10/6/23: New stress ball, back pain, and bird song study

Planet Health

• 🌳 URBAN WIN: The U.S. Forest Service is distributing $1B in funding to support urban forests across a total of 385 entities and projects working "to increase equitable access to green spaces and the benefits they provide for cooling cities, improving air quality, and promoting food security and public health and safety." Around 90% of the projects "involve tree planting and maintenance," important for increasing biodiversity.

• 🌊 RESTORATION RESEARCH: In eastern Canada, marine biologists and Indigenous communities are working together to restore disappearing eelgrass, an essential species of underwater grass responsible for "sequestering 2x more carbon than forests." Eelgrass is declining around the globe, and is an important habitat for eels, salmon, clams, and lobsters, while protecting "against erosion and storm surge by stabilizing sediment."

• 🦜 BIRD SONG: A recent study highlights starlings' remarkable problem-solving abilities in addition to their well-known vocal mimicry. Researchers revealed "birds who were highly skilled problem solvers and vocal learners had larger brains in relation to body size."

Human Health

• 🧘‍♂️ MEDITATION FOR PAIN: Did you know 39% of Americans experience chronic back pain? New evidence supporting the "effectiveness of brain-based treatments for chronic back pain" is emerging from a study published in JAMA Network Open, noting techniques like meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy as helpful treatment options. (One more reason to prioritize a meditation practice!)

• 🫁 ANTI-STRESS BALL: An interactive handheld "breath-work" ball to support mental health has been developed by a PhD student in the UK. Synchronous with a person's inhalations and exhalations, the ball expands and contracts with haptic feedback and accompanying guided audio meditations. “Among those who used the ball, there was an average 75% reduction in anxiety and a 56% increase in protection against worry-induced thoughts.”

• 👤 IMPACTS OF DISCRIMINATION: According to a new small study, experiencing discrimination can negatively impact the way your gut and brain interact. The people who "reported higher levels of discrimination had higher levels of the compounds known as glutamate metabolites. These compounds are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA," the study states.

Creature Feature

• MAGIC MOTH: You've got to see this buff-tip moth's camouflage technique. Common in the UK in early October before they overwinter underground, this beautiful moth's "protective resemblance" is that of a freshly-snapped birch wood twig! See a short video here.

   

Nutrition 101

• RESVERATROL: Found in the skin of red grapes, blueberries, and peanuts, resveratrol is a powerful natural polyphenol with many health benefits. Resveratrol's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help with brain function, lower blood pressure, studies show it can activate certain genes that ward off aging-related diseases, and it may even suppress cancer cells. Take an in-depth look here at resveratrol’s benefits.

Last poll’s results

Have you ever made your own cleaning products?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes, easy to do (67.6%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Never tried! (32.4%)