A recent study has revealed that while pink noise is popular for promoting better sleep, it may actually disrupt your rest, contradicting common beliefs.
Pink noise, akin to white noise, encompasses all audible frequencies but emphasizes lower frequencies. Various sounds used for brain stimulation are categorized into colors based on how their noise spectrum aligns with the spectrum of colored light. Notably, white noiseplays all frequencies at equal intensity, similar to how white light combines all visible colors.
Conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, a 7-day study evaluated sleep quality among 25 healthy adults, primarily young women, exploring the impacts of environmental noise, pink noise, and earplugs. Participants did not have any sleep disorders or frequently use sound machines.
Participants were instructed to turn off lights at 11 PM and rise at 7 AM.
During the sleeping hours, participants encountered various noise scenarios: no noise, isolated environmental noise, pink noise alone, a blend of pink and environmental noise at different volumes, or environmental noise with earplugs.
Environmental sounds ranged from traffic to sonic booms.
Sleep encompasses phases, including light eye movement, deep sleep, and REM sleep—where dreaming occurs.
Published in the journal Sleep, the study demonstrated that environmental noise notably disrupts stage 3 sleep, leading to an average reduction of 23.4 minutes in this crucial phase, which is essential for cognitive function and memory.
Dr. Matthias Basner, lead author and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed surprise at the significant disruption pink noise caused to sleep.
“While there’s existing literature on REM sleep reduction, it was overlooked until now,” he stated.
The researchers evaluated cognitive and physiological responses before and after each sleep session, alongside monitoring participants’ sleep and inquiring about their mood and fatigue levels.
Although losing 20 minutes of REM sleep may seem minor, Dr. Basner highlighted that these minutes accumulate over time.
“Losing just 10 minutes a night could total 70 minutes over a week, and over a year, that’s a significant 3,640 minutes,” he explained.
The study did not explore ambient noise impacts on infants or children. Dr. Basner cautioned that REM sleep loss may be even more critical in newborns, who spend 50% of their sleep in REM compared to only 25% for adults. He advised against using noise machines for infants and young children.
Adults typically require 7 hours of sleep each night, and each minute of lost REM sleep is significant, according to Basner.
“I won’t dismiss it as trivial; these disruptions can impact wellbeing,” he remarked.
Basner speculated that “constant auditory input” might interfere with the brain’s sleep processes, but the specific reasons why pink noise affects REM sleep remain unclear.
While pink noise aided in falling asleep amidst traffic sounds, earplugs proved more effective in blocking external noise.
The study has limitations; the small sample size of 25 adults was assessed over only seven nights. Over longer durations, participants might adapt to pink noise and revert to normal sleep patterns. Also, the environmental noise included atypical sounds like jet engines, which might also be acclimated to over time.
Noise levels fluctuated nightly, leading to inconsistent sleeping conditions. Even within a controlled lab environment, many participants had never previously slept there, possibly affecting their sleep quality.
Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a clinical professor at Stanford’s sleep medicine division, emphasized that lab study outcomes may not fully reflect typical home environments.
“Though sleep is a biological necessity, sleep habits are learned,” he remarked, suggesting that people can adapt to various sleeping circumstances, similar to managing a snoring partner.
If you find a sound machine beneficial, Dr. Basner recommends using it at a low volume and setting a timer to avoid it running all night.
“I don’t want to undermine its popularity; there may be valid reasons many individuals rely on it,” he concluded.
Holiday reading: A selection of this year’s most popular science books
Hadinya/Getty Images
The book’s cover vividly illustrates the challenge, with “positive” highlighted in a vivid yellow. We understand how tipping points function—minor changes can result in major, even critical, shifts within systems. In the context of climate change, this could manifest as extensive ice sheet melting or the collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Tim Renton, an expert on modeling these tipping points, emphasizes that the order of their occurrence is crucial.
Renton advocates for positivity in this insightful examination of potential solutions. He notes that pressure from small groups can spur change, suggesting that while government policies are vital, transformative actions often arise from organizations, disruptive innovations, and economic or environmental shocks.
Individual actions can also be influential and are often shaped by personal choices, such as reducing meat consumption or opting for electric vehicles.
Despite the unpredictability of science communicators, Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie serves as a stealthy asset, offering data-driven insights on the path to achieving net-zero emissions. Additionally, it counters misleading claims like those suggesting heat pumps are ineffective in colder climates, or whether wind turbines harm birds. While the evidence indicates that wind farms do indeed pose risks to some avian populations, those figures pale in comparison to annual fatalities caused by domesticated cats, buildings, vehicles, and pesticides.
Nonetheless, wind turbines can threaten certain bat species, migratory birds, and raptors. Ritchie also proposes mitigation strategies, including painting turbines black and halting blade movement in low-wind scenarios.
Realistically, Renton encourages us to adopt a broader perspective. While imagining a time when the combustion of fossil fuels may be viewed as obsolete or reprehensible seems challenging, he posits that “the nature of tipping points in social norms dictates that what was once thought impossible can eventually come to seem inevitable.”
What could be more foolish than penning a history of stupidity? Stuart Jeffries, author of this captivating book, elegantly navigates this intriguing topic. He explores what we define as stupidity: ignorance? Inability to learn? Jeffries argues that stupidity is a subjective judgment rather than an objective measure. Science cannot quantify it merely by referring to low IQ scores.
His inquiry into the essence of stupidity is both global and historical, guiding us on a philosophical expedition through the thoughts of Plato, Socrates, Voltaire, Schopenhauer, and lesser-known philosophers. He also highlights various Eastern philosophical schools (such as Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism), which present an alternative perspective on intellect that may obstruct personal growth and enlightenment, referred to by Buddhists as Nirvana. Overall, this engaging book avoids frivolity and surprises with its depth.
