Happy Friday {{first name | my friend}},

Is today the “real” new year? It’s a new moon today in the first sign of the zodiac, which represents “creation and returning to the core of who we are.” 🌚🌷

ECL TRIVIA: What do you call the “living sunscreen” pigment that helps protect plants (and gives many fruits and veggies their red, purple, and blue hues)? (Answer below)

🐳 SPEAKING WHALE: Scientists just discovered sperm whale sounds contain vowel-like sounds and structured patterns like tone, rhythm, and tempo, mirroring traits of human speech. They say these sounds are “one of the most phonologically sophisticated (currently known) communication systems in the animal kingdom.” Find out more HERE.

🎪 CONSCIOUS CIRCUS: As technology advances, this German circus has become known for “completely eliminating live wild animals from its performances and replacing them with lifelike holograms.” See what a beautiful hologram elephant can do in THIS SHORT VIDEO clip.

🦜 BIRD MAP: What are the routes of the most at-risk migratory birds? Where are the “hot spots” we need to protect? A new interactive atlas, free for everyone to explore, identifies bird “breeding grounds, wintering areas and stopover locations,” and marks the first time these routes have been published to this level of detail. Learn more about this groundbreaking project.

🦠 ROOMMATE MICROBES: Do the people you live with and spend most of your time with influence the way your digestive system operates? Scientists say yes. "We found that the more social you are with another individual, the more you share similar anaerobic gut bacteria," said Dr. Lee. Read THE STUDY details here.

🎨 YOUR BRAIN ON ART: What if simply looking at colorful art could instantly boost your mood and brainpower? Bright visuals can trigger feel-good dopamine, reduce stress, and sharpen focus and creativity, and THIS is how it affects your brain. 

🔬 SCIENCE EDUCATION: I used to be a math tutor, so this is close to my heart. This week, a NASA engineer turned viral YouTuber just launched his STEM curriculum to teachers, at no charge. He says the courses “exceed all the state science standards,” and this is his solution to an “inspiration shortage” when it comes to learning about science, technology, engineering, and math.

Chronic inflammation is rampant.

When you bring it down, you can think more clearly, recover from workouts faster, and reduce your odds of illness and premature death.

And there are seven foods, in particular, that have been proven to fight inflammation (and help you feel a whole lot better).

How many of them are you already eating?

Find out when you get The Anti-Inflammatory Blueprint: 7 Foods to Soothe, Strengthen, and Sustain You.

It’s an easy-to-implement plan for fueling your body with the top foods that tame chronic inflammation right at the source.

>> Download your copy here.

Along with the guide, you’ll also get a ticket to the 2026 Food Revolution Summit Docuseries: The Science of Food and Wellness.

Hosted by Ocean Robbins and Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN, this eight-part online event brings together 41 of the world’s leading doctors, researchers, and nutrition experts to unpack what the latest science says about inflammation, metabolism, brain health, heart disease, gut function, longevity, and more.

>> Get The Anti-Inflammatory Blueprint and your docuseries seat now.

Anthocyanins. These antioxidants help shield plant tissues from stress, and they are a big reason berries and red cabbage are so richly colored.