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UK City Finds Way to Help Restore the Declining Native Bee Population

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

In Brighton, England, the council passed a mandate that new buildings use “bee bricks” to help the bee population recover. Bees have been dying at record rates globally due to pollution, pesticides, habitat destruction, and climate change. However, considering nature when constructing our cities could help them come back.

In Brighton, the construction initiative would include new buildings taller than five meters. The bee bricks look like blocks of Swiss cheese with many small holes to create homes for nesting bees. These offer an ideal habitat for 250 of the 270 bee species known as solitary bees in Britain.

As the name suggests, they like to nest alone, often building their homes in the ground. Some, however, prefer to seek out small holes in buildings for their shelter.

Sadly, the bee population in the UK has been rapidly declining since the 1970s. Between 1985 and 2005, honeybee hives have reduced by 50%, and since 1900, 13 bee species have gone extinct. 35 more face the threat of extinction this century due to environmental pressures.

Planting flowers rich in nectar can help bee populations recover. But in dense cities, this isn’t always an option. Bee bricks offer a solution that allows bees and humans to coexist in urban areas.

“Bee bricks are just one of quite a number of measures that really should be in place to address biodiversity concerns that have arisen through years of neglect of the natural environment,” said Robert Nemeth, the town councilor behind the initiative first proposed in 2019.

UK City Finds Ways to Help Restore the Declining Native Bee Population

However, some experts believe the bee bricks may do more harm than good. Some have said the holes aren’t big enough to support a nest and that the bricks won’t help bee populations recover. Others say the bricks may attract mites or parasites and require regular cleaning to prevent disease spread.

Luckily, some studies have found that bees nest in bee bricks with holes as small as 5-8mm wide and 70-80mm deep. Some scientists say bees will naturally avoid dangerous nesting areas as far as the mites. They added that the mites would leave after a couple of seasons, and the bricks wouldn’t need cleaning because of beneficial microbes.

Lars Chittka, a professor in sensory and behavioral ecology at Queen Mary University, told The Guardian that bees “naturally possess hygienic behavior that would allow them to mitigate the risks at least to some extent, or that they would assess the holes’ states before using them, which should to some extent counterbalance the risks that come with such long-term nesting opportunities.”

Of course, it will take a few years of studying the bee bricks to determine their effectiveness. However, it’s encouraging those city councils are beginning to consider biodiversity in their building initiatives.

In addition to the bee bricks, the Brighton city council also included “swift bricks” in the mandate. The bricks have a larger hole in them to provide a habitat for nesting birds, such as swifts. Before migrating to Africa, these tiny birds spend a few months in the UK per year. The government consulted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to determine ideal placement for the swift bricks.

How You Can Help Bee Populations Flourish

If you’re inspired by the UK’s initiative to help declining bee populations, you can also participate in their recovery. In addition to considering bee bricks in the construction of new homes and offices, you can encourage bee recovery by planting a garden. This act of kindness benefits us since bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. Simply put, we need bees to survive, so it’s in our best interest to give them a healthy habitat.

To plant a pollinator garden in your backyard, follow these tips:

Make sure to plant only native or non-invasive species. Most pollinators have adapted to feed on specific plants native to their environment. As a bonus, local plants usually require less water than ornamentals.
Encourage diversity in your garden. If we want thriving bee populations, it’s essential to ensure they access abundant pollen and nectar. A beautiful garden teeming with life will attract more bees to your backyard.
Choose flowers that bloom throughout the growing season and plant large patches to better foraging.
Plant various species to attract not just bees but other pollinators like butterflies! Monarchs have made an enormous comeback recently, and perhaps the rise in backyard gardens played a role.
Don’t use pesticides or insecticides since these chemical poisons can kill pollinators. If you have a biodiverse garden, animals will naturally help manage pests.
Keep areas of sunny, bare soil since bees often like to nest underground.
Leave small branches, hollow twigs, rotted logs or tree stumps, and decaying plant material in your garden. These also make lovely homes for nesting bees.

As we evolve as a species, we’ve realized the importance of coexisting with nature. After all, we’re dependent on Earth for our survival, so we should tread lightly and take care of our home. Since we rely on bees for much of our food, it’s essential to protect them from environmental threats. Luckily, it seems we’re turning things around and taking steps to restore nature in all its beauty.

Final Thoughts on How Bee Bricks are Restoring Bee Populations

In the UK, the city council decided to mandate that all new buildings taller than 5 meters must have bee bricks. These bricks have small holes bored in them that allow bees to nest. In addition, they will install swift bricks in buildings to provide habitats for tiny birds such as swifts. These initiatives offer hope for our world and show what we can accomplish by helping nature thrive.

Even though the world seems chaotic and turbulent, we’re making great strides to heal our planet. As we leave behind destructive ways of living, we’re ushering in a new, exciting era of compassion and restoration. And we can all take part in this paradigm shift.

MS May Stem from Epstein-Barr Virus, Harvard Study Reveals

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A groundbreaking Harvard study reveals that an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may lead to multiple sclerosis (MS). MS affects nearly 3 million people globally and currently has no cure. However, most people infected with Epstein-Barr will not develop MS.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers led the study, published online in Science.

“The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years, but this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality,” said Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School and senior author of the study. “This is a big step because it suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection, and that targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS.”

Multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheaths protecting spinal cord and brain neurons. When the immune system attacks these nerve fibers and protective coverings, it leads to inflammation. This alters electrical signals in the brain, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.

Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of MS but believe EBV is a likely culprit. Epstein-Barr, a herpes virus, can cause highly infectious mononucleosis and lies dormant throughout the host’s lifetime.

So far, it’s been difficult to determine a causal relationship between EBV and MS. Firstly, MS affects a relatively small population, and the onset of MS symptoms usually occurs ten years after an EBV infection.

Researchers believe this study finally proves a link between the two conditions.

MS May Stem from Epstein-Barr Virus, Harvard Study Reveals

To establish the correlation between EBV and MS, researchers performed a study with over 10 million young adults actively serving in the US military. They determined that 955 had been diagnosed with MS during their active duty.

The team then analyzed serum samples taken every other year by the military. Using these samples, they could determine if a soldier had EBV when the first sample was taken. They also established the relationship between EBV infection and the onset of MS symptoms in active-duty soldiers.

The researchers determined that the risk of multiple sclerosis increased 32-fold following an EBV infection. However, it did not increase after an infection of other viruses. Serum levels of the neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve deterioration caused by MS, only increased after an EBV infection.

Other risk factors for MS couldn’t explain these findings, suggesting EBV as the leading cause of MS. Ascherio says the delayed onset of MS following an EBV infection may result from undetected or mild symptoms. Because MS can mimic other diseases in its early stages, it often gets misdiagnosed.