Many of us may resonate with the continuous thoughts that form the backdrop of our daily lives: “Did the kids get enough protein this week?” “Which bed frame complements our bedroom decor?” This phenomenon, termed “cognitive housework,” is the mental effort invested in managing family life—a dimension often overlooked in studies addressing gender disparities in domestic responsibilities, according to sociologist Alison Damminger.
This book shines a light on such important themes and rightfully deserves praise. Breadwinner of the Family by Melissa Hogenboom delves into hidden power dynamics and unconscious biases that affect our lives. As our reviewers noted, this book compellingly presents evidence to recognize and rectify these imbalances—ideal for family reading during the holidays.
While you might assume something is either equal or unequal, mathematician Eugenia Chen contends that some aspects are “more equal than others,” both in mathematics and in life.
Her insightful analysis reveals the nuanced meaning of “equality,” helping us grasp its complexities. It also warns against the everyday pitfalls of presuming that two individuals with matching IQ scores possess the same level of intelligence.
In this visually striking book, marine biologist Helen Scales melds art and science, offering a beautifully illustrated exploration of marine artwork, from shorelines to the deep sea.
During her school years, Scales faced a choice between pursuing art and a scientific career. In this work, she curates pieces that “celebrate the ocean’s diversity,” showcasing how collaboration between artists and scientists plays a crucial role in documenting marine biodiversity. Illustrations remain essential; she recalls an ichthyologist who recognized the necessity of blending sketching skills with scientific knowledge to classify the peculiar female deep-sea anglerfish accurately.
Awareness around autism in girls has often been limited, but neuroscientist Gina Rippon presents a poignant narrative that reflects this reality. In her insightful account, she reveals that the understanding of autism’s prevalence among women and girls has been significantly underestimated. By embracing the notion that autism primarily affects boys, she acknowledges that she, too, contributed to this misrepresentation.
One particular story highlights this issue: “Alice,” a mother of two young sons—one neurotypical and the other autistic—faced mental health challenges in college and sought a diagnosis for nearly three years. Her journey included misdiagnosis such as borderline personality disorder with social anxiety. Yet, her revelation came when she dropped her son “Peter” off at daycare: watching him socialize revealed to her the environmental factors influencing both their experiences.
Alice realized, observing Peter’s innate confidence, “He was from a world that I was looking at from the outside…He automatically…seemed like he belonged.” She comprehended her own position in relation to not having autism—an eye-opening moment.
Geologist Anjana Khatwa merges science and spirituality in a captivating journey through time itself, examining the world through rocks and minerals. She elucidates how geology is interwoven with some of today’s most pressing issues while addressing the field’s notable lack of diversity and the exquisite Makrana marble that graces the Taj Mahal.
What is Barney? Why do we reminisce about Sycamore Gap? What defines ancient? This ambitious tome, adorned with maps and photographs, embarks on an adventure to discover the 1,000 finest trees flourishing in the urban areas of Great Britain and Ireland.
Paul Wood’s field excursions craft a richly annotated narrative that celebrates trees living up to 3,000 years, shaped by their unique contours and environments. Enjoy the culinary delights as you map out your own tree exploration during the winter months.
Sandra Knapp, a senior botanist at the Natural History Museum in London, posits that to comprehend orchids, one should think like a matchmaker, focusing on their reproductive habits. The book Flower Day occupies a unique niche in the Earth Day series. It elegantly details the life cycle of a species within a 24-hour frame, skillfully illustrated by Katie Scott. The series also includes titles like Mushroom Day and Tree Day in the 2025 installments, with Seashell Day and Snake Day stipulated for 2026.
Nap celebrates flowers of varied hues and sizes while delving into all facets of their reproductive systems, paying homage to Carl Linnaeus. For instance, European chicory, whose blue petals bloom around 4 a.m., aligns perfectly with his advice to plant early in the morning.
The phrase “Do you need help with that?” can invoke frustration among adults over 60 who struggle with technology. Thus, it is refreshing to find a book that separates fact from stereotype, focusing on the “unresolved” field of research regarding older individuals and tech.
The authors emphasize that older adults, who are becoming an increasing demographic among the world’s billions, often feel overlooked and face negative assumptions from younger generations. A healthy society necessitates the involvement of this aging population.
One key insight from this book reveals that older adults are less susceptible to fake news and scams. Their adoption of mobile technology is on the rise, with smartphone ownership among those 60 and over ballooning from 13 percent in 2012 to a remarkable 61 percent by 2021. With such engagement, do we really want to rely on outdated stereotypes?
When I gifted this book to two friends a decade ago, they were unfamiliar with Carlo Rovelli, but both grew to love his work. Now, a special commemorative edition recalls how Rovelli managed to encapsulate the complexities of general relativity, quantum mechanics, black holes, and elementary particles in just 79 pages.
Revisiting the final chapter a decade after the Polycrisis, I find it resonates deeply with humanity’s plight, caught between curiosity and jeopardy. Rovelli poetically expresses that “When, on the edge of what we know, we encounter an ocean of the unknown, the mystery and beauty of the world are revealed—and it’s breathtaking.”
In its delightful new format, this is the perfect gift for anyone yet to experience his invaluable insights.
Two of the most popular gay dating applications in China have been removed from the country’s app stores, sparking concerns about increased repression of the LGBT community.
