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Behavioural interventions for ageing

Ethologists from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) embarked on a research project to investigate the impact of various therapeutic modalities on the wellbeing of elderly dogs, averaging ten years of age. The study explored the effects of cognitive, physical, and combined therapies over three months. The findings revealed that each form of treatment influenced the dogs’ behaviour in distinct ways. Physical therapy enhanced sociability and agility among the dogs, whereas cognitive exercises, such as puzzle games, heightened their inclination towards new experiences. Notably, the improvements were more significant in relatively younger dogs, approximately eight years old, suggesting an age-related differential response to the therapies.

As the global demographic shifts towards an ageing population, particularly pronounced in Europe, addressing the challenges associated with increasing older adults becomes not just important, but urgent. Projections indicate that by 2050, about 30% of the population will be over 65, with a significant fraction likely to develop dementia. In response to these trends, there is a growing emphasis on fostering a culture of healthy ageing, which includes promoting physical and mental fitness to extend the quality of life and reduce reliance on medications.

Behavioural interventions like those tested on dogs offer insights into non-pharmacological approaches to maintain cognitive and physical health in old age. The ELTE study specifically assessed the efficacy of different therapies in enhancing cognitive functions among older dogs, who age similarly to humans but at an accelerated rate. This research serves as a proxy to understand potentially effective interventions in humans. According to prevailing research, combining cognitive and physical therapies yields the most comprehensive benefits in humans, improving targeted cognitive areas and enhancing overall physiological wellness.

The study conducted by the Department of Ethology at ELTE was pioneering in its approach by focusing not only on traditional cognitive therapies but also incorporating physical therapy—a less explored area in canine research. The researchers initiated a twelve-week “Complex Experience Program” for dogs aged eight and older to determine the most effective therapy. This program included a variety of cognitive challenges and physical exercises designed to improve balance and coordination, culminating in behavioural assessments to gauge the impact of these interventions.

One hundred nine dogs participated in the program, although 25 were excluded after failing to meet health criteria. This exclusion underscores the researchers’ intent to include only healthy dogs to ensure that any changes observed were due to the therapies rather than underlying health issues. The participants were divided into groups receiving cognitive tasks, physical therapy, a combination of both, or no therapy (control group).

The outcomes highlighted several benefits. Dogs undergoing physical and combined therapy demonstrated enhanced sociability and adaptability. Those engaged in cognitive and combined therapies showed increased curiosity and environmental engagement. Interestingly, younger dogs displayed more pronounced improvements, aligning with findings in human studies where age can influence the responsiveness to cognitive interventions.

The insights from this study have practical implications. Firstly, they confirm that even minimal engagement in targeted therapies can significantly enhance cognitive functions in older dogs. Secondly, the enjoyment and rejuvenation seen in the dogs—and by extension, their owners—highlight the emotional and social benefits of such interventions. Lastly, these findings advocate for integrating regular physical and cognitive activities into daily routines to promote longevity and overall well-being, echoing the broader narrative of proactive ageing strategies for both pets and their human counterparts.

In conclusion, ELTE’s research offers valuable lessons on the utility of behavioural therapies in managing ageing, both for canines and potentially for humans. It highlights the importance of early and sustained engagement in therapeutic activities to mitigate the effects of ageing, improve quality of life, and strengthen interpersonal and pet-owner bonds. This holistic approach to ageing is increasingly relevant as we face an ageing global population with inherent health and social challenges.

More information: Zsófia Bognár et al, The behavioural effect of short-term cognitive and physical intervention therapies in old dogs, GeroScience. DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01122-2

Journal information: GeroScience Provided by Eötvös Loránd University

High prevalence of hip osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with spinal deformities

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One-third of patients who undergo surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) also suffer from severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, which correlates with poorer spinal alignment and physical functioning, according to a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The Lippincott portfolio releases this journal in collaboration with Wolters Kluwer.

These discrepancies continue to exist even after the surgical treatment of ASD, as highlighted in new research by Dr. Alan H. Daniels and Dr. Bassel Diebo of Brown University, alongside colleagues from 20 North American spinal surgery centres. They note, “Concomitant hip and spine disease are frequent, presenting ongoing challenges for both joint arthroplasty and spine surgeons.”

The study sheds light on functional outcomes for patients suffering from both ASD and hip OA. Adult spinal deformity encompasses various irregularities in spinal curvature and alignment, often developing from degeneration over time, and is expected to increase with an ageing demographic. For those not responding to non-surgical interventions, spinal realignment surgery might be necessary.

Previous research has frequently observed hip OA in conjunction with ASD. Nevertheless, there is scant information regarding how OA impacts patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for ASD, particularly concerning spinal alignment and patient-reported outcomes like physical function and disability.

