The Dangers of Recreational Noise Exposure

New study reveals alarming prevalence of dangerous listening practices and potential hearing loss risk for billions of people worldwide. Dangerous listening habits, both from personal listening devices and attending noisy entertainment venues, are widespread. About 23.81% of people engage in unsafe listening practices, while 48.20% are exposed to high noise levels in these venues. Shockingly, these habits could potentially put 1.35 billion individuals at risk of hearing loss globally.

This alarming issue of hearing loss deserves urgent attention and global recognition. The World Health Organization warns that currently, over 430 million individuals globally suffer from harmful hearing loss. If we fail to prioritize hearing loss prevention, this number could double in the near future.

Hearing loss risk depends on factors such as the loudness, frequency, and duration of noise exposure. To put things into perspective, acceptable levels of loud noise exposure are usually based on occupational noise exposure limits. For example, the limit is usually set for 40 hours a week at 80 decibels. However, these limits can vary slightly depending on your region or regulatory agencies.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina conducted a comprehensive study to assess the extent of unsafe listening practices among young adults. Their findings urge immediate action to protect aural health on a global scale.

By analyzing data from 33 studies involving over 19,000 participants, the research team revealed the prevalence of hazardous listening habits. The study specifically looked at the output levels and duration of exposure using objectively measured devices.

Shocking results unveiled concerning patterns in two areas: personal listening device (PLD) use and attendance at noisy entertainment venues. With 17 records dedicated to PLD use and 18 dedicated to entertainment venues, it is clear that urgent measures are needed to safeguard the hearing of our youth.

By analyzing data on the estimated world population of people aged from 12-34 years old in 2022 (2.8 billion) and their exposure to noisy entertainment venues and personal listening devices, researchers found that 24%-48% of young people, engage in these risky behaviors. The study suggests that anywhere from 0.67 to 1.35 billion young adults could potentially experience hearing loss due to these listening practices.

This groundbreaking research serves as a call to action for evidence-based policies aimed at mitigating the risks of hearing loss in this vulnerable population. The time to prioritize aural health and protect our future generations is now.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis/a>

Aging Reversed / ABC News

Now researchers have found a way not just to stop, but, reverse the aging process. The key is something called a telomere. We all have them. They are the tips or caps of your chromosomes. They are long and stable in young adults, but, as we age they become shorter, damaged and frayed. When they stop working we start aging and experience things like hearing and memory loss.

In a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal Nature scientists took mice that were prematurely aged to the equivalent of 80-year-old humans, added an enzyme and essentially turned their telomeres back on. After the treatment they were the physiological equivalent of young adults. You can see the before and after pictures in the videos above. Brain function improved, their fertility was restored it was a remarkable reversal of the aging process. In the top video the untreated mouse shows bad skin, gray hair and it is balding. The mouse with it’s telomeres switched back on has a dark coat color, the hair is restored and the coat has a nice healthy sheen to it. Even more dramatic is the change in brain size. Before treatment the aged mice had 75% of a normal size brain like a patient with severe Alzheimers. After the telomeres were reactivated the brain returned to normal size. As for humans while it is just one factor scientists say the longer the telomeres the better the chances for a more graceful aging.

The formal study Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise was published in Nature.

Additional information published by Harvard can be found in the following articles.

Scientists Find Root Molecular Cause of Declining Health in the Old

Decoding Immortality – Smithsonian Channel Video about the Discovery of Telomerase

While scientists are not yet able to accomplish the same results in humans we believe we have developed a nutraceutical to help prolong youth and possibly extend life until age reversal therapy for humans becomes available.

Stem Cell Secret’s of 115 Year Old Woman

New evidence that adult stem cells are critical to human aging has recently been published on a study done on a super-centenarian woman that lived to be 115 years. At death, her circulating stem cell pool had declined to just two active stem cells from stem cell counts that are typically more than a thousand in younger adults. Super-centenarians have survived all the normal diseases that kill 99.9% of us before 100 years of age, so it has been a mystery as to what actually kills these hardy individuals. This recent data suggest that stem cell decline may be the main contributor to aging. If so, stabilizing stem cells may be the best thing one can do to slow your rate of aging.