As of Tuesday, Blued and Finka were no longer accessible on Apple’s app store and certain Android platforms. Users who have previously downloaded the applications seem to still have access to them.
Both applications remain available for download from their official websites, and no official statement has been made regarding their removal.
In a statement to Wired, Apple remarked: “We adhere to the laws of the nations in which we operate. Following directives from the Cyberspace Administration of China, these two apps have been removed solely from our China storefront.”
Apple operates a distinct app store in China, in compliance with local regulations. Popular applications such as Facebook, Instagram, and other Western social media platforms are inaccessible to Chinese users. Furthermore, international dating apps like Grindr and Tinder are also blocked.
Blued, which was established in China in 2012, is the nation’s most popular dating app for gay men, boasting over 40 million registered users globally. Despite diversifying into live streaming and other services in recent years, it primarily remains an app catered to gay men.
The parent company of Blued acquired Finka in 2020.
Although homosexuality is legal in China, the public expression of LGBT identities has become increasingly suppressed after years of progressive changes. LGBT civil society organizations have been forced to shut down, and China’s largest Pride event, Shanghai Pride, was canceled in 2020. In September, a horror film featuring a gay couple was modified digitally for its release in China.
The founder of an LGBT community organization, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, expressed being “very shocked” at the removal of Blued and Finka from app stores.
“In recent years, the space for sexual minorities has been diminishing…but I was unprepared for the news that online spaces are also disappearing,” he stated.
“Do apps like Blued not aid in fostering social stability and harmony? Why remove them from app stores? I find it challenging to grasp the reasoning behind this,” he continued.
The reason for the app removals and their permanence remains unclear, but internet users have rapidly expressed their concerns.
One WeChat user remarked that Blued “helped countless individuals realize they were not alone, bringing a marginalized group into focus.”
The Cyberspace Administration of China was not available for comment.
OpenAI is dedicated to providing copyright holders with “greater control” over character generation following the recent release of the Sora 2 app, which has overwhelmed platforms with videos featuring copyrighted characters.
Sora 2, an AI-driven video creation tool, was launched last week by invitation only. This application enables users to produce short videos from text prompts. A review by the Guardian of the AI-generated content revealed instances of copyrighted characters from shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park, Pokémon, and Rick and Morty.
According to the Wall Street Journal, prior to releasing Sora 2, OpenAI informed talent agencies and studios that they would need to opt out if they wished to prevent the unlicensed use of their material by video generators.
OpenAI stated that those who own Guardian content can utilize a “copyright dispute form” to report copyright violations, though individual artists and studios cannot opt out of blanket agreements. Varun Shetty, OpenAI’s Head of Media Partnerships, remarked:
OpenAI Sora 2 Generated Video 1
On Saturday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated in a blog post that the company has received “feedback” from users, rights holders, and various groups, leading to modifications.
He mentioned that rights holders will gain more “detailed control” as well as enhanced options regarding how their likenesses can be used within the application.
“We’ve heard from numerous rights holders who are thrilled about this new form of ‘interactive fan fiction’ and are confident that this level of engagement will be beneficial for them; however, we want to ensure that they can specify the manner in which the characters are utilized.”
Altman noted that OpenAI will “work with rights holders to determine the way forward,” adding that certain “generation edge cases” will undergo scrutiny within the platform’s guidelines.
He emphasized that the company needs to find a sustainable revenue model from video generation and that user engagement is exceeding initial expectations. This could lead to compensating rights holders for the authorized use of their characters.
“Creating an accurate model requires some trial and error, but we plan to start soon,” Altman said. “Our aim is for this new type of engagement to be even more valuable than revenue sharing, and we hope it’s worth it for everyone involved.”
He remarked on the rapid evolution of the project, reminiscent of the early days of ChatGPT, acknowledging both successful decisions and mistakes made along the way.
Since the implementation of stringent age verification measures last month, visits to popular adult websites in the UK have seen a significant decline, according to recent data.
Daily traffic to PornHub, the most frequented porn site in the UK, dropped by 47%, from 3.6 million on July 24 to 1.9 million on August 8.
Data from digital market intelligence firm Sircerweb indicates that the next popular platforms, Xvideos and Xhamster, also experienced declines of 47% and 39% during the same period.
As reported initially by the Financial Times, this downturn seems to reflect the enforcement of strict age verification rules commencing on July 25 under the Online Safety Act. However, social media platforms implementing similar age checks for age-restricted materials, like X and Reddit, did not experience similar traffic declines.
A representative from Pornhub remarked, “As we have observed in various regions globally, compliant sites often see a decrease in traffic, while non-compliant ones may see an increase.”
The Online Safety Act aims to shield children from harmful online content, mandating that any site or app providing pornographic material must prevent access by minors.
Ofcom, the overseeing body for this law in the UK, endorses age verification methods such as: verifying age via credit card providers, banks, or mobile network operators; matching photo ID with a live selfie; or using a “digital identity wallet” for age verification.
Additionally, the law requires platforms to block access to content that could be harmful to children, including materials that incite self-harm or promote dangerous behaviors, which has sparked tension over concerns of excessive regulation.
Ofcom contends that the law does not infringe upon freedom of expression, highlighting clauses intended to protect free speech. Non-compliance can lead to penalties ranging from formal warnings to fines amounting to 10% of global revenue, with serious violations potentially resulting in websites being blocked in the UK.
Nigel Farage’s Reform British Party has vowed to repeal the act following the age verification requirement, igniting a heated exchange where the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, was accused by Farage of making inappropriate comments.
The implementation of age checks has accordingly led to a surge in virtual private network (VPN) downloads, as users seek to circumvent national restrictions on certain websites. VPN applications frequently dominate the top five spots in Apple’s App Store.
