Walking Fast Can Slow Down Aging

Want to add 16 years to your life? A new study from the University of Leicester says it’s as simple as picking up the pace. Turns out, walking briskly might be the secret to aging gracefully.

Remarkably, engaging in brisk walking throughout one’s life contributes to elongated telomeres, the essential safeguarding “caps” situated at the extremities of our chromosomes. Comparable to the function of the plastic tips on shoelaces, telomeres ensure DNA stability without carrying any genetic data themselves. In order to estimate an individual’s biological age scientists examine the length of these protective caps, with longer telomeres indicating a younger biological profile.

A recent study encompassing 400,000 UK Biobank participants discovered a fascinating correlation. Those participants with a swifter walking tempo appeared biologically 16 years younger by midlife. Remarkably, it seems brisk walking alone, independent of other physical pursuits, contributes to the extension of telomeres – a key component in our biological age determination.

A fascinating cellular investigation reveals that each cellular division causes a progressive shortening of telomeres, leading to a halt in cell division when they become critically short. The accumulation of senescent (elderly and dying) cells contributes to age-related diseases and fragility, although the exact relationship with telomere length remains hazy. By harnessing genetic data and wearable activity trackers, this groundbreaking research solidifies the connection between brisk walking and increased telomere length. This emphasizes the power of habitual physical activity intensity in promoting cellular health.

For the first time, innovative research has emerged linking walking speed to genetic data correlated with extended lifespans. This intriguing discovery builds upon earlier studies that revealed the multifaceted advantages of walking, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects. Previous investigations into the connection between walking pace, physical activity, and telomere length have faced limitations due to inconsistent results and insufficient data quality. This groundbreaking study prompts further scientific exploration in the field of human longevity.

The intriguing implication that a slower walking pace might indicate a higher risk of chronic illness and poor aging showcases the potential role of activity intensity in optimizing health interventions. To enhance overall well-being, people with higher capabilities could increase the steps they take within a given time frame. Previous studies from Leicester researchers highlight that an engaging ten minutes of brisk walking daily could extend life expectancy by up to two decades compared to those with a more leisurely pace.

The researchers in this investigation observed that there was no connection between a leisurely walking speed and diminishing telomere length. Although past findings have demonstrated that a brisk ambulation pace strongly correlates with an individual’s health condition, evidence that this pace inherently leads to improved health was lacking. By analyzing genetic data, this study revealed that maintaining a faster walking tempo could indeed contribute to a relatively youthful biological age, as indicated by telomere measurements.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Investigation of a UK biobank cohort reveals causal associations of self-reported walking pace with telomere length

The Advantages of Eating Fermented Foods

The rapidly increasing preference for fermented products like kombucha and kefir suggest that there is more to the story than merely health-conscientious consumers. Many cultures around the world have historically relied on these foods, suggesting a deeper significance beyond their preservation capabilities. These foods have clearly resonated among modern populations as well. From the traditional Korean Kimchi to Middle Eastern yogurt, nations have been consuming these foodstuffs for centuries. Could it be more than simply a method of preservation? Could it be that fermentation offers much more than just nutrition?

Research indicates that fermented foods provide a significant advantage to mental health, because they contain tryptophan and pre-formulated neurotransmitters. These substances play an important role in the production of serotonin – a key messenger responsible for regulating multiple aspects of brain function like mood. Studies have proven that regularly eating cultured food products can reduce stress over both long-term and short-term periods; so what types are most beneficial?

Brain health is a major focus of research and so it’s no wonder that researchers are exploring the impact fermented foods can have on cognitive function. An extensive study conducted by experts at APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Teagasc and more set out to discover which food had the most profound effect when it comes to enhancing brain well being. The team compared sequencing data from over 200 different edibles sourced globally in order to identify metabolites with potential positive impacts for mental acuity .

They were astounded that almost all of the 200 fermented foods tested showed an ability to improve gut and brain health. An unexpected front-runner in the race for cognitivity-boosting benefits appears to be products that are both sugar and veggie based that have undergone fermentation.

Fermentation of sugar is often overlooked as a beneficial process. The raw form is transformed into an array of metabolites that can be chosen for their positive effects on the body. The microbial community in fermented foods breaks down this “sugar” component until only useful compounds remain. Though it incorporates ‘sugar’ in its name, studies have shown these metabolic changes spark new possibilities to enhance our health.

Scientists are pushing the boundaries of what we know about fermented foods and their effect on mental health. They plan to put top-ranked ferments to a battery of tests which include an artificial colon environment as well as with animal models. This will help them gain insight into how these substances could have positive implications for our cognitive functioning. These findings suggest that adding probiotic rich foods like yogurt or kimchi into your diet may be a natural way of boosting wellbeing.

