This animal solves microplastics, new bedtime research, fasting

Happy Friday my friend,

If you need a spark of wonder this week, bundle up and catch the Ursid meteor shower – it’s active now and peaks late Dec 21 into early Dec 22, with little moon interference. Here’s a simple viewing guide from the American Meteor Society.

ECL TRIVIA: Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during replication? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🦀 MICROPLASTIC “ANIMAL ENGINEER”: In mangroves that are hotspots for plastic pollution, researchers found fiddler crabs can ingest and rapidly break down tiny plastic particles in sediment. It’s a reminder that nature is always interacting with our mess (even if there may be tradeoffs). Here’s the research summary on fiddler crabs breaking down microplastics.

🦭 CAVE-DWELLING SEALS: One of the world’s rarest marine mammals, the Mediterranean monk seal, is still being pushed into sea caves to avoid people. Conservationists warn that unregulated marine tourism can disturb mothers and pups at the worst possible moment. Read about the monk seals hiding in Greece’s caves.

🦈 WILDLIFE GUARDRAILS: At the latest global wildlife trade conference, countries agreed to stronger protections for a long list of species – including good news for sharks and rays, plus new safeguards for animals targeted by the pet trade. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key protections agreed at CITES CoP20.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🍽️ TIME WINDOW EATING: If the “16:8” time-restricted eating trend has ever intrigued you, a new systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials found modest improvements in fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and HDL cholesterol in adults compared with control diets. The authors also noted the effects appeared to vary based on factors like physical activity level, intervention duration, and gender, which is a helpful reminder that fasting is not one-size-fits-all.

📱 PHONE AT 12: A large analysis of US adolescent data suggests kids who own a smartphone at age 12 show higher risk of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep compared to peers without one. It does not demonize phones, but argues for more intentional timing and awareness. Here’s the writeup from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

🛌 BLOOD PRESSURE & BEDTIMES: In a small proof-of-concept study, simply regularizing bedtime for two weeks lowered 24-hour and nighttime blood pressure in adults with hypertension, proving a small change for meaningful impact. Read the paper HERE about regulating sleep for hypertension.

🦶Feet: Nature’s Masterpiece, Misunderstood

It boggles my mind how many people walk around with shoes that are not supporting their overall health.

With 33 joints and 26 bones, your feet are engineering marvels, yet almost everyone confines them to shoes that restrict their natural function.

You really should consider NOT doing this.

Why does this matter? Your feet are intricate sensory organs, connected to your brain to provide essential feedback. When your feet are cramped and restricted, your entire musculoskeletal system suffers.

Xero Shoes offers a radical approach to footwear. With a wide toe box, your toes spread naturally, and the zero-drop design keeps your body in its natural alignment. This simple yet revolutionary design promotes better posture, reduced foot pain, and improved well-being overall.

I've personally bought multiple pairs of Xero Shoes and can attest to their comfort, style, and surprisingly the number of compliments I receive from strangers! From casual sneakers to hiking boots, there's a pair for every occasion.

Xero Shoes can still get them to you by the holidays if you go TODAY.

See all the great designs and option HERE.

Photo of the week

Trivia Answer:

Helicase. Helicase separates the two strands of DNA so that each can be copied, making accurate replication possible.

🎥 Nutrient Density in Food

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