Latest news with #vagusnerve
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Tool could help improve your fitness in just 30 minutes
An early trial suggests a small device that stimulates a major nerve connecting the heart and brain could help improve fitness. The device, clipped to the outer ear, sends gentle electrical pulses to increase the activity of the vagus nerve, which regulates heart function. Wearing the stimulator for just 30 minutes a day for a week increased oxygen intake during exercise by 4 per cent in healthy volunteers. The study, led by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, involved 28 healthy volunteers and was published in the European Heart Journal. While larger trials are needed, researchers hope the device could one day be used to improve fitness, reduce inflammation, and potentially aid people with heart conditions.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Zapping the brain with a tiny device on the ear could boost fitness without people having to lift a finger, study claims
A small device that zaps a major nerve connecting the heart and brain could one day help improve fitness for coach potatoes and people with heart failure, an early trial suggests. Wearing the stimulator for just 30 minutes a day increased oxygen intake during exercise by four per cent, according to researchers - who hope it could eventually be used to help more inactive people. The device, clipped to the outer ear, sends gentle electrical pulses to increase the activity of the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating heart function. Led by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, the study involved 28 healthy volunteers. Half were given the nerve stimulator to wear for 30 minutes every day for a week, while the other half were given a dummy device. Following a two-week break, the groups swapped devices. All of those taking part in the trial had an exercise test at the beginning and end of the week they wore the stimulator. The trial, published in the European Heart Journal, found the 'dysfuntion' of the vagus nerve is 'strongly associated with impaired exercise tolerance'. Put simply: those wearing the nerve stimulator were able to exercise more intensely than when wearing the dummy device. After a week, the stimulator increased oxygen intake during exercise by 4%. It also boosted maximum breathing rate by an average of four breaths per minute, and maximum heart rate by four beats per minute during exercise. Gareth Ackland, a professor of perioperative medicine at Queen Mary University of London School of Medicine, said: 'Maintaining physical activity is essential for every aspect of cardiovascular, emotional, and cognitive health. 'The outcome of the trial is consistent with the significant body of evidence pointing to an important role of the brain in optimising exercise performance and regulating the activity of the immune system, helped by the vagus nerve'. Blood samples were also take from five people, with researchers suggesting wearing the nerve stimulator for a week helped reduce inflammation. Prof Ackland added: 'We will need to carry out larger trials to confirm our findings, but the results of this study in healthy volunteers suggest that increasing vagus nerve activity can improve fitness and reduce inflammation, potentially offering new approaches to improve heart health.' Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, said: 'This early study suggests that a simple technology, which harnesses the connection between the heart and the brain, can lead to improvements in fitness and exercise tolerance. 'While more research is needed involving people with cardiovascular disease, this could one day be used as a tool to improve wellbeing and quality of life for people with heart failure.'
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Want To Be Happier? Follow What Your Nervous System Is Telling You
Photo by FPG/We've long been told that happiness is a mindset, a perspective, maybe even a daily practice. But something else is also deeply embodied, radical and accurate: happiness isn't just in our heads, it's in our nervous systems, too. From the firing of the prefrontal cortex to signals traveling along the vagus nerve, the body continually broadcasts cues about how safe, connected and emotionally stable it truly feels, whether or not we are consciously aware of it. That's why emerging research reframes happiness not as a fleeting emotion, but as a full-body physiological state, shaped by autonomic rhythms, gut ecosystem, sleep patterns and digital habits. Elevated heart rate variability (HRV), for instance, a testable marker of vagal resilience, correlates with emotional regulation, reduced inflammation and sharpened cognitive clarity. In controlled settings, individuals with higher resting HRV tend to perform better on attention, decision-making and memory tasks, and recover from stress more quickly. Moreover, recent sleep studies also link vagally mediated HRV during REM sleep to improved emotional memory integration. In practical terms, a regulated nervous system boosts mood and rewires how the body processes and carries emotional experiences forward. If your system is dysregulated, gratitude journaling and mindset shifts can only do so much. Meanwhile, a global intervention study called the Big Joy Project tested whether brief, daily "joy snacks" (think expressing gratitude, noticing awe or performing small acts of kindness) could boost well-being in just one week. Across 17,000 participants in 169 countries, these science-based micro-practices improved mood, sleep, perceived control, and sense of connection, with