There are many theories of aging that have been proposed. For example, damage to cells and tissues from oxidative stress has been one of the most popular fundamental theories of aging for more than half a century. Yet antioxidant substances or genes that code antioxidant enzymes have proven largely ineffective in slowing aging when tested in model animals. Thus, interest by scientists has shifted to other hypotheses that might provide a better explanation for the slow declines in function with age.

Stem cells provide one such promising mechanism of aging. Of course, we all know that babies are young and vigorous, independent of the age of their parents. This is because adults have embryonic stem cells that can generate young new cells needed to form a complete young baby. Indeed, these embryonic stem cells are the product of continuously evolving stem cell populations that go back to the beginning of life on earth over 3.5 billion years ago!

In adults, the mostly immortal embryonic stem cells give rise to mortal adult stem cells in all the tissues of the body. These adult stem cells can regenerate your cells and tissues as they wear out and need replacement. Unfortunate, adult stem cells also age, which leads to fewer cells and/or loss of function in cell replacement. As functional stem cells decline, skin and organs decline with age.

Blood from world’s oldest woman suggests life limit

Time Magazine: Long-Life Secrets From The 115-Year-Old Woman

Somatic mutations found in the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman demonstrate oligoclonal hematopoiesis

Abstract
The somatic mutation burden in healthy white blood cells (WBCs) is not well known. Based on deep whole-genome sequencing, we estimate that approximately 450 somatic mutations accumulated in the nonrepetitive genome within the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman. The detected mutations appear to have been harmless passenger mutations: They were enriched in noncoding, AT-rich regions that are not evolutionarily conserved, and they were depleted for genomic elements where mutations might have favorable or adverse effects on cellular fitness, such as regions with actively transcribed genes. The distribution of variant allele frequencies of these mutations suggests that the majority of the peripheral white blood cells were offspring of two related hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones. Moreover, telomere lengths of the WBCs were significantly shorter than telomere lengths from other tissues. Together, this suggests that the finite lifespan of HSCs, rather than somatic mutation effects, may lead to hematopoietic clonal evolution at extreme ages.

Evidence that Food Choices Affect Telomere Length

Recent research is unraveling the relationship between our diet and our biological age, as measured by the length of our telomeres. These tiny caps on the end of our chromosomes are believed to serve as a reliable indicator of aging and the risk of age-related diseases. Your choices at the dinner table could potentially influence your well-being and longevity. Could this knowledge change the way you think about reaching for that bag of chips?

Telomeres are structures that cap our chromosomes, safeguarding our genetic material from damage during replication. But here’s the catch – every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter, accelerating the aging process. As telomeres shrink, so does the cell’s lifespan until it eventually reaches its demise. It’s been found that shortened telomeres heighten the risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and metabolic conditions.

Why do some people’s telomeres shorten faster than others? Scientists have been on a quest for answers. Recent studies show that factors like smoking, alcohol, stress, lack of exercise, obesity, and poor diet can also accelerate this process.

Participants in the study followed a diet rich in whole foods, plant-based protein, vegetables, fruits, unrefined grains, and legumes. They also consumed minimal fat and refined carbohydrates.

The results were astounding: at the end of the five-year follow-up, the control group showed the expected telomere shortening, but the lifestyle intervention group actually experienced an increase in telomere length.

The study aimed to investigate whether diet-associated inflammation could affect the rate of telomere shortening after five years. The analysis revealed that diets with more anti-inflammatory potential were able to slow down the process of telomere shortening. Moreover, participants who followed a more inflammatory diet had nearly double the risk of accelerated telomere shortening compared to those who followed an anti-inflammatory diet.