Common Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis Include the Following:

vision problems, such as blurred, double, or loss of vision
tingling and numbness in the face, arms, legs, and fingers
pain in the legs, back, limbs, and joints
involuntary muscle spasms
weakness or fatigue due to muscle atrophy or nerve damage
dizziness, vertigo, and coordination problems
bladder and bowel dysfunction
sexual dysfunction
cognitive decline, such as memory problems, trouble focusing, and shorter attention span
emotional distress, which may include depression, anxiety, irritability, and/or mood swings

Diagnosing and Treating MS

A neurologist will likely perform these tests to diagnose MS:

Comprehensive neurological exam: This involves a cranial nerve exam (vision, hearing, facial sensation, strength, swallowing), reflexes, coordination, and balance.
MRI: Doctors consider this the best technique to diagnose MS. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to detect any brain and spinal cord myelin damage.
Spinal fluid analysis: The doctor will insert a long needle into your spine to take a fluid sample. In people with multiple sclerosis, the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually has elevated protein levels called oligoclonal bands.

To make a diagnosis of MS, doctors must find evidence of nerve damage in at least two different areas. Also, they must determine that the damage occurred during more than one episode. Finally, they will attempt to rule out any other causes of the symptoms.

Since permanent neurological damage can occur even in early stages of MS, it’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. As the disease progresses, relapses can become more unpredictable. However, doctors who detect the signs early can provide treatments to slow progression and manage symptoms.

Treatment for MS currently includes administering anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies via intravenous infusion. These antibodies reduce circulating memory B cells, where EBV infection usually remains dormant. However, since this therapy can increase infection risk, researchers say that targeting EBV directly would improve treatments.

Ascherio said this:

“Currently there is no way to effectively prevent or treat EBV infection, but an EBV vaccine or targeting the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs could ultimately prevent or cure MS.”

To reduce your risk of contracting EBV, avoid kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items with people diagnosed with EBV.

When dealing with medical conditions like EBV, it’s important to recognize that the quality of care you receive plays a crucial role in managing your health and preventing complications.

If you’re facing issues related to improper treatment or medication administration, such as an Incorrect Intramuscular Injection, it is essential to seek legal advice.

A skilled medical lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases where misadministration of vaccines or other treatments is involved. They can assist in gathering evidence to support your claim and ensure that your case is presented effectively.

Other Harvard Chan School researchers who participated in this study include Kjetil Bjornevik, Marianna Cortese, Michael Mina, and Kassandra Munger.

This groundbreaking study will hopefully lead to improved treatments for EBV. This, in turn, may help prevent multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that can have lifelong effects.

Final Thoughts on Study Linking MS With Epstein-Barr Virus

A new study by Harvard researchers discovered that MS likely stems from the Epstein-Barr virus. They found that infection of EBV increased the risk of MS 32-fold. Also, they determined that other viruses did not increase the risk of multiple sclerosis.

The study could have important implications for future EBV and MS treatments since targeting EBV could prevent or cure multiple sclerosis. There’s no vaccine for EBV, but researchers believe this would eliminate most MS cases. While other factors likely play a role in developing multiple sclerosis, the study marks an important step toward finding a cure.

Lucid Dreams: Facts, Fiction, and How to Experience Them Yourself

March 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Lucid dreams have become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, especially in young communities and social media. But the concept of being able to dictate your goals and control them as if you were awake can sound a little far-fetched! Some might even think that this is some new-fangled myth perpetrated by the internet.

In reality, lucid dreams are genuine, and they’re far from new. Eastern traditions have long considered dream state awareness necessary in certain beliefs and practices. Even Aristotle himself has described lucid dreaming in his writings. Essentially, we’ve known about lucid dreaming for thousands of years!

But it wasn’t until the 19th century that people began to study this event in a more official, academic manner. And it wasn’t until a few decades ago that experts discovered reliable and effective scientific measures that objectively study the phenomenon. As such, there’s still a lot to learn about this experience.

With all of that being said, you’re probably wondering just how you might be able to have a lucid dream. In this post, we’ll aim to help you better understand the cycles so you can distinguish facts from fiction and even try to experience them yourself!

1. What Are Lucid Dreams?

Lucid dreams are typically defined as dreams where the sleeper retains awareness of reality. This means that a sleeper knows that they’re in a dream but continues to experience the dream and can decide how they act in it. Sometimes, this includes controlling aspects of the dream, such as its direction, “plot,” or environment.

The phenomenon of lucid dreaming is not particularly understood or well-researched. As a result, there’s a lot that we don’t know about the concept and how it works. It’s theorized in some studies that lucid dreams develop due to activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. Too little activity here could make it difficult for someone to be aware of a dream.

Your cortical activity is low when you can’t differentiate between a wake or sleep state. Lucid dreamers supposedly experience high cortical activity during dreams that are comparable to their state when awake. This is why, in some circles, lucid dreams are called hybrid sleep-wake states – you’re somewhere between those two experiences.

A majority of experiences related to lucid dreaming occur during REM sleep. REM stands for “rapid eye movement.” If you’ve ever seen someone’s eyelids moving around while they’re asleep, that’s likely the stage of sleep they were in. This is the final stage of a healthy, typical sleep cycle.

Typical visions can occur during any stage of sleep, but non-REM stages don’t facilitate lucid dreaming. Researchers believe that lucid dreams result from non-lucid dreams that originate in one of the three non-REM sleep stages and continue into the REM phase.

2. Myths About Lucid Dreams

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding lucid dreams. Here are some myths you may have heard about it and what the reality is:

· Myth: Lucid Dreams Are Rare

While not the most common experience, about 23% of people have a lucid dream monthly, according to research. This means that nearly one in four people that you’ve met have one of these experiences per month!

· Myth: You Need To Be Spiritual To Lucidly Dream

Lucid dreams happen to many people, including those who aren’t spiritual and aren’t trying to have a lucid dream. If you know how to encourage that phenomenon, you can experience it regardless of your spirituality.

· Myth: You Can Get Stuck In Lucid Dreams

It’s an understandable fear. The idea of being trapped in a dream world, never being able to return to reality, is the subject of many fictional movies, after all. But by its very nature, lucid dreaming allows you to wake yourself up because you’re aware that you’re dreaming.

· Myth: Young People Make Up Lucid Dreams

Given the prevalence of younger generations talking about lucid dreams, some have been quick to attribute this to a desire for attention. In reality, lucid dreams decrease in frequency as you age, say studies. This is why younger people may have these dreams more often than someone middle-aged.

· Myth: All Lucid Dreams Experience Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis can occur during REM sleep, but it’s not necessary to go through it to experience a lucid dream. Some techniques can increase the chances of experiencing waking sleep paralysis, but it’s not a universal experience.

· Myth: Dying In Lucid Dreams Is Dangerous

This speculation probably comes from fictional books, movies, and shows. Lucid dreams are just that – dreams. Whatever happens in them stays in them. While all dreams can be ways for your subconscious to contact you, they don’t dictate anything themselves.

· Myth: You Can Share Lucid Dreams With Other People

This is a bit of an overly fantastical idea. Maybe technology will allow the sharing of dreams eventually. But for now, this is entirely fictional.

3. Lucid Dream Induction Techniques

Those who want to experience this phenomenon can make use of scientific induction techniques. An induction technique is a method used to induce the desired outcome. In this case, that outcome would be successful. Here are the three most well-known ways to achieve that goal:

· Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)

MILD is probably one of the most studied lucid dream induction techniques. It was created in 1980 and was among the first to serve this process. The concept is based on setting an intention that you can act on later, also known as prospective memory. To use the MILD technique, you need to think of a recent dream while you’re in the process of falling asleep.

