Dan Mirsky: How I Trained for Fat Camp

Dan Mirsky: How I Trained for Fat Camp

Dan Mirsky is one of the most passionate and driven climbers I know. When it comes to putting his head down and working his projects, Dan is as dedicated as they come. Dan is also calculated and driven with his training. If he thinks something is going to improve his climbing, he’ll put the work in. This dogged approach both to training and trying his projects has given Dan a tick list most of us can only dream of. While Dan has amassed 5.14 ascents all over the country, Rifle Mountain Park is his home and primary stomping grounds. Having worked his way through the majority of the routes in the canyon, Fat Camp, one of Rifle’s hardest, was an obvious next step for him. This point, however, is where this story leaves the typical script of “such-and-such strong climber had a goal, trained hard, tried harder, and sent.” Having been there for a lot of Dan’s campaign on Fat Camp I can safely say he wasn’t failing because of some physical shortcoming or because he wasn’t trying hard enough. What he had run into was a point where what had worked for him in the past was no longer working. This is a really hard place to be and it’s easy to default to thinking that doubling down and doing more of the same is the answer. After all, it’s worked for so long, why won’t it work now? In this installment of the TrainingBeta How I Trained For Series, Dan digs into the process he had to go through mentally to get himself back to a point where he was ready and capable of trying a hard route in a positive and productive way. I was there during a lot of the time Dan recounts in this […]

The best nootropics

The best nootropics

Nootropics often work by altering neurotransmitter, enzyme, or hormone levels in the brain. Others increase cerebral blood flow, like through the use of caffeine. Nootropic supplements are over-the-counter "smart drugs" designed for cognitive enhancement. Generally, nootropics are natural or chemical substances that can improve memory, concentration, mood, and focus. Some nootropic products even claim to protect the brain against degeneration and decline. In this shopping guide we’ll focus on natural nonaddictive nootropics that offer more subtle and slow-acting results than synthetic nootropics, and they’re generally safe to take in their recommended dosages. We’ve also included our top picks at the end of this article, like Genius Brand’s mushroom nootropic , which boosts both brain and immune functions. Considerations when choosing nootropics Types Natural nootropics are available as OTC supplements and are often "stacked" with several ingredients, meaning the ingredients are combined to enhance their effects. Here’s a list of common nootropics that you may find as either standalones or in a blend: Caffeine is commonly added to nootropic formulas to increase alertness, attention, and improve mood. It is widely consumed to reduce fatigue. However, be aware that caffeine can be addictive. Medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and reishi are highly popular in the wellness world. There is study-backed evidence that these mushrooms support cognitive function. Medicinal mushrooms have many other benefits, like boosting the immune system and fighting mental decline. Omega-3s are a common supplement that are considered nootropics because of their DHA and EPA content, both of which are fatty acids that support the brain. They help with memory and focus and protect neural cells against damage. They can also lower levels of depression. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black tea that has a calming anti-anxiety effect, while also improving alertness and […]

What’s salidroside, and how can it protect the brain from neurogenerative diseases?

What’s salidroside, and how can it protect the brain from neurogenerative diseases?

( Natural News ) The Arctic root is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that thrives in cold regions. In traditional medicine, it is known as Rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola is used in many natural treatments thanks to its abundance in natural compounds that exhibit medicinal properties. Researchers from China reported that rhodiola has neuroprotective activity after investigating one its most active ingredients, salidroside. Their study, which gives evidence to this, was published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine . One of the key factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is the increased production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which can be triggered by microglial activation. Only a few drugs target microglial activation. Recent studies show that the chemical compound salidroside (Sal) has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help regulate the production of pro-inflammatory substances. The current study aimed to explore the effect of Sal on microglia activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. The researchers found that Sal significantly inhibited the excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. They also found that Sal treatment suppressed the mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory enzymes, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The researchers believe that these mechanisms may be involved in the inhibition of the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that salidroside inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation by inhibiting the NF- k B pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress. They believe that this activity makes salidroside a promising therapeutic agent for human neurodegenerative diseases . (Related: A member of the forget-me-not flower family found to prevent neurodegenerative disorders .) Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural […]