Dr. Daniels, Dr. Diebo, and their team analysed the prevalence and outcomes of hip OA among 520 elderly patients undergoing ASD surgery across thirteen centres in the US and Canada. Approximately two-thirds of the patients were female, with an average age of 59. Echoing past findings, 34% of these patients had severe OA affecting both hips.

The study compared the characteristics of ASD patients with and without severe hip OA, including essential patient-reported outcomes. These comparisons were also made during post-operative follow-ups with 165 patients: 68 with severe bilateral hip OA, 32 with severe OA in one hip only, and 65 without severe OA in either hip.

Patients with severe bilateral hip OA were found to be older (average age 68 years) compared to those with unilateral (66 years) and non-severe hip OA (60 years). Additionally, those with severe hip OA exhibited higher levels of frailty according to standard assessments.

Although all groups showed similar corrections in lordosis at the one-year post-operative mark, those with severe hip OA displayed poorer spinal alignment, as evidenced by a radiographic measure called the sagittal vertebral axis (SVA). This difference in SVA was significant both preoperatively and at follow-up.

Moreover, several patient-reported outcomes were notably poorer in patients with severe bilateral hip OA, who reported lower physical functioning both before and after surgery. While overall disability scores did not vary significantly between the groups, severe hip OA was linked to ongoing limitations in activities such as walking, travelling, and climbing stairs, with frailty influencing these functional outcomes.

This study is one of the first to examine both the alignment and functional outcomes of patients with concurrent hip OA at the time of surgery for severe ASD. The findings indicate that patients with severe OA in both hips are typically older, more frail, and suffer from poorer physical functioning and disability scores, even after adjustments for spinal deformity correction.

Dr. Daniels and his coauthors conclude, “Given the complexity of concurrent hip and spine disease and the relatively frail condition of these patients, they require careful evaluation and optimisation perioperatively.” They also emphasise the need for further research to determine how to improve outcomes for this complex patient group.

More information: Diebo, Bassel G. et al, Hip Osteoarthritis in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Severe Adult Spinal Deformity, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.23.00818

Journal information: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Provided by Wolters Kluwer Health

Natural molecule found in coffee and the human body boosts NAD+ levels and enhances muscle function as we age

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A recent breakthrough by a research consortium led by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) has uncovered that trigonelline, a natural molecule found in coffee, fenugreek, and also within the human body, may significantly enhance muscle health and function. This discovery was part of an extensive international collaboration involving the University of Southampton, University of Melbourne, University of Tehran, University of South Alabama, University of Toyama, and University of Copenhagen, building upon earlier collaborative research which uncovered new mechanisms of human sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by age-related cellular changes progressively weakening muscles, leading to a rapid decline in muscle mass and strength and diminishing physical independence. A critical issue during sarcopenia is the reduction of the cellular cofactor NAD+ with age, coupled with decreased energy production by mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells. The research identified that older individuals with sarcopenia have lower levels of trigonelline. In pre-clinical models, administering this molecule resulted in heightened NAD+ levels, enhanced mitochondrial activity, and helped maintain muscle function as ageing progressed.

NAD+ levels can be boosted through various dietary precursors such as the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (L-Trp), and forms of vitamin B3 including nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

Assistant Professor Vincenzo Sorrentino, from the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at NUS Medicine, commented on the findings: “Our findings broaden the existing knowledge of NAD+ metabolism through the identification of trigonelline as a novel precursor of NAD+, enhancing the prospects for developing interventions that utilise NAD+-producing vitamins for both promoting healthy longevity and tackling age-associated diseases.”

Both nutrition and physical activity play vital roles in maintaining muscle health during ageing. Jerome Feige, Head of the Physical Health department at Nestlé Research, expressed enthusiasm about the implications of their research: “We were thrilled to find through our collaborative efforts that a naturally occurring molecule in food can interact with cellular age markers. The impact of trigonelline on cellular metabolism and muscle health as we age offers exciting prospects for practical applications in the field.”

More information: Mathieu Membrez et al, Trigonelline is an NAD+ precursor that improves muscle function during ageing and is reduced in human sarcopenia, Nature Metabolism. DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00997-x

Journal information: Nature Metabolism Provided by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Feeling down and moving less? Or perhaps moving more and feeling uplifted? It can work either way

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New findings from the University of Toronto reveal that adults who have reported more symptoms of depression over the past week are also less likely to have been physically active during the same timeframe. This relationship is bidirectional: increased physical activity is similarly associated with better mental health. Published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, the research enhances our comprehension of how symptoms of depression and physical activity interrelate and influence each other during adulthood.