You then point out something strange about that dream that separates it from reality, such as having wings on your back. Then, think about the desire to return to the vision and remind yourself of that strange thing that will inform you that you’re dreaming. Finally, tell yourself that the next time you dream, you would like to remember that you’re dreaming. This is a great technique to use anytime, but it’s especially effective when you’ve just woken up in the middle of the night from a dream.

· Wake Back To Bed (WBTB)

The WBTB technique builds on the researched idea that the chance of lucid dreaming connects to general alertness over specifics. It involves attempting to induce REM sleep during consciousness. One common way to achieve this is by waking up five hours after bedtime.

Once you wake up at this point, you stay up for half an hour and perform a simple, quiet activity that requires your careful attention, like reading. Finally, after those thirty minutes, you go back to sleep. The goal is to put yourself back into REM sleep directly, simply immediately.

· Wake-Initiated Lucid Dreaming (WILD)

WILD is a complex induction technique that requires the creation of a hypnagogic hallucination. Essentially, you’re aiming to immediately enter a dream as soon as you leave the awake state. This allows for your brain to remain conscious as the rest of your physical body sleeps. The technique is hard to learn, as you’ll be hallucinating wilfully before bedtime, which comes with its own set of complications.

4. Tips For Experiencing Lucid Dreaming

Induction techniques on their own can be pretty effective, but there are additional ways to increase the chances of lucid dreams. Here are some great tips for incorporating into your daily life to encourage successful dreaming:

· Get More REM Sleep Through Good Sleep Hygiene

To arrive at the fourth and final stage of a sleep cycle, you have to be getting good quality sleep. It’s not always enough to get enough hours of sleep per night – you need that sleep to be high-quality. Sleep hygiene will help you here.

Sleep and wake at the exact times each day, avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime, and put screens away an hour before you turn in. You should also ensure a comfortable bedroom environment by reducing artificial light, reducing noise, and maintaining a cozy temperature for your preferences.

· Reality Checking

Reality checking is a variety of training for your brain. The goal is to rapidly boost your metacognitive abilities so that you can become even more aware of your well, awareness. This is useful for lucid dreams because the amount of metacognition you have during both states and wakefulness are almost the same.

As such, training that skill while awake translates to higher levels of that skill in dreams, or so studies suggest. Reality checking can be done during waking hours. Every two or three hours, ask if you’re dreaming while checking your environment. You must pay close attention to your consciousness, how you interact with your surroundings and take note of things that prove your wakefulness.

This can involve checking mirrors to guarantee a normal reflection, looking at your hands to ensure normality, or watching the clock to ensure time is passing as usual. Later on, when you’re dreaming, you’ll perform reality checking naturally and become aware that you’re in a dream.

· Dream Journaling

Dream diaries are an excellent way to make yourself remember various dreams. This allows you to easily take note of abnormalities and common signs you experience that reveal you’re not in reality. The more you log visions in a journal, the more adept you’ll become at noticing that you’re dreaming. Reading the journal will also help cement your knowledge of reality versus the dream world.

Final Thoughts On How To Experience Lucid Dreams Yourself

Lucid dreams are still shrouded in a lot of mystery. There are many myths surrounding them, and not everyone even believes they exist. And yet, they’re surprisingly common, and the chances are that you’ve experienced at least one in your life already.

Inducing lucid dreams involves a commitment to practicing induction techniques and adding certain habits to your everyday life to improve your chances. Patience is key to learning the proper methods. There are also plenty of communities online that can offer additional advice on how you can successfully experience this remarkable phenomenon.

Researchers Explain the Three Types of Tears (And What They Mean)

March 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Everyone cries from time to time, but did you know there are different types of tears? People cry when they are sad, happy, or sometimes they cry just because.

And crying is a bit of a controversial topic. Society has long characterized women as the weaker sex, so some label them as criers. Conversely, people label men as strong and tough, so they should never, under any circumstances, cry.

Or so society believed for a very long time. Tears are so common and normal for humans, yet so divisive at the same time. But most people don’t even know where tears come from, much less that there are three types of tears. But one thing is for sure: everyone cries. And not only is crying normal, but it’s not a sign of weakness.

No matter what stereotypes you have heard floating around, none of them are true. Kids who cry aren’t brats. Women who cry aren’t crazy and hormonal. And men who cry aren’t weak. And the sooner people learn the biological and psychological aspects behind tears. The sooner society might be able to normalize and understand crying.

Where Do These Types Of Tears Come From?

As you probably suspected, tears are made primarily out of water, and they have a similar structure to saliva. Besides water, they contain salt, oils, and about 1500 proteins. They also have electrolytes: sodium, bicarbonate, chloride, and potassium. They contain lower levels of magnesium and calcium. When you combine all these chemicals, you get three layers that make up the tears.

The mucous layer is the one that sticks the tear to the eye. The aqueous layer is the one that hydrates, repels bacteria, and protects the cornea. And the oily layer prevents the other two layers from evaporating. It also keeps the layers smooth so that you can see through them. All types of tears come from the lacrimal glands above your eyes. Once they form, they drain into your tear ducts, which are small holes in the inner corners of your eyes.

From there, they go down through your nasal bone, into the back of the nose, and back into the throat. They technically should not fall outside of the body. But, when you cry, you produce a surplus of tears, way too many for them to be able to go back through the nose. But some still do, and they mix with the mucus in the nose, so that’s why you get a runny nose when you cry. Every time you blink, a new layer of tears spreads across your cornea. So, if you think about it, you cry all the time.

One fun fact is that it’s virtually impossible to run out of tears. Your body produces somewhere between fifteen and thirty gallons of tears every year. But, as people get older, their body starts making a lower quantity of tears. That’s generally why getting older goes hand in hand with drier eyes. And this seems to be even more apparent in women after menopause, who produce fewer tears due to hormonal changes.

And, even though many researchers claim that women cry more, none had an apparent reason for why that is. Some say that in some places is due to cultural norms. Others say that it might be because men have smaller tear ducts. Others say that’s it’s because emotional tears contain prolactin, and women produce it 60% more than men. But, even though emotional tears are more common in women, the other two types are just as expected, no matter the sex.

The Three Types of Tears

This is so fascinating.

1. Basal Tears

The basal tears are the most common type of tears. They serve a functional role in the body. Without them, your eyes would dry out. Their purpose is to keep the eye lubricated so that you can blink and see. They also keep dust and other small, unwanted particles out of your eyes. Some substances that create tears, such as lysozyme, fight against bacterial infections.

The lacrimal glands continuously secrete these tears, evenly spread across the cornea when you blink. In 24 hours, the body secretes between 0.75 and 1.1 grams of tears. But, as mentioned before, this amount gets lower with age. If this quantity gets lower, or the quality of basal tears becomes worse, you might develop dry eye syndrome. This is a common condition, but people overlook it.