Boost cellular health and prevent aging with this Japanese plant

Boost cellular health and prevent aging with this Japanese plant

( Natural News ) The ancient Japanese believed that ashitaba leaves can cure several ailments, hence the ashitaba plant played a significant role in Japanese traditional medicine. They used preparations made with ashitaba leaves to treat ailments like heartburn, stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, hay fever, gout, and constipation. Modern science has now confirmed that the herb native to Japan does have health benefits. According to a recent study, ashitaba contains a compound that boosts cellular regeneration and prevents aging . Ashitaba contains a compound which can prevent destructive aging in cells Scientists found that ashitaba contains 4,4′-dimethoxychalcone (DMC), a compound that enhances a cellular mechanism known as autophagy. “This is a cleansing and recycling process,” explained Frank Madeo, one of the authors of the study and a professor at the University of Graz in Austria. Autophagy removes unwanted cellular garbage like aggregated proteins. This “cleansing” process helps sustain good health on a cellular level by getting rid of cells’ damaged parts, which can build up and lead to cancer. It is believed that intermittent fasting and exercise can cause autophagy. However, in order to find more ways to induce autophagy, Madeo and his team turned their attention to plants. In particular, their study focused on a plant-based class of chemicals called flavonoids . Flavonoids are compounds known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties give flavonoids the ability to protect against brain degeneration, cancer, and other diseases. (Related: Hesperidin, a flavonoid, can be used to reduce skin damage caused by constant sun exposure. ) Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, reversing hypertension, and nurturing your […]

12 Tips to Improve Your Concentration

12 Tips to Improve Your Concentration

Share on Pinterest If you’ve ever found it difficult to get through a challenging task at work, studied for an important exam, or spent time on a finicky project, you might have wished you could increase your ability to concentrate. Concentration refers to the mental effort you direct toward whatever you’re working on or learning at the moment. It’s sometimes confused with attention span, but attention span refers to the length of time you can concentrate on something. Factors that affect concentration Both attention span and concentration can vary for a number of reasons. Some people just have a harder time tuning out distractions. Age and lack of sleep can affect concentration. Most people forget things more readily as they age, and decreased concentration can accompany memory loss. Head or brain injuries, such as concussion, as well as certain mental health conditions can also affect concentration. It’s easy to become frustrated when you’re trying to concentrate but just can’t. This can lead to stress and irritation, which tends to make focusing on what you need to do even more of a distant dream. If that sounds familiar, keep reading to learn more about research-backed methods to help improve your concentration. We’ll also go over some conditions that can affect concentration and steps to take if trying to increase concentration on your own just doesn’t seem to help. Playing certain types of games can help you get better at concentrating. Try: sudoku crossword puzzles chess jigsaw puzzles word searches or scrambles memory games Results of a 2015 study of 4,715 adults suggest spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can have a big impact on concentration. Brain training games can also help you develop your working and short-term memory , as well as your […]

Deep learning rises: New methods for detecting malicious PowerShell

Deep learning rises: New methods for detecting malicious PowerShell

Scientific and technological advancements in deep learning, a category of algorithms within the larger framework of machine learning, provide new opportunities for development of state-of-the art protection technologies. Deep learning methods are impressively outperforming traditional methods on such tasks as image and text classification. With these developments, there’s great potential for building novel threat detection methods using deep learning. Machine learning algorithms work with numbers, so objects like images, documents, or emails are converted into numerical form through a step called feature engineering , which, in traditional machine learning methods, requires a significant amount of human effort. With deep learning, algorithms can operate on relatively raw data and extract features without human intervention. At Microsoft, we make significant investments in pioneering machine learning that inform our security solutions with actionable knowledge through data, helping deliver intelligent, accurate, and real-time protection against a wide range of threats. In this blog, we present an example of a deep learning technique that was initially developed for natural language processing (NLP) and now adopted and applied to expand our coverage of detecting malicious PowerShell scripts, which continue to be a critical attack vector . These deep learning-based detections add to the industry-leading endpoint detection and response capabilities in Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection ( Microsoft Defender ATP ). Word embedding in natural language processing Keeping in mind that our goal is to classify PowerShell scripts, we briefly look at how text classification is approached in the domain of natural language processing. An important step is to convert words to vectors (tuples of numbers) that can be consumed by machine learning algorithms. A basic approach, known as one-hot encoding , first assigns a unique integer to each word in the vocabulary, then represents each word as a vector of 0s, with 1 at the […]

