Monthly Archives: September 2024

Safeguard Your Teeth Using Fruits: Antimicrobial Properties Discovered in Biomass Compounds

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an inflammatory ailment precipitated by infections from periodontal pathogenic bacteria. This condition affects oral health by damaging the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It has broader implications for overall health, potentially contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Effective oral hygiene is paramount in preventing periodontal disease; however, a significant challenge arises with most oral hygiene products available. These products, predominantly disinfectants, tend to be highly irritating due to their intense chemical compositions, rendering them unsuitable for specific populations. Specifically, young children and the elderly, who are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, often find these products too harsh, necessitating the development of milder yet effective alternatives.

Addressing this gap, Professor Shigeki Kamitani from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University led a pioneering research team to explore more suitable antibacterial options that people of all ages could safely use. Their research focused on identifying and verifying the antibacterial effects of various compounds that could inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key bacterium implicated in the onset and progression of periodontal disease.

Prunin laurate (Pru-C12) and its analogues stood out among the seven different compounds tested. These compounds, derived from biomass such as citrus plants and coconut components, were evaluated for their efficacy in stifling the growth of harmful bacteria. The results were promising, indicating that Pru-C12 not only effectively inhibited bacterial growth but also showcased the highest antimicrobial effect among the compounds tested.

Pru-C12’s properties are particularly noteworthy; it is tasteless and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal candidate for daily oral hygiene routines without the risk of sensory irritation or allergic reactions. Professor Kamitani emphasized the potential of Pru-C12, stating, “Pru-C12 is not only effective but also user-friendly, posing minimal risk of irritation. Its hypoallergenic nature makes it a suitable option for even the most sensitive users.” He also reassured that the affordability of Pru-C12 could make it an accessible option for widespread use should further testing confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.

Looking ahead, the research team is poised to conduct extensive clinical trials to establish the safety profile of Pru-C12 in human subjects. If these trials yield positive results, Pru-C12 could indeed revolutionize preventive oral care. By providing a non-irritating, effective antibacterial treatment that is accessible and affordable, Pru-C12 offers a beacon of hope for public health, potentially reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease across diverse populations.

More information: Erika Wada et al, Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, Foods. DOI: 10.3390/foods13121917

Journal information: Foods Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

Therapeutic Interventions Between Children and Parents Offer Biological Healing for Traumatized Youth

Leave a Reply

A new study from UC San Francisco has revealed that psychotherapy sessions involving caregivers could help prevent serious diseases later in life for young children who have experienced significant trauma. While previous research demonstrated the psychological benefits of dyadic, child-parent trauma treatment lasting up to nine years, this study marks the first time a biological benefit has been identified. Researchers focused on a biomarker termed “age acceleration,” which measures how fast a person’s body is ageing relative to their chronological age. This “epigenetic clock” runs faster for individuals exposed to early childhood trauma, increasing their risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer, obesity, and asthma in adulthood.

The study examined two groups of Bay Area children aged 2 to 6 who had undergone traumatic experiences. Both groups showed similar rates of biological age acceleration at the start of the study. However, one group received up to 20 weekly sessions of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a therapeutic programme developed by Dr Alicia Lieberman, director of UCSF’s Child Trauma Research Program. The other group did not receive this therapy. The results were notable: the 45 children who participated in CPP therapy experienced less age acceleration than the 110 children who did not. Although the differences were modest, they are still significant. As Dr Nicole Bush, senior author of the study, explained, even small biological changes in early childhood can lead to substantial differences in health outcomes later in life.

The majority of children in the treatment group (over 80%) and two-thirds of the comparison group were Latinx, an essential aspect since families of colour and low-income households are more frequently exposed to trauma than white families with higher incomes yet are often underrepresented in medical research. Dr Lieberman highlighted that the children in this study had experienced higher levels of trauma than is typical for such research, which adds weight to the findings. These children had encountered severe traumas, such as the loss of a parent, maltreatment, or exposure to community violence. On average, the children had experienced five traumatic events before turning six. This is particularly significant as previous research shows that experiencing four or more traumatic events before the age of 18 increases the risk of developing one of the ten leading causes of death as an adult.

