( Natural News ) It’s fair to say that our world has reached a point where technology is so advanced that robots are almost expected to be lifelike – but what about robots that develop mental illnesses, hallucinations and depression like human beings do? Is this just science fiction, or can we really expect artificial intelligence to grow even more similar to humans in the not-so-distant future? Back in March, New York University hosted a symposium in New York City called Canonical Computations in Brains and Machines, where a group of neuroscientists and experts in the field of artificial intelligence spoke about overlaps in the ways in which human beings and machines think and process information. According to one of these neuroscientists – Zachary Mainen of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown – we might expect advanced machines to soon be able to experience some of the same mental problems that people do. “I’m drawing on the field of computational psychiatry, which assumes we can learn about a patient who’s depressed or hallucinating from studying AI algorithms like reinforcement learning. If you reverse the arrow, why wouldn’t an AI be subject to the sort of things that go wrong with patients?” Mainen said. The neuroscientist went on to explain that mental illnesses like depression and hallucinations depend on a chemical in the brain called serotonin, and if serotonin is being used to help intelligence systems solve a more general problem, “then machines might implement a similar function.” In other words, if serotonin can go wrong in humans, it could also go wrong inside of a machine. Get more news like this without being censored : Get the Natural News app for your mobile devices. Enjoy uncensored news, lab test results, videos, podcasts and more. Bypass all the unfair censorship […]

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( Natural News ) Telling the truth about a scandal that hasn’t been approved by the legacy media and their owners often yields a predictable result: You’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist — even when there is plenty of evidence to support the truth. Comfortable lies may help some people sleep at night, but the truth is that many supposed “conspiracy theories” are actually real, and are supported by science . Who would have thought? Here are five truths that are widely misrepresented as conspiracy theories, and the evidence which supports them: 1. Atrazine disrupts, damages the endocrine system Atrazine is on the fast-track to becoming one of the most widely used pesticides in the United States. And because of this, there is a high amount of it in groundwater. It is consistently detected in public water supplies — which in and of itself is really quite concerning. But when the profound potential for this toxic chemical to spur endocrine disruption is taken into account, atrazine becomes downright frightening . Research led by Dr. Tyrone Hayes, a scientist from the University of California at Berkeley, has shown that in frogs, atrazine is capable of causing lasting endocrine damage. In males, the disruption to endocrine function can be so severe that it results in chemical castration. In one study, Hayes exposed 40 tadpoles to water tainted with atrazine, at a concentration of 2.5 parts per billion — well within the EPA’s allotment for drinking water. Nearly one-tenth of the tadpoles that were reared in the atrazine-laden water became “functionally female,” according to Hayes. Despite reportedly being born male, they ended up producing eggs. Support our mission and enhance your own self-reliance : The laboratory-verified Organic Emergency Survival Bucket provides certified organic, high-nutrition storable food for emergency preparedness. Completely free of […]

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( Natural News ) If you’re not into physical activities or don’t like regularly going to the gym, you’ve probably used the line “I can’t lose weight like other people do because of my metabolism” one too many times as an excuse. But did you know that our metabolic rates aren’t that different after all ? The U.K.’s National Health Service defines metabolism as “all of the chemical processes that go on inside your body to keep you alive.” These various processes need energy, with about 70 percent of the energy being allocated to some of the very basic processes that keep us alive, regardless of our activity levels. This is called the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Think of metabolism as the body’s ability to turn the food you eat into energy that powers different processes in the body. Researchers have two different methods of measuring basal metabolic rate. First is by measuring the heat the body exudes, and second is by monitoring the levels of carbon dioxide you exhale. But is there a way to determine if people have a “fast” metabolic rate or a “slow” one? Dr. Thomas Barber, an associate professor and honorary consultant endocrinologist at the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire in England, said that while individuals have different metabolic rates, in general, our metabolism per unit or kilogram of lean mass “is remarkably constant across the population.” Dr. Barber added that most of the metabolism occurs in all the lean tissue in the body or everything that’s not fat. Take note that aside from the muscles, lean mass includes organs like the brain, kidneys, and the liver. When discussing rate in “lean mass, people are fairly similar across the board.” Sponsored solution from CWC Labs: This heavy metals test kit […]