Soli Dubash, a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto’s Department of Sociology, expressed surprise at the findings. “It was unexpected to discover that current symptoms of depression could adversely affect your levels of physical activity even two to five years later, whereas being inactive today does not predict future symptoms of depression,” Dubash noted. She suggested that while the impacts of current depression might be enduring, they seem less significant than the influences of current physical activity.

Numerous studies have confirmed that physical activities such as going to the gym, dancing, gardening, or walking can significantly enhance mental and physical health, with benefits comparable to those of antidepressant medications. This new study supports these findings, demonstrating a connection between weekly physical activity and depression symptoms and suggesting that increased activity can elevate mood.

Dubash emphasised the importance of understanding the reciprocal relationship between mental health and physical activity. “This understanding can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health, as well as the health of their family and community members,” she said. She highlighted the significance of recognising how increased and decreased physical activity can affect mood and overall health.

The study tracked a nationally representative sample of 3,499 U.S. adults from 1986 to 2011 to explore the lasting effects of initial differences in physical activity levels and symptoms of depression. It examined how past physical activity and depression symptoms can predict their future states and assessed the stability of this relationship throughout adulthood. A novel causal inference technique was employed to ensure that the findings accurately reflect real-world experiences. This method accounted for stable individual characteristics that might otherwise confound results, such as biology, family and community backgrounds, and personal histories.

Dubash discussed how this innovative methodological approach allows for a more nuanced examination of the dynamic interplay between depression and physical activity over time. “This technique enables us to consider several alternative explanations and adjusts for factors like genetics or early life experiences that might influence this relationship,” she explained.

The study confirms that physical activity and mental health are mutually influential. Regular physical activity can consistently enhance mood week by week. While earlier depression symptoms may linger, their long-term effects are generally less substantial than the effects of current physical activity. The research also indicates that untreated depression symptoms can have detrimental effects on physical activity levels over time, which may lead to further health complications.

Dubash concluded by stressing the importance of informed decision-making regarding mental health treatment, particularly with the awareness that physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to improve individual and community health. “However, it’s crucial that more people understand how depression symptoms can impact this process,” she added.

More information: Soli Dubash et al, The interplay of depression symptoms and physical activity: Bidirectional insights from 25-years of the Americans’ changing lives panel, Mental Health and Physical Activity. DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100599

Journal information: Mental Health and Physical Activity Provided by University of Toronto

Ancient hunter-gatherers seemed to have included more plants in their diet

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Conducted by an international team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, Géoscience et Environnement Toulouse in Toulouse, France, and the Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine in Rabat, Morocco, the study delves into the dietary habits of individuals associated with the Iberomaurusian culture, discovered in the cave of Taforalt, Morocco. Employing a comprehensive multi-isotopic approach encompassing zinc and strontium isotope analysis in dental enamel, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur analysis in collagen, as well as amino acid analysis of human and faunal remains, the researchers unearthed intriguing revelations about ancient dietary practices.

The study’s groundbreaking findings reveal that the diet of these hunter-gatherers was significantly plant-based, incorporating a notable portion of plants from Mediterranean species. This dietary pattern predates the onset of agriculture in the region by several millennia, a fact supported by the discovery of archaeobotanical remnants at the site, including acorns, pine nuts, and wild pulses. The research also suggests that plant-based foods were part of infant diets, potentially serving as weaning products. These discoveries challenge previous assumptions about pre-agricultural diets and offer new insights into the dietary practices of ancient communities.

This study disrupts the prevailing assumption that pre-agricultural human groups were heavily reliant on animal protein, raising questions about the absence of agricultural advancement in North Africa at the outset of the Holocene. Zineb Moubtahij, the study’s lead author, asserts, “Our findings not only shed light on the dietary habits of pre-agricultural human groups but also highlight the intricate nature of human subsistence strategies across different regions. Grasping these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of human evolution.”

Moreover, this study represents the pioneering use of zinc isotopes preserved in enamel to elucidate the diet of ancient populations in Africa. North Africa is a pivotal region for the study of human evolution and the dispersal of modern humans. The availability of a tool enabling the exploration of ancient dietary patterns in this region over extended periods holds immense value in understanding human dietary adaptations across diverse environments.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to investigate additional Paleolithic sites in North Africa and employ innovative methodologies to gain deeper insights into ancient dietary practices and their implications for human evolution.

More information: Zineb Moubtahij et al, Isotopic evidence of high reliance on plant food among Later Stone Age hunter-gatherers at Taforalt, Morocco, Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02382-z

Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Provided by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

A study from NTU Singapore and Duke-NUS finds that older Singaporeans who volunteer perceive an improved quality of life

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A groundbreaking study conducted by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) has uncovered unique insights into the social benefits of volunteering among older adults. The research reveals that older adults who volunteer experience a heightened sense of support from their social networks, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life. Notably, this increase in perceived social support is not accompanied by an expansion of actual support networks, suggesting that the benefits of volunteering may be more psychological and emotional than material.