The children’s parents had also endured significant trauma, averaging 13 traumatic events. This history of trauma can make it more difficult for parents to regulate their emotions and actions in response to their children’s challenging behaviours, Dr Lieberman explained. In CPP, therapists incorporate therapeutic play to help children process emotions related to their trauma while also helping parents understand the connection between their children’s behaviours and their past experiences. Additionally, CPP aims to strengthen the parent-child bond by encouraging positive social interactions.

“When both the parent and child have experienced trauma, it intensifies the trauma’s impact,” Lieberman explained. “Our approach focuses on healing the relationship between the parent and child, as well as addressing their trauma in therapy sessions together. Relationships are the cornerstone of health, beginning in early childhood.” Dr Allie Sullivan, co-author of the study, added that many parents feel powerless when their children are exposed to trauma, but this study offers reassurance. “Parents have the capacity and strength to protect their children from adversity,” she said.

The researchers stressed the importance of early intervention, particularly before age five, when the brain undergoes its most rapid development. Early interventions can have a lasting impact on both mental and physical health. Recognising this, California’s Department of Health Care Services has introduced benefits to support family therapy and dyadic care for young Medi-Cal patients, beginning at birth. Hospitals like Zuckerberg San Francisco General have been at the forefront of providing this care and advising medical practices across the state on how to offer and be reimbursed.

Ultimately, the researchers hope that this study underscores the value of therapy-based approaches to treating family trauma, shifting away from an over-reliance on medication. Dr Bush highlighted the broader implications, noting, “Bringing families together, acknowledging the trauma, and fostering an environment of emotional safety and healing can lead to biological repair with the potential to benefit both mental and physical health across the lifespan. We hope policymakers and practitioners take notice of this.”

More information: Alexandra D. W. Sullivan et al, Intervening After Trauma: Child–Parent Psychotherapy Treatment Is Associated With Lower Pediatric Epigenetic Age Acceleration, Psychological Science. DOI: 10.1177/09567976241260247

Journal information: Psychological Science Provided by University of California – San Francisco

Virginia Tech Scientists Create Tool for Evaluating Optimal Hydration Guidelines

Leave a Reply

Adequate water consumption is crucial for maintaining human health and overall well-being. However, the global rise in the intake of sugary drinks has contributed to a surge in health-related issues, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and tooth decay. In response to this growing problem, Virginia Tech researchers studied the comprehensiveness and clarity of healthy beverage guidelines in countries that have enacted sugary beverage tax policies between 2000 and 2023. They focused on understanding how well these national dietary guidelines encourage individuals to replace sugary drinks, like sodas, with healthier alternatives, such as water.

To aid governments in promoting healthier hydration practices, the Virginia Tech team developed an innovative tool that assigns a healthy hydration recommendation score. This score is based on clarity, justification, actionability, specificity, and visual content of the guidelines. Governments can use this tool to improve their public health messages, encouraging water consumption while discouraging sugary beverage intake. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks helps reduce the risk of obesity and other serious health problems, making it essential to reinforce clear, actionable hydration guidelines.

Nicole Leary, the lead researcher and a PhD candidate in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, emphasised the importance of aligning sugary beverage tax policies with national food-based dietary guidelines that promote water and other nutritious drinks, such as milk and 100 per cent fruit juice. “We examined how robust dietary guidelines could complement other strategies, such as policies, systems, and environmental changes, to help governments promote coherent policies and socially normalise water as the default healthy beverage,” said Leary. The study’s findings demonstrate that robust and clear hydration guidelines can be vital to global health improvement efforts.

The researchers recommend that governments take active steps to develop and promote healthy solid hydration guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with sugary beverage consumption. Among their additional recommendations are ensuring people drink at least eight glasses of water daily, limiting the intake of sugary drinks such as sodas, fruit-flavoured drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks, and enacting taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Such taxes should be earmarked for health promotion programmes and media campaigns encouraging water consumption. They also advise limiting the intake of beverages containing artificial or zero-calorie sweeteners, which are often promoted as healthier alternatives.

This research, recently published in Nutrients and partly funded by Vivica Kraak’s USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture Hatch Research Project, examined 93 countries implementing sugary beverage taxes by 2023. Of those, 58 countries had food-based dietary guidelines in place, and the researchers found that 48 of these countries had complementary messages that encouraged water consumption while discouraging sugary drinks. The study used a healthy hydration recommendation score of 0 to 12, factoring in message clarity, access, justification, actions, specificity, and visual content.

Countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Brunei scored the highest regarding hydration guidelines, while the United States received a moderate score of 7. The upcoming 2025 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA’s MyPlate initiative may strengthen the focus on water consumption across the lifespan, starting at birth and continuing through old age, to support healthy ageing. Associate professor and senior researcher Vivica Kraak stressed the importance of promoting water at every meal, noting that governments should ensure that national dietary guidelines align with sugary beverage tax policies. This research could have significant implications for organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization in supporting countries to develop culturally adapted, evidence-based dietary guidelines that encourage healthy hydration and normalising clean, safe, and free water as the default beverage.

More information: Nicole Leary et al, An Evaluation of Healthy Hydration Recommendations for 93 Countries with Sugary Beverage Tax Legislation Globally, 2000–2023, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16142264

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Virginia Tech

Semaglutide, a weight loss medication, linked to decreased COVID-19 mortality in Brigham-conducted research

Leave a Reply

An international study led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, reveals that patients receiving weekly injections of the weight loss drug semaglutide experienced a lower likelihood of death from any cause, including cardiovascular diseases and infections such as COVID-19. This research, known as the SELECT Trial, was supported by Novo Nordisk and examined the impacts of semaglutide compared to placebo on mortality among over 17,000 individuals with heart conditions who were also overweight or obese from October 2018 to March 2023. The findings, which showed a 19% reduction in overall mortality and 15% and 23% decreases in deaths due to cardiovascular issues and other causes, were presented at the 2024 European Society of Cardiology Congress and published concurrently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Benjamin M. Scirica, MD MPH, the study’s corresponding author and director of quality initiatives at the Cardiovascular Division of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, expressed surprise at the results. He noted that the trial commenced before the outbreak of COVID-19 and did not initially aim to investigate pandemic-related outcomes. However, the emergence of the pandemic highlighted significant findings, notably that semaglutide not only reduced the risk of cardiovascular deaths but also non-cardiovascular ones, notably those related to COVID-19. This unexpected benefit suggests that this class of drugs might have broader applications than previously thought.

The most frequent non-cardiovascular cause of death among the study participants was infection, with those on semaglutide showing a lower rate of severe complications or fatalities from COVID-19 despite similar infection rates compared to those on placebo. The specific reasons why semaglutide provides these benefits remain unclear, whether they are related to weight loss or other factors. These preliminary observations from a large-scale, multinational study indicate a need for further research to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Upcoming studies will continue to assess how this drug and others in its class can benefit patients beyond their known effects.

More information: Benjamin M. Scirica et al, The Effect of Semaglutide on Mortality and COVID-19–Related Deaths: An Analysis From the SELECT Trial, Journal of the American College of Cardiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.08.007

Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology Provided by Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Nearly Two-Thirds of UK Adolescents’ Caloric Intake Comes from Ultra-Processed Foods

Leave a Reply

Recent research from the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol has highlighted that around two-thirds of the daily caloric intake of UK adolescents comes from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This consumption is notably high among adolescents from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds, those who are white, and younger age groups. Ultra-processed foods use industrial ingredients and methods, often containing additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colourings, flavourings, and emulsifiers. These foods are typically poor in nutritional quality, featuring high levels of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, while low in fibre, protein, and essential micronutrients. UPFs have been identified as significant contributors to the global rise in major health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

The global trends indicate an increase in the availability and sale of UPFs, correlating with a rise in consumption among adolescents. The researchers aimed to understand this pattern in the UK by analysing four-day food diaries of nearly 3,000 adolescents from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from 2008/09 to 2018/19. They found that UPFs constituted an average of 66% of the adolescents’ energy intake during this period, with a slight decrease from 68% in 2008/09 to 63% in 2018/19.

The study also examined how factors such as parental occupation, ethnicity, and regional location within the UK influence UPF consumption patterns. Findings showed that adolescents from less affluent backgrounds consumed a higher percentage of their calories from UPFs than those from wealthier backgrounds. Moreover, non-white adolescents had a lower rate of caloric intake from UPFs compared to white adolescents. Geographical differences were also evident, with those living in North England consuming more UPFs than those in South and London. Additionally, the data suggested a decrease in UPF consumption with age, as 18-year-olds consumed a lower percentage of their calories from UPFs compared to 11-year-olds.

