Monday, May 13

The new science of death: ‘There’s something happening in the brain that makes no sense’ - The Guardian

Wow 🀯!!  Fascinating 🧐. Reminds me of my Dad's study of parapsychology πŸ™ only this is hardcore science πŸ‘πŸΌ.  - Lee

"In the moments after Patient One was taken off oxygen, there was a surge of activity in her dying brain. Areas that had been nearly silent while she was on life support suddenly thrummed with high-frequency electrical signals called gamma waves. In particular, the parts of the brain that scientists consider a "hot zone" for consciousness became dramatically alive. In one section, the signals remained detectable for more than six minutes. In another, they were 11 to 12 times higher than they had been before Patient One's ventilator was removed.



Given the levels of activity and connectivity in particular regions of her dying brain, Borjigin believes it's likely that Patient One had a profound near-death experience with many of its major features: out-of-body sensations, visions of light, feelings of joy or serenity, and moral re-evaluations of one's life. 




It is the hope that by transcending the current limits of science and of our bodies, we will achieve not a deeper understanding of death, but a longer and more profound experience of life. That, perhaps, is the real attraction of the near-death experience: it shows us what is possible not in the next world, but in this one."






The new science of death: 'There's something happening in the brain that makes no sense' - The Guardian

https://apple.news/A-bodnuXOTcGTMozQgMdvPw

Friday, May 10

Neuroscientists warn of 'cascading' Alzheimer's risk from these two habits - Newsweek

Neuroscientists warn of 'cascading' Alzheimer's risk from these two habits - Newsweek

Scientists believe that Alzheimer's is caused by the abnormal buildup of proteins in and around our brain cells, although exactly what triggers this buildup is still unclear. 

But what we do know is that our risk of developing Alzheimer's is dependent on a range of genetic and environmental factors. And among these environmental factors are alcohol consumption and chronic stress.



https://apple.news/AzWO6T0sJQ3KPoryw1MxKiA

Tuesday, March 26

Scientists may have discovered what causes long COVID brain fog - Prevention

It's a small sample, but results seem clear πŸ₯ΉπŸ§.  Here's an excerpt:

The scientists then did MRI scans with dye of 22 people with long COVID, along with 10 people who recovered from COVID-19. They found that long COVID patients who had brain fog had signs of a leaky blood-brain barrier. Specifically, the dye injected into the bloodstream leaked into their brains and pooled in regions that play a role in language, memory, mood, and vision.


Scientists may have discovered what causes long COVID brain fog - Prevention


https://apple.news/A_3hSfAuLQ5OvqMGgfoHU2w

Wednesday, December 20

😩 Surges of flu, COVID, and RSV - Simultaneous!

WINTER ILLNESS THIS YEAR IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF UGLY

Facing down simultaneous surges of flu, COVID, and RSV, most Americans still aren't getting the vaccines that could temper the worst effects.


https://apple.news/AgbOOYPduS1KKfK_sN9th2A

Wednesday, December 6

The Scientist Who Wants to Show You How to Live for a Really, Really Long Time - Popular Mechanics

Very interesting 🧐!  We need to do this to live long!!

The Scientist Who Wants to Show You How to Live for a Really, Really Long Time - Popular Mechanics


https://apple.news/AXKgzZTa2TvCRAw5X7f3bJA

Modern healthcare, as Hood sees it, is reactive when it should be preventive. If a person gets sick, they go to a doctor and get treatment. If the treatment works, they will get better—but damage may have already been done in waiting. If things don't get better, their condition worsens and other associated diseases may emerge. 

Hood—who is best known for inventing revolutionary biological instruments that paved way for the Human Genome Project and pioneering systems biology, an all-encompassing approach to science—feels uniquely qualified to captain a movement toward a new, wellnessdriven health system.
Incurable, debilitating disease is an outcome that Hood has grown determined to avert. He's turned himself into a kind of guinea pig for longevity. Some of his habits are pure orthodox: He believes exercise has helped him live long and stay sharp. (It was an easy and familiar habit for the high school quarterback who climbed Yosemite's El Capitan in his youth.) But he also regularly screens his body for toxins like mercury and lead. He takes drugs like NAD+, which has been shown to slow aging in animals, but is still considered unproven. As he puts it: "I am a living experiment." 

