7/5/24: Good News: Conservation stories & eco-innovation

Happy Friday my friend,

🗯️ In Monday’s ECL newsletter there was a tech issue with link about cells having consciousness. My apologies to the many of you who wanted to check out the article inspired by the 2024 book titled ‘The Sentient Cell’: Here is a corrected link to check out this super interesting topic.

ECL TRIVIA: What is the world's fastest growing plant? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🌴 JUNGLE CONSERVATION: A new study reveals that a significantly higher portion of land across 9 Amazonian countries is under some form of conservation management than previously thought. "In the Amazon rainforest alone, 62.44% of land is under some sort of area-based conservation," reports Mongabay. Check out this cool illustrated map of conservation areas, and learn of the inspiring women of the Indigenous Guard who prevented mining in 52 forest concessions.

🐴 WILD HORSES: 7 Przewalski's horses— descendants of the world's last truly wild horses— have been reintroduced into the wild in central Kazakhstan. "This is an event of historical import: the seven ‘Przewalski’s’ that we transported here by two CASA planes represent the first individuals of this species in central Kazakhstan in hundreds of years,” said the director for the Prague Zoo, responsible for the reintroduction program of these horses. Learn about this landmark moment and the story of how these wild horses differ from wild American Mustangs.

🐸 MINI FROG SPA: A new study published in Nature describes how certain vulnerable frog species respond to infection from chytridiomycosis, a deadly fungal infection capable of wiping out entire species. Researchers created low-cost, hotspot shelters "that operate like little saunas" made from brick or PVC, which allow the frogs to dwell inside at a higher temperature to ward off fungal growth. "After being re-exposed to the fungus, frogs that had recovered in the shelters had an 86% survival rate in the study, compared to a 22% survival rate in frogs that had not been previously infected."

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🏃‍♂️ MICROBIOME AND MOVEMENT: A study found that exercise can counteract negative effects of disrupted gut microbiota on brain cell creation. Disrupted gut microbiota led to worse cognitive function and anxiety-like behavior in sedentary individuals, but exercise prevented this. The study hypothesizes that exercise may protect the human brain by influencing gut microbes.

🧠 ALTERED BRAIN: How does internet addiction correlate with functional connectivity in the brains of adolescents? Researchers found that adolescents with internet addiction exhibited "decreased connectivity in areas of the brain which are crucial for controlling impulsive behavior." The study has many limitations, but the meta-analysis furthers the importance of understanding how internet usage affects the neuron plasticity of younger minds.

☢️ DERMAL DANGERS: Toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)— "forever chemicals"— are found in personal care products, bandages, guitar strings, and even school uniforms. “For the first time,” new research proves the uptake of PFAS dermally through the skin may be higher than previously thought. Scientists concluded with lab-grown tissue that the skin took in “substantial” amounts of 15 PFAS, "including 13.5% of PFOA, one of the most toxic and common kinds of the chemical. The skin absorbed a further 38% of the PFOA dose with a longer application."

👣 Stop ignoring 25% of your bones

What has 33 joints, 26 bones, and helps you get around? It’s not a riddle – it’s the human foot!

Most everyone is wearing shoes that do no favors for the human body. Why? They crunch your toes and restrict all the muscles in your feet, which require feedback from the ground.

Nature connected these feet sensors to your brain for a reason.

Xero Shoes have a wide ‘toe box’ so your toes can spread and relax. And without elevating your heel, you won’t meddle with your true posture. Get shoes designed to move naturally, while providing the protection, support, and comfort you desire. Xero Shoes are even backed by a 5K mile sole warranty!

Xero Shoes are one of Shark Tank’s biggest hits to date.

I have personally purchased at least 6 various styles (full price with my own money, for the record). I wear almost nothing else. My go-to is the Hana or Prio, but there are lots of stylish options. I get positive compliments on these shoes all the time.

They’ve got casual, hiking, sandals, and fancy styles. Now’s the perfect time to check it out here. 

Creature Feature

🐙 CHAMELEONS OF THE SEA: Did you know the jet-propelling cousin of the octopus—the cuttlefish— can change colors? See the gorgeous display of their kaleidoscopic abilities in this fascinating underwater video, where two cuttlefish males are locked in a standoff, flaunting their iridescent "skirt" that helps them swim!

Nutrition 101

🍄 BETA-GLUCANS: Beta-glucans are a type of soluble fiber commonly found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. They can help the immune system defend against infections, lower cholesterol levels, improve gut health, and enhance wound healing. Click Here for 6 foods loaded with beta-glucans.

💬 Poll

⬅️ Last poll’s results

Do you walk or bike to places in town that most people otherwise take a car?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes 🚶🏼‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️ (60.1%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Not really. (39.9%)

To a healing future,

— Rob

P.S. Every time I receive a compliment about my Xero Shoes, it’s a great conversation starter to talk share how normal shoes restrict your toes and screw up your posture. I love helping people consider how we evolved barefoot…so when that’s not an option, the second best is wearing Xero Shoes. Learn more HERE.