And, given the condition’s name, most people wouldn’t think to associate it with watery eyes. But the excess water gets secreted as your body tries to rehydrate the cornea. But, the most common symptoms are burning, pain, and redness of the eye. This is a specific issue of basal tears, and it’s most people resolve it with eye drops. But, if you have clogged ducts, your doctor might even choose to use lacrimal plugs.

Besides biological factors, some externalities can cause fewer basal tears to be secreted. For example, too much screen time, certain meds, and even strong wind can cause dry and irritated eyes.

2. Reflex Tears

At first glance, reflex tears seem very similar to basal tears. But not only do they have different chemical compositions, but they also serve other purposes. This tear comes from the lacrimal glands, but it has a much higher percentage of water. In fact, these tears are almost entirely made out of water. And this composition is mostly explained by their role. Just like the name suggests, these tears are secreted as a reflex to a stimulus.

For example, if a bug gets into your eye, your eyes will start to water, secreting reflex tears to get it out. They are even why your eyes water when you have dry eye syndrome; because your body is trying to make the pain go away. Reflex tears, also called irritant tears, respond to all kinds of irritation. They occur all the time, from unwanted particles to chemicals to onions, bright lights, and even strong smells.

And sometimes, they might even occur when you cough, yawn, or vomit. Because these tears should protect the eyes, they will usually release in larger quantities than basal tears. They are not secreted all the time like basal tears are. And while the lacrimal glands don’t need to be stimulated to begin secreting tears, your eyes may need more stimulation for the process to occur.

3. Emotional Tears

These are the types of tears that most people know about and think about when they hear the word “tears.” They are also called psychic tears, and they only occur when someone is overwhelmed with emotion. When you secrete these tears, people usually refer to the result as crying. Emotional tears connect to stress, anger, pain. But, contrary to popular belief, they don’t have to be related to negative emotions.

They can also happen when you feel joy, happiness, or relief. These tears have the same composition as basal tears, but they have more stress hormones. Additionally, they contain a higher amount of natural painkillers than any other type of tears. And the number of tears secreted when you cry is much higher than the amount of reflex or basal tears.

When people cry, they don’t just secrete tears. They can start sobbing (convulsive breathing), their heart rate can increase, their eyes go red. They can affect your whole body, and sometimes people cry so hard that they even vomit. It seems like crying stimulates the body to produce endorphins.

So, crying is a way to calm down and make themselves feel better. They are mood stabilizers, and they are the only tears that people have specific control over. People can learn to cry on command, but they can also stop calling if they want to. Psychologically speaking, emotional tears have developed to send particular messages to people.

For example, a theory states that people used to cry to show vulnerability or submission during attacks. But nowadays, it seems like tears send different messages, like indirectly telling someone to back off. And it is even used as a way through which people strengthen social bonds.

Final Thoughts on the Three Types of Tears (And What They Mean)

For some reason, tears seem to be a very controversial topic, even though most people don’t know much about them. But, even throughout history, people used them to stereotype certain people. As soon as someone sees another person crying in public, they’ll be seen as crazy or emotional. And some people even see crying as something that only women or weak men do.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone cries, and not even emotional tears are a sign of weakness. But most people don’t understand the science behind tears, so they make assumptions. Thars are mostly water but with a few extra chemicals sprinkled in. They also contain salt, oils, proteins, electrolytes, magnesium, and calcium. These chemicals have a few roles, but they are mainly there to protect the cornea and allow you to see correctly. But not all tears are the same.

There are three different types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional tears. The basal and emotional tears have a somewhat similar role in protecting the eye. But basal tears are secreted, while reflex tears only occur when the lacrimal glands are stimulated. So, if you have irritated eyes, or even if you are coughing or yawning, you might start tearing up. And the most common tears are emotional or psychic tears.

These tears constitute crying, and they occur when your emotions overwhelm you. And the composition of emotional tears even has stress hormones and natural painkillers. That’s why, after people cry, they tend to feel relieved. And you can use crying to signal to others that you need help or even that you need some time alone.

Robot Surgeon Performs a Successful Laparoscopic Surgery

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A robot surgeon designed by a research team from Johns Hopkins University performed the first successful laparoscopic surgery without human aid. The robot operated on the soft tissue of a pig, excelling at suturing two ends of the intestine. This technology marks a significant step toward completely automated surgery on humans, as it’s one of the most challenging parts of abdominal surgery.

The team explained more about their robot invention in Science Robotics.

The development of advanced surgical robots highlights the incredible precision and innovation achievable in modern product manufacturing. Creating such a groundbreaking device requires not only cutting-edge technology but also meticulous attention to detail in every stage of production.

From designing complex mechanical components to integrating sophisticated software, collaboration between researchers, engineers, and manufacturers is key. Partnering with a Canadian manufacturing company can bring the expertise needed to refine these systems, ensuring they meet rigorous quality and safety standards before reaching the healthcare market.

Manufacturers specializing in robotics and medical devices play a critical role in bridging the gap between concept and application. With their ability to scale production and adhere to strict regulatory requirements, they help transform visionary prototypes into reliable, lifesaving tools.

“Our findings show that we can automate one of the most intricate and delicate tasks in surgery: the reconnection of two ends of an intestine. The STAR performed the procedure in four animals, and it produced significantly better results than humans performing the same procedure,” said senior author Axel Krieger, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins’ Whiting School of Engineering.

The robot performed a successful laparoscopic surgery known as intestinal anastomosis. This intricate procedure requires top-notch precision and many repetitive movements. Arguably the most challenging step involved in abdominal surgery, connecting two intestinal ends requires consistent perfection from the surgeon. Even a slight misstep could lead to leaks that can cause disastrous side effects for the patient.

The integration of robotics into medical practice management has revolutionized how surgeons approach complex procedures like intestinal anastomosis. By enhancing precision and reducing the likelihood of human error, robotic-assisted surgeries have become invaluable in ensuring patient safety and improving outcomes. Medical practices must now manage the implementation and maintenance of these advanced technologies while training surgeons to utilize them effectively. Streamlining these processes not only boosts the efficiency of medical teams but also offers patients the highest level of care available.

As medical advancements continue to shape the future of surgery, experienced surgeons like Bardia Anvar play a critical role in guiding practices through this evolving landscape. His expertise in both traditional and cutting-edge techniques underscores the importance of balancing innovation with the hands-on knowledge that comes from years of experience. Ensuring that surgeons remain at the forefront of these developments is essential for medical practices to thrive in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, where precision and patient outcomes are top priorities.

The researchers worked with collaborators at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and Jin Kang, a Johns Hopkins professor of electrical and computer engineering. Krieger and his team helped build the robot. A vision-guided system tailored explicitly for suturing soft tissues. It’s perfect for performing operations such as laparoscopic surgery.

The current model is an improvement from an earlier 2016 design that accurately sutured a pig’s intestines. However, the robot had to make a large incision to make the sutures and needed help from humans.

Robot Surgeon Performs a Successful Laparoscopic Surgery

The research team enhanced the STAR with new features for better autonomy this time. They also improved surgical accuracy and consistency by equipping the robot with specific suturing tools and advanced imaging systems. These systems help to improve the accuracy of the surgical field visualizations.