 HOOD BELIEVES THAT WE NEED A GLOBAL healthcare revolution. "What I'd like to do is basically convert healthcare from a disease-driven entity," he says, "to a wellness- and prevention-driven entity." And he's confident that innovations in engineering, biology, and data science have equipped us to do that by making much more sophisticated predictions with better opportunities for intervention.

Monday, November 20

Fwd: Covid Special Report

Good and scary info that we should all be aware of.  Get the booster shots asap.  Stay healthy!   πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: National Geographic <ng@email.nationalgeographic.com>
Date: Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 3:25 PM
Subject: COVID SPECIAL REPORT: How this virus attacks your body


The latest science on how COVID affects your sleep, your heart, and your nervous system  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  
 
COVID AND YOUR SLEEP VIEW ONLINE
National Geographic
THE LATEST SCIENCE ON
HOW COVID HARMS YOUR BODY
More than three years after the pandemic began, scientists are still learning how this virus attacks our bodies, from our hearts to our brains—and even how we sleep. Here's the latest on what we know so far, including intriguing new insights into the mysteries of long COVID.
PHOTOGRAPH BY RECEP-BG, GETTY IMAGES
COVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here's why
Nightmares. Days without sleep. Waking in a panic in the middle of the night. Sleeping for 18 hours a day. As COVID-19 swept through the global population, so too did reports of sleep disruptions both during an infection and in the weeks and months beyond. Here's what scientists are learning about the havoc that viruses and bacteria wreak on sleep.
HOW COVID ALTERS SLEEP
MICROGRAPH BY STEVE GSCHMEISSNER, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer.
Nearly 40 percent of long COVID patients suffer from the condition that causes disorientation, memory loss, chronic headache, and numbness. Destroyed connections between brain cells may be to blame.
HOW COVID CAN DAMAGE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Now we know how COVID attacks your heart
Even patients with mild COVID symptoms could face a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Here's what researchers have discovered.
COVID AND YOUR ARTERIES
JAMES CAVALLINI, SCIENCE SOURCE
How COVID can interfere with your period
There could be temporary disruptions to your cycle after the vaccine—or more significant issues after a severe bout of COVID-19.
'FUNKY EVER SINCE'
PHOTOGRAPH BY ZOWY VOETEN, GETTY IMAGES
Why the new COVID shot is a game-changer (and why the term 'booster' is obsolete)
The latest vaccine formula is available in local pharmacies now. Here's why it matters—and everything you need to know about it.
VACCINE FAQ
Read more:
Why it's good to feel bad after your COVID shot
Can you use an expired test? How long do you isolate? Here's a COVID refresher.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COVID?
PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLYN VAN HOUTEN, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES
Have we solved the mystery of long COVID? New research offers an intriguing clue.
Nearly 1 in 5 people who have had COVID-19 in the United States continue to suffer from symptoms of long COVID. But why some people recover completely while others remain sick has been a mystery. Now research has provided some enticing clues.
WHAT WE KNOW

Tuesday, November 14

How to be prepared while hiking — Dog watches over missing hiker’s body for 2 months in Colorado mountains, rescuers say - Miami Herald

See excerpts further below πŸ‘‡πŸΌ for good advice on hiking prep.  

Dog watches over missing hiker's body for 2 months in Colorado mountains, rescuers say - Miami Herald

https://apple.news/A8EsJ46kwSv-zgevW0SyHEQ

How to be prepared while hiking
If you're planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take: 

Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools. ​ 

Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays. ​ 

Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. ​ 

Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don't forget to pack extra batteries.​ 

First-aid supplies: It's a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.​ 

Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need. ​ 

Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance. ​ 

Nutrition: You should pack an extra day's worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having "salty and easy to digest snacks." ​ 

Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you're hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is "of utmost importance," park officials said.​ 

Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.

How to deal with bears

Great advice about how to deal with bears 🐻 — see below.   They can be very dangerous ⚠️ 

Black bear smells take-out food on Florida home's front step — and takes it, video shows - Miami Herald

https://apple.news/Ap_zIU22tRn6x7Pauuhx2bQ

What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack. 

 Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you're a human and nonthreatening. ​ 

Stay calm: Bears usually don't want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear. ​ 
Don't scream: Screaming could trigger an attack. ​ 

Pick up small children: Don't let kids run away from the bear. It could think they're small prey. ​ 

Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people. ​ 

Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don't make any sudden movements. ​ 

Don't drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection. ​ 

Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out. ​ 

Again, don't run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would. ​ 

Don't climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

Saturday, September 23

PATIO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE

PATIO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE

What are the solutions for existing patios?