These findings provide promising evidence that our diet choices can have a significant impact on the aging process. By choosing an anti-inflammatory diet, we may be able to slow down the signs of aging and promote longevity.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Dietary inflammatory index and telomere length in subjects with a high cardiovascular disease risk from the PREDIMED-NAVARRA study: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses over 5 y

Eating Healthy Shown to Slow Brain Aging

Recent research suggests that adopting a diet of fresh vegetables and minimal processed foods can significantly benefit the biological age of the brain. A team of international researchers discovered that adherence to a Mediterranean-based diet, complete with vegetables, seafood, and whole grains, can reduce the accelerated aging of the brain commonly associated with obesity. The study indicates that even a 1% reduction in body weight can yield positive results. Following established dietary guidelines, therefore, could be a viable key to combating premature brain erosion.

Through brain imaging, over 100 participants were studied for 18 months to analyze the effects of different diets on the brain. The participants were divided into three groups, each following a different diet plan: a Mediterranean diet with an emphasis on protein from nuts, fish, and chicken (no red meat), a modified Mediterranean diet including compounds like green tea, and a diet based on healthy eating guidelines. In addition to brain scans, liver function, cholesterol levels, and body weight were measured before and after the trial. The study utilized an advanced algorithm based on brain connectivity to accurately estimate the participants’ brain age.

After undergoing brain scans, participants displayed a remarkable decrease in brain age upon the 18-month follow-up. The scans revealed that their brains appeared nearly 9 months younger than their estimated chronological age. These findings suggest the potential for strategies to optimize brain health and longevity.

While some individuals may feel younger than their actual age or experience accelerated aging, the difference between biological and chronological age can have a significant impact on overall health. Evidence suggests that biological aging markers can be identified in DNA, chromosome endings, and even in brain connections. Recent research has shown that stressful events may accelerate biological aging, but improving diet can be a straightforward way to ameliorate physical condition, regardless of age.

While the results of this clinical trial are based on randomly assigned diets, it’s important to consider some potential limitations. The majority of participants were male and relied on online surveys to report their lifestyle and diet habits, creating potential recall and reporting bias in the data. Additionally, physical activity levels, including those at work and facilitated by a complementary gym membership, were also factored into the study’s outcomes.

The occurrence of decelerated brain aging was found to have a correlation with diminished liver fat levels and ameliorated lipid profile. However, these transformations could be subject to being superficial or transient. This research accentuates the significance of a nourishing lifestyle that incorporates the reduction of processed food, sweets, and beverages in the retention of brain health.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The effect of weight loss following 18 months of lifestyle intervention on brain age assessed with resting-state functional connectivity

Starting to Exercise Later in Life Can Improve Fitness

A new study published in Aging Cell reveals a groundbreaking discovery for aging adults. By starting an exercise regimen, previously sedentary elderly individuals were able to not only improve their fitness but also maintain it for an impressive four years. The study highlights that physical activity is a powerful tool in the fight against aging, slowing down multiple processes and significantly enhancing quality of life.

The study, which used three widely recognized fitness metrics – the six-minute walk test, the 30-second chair stand, and the up-and-go test – demonstrated remarkable results. The group that participated in the exercise program, known as the Gerofit cohort, showed significant improvements across all measures. On the other hand, the AOA cohort, who did not engage in regular exercise, suffered a drastic decline.

Surprisingly, the Gerofit participants, who were initially sedentary, achieved remarkable improvements in their fitness levels over the course of a year. They defied the negative effects of aging, which were evident in another group. What’s even more impressive is that they maintained their fitness well into their later years.”

It’s never too late to get active! Physical activity is a powerful tool against aging. When done right, it can slow down the aging process and improve your quality of life. Don’t let age hold you back from reaping the benefits of exercise.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Longitudinal analysis of physical function in older adults: The effects of physical inactivity and exercise training

Taurine Discovered to be a Crucial Amino Acid

Scientists are highly intrigued by the process of aging and the possibility of slowing it down, which has led to a significant increase in research efforts to better comprehend aging as a biological process. Aging results in numerous physiological changes at different levels, from tiny cellular structures to entire organ systems. As medical research progresses, taurine supplementation has emerged as a highly promising avenue for promoting longevity.

