Slowing down time: what science really tells us about aging well

 Slowing down time: what science really tells us about aging well

Who hasn't dreamed of stopping time, or at least slowing it down a little? We all know people who seem to barely age, full of energy, and others who, unfortunately, decline more quickly. This brings us to a question everyone is asking: can we really slow down our biological clock? And will science soon offer us a sort of fountain of youth? This article will attempt to answer these questions, separating fact from fiction.

The hard truth and a new goal: to live better, rather than longer.

Let's start with the somewhat difficult news: there's probably a limit to our longevity. Scientists believe there's a maximum age we can't really exceed. But there's some very good news! More and more researchers are urging us to change our way of looking at things. Rather than focusing on the number of years we live (lifespan), we should focus on our 'healthy life expectancy.' That is, the number of years we feel good, are independent, and enjoy life. And that, we have real power over.

Obvious Solutions (That Really Work)

No surprise here, the basics remain the best allies. The winning combination is, of course, exercise and diet. Any physical activity is good to take up, whether it's walking, a little strength training, or stretching. It's proven that being active reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, and neurological diseases. When it comes to food, the diet that stands out is the Mediterranean diet: lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, a little fish and poultry, and very little red meat and sugar. It's simple, and it works.

Surprise Guests: Even Our Nightmares Count

But our health is more complex than we think. Sometimes, unexpected factors play a role. For example, a recent study showed a possible link between frequent nightmares and faster aging. It might not be expected, but it reminds us that our mental well-being, our sleep, and even our dreams are connected to our physical health. Everything is connected!

The False Promises and Real Hopes of Science

Beware of miracle pills! Pharmacy shelves are full of dietary supplements promising to make us younger. But most of the time, the scientific evidence is very weak, if not nonexistent. A doctor interviewed in the article makes it clear: so far, none of these products have proven their effectiveness in humans. However, real science is advancing! Well-known drugs, such as metformin (used for diabetes) or rapamycin (an anti-rejection drug), are currently being tested for their anti-aging effects. The results are eagerly awaited.

A New Lead: The Strength of Our Immune System

Researchers are also exploring fascinating new avenues. One of these is what they call 'immune resilience'. This is the ability of our defense system to protect us from infections and other threats, but without going into overdrive and creating too much unnecessary inflammation. One study showed that people with the best immune resilience could have a life expectancy 15 years longer! And guess what? Exercise and a good diet help strengthen this resilience.

The 'superfood' you already have

One of the scientists interviewed offers a golden piece of advice. When asked what the magic 'superfood' is, he replies: 'The real superfood is your attitude, your state of mind.' It's a wonderful idea. People who view life and its challenges positively seem to maintain a less inflammatory state in their bodies. Optimism may therefore be one of our best tools for aging well. Perhaps the greatest power to slow down time is in our heads.

Conclusion

So, what can we learn from all this? That no one will live forever, that's for sure. But we have a lot of tools up our sleeves to make the journey as long and enjoyable as possible. The keys are ultimately quite simple: move a little every day, eat a colorful and varied diet, and cultivate joy and optimism. While we await future scientific discoveries, the secret to aging well may simply be to live well, here and now. According to the source: thereader.mitpress.mit.edu

What junk food does to your body

What junk food does to your body

We've all been there at least once... The fridge is empty, no desire to cook, and junk food seems to be the only option, or the one we can't resist.

But as you should be aware, junk food is obviously bad for your health. Very addictive because of the ingredients it contains, its texture and tastes, make this food have a very negative impact on our body and mind.

Click through this gallery and discover the effects of junk food on your health.

Low nutritional value

Most junk foods are made up of carbohydrates, fats, and sodium, so they don't contain the nutrients your body needs.

Obesity

Junk food is also high in calories and can be addictive. Consuming more calories than your body needs can lead to obesity.

And obesity leads to many health problems. In addition to visual impairment, you may suffer from respiratory problems, among other things.

Breathing

Difficulty breathing, or even the development of certain respiratory diseases.

The respiratory system

A study showed that children who ate junk food at least three times a week were more likely to develop problems such as asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema.

Consistency and Texture

Because of the consistency of junk food, you tend to chew less, and therefore eat faster.