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I’ve known for some time that a sedentary lifestyle is not the best way to age well. I know that getting outside for a walk each day will help me stay trim, keep my bones strong, manage my high blood pressure and prevent heart disease and diabetes. I haven’t always acted on this knowledge. Until now. I fear Alzheimer’s and memory loss just as much or more than I fear other health conditions. I’m betting you do, too. When I read the two pieces of research I’m about to share with you, I promised myself I’d start walking daily. I’ve been true to my word. I hope you will be, too. Every footstep sends oxygen to the brain We know that a good, brisk walk can improve your mood, get the blood flowing and help you concentrate better. But there’s more to it than that. Two studies released last year show that, in fact, every step we take actually results in physical changes to the brain that improve our ability to hold on to memories and use them when we need them. A team of researchers at New Mexico Highlands University discovered something seemingly simple, yet vitally important about walking and our brain. They found that the foot’s impact during walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that increase blood supply to the brain. With increased blood flow comes more oxygen to support the brain areas responsible for memory and cognition. Not only that: the researchers found that when we walk briskly, our stride rate (number of steps per minute) and heart rate tend to fall into sync, revealing the vital connection between the two. More steps = a bigger brain, better memory The second important study comes from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the […]

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( Natural News ) The thyroid is an important gland that is responsible for a lot of functions in the body. If it is over- or under-functioning, you might experience symptoms, such as brain fog, a slower metabolism, fatigue, and even depression. Here are some tonics and teas that you can brew up to improve thyroid health : Dandelion – Dandelions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help calm the autoimmune flares and balance out the immune system. To make dandelion tea, you need two teaspoons of dried dandelion root and leaves. Then, steep it with fresh lemon zest in a tea infuser for 15 to 20 minutes. Add half a teaspoon of raw honey, stir, and drink. Siberian ginseng – As an adaptogenic herb, Siberian ginseng can help the body handle stress better, like the stress caused by a thyroid problem. Additionally, it can help reduce inflammation commonly found in thyroid problems. The dried root of this herb can be brewed and paired with orange peel or zest. Siberian ginseng requires a longer cooking time, about two to three hours, to extract the herbal benefits. Chaga – Chaga provides liver and lymph cleansing benefits. It also removes toxins and nourishes the detox system, which is beneficial for a thyroid-sluggish body. It also has mind-clearing benefits which can clear away thyroid brain fog. Chaga can be mixed in a smoothie or be made into a matcha-like tea drink. Ashwagandha – This herb can help the body cope better with stress, anxiety, and other chronic health conditions. Moreover, it can help improve the production of thyroid hormone. You can take ashwagandha by mixing it with warm coconut or almond milk. Turmeric – Turmeric is a nourishing food for thyroid health because of its active ingredient, curcumin. It provides anti-inflammatory properties […]

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In 47 CE, Scribonius Largus, court physician to the Roman emperor Claudius, described in his Compositiones a method for treating chronic migraines: place torpedo fish on the scalps of patients to ease their pain with electric shocks. Largus was on the right path; our brains are comprised of electrical signals that influence how brain cells communicate with each other and in turn affect cognitive processes such as memory, emotion and attention. The science of brain stimulation —altering electrical signals in the brain—has, needless to say, changed in the past 2,000 years. Today we have a handful of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices that deliver constant, low current to specific regions of the brain through electrodes on the scalp, for users ranging from online video-gamers to professional athletes and people with depression. Yet cognitive neuroscientists are still working to understand just how much we can influence brain signals and improve cognition with these techniques. Brain stimulation by tDCS is non-invasive and inexpensive. Some scientists think it increases the likelihood that neurons will fire, altering neural connections and potentially improving the cognitive skills associated with specific brain regions. Neural networks associated with attention control can be targeted to improve focus in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or people who have a hard time remembering shopping lists and phone numbers might like to target brain areas associated with short-term (also known as working) memory in order to enhance this cognitive process. However, the effects of tDCS are inconclusive across a wide body of peer-reviewed studies, particularly after a single session. In fact, some experts question whether enough electrical stimulation from the technique is passing through the scalp into the brain to alter connections between brain cells at all. Notably, the neuroscientist György Buzsáki at New York University presented research […]

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Anchovy toast Experts call the stomach your "second brain" for a reason: There’s a little world of neurons hanging out in there, ready to fire off feel-good messages straight to your head. Get them going with eat-the-rainbow meals designed to energize, calm, or boost your mood. MARCUS NILSSON This salad will prep you for anything. It’s teeming with wild shrimp (low in cals, big in protein and iron to get you pumped), crunchy apples (for an all-natural sugar rush), and spicy peppers (loaded with capsaicins, compounds that stimulate the release of endorphins—the same chemicals that create a runner’s high!). MARCUS NILSSON There are mind-blowing numbers of avo toast on insta. But if you’re after mind-sharpening, crown that crusty bread with anchovies. Yep, anchovies. These savory swimmers (boasting umami-rich flavor) are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can fuel your mind and enhance a positive mood. Top it off with multihued carrots—the more colors, the greater the range of vitamins—to get your fill of memory-improving flavonoids. MARCUS NILSSON Brownies. The word alone conjures good moods. Chocolate itself decreases cortisol levels, but this batch eclipses the classic. One: it’s baked with sweet potatoes, which contain muscle-relaxing potassium and fiber, so you feel full faster. Two: Black beans are high in magnesium, which regulates the nervous system to help tame anxiety. This article originally appeared in the May 2018 issue of Women’s Health. For more great ideas, pick up a copy on newsstands now!