Fighting Fatigue: Increasing Energy Levels Naturally

Fighting Fatigue: Increasing Energy Levels Naturally

Do you ever think to yourself, “why am I so tired?” Fatigue is a symptom—and chronic fatigue could have a serious effect on your overall health. Often people think of symptoms as physical pain – such as a headache and nausea – or outwardly visible things, such as broken bones but also coughing, rashes, etc. However, having low energy—or suffering from chronic fatigue— never seem to fall into the categories of “true symptoms.” Somewhere along the way, we as a society decided that being tired was just “how it was supposed to be.” And to an extent, some of us even wear it like a badge of honor. Even worse, it is common for patients to see numerous primary care doctors about fatigue and be told that it is simply chalked up to getting older. I refuse to believe this (and thankfully I have the training and experience to back me up)— fatigue is neither something we have to live with nor something we should expect as we age. There are things we can do to help combat chronic fatigue. Understanding Fatigue It should be stated that “exhaustion” and “chronic fatigue” are two different things. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is reserved for those that experience extreme DAILY fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest and is without a known cause. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome might also suffer from associated symptoms such as brain fog, poor sleep, body pains, and more. This is different from having times during the day of low energy or waking up feeling unrested. Both worrisome, and sometimes even debilitating depending on the day, but certainly not the same. For many of my patients, fatigue is one of their most common symptoms but they simply write it off. Instead of addressing it, they double down on […]

My Memory Worx Fund established with Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation

My Memory Worx Fund established with Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation

The MyMemoryWorx Fund at Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides a way for donors, individuals and local businesses to provide charitable grants to MyMemoryWorx. The fund will specifically support the programs and services that are open to local people and their families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Any clinical or for-profit portions of MyMemoryWorx will not be eligible for support from this fund. MyMemoryWorx opened in 2016 and is a brain health and education center specializing in interventions not found inside a pill bottle. Kelly Willenborg is the founder and president of MyMemoryWorx, which offers certified cognitive coaching and assessments. She is certified in several fitness programs geared to the senior population and has opened a resource center called the Parkinson’s Institute of Effingham, which manages programs such as Rock Steady Boxing and SPEAK OUT! Voice Therapy to improve the lives of those facing the disease. Her work with the aging population began over 10 years ago after launching The Healing Jukebox, an arm for delivering musical engagement and education to long-term care and memory care residents/staff. The Healing Jukebox has placed 120-plus iPods in over 10 facilities. Kelly continues to advocate for music therapy as a board member of Tri-Music, a non-for-profit agency in Central Illinois. She received her master’s in Aging Studies/Gerontology from Eastern Illinois University. The Parkinson’s Institute of Effingham (PIE) originated in November of 2018 as an extension of the existing neuro health interventions. The institute’s goal is three-fold: educate, stimulate and support. They practice peer connection, reassuring that no participant feels alone or are defined by the disease. Kelly acknowledges that the peer connection is a vital part of their involvement with the program. “They are all up against the same battle,” she said. Kelly saw the formation of PIE as a natural progression from the […]