greater benefits reported among less privileged groups. Researchers emphasize that joy is a skill people can build with intention. At the neurological core of joy is integration, especially between the prefrontal cortex (which governs self-regulation and focus) and the amygdala (the brain's alarm center). In minds attuned to happiness, these regions communicate fluidly, enabling emotional agility, impulse control and perspective-taking. The vagus nerve plays a central role in this integration. It connects the brainstem to the heart, lungs, gut and immune system. When vagal tone is strong, it signals safety across your body, lowering stress, improving digestion and reducing emotional reactivity. Studies have shown that higher vagal activation predicts better social connections, higher trust, and increased subjective well-being. Notably, research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that increased vagal activity might not only lower stress but also support emotional intimacy and sexual health, suggesting that joy and pleasure arise from regulated physiology. Heart rate variability has become a go-to biomarker for resilience and mental stamina. A 2024 review reported that HRV training enhances mood, focus and vitality in diverse populations. Furthermore, the gut-brain axis, our internal two-way communication highway, continues to reshape our understanding of mood. Strains such as Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus plantarum have been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience. These "psychobiotics" are now being incorporated into supplements designed to regulate mood by promoting overall microbial balance and gut health. Enter: whole foods rich in fiber, omega-3s, B vitamins and fermented foods that boost gut diversity and neurotransmitter precursors, such as GABA and serotonin. Research in Nutritional Neuroscience suggests that regular consumption of fermented foods is linked to reduced social anxiety and enhanced well-being. Regulation extends beyond biology. It's reinforced in how we live. A 2025 report from Stanford's Human Technology Lab suggests that digital boundaries (such as limiting doomscrolling and evening screen time) can lead to higher HRV and reduced anxiety, especially in women who juggle caregiving and emotional labor. High-performing individuals are responding with tools like Apollo Neuro (a wearable device that uses gentle vibration to stimulate the vagus nerve), Sensate (a sound-based vagal stimulation device) and HRV biofeedback apps such as Elite HRV and Inner Balance. These tools make regulation real-time and empowering, not reactive. Additionally, joy snack practices rooted in gratitude, awe, novelty and social connection, drawing from both scientific interventions and personal experience, have become mainstream. These small acts are not insignificant; they strengthen emotional reserves, reduce stress and increase one's willingness to help others, to name a few. Together, these tools and micro-practices are reshaping happiness from external attainment to internal regulation, making joy measurable, trainable and fiercely embodied. In the past, joy was often about external achievement or emotional suppression. But the future is different. It asks us not just to feel good, but to feel safe enough to feel everything. Happiness isn't just lightness. Its presence, regulation and the courage to slow down. In a world that's rushing us forward, the most radical act of self‑care may be to listen: to our bodies, our rhythms and the wisdom waiting inside us.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I'm going to live until 150 by biohacking myself – here's how to do it at home in 8 simple steps
NOBODY on Earth has lived to see 150-years-old - but that doesn't stop people from trying to push the boundaries of ageing. Kayla Barnes-Lentz and her husband spend six figures a year on a range of pricey tools and treatments as part of their reverse-aging quest but claim there are eight ways to biohack your body on a budget from home. 7 7 7 Biohacking is the viral buzz phrase behind making small, strategic changes to your lifestyle that can slow down your biological clock. For Barnes-Lentz, a 33-year-old longevity clinic owner, it means "having agency over your health and... getting more vested in how you feel on a day to day basis". "The industry definitely is kind of defined by being a really wealthy person's game - or only for people with the means," she adds. "But the honest truth is that the practices that move the needle the most are quite basic, and they are low cost or free." Humming Barnes-Lentz recommends "humming for improving vagal nerve tone". Vagal nerve tone, the activity of the vagus nerve, is linked to numerous health benefits, particularly in regulating the so-called "rest and digest" system. A high vagal tone is associated with better cardiovascular health, smoother digestion, reduced inflammation, and a calmer nervous system. Sunlight exposure Natural light is a potent biohacker, according to Barnes-Lentz. It can affect everything from sleep quality to your mood. "We're very dysregulated from that these days because of blue light, staying up late watching television, and not really getting natural sun exposure early in the morning," she explains. What a budget biohacker eats in a day But getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight within the first half an hour of your day can help your circadian rhythm and boost serotonin - the happiness hormone. "And then additionally, you can also view the sunlight later in the day as the sun sets, because it further anchors your circadian rhythm," says