electromagnetic waves
Science
Health
Scientists Blasted Human Cells With 5G to See What Would Happen
To settle lingering health fears, scientists blasted human skin cells with intense 5G signals to see if the radiation does any damage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
36 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
This Genetic ‘Trick' Helped the Black Death Linger for Centuries
Yersinia pestis—the bacterium that causes the bubonic plague—experienced a genetic tweak that allowed rodents to live longer after they were infected, according to a new study. This alteration may have prolonged two significant plague pandemics, including the deadliest event in human history: the Black Death. Researchers at the Institut Pasteur in France and McMaster University in Canada studied hundreds of ancient Y. pestis DNA samples to investigate a gene called 'pla.' Their study, published May 29 in the journal Science, identified a decrease in repetitions of the pla gene in the Y. pestis genome during the later stages of both the first and second major plague pandemics. The researchers believe these pla depletions ultimately allowed these pandemics to last longer. The first plague pandemic, known as the Plague of Justinian, struck the Mediterranean basin during the sixth century and caused tens of millions of deaths over the course of two centuries. The second emerged when the Black Death broke out in 1347, killing an estimated 30% to 50% of Europe's population in just six years. But this was just the beginning. Like the first pandemic, this plague continued to reemerge for centuries, lasting more than 500 years. This newly discovered evolution of the pla gene offers more insight into how these plagues persisted for so long. The pla gene appears many times in the Y. pestis' genome and plays a crucial role in its virulence by allowing it to infect the lymph nodes before traveling to the rest of the body, according to an Institut Pasteur statement. This causes rapid septicemia—or blood poisoning—and quickly kills the victim. Therefore, a lack of this gene in Y. pestis strains from the first and second major pandemics likely made the bacterium less virulent, the researchers suggest. To test that hypothesis, they infected mice with three preserved strains of Y. pestis from the third major pandemic that also had fewer repetitions of pla. 'These three samples enabled us to analyze the biological impact of these pla gene deletions,' said co-author Javier Pizarro-Cerdá, director of the Yersinia Research Unit at the Institut Pasteur, according to the statement. Through their mouse model, Pizarro-Cerdá and his colleagues found that the pla depletion resulted in a 20% decrease in victim mortality. What's more, it allowed infected rodents to live significantly longer. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that rats infected with pla-depleted Y. pestis strains may have been more effective disease vectors, as they had more time to spread the plague far and wide before they died. Rodents—particularly rats—played a critical role in spreading the bubonic plague to humans. People most commonly contract this disease via infected flea bites, and fleas typically contract it when they feed on infected rodents. Thus, an increase in the lifespans of sickened rodents would have provided greater opportunity for fleas to bite them, become infected, and then bite humans. 'Ours is one of the first research studies to directly examine changes in an ancient pathogen, one we still see today, in an attempt to understand what drives the virulence, persistence, and eventual extinction of pandemics,' said co-lead author Hendrik Poinar, director of the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre and holder of the Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Genetic Anthropology, according to the statement. Today, the bubonic plague is considered a rare disease, though a small number of cases still emerge in western North America, Africa, Asia, and South America, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While this research provides valuable insight into the evolutionary history of Y. pestis and the world-altering pandemics it caused, it can also serve as a model for better understanding how deadly diseases emerge and spread, according to the researchers.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
1 Unique Way To Be More Productive — According To A Psychologist
How do we understand and organize the daily events of our life? It appears we use mental templates or 'scripts' to form coherent narratives of these events. These scripts are like a library of patterns that help us predict and make sense of what's happening around us. For example, we know what usually happens in a restaurant, which is ordering from a menu, eating and paying for your food. Interestingly, a 2024 study published in Current Biology suggests that our brains can divide time into meaningful sections or 'chapters.' The change is not just mental — it reflects in our brain activity. So, our brains don't just passively respond to the world around us; they actively organize events based on what we're paying attention to and what we already know. This tendency can be harnessed to improve focus and manage everyday tasks more efficiently, reducing stress and helping you achieve a better work-life balance. Here are some practical strategies to use meaningful chapters to have more productive days. A 2018 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that there are three significant aspects of what constitutes