How Keto-Cycling Can Give You Even Better Weight-Loss Results

How Keto-Cycling Can Give You Even Better Weight-Loss Results

Oxford-educated MD reveals the genius diet-cycling plan that combines the fat-blasting effects of keto with the energy-boosting benefits of carbs, so you’ll drop pounds faster than ever — without deprivation Keto continues to dominate Google’s most-searched diet terms and Amazon’s bestseller list — and it’s no surprise why! There’s plenty of scientific evidence that a low-carb ketogenic diet works wonders: In the lab, it’s been shown to improve memory by 62 percent, boost mood by 52 percent, and decrease heart-harming triglycerides by 300 percent — and that’s on top of the fact that a recent study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that women on a very low-carb diet dropped more than twice as much weight as women on a calorie-restricted diet. But as anyone who’s tried the keto diet knows, following the food formula is easier said than done. We start off with good intentions, but symptoms like headaches, brain fog, fatigue, and bloat make staying the course difficult — in fact, experts report that 75 percent of women who try a low-carb diet are derailed by such issues. “The keto diet has so many benefits,” says Robert Santos-Prowse, RD, author of The Cyclical Ketogenic Diet: A Healthier, Easier Way to Burn Fat with Intermittent Ketosis ( $10.37, Amazon ) . “But what I hear over and over again is that people just can’t stick with it. Worse, they feel so deprived that when they fall off the keto wagon, they fall hard.” Why is it so difficult to stick with a keto diet? Staying in ketosis — the state where the body is exclusively burning fat for fuel — without enjoying carbs for weeks on end puts the body into a metabolic state that mimics starvation, warns osteopathic physician Joseph Mercola, DO, author of […]

Brain Gains is following up its nootropic with a hybrid nighttime formula

Brain Gains is following up its nootropic with a hybrid nighttime formula

Brain Gains is a very new company out of the UK that has the one supplement available at the moment for a comprehensive nootropic experience. The well-rounded product promises to provide clean energy without caffeine, improve focus and mood, and support memory and anxiety. Despite only just hitting stores and stockists a few weeks ago, Brain Gains has already started teasing another supplement. While the brand has not shared an image or the formula behind the product, it has passed on a description which makes the upcoming supplement sound just as interesting as its first. The next Brain Gains product will be a hybrid formula combining nootropic and sleep support ingredients. It promises to support memory, mood, and motivation, similar to the brand’s first release. It also intends to provide better sleep to help you refuel, repair, and recover. There is no launch timeframe set just yet for Brain Gains’ unique, hybrid sleep supplement, but it will be a nice follow-up to its original focus enhancer.

MIPT physicists create device for imitating biological memory

MIPT physicists create device for imitating biological memory

Researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have created a device that acts like a synapse in the living brain, storing information and gradually forgetting it when not accessed for a long time. Known as a second-order memristor, the new device is based on hafnium oxide and offers prospects for designing analog neurocomputers imitating the way a biological brain learns. On-chip brain. Credit: Elena Khavina/MIPT Press Office Neurocomputers, which enable artificial intelligence, emulate the way the brain works. It stores data in the form of synapses, a network of connections between the nerve cells, or neurons. Most neurocomputers have a conventional digital architecture and use mathematical models to invoke virtual neurons and synapses. Alternatively, an actual on-chip electronic component could stand for each neuron and synapse in the network. This so-called analog approach has the potential to drastically speed up computations and reduce energy costs. The core component of a hypothetical analog neurocomputer is the memristor. The word is a portmanteau of “memory” and “resistor,” which pretty much sums up what it is: a memory cell acting as a resistor. Loosely speaking, a high resistance encodes a zero, and a low resistance encodes a one. This is analogous to how a synapse conducts a signal between two neurons (one), while the absence of a synapse results in no signal, a zero. But there is a catch: In an actual brain, the active synapses tend to strengthen over time, while the opposite is true for inactive ones. This phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity is one of the foundations of natural learning and memory. It explains the biology of cramming for an exam and why our seldom accessed memories fade. Proposed in 2015, the second-order memristor is an attempt to reproduce natural memory, complete with synaptic plasticity. The first […]

Battle of the greens: Which is healthier, kale or spinach?

Battle of the greens: Which is healthier, kale or spinach?