Eat Blueberries for Cognitive and Heart Health

A cup of wild blueberries is more than a tasty treat. Researchers have discovered that adding blueberries to your diet can boost brain function and cardiovascular health. According to a new study, blueberries contain a powerful compound called anthocyanins that improve blood flow in both the brain and heart. These polyphenols have been linked to a range of health benefits, and are responsible for the brain-boosting effects of this sweet snack.

In a 12-week study, participants who consumed a daily drink made from freeze-dried wild blueberry powder experienced improved executive function, strengthened short-term memory, and faster reaction times. Not only that, but they also saw a reduction in systolic blood pressure and improved blood vessel function compared to those who consumed a placebo powder. Participants who ate blueberries also had better recall abilities and improved accuracy in switching tasks.

The experiment took place in London and involved 61 healthy volunteers between the ages of 65 and 80. For 12 weeks, half of the participants drank a daily beverage containing 26g of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder while the other half consumed a placebo drink that looked and tasted identical. This method of using powdered food is a common practice for its precise measurements. The quantity of blueberry powder consumed was equivalent to 178g of whole blueberries or approximately 75-80 blueberries.

According to science, blueberries don’t necessarily have to be wild to provide cognitive and vascular health benefits. Several studies have been conducted with different types of blueberries that yielded positive outcomes. It all comes down to the blue pigments found in these berries, called anthocyanins, which are a type of polyphenol. The researchers in one particular study found that a daily dose of wild blueberry powder, containing 302 milligrams of anthocyanins, had significant positive effects.

From the current understanding, the exact way in which polyphenols promote health benefits remains somewhat of a mystery. One idea that has been proposed is that the “metabolites” of polyphenols (which are the substances formed when they are broken down by the body) may be able to act as signals and exert influence over various cellular pathways. In particular, they seem to be able to impact levels of nitric oxide and different enzymes. Interestingly, the study found that participants showed higher levels of anthocyanin metabolites in their urine at the end of the period. This is a fascinating glimpse into the complex and multifaceted workings of polyphenols within the body.

The study showed promising results in improving cerebral and vascular blood flow. It’s fascinating to think that by eating such a simple fruit, one can reap so many benefits for both heart and brain health. However, the study did not find any differences in arterial stiffness and blood lipids between those who consumed blueberries and those who took a placebo. But the researchers suggested that polyphenols found in the fruit may boost the abundance of beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut, leading to increased production of butyrate. It’s a tantalizing theory that needs further exploration to confirm its validity.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

The Obesity Paradox

Defying conventional belief, epidemiology studies have frequently uncovered the “obesity paradox,” whereby excess body weight seemingly has marginal impact on mortality risk. Critics argue that such paradox arises from methodological limitations, specifically the usage of body-mass index (BMI) to assess obesity. When accounting for BMI’s inherent drawbacks, recent research unveils the absence of this paradox, underscoring that higher levels of body fat contribute to an increased likelihood of death.

While it’s widely accepted that obesity contributes to numerous health issues, recent studies reveal a fascinating “U” shaped curve, bringing these long-held beliefs into question. This scientific anomaly fuels our curiosity, reshaping our understanding of obesity’s intricate role within the human body.

Unraveling the enigmatic “U” in the relationship between Body-Mass Index (BMI) and mortality risk unfolds some fascinating revelations. Scrutinizing countless epidemiological studies exposes an unexpected twist. Individuals with an “overweight” BMI (25-30) showcase the lowest threat to their mortality, while those deemed “obese” (30-35) exhibit marginal or negligible risk compared to the “healthy” BMI range (18.5-25). However, danger lurks in the extremities of the BMI spectrum, as the “underweight” and extremely obese (35+) populations grapple with increased mortality risks. Moreover, numerous studies suggest that obesity could paradoxically serve as a protective factor for older adults and those affected by chronic illnesses,

The obesity paradox, which emerged from studies reliant on BMI measurements, has recently been contested by critics who argue that BMI is not an accurate measure of obesity. Their concern lies in the fact that BMI does not account for body composition or the distribution of fat in the body. For instance, a highly fit person could be misclassified as obese, while a slender individual with dangerous fat deposits around their organs may be deemed “healthy.” Thus, the reliance on BMI in obesity research raises questions about the validity of the obesity paradox.