The study’s lead author, Dr Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, emphasised that many factors, including home environment, marketing, and peer influence, influence adolescent food choices. She highlighted the importance of adolescence as a critical period for forming long-term dietary habits. She noted that the predominant consumption of UPFs is far from ideal, given their potential adverse health impacts.

Dr Esther van Sluijs and Dr Zoi Toumpakari, joint senior authors, noted that UPFs often provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for time- and income-constrained families, albeit at the cost of poor nutritional value. This, they argued, contributes to the observed health disparities across childhood and adolescence. They hope that the insights gained from this study will help policymakers develop more effective interventions to reduce the consumption of UPFs among youth, aiming to mitigate the negative health impacts associated with these foods and improve public health outcomes.

More information: Irazu Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde et al, Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19, European Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03458-z

Journal information: European Journal of Nutrition Provided by University of Cambridge

The Influence of Physical Fitness and Lifestyle on Biological Ageing

Leave a Reply

“Physical Fitness and Lifestyles Associated with Biological Aging” delves into an increasingly pertinent topic amidst a globally ageing population. The editorial sheds light on the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare strategies—from a traditional disease-oriented approach to more comprehensive interventional strategies targeting the ageing process. This shift is advocated by the burgeoning field of geroscience, which proposes that slowing down the biological mechanisms of ageing could preempt the onset of multiple age-related diseases. This hypothesis is gaining empirical support with advancements in the identification of biomarkers of ageing, driven by progressive improvements in measurement techniques such as various ‘omics’ technologies and analytical methods, including bioinformatics.

The researchers, Takuji Kawamura, Radak Zsolt, Mitsuru Higuchi, and Kumpei Tanisawa from the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Waseda University, along with their colleagues at the Research Center for Molecular Exercise Science at the Hungarian University of Sports Science, highlight the crucial intersection of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and the biological markers of ageing, specifically DNA methylation (DNAm) ageing clocks. They argue for establishing fitness reference values that could serve as benchmarks to help delay the ageing process. The article further discusses findings from their recent study, titled “Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and lifestyle-related factors with DNA methylation-based ageing clocks in older men: WASEDA’S Health Study.” This study is pivotal as it links quantifiable changes in DNA methylation patterns directly to variations in cardiorespiratory fitness and lifestyle choices among older adults, illustrating how specific lifestyle modifications could alter molecular biomarkers that reflect biological ageing processes.

The significance of their findings is encapsulated in the researchers’ concluding remarks: “Our study reinforces the geroscience concept that active lifestyle choices may impact quantifiable molecular biomarkers that capture biological ageing.” This statement highlights the potential of proactive lifestyle adjustments in influencing biological ageing. It underscores the importance of integrating fitness into daily routines as a strategic approach to extending health span.

Furthermore, the editorial emphasizes the broader implications of these findings for public health policies. By establishing a scientific basis for recommending certain fitness levels and lifestyle choices, policymakers can better design programs that promote healthy ageing among populations. This could lead to reduced healthcare costs associated with age-related diseases and improved quality of life for the elderly. The research serves as a call to action for continued investment in geroscience research to unlock a more comprehensive understanding of the ageing process, which could eventually lead to more effective ageing interventions.

This comprehensive approach to studying ageing opens new avenues for scientific exploration. It offers practical insights that could be translated into everyday health practices and public health strategies, marking a significant step forward in our approach to ageing and longevity.

More information: Takuji Kawamura et al, Physical fitness and lifestyles associated with biological aging, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206031

Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC

Millions around the globe lack essential micronutrients necessary for human health

Leave a Reply

According to a new study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, over half of the global population fails to meet the recommended intake levels of several essential micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E. This pioneering research, slated for publication in The Lancet Global Health on August 29, offers the first global estimates of deficient consumption for 15 critical micronutrients, thereby marking a significant advancement in our understanding of nutritional deficits worldwide.