Soft-tissue surgery requires rapid adaptation and reflexes to respond to unexpected challenges. Therefore, it’s one of the hardest surgeries for robots to perform. However, the STAR comes equipped with a control system that can adjust to unpredictability quickly, mimicking a human surgeon.

“What makes the STAR special is that it is the first robotic system to plan, adapt, and execute a surgical plan in soft tissue with minimal human intervention,” Krieger said.

The research team created a structural-light-based 3D endoscope and machine learning-based tracking algorithm to aid STAR’s operation.

“We believe an advanced three-dimensional machine vision system is essential in making intelligent surgical robots smarter and safer,” Kang said.

Since laparoscopic surgeries are becoming more prevalent in the medical field, autonomous robots will play a pivotal role in performing them successfully.

“Robotic anastomosis is one way to ensure that surgical tasks that require high precision and repeatability can be performed with more accuracy and precision in every patient independent of surgeon skill,” Krieger said. “We hypothesize that this will result in a democratized surgical approach to patient care with more predictable and consistent patient outcomes.”

The team from Johns Hopkins also included Hamed Saeidi, Justin D. Opfermann, Michael Kam, Shuwen Wei, and Simon Leonard. Michael H. Hsieh, director of Transitional Urology at Children’s National Hospital, also contributed to the research.

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health helped fund the research.

New Features Ensure STAR Operates with Accuracy

STAR can successfully perform laparoscopic surgery for several reasons. It comes equipped with various autonomous features which allow for greater precision, including:

ability to start/pause/unpause the tissue-tracking system
detect breathing motion of tissue
inform the operator to initiate a replanning step
detect robot tool failure
control camera motion and angle
different modes of suture planning, including uniform and non-uniform spacing
programming to reduce noise and irregularity
predict tool collisions with tissue
synchronize the robot tool with breathing motions of the tissue and under a remote center of motion (RCM)

Of course, the robot still requires a human operator who can select among various suture plans or approve a replanning step. They also monitor the robot throughout the laparoscopic surgery if a repeated stitch becomes necessary. The main goal of autonomous surgery is increasing suture precision and also reducing workload among surgeons. Even though the system still requires manual adjustments for restitching when needed, the robot can autonomously complete over 83% of the laparoscopic surgery.

More Improvements on the Horizon

Compared with the team’s prior robot model designed for laparoscopy, the STAR offers several improvements. The previous robot surgeon had a tissue tracking system that only considered stationary tissue without breathing motions. Also, prefiltering for noise and tool collision prevention was only considered in one of the suture plans.

Furthermore, the robot didn’t have autonomous replanning suggestions, so the operator had to monitor each surgery step. Finally, the design lacked tool failure monitoring and independent camera motion control.

Because of these shortcomings, the robot could only complete about 58% of sutures autonomously without any restitches. So, the STAR offers more benefits and improvements regarding autonomous surgeries. Not only does the robot reduce operator workload, but it also improves patient outcomes. As autonomous surgeries become more normalized, it will help standardize surgical outcomes since they’re not dependent on a surgeon’s experience, prior training, or daily performance.

Because of this, it will enhance the accuracy and consistency of laparoscopic surgery, regarding suture bite-size, spacing, and tension, for example. Ensuring accuracy in these parameters will reduce leaks, which will help improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical complications.

Final Thoughts on Autonomous Robot that Performs Laparoscopic Surgery

The future of laparoscopic surgery may be in the hands of robot surgeons. Johns Hopkins University researchers have created the world’s first robot that performed intestinal surgery without human help. This could revolutionize soft tissue surgeries in the future, reducing the need for human surgeons while improving accuracy. As technology advances, it allows us the freedom to explore our full potential. It’s an exciting time to be alive, indeed.

Scientist Explains How Good Sleep Quality Creates Healthier Relationships

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

An Ohio State University study reveals that good sleep quality promotes better relationships. The findings revealed that not only does poor sleep increase inflammation, it also amplifies conflict in relationships.

Of course, sleep deprivation doesn’t cause all marital problems, but it can exacerbate any underlying issues. When you’re well-rested, you feel more emotionally balanced and discuss disagreements rationally.

Even if you have a smooth-sailing relationship, poor sleep can quickly muddy the waters. Sleep deprivation makes your moods fluctuate, and you’re more likely to lash out at your partner. Conflict is inevitable in a healthy relationship, but it’s easier to overcome when both partners feel their best. Lack of sleep can trigger physical health symptoms that fuel the fire.

“We know sleep problems are also linked with inflammation and many of the same chronic illnesses. So we were interested to see how sleep related to inflammation among married couples, and whether one partner’s sleep affected the other’s inflammation,” said Stephanie Wilson, lead researcher on the study.

Results of the study have been published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Scientist Explains How Good Sleep Quality Creates Healthier Relationships

The researchers gathered 43 couples for the study, which involved two separate experiments. For both, the couples gave blood samples and reported how much sleep they’d gotten the previous two nights. Next, researchers asked the pair to discuss a topic that typically leads to conflict in their marriage. They took another blood sample after the discussion.

“We found that people who slept less in the past few nights didn’t wake up with higher inflammation, but they had a greater inflammatory response to the conflict. So that tells us less sleep increased vulnerability to a stressor,” Wilson said.

When both partners slept less than seven hours the previous two nights, it increased the likelihood of an argument. For each hour of sleep lost, researchers observed that levels of two common inflammatory markers increased 6%. Couples who had particularly hostile statements exhibited a more pronounced inflammatory response. Their inflammatory response rose by nearly 10% with each hour of sleep lost.

Wilson said this:

“Any increase isn’t good, but a protracted increase that isn’t being addressed is where it can become a problem. What’s concerning is both a lack of sleep and marital conflict are common in daily life. About half of our study couples had slept less than the recommended seven hours in recent nights.”

The CDC reports that 35% of Americans sleep less than seven hours per night. So, the participants in this study got even less sleep than the national average.

“Part of the issue in a marriage is that sleep patterns often track together. If one person is restless or has chronic problems, that can impact the other’s sleep. If these problems persist over time, you can get this nasty reverberation within the couple,” said Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, senior author and director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research.

However, researchers noted that a partner with good sleep quality had a protective effect on the relationship. They helped smooth out any disagreements, even if the other partner lashed out due to poor sleep.

“We would tell people that it’s important to find good ways to process the relationship and resolve conflict — and get some sleep,” Kiecolt-Glaser said.

Better Sleep Makes Couples More Empathetic

Another study reveals that good sleep quality enhances empathy in relationships. Understanding how your partner feels strengthens the bond and creates more harmony in relationships. On the other hand, sleeplessness can lead to more discord between partners.

UC Berkeley psychologists Amie Gordon and Serena Chen have discovered that poor sleep quality leads to more conflict in relationships.

“Couples who fight more are less happy and less healthy,” said Gordon, a doctoral student in psychology and lead author of the study published online in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.

“Our research helps illuminate one factor that leads couples to engage in unnecessary and harmful conflict by showing that couples experience more frequent and severe conflicts after sleepless nights,” she added.

The psychologists analyzed how good sleep quality vs. poor sleep quality impacted relationship conflict in one experiment. They recruited 71 couples who reported how they’d slept the previous night. Next, the team videotaped them while the couples discussed a source of conflict in their relationship. Each partner then rated the interaction and assessed whether the dispute had been resolved.