Barnes-Lentz. "It essentially signals to your body like, 'OK, here's the sun in the morning. I'm trying to wake up'. "And then we see sunset, the colour range of the sun while setting is very different. So it signals to our body, 'OK, sunset, it's time to start winding down'." Blue light 7 Cutting down your screen time before bed is critical for limiting your blue light exposure, according to Barnes-Lentz. Blue light at night suppresses your natural melatonin production - the sleep regulating hormone. This in turn can upset your circadian rhythm. You can get blue light blocking glasses online for between £50 and £100. Although you can DIY them, buying cheap orange or amber safety glasses. Wearing these for between one and two hours before bed can block blue light spectrum from screens and blue-toned bulbs. You can also change your phone settings to make the screen glow a warmer tone later in the evening. Electrolyte and mineral water You can also make your own electrolyte and mineral-rich water at home just by adding salt - although Barnes-Lentz urges you make sure your salt is free of pesky microplastics. To replenish electrolytes, add about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt per liter of water. This provides roughly 300mg to 600mg of sodium, which can help your body retain fluids without overloading on sodium. Home-based cryotherapy You can indulge in cryotherapy at home, according to Barnes-Lentz, without splashing the cash on fancy, specialised chambers. Ice baths or cold showers can help you de-stress, as well as lower inflammation and support immune system functions - three things that can potentially extend your lifespan. "Cold showers can be beneficial for some people," explains Barnes-Lentz. "As a woman, I do mine more in the follicular phase [of the menstrual cycle] - that can give you a boost of dopamine and energy in the morning. "Then I dial it back a bit after ovulation... because we have higher levels of stress and we're recovering a little bit." Dunking your face in cold water - or applying a cold pack - for one to two minutes can also activate what's known as the diving reflex. This is a physiological response that slows the heart rate, diverts blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart, and slows breathing. While it is our body's attempt at conserving oxygen while underwater, studies suggest it calms the nervous system via the vagus nerve. Detoxing Barnes-Lentz suggests dry brushing or even trampolining for eliminating toxins from organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin. So you don't need expensive diet plans or supplements. Dry brushing involves using a bristle body brush all over your body. It not only helps to unclog pores in the exfoliation process - but it can detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage. It supports the flow of lymph fluid, which can lead to reduced swelling, improved circulation, and a boost to the immune system by removing waste and toxins. It's the same reason why massages are good for you - only much cheaper. And trampolining does the same thing, according to Barnes-Lentz. "I also like a small rebound or trampoline," she says. "Which is good for removing the lymph fluid, which can also enhance detoxification." Your lymphatic system relies on muscular contraction to move fluid around the body. So the simple act of brushing or bouncing on a trampoline can help clear toxins from the body. 10,000 steps 7 Physical activity is a cornerstone of health - but it doesn't have to involve a gym membership or expensive equipment. Walking, or mastering your own body weight, is one of the best ways to 'hack your health'. "If there was one pill for longevity, it would definitely be exercise," says Barnes-Lentz. The benefits span from boosting blood flow, adding muscle, strengthening bones, improving brain health - and longevity as a whole. So getting in those 10,000 steps or more is worth it, according to Barnes-Lentz. "Exercise can be done pretty much free or low cost," she continues. "I actually just moved from L.A. to Austin and we're not near gym. "So I'm doing at home workout programming with essentially just a couple of weights and mostly body weight." Dr Kambiz Alavian, of Imperial College London and an associate professor adjunct of medicine at Yale University, agrees. 'In the longevity field, there are no magic bullets – but exercise might come as close as it gets to biohacking," he tells The Sun. "It's still being called the miracle drug. "That said, the science behind the effects of metabolic health, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health – and any interventions that can improve those – in extending health span is strong.' Bed before 10pm 7 Another trick that doesn't require expensive gadgets is improving you sleep cycle. Simple changes like establishing a sleep schedule and calming bedtime routine can make a significant difference. And Barnes-Lentz reckons you should be going to bed before 10pm every night, in a cold, dark room. "A routine can be something such as, eating earlier, so stopping eating three hours prior to bed to really allow your melatonin to produce naturally and to optimise circadian rhythm," she says. "That can be really helpful." Something as simple as a sleep mask can be a good low-cost tool for "optimising" your sleep. Even a few restless nights can weaken your immune system, increase your blood glucose and increase your hunger hormone, ghrelin, so you'll have more cravings, according to Barnes-Lentz. It can also "decrease motivation so you won't be as motivated to work out or eat healthy," she continues. "So sleep is a game changer."
