8/18/23: Underwater migration, Montana kids, and hearing loss reversal

Planet Health

• MIGRATION MYSTERIES: Many of us think about animal migrations in terms of seasonal shifts, birds flying north or south, and perhaps savannah-roaming land animals. Did you know the earth's largest migration happens vertically... and underwater? This fascinating discovery and education will blow your mind.

• MONTANA RULING: In a historic case, 16 young Montanans spanning ages 5 to 22 argued that Montana "violated their constitutional right to a clean environment, including safeguarding air, water, wildlife and public lands from climate-related threats like droughts, wildfires and floods." The judge ruled in favor of them, historically marking the first time in U.S. history that "a court has declared that government actions promoting fossil fuels endangers the well-being of young people."

• FUNGI MEET PLASTIC: Scientists in Sri Lanka have demonstrated that a local hardwood fungus can also produce enzymes which break down polyethylene, a common plastic used in bags, bottles, and more. More careful research is needed, but this could be a promising solution to the more than 400M tons of plastic waste produced globally each year.

Human Health

• HEARING LOSS HOPE: A new King's College study in mice shows hearing loss in low and middle frequency ranges can be reversed with a genetic approach. "Seeing the once-deaf mice respond to sounds after treatment was truly thrilling. This groundbreaking proof-of-concept study unlocks new possibilities for future research, sparking hope for the development of treatments for hearing loss."

• SLEEP PERCEPTIONS: Scientists are discovering that one's perception of restfulness and sleep quality has more to do with our mood and well-being "than what our sleep-tracking devices say" about our actual sleep time. “Psychological research has consistently highlighted the power of one’s beliefs and perceptions on various aspects of life, including sleep and well-being," says sleep psychologist Dr. LeMeita Smith, and that "we have a degree of control over how we frame sleep quality and how we feel the next day."

• NATURE PRESCRIPTIONS: A new book to support childhood mental health "clearly explains the science of how nature improves mental health, while giving parents simple, practical ways they can help their children develop regular habits of reconnecting with nature to reduce stress and boost mood." In environmental journalist Sandi Schwartz's new book, "Finding Ecohappiness," activities for kids are sorted into categories like mindfulness, volunteering, awe and gratitude, and creative arts.

   

Creature Feature

• BABY DOLPHIN TALK: The world's longest running wild dolphin study reveals every dolphin mom "changed its signature whistle around its calf in the same way," similar to how human mothers coo and use singsong "baby talk" with their infants. Known for their emotional intelligence, dolphins can use tools to problem solve, recognize themselves in a mirror (like we do!), and boast one of the most diverse "vocabulary" of sounds and acoustic abilities in the animal kingdom.

   

Nutrition 101

• CHOLINE: Choline, an essential nutrient grouped with B-vitamins, supports brain health, liver function, and cell structure. Found in eggs, liver, fish, and vegetables like broccoli, it serves as a precursor for essential compounds like acetylcholine, impacting memory and muscle control. Adequate intake during pregnancy aids cognitive development in children.