A single dose of magic mushrooms can cause anatomical brain changes, according to a new study. Researchers at UC San Francisco and Imperial College London observed that after just one 25mg dose, some nerve bundles become more dense and robust. What does that mean, exactly? Researchers aren’t quite sure, but they have some ideas. Read more about the research here to find out.
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Cognitive Health
The Hidden Fat That May Be Aging Your Brain
Natalia Blauth/Unsplash
Hidden Stash: The link between high body fat and cognitive decline is well established. But new research suggests the type of fat — and where your body stores it — may matter even more than the number on the scale.
The Study: Researchers in China used MRI to map fat in eight body regions in 25,997 UK Biobank participants (age 55, on average), then compared those patterns with brain MRIs and cognitive testing. Two of the six fat distribution profiles stood out as the riskiest: a “pancreatic-predominant” profile (where pancreatic fat was two to three times above other groups’ levels) and a “skinny-fat” profile (a normal-ish BMI with a high fat-to-muscle ratio, typically in the abdomen). Both were linked to gray matter atrophy, faster brain aging, slower cognition, and a higher risk of neurological disease.
The Takeaway: A body composition that appears lean but contains hidden visceral fat (especially around the pancreas) could be linked to brain risks that don't show up in the mirror.
Keep in Mind: This was an observational analysis, which means it can’t prove that visceral fat causes these cognitive issues. But it’s a step in homing in on specific links to cognitive decline.
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Beauty & Skincare
Here’s How To Protect Your Eyes This Summer
Josué Sánchez/Unsplash
Bright Eyes: When we think about sun protection, we usually focus more on our skin than our eyes. Our eyes are actually more sensitive than we may realize, and UV exposure has the potential to cause real damage beyond uncomfortable squinting. Here’s how — and why — to pick the best protection for your peepers.
How to Do It: Sunglasses make a fashion statement, but their actual purpose, of course, is to protect the eyes. Quality matters, and it’s worth spending more money on your sunnies. Choose sunglasses (and other eyewear or contacts) that absorb 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Darker lenses don’t necessarily mean better protection. Check labels for “UV400,” meaning they have UV coating and block 100% of both types of rays. Polycarbonate lenses naturally block rays.
The Benefits: UV rays hit the eyes from multiple directions, reflecting off of pavement, buildings, water, sand, and other surfaces. UV-A rays can damage the macula at the back of the eye, while UV-B rays can damage the cornea and lens in the front. Wearing sunglasses regularly can prevent eye sunburn (photokeratitis), dry eyes, cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer, and pterygium — AKA “surfer’s eye, which is a triangular growth across the white part of the eye.
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SPOTLIGHT
Women Are Not Small Men
DR. STACY SIMS
Exercise Physiologist, Nutrition Scientist
Courtesy: Dr. Stacy Sims
Exercise science has long treated women as, well, smaller versions of men, with research and training guidance centered on male physiology. Dr. Stacy Sims spent years inside that bubble and saw firsthand how little of it applied to women. So she decided to do something about it. With a Ph.D. in exercise physiology and nutrition science, she directed research programs at Stanford and AUT University focused on female athlete health. The things she found ended up reshaping the field.
For example, female physiology operates on very different hormonal cycles compared to males, which means standard advice can actually work against women's bodies, particularly during perimenopause and beyond. That argument was the core of her TEDx talk, “Women Are Not Small Men,” and her book, ROAR, both of which brought the science around this topic to a mainstream audience.
She's currently focused on translating that research into practical applications for the general public. With over 70 peer-reviewed papers behind her, she pours that expertise into online courses and training programs designed for everyday women who want to train effectively and eat enough and the right things to support their health across every life stage.
Unlike other fitness competitions, the Super Age Games evaluate people across eight dimensions of longevity: physical performance, recovery, cognitive fitness, relational capacity, and metabolic health. A new kind of fitness event, where what's measured is how well you'll live, not how fast you can finish.
The full design of each trial stays under wraps until November 7. Between now and then, we'll share hints, training protocols, and exactly how to show up ready. You don't need to be an athlete. You need to be willing to find out where your capacity actually sits right now.
Lavender, Lemon, and Honey Spatchcocked Roast Chicken Recipe
Courtesy: Serious Eats
Serves: 3-4 | Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Spatcock the chicken so it lays flat — this way, a quick roast gives you crispy, golden skin on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. Slather on a compound butter with lavender blossoms, thyme, lemon, and honey for a hereby, floral rub. Tuck in a few lemon slices to roast alongside the chicken, adding a warm balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and serve with a nice French bread to soak up the fragrant pan juices.
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HEALTHY HABIT
The Last Five Minutes Outside
Before heading in for the night, spend five minutes outside if you can. It marks a clean transition from day to evening and gives your body one last dose of fresh air. A quiet way to close the day.
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Final Thought
Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others.”