CBS News
11-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
How UT Dallas researchers are helping spinal injury patients reclaim their lives
With a tablet propped up in front of him and a joystick-like device in hand, Marshall Bell looks like he's playing a video game. But it's actually physical therapy — powered by innovative, Texas-developed technology that's changing his life. "I can officially shampoo my hair with my injured arm," said Bell, 35, of Arlington, with a smile. "It might take a while, but I am just ecstatic to be able to get it to touch my —" he said, moving his hand to his head to demonstrate. Life changed by hit-and-run Marshall Bell, 35 CBS News Texas In 2016, Bell was hit by a car while walking along a Fort Worth street. The driver didn't stop. Bell was left with a partially severed spine and a devastating prognosis. "His name was Dr. Gundy," said Bell. "He pulled my father into the room and told him, 'You need to make arrangements for your son. He might not be able to do anything on his own ever again.'" At the time, Bell could only move his index finger. But he was determined to recover. Over time, he regained the ability to walk—but he wanted more. UT Dallas leads breakthrough Bell joined a groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas. The study centers on a tiny, implantable device that stimulates the vagus nerve during physical therapy. "That's the device," said Robert Rennaker, Ph.D., a retired Marine turned neuroscience professor and inventor. "It's just a little circuit board inside some glass." Tiny device, big results The device is implanted through a small incision in the neck and zip-tied to a nerve. It doesn't require batteries, is MRI-safe, and is charged externally with a device that resembles headphones. "I can't feel it at all," said Bell. "In the test trials, I thought I had the placebo. Then they pressed it, and I felt the shock. I was like, 'Oh, all right, it's there!'" Rewarding the brain's effort During therapy, the device stimulates the vagus nerve to reward successful movements. "I always tell people, I like to golf. I hit the ball well, and I'm like, yeah!" said Rennaker. "We're doing that, but we're doing it artificially." "It's not exciting to relearn how to pick up a cup or put in an earring," said Jane Wigginton, M.D., chief medical officer at the Texas Biomedical Device Center at UT Dallas. "So we give them that same little zap to the vagus nerve that releases those same chemicals. It lays down that pathway so it gets easier and easier." Hope for long-term injuries Wigginton said the study has shown unprecedented recovery rates for spinal cord injuries, regardless of how much time has passed. She cited examples like Hal, who is now able to point and type 40 years after his injury, and Amanda, who can now put on earrings by herself. "In my mind, it's like a miracle," said Wigginton. Years of research pay off The research builds on more than a decade of neuroscience and bioengineering work at UT Dallas. Previous studies showed that vagus nerve stimulation during therapy could rewire the brain after a stroke. Now, the same approach is helping spinal cord injury patients make progress once thought impossible. "I can officially dress myself completely," said Bell. "And I can fully open mason jars now! It's the little things." Texas at the forefront The Communities Foundation of Texas funded the initial production of the implantable devices. Researchers are continuing to fundraise and conduct clinical trials as they pursue full FDA approval, which they hope to achieve in the next three to four years. "It's going to make North Texas the center of the universe in this sort of research," said Wigginton. "It absolutely will. It's that big." The goal, researchers say, is to help patients reclaim their lives. "I would say that is dead on what this is doing," said Bell.
