Things Worth Noting
Plastic cutting boards, common in many kitchens, release microplastics and harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates as they wear down from use. These particles, especially when boards are scratched, can contaminate food and act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormones, fertility, and metabolism. Studies show that microplastics from kitchen boards may cause inflammation, gut issues, and […]
MIT’s 2025 study shows that relying on AI like ChatGPT for essay writing can reduce brain engagement and create “cognitive debt.” Using EEG, researchers found that AI users showed weaker neural connectivity, lower focus, and poorer memory of their own work. They also felt less ownership and produced more uniform, surface-level writing. Brain-only users showed […]
Social media algorithms fuel polarization by pushing emotional, low-quality outrage that keeps users hooked. These engagement systems favor sensational content, creating echo chambers that reinforce beliefs, spread misinformation, and distort public discourse. Outrage-driven feeds encourage addictive scrolling, harming mental health and deepening distrust. Bots and AI-generated content worsen the problem by amplifying false or extreme […]
Ergotism is a dangerous illness caused by ergot alkaloids from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects grains like rye, wheat, and barley. The fungus forms toxic sclerotia that contaminate food and feed, leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions, and gangrene. Ergot alkaloids are powerful compounds that can harm the nervous system and blood vessels […]
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, affects millions worldwide, but lifestyle habits can play a major role in preventing or delaying its onset. Key risk factors like physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor diet contribute to cognitive decline. Prolonged sitting, even if broken up, has been linked to higher dementia risk by impairing brain […]
Susumu Ohno, a pioneering geneticist, bridged biology and music by exploring the patterns of repetition in DNA sequences, which mirror musical compositions. In his 1986 paper, he introduced the concept of DNA sonification, converting genetic codes into sound, revealing structural similarities between genetics and music. Modern interpretations of this idea extend to sound healing, with […]
Paying off debt fast starts with knowing what you owe and focusing on high-interest balances. Build a clear budget, cut non-essential spending, and use methods like the debt snowball for quick wins or the avalanche to save on interest. Consider consolidation loans or balance transfers to lower rates, and negotiate with lenders when possible. Boost […]
NASA’s SPHEREx mission, launched in March 2025, is a near-infrared space telescope mapping the entire sky in 102 color bands to study how the universe formed and evolved. By creating four full-sky surveys, it measures spectra from hundreds of millions of galaxies and stars, helping scientists probe cosmic inflation, galaxy growth, and the origins of […]
Sleepmaxxing promotes better sleep as a key part of modern wellness, helping people counter stress, screen time, and irregular schedules. It focuses on optimizing circadian rhythm with habits like morning sunlight, cool dark rooms, and consistent routines. Quality sleep supports immunity, mental health, cognitive function, and physical recovery, while tools like magnesium, melatonin, weighted blankets, […]
The U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, driven by years of budget deficits, rising interest costs, and growing entitlement obligations. Debt now equals more than 121% of GDP, with interest payments increasingly straining federal resources. Major contributors include high spending on defense, healthcare, and social programs, along with slower revenue growth from an aging […]