Not surprisingly, the participants who slept poorly reported feeling more negatively during the discussion. Both partners also had decreased empathic accuracy. Conflict resolution occurred most often in relationships where both parties reported good sleep quality.

Tips for Experiencing Good Sleep Quality

If you want to experience good sleep quality, it’s essential to practice proper sleep hygiene.

Make sure to follow these tips for more restful sleep:

Stick to a sleep schedule. Even on weekends, go to sleep and wake up simultaneously. This will reset your circadian rhythm and lead to deeper sleep.
Turn off technology a few hours before bed. Try reading a book, meditating, or doing other relaxing activities instead. Blue lights from devices can trick your body into thinking it’s daytime – the exact opposite of what you want before bed.
Clear your mind. Many people toss and turn at night because of restless thoughts and worries clouding their minds. Try writing your concerns in a journal before bed, so your mind doesn’t keep you awake.

Final Thoughts on Studies Linking Good Sleep Quality to Stronger Relationships

With so many people suffering from sleep deprivation, it’s easy to see why marital conflicts have increased in the modern world. When you’re not well-rested, you tend to unload your frustrations on your partner. Multiple studies have confirmed that couples who report poor sleep have more frequent relationship conflicts.

So, if you want a healthier relationship, prioritize your health first. This means getting good sleep quality, eating well, exercising, destressing, and not taking your worries to bed with you. After following these tips for a week, we guarantee you’ll feel more refreshed and have a deeper connection with your partner as well.

Doctor Explains How The Brain Can Unlock Conscious Awareness

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A 2021 study by the University of Michigan reveals the gateway to conscious awareness in the brain. They found that a critical area in the cortex helps process sensory stimuli and, therefore, our conscious experiences.

While we’re awake, the brain must filter through a near-constant stream of sensory information. For years, scientists have pondered why our conscious awareness picks up specific signals and overlooks others. They wanted to know what part of the brain separates unconsciousness from consciousness.

Who Conducted the Study on Conscious Awareness?

So, scientists from the Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Consciousness Science at Michigan Medicine decided to investigate. Their findings first published in the journal Cell Reports.

“Information processing in the brain has two dimensions: sensory processing of the environment without awareness and the type that occurs when a stimulus reaches a certain level of importance and enters conscious awareness,” explains Zirui Huang, Ph.D., research investigator in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Huang, along with lead researcher Anthony Hudetz, Ph.D. and colleagues, aimed to verify the location of this ‘gateway’ in the brain. They determined that this switch occurs in the brain region called the anterior insular cortex. It acts as a filter of conscious awareness between low-level sensory information and higher awareness.

Researchers gave participants the anesthetic drug propofol for the study, which caused loss of consciousness. Then, they placed participants inside an fMRI machine to monitor brain activity. As they gradually lost consciousness, the team asked volunteers to imagine themselves doing various activities. These included playing tennis, walking down a path, and squeezing their hand. They were also asked to complete a motor response activity (squeezing a rubber ball).

Prior research discovered that mental imagery activates similar areas in the brain as actually performing the activity. So, when participants imagined themselves playing tennis, the part of the brain that controls movement (frontal lobe) lit up. Other brain regions become deactivated as mental energy shifts toward the activity.

Doctor Explains How The Brain Can Unlock Conscious Awareness

Researchers observed that deactivations occurred less often in the study as participants lost consciousness. When they lost consciousness completely, their brain regions didn’t light up during mental imagery tasks. However, when they regained some consciousness, these brain areas became a bit more active. With full consciousness, their brain returned to normal activation.

As the team analyzed their brain activity during varying stages of consciousness, they discovered the anterior insular cortex governed conscious awareness.

“A sensory stimulus will normally activate the anterior insular cortex,” says Hudetz. “But when you lose consciousness, the anterior insular cortex is deactivated, and network shifts in the brain that support consciousness are disrupted.” He added that the anterior insular cortex might influence conscious awareness by filtering trivial information.

The team wanted to confirm the findings with another well-known psychological experiment. For this second experiment, researchers flashed a person’s face on a screen for just three-hundredths of a second. Then, they showed participants a high contrast image designed to interrupt conscious awareness of the face. Afterward, the team asked volunteers whether they saw a face on the screen. Researchers determined that participants saw the image if their anterior insular cortex was activated.

“Anterior insular cortex has continuously fluctuating activity,” says Huang. “Whether you can detect a stimulus depends upon the state of the anterior insula when the information arrives in your brain: if the insula’s activity is high at the point of stimulus, you will see the image. Based on evidence from these two experiments, we conclude that the anterior insular cortex could be a gate for conscious awareness.”

The brain is the most complex organ in our bodies, but scientists continue to uncover more of its mysteries each day. Since we’re a projection of consciousness, understanding the brain can help us unlock our full potential.

How to Expand Your Conscious Awareness

Since the dawn of time, humans have longed to experience higher states of consciousness. It’s in our nature to desire knowledge, bliss, and love, but our material environment limits us. However, we can access greater conscious awareness through meditation. Sages and saints throughout history have become enlightened or achieved full consciousness through various forms of meditation.

If you want to practice meditation, Kriya Yoga offers one of the best ways to enhance consciousness. Paramahansa Yogananda, considered the Father of Yoga in the West, taught this technique to Americans in 1920. It involves various deep breathing exercises, body relaxation, and contemplation to achieve higher awareness. While it takes practice and dedication, it’s worth the effort to realize your full potential.

The basic idea behind yoga involves uniting your limited human consciousness with the divine, or cosmic consciousness. The breath ties the soul to a physical form, so you can overcome body-consciousness by controlling the breath through yoga.

Teachers of this meditation method call it the fastest way to expand your conscious awareness. For perspective, one Kriya, or series of spiritual techniques to realize the soul, equates to one year of spiritual growth. Plus, it only takes about thirty seconds to perform one of these meditation techniques. Theoretically, you could achieve millions of years of development in one lifetime with intense practice.

If you’re interested, you can order Kriya Yoga lessons and practice at home to achieve greater conscious awareness.

Final Thoughts on the Seat of Conscious Awareness in the Brain

There’s arguably nothing more fascinating than learning about the intricacies of the human brain. After all, it dictates our entire conscious experience on Earth and guides us through this crazy thing we call life. Researchers have discovered that one part of the brain called the anterior insular cortex plays a critical role in consciousness. In fact, they call it the “gateway to conscious awareness” since it helps us process sensory stimuli.

The study found that only participants with an activated anterior insular cortex could perceive real or imagined images. This brain region controls much of our perceptions and awareness. Our minds have infinite potential, and we can only realize it by diving deep into our consciousness.

18 Habits That Can Improve Your Cognitive Abilities

March 11, 2022 by Chris Butler

Your brain is one of the most complex computers in the universe. Although most of its tasks and abilities are hard-wired, you still must maintain them. Boosting your brainpower may be easier than you think, and it will help improve cognitive abilities.