The study analysed data from 2,887 Singaporeans aged 60 and above, gathered through the Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement and Inter-Generational Transfers in Singapore Study (THE SIGNS Study). The Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE) at Duke-NUS spearheaded this nationally representative longitudinal survey. It revealed that those who regularly volunteer with clubs or organisations reported a greater sense of personal mastery—control over their lives—which correlates with better quality of life.

Researchers highlight that volunteering offers older adults alternative forms of perceived support that are particularly valuable in Asian cultures, where older adults traditionally rely heavily on family for support. In the context of an ageing population and shrinking family sizes, the study suggests that older adults must broaden their support networks beyond immediate family members to maintain a sustainable quality of life as they age.

Shannon Ang, NTU Assistant Professor of Sociology and the study’s lead, underscored the need for increased rates of volunteering among older adults in Singapore. He emphasised that volunteering enhances older adults’ quality of life through perceived social support and boosts their confidence in managing their lives and impacting others. Associate Professor Rahul Malhotra, Deputy Director of CARE at Duke-NUS, supervised the study and stressed the importance of a deeper understanding of how volunteering affects older adults’ social and psychological well-being. This understanding could serve as a foundation for the development of tailored volunteering programmes that maximise benefits for older adults, a crucial step in improving their quality of life.

The findings of the study strongly endorse the updated National Action Plan for Successful Ageing, which aims to empower older adults to manage their physical and mental well-being and continue contributing their knowledge and expertise. These findings also align with NTU’s strategic goals under NTU2025, which focus on addressing the needs and challenges of healthy living and ageing, and Duke-NUS’s commitment to advancing national healthcare discussions through its Signature Research Programmes. This alignment underscores the relevance and importance of the study’s findings in the context of national healthcare strategies.

The study’s methodology involved detailed interviews with participants, who were divided into three groups based on their volunteering frequency: non-volunteers, non-regular volunteers, and regular volunteers. These participants provided information on their volunteering activities and the type and frequency of support they received from their social networks. The survey also included questions that assessed participants’ personal mastery and quality of life through validated questionnaires previously used in Singapore by Duke-NUS researchers.

The analysis highlighted that better quality of life was consistently associated with more robust perceived social support among volunteers, irrespective of the frequency or formality of their volunteering activities. However, it did not lead to a broader social network providing actual support, which may reflect prevailing cultural norms in Singapore, where family primarily supports older adults. The researchers suggested that while volunteering could expand potential support sources, traditional norms about who should provide support might limit the actual support received.

The study concludes that volunteering can significantly enhance older adults’ mastery and perceived social support, leading to improved quality of life. However, for these benefits to be fully realised, volunteering must be regular and structured. This structured approach could help older adults feel more integrated and valued within their communities, ultimately reinforcing the dual benefit of volunteering—helping others and oneself.

More information: Shannon Ang et al, How Helping You Helps Me: A Longitudinal Analysis of Volunteering and Pathways to Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Singapore, The Journals of Gerontology Series B. DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae013

Journal information: The Journals of Gerontology Series B Provided by Nanyang Technological University

Basking in the wonders of nature has been demonstrated to decrease inflammation levels

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Fresh findings from Cornell University have illuminated a compelling link between deriving pleasure from nature and a specific biological mechanism – inflammation. Through meticulous investigation, the research unveiled that individuals who frequently positively engage with nature tend to exhibit lower levels of three distinct markers associated with inflammation.

Anthony Ong, a renowned professor of psychology, has underscored the study’s importance in elucidating the biological foundations of nature’s potential health benefits. The research illuminates how such engagement could potentially alleviate diseases linked to chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The study, which drew data from the second wave of the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) survey, a nationwide health and ageing trend tracker, focused on a cohort of 1,244 participants. This subset, with an average age of 54.5 and comprising 57% women, was surveyed on their frequency of nature exposure and the extent of enjoyment derived from it.

Even after controlling for demographics, health behaviours, medication usage, and overall well-being, Ong’s team observed a consistent association between reduced inflammation levels and frequent positive interactions with nature. This robust finding underscores the potential health benefits of exposure to and enjoyment of nature.

Ong emphasised the synergy between exposure and experience, highlighting that the observed benefits manifest when individuals actively engage with nature and derive pleasure from the experience. He stressed the importance of the quantity and quality of nature engagement in reaping these health rewards.