He clutched memories of the trap tightly, and the previous summer, his front limbs were ensnared in sheer terror. As he came to, he recognized Usie’s presence and detected a horrifying human scent on his neck—he saw his brother shot before his eyes.
This young wolf is Slavc, using GPS to navigate a breathtaking journey from Slovenia to the Italian Alps, reaching Lothinian Plateau several months later.
With curiosity piqued, Adam Weymouth followed Slavc’s path, crafting his own epic tale intertwined with complex themes: the intricate relations of human interactions and their impacts, environmental challenges across the continent, and of course, the wolves themselves. A beautifully intricate narrative woven with affection.
Why are certain individuals more prone to becoming radical or aligning with extreme viewpoints? This book reveals how political neuroscience investigates our limitations and firmly held beliefs. A pivotal inquiry raised by neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod examines whether a person’s sensitivity is “rooted in cognition and biology.”
1 The experiment she references released in 2008, published in Science, suggested that politically conservative individuals have a stronger reaction to threatening stimuli than their more liberal counterparts. Moreover, an interesting correlation emerges between the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and one’s adherence to political or social ideologies.
Adding to the intriguing discoveries, Rebecca Lemov pens her work titled Truth Instability.
This book examines mind control and the complex dynamics of the 20th and 21st centuries, from the “invisible” manipulation techniques employed on North Korean prisoners during the 1950s to the “soft” brainwashing that occurs through interactions on social media.
The historical insights provided by Lemov, together with the ongoing revelations from political neuroscientists, prompt us all to be particularly cognizant—being conscientious is half the battle.
David Farrier contends that rapid changes in animal behaviors are occurring under human influence. He suggests that if we hope to thrive alongside these changes, we must also adapt our lifestyles. “Climate change is altering many of the ‘wild clocks’ governing movement, reproduction, and blooming cycles. Learning to synchronize our timing with nature’s rhythms can profoundly impact our political landscape.” His pursuit of human adaptability unfolds a daring vision.
In his review, Jacob Aron pointed out that determining the truth is fundamental to science. I admire books centered around proofs, and Adam Kucharski (a gifted statistician and epidemiologist) serves as a captivating guide in this realm. Abraham Lincoln utilized a well-known proof derived from Euclidean element, which exemplifies an approach to derive seemingly universal truths from foundational principles—one he used in his battle against slavery.
Corals, sponges, worms, jellyfish, clams, crabs, octopuses, and more—could invertebrates truly constitute 99% of marine diversity? Absolutely, asserts marine ecologist Drew Harbel, who looks forward to introducing us to these creatures and their remarkable capabilities from Hawaii to Indonesia. The book is also filled with stunning photographs for your enjoyment!
In the early 2000s, the largest global tech companies shifted their manufacturing to the world’s second-largest economy. The story of Apple’s presence in China is complex, far from being a straightforward narrative of wealth accumulation through low wages and minimal labor rights. This book unravels the paradoxes surrounding its subtitle, “Catching the World’s Largest Company.” While China “captured” Apple, the company subsequently altered the future of the U.S. by enhancing China’s technological sector and creating around 5 million jobs. In light of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the effects of Apple’s actions continue to resonate in the current global economic landscape.
Numerous books focusing on our food system suggest that the monolithic machines designed for mass-producing cost-effective calories are harming us. Originally, this system aimed to alleviate hunger, but it has unintentionally fueled health crises, including obesity and diabetes, as well as exacerbating climate change.
These books differ notably in their approach. What framework can sustain nourishing an ever-growing population of 8 billion while preserving the planet?
Stuart Gillespie appears more radical than many, arguing that transformation is impossible without political shifts and changes in power dynamics; the discussions at conferences often represent a “facade.” Genuine transformation necessitates systemic shifts.
His manifesto advocates for equitable nutrition and health upheld by law, not merely “paper” human rights. It could be a genuine game-changer.
When individuals fall ill, everyone wishes to understand the underlying issues without rushing, notes neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan. Her book has garnered considerable attention due to its relevance.
O’Sullivan outlines the notable rise in diagnosis rates for ADHD, autism, and depression, alongside the increasing prevalence of conditions like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and emerging genetic disorders. Other health issues, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, seem to be on the upswing. So, what’s actually happening?
O’Sullivan explores several significant case studies in her chapters, including Huntington’s Disease, Lyme disease, and long COVID, as well as conditions deemed unnamed syndromes—rare, elusive ailments that may take years to identify.
The issue of labeling is a substantial part of the problem, according to O’Sullivan. If labels only attract individuals with mild manifestations of an ailment, they lose their value. What, then, is the solution?
O’Sullivan’s recommendations include: ceasing the expectation that medications will alleviate our disappointments, reconsidering the reliance on medical interventions for ordinary life experiences, and urging patients to encourage their doctors to adopt a more generalized medical perspective. It’s not just about new technologies—it’s about investing in humanity. Provocative and inspiring.
This unique work—a rarity from economists—challenges conventional thinking. Economists often separate their economic decisions from moral implications, favoring utilitarian perspectives that emphasize the greater good achieved through maximizing benefits for the largest population. However, this perspective tends to overlook moral values like compassion and fairness.
In this book, the authors strive to ensure that moral values are considered alongside economic constraints. This ambitious project aims to form a framework for navigating ethical decisions without dismissing their costs.
In our quest to understand the universe’s origins—13.8 billion years ago—we often grasp at elusive concepts. This informative book succinctly summarizes nearly every prevailing hypothesis about the Big Bang.
