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Author: Sima

Published on Leave a comment on Lifestyle Changes That Benefit the Aging Brain

As people age, they frequently start wondering what they can do to prevent memory and thinking problems, and especially dementia. The good news is that several large studies found that there are a number of lifestyle changes that one can do to have a healthier (memory! thinking!) brain in later years. Even if you are already in your 60s and 70s.

The evidence points to diet (e.g., Mediterranean style diet, ), exercise, and socializing being all important for brain health. In fact, it can result in keeping brains several years "younger" than in those with unhealthy lifestyles. Also, studies find that challenging your brain by learning something new, such as learning a new language or musical instrument or online cognitive training, is beneficial for the brain.

Adopting a lifestyle that promotes brain health is so very important, because it is NORMAL that as we age, there are brain changes, including brain shrinkage (volume of the brain). Therefore you want to slow down or delay these age related changes as much as possible. Researchers feel that adopting these lifestyle changes are so effective that they should be medically prescribed.

Excerpts from NPR: Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

Scientists have unveiled the strongest evidence yet that a combination of diet, exercise and brain training can improve thinking and memory in older Americans.

A study of more than 2,100 sedentary people in their 60s and 70s found that those who spent two years on the intensive regimen not only improved their mental abilities but appeared to reduce the usual declines associated with aging. ...continue reading "Lifestyle Changes That Benefit the Aging Brain"

Published on Leave a comment on The Erasing Of Climate Science

Going forward, will we even know what is going on in the atmosphere regarding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases? Will there be any data collected and scientific evidence regarding climate change? As you may have heard, all climate change research and knowledge is being eliminated and erased. The words climate change and greenhouse gases  are not to be spoken or written according to the US government.

But even so, what is shocking to scientists is that 4 prestigious observatories operated by the US for decades, and which were instrumental in documenting the increase in greenhouse gases, are to be closed down by the US government. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii has been measuring CO2 levels in the air for over 65 years!

And yup, it has been documenting the steady increase, year after year, of CO2. Due to burning of oil, gas, and coal. In 65 years CO2 levels have increased from 316 ppm to more than 430 parts per million. This is a huge increase!

An article in The Conversation explains why carbon dioxide is so important - how it's needed for a habitable Earth, but too much carbon dioxide is bad.

"The reason carbon dioxide is so important is that this molecule has special properties. Its ability to trap heat alongside other greenhouse gases means Earth isn’t a frozen rock. If there were no greenhouse gases, Earth would have an average temperature of -18°C, rather than the balmy 14°C under which human civilisation emerged.

The greenhouse effect is essential to life. But if there are too many gases, the planet becomes dangerously hot. That’s what’s happening now – a very sharp increase in gases exceptionally good at trapping heat even at low concentrations."

From NY Times: After 7 Decades of Measurements From a Peak in Hawaii, Trump’s Budget Would End Them

More than 11,100 feet above sea level, surrounded by nothing but black rocks, white clouds and blue sky, the Mauna Loa Observatory is in a Goldilocks spot for studying the atmosphere.

The air that swirls around the isolated outpost located on a Hawaiian volcano is a mix from all over the Northern Hemisphere. That makes it one of the best places to measure greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is indispensable to scientists around the world. ...continue reading "The Erasing Of Climate Science"

Published on Leave a comment on A Walk In the Woods Is Good For Us

After the recent incredibly hot and steamy week, it is nice to read something positive about nature. A recent review of studies found that taking a walk in a forest is good for us in a number of ways: reduces stress, improves our mood, and good for our physical health (e.g., lowers blood pressure, benefits immune system). It shouldn't be a surprise that walking in nature is soothing.

A recent presentation at the American Psychiatry Association (APA) annual meeting discussed a review of 15 studies looking at the health benefits of walking in a forest. While the length of time varied in each study, it was generally 2 walks per week, 2 hours at a time. The health benefits were so clear that the researchers said such walks are therapeutic and could be viewed as forest therapy.

While most of us call it a walk in nature or a walk in the woods, the Japanese refer to it as shinrin yoku, which translates as forest bathing. They have long-recognized the health benefits of shinrin yoku, and doctors prescribe forest bathing to stressed people to "recharge and recover". Some doctors in the US also recommend prescribing walks in nature (nature prescribed) - Park Rx America

From Medscape: Growing Evidence for the Healing Power of ‘Forest Therapy’

Spending time in a forest — an experience known as Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” in Japan where the practice originated — can lift mood, reduce stress, and promote physical health, a new literature review suggested.

Most of the studies included in the review reported moderate to strong effect sizes, using validated measures such as the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and physiological indicators like blood pressure. ...continue reading "A Walk In the Woods Is Good For Us"

Published on Leave a comment on Dogs Pollute Water With Flea and Tick Treatments

Flea and tick treatments using the insecticides fipronil and imidacloprid are commonly used on pet dogs, whether as spot-on treatments or collars. However, many people have concerns over whether the pesticides come off the dog and get into the environment or even on the people interacting with the dog. And how about dogs that sleep in the same bed with their owners?