Taurine, a fundamental amino acid found abundantly in our bodies, is a key player in many important bodily functions. From supporting the formation of bile acids to assisting in osmoregulation and protecting against oxidative damage, taurine is a true superstar. However, as we grow older, the amount of taurine circulating in our bodies decreases.

In a recent scientific study published in the journal Science, researchers led by Singh et al. examined the impact of taurine supplementation on lifespan and health in different species such as mice, worms, monkeys, and yeast. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether decreases in taurine levels as we age are linked to the aging process. To do this, the scientists administered taurine or a control solution to middle-aged male and female C57B1/6J mice on a daily basis until they reached the end of their lives.

Surprisingly, mice that were fed taurine lived longer than the control group. The taurine-fed mice lived 10-12% longer than the control group, and at 28 months their life expectancy saw a jump by 18%-25%. Further research on the effects of taurine on longevity showed that supplementation also improved various bodily functions such as muscle, bone, muscle, brain, pancreas, gut, immune system and metabolism in middle-aged mice. Similar positive results were observed in monkeys. Additionally, taurine supplementation had a positive impact on key aging markers. It reduced cellular senescence, protected against telomerase deficiency, improved mitochondrial function, reduced DNA damage, and decreased inflammation.

Additionally, the study discovered that reduced levels of taurine, hypotaurine, and N-acetyl taurine were linked to various health issues such as high blood pressure, inflammation, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The authors of the study observed that exercise led to higher concentrations of taurine metabolites in the blood, solidifying the existing proof that exercise is beneficial for slowing down aging.

These findings from the study offer convincing support for taurine as a crucial factor for long-lasting health. However, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence to suggest that these benefits also apply to humans.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging

Exercise With Lack of Sleep Can Dull Cognition

A groundbreaking study has highlighted the crucial role of exercise in protecting our mental faculties as we age. However, the study also brings to light a concerning factor: insufficient sleep could potentially diminish the positive effects of exercise.

The study spanned over a decade and involved 8,958 individuals aged 50 and above in England. With a focus on cognitive abilities, the research explored the intricate relationship between sleep patterns, exercise habits, and cognitive health.

Physical activity is beneficial for cognitive health, but lack of sleep can diminish its positive effects. Researchers discovered that individuals who were active but slept less than six hours a night experienced faster cognitive decline over a 10-year period. This decline was comparable to those who were less physically active.

The study emphasizes the importance of considering both sleep and physical activity for optimal cognitive function. It also challenges previous cross-sectional studies, which only provided a snapshot of the relationship between sleep, activity, and cognitive health. Ultimately, regular exercise alone may not be enough to compensate for the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive abilities.

The study confirms previous findings that getting 6-8 hours of sleep per night and engaging in regular physical activity are associated with better cognitive function. Interestingly, individuals who were more active showed improved cognitive function regardless of their sleep duration at the beginning of the study. However, over the course of ten years, physically active individuals who slept less than six hours experienced a quicker decline in cognitive abilities. This decline was particularly noticeable among participants in their 50s and 60s. Surprisingly, older participants aged 70 and over still derived cognitive benefits from exercise, even with shorter sleep duration.

This research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that can preserve cognitive function in middle and late adulthood. Understanding the factors that safeguard cognitive function in middle and later life is crucial, as they can potentially extend our years of cognitive health and, in some cases, postpone the onset of dementia.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Joint associations of physical activity and sleep duration with cognitive ageing: longitudinal analysis of an English cohort study

Eating Gluten and How It Affects the Brain

New Zealand researchers have made a significant discovery regarding wheat gluten and its effects on the brain. Their study revealed that adding gluten to a low- or high-fat diet led to inflammation in the hypothalamic region of the brain, responsible for metabolism regulation. These findings suggest that gluten may trigger an immune response similar to that seen in individuals with celiac disease. Furthermore, this research also highlights a connection between nerve cell inflammation and the development of metabolic diseases. Given the similarities between mice and humans, these findings are quite relevant to our understanding of human physiology.