The authors engage the reader across twelve chapters, tracing the “earliest memories of science” as the universe began to expand from an incredibly dense state. They suggest that understanding these origins not only illuminates our past but also highlights the need for new physics. Their objective is to evaluate the strengths and limitations of competing models, leading us into a new conceptual landscape forged by the scientific process. And of course, (without giving too much away) it all begins with your understanding of what the Big Bang truly signifies…
The metaphors we choose reveal much about our understanding. Thus, renowned naturalist Robert MacFarlane questions the vitality of a river and makes waves with his exploration.
As he traverses the globe considering this question along with others—such as whether forests can think, and whether mountains have memories—Rowan Hooper described the narrative as “beautiful, wild, and provocative.” MacFarlane might express concern that we are attempting to reestablish animism to navigate our interactions with the non-human world. Instead, Hooper advocates for a focus on sound ecological thinking and science!
New Scientist Book Club
Are you a book enthusiast? Join a welcoming community of fellow readers! Every six weeks, we dive into exciting new titles, providing members with exclusive access to excerpts, author articles, and video interviews.
Regularly incorporating chickpeas into your diet can lead to a notable reduction in cholesterol levels. Discover more at the Nutrition 2025 Meeting in Orlando.
A 12-week research study by the Illinois Institute of Technology explored the impact of consuming one glass of chickpeas or black beans daily with a group of 72 pre-diabetic adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to consume chickpeas, black beans, or rice (as a control) along with their usual meals. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, middle, and conclusion of the study to monitor alterations in cholesterol, inflammation, and blood glucose levels.
The findings indicated that total cholesterol levels dropped significantly from an average of 200.4 to 185.8 milligrams per deciliter after 12 weeks of daily chickpea intake.
Among the legumes studied, only chickpeas were linked to lower cholesterol. “No significant changes in cholesterol were detected with black bean consumption,” stated Morgan Smith, who spoke to doctoral candidates from the Illinois Institute of Technology presenting their research at the conference. BBC Science Focus.
Additionally, chickpeas appeared to reduce inflammation in the short term. “By the six-week mark of chickpea consumption, we noted a significant decline in highly sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP),” Smith remarked. This protein serves as a marker for inflammation in the body.
“Nevertheless, these results diminished by week 12. Although HS-CRP remained lower at week 12 compared to the baseline, the distinctions were no longer statistically significant,” she explained.
Conversely, while black beans did reduce inflammation, they did not impact cholesterol levels.
These results imply that chickpeas and black beans may provide varied health advantages due to their unique nutritional compositions.
Participants consuming one glass of chickpeas daily for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in cholesterol levels. – Getty
“We are currently investigating this, particularly concerning the bioactive components that set apart black beans from chickpeas,” Smith added. “We are analyzing the (poly)phenol content of both the intervention and the corresponding metabolite profile in the blood.”
Smith noted that chickpeas and black beans were selected for their “richness in dietary fiber, plant-based proteins, and bioactive compounds,” and for their convenience as canned options.
“Participants were in a free-living state and simply asked to integrate canned black beans or chickpeas into their regular diet without any specific preparation guidelines,” she stated.
While the study did not yield changes in blood glucose levels, researchers are still examining data related to glucose regulation and plan to explore how legumes influence gut microbiota.
“We are particularly focused on identifying changes in microbial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids, and how these alterations enhance metabolic health outcomes,” Smith remarked.
“Ultimately, our aim is to deepen our understanding of the connections between diet, microbiome, and chronic disease prevention.”
The complete findings of this study are yet to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
About our experts
Morgan Smith is a doctoral candidate in food science and nutrition at Illinois Institute of Technology. She has contributed to peer-reviewed research featured in the journals Nutrition and Healthy Aging and Metabolites.
More than half of the claims made in the popular Tiktok video regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not in line with clinical guidelines.
ADHD affects Approximately 1% According to the global burden of disease research, people all over the world. There is a positive debate about whether ADHD is underdiagnosed. Some psychologists say there can be a substantial proportion of people who have it.
To understand the impact of social media on ADHD perceptions, Vasileia Karasavva The University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, and her colleagues watched the 100 most viewed videos on Tiktok on January 10, 2023 using the hashtag #ADHD.
The average video included three claims about ADHD. The researchers presented their own claims to two psychologists. He was asked if it accurately reflected the symptoms of ADHD from DSM-5, a popular textbook used to diagnose mental disorders. Only 48.7% of the claims met that requirement. More than two-thirds of the video attributed ADHD to the problems that psychologists said were reflecting “normal human experiences.”
“We asked two experts to watch the top 100 most popular videos, and we found that they didn't really match the empirical literature,” says Karasavva. “We're like, 'OK, this is the problem.' ”
The researchers asked psychologists to rate the video on a scale of 0-5. We then asked 843 UBC students to describe the videos evaluated by psychologists as five best and five worst ADHDs, and then rated them before rating them. Psychologists earned a more clinically accurate video on an average of 3.6, while students rated it at 2.8. In the least-savvy video, students gave an average score of 2.3 compared to 1.1 from psychologists.
Students were also asked whether they would recommend video and their perception of the prevalence of ADHD in society. “The amount of time you watched ADHD-related content on Tiktok has increased your chances of recommending videos and identifying them as useful and accurate,” says Karasavva.
“They are the ones who wonder how common the outcomes are for Tiktok or all the health content on the internet.” David Ellis At the University of Bath, UK. “We live in a world where we know a lot about health, but the online world is still full of misinformation. Tiktok only reflects that reality to us.”
