Tag Archives: residing

How Residing Near a Golf Course Increases Your Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by
Reply

Inquiring about the health advantages of living near a golf course might come off as someone attempting to leverage scientific studies to persuade their partner that residing adjacent to Gleneagles is a wise choice.

Fair play. I genuinely respect this transparent application of science. So, here’s some evidence from the archives.

When you tee off, appreciate all that lush greenery. Research consistently indicates that residing near green spaces correlates with a diminished risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.

While quantifying these effects is challenging, the study suggests it might lower stress hormones, enhance exercise, and benefit cognitive functions like memory and attention.

In one investigation, researchers concluded that a 10 percent increase in access to green and blue spaces resulted in a 7 percent decrease in anxiety and depression risk.

It’s well recognized that playing golf offers health benefits. In 2023, a Finnish study compared the cardiovascular impacts of playing an 18-hole round of golf (walking – no cart) to one hour of brisk walking and one hour of Nordic walking.

All three activities were beneficial, but golf proved to be the most effective, reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Additional research has shown that golf training can provide cognitive benefits, particularly for older adults. It’s also advantageous for mental health due to its focus on fostering social connections.

In summary, regular golfing contributes to a longer and healthier life. Researchers found that individuals who played golf consistently experienced a 40 percent reduction in mortality.

That’s not a bad score, but there are some hazards to be aware of. At the start of 2025, a study explored the possible link between Parkinson’s disease and proximity to golf courses, highlighting potential exposure to pesticides.

Some chemicals used to maintain greens and fairways are neurotoxic, and numerous studies have associated them with Parkinson’s disease (although the risks are influenced by factors such as the type of pesticide and level of exposure).

Chemicals used on golf courses to maintain grass health may contribute to Parkinson’s risk – Credit: David Madison via Getty

In recent studies, researchers surveyed residents living near 139 golf courses in the United States. They discovered that individuals living within one mile of a golf course faced a 126 percent higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those more than 6 miles away.

The risk nearly doubled for those sharing the same water supply zone as a golf course, suggesting that groundwater contaminated with pesticides, along with airborne transmission, may also play a role.

It’s crucial to note that the risk of Parkinson’s disease arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Risks associated with these chemicals are predominantly linked to occupational exposure rather than recreational exposure.

If you happen to reside in the UK, your risk might be lower, as paraquat, a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease, is prohibited.

Thus, living next to a golf course presents a multifaceted situation, much like residing anywhere else. Why not head to the 19th hole and ponder this?

This article (by Carlisle native Paul Leach) addresses the question: “Will I be healthier if I move next to a golf course?”

If you have any inquiries, feel free to email us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate fun facts for more amazing science insights.

read more:


Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Report shows nearly 50% of Americans residing in areas with insufficient air quality

Posted on by
Reply

A total of 156 million residents in the US, approximately 46% of the population, resided in areas with poor air quality that received an “F” grade from the American Lung Association due to ozone or particle pollution. This indicates a decline in the country’s air quality standards, as per the Association’s 26th Annual Air Quality Data Analysis.

An examination of data from 2021 to 2023 revealed a rise of about 25 million individuals living in unhealthy environments compared to the previous year’s survey results.

The report highlights the impact of climate change, such as increased heat, drought, and wildfire smoke, contributing to changes in air quality nationwide.

Katherine Pruitt, senior director of Clean Air Policy, expressed surprise at the significant increase in the number of people residing in areas with poor air quality, especially due to ozone degradation. She emphasized the influence of hot and sunny weather conditions on this deterioration.

In 2023, the final year of the Lung Association’s analysis, global temperatures recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were among the highest on record. The US experienced the fifth-highest temperatures in its history.

The spike in ozone levels, particularly in states like Texas facing intense heatwaves in 2023, was evident. Pruitt pointed out how towns like Del Rio endured temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for extended periods.

Additionally, heavy wildfire smoke significantly impacted air quality, with regions like the northeast being exposed to the most smoke in modern American history due to wildfires in Canada.

The growing threat of wildfire smoke has hindered progress made under the Clean Air Act, releasing particles that pose health risks. Recent studies indicate that around 25% of Clean Air Act progress has been reversed due to increased wildfire smoke.

Pruitt warned of ongoing environmental degradation and its consequences, emphasizing the need to address emission sources to combat these challenges.

The EPA’s plans to roll back environmental regulations, including revisiting programs under the Clean Air Act, have raised concerns about future air quality standards.

Bakersfield, California, was identified as having the most polluted air in the country from 2021 to 2023, ranking high for both short-term particle pollution and ozone pollution.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Researchers map the genetic code of sea cucumbers residing in hydrothermal vents

Posted on by
Reply

Chinese researchers have mapped the entire genome. chiridotaheheva a type of sea cucumber collected at a depth of 2,428 m during a submarine trip to a hydrothermal vent.

Chirodotaheheba In the Gulf of Mexico. Image credit: Aquapix and Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007.

The sea cucumber is echinoderm and as such are related to sea urchins and starfish, a group of animals with a very unusual body design.

They are found on the ocean floor around the world, where they devour detritus and use their tentacles to explore sediments.

Although other high-quality sea cucumber genomes are available, this study provides the first genome of a sea cucumber specimen. chiridotaheheva — collected at a hydrothermal vent.

beginning explained In 2004, chiridotaheheva It is known from the deep waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, but has an international distribution.

It is one of the few echinoderms. occupy All three types of chemosynthetic ecosystems are included: hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and organic fallouts. This suggests that this species is well adapted to the reducing environment of the deep sea.

Unlike most species that live in cold or hydrothermal vents; chiridotaheheva It does not host chemosynthetic bacteria.

It obtains nutrients from a variety of sources and extracts organic components from sediment debris, suspended solids, and wood debris when available.

“The organisms found in hydrothermal vents are among the most unique life forms on Earth, having evolved special adaptations to survive and reproduce in these harsh conditions,” said the lead author. Dr. Eugene Pu by Sanya Institute of Deep Sea Science and Technology and colleagues.

“For example, many microorganisms employ special metabolic functions to cope with the abundance of sulfur and iron and to withstand the enormous heat near the vent.”

“In addition to microorganisms, there are also multicellular and higher-order organisms that have adapted to the conditions of hydrothermal vents, such as various types of nematodes, snails, crabs, and shrimp.”

In the study, the authors sequenced the genome of an individual. chiridotaheheva collected from the ocean floor of the Indian Ocean Kairei Bent Field (2,428 meters deep).

“The water around the Kailey vent is particularly rich in dissolved iron, compounded by the harsh conditions of high hydrostatic pressure, darkness, and temperature fluctuations,” the researchers said.

“Initial comparative genomic analyzes showed that several gene families are expanded in this sea cucumber, meaning that this species has a higher repertoire of certain gene sets than closely related species. To do.”

“These expanded and unique genes are involved in DNA repair and iron metabolism, among other processes. It shows for the first time that it is reflected.”

“The genomic data will provide a valuable resource for further research on both sea cucumbers and unique spout animals.”

of result appear in the diary Giga Science.

_____

Y Pooh other. 2023. High-quality chromosome genome assembly of sea cucumber chiridotaheheva and its hydrothermal adaptation. Giga Science, in press. doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giad107

Source: www.sci.news