Hidden bacterial molecules in the brain reveal new secrets of sleep | ScienceDaily
New studies show that a bacterial molecule, peptidoglycan, is present in the brain and fluctuates with sleep patterns. This challenges the idea that sleep is solely brain-driven, instead suggesting it’s a collaborative process between our bodies and microbiomes. The theory links microbes not only to sleep but also to cognition, appetite, and behavior, pointing to a profound evolutionary relationship.
Once Upon a Place: The magic of space in fairy tales
Alan U. Dalul reviews "Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film" by by Holly Bellebuono with a foreword by Jack Zipes.
Lucas Miles’s The Pagan Threat leaves no ambiguity: it catalogues modern Pagan traditions in detail, framing them as enemies of church and nation. By casting Pagans as conspirators and parasites, the book transforms theological polemic into real-world danger for our communities.
If we get to a point where we’re able to mass produce artificial meat on the same scale as current meat produce, and it is literally indistinguishable from the real thing, what do you think comes of livestock? : r/Futurology
People who consumed higher amounts of artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol) showed steeper drops in verbal fluency, memory, and cognitive function over 8 years. This link was stronger in people with diabetes but also observed with people without it. : r/science
Experimental new sunscreen forgoes minerals, replacing them with plant pollen. When applied to animal skin in lab tests, it rated SPF 30, blocking 97% UV rays. It had no effect on corals, even after 60 days. By contrast, corals died of bleaching within 6 days of exposure to commercial sunscreens. : r/science
Medscape: Sugar Substitutes Not So Sweet for Brain Health
Artificial sweeteners may not be the harmless alternatives to sugar that many assume, particularly when it comes to brain health, a landmark study suggests.
Overworked neurons burn out and fuel Parkinson’s disease | ScienceDaily
Overactivation of dopamine neurons may directly drive their death, explaining why movement-controlling brain cells degenerate in Parkinson’s. Mice with chronically stimulated neurons showed the same selective damage seen in patients, along with molecular stress responses. Targeting this overactivity could help slow disease progression.
Herbal Therapy Shows Analgesic and Functional Benefits for Osteoporosis Management
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has concluded that the proprietary herbal formula Xianling Gubao (XLGB) capsule is safe and effective for reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with primary osteoporosis.