Micronutrient deficiencies are among the most prevalent forms of malnutrition worldwide, each associated with severe health repercussions. These range from negative impacts on pregnancy outcomes to increased risks of blindness and heightened vulnerability to infectious diseases. Previous studies have quantified the availability and consumption of these nutrients but have yet to evaluate whether these intakes satisfy the health requirements, especially distinguishing between the needs of males and females throughout various stages of life.

Chris Free, co-lead author and research professor at UCSB emphasizes the importance of their study, noting its novelty in estimating the inadequacy of micronutrient intakes across 34 age-sex groups in almost every country globally. Moreover, the research team has made their methodologies and findings readily accessible to both the academic community and practitioners, thereby facilitating further research and intervention planning.

The study leveraged data from the Global Dietary Database, the World Bank, and dietary recall surveys from 31 countries, assessing the nutritional needs against actual intakes among populations spanning 185 countries. The analysis covered both genders across 17 age groups, from newborns to older adults over 80, and examined 15 essential vitamins and minerals.

The results revealed widespread deficiencies, with significant gaps in the intake of iodine (68% of the global population), vitamin E (67%), calcium (66%), and iron (65%). Other nutrients like riboflavin, folate, and vitamins C and B6 also showed high levels of inadequacy, while niacin and selenium were among the less deficient nutrients. Interestingly, the study found inadequate intakes were generally higher among women than men for certain nutrients like iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, which were within the same demographic and regional brackets. Conversely, deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, niacin, thiamin, zinc, magnesium, and several vitamins were more prevalent among men.

Patterns of deficiency varied significantly with sex. However, age also played a crucial role, especially in the 10-30-year age bracket, which showed deficient calcium intake levels, notably in South and East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. North America, Europe, and Central Asia also recorded low levels of calcium intake.

Ty Beal, a senior technical specialist at GAIN, described the findings as alarming. They indicate that the scope of micronutrient deficiencies is even more extensive than previously recognized, affecting people across all geographic and economic categories. These deficiencies severely hinder health outcomes and limit human potential on a global scale.

Christopher Golden, senior author and associate professor of nutrition and planetary health at Harvard Chan School, underscored the enormity of the public health challenge posed by these findings. He emphasized the urgent need for health practitioners and policymakers to develop and implement targeted dietary interventions to address these deficiencies. The study also highlighted the limitations imposed by the lack of comprehensive data on individual dietary intakes globally, which could hinder the depth of future research and the effectiveness of interventions.

More information: Simone Passarelli et al, Global estimation of dietary micronutrient inadequacies: a modelling analysis, The Lancet Global Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00276-6

Journal information: The Lancet Global Health Provided by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Age-Related Changes in Brain Function and Peripheral Vascular Health

Leave a Reply

The journal Aging, referred to in MEDLINE/PubMed as “Aging (Albany NY)” and as “Aging-US” by Web of Science, recently published a review in Volume 16, Issue 10, under the title “Peripheral vascular dysfunction and the aging brain.”

Ageing stands as the predominant non-modifiable risk factor for numerous diseases, notably cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the principal cause of death globally. In this new review, researchers Devin Wahl and Zachary S. Clayton from Colorado State University and the University of Colorado highlight compelling evidence that CVD is a significant factor in diminishing brain health and increasing the incidence of all-cause dementia as age progresses.

The review elucidates that CVD is intricately connected with both peripheral and cerebral vascular dysfunction, which are significant factors in the onset and advancement of all forms of dementia. These dysfunctions are primarily propelled by heightened levels of oxidative stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS).

There is growing evidence that various fundamental ageing mechanisms, or the so-called “hallmarks” of ageing, which include chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient sensing, play a critical role in the excessive production of ROS. These mechanisms are prevalent in both peripheral and cerebral vascular dysfunction. Consequently, addressing these mechanisms to mitigate ROS-induced oxidative stress and enhance vascular function in the periphery and brain could be a practical approach to lower the risk of dementia associated with ageing. Explorations into how lifestyle modifications like aerobic exercise, dietary changes, and specific pharmacological interventions—both natural and synthetic—interact with these ageing hallmarks to bolster vascular health could offer a promising avenue for mitigating dementia risk in the elderly.

The principal aim of this review is to dissect the mechanistic relationships between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and the decline in brain health associated with ageing. Providing insights into these connections and evaluating non-invasive methods to assess vascular health in ageing individuals may pave the way for novel strategies in evaluating dementia risk among older adults.