18 Habits That Can Contribute to Better Cognitive Abilities

Do you want to keep your mind sharp throughout your lifetime? It can be as easy as developing new habits that aren’t difficult and enjoyable. Here are 18 practices to improve your cognitive skills and other brain functions.

1. Play Games That Improve Cognitive Abilities

Who says you can’t boost your cognitive abilities and have fun simultaneously? Bring out your favorite classic board games and enjoy a family game night. Games like chess, checkers, and cards involve concentration and sharp reasoning skills.

Video games can benefit your brain function and memory when you play in moderation. According to an article published by Frontiers in Neuroscience, an occasional video game can also help your focus and motor skills.

2. Limit Your Multitasking

Multitasking seems to be the golden ability everyone wants to put on their resume. The more you can do simultaneously, the more efficient you’re. The problem is that your brain is single task-oriented, and too much multitasking can raise your stress levels.

Juggling several tasks at once often means that you might jeopardize the quality of your work. Plus, you don’t always get the satisfaction of completing a job well done. Less brain stress can improve your cognitive abilities and benefit your productivity in the long run.

3. Minimize Your Sugar Intake

Are you one of those people with an insatiable sweet tooth? It can be challenging to keep your eating habits in check when you’re craving a sugary treat. Sugar may be okay for rare occasions, but it can wreak havoc on your health in excess.

A study published by Clinical Intervention in Aging suggests that consuming sugary foods may impair cognitive skills. It can especially be an issue for older adults, as stated in the article. Try your best to limit your daily sugar intake and read labels carefully for hidden sugars, like anything ending with “ose.”

4. Get Enough Sleep to Increase Your Cognitive Abilities

You couldn’t survive past a couple of minutes if your brain went to sleep. Fortunately, your brain powers down when you’re asleep and only maintains vital functions. It also uses this time to recharge, revitalize neurons, and file essential memories.

When you don’t get enough sleep at night, your challenge your brain in the wrong ways, as it doesn’t get the rest it needs. That means your neurotransmitters don’t get optimized, and your cognitive abilities may decline over time. Remember to get at least six to eight hours of quality sleep for your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

5. Enjoy a Glass of Wine

Perhaps the Europeans knew long ago that a bit of wine was good for the body. It turns out that a daily glass of wine has many benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities.

According to a study published by the University of Rochester, alcohol in moderation can benefit your brain. It may reduce inflammation and help your brain eliminate toxins. However, excess alcohol can have the opposite effect, warns the article.

6. Try to Exercise Each Day

Your body is a living machine that requires proper food for fuel and daily exercise for optimal performance. Changing your daily exercise routine may be a practical challenge to your memory.

Aerobic exercises may improve blood and oxygen flow to your brain. Plus, a good workout can release endorphins to boost your mood. Just a simple walk for 15 minutes can get your body moving and your mind clicking.

7. Put on Your Dancing Shoes

Dancing is a natural response to the beat of the music. It’s a lot of fun and is an excellent exercise for all ages. Did you know that getting on your groove can also improve your cognitive abilities?

An article published by the Journal of American Geriatric Society states that exercising and dance may boost cognitive performance, verbal fluency, and working memory. Turn on some of your favorite music and dance to your heart’s content.

8. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Did you play a musical instrument in a high school band and never pick it up again? Maybe you’ve always wanted to play an instrument but were afraid you weren’t good enough. Don’t let hesitation stand in your way of a life-enriching skill.

No matter which instruments you want to play, you can do it. Take professional lessons or watch online tutorials. Learning music notation and playing can improve your cognitive abilities and boost your creativity.

9. Socialize with Family and Friends

Socializing and belonging is basic human need, not just a suggestion. Even confirmed loners can benefit from connecting with someone. These social bonds can positively affect your life and improve your cognitive abilities.

Interacting within your circle of family and friends helps build trust and empathy. You can also learn fascinating things by talking with people from different walks of life. Socializing can keep you mentally sharp and well-rounded.

10. Practice Yoga or Tai Chi to Enhance Cognitive Abilities

The ancient yoga and tai chi practices offer a balance of body, mind, and spirit. They involve smooth movements and poses that strengthen your bones, muscles, and joints and give you more flexibility. You’ll also discover mindful breathing and how to live in the moment.

Another benefit of yoga, tai chi, and other movement practice is improving brain functions. A study published by Cambridge University Publishing cites a possible link between yoga, memory function, and mood. The study also suggested the need for more studies.

11. Take a Power Nap

Taking a little nap during the day doesn’t mean you’re a lazy person. You’ll often recharge your batteries and perform better for the rest of the day. Your brain could use some extra downtime to improve your cognitive functions.

Try resting for about fifteen to twenty minutes on a break and see how you feel. The chances are that you will refresh your mind and improve your mood. Don’t nap for too long because it can affect your sleep at night.

12. Work Puzzles Improve Cognitive Abilities

There’s a reason they often call word puzzles “brain teasers.” Boredom is your brain’s worst enemy, and it thrives on challenges. Improve your cognitive skills and memory with crossword puzzles, riddles, sudoku, or any fun way to make you think.

13. Enjoy Arts and Crafts

You needn’t be a world-famous artist to enjoy doing something creative. Arts and crafts are ideal for relaxing and tapping into your creative inspiration. They also provide hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills that will benefit other areas of your life.

14. Learn A Foreign Language

The world is a fascinating place overflowing with diversity in culture. Have you ever wanted to learn a foreign language? Now’s the best time to start, whether from a teacher or online programs.

Learning another language challenges your mind to learn new words and concepts. It is a detailed comparison between vocabulary and syntax that builds brainpower. Speaking a foreign language can also open new doors for you to travel or talk to people from other countries.

15. Savor a Bite of Dark Chocolate

If you ever need an excuse to divulge in a little taste of heaven, this is it. There’s been some preliminary research that suggests a link between dark chocolate and health benefits. An article published by the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology mentions that flavanol in dark chocolate may improve cognitive tasks, but the research is still in the preliminary stages.

16. Eat a Balanced Diet

Since you’re what you eat, it only makes sense to eat what’s best for you. A nutritionally balanced diet keeps your body strong and healthy and benefits your brain health. Your brain needs protein, vitamins, and minerals to thrive and boost your thinking and memory abilities.

17. Spend Time Outdoors

When you feel the pressures of work and home overwhelming your mind, it’s time for a break. There’s nothing quite like going outside and walking among the stunning beauty nature offers. Among the majestic trees, colorful flowers, and the harmony of the birds, you’ll discover unfathomable tranquility.

Not only will you be giving your nerves some respite, but you can also improve your brain functions. According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, spending time in nature can improve your cognition and mental health.

18. Practice Meditation to Support Cognitive Abilities

Meditation is an Eastern practice that goes back thousands of years. Nevertheless, its benefits are just as relevant today. It helps calm your mind and allows intrusive thoughts to pass like billowing clouds. You’re more in tune with your inner voice when you meditate, and you discover the joy of simply “being.”

Another possible benefit of this ancient practice is that it may positively affect your brain functions. An article published by the Annals of the New York Academy of Science reports promising benefits of meditation on cognitive skills. Per the article, it may also improve memory, processing speed, and attention.

