11/22/24: 🐛 Big Momma, plastic worm, satellites watching

Happy Friday my friend,

The world’s largest vertical solar roof is atop a football stadium in Norway and positioned to generate 250k kWh of electricity per year, even in this colder, less sunny region of the world! See what these small vertical panels look like here.

(If you reply to our polls, check the results below to see if your comment is featured!)

ECL TRIVIA: What is the name of the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🐚 MEGA CORAL: Visible from space, the world’s largest living coral specimen— “in excellent condition”— was discovered in the South Pacific last week. “Estimated to be about 300 to 500 years old, the coral is three times larger than the previous record-breaker named ‘Big Momma,’” and is longer than a blue whale. See the birds-eye view photos of the massive coral here.

🐛 MEALS FOR MEALWORMS: A mealworm native to Africa has just been discovered to successfully consume polystyrene waste, most commonly found in styrofoam. “Our study showed that the mealworms can ingest close to 50% of the styrofoam. We can exploit this knowledge to solve the plastic waste pollution, while also harnessing the benefits of mealworms, which are part of the population of highly nutritious edible insects,” say scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.

🧪 PFAS NO MORE: A new startup in Tacoma, WA has developed technology housed in a compact shipping container with the ability to destroy over 99% of PFAS in treated water. A recent project in Fairbanks, Alaska resulted in 20k gallons of PFAS-toxic firefighting-foam successfully treated and processed with their “Eleanor” unit. Click here to learn how the tech works and see photos of their tiny—but mighty— PFAS destruction unit.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🥜 DEMENTIA PREVENTION: What if eating a handful of nuts each day could protect your mind? 50k UK participants over the age of 60 who reported “consuming up to 30 grams of nuts a day had a 16% lower risk of developing dementia in the years to come,” compared to those who didn’t eat nuts. While follow-up studies are needed, eating anti-inflammatory energy-dense foods (like nuts) supports emerging research that “healthy diets are linked to a reduced risk of dementia.”

🚫 FOOD DYE BANS: Last month, California signed a bill banning six widely used food dyes in schools. Now, nine other U.S. states are working to ban food dyes and other additives state-wide, specifically: Red Dye 3, or erythrosine. It’s made from petroleum, gives drinks and snacks a bright red color, and may cause or exacerbate “hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and other behavioral problems in children." Find out which states are working to ban Red #3 here.

🧠 CELLULAR MEMORIES: Published in Nature Communications, a new study details how memory isn’t limited to the brain or neuronal circuits, but “may be embedded in the dynamics of chemical and protein signals common in different types of cells.” Scientists say that if all cells have some sort of “memory,” it may be possible to “train cells in vital organs” to respond to treatments or patterns differently. Learn more here.

AnnMarie Bundle – last chance

Transform your skin with a must-have clean beauty bundle containing all the essentials, perfect for treating yourself or gifting this holiday season.

Skip the stress of chemicals and contaminants and choose organic and wild crafted instead.

Annmarie Skin Care provides powerful active antioxidants in its products to help promote beautiful skin that reduces the look of large pores, alleviates redness, and evens out an uneven complexion for your most flawless, perfect skin ever. 

Say hello to ethically sourced ingredients from trusted farmers and meticulously crafted by herbalists and chemists. Each formula rejuvenates with the power of nature for visibly clean skin with glowing results.

What's Inside This Holiday Bundle? 

Three of Annmarie Skin Care’s most popular products, plus an EXTRA serum!. That’s a total of FOUR products—a complete regiment of anti-aging most-loved favorites! 

• Aloe Herb Cleanser

• Anti-Aging Serum

• Anti-Aging Facial Oil

• + special night serum

Annmarie Skin Care’s commitment to pure, natural, sustainable products is why I admire this team and have used their products for over 10 years personally. Enjoy the feel of softer skin while supporting your skin’s barrier with moisturizing botanicals all winter long—your friends and family will notice, too!

Holiday: Clean Beauty Bundle + Activated Night Serum Trial is under $20 (normally $76) with FREE SHIPPING!

Learn more HERE. Don’t miss this <<

Creature Feature

🦦 OTTER PAW MASSAGE: If you need to see something extremely adorable, watch this mama otter hold and cuddle her newborn pup, even licking and massaging one of its paws. Baby otters will stay with their mothers for 6 months, and their baby fur is so fluffy and dense, they’ll float on top of the water until they get their adult fur.

Nutrition 101

🍎 FISETIN: An anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid, fisetin is found in foods like apples, persimmons, onions, and strawberries. It’s been shown to inhibit growth of various cancer cells, has many antioxidant properties, and may even contribute to reducing memory impairment. Learn more about fisetin here.

😊 Conscious Corner

Other earth-conscious stories you may have missed…

🥕 FOOD AS MEDICINE: 100+ page ebook you can download instantly, no sign up (more)

👩🏼‍🌾 CHLORMEQUAT: reproductive toxin and the over 5-year study (more)

♳ PLASTIC PULL-BACK: We must keep pressure on mainstream companies to find alternatives (more)

🛰️ SATELLITE SOLUTION: A bit creepy maybe? (more)

🏡 RESILIENT KIDS: Dr. Gator’s guide and upcoming event that I am part of (more)

💬 Poll

⬅️ Last poll’s results

Do you feel more calm surrounded by trees or next to water?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🌳 Trees (57.9%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 🌊 Water (42.1%)

Reader Replies:

Bobby Ann writes: “The fragrance of the forest: composting leaves and vegetation, pines, cedars, firs. The calm and coolness of the space. The sounds and sightings of wildlife: flying, walking, hopping, crawling. The music of drips, trickels, streams and waterfalls. A magical grounding experience. I love and respect the woods.” 

Susan writes: “There’s a calmness in sitting by a lake or the vastness of the ocean, or by a flowing stream. Water feels like it’s connected with our emotions. ”

Lisa writes: “Something magical happens when I see a wave return to the wholeness of the ocean. ”

Trivia Answer:

Transpiration is the process by which plants release excess water into the atmosphere through their leaves.

To a healing future,

— Rob

P.S. Three of Annmarie Skin Care’s most popular products, plus an extra serum! That’s a total of FOUR products—a complete regiment of anti-aging most-loved favorites total under $20.