Hunger

And in addition to eating faster, you'll eat more, and your brain won't have time to release leptin, the so-called satiety hormone.

The impact on your digestive and cardiovascular systems

Junk food is a sugar bomb. With the presence of these carbohydrates, your body will release insulin to control the spike in blood glucose.

This is how your body works. The problem is that if you do this regularly, you'll be more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health

Eating junk food affects your mental well-being, in addition to your physical well-being.

A study has highlighted the fact that eating fast food and ready meals can increase the risk of depression.

Lack of energy, lethargy

Eating fat and carbohydrates is the perfect combination to leave you feeling drained, instead of feeling more energetic and energetic.

Overexcited

A study showed that artificial food colorings could increase hyperactivity in children.

Memory and cognitive function

Junk food can have an effect on this, as it will make you more tired and unable to concentrate due to the lack of nutritional value in these foods.

High sodium content

Sodium adds flavor to foods and is an important mineral. But excessive consumption can make you bloated.

But water retention isn't the only consequence of excessive sodium consumption. It can also increase your blood pressure and put stress on your cardiovascular system.

Additionally, too much sodium can increase the risk of kidney stones or kidney disease.

Artificial Food Colorings

The caramel coloring used in soda has been linked to cancer, so be careful with liquid foods as well.

Fragile bones

Excessive consumption of junk food can lead to decreased bone density. This is mainly due to the high sodium content of these foods.

Inflammation

Phthalates, chemical compounds found primarily in plastic and food packaging, increase inflammation levels in the body. This can lead to several health problems.

Reproductive System

Phthalates can also affect the way your hormones work, potentially affecting your fertility.

Dietary Fiber

Junk foods lack dietary fiber. This means that if you consume a lot of them, it will affect your digestive system and potentially make you constipated.

Cancer

Meat cooked at high temperatures produces heterocyclic amines. According to a study, these compounds may increase the risk of developing cancer.

Teeth

The acidic nature of most junk foods, including soda, can damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Skin

Excessive sugar consumption leads to inflammatory problems, including acne and eczema.

Trans Fats

Artificial trans fats are often found in junk food.

Consuming them can increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol.

But that's not all! You also risk developing type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

 

The hunger switch in your nose: How smells tell your brain to stop eating

Smelling food can trigger a feeling of fullness in lean mice, thanks to a newly found brain circuit. But in obese mice, the same signal doesn’t work—suggesting our noses might hold keys to fighting obesity.

A team of scientists has discovered a direct link between the smell of food and feelings of fullness at least in lean mice. This brain circuit, located in the medial septum and triggered by food odors, helps animals eat less by making them feel satiated even before taking a bite. But intriguingly, obese mice lacked this response, highlighting how excess weight may interfere with this satiety mechanism. The finding could have major implications for how we think about the role of smell in

 appetite and offer new strategies to combat overeating.

No more hunger after cooking? A newly identified network of nerve cells is responsible, a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research has discovered in mice. They discovered a direct connection from the nose to a group of nerve cells in the brain that are activated by the smell of food and, when activated, trigger a feeling of fullness. This was not the case in obese mice. This discovery suggests that treating obesity might require different advice about smelling food before a meal based on a person's weight.

The researchers used brain scans to investigate which regions of the mice's brains respond to food odours, and were able to identify a new group of nerve cells in the medial septum of the brain. These nerve cells respond to food in two steps: When the mouse smells food, the nerve cells fire and create a sensation of fullness. This happens within a few seconds because the nerve cells are directly connected to the olfactory bulb. The nerve cells react to different food smells, but not to other smells. When the mice started to eat, the nerve cells were inhibited. Overall, the mice ate less when these nerve cells are active before eating.

"We think this mechanism helps mice in the wild protect themselves from predators. By eating for shorter periods, they reduce their chances of being caught.," explains Janice Bulk, the first author of the study.

Excess weight disturbs perception

In obese mice, the same group of nerve cells was not activated when the mice could smell food. The mice did not feel fuller and did not eat less overall. The authors point out that it is already known that obesity disrupts the olfactory system, including neuronal activity in the olfactory bulb. The newly identified group of nerve cells could also be affected by obesity.