Final Thoughts on Habits to Improve Your Cognitive Abilities

When you challenge your brain with daily habits like these, you may notice a positive difference. You may have better mental clarity, focus, and problem-solving skills. Paying attention to your brain health may help minimize cognitive decline as you get older.

12 Facial Cues A Liar Shows to Reveal Themselves

March 11, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

By now, you know that lying is a terrible thing to do. It can get you into real trouble, such as ending relationships, causing you to lose your job, or even sending you to jail. However, many people think it’s acceptable to be dishonest when faced with high-stake issues. The problem is that your facial cues will often give away that you’re being untruthful.

Yes, your face will rat you out before anyone has time to investigate the story. Someone trained in reading body language, like those who work for the FBI, can easily pick up on these subtle cues that the untruthful give.

Twelve Facial Cues a Liar Shows to Reveal Themselves

Your facial expressions mean everything. It’s all caused by chemical reactions that occur within the body when you’re nervous. When you know a person, you can observe their normal reactions versus those they use when they’re deceptive.

Even the master manipulator will show lying indicators, but you may have to look closer if you’re dealing with a habitual liar. Do you think you have the skills of some of the top trained behavioral analysts in the country? Here are some facial expressions to observe when someone is dishonest.

1. Rapid Blinking Facial Cues Reveal a Lie

According to the National Library of Medicine, the average person will blink about once every 10-12 seconds. However, experts use blinking to indicate mental health disorders like schizophrenia, where blinking becomes excessive, or Parkinson’s disease, where blinking is slowed. It’s also true of the one who’s being dishonest.

When the body is under stress, a person will blink more than usual. It’s called rapid succession, and it comes from an alteration of dopamine levels in the brain. If a person is lying, it’s not uncommon for them to blink up to six times faster than usual, and it’s hard to ignore when someone’s eyes are blinking rapidly.

2. They Look Down and to the Right

Behavior analysts have noticed that dishonest people have a habit of looking down to the right. When they’re trying to recall events, they shift their eyes down and to the left when they’re deep in thought. The real problem is when the eyes move down and to the right, which indicates they’re about to tell you a whopper.

3. Watch for the Inability to Stop Touching Their Face

The liar will touch their face repetitively. That same chemical reaction that makes the eyes twitch can also make the skin itch like it’s on fire. So, the person who’s being less than honest might feel the need to scratch their face to calm the irritation.

4. Facial Cues Like Pursed Lips or a Dry Mouth

When observing facial cues, make sure you look at the mouth. When someone is lying, their mouth will go dry from nerves. You might observe a white coating on the outside of the lips that indicate things have gone dry, which is expected.

Their lips may become pursed, and some even go as far as making a sucking motion or licking their lips trying to rehydrate them. While they may be speaking lies, their lips tell another story by their appearance. Dry mouth is a big issue, and they will need plenty of water to cure this issue.

5. Their Eyes Move Back and Forth

The eyes are quite expressive, as they’re the window to the soul. When someone is uncomfortable with the questions they’ve been asked, their eyes will quickly dart back and forth. This behavior goes back to prehistoric times and the body’s physiological reaction when in danger.

It’s common to think that someone who is about to be caught in a lie will be uncomfortable, and they will seek an escape route. In cave dweller times, people would always be on guard for other humans or animals that put them in a dangerous situation, and the body feels similar when faced with telling the truth. So, they’re naturally looking for a way out and escaping being caught being dishonest.

6. Not So Subtle Facial Cues…Their Entire Head Shakes

Other facial cues to notate include the movement of the entire head. Have you ever seen someone with Parkinson’s disease shake their head up and down or back and forth? It’s a natural reaction they cannot control, but the liar will do this when they agree or disagree with what you’re saying.

The key is to pay attention to the direction in which the head shakes. If they agree with you, they will nod their head in the up and down motion, but if they disagree, their head will go from side to side. While they may seem to control these movements, it can be a natural response to the questions.

7. They Look Up and To the Right

Again, you need to pay attention to where the eyes look when asked an uncomfortable question. If a person is naturally right-handed, they look to the left when remembering things about the line of questioning. However, when they shift their glance to the right, they’re working hard to invent a story to get them out of trouble.

If a person is left-handed, they will look to the right when remembering and the left when lying. To throw another confusing wrench in things, some folks stare straight ahead when their brain is working hard to recall events. Just make sure you pay special attention to the eyes as they’re shifty when a person is being deceptive.

8. Their face Turns a Bright Red Hue

One of the most telling facial cues is blushing. Your sympathetic nervous system, the same one that triggers your body’s fight or flight response, can cause you to experience this involuntary reflex. According to Body Language Matters, when someone is dishonest, their body releases the hormone adrenaline, as they feel cornered and in trouble.

Some folks blush when they’re in pain or when they’re angry, but when someone is lying, the color of their face can be very expressive. This is all caused by the abundance of adrenaline in their system.

9. They Give a Fake Smile

While it’s not a frown, a fake smile is something that they’ve pushed. You can always tell a fake smile from a real one because wrinkles appear, and the eyes are bunched. When you smile naturally, your eyes are bright, and there’s no wrinkling, but the one you force is noticeable.

10. They Close Their Eyes for Long Periods

You blink to keep your eyes hydrated and free of debris. However, when you’re speaking to someone, and they close their eyes for a few seconds, it’s a significant indicator that they’re dishonest with you.

It’s one of the facial cues that many people miss, but people close their eyes because this is a defense mechanism. They’re probably trying to keep from looking you in the eye, or they’re concocting a story and need a minute to come up with it.

11. The Eyes May Reveal Powerful Facial Cues, Shifting to the Right as They Speak

Have you ever talked to someone, and the whole time they’re speaking, their eyes are looking everywhere else? While this can signify someone being shy or having a nervous condition, it’s also an indication of deception. Facial cues like looking to the right when answering your questions indicate fraud.

The way to tell between a mental health disorder like anxiety and lying is to always look to the right when speaking. They wouldn’t just do it when they’re being asked something that makes them uncomfortable.

12. Their Sweating Kicks into Overdrive

One of the most common facial cues that someone cannot control is profuse sweating. When a person is dishonest, their face will get a sweat on the forehead and cheeks.

If they’re sweating hard, it may even appear on the chest or the back of their neck. This is another indication of the sympathetic nervous system working overtime. Additionally, some people are more prone to sweating than others.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Facial Cues A Liar Shows to Reveal Themselves

There are many ways to tell if someone is lying that it’s hard to be dishonest to the trained eye. Of course, you probably know the person you’re asking on a more personal level. You can notice cues and changes in their body language that indicate something’s not right.

Other things to pay attention to include crossing the arms, twitching or squirming in their seat, or a frown when they speak. Anything out of the ordinary or abnormal for this person can indicate deception. Police and FBI agents look for a defensive demeanor, and a good investigator doesn’t need a lie detector machine to do anything other than proving what they already know.

Even the most skilled liar may find it hard to be deceptive when their body starts producing hormones that activate their “flight or fight” response. Their system kicks into defense mode, and their facial cues give them away. The next time you’re questioning someone and you think they’re being deceptive, make sure you watch their face as it will tell you the truth.

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