Ellis says that medical misinformation is likely to be even higher given mental health issues, as diagnosis is based on observation rather than more objective testing.
However, banning ADHD videos on Tiktok is “no use.” Even if it's misinformation, Karasavva says. “Maybe more experts should put out more videos, or maybe it's just that they're doing it for themselves because they're a little more discernible and critical of the content they consume,” she says.
Thichtok declined to comment on the details of the study, New Scientist Anyone who takes action against medical misinformation and seeks advice on neurological conditions should contact a medical professional.
During most of the 17-minute interview, Elon Musk adhered to his agenda. He portrayed himself as a tech-savvy individual on a mission to “eliminate waste and fraud” in government.
Despite the significant backlash he faced, Musk claimed that his cost-cutting initiatives had made substantial progress, as he shared with Fox business commentator Larry Kudrow. He emphasized his goal to prevent America from going bankrupt.
However, Kudlow pushed Musk to consider the future. Would the concept of “government efficiency” (DOGE) still be relevant in a year? Musk acknowledged that his task was not entirely complete. He pointed to federal programs that support retirees, disabled individuals, and other social safety net initiatives as areas where significant spending could be reduced.
While Trump and Republicans have traditionally considered programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare as untouchable, Musk suggested they could become key targets for cuts, sparking backlash from Democrats.
Democrats criticized Musk for proposing cuts to programs that many vulnerable Americans depend on. Musk’s statements led to concerns about the potential loss of essential government services and benefits.
Despite the pushback, Musk received praise from Trump and Republicans for his work, but signs of concern among Republicans were becoming apparent.
In light of Musk’s proposals, Democrats and critics highlighted the potential negative impact on retirees and vulnerable Americans. Musk’s rhetoric around waste and fraud in federal programs drew skepticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
The White House issued a fact check in defense of Musk’s comments, emphasizing his commitment to eliminating waste while protecting American interests. Republicans also clarified that they were not considering cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.
As tensions and concerns around Musk’s proposals grew, Democrats wrestled with how to address his influence. Musk’s impact on various government programs and policies sparked a broader debate about the role of billionaires in shaping American politics.
The ongoing debate surrounding Musk’s involvement in government initiatives has raised concerns among Americans from diverse political backgrounds. The future of Musk’s influence and the implications of his proposals remain uncertain.
MrBeast, a famous YouTube star and the highest-paid creator on the internet, has officially joined the bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations.
Teaming up with technology entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the 26-year-old made an all-cash offer for the social video app’s American division. This move follows President Donald Trump’s statement that US tech billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison were interested in buying TikTok.
Known as Jimmy Donaldson, MrBeast has shown interest in acquiring TikTok through various social media posts. On January 13th, he mentioned in a post, “I’ll buy TikTok to avoid getting banned.” In subsequent TikTok posts, Donaldson revealed discussions with “a bunch of billionaires” regarding the bid.
American law firm Paul Hastings announced the bid for Donaldson in a statement on Tuesday. The statement mentioned Mr. Tinsley leading an investor group consisting of “institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals,” with Mr. Donaldson being the only publicly disclosed member.
While the size of the all-cash bid was not disclosed, Trump valued it at $1 trillion. With 346 million YouTube followers, MrBeast was the world’s top internet creator in the previous year, earning $85 million according to Forbes.
Paul Hastings also noted that Brad Bondi, the lawyer leading the team advising on the bid, is the brother of President Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi.
President Trump mentioned potential agreements with Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, expressing openness to their bids to acquire TikTok. Ellison commented that it sounded like a “good deal.” Trump stated that TikTok would be allowed to operate in the US with 50% American ownership and a valuation of $1 trillion.
Despite TikTok returning online after temporary shutdown, its future in the US remains uncertain. The app faces a deadline of January 19 due to a requirement for the sale of its American division by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
President Trump issued an executive order halting enforcement of the sale requirement, providing assurances for TikTok’s operation. Some lawmakers question the legality of suspending the law, warning of potential consequences for businesses not complying.
TikTok, Google, and Apple have been approached for comments.
According to the communications watchdog, Reddit, the US online discussion platform, has surpassed X to become the fifth most popular social media platform in the UK. In May of this year, 22.9 million UK adults visited Reddit, compared to 22.1 million on X, as reported by Ofcom.
Reddit, known for its topic-based communities where users engage in discussion threads, experienced a 47% growth in the UK compared to the same period in 2023, making it the fastest-growing large-scale social media platform. This growth led Reddit to overtake LinkedIn and X, claiming the fifth spot in the UK social media platform ranking, with YouTube surpassing Facebook as the top platform with over 44 million adult users.
The increase in organic search traffic on Reddit was attributed to Google’s latest algorithm updates in the first half of 2024, according to Farhad Divecha, managing director of Acuracast. Ofcom suggested that the rise in Reddit’s popularity may also be due to changes in third-party apps accessing content, prompting users to visit the Reddit site. However, Ofcom also raised concerns about Reddit’s promotion of stock market surfacing.
X, on the other hand, has seen a decline in popularity, with an 8% decrease in reach since May last year. Criticisms of X’s content moderation standards have been ongoing since Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022. The introduction of a rival platform by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta and competition from Threads have added pressure on X.
Ofcom’s annual report on digital habits highlighted the prevalence of misinformation and deepfakes online, with four in 10 UK adults encountering such content. One-third of UK adults lack confidence in distinguishing AI-generated images, audio, or videos.
ByteDance, a Chinese tech company, has filed new legal documents challenging the US government’s “unconstitutional discrimination against TikTok.” These documents also reveal details about failed negotiations regarding a ban on the platform.