A 2020 review article by Italian scientists at Sapienza University suggests a reevaluation of obesity measurement techniques. They recommend utilizing excess body fat as an indicator rather than BMI. Fascinatingly, when researchers in 2018 adjusted BMI to consider muscle mass and its correlation with mortality risk, the typical “U” shaped curve altered into a nearly straight line. This adjustment revealed a drastic increase in death risk – almost 70% – for extremely obese individuals compared to those with healthy body composition.

A comprehensive analysis of an extensive 40-year dataset involving around 18,000 participants investigated the correlation between body fat distribution, BMI levels, and mortality risk. This study highlights that the implications of high BMI on health and mortality may not be as binary as previously thought, and instead, could be dependent on the duration spent at a high or low BMI. Consequently, this emerging hypothesis challenges the conventions of generalized categorization, offering fresh insights into understanding the intricacies of BMI’s influence on overall well-being.

In a fascinating revelation, after scrupulously eliminating data biases, it was discovered that obesity elevates the risk of death by an astounding 91%, substantially more than previously thought. The enigmatic U-shaped curve vanished, taking the paradox with it. It was further deduced that excess weight is linked to one in six US fatalities. Public health connoisseurs in a 2017 publication asserted that paradoxes warrant skepticism and that incongruous findings should be deliberated among interdisciplinary professionals. The true “paradox” lies in researchers asserting the existence of such without meticulously examining potential methodological justifications.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Obesity or BMI Paradox? Beneath the Tip of the Iceberg

Farmed Salmon Shown To Have High Toxin Levels

Did you know that the delicious farm-raised salmon on your plate might be hiding a secret? Recent research on over two metric tons of salmon from North America, South America, and Europe revealed some surprising findings. Farm-raised salmon were found with significantly higher levels of PCBs and other toxins when compared to wild salmon. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health risks of indulging in your favorite fish dish.

The production of farmed salmon has skyrocketed by 40 times in just two decades. This astounding leap can be credited to the sprawling salmon farms across Northern Europe, Chile, and North America, which now account for more than half the world’s salmon sales.

Although salmon is known for its numerous health benefits, there’s an untold story about the toxins they potentially accumulate. Salmon, being the fish predators they are, rank high on the food chain, making them prone to build-up of toxins in their bodies.

To gain a better understanding of the lives and diet habits of Pacific salmon, researchers have recently conducted an extensive study involving five wild species from three different regions in North America. For this research project, Chinook, Coho, chum pink and sockeye were all taken into consideration as scientists sought to uncover more information.

After an analysis of salmon samples was done, it revealed a fascinating pattern – farmed Atlantic salmon contained considerably higher amounts of 13 toxins when juxtaposed with their wild Pacific counterparts. Upon dissecting this discovery by geographical regions, it was observed that both European and North American farmed specimens exhibited substantial elevations in all 14 toxin levels in comparison to wild Pacific salmon. Intriguingly, South American farmed salmon only displayed increased levels of 6 toxins, and even demonstrated significantly reduced levels of two toxins (HCB and lindane) compared to wild salmon species.

The team delved into the world of farm-raised salmon and their diet, specifically “salmon chow” – a concoction of pulverized fish and oil. Unveiling a powerful link between the toxicity levels in chow and salmon, the study propounded that these menacing toxins find their way from the feed into the salmon, showing the journey of contaminants.

Farmed salmon carries a higher amount of toxins compared to their wild, open ocean counterparts. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store or your favorite seafood restaurant, pause and ponder. Do you want the economic benefits of farmed salmon or the healthy goodness of their wild counterparts?

To view the original scientific study click below:
Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed Salmon

Successful Transformation of Stem Cells into Bone Cells

Scientists recently achieved a breakthrough in stem cell research with the successful transformation of stem cells into bone cells via specifically programmed materials. Using shape-memory polymers and dynamic scaffolds, researchers were able to make this discovery possible.

Stem cells are known to be incredibly malleable, since they have the potential to transform into a variety of different cell types. Scientists have been able to control and direct this transformation process by altering the environment around them. This research is being used in tissue engineering which helps regenerate or repair damaged tissues with substitutes materials mainly via static scaffolds.

Researchers engineered a polymer sheet with the remarkable ability to morph in response to temperature changes. By creating grids on its underside and regulating the stretch as temperatures varied, they employed this artificial muscle’s dynamic movement to synchronise signals from two distinct stimuli. These were physical change of temperature and mechanical stimulus which then prompted stem cells to seed onto it into forming bone tissue.

The polymer actuator sheet possesses an incredible shape-memory function that acts like a transducer, allowing it to effectively instruct cells what to do. By combining changes in temperature with the repeated stretching motion of the film, the experiments showed successful differentiation into bone cells from stem cells.