meaning in life and the ability to feel like we're part of something larger than ourselves. These aspects are significance, purpose and coherence. Researchers found that routines can play an important role in achieving coherence and meaning. They often align with important goals, such as daily exercise or completing tasks at work. Even though routines can feel monotonous, they can include a series of intentional actions that move you toward meaningful objectives. Structuring your day around meaningful personal goals can encourage you to make the time to manage stress more effectively, sleep better, eat nutrient-dense foods and be more active, all of which contribute to your well-being and sharpen your focus. Setting clear boundaries between work and rest periods, such as by allocating specific times for tasks reduces distractions and helps you concentrate on one thing at a time. This prevents multitasking, which for many, can reduce focus and productivity. One helpful way to do this is to journal or reflect on the day's chapters to get a sense of what your day already looks like, and then break it down into new, meaningful chapters on paper. Create a routine according to your individual needs, reflecting on what would truly benefit your personal evolution. You can also use time-blocking strategies like the Pomodoro technique to create natural 'chapters' in your day and avoid burnout. It's best to curate these time breaks according to how long it actually takes for you to feel rested and how long you find that you can focus completely. Reframing routine activities, like going for a walk or going grocery shopping, as intentional 'chapters' can boost motivation. For instance, your morning workout can be your 'wellness' chapter, and your grocery haul can be part of your 'self-nourishment' chapter. Additionally, research shows that incorporating simple, undemanding activities like folding clothes or doing laundry as 'breaks' in between demanding tasks can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. For those whose minds tend to wander, such tasks encourage mind wandering, which seems to help the brain unconsciously connect ideas and aid creativity. This is a great reminder that slowing down can be productive. Such activities can help creative individuals who find it difficult to structure their day, as mundane tasks become more meaningful for them. These chapters are times for their minds to roam freely, while completing chores that benefit them, but don't drain them further. Align your chapters with your natural energy cycles. Everyone has different levels of energy throughout the day and you need to find what works for you. For example, your energy level may be the highest in the early morning, so it may be best to get a workout in at the time. Schedule demanding tasks during energy peaks and use lows for lighter activities. It's also worth noting that men and women function on different hormonal cycles. While men have a 24-hour cycle with their testosterone peaking early in the day and slowing down in the evening, women have a 28 day reproductive hormone cycle. So, their energy levels can fluctuate depending on the time of the month. Research also shows that circadian rhythms can impact men and women differently, with women experiencing greater cognitive impairments at night. So, women may benefit from scheduling more cognitively demanding work earlier in the day. Defining your chapters provides a powerful framework for organizing your day, enhancing focus and reducing stress. Let each chapter of your day bring you closer to achieving your goals, one step at a time. Are you mindful about how you spend your time? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Mindful Attention Awareness Scale
Health Line
4 hours ago
- Health Line
12 Causes of High Blood Pressure (and How to Prevent It)
Key takeaways Most cases of hypertension are primary (essential), meaning there's no specific cause but rather multiple factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and diet. Only about 5% to 10% of cases are secondary hypertension with a specific identifiable cause. Key modifiable risk factors include having overweight or obesity (which accounts for 65% to 78% of primary hypertension cases), lack of physical activity, high sodium intake, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, taking certain medications, and not getting enough high quality sleep. Your blood pressure is a gauge of how much pressure your blood flow creates in your arteries. If it's too high, it can damage your cardiovascular system. Hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) can also increase your risk of certain complications, such as heart attack or stroke. Nearly 50% of adults in the United States have hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many more have it and don't know it. So how do you know if you have high blood pressure? Per the American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines, your blood pressure is in the normal range when it's less than 120/80 mm Hg. Doctors consider anything above that as elevated. Anything above 130/80 mm Hg falls into one of two stages of hypertension. Hypertension can be primary or secondary. Most cases of hypertension are primary (essential). That means there's no specific cause for your hypertension, and it's likely due to several factors, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and diet. About 5% to 10% of people with high blood pressure have secondary hypertension. It's attributable to a specific cause, such as hypothyroidism. You can often reverse secondary hypertension if you effectively treat the underlying condition. 