Research-informed reading on physical health, mental wellness, nutrition and fitness – summarised from trusted health publications, with a link to every original source.
TopicsMental healthDiet and healthPrognosisFitness and exerciseBoost intelligence
Food-tech start-up SolvEat has developed a bioactive composition featuring eight botanicals that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The formulation has been introduced in a chocolate bar made by Israeli boutique chocolatier, Ornat. The chocolate, sweetened with natural sugar alternatives, debuted at the Fi Europe trade show in Frankfurt, Germany.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a data-driven dietary impact assessment (DIA) tool intended to help policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in Europe assess the health and environmental impacts of diet. The software looks at food systems’ roles in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart conditions and models different dietary scenarios based on country-specific data. The DIA tool also analyses how diets can affect environmental factors such as soil pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and packaging waste.
Scientists have engineered a gut bacterium, Lactobacillus paracasei, to produce a protein (ACE2), which lowers blood pressure. This groundbreaking study by the University of Toledo suggests that the gut microbiome can be employed to treat hypertension. This development also raises the possibility of using bacteria to control other health areas such as blood sugar.
The integration of mental health analytics into wearable health devices might soon transform mental health care. Using machine learning models to analyze real-time data from smartwatches and other connected devices could potentially track mental health parameters and predict anxiety or depression risks. This approach heavily relies on user consent, data security, and data personalization. Proactive and reactive alerts, automated remedial responses, and optional data sharing with employers could support individual well-being as well as contribute to better workforce management.
A “worry tree” is a therapeutic tool used to address and manage chronic worries. Originating from the book “Managing Your Mind”, it provides a structure for addressing worries, distinguishing between real and hypothetical worries, aiding the brain in realizing threats, and assisting in the decision whether to act, delay action, or let the worry go. This cognitive behavioral therapy tool helps create psychological distance from worries, distinguishing cognitive distortions, and promoting a more positive outlook.
In an era marked by constant bad news and distractions, staying inspired can be daunting. The essence of inspiration encompasses both the ‘insight’—absorbing from the world, and ‘movement’—acting upon that insight. To regain our inspiration groove, we need to practice structured observation and creative momentum, thus cultivating an open, non-judgemental mind and translating thoughts into tangible outputs. Recognizing our interests and incorporating them into our self-perception can boost confidence and spur creativity. Lastly, inspiration can be construed as a steady, internal glow fostered through intentional practice.
A study in Israel analysed the use of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, in identifying and treating depression. The study indicated that AI tends to recommend psychotherapy more and drug treatment less compared to primary care physicians. AI was also found to be less biased in its treatment recommendations. Despite promising results, it is cautioned that AI technologies still make errors and are not yet ready to entirely replace doctors.
The Senate Finance Committee passed a bipartisan draft healthcare package with a 26-0 vote. The package aims to reform the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in drug pricing, expand mental health services, and increase transparency in prescription drug pricing. It includes provisions intended to protect seniors from high drug costs. However, its passage in the Senate remains uncertain.
Scientists like Japanese biologist Katsuhiko Hayashi and CEO of Conception Biosciences Matt Krisiloff are investigating the possibility of creating human eggs from skin cells in the next decade. This could allow older women to have biological children, and male couples to have biological children without any other genetic contributors. The technology, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), could fundamentally redefine the concept of parenthood. However, it faces severe scientific, ethical, and cultural challenges.
Healthy aging has become a focal point in today’s personal care industry, driven by the growing awareness of individuals looking to maintain…
Tonix Pharmaceuticals has discontinued a major depression disorder therapy, TNX-601 ER, after it failed in phase 2 trials. The company now plans to focus on its CNS pipeline and reduce efforts on a COVID vaccine and other preclinical projects. Additionally, Tonix will look into the findings from chronic migraine and fibromyalgia studies due in the following month.
It’s unusual for a medication to become a household name; even more uncommon for its branding to become, like Advil, shorthand for…
Researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Pompeu Fabra University have discovered the most prevalent Denisovan genetic contribution in modern humans, affecting zinc regulation. This genetic mutation likely provided an evolutionary advantage for adapting to cold climates. However, it may also have linked modern humans to various neuropsychiatric disorders. This genetic variant has a global presence, except in Africa, marking vast geographical scope of Denisovan genetic adaptation.