The research advances our understanding of the physiological effects of natural exposure and underscores the importance of fostering meaningful connections with the natural world for human health and well-being. Supported in part by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, this study represents a significant stride towards comprehending the intricate relationship between nature and human health.

More information: Anthony D. Ong et al, Engagement with nature and proinflammatory biology, Brain Behavior and Immunity. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.043

Journal information: Brain Behavior and Immunity Provided by Cornell University

Sedentary behaviour raises the risk of mortality

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Based on extensive observations of centenarians, author Dan Buettner, renowned for his work on Blue Zones, proposes that longevity is bolstered by regular movement, such as standing up every twenty minutes after sitting. This theory is now substantiated by compelling new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). The study reveals that older women who spend more than 11.7 hours a day sitting escalate their mortality risk by a staggering 30%, irrespective of their levels of vigorous exercise. These findings underscore the critical role of sedentary behaviour in health and longevity.

The study, co-authored by Steve Nguyen, PhD, M.P.H., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, utilised data from a larger project, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which began in 1991. This particular analysis involved 6,489 women aged between 63 and 99 who were monitored over eight years for mortality outcomes. The data included detailed measurements from hip-worn devices tracking sitting and daily activity over up to seven days.

Nguyen’s research is groundbreaking as it introduces a sophisticated, machine-learned algorithm named CHAP to assess total sitting time and the length of sitting bouts in relation to mortality risk. Unlike previous methods, which relied on simple movement thresholds, CHAP uses machine learning to more accurately differentiate between sitting and standing. This innovative approach has allowed Nguyen to refine the definitions and measurements of “sitting”, capturing both the total time spent seated and the typical duration of these periods. This novel method paves the way for more precise and comprehensive studies on the impact of sedentary behaviour on health.

The health implications of sedentary behaviour are significant, primarily because it inhibits muscle contractions, reduces blood flow, and decreases glucose metabolism. According to Andrea LaCroix, PhD, M.P.H., the Distinguished Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School, sitting leads to slowed blood circulation, diminished glucose uptake, reduced muscle activity, and a lower heart rate. These physiological changes highlight why sedentary lifestyles are problematic, regardless of exercise levels.

LaCroix points out that occasional exercise cannot counteract the hours spent sitting. She notes that even an hour of brisk walking is insufficient if the rest of the day is spent seated, as the negative impacts on metabolism persist. She recommends reducing the risk by limiting sitting to less than 11 hours daily and avoiding prolonged uninterrupted sitting. Even by standing briefly every 20 minutes, breaking up long sitting periods can mitigate some risks.

Nguyen, however, acknowledges that not all forms of sitting are equally detrimental. He considers the cognitive engagement involved in certain sedentary activities, such as studying a new language, which might have different implications for health. The complexity of determining the overall impact of sedentary behaviour on conditions such as dementia is an area Nguyen is exploring further, supported by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences K99 award.

LaCroix understands the challenge of altering sedentary habits in a world captivated by engaging but stationary activities like watching TV or browsing social media. Yet, she believes that cultural shifts away from prolonged sitting could significantly enhance our health, aligning more closely with our evolutionary design for movement. This optimistic view suggests that with awareness and concerted efforts, we can make significant strides towards a healthier, more active lifestyle. This blend of historical insight, contemporary research, and technological innovation in measuring physical activity provides a nuanced understanding of the profound effects our lifestyle choices have on longevity and health, and offers a beacon of hope for a healthier future.

More information: Steve Nguyen et al, Prospective Associations of Accelerometer‐Measured Machine‐Learned Sedentary Behavior With Death Among Older Women: The OPACH Study, Journal of the American Heart Association. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.031156

Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association Provided by University of California San Diego

The study demonstrates that having views of green spaces encourages individuals to make healthier food choices

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The allure of natural landscapes often evokes feelings of positivity and a heightened sense of wellbeing among individuals. However, a recent study conducted by INSEAD has shed new light on these verdant vistas, revealing that they can also influence people to make healthier dietary choices. This groundbreaking research provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between nature and our food choices, enriching our understanding of human behaviour.

Published in Communications Psychology, a journal under the Nature umbrella, the research suggests that exposure to natural settings, such as strolling through a park rather than city streets or gazing upon greenery versus an urban panorama, prompts individuals to opt for healthier food options after that.

Pierre Chandon, a co-author of the study and the L’Oréal Chaired professor of marketing at INSEAD, highlights, “Our studies suggest that it was not the urban view that led to unhealthy food choices but rather that nature influenced people to eat healthier.”