A legislation signed by President Joe Biden in April requires ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban. ByteDance argues in its filing that such a sale is “technically, commercially, and legally impossible.” The company accuses the US government of not taking settlement negotiations seriously after 2022.
TikTok, in a lawsuit, states, “Never before has Congress silenced so much speech with a single act.”
The proposed ban reflects long-standing national security concerns from US lawmakers who fear China could exploit the app to access Americans’ data or spy on them. While the Biden administration prefers ByteDance to sell TikTok instead of an outright ban, the company claims it’s not a viable option.
The bill would prevent app stores like Apple and Google from featuring the app unless ByteDance sells it. It would also prohibit internet hosting services from supporting TikTok without a sale, effectively banning its use in the US.
In its filing, ByteDance’s lawyers outline the company’s negotiations with the US government, which abruptly ended in August 2022. The company also shared a redacted draft national security agreement aimed at protecting TikTok’s US user data.
The proposed agreement includes a “kill switch” for the US government to halt TikTok’s use in the US if it doesn’t comply. The US has also requested TikTok to move its source code out of China.
TikTok’s lawyers criticized the administration for favoring shutting down TikTok in the US instead of working on a practical solution to protect US users. The Justice Department defended the law, saying it addresses national security concerns while respecting constitutional constraints.
TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Sept. 16. The outcome of the case could influence the government’s use of new powers against foreign-owned apps.
TikTok argues that separating businesses is not feasible and claims the law violates free speech rights. The platform’s content creators maintain that there is no imminent national security threat, as the law allows TikTok to operate for the remainder of the year.
There are billions of coffee lovers around the world. Whether it’s the comforting routine of brewing a cup at home or the need for a coffee shop next to the office, it has permeated our daily lives.
However, something as popular as coffee is fraught with mysteries. It’s a mix of facts, myths, and general rules of thumb that leaves some ambiguity as to what is actually the right way to do things.
How should I store coffee? Are you brewing correctly? Is decaf coffee completely decaffeinated? We spoke to Dr. Christopher Hendon, a computational materials scientist, who answers your most pressing questions about your cup of joe.
1. Pre-ground coffee and instant coffee actually have different levels of caffeine
Realistically, one of the best things you can do to make coffee at home is to grind your own beans. However, this is time consuming and can be quite expensive depending on the equipment.
If you opt for pre-ground coffee from the supermarket instead, will you succumb to the caffeine surge, or will it be exactly the same?
“No appreciable amount of caffeine is lost in the grinding process. However, pre-ground coffee sold in supermarkets typically contains less Robusta than Arabica,” says Hendon. According to him, the two main types of coffee beans used in commercial coffee production are Robusta and Arabica. Arabica beans are low in caffeine.
“But the problem with this is that it’s hard to know exactly what’s in a coffee blend. Since they don’t usually say it on the label, supermarket coffee is the best choice, following your own preferences. .”
Instant coffee is a different story. Depending on the processing method, it’s quite low in caffeine (often less than half) than any form of coffee powder.
2. Coffee should not be stored in the refrigerator
What is the meaning of life? Is free will an illusion? Should coffee be stored in the refrigerator? A question that philosophers have been asking for decades…perhaps. We don’t have an answer for the first two of his, but we can address the third.
and attempt is the keyword here, but it’s surprisingly difficult to understand. The question of where to store your coffee is hotly debated and there are many caveats, so let’s get straight to the point.
The main problem with storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer is moisture. Coffee grounds should be kept dry, but the refrigerator isn’t necessarily the driest place. Therefore, if you store coffee in the refrigerator, it should be stored in an airtight container to avoid moisture.
“Coffee is primarily a kind of nasal sensory experience. When you take a sip, a lot of the flavor comes from the tongue and the back of your nose. The molecules that give you that experience are very volatile and easily evaporate. Coffee “loses those molecules over time if you keep it outside, and higher temperatures accelerate that process,” Hendon says.
There are a few things to note here. First, this only applies to people who are concerned about optimal flavor, and probably only high-quality beans that they plan to grind at home.
Next, you need to store your coffee at a low enough temperature to make a difference. In other words, your refrigerator isn’t cold enough to store your coffee. A freezer is required to achieve this result.
So, is it worth it? In addition to the aforementioned benefits, freezing coffee beans allows for a coarser grind than room temperature coffee, allowing you to grind the coffee in a more uniform manner.
It’s worth mentioning that these are somewhat minor details and not all experts agree on this. What most people advise is to store your coffee in a cupboard or somewhere at room temperature. As with most things when it comes to coffee, it’s all about experimenting to get the best results.
3. Cold beer doesn’t contain a lot of caffeine.
The cold brew is popular as it is perfect for coffee on a summer day. It’s often said that cold brew has a much higher caffeine content than regular hot coffee, but is that actually true?
“Hot coffee contains about twice as much caffeine. The reason is that temperature limits the amount of caffeine that can be extracted at lower temperatures. The higher you go, the more You can get out of it,” Hendon says.
A man pours milk into a glass of cold brew coffee – Credit: RyanJLane
“It’s not that it doesn’t have a lot of caffeine, but it’s not because of the brewing method. It’s because when you make cold brew concentrate, the ratio of coffee to water is very high.”
Concentrated cold brew beer is rarely offered. Usually diluted with water or mixed with milk, the average cold brew has less caffeine than a hot drink.
4. Coffee cannot be burned
A common complaint about coffee is that it’s “burnt.” This could be from a coffee shop or a cup made at home. So, is this taste caused by boiling the coffee in too hot water?