Gluten, a protein found in common grains like barley, wheat and rye, has been found to potentially cause inflammation in the enteric nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract as well as the brain. In a study with mice, male rodents were fed either a low-fat or a high-fat diet, with gluten later added. The results were significant – there was a noticeable increase in the number of astrocytes and microglia in a specific brain region called the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus. This region is important for controlling metabolism.

Astrocytes and microglia, the immune cells present in the brain, share similarities with macrophages in the blood. These cells are known to contribute to inflammation. The hypothalamic region of the brain is responsible for managing metabolic functions that govern weight and blood sugar levels. Researchers proposed a hypothesis stating that inflammation in the hypothalamus caused by gluten can result in brain harm, weight gain, and compromised blood sugar regulation. Consequently, such conditions may heighten the risk of impaired memory function.

This study, though conducted on mice, is significant because mice and humans have many physiological similarities. Mice possess comparable circulatory, hormonal, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems to humans. Therefore, it is plausible that the inflammation observed in mice could also occur in humans. During a period of 14 weeks, the mice were subjected to different diets: a low-fat diet consisting of 10% fat, a high-fat diet consisting of 60% fat, or these diets supplemented with 4.5% wheat gluten. This wheat gluten amount matches the average daily consumption of gluten by humans.

Gluten’s impact on body mass was different depending on the type of diet in male mice. When added to a low-fat diet, gluten had no effect on body mass. However, when added to a high-fat diet, gluten caused an increase in body mass and fat compared to a high-fat diet without gluten. The researchers also observed that adding gluten to the low-fat diet led to higher levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker. Additionally, regardless of the type of diet, gluten led to a significant increase in the number of astrocytes and microglia in the hypothalamus.

This suggests that gluten may cause injury in the hypothalamus. Overall, this study provides evidence that dietary gluten can increase markers of inflammation in the hypothalamus.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Dietary wheat gluten induces astro- and microgliosis in the hypothalamus of male mice

The Power of Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Cognition

In the quest to combat cognitive decline, a groundbreaking study has discovered a simple and cost-effective treatment: aromatherapy essential oils. Scientists investigated the potential of nightly aromatherapy to enhance cognitive abilities in aging individuals. By incorporating scents like lavender and rose into nightly routines, researchers witnessed an astounding 226% improvement in word recall. Additionally, the fascinating impact of aromatherapy oils on the left uncinate fasciculus, a crucial part of the brain, has been revealed and showed marked enhancement.

These findings have profound implications for neurological impairment in older adults. By engaging in olfactory enrichment, individuals may be able to stave off cognitive decline and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between the loss of sense of smell and these neurological disorders, making olfactory enrichment a potential game-changer.

In the study, 43 participants between the ages of 60 and 85, who were in good general health and had healthy cognition, were recruited. They were subjected to a series of assessments before and after a 6-month intervention. These assessments covered various aspects, including cognitive abilities, mental well-being, olfactory performance, and brain structure. The interventions included a pattern separation test, which measures the ability to differentiate between similar stimuli, as well as questionnaires on depression and quality of life. To further investigate changes in the brain, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine both brain structures and connectivity.

The participants were divided into two groups randomly. The experimental group consisted of 20 participants who were exposed to essential oils every night, while the control group included 23 participants who were exposed to trace amounts. Over a period of six months, both groups were exposed to different concentrations of essential oils for two hours each night as they prepared to sleep, using a nebulizing fragrance diffuser.

Research results reveal that participants in the olfactory-enrichment group experienced a noteworthy 226% enhancement in performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. This test gauges verbal learning and memory through word list recall. Furthermore, the study identified a positive impact on the functioning of the left uncinate fasciculus, which is a vital pathway in the brain related to learning and memory. The degeneration of this pathway is associated with aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers concluded that even minimal olfactory enrichment, achieved through an odorant diffuser at night, can greatly enhance verbal memory and the integrity of this specific brain pathway.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults

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