If you have an existing concrete patio that does not have a drainage system, it's not too late to install one. Where the water tends to collect, cut out a sloping channel in the concrete to direct the water away, filling it with decorative stone or gravel.

Instead of gravel, you can also have a trench or channel drain made of metal installed. These drains are typically just a few inches wide and allow water to pass through, but keep out debris. They are installed flush with the surrounding patio so they won't be a triping hazard.

A more radical yet effective solution is to reestablish the pitch of the patio slab by installing a cement-based overlay. On this project, the pitch of the patio was corrected by installing an overlay ranging from 4 inches down to under an inch. The overlay was placed in sections separated by integrally colored borders to add decorative interest




Sunday, August 27

Your eyes are very vulnerable to the sun. Here’s how to protect yourself. - National Geographic

Good advice! πŸ‘πŸΌ   Your eyes are very vulnerable to the sun. Here's how to protect yourself. - National Geographic


https://apple.news/A6bHPeeQ4TQ-ix8-FPNXx1A

Friday, August 25

Sept 11th: Here’s when the updated COVID vaccine is expected to become available — and who should get it - ABC News











"Many health care providers recommend that people 65 and over get a second dose a few months after the initial shot to boost immunity."






Here's when the updated COVID vaccine is expected to become available — and who should get it - ABC News


https://apple.news/AoMy_2RcoRvW2oDdtyul_nQ

Wednesday, August 23

How to survive an encounter with wildlife—from bears to bison - National Geographic

Quite useful tips about how to handle dangerous wildlife encounters! πŸ‘πŸΌ

How to survive an encounter with wildlife—from bears to bison - National Geographic


https://apple.news/A2cWacHMLTTKQGkDk4uGAvA

Using stem cells, doctors restored vision to people with devastating eye injuries - NBC News

Fascinating 🧐!   Using stem cells, doctors restored vision to people with devastating eye injuries - NBC News


https://apple.news/AsxZ_K8KdRS2CJhvm31Y9bg

Thursday, August 17

People with Alzheimer’s disease tend to be deficient in these 5 nutrients that ‘help keep brains in top condition at all ages,’ researchers say - FORTUNE

Great advice about foods to eat to avoid Alzheimer's — more and varied fruit, nuts, fish. πŸ‘πŸΌ - Lee

People with Alzheimer's disease tend to be deficient in these 5 nutrients that 'help keep brains in top condition at all ages,' researchers say - FORTUNE


https://apple.news/APk0H4YS4SsG_eBYWbH-04w

Tuesday, August 15

These bizarre worms are probably coming to a backyard near you - National Geographic











Don't pick up a hammerhead worm with your bare hands. Their slime can stick to you and make them difficult to pick up, and they can wriggle away and split themselves to reproduce, he adds.


You can pour table salt on them, and dispose of them with gloves or scoop them away with a shovel. You can also let them soak in a container of 1:1 mix of bleach and water. Toss them out with household trash, and don't put them in compost, where their eggs could live on.






These bizarre worms are probably coming to a backyard near you - National Geographic


https://apple.news/AbeJmfM3NSOOkujT5cZChww

Wednesday, August 9

Forget 10,000 Steps. Here's How Much Science Says You Actually Need to Walk - TIME

Walking just 4,000 steps per day—less than half of the 10,000 steps often recommended for maintaining an active lifestyle—may be enough to help extend your life. 


Researchers found that more movement is better, with each additional 1,000 steps per day associated with a roughly 15% lower risk of premature death. But it joins a growing body of research that suggests workouts don't need to be all that grueling or lengthy to improve your health. Everything from walking to housework to dancing can contribute to well-being, studies have shown.



Forget 10,000 Steps. Here's How Much Science Says You Actually Need to Walk - TIME


https://apple.news/ACyzSrblYSZKrOY5IjIb82g

Tuesday, August 8

Leprosy could be endemic in Central Florida, researchers say. Here's what to know. - CBS News

Fuckin Florida 🀒!  Leprosy could be endemic in Central Florida, researchers say. Here's what to know. - CBS News


https://apple.news/AtArTSKheQZC8mUuPsWNlOA

Thursday, August 3

Cardiologists reveal snacks they’d never eat and what to choose instead - TODAY

Late night snacks are especially unhealthy, he says.


