didn't really agree with it: campaign to limit children's cell phone use. It is a bipartisan organization that
As surely as anything bad happens to children, people will blame it on phone use. Perhaps there is a crisis in their mental health, someone is being bullied online, someone is being threatened over an image they have sent, they are part of a criminal organization, part of a murderous enterprise, or they are committing self-harm. You may be doing this. Somewhere in the story, smartphones probably don't play a role. Those affected often wish they had limited their phone use, or at the very least, are keenly aware that they had little knowledge of what was happening to their children, who of course were constantly on their phones. is used. Then politicians and pundits get involved, exploiting the sorrows and trials of others to their discursive advantage, lecturing schools on the measures they are already frequently implementing and forcing parents back to “dumb phones”; Preaching to kids to ban devices completely.
And steadily, it becomes another indicator of reputable parenting. If you're doing it right, your kids will get a Nokia at age 14 and won't know about Instagram until they're 25. And all the kids who have had iPhones since age 6 and can operate them with one thumb, they texted with their eyes closed, well, they were clearly poorly raised. The main reason I dislike such campaigns is that they turn parents into jailers whose authority they must circumvent, which I can't help but think inhibits openness. Beyond hard work, respect, and responsibility, I like to instill the values of “tell me what's going on” above all else. No information is too small. Beef is not trivial. No gossip is too far away. If someone from a completely different age texted another person a shrimp emoji and that person mistook it for a sombrero, I'd love to hear about it. Also, if I want to spend a significant amount of time every day engaging in a fierce battle with a teenager, I want it to be about something important: which is better, a dog or a cat? How many crunches should I eat in a day? – It's not about compulsive phone checking behavior that's just as good as mine, or even slightly better.
But I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel scared multiple times a day looking at the state of modern connectivity. TikTok is basically a never-ending reinforcement exercise. If your hobbies are K-pop or cafes with animals, there's no problem. All you see is a nicer young Korean woman and a piglet drinking a cappuccino. When I was 14, I was so obsessed with trench warfare that I regularly thought I was going crazy. I don't even want to think what my social feed would look like, a combination of self-diagnosed mental illness and military recruitment ads.
Snapchat, on the other hand, works as if someone created the app out of a disturbing dream. What if everyone could see not only who you're talking to most of the time, but also who you're talking to? They are I was able to talk to the most people and rank entire circles by their asymmetrical loyalties and affiliations. Imagine if you could always see where everyone is with Snap Maps. But if you turn it off to avoid detection, you'll look suspicious and he'll probably start people gossiping about you on Snapchat. The level of hyper-surveillance that teens exert on each other is incredible. The last thing you want to do is rush in with an oar and make the situation worse.
But I think so, and I always say one thing: Whatever it is, it's not the end of the world. Today's social apocalypse will be tomorrow's boring anecdote. Yes, the internet has a very long memory, but it also has a lot going on at the same time. I don't have the strength to stay angry forever or even for two weeks. It's strange that no one has proposed a cross-party parenting campaign to help us all maintain a sense of balance. That should be our main job.
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