Participants were randomly assigned to take a 20-minute walk through a park or bustling Parisian streets in one study segment. Subsequently, all participants were presented with a buffet featuring healthy and less healthy snacks. Despite similar consumption quantities across both groups, those who strolled in the park exhibited a notable preference for more nutritious choices, with 70% of their selections falling into the healthier category, compared to only 39% for the city walkers.

In a more controlled experiment, participants were placed in simulated “hotel rooms” with varying window views: a lush green pasture, a cityscape, or a neutral condition with closed curtains. They were then tasked with selecting a lunch from an in-room service menu offering healthy and unhealthy options. The outcomes mirrored those of the earlier experiment, with individuals afforded a view of nature opting predominantly for more nutritious fare. In contrast, those with urban or obscured views leaned towards less healthy choices.

The genesis of this research stemmed from co-author Maria Langlois’ observation during a 7200-km charity bike ride, where she noticed a bias towards healthier, unprocessed foods among herself and her teammates while traversing natural environments. Langlois, now an assistant professor of marketing at SMU’s Cox School of Business, translated this observation into a series of rigorous field and online studies during her tenure in INSEAD’s PhD program.

Interestingly, the study suggests that not all natural surroundings yield the same effect. Factors such as the environment’s vividness and abundance of greenery could influence outcomes. For example, when natural or urban views are blanketed in snow, they cease to sway food choices.

Further experiments sought to ascertain whether exposure to nature increased preferences for genuinely healthy, natural foods or merely processed foods masquerading as healthy. Participants were presented with three snack options: diet and light, healthy and natural, or indulgent and tasty. Exposure to natural scenery diminished the appeal of diet snacks while significantly shifting preferences from indulgent choices towards more nutritious, natural alternatives.

These transformative findings hold immense potential for promoting healthier dietary habits. Educational institutions, workplaces, and other organisations could harness the power of nature imagery in cafeterias to inspire students and employees to choose healthier options. Similarly, food marketers could integrate natural visual cues to advocate for healthy or natural products, thereby revolutionising how we perceive and choose our food.

Most importantly, this research underscores the pivotal role of urban planning, health professionals, and food marketers. With projections indicating that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas, the integration of green spaces into future urban landscapes assumes heightened importance, and your expertise and influence are crucial in this process.

More information: Maria Langlois et al, Experiencing nature leads to healthier food choices, Communications Psychology. DOI: 10.1038/s44271-024-00072-x

Journal information: Communications Psychology Provided by INSEAD Asia Campus

Replacing red meat with herring or sardines could potentially save up to 750,000 lives annually by 2050

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The researchers posit that adopting a diet rich in marine forage fish could prove particularly advantageous for low and middle-income countries, where these fish are abundant and economically accessible. This dietary shift could be instrumental in mitigating the significant burden of heart disease prevalent in such regions. They highlight mounting evidence associating the consumption of red and processed meats with heightened risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for approximately 70% of global deaths in 2019. Among these NCDs, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and bowel cancer constituted nearly half of the toll, with coronary artery disease being the predominant contributor.

Marine forage fish emerge as a promising dietary alternative due to their rich content of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and EPA), calcium, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are crucial for cardiovascular health, potentially aiding in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Moreover, forage fish boasts the lowest carbon footprint among animal food sources, underscoring their environmental sustainability. However, despite their nutritional and ecological benefits, a substantial portion of the forage fish catch, primarily from regions grappling with food insecurity and malnutrition, is diverted towards fishmeal and fish oil production for fish farming, catering predominantly to affluent consumers.

Recognising the potential of forage fish to alleviate the global burden of disease, the researchers embarked on a comprehensive analysis. They devised four distinct scenarios, each reflecting a different approach to forage fish allocation globally. These scenarios aimed to evaluate the efficacy of substituting red meat with forage fish, considering projected red meat consumption trends and historical forage fish catch data. The scenarios ranged from prioritising domestic supply to equitably distributing forage fish to regions with suboptimal fish intake levels.

Their analysis yielded promising results, suggesting that widespread adoption of forage fish consumption could yield substantial public health benefits by mitigating the incidence of coronary heart disease and other diet-related illnesses. By preventing between half a million and 750,000 deaths from dietary-related diseases by 2050, particularly coronary heart disease-related fatalities, and averting 8–15 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), predominantly in low—and middle-income countries, this approach demonstrates considerable potential.

However, the researchers acknowledge the limitations posed by the finite supply of forage fish, emphasising that it cannot entirely replace red meat consumption. Nevertheless, by augmenting daily per capita fish intake towards recommended levels and reducing deaths from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and bowel cancer by an estimated 2% by 2050, forage fish integration into diets presents a viable strategy for improving public health outcomes.