And in humans?

The human brain contains the same group of nerve cells as the mouse, but it is not yet known whether they also respond to food odours. Studies by other research groups have shown that smelling some specific odors before a meal can reduce people's appetite. In contrast, other studies have shown that overweight persons eat significantly more in the same situation.

"Our findings highlight how crucial it is to consider the sense of smell in appetite regulation and in the development of obesity. Our study shows how much our daily-lives' eating habits are influenced by the smell of food. Since we discovered that the pathway only reduces appetite in lean mice, but not in obese mice, our study opens up a new way to help prevent overeating in obesity," says Sophie Steculorum, the head of the study and research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research.

Journal Reference:

1. Janice Bulk, Joscha N. Schmehr, Tobias Ackels, Rui de Oliveira Beleza, André Carvalho, Ayden Gouveia, Lionel Rigoux, Vincent Hellier, Anna Lena Cremer, Heiko Backes, Andreas Schaefer, Sophie M. Steculorum. A food-sensitive olfactory circuit drives anticipatory satiety. Nature Metabolism, 2025;

 

What the Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran Means for Israel-Palestine Conflict

In the Gaza Strip, who received clothing ,food from UNICEF. Communities in the Gaza Strip were affected by the recent exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, as well as the ceasefire announced on June 23

UNITED NATIONS, Jun 26 (IPS) - The Trump administration announced on June 23 that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran had been reached following 10 days of conflict between the two nations and the United States’ bombardment of three nuclear sites in Iran. The establishment of the ceasefire will return focus back to the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations estimates that 610 Iranians and 28 Israelis were killed due to the exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran. With the cessation of the conflict, the region can recover from these damages, as well as come closer to stability, peace and a chance to focus on their already existing humanitarian crises.

Amid fears of an escalating global conflict, humanitarian organizations expressed concern about the far-reaching humanitarian implications in regions such as Gaza and the West Bank, where conditions are already dire. With the ongoing blockade in Gaza, civilians are unable to acquire food, clean water, humanitarian aid, healthcare and fuel. These regions have also been subject to routine bombardment by Israel, and conditions worsened after some communities were impacted by the strikes between Israel and Iran, according to American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA).

“Nothing since WWII can equal it, with bombs deliberately targeting hospitals and civilians and UN agencies like the World Food Program and World Health Organization being blocked,” James E. Jennings, president of Conscience International and Executive Director of U.S. Academics for Peace, told IPS.

The 10 day conflict between Israel and Iran led to increased military raids, arrests, violence and damage to infrastructure. The period shifted focus away from Palestinians, reducing donations and advocacy.

The ceasefire and potential de-escalation of tensions between its neighbors should bring the international focus back to Palestine’s humanitarian crisis.

With Iran severely weakened, former New York University (NYU) international relations professor Dr. Alon Ben-Meir says the country will not be able to support its Axis of Resistance in the near future. He predicts Iran will attempt to come to an agreement with the U.S. in regard to its nuclear program. Israel, on the other hand, is now in a powerful position as it has diminished Hamas’, Hezbollah’s, and now Iran’s threat against them, according to Ben-Meir.

“Sadly, Israel’s triumphant assault on Iran may further embolden Netanyahu to try to attain his ‘total victory’ in Gaza, which, in my view, is elusive at best,” Ben-Meir said.

Israel seemed to confirm this prediction.

“Now the focus shifts back to Gaza—to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, said.

With Iran and Hamas temporarily out of the equation, Ben-Meir said Trump has a chance to demand an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestine and “to think in terms of changing the dynamic” of the conflict.

Ben-Meir said that only if Trump pushes for an end to the war can a resolution be reached. Yet, he said that while Netanyahu remains in power, it is unlikely that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will end, which will still leave the region in an unstable state.

“Although this will not lead to a regional peace that would include all the players, it has created a more positive regional atmosphere,” he said.

Ben Meir also predicts that the cessation of tensions with Iran is unlikely to change the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“Netanyahu is riding high and will relent only if Trump tells him to stop using humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages,” he said.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on June 22 after the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear sites. Following pushing for peace in the region, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the ceasefire.