More information: Devin Wahl et al, Peripheral vascular dysfunction and the aging brain, Aging-US. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x

Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC

Evening Exercise Linked to Improved Sleep – Findings from Otago Study

Leave a Reply

While vigorous exercise close to bedtime is traditionally advised against, recent research from the University of Otago suggests that light, brief activities can enhance sleep quality. This groundbreaking study, showcased in the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine and backed by the Health Research Council, involved participants in two evening sessions. Each session lasted four hours, during which participants either sat continuously or had their sitting punctuated by three-minute activity breaks every half hour. The findings indicated a significant improvement in sleep duration—participants who engaged in these intermittent activity breaks slept an additional 30 minutes.

Jennifer Gale, a PhD candidate at the Department of Human Nutrition and the study’s lead author, highlights the well-documented risks of prolonged sitting. These include heightened chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. Gale points out that many people’s typical evening routine involves extended periods of sitting, often exacerbated at home. Previous research by the team demonstrated that short bouts of exercise, lasting just two to three minutes every half hour, can notably decrease blood sugar and fat levels post-meal.

However, conventional sleep guidelines have consistently advised against engaging in prolonged or intense exercise before bedtime due to potential disruptions in sleep quality. The curiosity of the research team led by Gale and primary investigator Dr Meredith Peddie, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Nutrition, was piqued by what effects minimal yet repeated light exercises throughout the evening might have. The exercise regimen they tested included chair squats, calf raises, and standing knee raises with straight leg hip extensions—simple exercises that require no special equipment and can be performed in a small space without disrupting one’s evening leisure activities, like watching television.

Dr Peddie explains that these exercises were selected for their practicality and ease of integration into evening routines. The study suggests that even less structured physical activities, such as walking around the house, marching in place, or dancing, could yield similar benefits. The critical factor is regularly breaking up long periods of sitting with movement.

The significance of these findings extends beyond merely improving sleep duration. Insufficient sleep has been linked to adverse dietary habits and increased risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. While it is well-known that higher levels of daytime physical activity are associated with better sleep, current guidelines discourage strenuous exercise before bedtime as it can raise body temperature and heart rate, which may lead to poor sleep quality.

Dr Peddie advocates for reevaluating these guidelines based on their study’s results, suggesting that interrupting prolonged sitting with frequent, light-intensity exercise could be a viable public health strategy. This study challenges existing perceptions about evening physical activity and sleep and opens new avenues for enhancing health through manageable lifestyle adjustments.

More information: Jennifer T Gale et al, Evening regular activity breaks extend subsequent free-living sleep time in healthy adults: a randomised crossover trial, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001774

Journal information: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine Provided by University of Otago

Diminished Senses May Affect Mental Well-being and Isolation in Older Adults

Leave a Reply

Most individuals, including up to 94% of adults in the U.S., will experience some degree of sensory decline as they age, which often manifests as the need to strain one’s eyes at screens, a desire for more intensely flavoured foods, and frequent mishearing in conversations. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are delving into how these sensory deteriorations extend beyond mere annoyances, potentially exacerbating mental health issues among the elderly.

Dr Jayant Pinto, an expert in olfactory dysfunction at UChicago Medicine, explains the impact of sensory decline on experiencing the world. The inability to clearly hear friends during dinner or fully engage with one’s surroundings can compound cognitive burdens, which, over time, may lead to significant mental health challenges. In collaboration with Alexander Wang, a medical student, Dr. Pinto has led research focusing on the prevalence and effects of sensory impairments in older adults. Their findings indicate that sensory disabilities are linked to poorer mental health, with varying types of sensory impairments affecting different mental health aspects.

Their study utilised data from the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project, which followed nearly 4,000 older adults over a decade. The analysis showed that individuals with impairments in multiple senses felt lonelier and reported worse mental health overall. Those with impairments in all three studied senses—vision, hearing, and smell—were more prone to frequent depressive episodes. Notably, vision impairment was most strongly correlated with both loneliness and poor self-rated mental health.