A recent study is adding to the growing body of evidence that says we are right to be concerned - that yes, insecticides used on dogs, whether spot-treatments or flea collars, do come off for days. In this latest study, scientists applied spot-on treatments of either fipronil and imidacloprid to 49 dogs.

After 5, 14, and 28 days the dogs were immersed in water for 5 minutes and the levels of the pesticides in the water were measured. Yikes! The pesticides were detected in 100% of all water samples. In fact, even at day 28 it was quite a bit  - exceeded safe levels. The researchers said that after being treated, that dogs should not go swimming in water for 4 weeks (far longer than the current 4 day pesticide guidelines).

The study results could explain why these 2 pesticides are contaminating water bodies (e.g., ponds). The researchers write:

"Recent reports reveal widespread fipronil and imidacloprid contamination of fresh waters in the UK despite restrictions on agricultural use, frequently occurring at concentrations that ecotoxicity studies have shown can harm aquatic life.13-15 ... New research has shown that ‘down-the-drain’ household transfer from treated pets, and subsequent entry via wastewater, is a major source of fipronil and imidacloprid freshwater pollution.17 High concentrations and strong positive correlations with dog swimming activity have also been demonstrated in dog swimming ponds, indicating that dog swimming is a further source of surface water pollution.18"

To get a sense of how toxic these 2 pesticides are: both insecticides are banned in the EU for agricultural use, and even have restrictions in agricultural use in the US. Yet, they are commonly used on our pets. Even when taken orally (pills), the dogs excrete the pesticides in their feces and urine, contaminating the environment. The researchers suggest only treating pets when needed with these pesticides, and not when there isn't a need (in other words, don't do "routine prevention" if there isn't a need).

From an article by Michael Le Page in New Scientist: Dogs pollute water with pesticides even weeks after flea treatment

If your dog will jump in the nearest river, pond or lake given half a chance, don’t use spot-on treatments for fleas and ticks, say researchers.

A study has shown that when dogs are immersed in water, their skin and fur can release levels of the active ingredients harmful to aquatic wildlife and the animals that eat them – including birds – for up to 28 days after treatment. ...continue reading "Dogs Pollute Water With Flea and Tick Treatments"

Published on Leave a comment on New Cookware That Falsely Advertises As Nontoxic

Some companies advertise so-called "nontoxic cookware" and "nontoxic nonstick cookware", with "new and improved" finishes, or coatings, or materials used. But are the ads truthful?

The Guardian published an investigation into the the matter. Uh-oh. They found evidence of toxic chemicals used (lead, mercury, titanium dioxide, etc.) by companies advertising their products as "nontoxic". Some of the cookware advertises itself as a nontoxic ceramic cookware, but it's actually "quasi-ceramic" and containing hidden ingredients (which the companies call proprietary ingredients).

Also, keep in mind that there are no actual regulations or legal definitions of what "nontoxic" or "ceramic" means. Some of the cookware contains lead, yet there are no federal limits for lead in ceramic cookware. The problems go on and on.

In other words, buyer beware. A safer alternative is to use traditional stainless steel, glass (e.g., Pyrex), and cast iron cookware

Excerpts from The Guardian: Toxic truth? The cookware craze redefining 'ceramic' and 'nontoxic'

The cookware industry has entered a golden age, largely driven by the wild success of a new generation of “nontoxic” and “nonstick” designer ceramic pans backed by stars including Selena Gomez, Stanley Tucci and Oprah Winfrey.

But the pans are probably not “nontoxic” some independent testing and research suggests. Nor are they even “ceramic” – at least not in the way the public broadly thinks of ceramics. Now, regulators are investigating some of the pan sellers’ claims. ...continue reading "New Cookware That Falsely Advertises As Nontoxic"

Published on Leave a comment on Heat Is A Bigger Killer Than Other Weather Disasters

We are saddened when hearing about persons dying in floods, tornadoes, and other natural weather disasters. The numbers seem so high. But...it turns out the biggest killer each year is heat. Extreme heat kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined.

Extreme heat events are on the rise globally (yup, climate change) and so the number of people dying are increasing. For example, the recent heat wave across Europe, when temperatures surged higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is thought to have killed thousands of people. Especially since in many of the areas hit by the extreme heat people don't have air conditioning in their homes.

A quick analysis of heat-related deaths by researchers at the Imperial College London found that human-induced climate change intensified the European heatwave between June 23 and July 2, 2025 and tripled the number of heat-related deaths. They found that about 2300 people may have died from the extreme heat over the 10 day period across the 12 European cities they looked at, but that over all Europe there could have been tens of thousands of deaths. People over 65 accounted for a majority (88%) of the deaths.

Each year in the US, heat kills more people than any other type of extreme weather.