“I urge the two countries to respect it fully,” Guterres wrote on X. “The fighting must stop. The people of the two countries have already suffered too much.”

Conclusion:

As recent developments have shown, this is a fast-moving situation, and there’s still a lot we don’t know about what might happen next.

And while Mr Trump—and some other world leaders—have proclaimed the ceasefire a success, whether or not the agreement will ultimately lead to renewed negotiations with Iran remains to be seen.

Crucially, there appears to be some doubt over just how effective the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities actually were. Reports have claimed an initial Pentagon intelligence assessment estimated that the bombings likely only set Iran’s nuclear programme back by a matter of months. The White House has claimed this assessment is “flat out wrong”, and Mr Trump has claimed Iran’s nuclear sites were “completely destroyed”.

Cheap spices: a risky saving for your health

 Cheap spices: a risky saving for your health

Spices are essential ingredients in our kitchens. They sublimate our dishes thanks to their unique aromas and flavors. However, giving in to the temptation of low prices can sometimes be expensive... to our health! Heavy metals, pesticides or adulteration: low-cost spices can hide unsuspected dangers.

In this article, learn about the risks of cheap spices, learn how to recognize questionable products, and follow our tips for buying spices safely:

1. The Hidden Dangers of Cheap Spices

Improper practices when growing, transporting or storing spices can lead to various types of contamination. Here are the main ones:

Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium and arsenic are sometimes present in spices due to contaminated soils or improper processing. These metals, which are toxic to the body, can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system.

Pesticides: Pesticide residues used extensively in agriculture can persist on spices even after they have been processed, posing a health risk.

Adulteration: To reduce costs, some spices are mixed with substances like brick dust, sand, or flour, compromising their quality and safety.

Microbial contamination: Improper storage promotes the development of fungi or bacteria, which are responsible for the presence of mycotoxins, highly toxic and sometimes carcinogenic substances.

2. How to recognize poor quality spices?

Although it is difficult to detect contamination with the naked eye, there are some clues that can alert you:

An abnormally low price: If a spice costs much less than average, beware. This price difference can hide questionable practices.

An unusual texture or color: Irregularities in the powder (too fine, grainy, or faded color) can indicate the presence of additives or foreign substances.

A weak or altered aroma: A fresh spice gives off an intense and characteristic fragrance. If the smell is bland or strange, the quality probably leaves something to be desired.

Incomplete packaging: The lack of clear information about the origin, expiration date, or certifications is a sign that the product is unreliable.

3. Tips for safe and responsible shopping

To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are some practices to adopt:

Choose reliable brands: Buy your spices from reputable brands or specialized stores. These suppliers guarantee better traceability and rigorous control of their products.

Read the label carefully: Check that the packaging clearly indicates the ingredients, the origin, the use-by date and a registration number with the health authorities.

Opt for organic spices: Organically grown products are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, reducing the risk of contamination.

Store them properly: Store your spices in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent mold growth.

Buy whole spices: Prefer whole spices (such as cinnamon sticks or peppercorns) and grind them yourself. This limits the risk of adulteration.

The rules that baby boomers should follow (and the ones that Gen Z wants to follow)

The rules that baby boomers should follow (and the ones that Gen Z wants to follow)

It is a tradition for each generation to think that the one that follows it is all wrong. But when it comes to baby boomers and Gen Z, the rivalry is palpable. One thing that most individuals find difficult to agree on is child-rearing, which is why some trends have been abandoned. However, one can't help but wonder if it was for better or worse.

Do not respond to adults

While baby boomers had a lot of freedom, most rules became strict when it came to interacting with their parents. There was respect for authority, and these children knew they shouldn't be disrespectful and talk back.

Good grades are essential

Baby boomers placed a heavy emphasis on grades because school was one of the surest ways to guarantee a good life. Good grades meant a good college, and therefore a good career and a bright future. However, this has recently changed, and nowadays, school no longer guarantees such good job prospects.

Children must be seen and not heard

This is certainly one of the strictest rules among baby boomers. Children were expected not to intervene in adult conversations and to remain polite and silent around guests.