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by Sabrina Stierwalt, PhD: Popular media is full of suggestions on how to improve our brain health and cognition. But can we really boost our intelligence? The ‘selfish brain’ theory of evolution describes our brains as taking the energy it needs, typically in the form of glucose, before doling out what remains to the rest of the body. In other words, the brain selfishly prioritizes its own needs which are comparably high. A recent study from the University of Cambridge put this theory to the test by challenging elite rowers to perform a memory task and a physical rowing task, first separately and then at the same time. Performance in both the memory-related and the physical tasks decreased when the students attempted to accomplish them simultaneously, but their rowing suffered far more than their ability to recall words for the memory task. On average, the participants showed a 30% greater drop in their physical strength than in their cognitive abilities , suggesting the brain does in fact take what it needs first when resources become scarce. Although the selfish brain theory has been proposed as a possible origin for physical issues like obesity, it may also push back against the idea that we are stuck with an innate level of intelligence. If we can count on our brains to demand our body’s limited resources, can we also count on them to continue to improve even once we’re done growing in adulthood? A common brain myth is that we only use 10% of our brain . I have certainly heard this statistic and a study from only a few years ago showed that as many as 65% of Americans believe it to be true. However, neurologists at the Mayo Clinic note that throughout the course of the day, we use […]

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Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties and healing powers. Chinese medicine relies heavily on natural ingredients for health and vitality—with good reason. Herbs and spices are commonly used to add flavor to food, but many people don’t realize that adding these tiny touches of flavor also boosts the nutritional value of your favorite dishes. Certain herbs and spices have been researched and proven effective in their inflammation-reducing, cancer-preventing, immune-boosting, and anti-aging properties. These ten little powerhouses of healthy goodness may already be sitting in your pantry or your fridge, so start spicing up your food for better health! 1. Turmeric Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which has incredible anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties, according to studies. It has shown positive results in improving symptoms of several types of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and autoimmune diseases. (1) Curcumin is so effective that it is even sold as capsules for supplementation. Thousands of studies were conducted to determine the health benefits of curcumin with the same results— curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces oxidative stress and fights cancer. (2) 2. Oregano Oregano is a popular herb used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. In the US, it is primarily used as pizza seasoning in its dried form. Oregano is full of important nutrients , including vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Even though it’s packed with vitamins, oregano’s potency can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Oregano possesses two antimicrobial phytochemicals called carvacrol and thymol . Oregano essential oil has been researched extensively for its antimicrobial effects and is proven effective against many kinds of bacteria, including E. coli , S. aureus , […]

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( Natural News ) “You are what you eat” might be an overused phrase, but there’s quite a bit of truth to it, particularly when it comes to your brain. According to a paper published in the journal Physiology , the signals from your gut to your brain have a strong influence on your behaviors and emotions, especially during threatening events . Your gut and brain constantly communicate with one another through your vagus nerve. This nerve makes its way throughout your chest and abdomen, controlling and monitoring not only your digestion but also your hormone levels, immune function, heart rate and blood pressure. This nerve forms part of a protective system that can help you make decisions by compelling you to slow down and evaluate a particular situation before proceeding or even avoid it entirely. It essentially connects your brain with your gastrointestinal tract, which covers a big surface area and is laden with sensors. To put it in perspective, the GI tract is more than 100 times bigger than your skin’s total surface, and it sends more signals up to your brain than any other of your organs. As you can imagine, this makes your gut tremendously powerful. A poor diet can throw off the protective signals that come from the vagus nerve that encourage you to be cautious. This can change your behavior and your mood. As a matter of fact, the connection is so strong that recent studies have found that traumatic brain injuries can damage an individual’s gut in addition to their brain. Moreover, it appears to be a two-way street, with gut irregularities impacting brain inflammation following traumatic brain injuries . Support our mission and protect your health: Organic Seeds of Life combines Red Raspberry Seed Power, Black Cumin Seed Power and Red […]