"My No. 1 recommendation to every patient who walks in my office is not to eat after dinner," Kraus tells TODAY.com.


"It's just going to get stored. Your body doesn't need it … so it's unnecessary calories going in your body. It also interrupts sleep if you eat too close to going to bed."



Cardiologists reveal snacks they'd never eat and what to choose instead - TODAY


https://apple.news/AiYgGxKtkT4S0B_a8oNLjcw

Tuesday, July 18

Wish I knew this stuff for Mom — Does Medicare pay for assisted living? Understand what's covered—and your other options - FORTUNE

Wish I knew this stuff for Mom Angie — but it's helpful to know for the future in case one of us needs this stuff later as we age.  For me, I'm planning to stay in my own home or on a cruise ship πŸ›³️ (or a karate dojo or nature hike or dance floor) until the very end… lol 😝 

Does Medicare pay for assisted living? Understand what's covered—and your other options - FORTUNE


https://apple.news/A45pyMiTCQrKc78hWn0ZKHw

Sunday, July 16

Cancer? Food and beverage products that mention aspartame on their labels - Reuters

The WHO say's aspartame is a possible carcinogen, but FDA says it's ok in moderation.  Confusing, yes.  But one thing they all agree on:  switching back to sugar is very bad for weight, diabetes, and other major health issues.  

Better to drink unflavored soda water (club soda) - make your own! - and just no sugar in your desserts.  

See below for Food and beverage products that mention aspartame on their labels - Reuters

https://apple.news/A4mtKNFkrTiiH58f_O61_zg

Thursday, June 8

Fwd: Watch out for this voice replication scam!

Hello!  

I just wanted to share about this horrible scam that is going on now where they simulate the voice of a family member in crisis on the phone (as well as their caller id).  It happened to a friend of mine (Tomer from my work), and he shared it with folks on our team (see email below).  

There are two solutions to this:  (1) have a secret question/answer that you use to verify it's really you, and (2) call the person directly to verify (but sometimes you can't reach them).  Check out the video link on youtube below.  Good luck! 

Best,
Lee

 

From: Tomer Ozari

Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 12:18 PM
To:  Science team
Subject: Voice replication scam

 

Everyone,

 

This is the voice replication scam that I mentioned during our meeting today.  It is very stressful especially for older people who are targeted, as my family was impacted this week.  The best thing to do is to have a secret question during the initial call with the impersonator and also to independently call the person being impersonated.  These things are difficult to remember given the shocking content of the scam and if the person being replicated is unavailable to answer the phone.

 

https://youtu.be/V6_jCGzR020

 

Tomer


Saturday, May 27

Think About Your Death and Live Better - The Atlantic

This is actually a key to happiness 😊.  A good read with some thought exercises about how to live better, make better choices, and live more in the moment. 


Think About Your Death and Live Better - The Atlantic


https://apple.news/AuX8JO5MdSOOmqYFypTnJXw

Friday, May 19

A retired FBI agent on how to protect yourself during a mass shooting - NPR

Good advice:  Run Hide Fight

Mass shootings are less than 1% of all firearms injuries in the U.S. annually. More people are killed in their homes and neighborhoods than in public venues. 



A retired FBI agent on how to protect yourself during a mass shooting - NPR


https://apple.news/AA3-Xrus2QSCmcHwD5gi3EQ

Sunday, April 30

Wednesday, April 19

Monday, April 17

AR-15: The lethal weapon at heart of US gun debate - BBC News

Hi-  Although I hate AR-15 assault rifles in the hands of civilians and the mass shootings where they have been used -- it is helpful to read this from the BBC to understand the history, statistics, and culture around this gun so we can better fight for common sense gun laws.  

Unfortunately it appears there are millions of these in circulation within the USA. This gun is essentially an improved version of the M16 service rifle used by the military in the Vietnam War.  Apparently, there are increases in buying levels whenever there are shootings because (a) gun companies pump up fear of restrictions, and (b) people think they need it for protection against the criminals. Ugh 😣 - Lee

Wednesday, April 5

California population winners and losers: Why some counties boomed and others shrank - Los Angeles Times

Interesting 🀨. Open the interactive version of the map and click on counties to see how they increased or decreased in population. 🧐 Ventura County decreased.  

California population winners and losers: Why some counties boomed and others shrank - Los Angeles Times


https://apple.news/Al6P25uqFT-aW6z0HzbCd2A