1. Underlying health conditions While most cases of hypertension are primary (many-faceted), several underlying health conditions can contribute to or cause secondary hypertension. Treating these conditions can often reverse hypertension. They include: elevated blood pressure overweight or obesity diabetes chronic kidney disease pregnancy certain heart irregularities »MORE: Get a refill for your high blood pressure medication in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Perks Online Care. Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. 2. Overweight or obesity Although obesity is an underlying health condition, it warrants its own spot on this list. A 2020 literature review estimated that obesity accounted for 65% to 78% of cases of primary hypertension. Being overweight or having obesity can cause you to develop high blood pressure. It can also worsen hypertension if you already have it. That's because having more fat tissue causes changes in your body. Those changes include hormonal and physical shifts in your kidneys and how they function. Carrying too much weight could also alter how your body uses insulin. This could lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes —another risk factor for hypertension. If you're overweight or have obesity, losing 2% to 3% of your body weight could reduce your risk for heart disease and hypertension. But a healthcare professional may recommend aiming for 5% to 10%. They'll usually recommend a mix of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, or other interventions. 3. Lack of physical activity Getting too little physical exercise can negatively impact you in many ways. It could aggravate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and lead to being overweight. Exercising can help you maintain a moderate weight or lose weight if necessary. That can positively affect your blood pressure and give you more energy and a sense of well-being. The AHA suggests the following, based on guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise. Perform moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening resistance training at least 2 days per week. Spend less time sitting. Work up to more activity — at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week. Gradually increase the amount and intensity of your exercise. Learn more about the benefits of regular physical activity. 4. Salt intake Eating less sodium can help you lower your blood pressure. Sodium is a component of table salt, aka sodium chloride. It's also a common addition to many packaged and processed foods to enhance taste. A 2019 study found that moderately reducing your sodium intake could lower your blood pressure, whether you have hypertension. Most people in the United States consume too much sodium. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the average daily intake for adults is 3,400 milligrams (mg) — 48% higher than the recommended limit. The FDA suggests a limit of 2,300 mg per day, or about one teaspoon, for people ages 14 and up. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests an even lower limit of 2,000 mg. The AHA recommends lower still — no more than 1,500 mg daily, especially if you have hypertension. Learn more about a low sodium diet. 5. Alcohol Heavy alcohol consumption can harm your overall health, including your cardiovascular health. It can contribute to or worsen hypertension. It can also increase your risk of diabetes and several cancers. The AHA recommends limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day for males and one for females. A drink is: 12 ounces of beer 4 ounces of wine 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits But even moderate alcohol consumption has its drawbacks. A 2019 study of more than 17,000 people suggests that moderate consumption (7 to 13 drinks a week) can substantially raise your risk of hypertension. A 2020 study also found a link between moderate alcohol consumption and high blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Learn more about how you can reduce your alcohol consumption. 6. Caffeine Up to 90% of people in the United States consume some form of caffeine each day. According to the AHA, caffeine isn't terrible for blood pressure unless you have too much. The AHA also acknowledges a possible link between drinking coffee and a lower risk of chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day is safe for most people with high blood pressure, according to a 2017 review of studies and a 2021 study. But drinking much beyond that can lead to anxiety and heart palpitations. The FDA suggests a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults. For reference: An 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 100 mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of tea has 30 to 50 mg. An 8-ounce energy drink has 40 to 250 mg. A 12-ounce can of soda has 30 to 40 mg. If you're concerned about your caffeine intake, it's best to check in with a healthcare professional. As caffeine is known to elevate blood pressure, wait 30 minutes before taking a blood pressure reading. An inaccurate reading can impact your care, according to a 2022 study. 7. Smoking Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking can contribute to many life threatening conditions, including heart attack, stroke, lung disease, and several cancers. That said, the relationship between hypertension and smoking isn't yet clear. But smoking does lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, the hardening of your arteries. Stiff arteries cause an increase in blood pressure. 