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( Natural News ) Believe it or not but pain can actually be a friend. It tells us something is wrong and that we should avoid it, like getting too close to the bonfire and hurting ourselves. It tells us to be careful when slicing vegetables, because we can hurt our fingers if we don’t watch out. Neuroscientists from the University of Pennsylvania concluded in a new research that animals suppress chronic pain when they are hungry , in an attempt to look for food and survive. The study zeroed in on 300 brain cells that prioritize the need for food to quell hunger, than the need to get over chronic pain. Amber L. Alhadeff, one of the researchers admitted that his team did not expect that hunger could influence the feeling of pain. But he realized it made sense. Animals must get nutrients from food first before they can even think of overcoming pain from injury. Curious about how hunger may interact with the sensation of pain, the researchers observed how mice that hadn’t eaten for 24 hours still responded to acute pain. But unlike their well-fed counterparts, hungry mice ignored pain caused by inflammation. Long-term pain from inflammation is thought to involve neural circuits in the brain. The researchers also discovered that hungry mice did not steer away from the place that brought them inflammatory pain . This made researchers wonder what part of the brain was behind the hunger-pain connection. They experimented on gouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons, which are believed to trigger hunger. They found out that mice responded less to chronic pain while retaining their reactions to severe pain. The researchers dug deeper and discovered that stimulating only a few hundred AgRP neurons markedly suppressed inflammatory pain. J. Nicholas Betley, assistant biology professor at the […]

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• Exercise — Dr. Charles Kim, M.D., assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine and anesthesiology and a medical acupuncturist at the the New York University Langone Medical Center says that working out produces natural painkillers like endorphins. They raise our threshold of pain and work with brain receptors to change how we perceive pain.
• Fish oil — A study showed that after 75 days, more than half of the patients with neck or back pain who took 1,200 milligrams of fish oil a day with eicosapentaenoic and decosahexanoic acid stopped taking painkillers. Order all natural fish oil here.
• Turmeric — Researchers who combined turmeric with Devil’s claw and bromelain on patients found that that the mixture relieved pain from osteoarthritis. The patients took two 650-milligram capsules twice or thrice a day. All natural turmeric available online here.
• Resveratrol in red wine, grapes and berries — Researchers reported that the substance regulates pain on the cellular level.

( Natural News ) So you’ve become a regular at the gym, turned vegan, and done almost everything in your power to stay physically healthy. What about staying mentally fit as well? Mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental fitness protects us from depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s , and other diseases. Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College , New York claims we can prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia through healthier food and lifestyle choices. In her new book Brain Food: How to Eat Smart and Sharpen your Mind , Mosconi says that while genetics plays a key role in causing dementia, lifestyle factors, like diet, are just as crucial. Maintain your sugar levels — Our brain depends mainly on glucose (sugar) and needs 62 grams of glucose daily. Before you grab that extra-large pizza though, Mosconi says our brains’ ‘sugar gates’ open when it needs sugar, but shuts down once it’s had enough. Excess glucose can’t enter the “sugar gate.” Instead, it leads to high blood sugar levels and weight gain. Know how your nutrients interact — Nutrients in your body should interact withe each other. Make sure you get a balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and vitamin B. Have plant-based meals — Our vegetarian ancestors knew it all along. Plant-based foods are the best. In fact, 98 percent of those who live long, healthy and dementia-free lives are vegans. Choose organic food well — You can also save on costs by choosing fruits that are in season. You can also opt for wild fish over the farmed variety, since the former tends to have less pollutants and pesticides. Always eat breakfast — Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day, because the brain needs an […]

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( Natural News ) In 2015, at least 47 million people worldwide had dementia, a memory problem that often greatly affects an individual’s ability to accomplish daily tasks. While the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, other forms exist as well. Unlike other diseases that can be treated, there is no cure for dementia. However, learning about its risk factors is one way to prevent it. According to a study, older adults who have slower walking speeds could have a higher risk of developing dementia than those with faster walking speeds. A team of researchers from the U.K. analyzed the relationship among changes in walking speed, changes in the ability to think and make decisions, and dementia. The results of the study were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society . For the study, the researchers reviewed data from the “English Longitudinal Study of Aging” which contained information from adults aged 60 and older who lived in England. The researchers relied on information gathered from 2002 to 2015 and they assessed participants’ walking speed on two occasions: From 2002 to 2003; and in 2004 to 2005. The participants were observed once again to determine whether or not they developed dementia following the tests from 2006 to 2015. The researchers then compared the patients who had developed dementia with those who had not. (Related: Go for a brisk walk every day to protect your brain .) The researchers found out that out of the almost 4,000 older adults they observed, the ones with a slower walking speed had a higher chance of developing dementia. Additionally, individuals who experienced a faster decrease in walking speed in a two-year period were also at greater risk for dementia. Support our mission and protect your health: Organic Seeds of Life […]

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