These advanced polymer sheets can be used to treat bones damaged beyond the body’s ability to heal naturally. During an operation, stem cells from a patient’s bone marrow could span across these programmed membranes and wrap around destroyed bones. This would than act as reinforcements while adapting their function like they had been previously trained.

This new development could mean revolutionary advancements in medical treatments.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Polymeric sheet actuators with programmable bioinstructivity

Why Sitting Cross-Legged Should Be Avoided

Do you ever find yourself absent-mindedly crossing your legs while sitting down? It turns out that most people cross their right leg over their left, with some preferring the opposite or having no preference at all. But have you ever wondered if this common habit is actually bad for your health and posture?

Recent studies highlight some alarming facts such as misaligned hips, reduced blood flow to the limbs, and increased risk of blood clots. Crossing your legs at the knees seems to be worse than doing it at the ankles. This posture may lead to high blood pressure and damage to your blood vessels, which is why it’s recommended to keep your feet flat on the floor.

Sitting cross-legged for extended periods can cause significant long-term changes in your body. Your pelvis, spine, and shoulders are all impacted by this common sitting position that many of us assume without thought. As your muscles and bones adapt to the cross-legged position, your body can become misaligned, causing potential problems with your neck and head position. Meanwhile, your lower body may also be affected, with imbalances and poor posture causing strains and stresses.

As your gluteal muscles stretch for longer periods, they can become weaker, causing your pelvis to become misaligned. This misalignment can also cause scoliosis and other deformities. A more severe condition that may arise is greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which can become quite painful and affect the outer side of your hip and thigh. In addition, crossing your legs can pinch a nerve in your lower leg, resulting in foot drop where the whole of the foot hangs down. Although this issue typically lasts for a few minutes, it can cause weakness when trying to lift the little-toe side of the foot. Therefore, it’s best to be mindful of how long you’re crossing your legs to avoid any unexpected muscle or nerve issues.

The anatomy of men and women can actually affect their ability to sit cross-legged. It turns out that women have an advantage in this area, as their bodies are better equipped for this posture. Men, on the other hand, have a limited range of motion in their hips, which can make it more difficult for them to cross their legs comfortably.

So, if you regularly sit cross-legged, it’s time to start paying attention to the impact it could have on your body. While there are risks associated with leg-crossing, it’s important to note that many of these risks are amplified by our sedentary lifestyles and other health issues. So, instead of worrying too much about this one habit, focus on staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting as much as possible. It’s time to rethink your sitting habits and make some healthier choices. Together, these small changes can lead to big benefits for our bodies and minds.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Leg-crossing: incidence and inheritance

Exciting New Discovery For Stem Cell Therapy

Researchers from The Univ. of Melbourne and the Australian Nat’l Univ. have made a major breakthrough that could revolutionize stem cell delivery. They’ve created a novel ‘hybrid’ hydrogel, which enables clinicians to transport healthy amounts of stem cells directly into the site of brain injuries in mice. This overcomes one of the biggest challenges surrounding this technology since its inception over thirty years ago.

The potential for hydrogel is immense. This water-based gel can not only transport substances into the body, but also provides a nourishing environment that helps stem cells to thrive. It has the ability to deliver oxygen and supply vital nutrients to promote healthy growth. After a stroke or other injury, the brain can suffer from damage to its blood system. To allow cells in that area of the brain to survive until it is repaired, this innovative hydrogel has been developed as an artificial supply of much needed oxygen and nutrients. This has hope for scientists that it will help enhance current treatments involving stem cell therapy and aid in restoring damaged tissues across many areas of medicine.

After five years of intensive study, the team found a breakthrough to ensure stem cells remain viable during delivery. This progress was made possible by utilizing a synthetic protein based on myoglobin from whales and horses. Myoglobin is an oxygen-storing compound commonly found in deep water mammals for extended dives, and galloping equines needing sustainable energy levels over long distances.

This study has achieved incredible progress in healing injured brain tissue. The encouraging results suggest that new, healthy tissue can be created for future therapies. It was discovered that by infusing the delivery hydrogel with myoglobin and oxygen supply, stem cells survive longer and are able to mimic natural responses of regular functioning brain matter. This opens up exciting doors into furthering our understanding of regenerative science.

Researchers and clinicians around the world are brimming with excitement over this recent breakthrough. It has been successfully demonstrated within mice brains, but experts believe it can be generalized to have a broad range of applications. This could be from cell transplantation to drug delivery and even offering 3D versions of diseases in vitro.