Among the four scenarios explored, prioritising the allocation of forage fish to regions with lower fish consumption levels emerged as the most effective approach for reducing the global burden of disease. This strategy underscores the importance of targeting interventions towards populations with the greatest need, predominantly situated in low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, for landlocked nations devoid of direct access to seafood, such as Mongolia and several African countries, expanding global marketing and trade in forage fish becomes imperative to facilitate access to this nutritious food source.

Despite the theoretical promise of forage fish, the researchers acknowledge various barriers hindering their widespread adoption. Challenges such as fishmeal and oil processing, overfishing, climate change impacts, and cultural acceptance necessitate a multi-sectoral policy approach to overcome. Suggestions include prioritising access to affordable fish, promoting nutrient-rich microalgae as fish feed, and implementing culturally tailored interventions to foster healthy dietary habits and awareness.

Moreover, advocating for consumer education initiatives, such as climate change impact labels on food items and highlighting the nutritional value of forage fish, could facilitate the transition away from red meat consumption. By combining policy interventions, community engagement, and educational campaigns, stakeholders can synergistically work towards realising the health and environmental benefits of integrating forage fish into dietary patterns, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes globally.

More information: Shujuan Xia et al, Unlocking the potential of forage fish to reduce the global burden of disease, BMJ Global Health. DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013511

Journal information: BMJ Global Health Provided by The BMJ

Engaging in physical activity amidst natural surroundings contributes significantly to disease prevention, encompassing ailments such as depression and type 2 diabetes

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The research conducted by the esteemed University of Exeter has brought to light a significant discovery-the profound impact of physical activity in natural environments on disease prevention. This practice has the potential to avert nearly 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, thereby slashing treatment costs by over £100 million. These findings are particularly significant given the World Health Organization’s (WHO) assertion that the majority of global mortality stems from non-communicable diseases, encompassing heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. Characterised by their non-transmissible nature, these chronic diseases are on the rise worldwide.

The detrimental consequences of physical inactivity are evident across a spectrum of non-communicable diseases, spanning cardiovascular ailments, type-2 diabetes, cancers, and mental health disorders. According to the WHO’s Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022, should current physical activity levels persist, an estimated 500 million new cases of such diseases will emerge globally between 2020 and 2030. However, by investing in nature-based physical activity, we have the potential to significantly reduce these numbers, thereby incurring annual treatment costs that are much lower than the projected £21 billion.

Natural settings serve as conducive spaces for recreational physical activity, with the research spotlighting areas like beaches, coastlines, countryside, and urban green spaces such as parks. Drawing on data including a comprehensive cross-sectional survey of the English populace, researchers at the University of Exeter gauged the preventive impact of nature-based recreational physical activity on six prevalent non-communicable diseases: major depressive disorder, type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, colon cancer, and breast cancer.

Dr James Grellier from the University of Exeter Medical School discusses the findings published in Environment International. He underscores the significance of their assessment, noting its national scope and the likelihood of underestimating nature-based physical activity’s actual disease-preventive value. While focusing on common non-communicable diseases, he highlights the potential preventive benefits for less prevalent conditions. He underscores the prolonged impact of chronic diseases, amplifying the overall value of physical activity in disease prevention.

Addressing the imperative to elevate population levels of physical activity, public health institutions globally prioritise this as a strategic goal. To sustain good health, the WHO prescribes a weekly regimen of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for adults aged 18 to 64 or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. However, data indicates that 27.5 per cent of adults globally need to meet these recommendations.

In 2019, approximately 22 million adults in England frequented natural environments every week. Leveraging reported rates of nature-based physical activity, Exeter researchers estimate that this engagement thwarted 12,763 cases of non-communicable diseases, yielding substantial annual healthcare savings. Researchers computed the incident cases of prevented diseases and the associated healthcare savings by utilising data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey to gauge the volume of nature-based recreational physical activity among English adults.

Dr James Grellier emphasises the accessibility and informality of nature-based physical activity, particularly for individuals who may not have access to or feel inclined towards organised sports or fitness pursuits. This underscores the fact that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can engage in physical activity and reap its benefits. He advocates for investment in natural spaces such as parks, contending that such initiatives can facilitate increased physical activity among local populations. Ultimately, these efforts align with broader strategies to combat physical inactivity and promote public health.

More information: James Grellier et al, Valuing the health benefits of nature-based recreational physical activity in England, Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108667

Journal information: Environment International Provided by University of Exeter

Tiny worms have adapted to survive the extreme radiation levels in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

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The Chornobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 stands as one of the most catastrophic events in human history, casting a shadow of devastation over the surrounding landscape that endures nearly four decades later. Evacuations were swift for humans, but the flora and fauna persisted amidst the lingering radiation, painting a haunting portrait of resilience amidst adversity.

