7/21/23: Algae plastic, invincible plant, and light pollution harm

Planet Health

• PLASTIC CONSUMERS: In a new study, an international team of scientists "counted 55 bacterial and 184 fungal strains that are able to break down a biodegradable polyester" called PCL. Though it's an exciting discovery, the study authors note "despite the promising findings that are being made, humans’ understanding of plastic-associated microorganisms is just beginning, and there are still plenty of questions that remain unanswered."

• NATURE RESTORATION: The EU voted to pass a law to restore over 20% of land and sea in the EU by 2030. According to Reuters, "the aim is to reverse the decline of Europe's natural habitats— 81% of which are classed as being in poor health."

• SPIRULINA STRENGTH: A new completely "backyard compostable" bioplastic technology developed at the University of Washington is scalable, recyclable, can be cultivated on large scales, and is fire-resistant. Made of the blue-green algae, (spirulina) the bioplastic discovery is "on average 10 times stronger and stiffer than previously reported spirulina bioplastics.”

Human Health

• PUBLIC HEALTH: Low emission zones (LEZs) were recently studied in several international cities to determine if limiting higher polluting vehicles in certain city areas could have a positive impact on human health. "The results showed declines in subcategories of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular deaths, in multiple cities with LEZs," the article states.

• CONSTIPATION + COGNITIVE DECLINE: This week in Amsterdam, a growing body of evidence was revealed at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference about the gut-brain axis. "One study found that chronic constipation was tied to worse cognitive abilities— the equivalent of three years of aging— while two other studies found that certain gut bacteria were associated with dementia risk."

• NEGLECTED POLLUTION: In the UK, sleep disturbance caused by light and noise pollution is expected to cost £34B this year alone. Often overlooked but increasingly harmful to human health, "exposure to artificial light at night may impair glucose and cardiovascular regulation and potentially increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes," according to recent studies. "Just as there are regulations and standards for 'classic' pollutants, there should also be regulations and rules for the pollution stemming from artificial light at night," says Prof. Abraham Haim of the University of Haifa.

Creature Feature

• FEATHER WEATHER: Ever seen one of these otherworldly animals in the ocean?! Related to sea stars, sea cucumbers, and urchins, this unusual swimming feathery creature looks like a plant, has no brain or eyes, and the feather star class, Crinoidea, can be traced back to nearly 500 million years ago.

   

Nutrition 101

• VITAMIN D: Vitamin D, known as the "sunshine vitamin," helps the body absorb calcium which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth. It's fat-soluble, meaning it's stored in the body's fatty tissue, muscles, and liver, and really acts more like a hormone than a vitamin. Bare skin exposure to the sun helps the body produce vitamin D. Here are a few of the foods to support vitamin D levels.