Once the coffee is roasted, it is dropped into a heated drum and over time the coffee begins to cook, turning yellow and then brown. If you simmer it for too long, it will eventually turn black.
This black bean is a dark roasted coffee. To reach this point, the beans must be cooked to about 220°C. This is a temperature well above the boiling point of the water used to make coffee.
“When you brew coffee, you can never bring that coffee back to the temperature it reached when roasting, so it’s impossible to burn the coffee during the brewing process,” says Hendon.
“However, the coffee comes out of the roaster, and burnt-tasting molecules may already be in the coffee. Depending on how you brew it, you can enjoy these flavors and Some coffee shops prefer these flavors and they are popular among many people.”
If you often drink coffee with a burnt flavor, but that’s not the flavor you like, a lighter roast will make it less likely to feature that flavor.
5. Decaf does not mean caffeine free
Just like non-alcoholic beer, decaffeinated coffee is still coffee, and it will contain small samples of caffeine, one of coffee’s main components. But is it a tangible amount?
“Depending on how the coffee is processed, the decaffeination process is in principle very close to 100% removal of caffeine. However, all the samples we have tested to date still contain some amount of caffeine. volume,” says Hendon.
In other words, coffee may contain some caffeine, but not enough to be noticeable or to affect the person drinking it.
6. Light and dark roast coffee have similar caffeine levels
When you browse the coffee aisle at the supermarket or scan the menu at your local coffee shop, you probably want to consider light or dark roast options.
Which is best for the most intense caffeine? Some say dark roast is better here, but it doesn’t really matter.
“scientific literature This suggests that even if there are variations between crops and beans, all of them will come out if washed. There’s not much of a difference here,” says Hendon.
“There seems to be variation in caffeine depending on roast profile and region, but it’s certainly not consistent enough to be noticeable.”
The only difference from roast is the flavor. Lighter roasts are often more delicate, but more complex. However, darker roasts are often said to have simpler tones and “deeper” flavors. This can taste like the more bitter of the two.
7. Coffee taste greatly Depends on the bean
Coffee has a very personal taste, and not everyone likes the same taste. There’s intense flavor, fruity-tasting beans, good old fashioned black coffee, and of course the infamous Frappuccino…but what exactly is the best coffee, scientifically speaking?
“Coffee associations around the world have score sheets to identify high-quality coffee. Two of the most important parameters are perceived acidity and sweetness,” says Hendon.
“In fact, the ones that tend to score very high each year are Colombian-Panamanian and Ethiopian, which taste like a bouquet of sour flowers. These tend to fetch the highest prices and average It’s completely different from high-end coffee.”
Google is removing popular apps in a new shake-up within the company.
The Google Play Movies & TV app will be retired soon.
The service has already been removed from Roku devices and most smart TVs, and over the next few weeks, Google plans to continue shutting down the service until it’s gone completely. It’s still available on Android TV and the Google Play Store, but not for much longer.
“We’re making several changes to simplify the way you buy new movies and access the movies and TV shows you buy through Google,” the company said in a statement. Posted in support thread Android TV Help.
Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. But don’t worry, your rented or purchased movies won’t be lost forever. All your purchased movies and TV will be transferred to Android TV and YouTube.
“As a result of these changes, Google Play Movies & TV will no longer be available on Android TV devices or the Google Play website,” Google explained. “However, you will still have access to all previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.”
The tech giant has been slowly discontinuing its Play Movies & TV app since launching a standalone TV app in 2021.
Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. Daniel Krassoa – Stock.adobe.com
When this change takes effect on January 17th, people with Android TV-powered TVs or streaming devices will be able to watch previously purchased titles or purchase new movies from the Shop tab. Purchased titles and active rentals will be displayed.
On a cable box or set-top box with Android TV, the YouTube app stores all your previously purchased content. YouTube is also the new content home for people using web browsers.
These changes come on the heels of Google removing inactive Gmail accounts in a cybersecurity effort and introducing an AI-powered makeover with five new features.
Twenty-five years ago, Nintendo’s Game Boy Color was at the top of the Christmas list for many. This iconic mobile device, launched in November 1998, featured classic games like Pokemon, Super Mario Land, and Tetris, and became one of the most successful gaming consoles ever created, with approximately 120 million units sold.
Although the rise of smartphones and games like Candy Crush temporarily overshadowed portable gaming devices, dedicated fans continued to be drawn to the power of consoles and PCs. However, it seems that the mobile device market is healthier than ever this Christmas season.
Nintendo’s Switch, which was released about seven years ago, continues to sell well, with sales exceeding 130 million copies. Inspired by the success of the Switch, Valve released the Steam Deck, a portable gaming device that allows games that were once exclusive to consoles and computers to be taken on the go. Valve has also announced a new model for the Christmas sales season, the Deck OLED, which boasts a better screen, battery life, and lightweight construction.
This handheld gaming craze has expanded beyond Switches and decks to include rivals such as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. According to engineer Lawrence Yang, this marks the beginning of a new handheld game console category, where the line between games played at home and games played on the go is blurring.
In addition to these advancements, cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, and streaming services such as Netflix are also making it easier for gamers to access their favorite titles from anywhere.
Leading console makers Sony and Microsoft are also paying attention to the increasingly popular handheld gaming trend, with Sony launching the Playstation Portal and Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass becoming more accessible. Additionally, services like Antstream are offering over 1,400 retro titles available on multiple platforms.
It’s clear that the convenience and accessibility of handheld gaming devices are appealing to many, making it possible to play games on the go without compromising on graphics or gameplay.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