A groundbreaking study led by researchers from New York University has shed light on the enduring legacy of chronic radiation exposure from Chornobyl on the region’s microscopic inhabitants. Contrary to expectations, the genomes of microscopic worms dwelling in the irradiated soil have not shown significant damage, sparking intrigue and cautionary tales alike. While this revelation does not imply safety within the region, it hints at these organisms’ remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of extreme environmental pressures.

In recent years, scientific inquiry into the effects of chronic radiation on wildlife within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has intensified. The discovery of physical and genetic disparities among animals residing in this isolated pocket of Ukraine has spurred contemplation regarding the intricate interplay between radiation and DNA integrity. Sophia Tintori, a postdoctoral associate at NYU’s Department of Biology and the study’s lead author, underscores the profound uncertainties surrounding the disaster’s impact on local ecosystems. The selection pressures imposed by the sudden environmental upheaval raise profound questions regarding the evolutionary responses of various species to ionising radiation.

To unravel this biological problem, Tintori and her team turned their attention to nematodes, diminutive worms renowned for their simplicity of genome and rapid reproductive cycles. Matthew Rockman, a professor of biology at NYU and the senior author of the study, extols the virtues of nematodes as invaluable tools for elucidating fundamental biological processes. Their ubiquity and rapid life cycles render them ideal candidates for probing evolutionary dynamics in the wake of ecological disruption.

The allure of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, teeming with unexpected vitality amidst desolation, beckoned the researchers on an expedition fraught with both peril and scientific promise. Equipped with Geiger counters to gauge radiation levels and clad in protective gear, they embarked on a quest to collect nematode specimens from various locales within the irradiated landscape. From the verdant foliage to decaying organic matter, samples were meticulously gathered, representing a spectrum of radiation exposure ranging from nominal levels akin to urban environments to perilously elevated doses reminiscent of outer space.

The subsequent analysis unfolded within the confines of a makeshift field laboratory in the heart of Chornobyl, where hundreds of nematodes were meticulously extracted from their terrestrial confines. These specimens were then transported to a temporary sanctuary in Kyiv, where painstaking efforts ensued to isolate and cultivate distinct worm populations. Amidst the microscope’s gaze, the intricate tapestry of nematode life in Chornobyl unfurled, offering glimpses into the mysteries of adaptation and survival in a radioactive crucible.

Upon their return to NYU’s laboratories, the researchers embarked on a meticulous interrogation of the nematode genomes, seeking elusive traces of radiation-induced genetic aberrations. Despite exhaustive analyses employing diverse methodologies, the anticipated signature of radiation damage remained conspicuously absent. Tintori, while acknowledging the limitations of their findings, underscores the astonishing resilience of nematodes in the face of extreme adversity. The enigmatic absence of radiation-induced genetic lesions prompts speculation regarding the intrinsic defences harboured by these diminutive organisms against genomic assaults.

Undeterred by this scientific impasse, the researchers devised innovative experiments to probe the mechanisms underpinning the nematodes’ apparent resilience to DNA damage. By scrutinising the growth dynamics of distinct worm lineages and subjecting them to various genotoxic insults, they sought to unravel the intricacies of DNA repair mechanisms in real time. While discernible differences in sensitivity to DNA damage were observed among nematode lineages, these variations did not correlate with the ambient radiation levels at their respective collection sites. This intriguing revelation challenges conventional assumptions regarding the adaptive responses of organisms to chronic radiation exposure, underscoring the complexity of evolutionary dynamics in irradiated environments.

The implications of these findings extend far beyond the realm of nematode biology, offering compelling, tantalising insights into the intricacies of DNA repair mechanisms and natural variation in higher organisms, including humans. Tintori envisions leveraging the resilience of nematode strains to elucidate the nuanced interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental carcinogens in shaping cancer susceptibility. By dissecting the characteristic responses of individual organisms to DNA-damaging agents, researchers aspire to unravel the intricate tapestry of cancer risk factors, paving the way for personalised interventions and targeted therapies.

In essence, the humble nematodes of Chornobyl serve as unwitting sentinels of resilience amidst adversity, offering profound lessons in adaptation and survival in the face of ecological upheaval. As humanity grapples with the enduring legacy of nuclear disasters, their plight serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience encoded within the very fabric of life itself. Through the lens of scientific inquiry, we glimpse the intricate dance of evolution unfolding amidst the wreckage of human folly, heralding a future illuminated by the resilience of life in all its myriad forms.

More information: Sophia C. Tintori et al, Environmental radiation exposure at Chornobyl has not systematically affected the genomes or chemical mutagen tolerance phenotypes of local worms, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314793121

Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by New York University