No Privacy for Children

Privacy is a new development for modern children, as in the past, it was common for parents to closely monitor their children. Of course, it was easier to keep an eye on your children when there weren't hundreds of devices at their fingertips. These days, children have too much privacy, especially on their phones, which can expose them to dangerous people and situations.

Specific Roles for Boys and Girls

The previous generation had fairly strict expectations for boys and girls. While girls were pampered, boys were expected to be tough. Furthermore, girls were more likely to be expected to stay at home, while boys were allowed to go out.

Physical Discipline

Physical discipline is certainly a hot topic today, but it wasn't in the past. In fact, physical acts like spanking were widely accepted and even a relatively popular method of discipline.

Early to Bed

Baby boomers were pretty good at sticking to a strict schedule. Not only were there curfews, but early bedtimes were part of the routine. It turns out that routine is great for humans, and nothing is more powerful than ritual. Children who were raised with a decent bedtime are more likely to continue doing so as adults.

Saving for a Rainy Day

Baby boomers were known for being quite frugal and had reliable spending habits that ensured their longevity and success. They taught their children these life lessons and preferred saving for a rainy day rather than living in the moment.

Children should handle bullying themselves

Bullying has existed in schools for ages, and baby boomers had a different perspective on the subject. They viewed bullying as a normal part of growing up and taught their children to handle it with minimal involvement. Now that we've covered some of the rules baby boomers had to follow, here are 10 rules the new generation is determined to follow.

Mutual respect rather than blind obedience

The days when parents had total control over their children are over, and instead, Gen Z advocates teaching respect through understanding. Instead of using the phrase "because I said so," Gen Z parents are more likely to explain their reasoning and provide logic.

Non-physical discipline techniques

Generation Z is quite strict about rejecting physical punishment. Instead, they use positive reinforcement to discipline their children, but this is a much-discussed tactic. While avoiding physical actions is perfectly fair, never verbally punishing your children can lead to spoiled children who can't imagine anyone telling them no.

Encourage children to express themselves early

Instead of encouraging children to stay quiet and calm, Generation Z prefers to have an open dialogue. They try to be involved in their children's lives and are eager to hear their thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics.

A Balance of Grades

It's pretty clear that Gen Z values ​​mental and physical health equally. In fact, they consider mental well-being to be on par with academic excellence. Gen Z isn't afraid to put grades aside to have a more fulfilled and happier child. Considering the current school system, who can blame them?

Flexible Family Schedules

While baby boomers had a strict family meal schedule, Generation Z is more flexible and adapts to their children's schedules and lifestyles. Additionally, many children are allowed to eat when and what they want. This could be a double-edged sword, however, as many children have ended up with unhealthy diets as a result.

Valuing Privacy

Unlike Baby Boomers, Generation Z recognizes children's desire for privacy and personal space. While children should have their own space and autonomy, too many parents have no idea what's going on in their children's lives or the strangers they're talking to. In fact, many children lie to their parents about what they're doing on their devices, and there have been several scandals involving children's services or channels featuring inappropriate content. Be careful!

Live in the moment

Generation Z is also more flexible when it comes to saving, and while they want to teach their children financial responsibility, they also encourage them to live life to the fullest and participate in new experiences. In today's economy, it's difficult to save for anything, so you might as well try to make the most of the time you have.

Anti-Bullying Strategies

Generation Z and the school system in general take bullying very seriously. Unfortunately, schools have become dangerous places for children, which is why there are many initiatives aimed at combating such behavior. Unfortunately, these seem to have little effect, with many children reporting bullying and teachers unable to intervene or stop it.

Breaking Gender Norms

Traditional gender norms are a thing of the past, and Gen Z parents pride themselves on teaching their sons responsibility and respect, while allowing their daughters to explore all opportunities and shape their own identities.

Feeling Emotions

While baby boomers encouraged their children to suppress their emotions in order to act appropriately and overcome difficult situations, Generation Z has a different approach. They want to understand children's emotions and encourage them to talk about them and share their thoughts.

Summary

Today’s workforce consists of 4 generations: (ordered from oldest to youngest) Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. These generations were raised in different social and political atmospheres and therefore, correspond to different childhood upbringings and familial environments, which beget different values, wants, and needs in adulthood.