Despite ongoing research into how all five senses affect individuals, the UChicago team has already identified direct ways sensory decline fosters loneliness, sadness, and boredom. Vision impairments can restrict people’s ability to leave their homes or recognise faces while hearing loss can render conversations difficult and unsatisfying. Similarly, a diminished sense of smell can lessen the joy found in familiar aromas, such as a favourite meal or a loved one’s perfume, and affect the perception of pheromones that influence social interactions.

Interestingly, the study highlighted that hearing and vision impairments were associated with more significant impacts on mental health compared to olfactory impairments, a fact that Wang attributes to the more substantial stigma surrounding hearing and vision loss. This reflection on social stigma’s role in mental health has led the researchers to stress the importance of mental health services access and increasing awareness of sensory loss’s mental distress connection.

As society ages, supporting older adults becomes a shared responsibility. Dr. Pinto points out that alleviating the day-to-day challenges faced by seniors can significantly improve their lives, productivity, and quality of life. This support can come from personal levels, such as family members adapting their communication methods and societal levels through public policies and community programs that enhance accessibility.

Moreover, numerous technologies and medical treatments are available to help mitigate sensory impairments. For hearing loss, options include cochlear implants and hearing aids, which may also slow cognitive decline. For vision loss, treatments range from eyeglasses and contact lenses to cataract and LASIK surgery, complemented by aids like text-to-speech software. Even for olfactory issues, interventions like reducing sinus inflammation or smell training exercises can be effective.

By choosing to use the term “disability” in their research, the UChicago team aims to emphasise the significant impact of sensory impairments on individuals’ lives and align with efforts to destigmatise these conditions. Wang hopes that framing the data in this manner will encourage healthcare providers to shift from a Medical Model of Disability, which views disability as a deficiency needing correction, to a Social Model, which sees disability as part of an identity shaped by societal accessibility and accommodations.

This research underscores the need for comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses medical, social, and environmental barriers, enhancing support for older adults to maintain their independence and mental health.

More information: Alexander Z. Wang et al, Types of sensory disability are differentially associated with mental health in older US adults over time, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19056

Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by University of Chicago Medical Center

Less Conventional Paths Foster Greater Innovation

Leave a Reply

Sociodiversity — encompassing the diversity of human opinions, ideas, and behaviours — is a key driver behind many positive developments. Dirk Helbing, an external faculty member at the Complexity Science Hub and a professor at ETH Zurich, explains that when diverse individuals come together with good intentions, they generate innovative ideas that can lead to economic growth. Thus, fostering sociodiversity is crucial for continued innovation and prosperity. A recent study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Open Science by Helbing and a colleague suggests that sociodiversity is reduced in highly centralized social networks, where few individuals hold the majority of connections, demonstrating a classic scenario where the rich get richer.

This centralization is a prevalent issue on platforms like Instagram and X, where celebrities and influential figures amass large followings while most users have few followers. The disparity is further amplified by the visibility that famous individuals receive, enhancing their following through the Matthew effect, thereby increasing network centralization. This centralization, as Dirk Helbing points out, is not just a matter of network structure, but a serious threat to sociodiversity. It undermines the diversity of opinions by marginalizing minority views, often drowned out by more dominant mainstream voices. Instead of allowing majority opinions to suppress new ideas, social networks should provide safe spaces where innovation can flourish without the immediate pressure of mainstream acceptance.

Andrea Musso from CSH and ETH highlights that the longevity of new ideas within a network depends significantly on the structure of the network itself rather than the widespread acceptance of these ideas. This insight into the role of network structures in promoting sociodiversity is enlightening and informs our understanding of innovation. Networks that effectively promote sociodiversity are characterized by features that protect minority opinions, allowing them to develop and potentially influence the broader discourse. Musso and Helbing suggest that simple actions like unfollowing VIPs on social platforms can decentralize networks and promote a richer diversity of ideas, which is essential for innovation, economic resilience, and societal growth.

In their study, the researchers developed and validated a new method to evaluate a network’s ability to maintain sociodiversity. They tested this method on synthetic networks, which can be manipulated to vary centralization, and on more than a hundred real social networks to assess how different structures support or hinder the proliferation of diverse opinions. This method effectively predicted how different network configurations affect sociodiversity, providing a valuable tool for understanding and designing better social platforms.