The following article was written last year, but it still applies since each year is getting hotter. Note that 2024 was hotter than 2023, which was the final year of the heat-related death analysis. NY Times: Heat Deaths Have Doubled in the U.S. in Recent Decades, Study Finds

As dangerous heat bears down on the central and eastern United States this week, a new study shows heat-related deaths across the country are on the rise. ...continue reading "Heat Is A Bigger Killer Than Other Weather Disasters"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise Is Beneficial In Cancer

Exercise helps fight cancer. Wow! What a headline. But is it true?

Researchers studied exercise, and its effect on gut microbes and the molecules they produce in response to the exercise. They found that certain gut microbes produce a metabolite (formate) that is increased with exercise and which boosts the potency of CD8 T cells in the immune system – which are key to fighting cancer. The initial tests were done in mice, but then the researchers took their results and applied them to humans with melanoma.

They found that in humans with melanoma, high levels of formate had longer progression-free survival (they live with the cancer, but it doesn't get worse). This is big news! Of course, further studies are ongoing.

Bottom line: Exercise is beneficial for all sorts of reasons, but one may be its effects on cancer. Studies find that exercise is known to help prevent cancer and suppress the growth of existing tumors.

From New Scientist: Exercise helps fight cancer – and we may finally know why

Exercise seems to help prevent cancer and reduce the growth of tumours, and that protective effect may be due to the way working out changes the gut microbiome. ...continue reading "Exercise Is Beneficial In Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Subtle Brain Changes From Heading Soccer Balls
Soccer ball Credit: Wikipedia

Many studies have discussed the short-term and long-term harm to the brain from both concussions and sub-concussions in athletes playing tackle football. But relatively little has been said about the possibility of similar harm from soccer. A recent study found that heading a soccer ball results in subtle brain changes, even when there isn't a concussion.

The well-done study of 15 adult male soccer players looked whether there are brain changes after a routine "heading" task (heading the ball 20 times in 20 minutes) and after a routine "kicking" task (the tasks were routine soccer exercises). Blood samples and MRIs of the brain were taken after each task, as well as cognitive function assessments.

There were subtle brain changes seen in the MRIs, as well as inflammatory markers present in the blood after the soccer heading task, but not after the kicking task. As the researchers concluded: "non-concussive impacts, specifically those administered in the form of a controlled SHT, can alter select markers of brain function, chemistry and microstructure in male soccer players." Additionally, "heading decreased tissue conductivity in 11 areas of white matter of the brain".

The big question is what does heading of soccer balls, many times over a lifetime, do to the brain? Increased rates of dementia?

Bottom line: Heading soccer balls, even when done as part of soccer practice, causes subtle changes in certain areas of the brain. Be cautious!

From Medical Xpress: Heading soccer balls can cause changes in the brain even without concussion or symptoms

Heading a soccer ball alters the brain, new research spearheaded by the University of Sydney has found, despite having no immediate impact on cognition. ...continue reading "Subtle Brain Changes From Heading Soccer Balls"

Published on Leave a comment on Chemicals of Concern Found In the Bodies of Young Children

Once again, those wondering about the chemicals lurking inside us have bad news. In a long-running study, researchers tested 201 young children (aged 2 to 4 years old) and found that all of them have many dangerous chemicals ("chemicals of concern") in their bodies. Some of the chemicals were in higher levels in the children than in their mothers during pregnancy.

In this study pregnant women from 4 states had their urine analyzed, and later the urine of their children when they were 2 to 4 years old. The testing of blood and urine from a person and looking for certain chemicals is called biomonitoring.

The researchers only looked for  111 chemicals and found that at least 5 children had 96 of them detected in their urine. Over 50% of the children had 48 chemicals detected. Thirty four of the chemicals were detected in over 90% of the children. But keep in mind that they only looked for a limited number of chemicals. Some of the chemicals found are not being monitored in adult biomonitoring. Many chemicals we are routinely exposed to, such as the common pesticide glyphosate (found in many non-organic foods) were not looked at.

One trend the researchers found is that levels of 2,4-D (pesticide used as a herbicide or weed-killer) are trending upwards over time. This is because 2,4-D is commonly used as a weed-killer on lawns (including Feed and Weed) and elsewhere, but it is also used on genetically modified crops.

The 111 chemicals tested for are from the foods and beverages children (and adults) ingest, personal care products (e.g., soap, lotion), the chemicals used in the home (e.g., pesticides, cleaning products) or chemicals outgassing from products used in the home (e.g., from non-stain synthetic rugs, plastic toys, vinyl floors). Children are exposed to the chemicals when they breathe indoor and outdoor air, eat food, touch surfaces or objects - both indoors and outdoors.

Bottom line: Eat as many organic foods as possible (pesticides such as 2,4-D and glyphosate are not allowed in organic food production). Additional tips: Lifestyle tips for avoiding harmful chemicals.

Excerpts from Science Daily: Researchers tested 200 toddlers — 96 chemicals were lurking in their bodies

A national study published in Environmental Science & Technology finds children aged 2 to 4 years in the United States are routinely exposed to a broad range of potentially harmful chemicals. Many of the chemicals the researchers identified are not routinely monitored and may pose health risks. ...continue reading "Chemicals of Concern Found In the Bodies of Young Children"