No longer bound by traditional limitations, this proof-of-concept discovery offers hope that clinicians may soon have an effective tool to aid the regeneration process. This could pave the way for revolutionary medical treatments using injectable nanomaterials – ushering us into an exciting new era of healthcare.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Hydrogel oxygen reservoirs increase functional integration of neural stem cell grafts by meeting metabolic demands

Eating Unhealthy Foods Rewires Our Brain

Despite our tendency to indulge in high-sugar and high-fat foods, research suggests it may not be entirely our fault. A recent study revealed that consistently consuming sugary and fatty foods has the power to reprogram our brains to crave them even more. These delicious but unhealthy treats, like chips, cake and cookies, have a way of persuading our brains to subconsciously prefer them. Even after we stop eating them, our brains still yearn for them. In short, we have unknowingly become addicted to fatty and sugary treats. Our brains learn to associate these fatty and sugary foods with pleasure, causing us to crave them even when we’re not eating them.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne teamed up with Yale University to investigate the effects of a high fat and sugar dessert on brain activity. For two full months, one group indulged in these sweet treats each day while a control group received a lower fat version with the same calorie count. Brain activity was monitored both before and during the study, giving us valuable insight into how our brains respond to our dietary choices.

The results found that indulging in daily high-fat and sugar desserts for just eight weeks can have a significant impact on the brain. The team observed increased brain activity in response to sugar and fatty foods causing a release of dopamine – a hormone that makes us feel good. Through this rewiring, our brains learn to prefer rewarding junk food without us even realizing it.

Discovering what brings us pleasure and motivation is tied to the release of dopamine in our brains. We enjoy simple things such as eating our favorite foods or working out, which sets off a chain reaction of dopamine being released. Interestingly, our brains learn to prefer certain foods due to the pleasure they bring. This reinforces our desire to seek out and consume these types of foods, creating a preference that may be innate or develop over time.

The study found that despite consuming a daily dessert high in fat and sugar, volunteers didn’t gain more weight or experience changes in their blood values compared to the control group. Researchers suspect that these individuals will likely continue to crave unhealthy foods due to newly-formed brain connections that are difficult to dissolve. This phenomenon suggests that the brain’s ability to remember enjoyable experiences may push individuals towards unhealthy eating habits in the long-term. In essence, our brains tend to hold on to pleasurable food memories, making it difficult to break the cycle.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Habitual daily intake of a sweet and fatty snack modulates reward processing in humans

Your Eyes Could Be The Key To The Aging Process

Fascinating research led by Buck Institute professor Pankaj Kapahi suggests that our eyes hold the key to understanding the aging process. By examining the blood vessel-rich tissue in the retina, known as the fundus, imaging technology can track human aging more accurately than other methods. This noninvasive and less expensive approach has even led to the development of a clock called eyeAge, which can pinpoint the genetic basis for aging.

Researchers have found that retinal scans may hold the key to tracking the trajectory of aging. By noting changes in the eyes of those being treated, researchers believe they can determine the efficacy of these treatments with up to 71% accuracy in less than a year. Unlike traditional biomarkers that can fluctuate wildly based on common day-to-day factors, retinal scans are incredibly reliable and consistent.

The evidence suggests that changes in the microscopic blood vessels in the retina can be an early indicator of many age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even high blood pressure. Ophthalmologists can use these tiny capillaries to detect everything from tumors to AIDS, making your annual eye exam more important than ever.

Small changes in blood vessels can have big consequences, especially for those with diabetes. But detecting these changes can be a challenge even for advanced instruments. That’s why Google Research is leading the charge to use deep learning to predict and detect eye diseases. From diabetic retinopathy to glaucoma and AMD, these models can identify at least 39 eye diseases as well as non-eye diseases like chronic kidney and cardiovascular disease. And with the help of a well-studied dataset and over 100,000 patients, Google researchers have developed eyeAge, a tool that can predict a patient’s age based on their eye images alone. Thanks to advancements like these, we’re one step closer to a world where early detection is the norm, and preventative care is the rule, not the exception.

By monitoring individuals over multiple scans and time periods, the study found that predictions for aging were more precise and reliable when based on individual data, rather than randomly matched individuals. This means that by tracking changes in our eyes over time, we can gain valuable insight into our overall health and aging process. The results show that the age of our eyes is completely independent from our phenotypic age – giving us a whole new way to look at the aging process.

By utilizing retinal scans, we may be able to unlock a new understanding of the aging process and how to slow it down. In short, the results from the research are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many exciting avenues to explore, questions to answer, and treatments to discover.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Longitudinal fundus imaging and its genome-wide association analysis provide evidence for a human retinal aging clock

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