Helbing’s findings underscore the broader implications of network structures in various areas, from disease spread and traffic management to disaster response and the development of cooperative behaviours. These dynamics often produce counterintuitive results, highlighting the complexity and importance of network theory and the science of complex dynamical systems as fields of study. The ability to predict and manipulate network behaviours can lead to more robust systems that enhance our ability to manage and respond to diverse challenges effectively.

More information: Andrea Musso et al, How networks shape diversity for better or worse, Journal of the Royal Society Open Science. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230505

Journal information: Journal of the Royal Society Open Science Provided by Complexity Science Hub

New Study Explores Economic and Nutritional Effects of Worldwide Recreational Inland Fishing

Leave a Reply

It is a quintessential summer scene: Along the waterways of Virginia, from riverbanks to stream edges, recreational anglers cast their lines in hopes of a catch. In urban areas like Roanoke and Charlottesville, lines hang from bridges and along freshwater docks.

These activities fall under the category of “recreational fishing.” However, fishing in freshwater sources is far from a mere pastime for many anglers in the U.S. and globally. It is vital to securing essential nutrition and sustenance for individuals, families, and entire communities.

A groundbreaking new study, co-authored by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Nyboer of the College of Natural Resources and Environment and published in Nature Food, highlights the significant yet often overlooked role that inland recreational fisheries play in providing food and nutrition. The study also sheds light on the potential impacts of climate change on these fisheries.

Nyboer worked alongside various researchers and institutions, including Abigail Lynch from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Adaptation Center, Holly Embke from the USGS Midwest Climate Adaptation Center, and Louisa Wood from the University of Portsmouth.

As Nyboer pointed out, the study’s most striking discovery is the quantification of how many freshwater fish caught recreationally are actually consumed. It also measures their nutritional and economic contributions on a global scale. The findings reveal that recreational fishing accounts for 11.3% of the worldwide freshwater fish catch, translating into a consumption value of $9.95 billion. This figure challenges the prevailing assumption that the impact of recreationally caught fish on nutrition and the economy is negligible.

Nyboer emphasized that “recreational” implies a leisure activity primarily for enjoyment. As such, recreational fisheries are not typically seen or managed as a crucial food source, with scant data supporting their broader role in nutrition, economics, or human science. This study aims to challenge this narrow view and illuminate the complex contributions of inland recreational fishing on a global scale.

The data collection process for this research was extensive and often involved retrieving information from overlooked or forgotten sources, such as old filing cabinets that had never been digitized. Nyboer and her team conducted numerous interviews with fisheries managers, boat captains, and recreational fishing guides worldwide to gather data and insights.

Building on previous research, this expansive new study further develops the earlier data set. It presents a comprehensive global view of inland fisheries’ nutritional and economic value across 56 countries. These findings support the United Nations’ Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal to enhance food security and improve nutrition globally.

Nyboer advocates for a shift in terminology from “recreational” to “provisional fishing” to reflect better the essential nature of these activities beyond mere recreation. This term acknowledges that many people engage in fishing for enjoyment and as a critical part of their dietary and cultural practices.

This shift in perspective is crucial for managing freshwater resources more effectively and inclusively, considering the diverse needs and practices of those who rely on these fisheries, especially from shore-based locations.

Moreover, the study highlights the social justice implications of inland fishing, emphasizing the need to include underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups in decision-making and policy formulation processes. By quantifying the consumption and economic value of recreationally caught fish, Nyboer hopes to encourage governments and policymakers to recognize and address the significant contributions of these fisheries.

The challenges of climate change add another layer of urgency to this research. Rising global temperatures seriously threaten inland fisheries, especially in regions already facing food scarcity. By analyzing the traits and behaviours of various fish species, the study assesses the vulnerability of these populations to climate impacts, providing a foundation for developing management strategies that protect fish populations while ensuring food security.

Nyboer’s collaborative efforts aim to foster a better understanding of inland recreational fisheries and to influence global policies that acknowledge and support this critical food resource. The growing network of researchers and the ongoing dialogue about recreational fishing’s multifaceted roles signify a collective move towards redefining and recognizing the true value of these activities on a global scale.

More information: Abigail J. Lynch et al, Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00961-8

Journal information: Nature Food Provided by Virginia Tech