8. Medication Some medications can increase your blood pressure. A 2021 study of 27,599 adults found that 18.5% of people with high blood pressure take medication that could raise their blood pressure further. Medications that might increase your blood pressure include: steroids nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decongestants antipsychotics birth control pills If you have high blood pressure, it's best to discuss all medications you're taking, including any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, with a healthcare professional. 9. Not enough sleep According to the CDC, most people older than 18 years need at least 7 hours of sleep a night for optimum health. But many people don't get enough. That can affect your health, especially if you have high blood pressure. That's because when you sleep normally, your blood pressure goes down. That gives your body a break. Having insomnia or other sleep problems, or regularly getting too little sleep, means your body doesn't get as much of a break. You can get enough rest by practicing good sleep hygiene. The CDC offers the following tips: Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. Get enough natural light, especially earlier in the day. Get enough physical activity during the day. Try not to exercise within a few hours of bedtime. Avoid artificial light, especially within a few hours of bedtime. Use a blue light filter on your computer or smartphone. Don't eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime; avoid alcohol and foods high in fat or sugar. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. 10. Pregnancy Hypertension that develops during pregnancy is called gestational hypertension. If you have it, it's imperative to manage it to avoid harm to you and your baby. Doctors generally define it as blood pressure at or over 140/90 mm Hg. There are several possible causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy. They include: being overweight or obese not getting enough physical activity smoking drinking alcohol having a first-time pregnancy having a family history of pregnancy-related hypertension carrying more than one child being 35 years or older having assistive reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) having diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases You can help prevent high blood pressure in pregnancy by managing risk factors you can change — those that are related to lifestyle, such as being overweight, smoking, and alcohol use. Talk with a healthcare professional as soon as you think it may be a concern. 11. Age High blood pressure typically becomes more of a concern as you age. The CDC reports that from 2017 to 2018, hypertension was more common in older adults. Age range (years) Prevalence of hypertension 18–39 22.4% 40–59 54.5% 60+ 74.5% All adults 45.4% The National Institute on Aging (NIA) states that high blood pressure risk increases with age because your body's vascular system, or network of blood vessels, changes as you age. Your arteries can get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. That's true even for people with healthy habits. The NIA recommends the same practices for older adults as younger ones, including modifying essential lifestyle factors like smoking (if you smoke), drinking (if you drink), exercise, and a balanced diet. They also recommend you take prescribed medications if needed and check in with a doctor regularly. Learn more about managing your blood pressure as you age. 12. Genetics If your parents have high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it. Hypertension tends to run in families. This may be due to family members sharing similar habits, like exercise and diet. But there appears to be a genetic component as well. Genetic factors may contribute to 30% to 60% of cases of irregular blood pressure. Some genetic variants can lead to syndromes that feature high blood pressure, including: hyperaldosteronism Gordon syndrome Liddle syndrome Other genes or combinations of genes might lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure. Research from 2019 suggests that a variation in the ARMC5 gene may explain the increased prevalence of hypertension in Blacks and African Americans. Still, it's not yet known how much having a family history of the condition increases your risk. More research is needed in this area. How can I prevent high blood pressure? According to the AHA, the ways to manage blood pressure are also ways you can help prevent it: Get regular physical activity. Don't smoke, or quit smoking if you do. Limit alcohol consumption. Maintain a moderate weight. Eat a balanced diet that's low in sodium. Manage your stress. Work with a healthcare professional. Takeaway Many factors contribute to your likelihood of developing hypertension. Some of them are within your control, such as your exercise habits, diet, and whether you drink alcohol or smoke. Others are not, such as genetics and age. If you already have hypertension, you're not alone. Nearly half of all adults do. You can lower your blood pressure by changing your habits and seeing your healthcare professional for appropriate medication if necessary. If you don't have hypertension, check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Many people, including those with healthy habits, don't know they have it. You can lower your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