( Natural News ) Kale and spinach are two of the healthiest superfoods. But is one better than the other? Nutritional differences between kale and spinach Kale and spinach are both nutrient-rich and low-calorie vegetables. They also offer many essential vitamins and minerals. Both are rich in vitamin K , a nutrient needed for healthy blood clotting and bone formation. They’re also full of vitamin C , which is crucial for disease prevention and immune function. Kale and spinach both contain fiber and important micronutrients like calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin A in varying amounts. However, kale contains more than twice the amount of vitamin C spinach has. On the other hand, spinach offers more vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. (Related: Just ONE serving of greens per day helps delay brain aging by over a decade .) Health benefits Kale and spinach are both associated with various health benefits. Both leafy greens are full of antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage . Antioxidants also help prevent chronic diseases . Kale and spinach can boost cardiovascular health by improving certain risk factors like blood pressure and high cholesterol . In a 12-week study published in the journal Biomedical and Environmental Sciences , researchers observed 32 men with high cholesterol. They reported that consuming kale juice with meals improved the men’s cholesterol levels and antioxidant status. In a separate study involving 27 participants, researchers found that consuming a soup made with around nine ounces (250 grams) of spinach for seven days improved blood pressure . The spinach soup greatly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to dietary nitrates present in the vegetable. These compounds helped improve blood flow. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free […]

Nutrient-rich mushrooms can significantly lower the risk of cognitive decline

Nutrient-rich mushrooms can significantly lower the risk of cognitive decline

( Natural News ) Do you want to protect your brain from seemingly inevitable cognitive decline which comes with age? Then eat lots of mushroom every week as they contain many nutrients and natural compounds that decrease the risk of mild cognitive impairment. The savory taste of mushrooms makes them a staple ingredient in various cuisines and recipes. In fact, many people around the world use and include mushrooms in their meals. Wild edible mushrooms and their cultivated counterparts serve as rich sources of fiber, minerals, protein, and vitamins. Many studies have reported the benefits of eating these nutrient-rich foods , in particular, how it helps maintain good health and prevent various diseases. Recently, a research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) looked into the effects of mushrooms on the brain. They found that eating even small amounts of mushroom daily can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. A condition that tends to develop in the brains of older people, mild cognitive impairment often signals the onset of Alzheimer’s disease . However, the Singaporean researchers found that consuming even a small portion of mushrooms daily makes older adults less likely to develop the age-related condition. This, in turn, may prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. (Related: Cancer, dementia, heart disease: Three more reasons to maintain excellent oral health .) Eating lots of mushrooms weekly reduces the risk of age-related cognitive impairment In their cross-sectional analysis, the NUS researchers drew their data from an earlier Singaporean study called Diet and Healthy Aging (DaHA). They picked 663 participants aged 60 years and above to represent the country’s population of older people. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes […]

A complete guide about natural CBD therapy and products used in it!

A complete guide about natural CBD therapy and products used in it!

The cannabinoid is a class of the diverse chemical compounds which act as the cannabinoid receptors and also called endocannabinoid sometimes in the system of the cells. They alter the neurotransmitter in the human brain. One of the known cannabinoids is CBD which is 21-carbon molecules and blocks and stimulates the endocannabinoid receptors. We are going to discuss in detail what the natural CBD therapy is and which cannabidiol products are used in them and about the safety of the products which are used in the complete process. Your life can be derailed due to chronic conditions, pains, and aches. You cannot live the fullest life if you are suffering from anxiety or depression. Natural CBD therapy is not the perfect solution but the studies show that it has positive effects on the mental, physical and emotional conditions of the person. New research is conducted in this field and there is some recreational use of the cannabinoid which is derived from the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is also found in the cannabis Sativa. This is different from the THC and you will not have any side effects with the usage of the natural CBD therapy This small-batch natural CBD product, which also includes the edibles, topicals, isolates and Vape oil are also available. In short, many other CBD products are offered with quality and in a transparent way. Cannabidiol products You can get different quality natural cannabidiol products. CBD plays several roles in the functions of the body especially when it comes to the memory, mood, appetite, psychological process, fertility, and the cognitive processes. Similar to the naturally occurring cannabinoids of the human body, CBD is then bound to cb1 and cb2 receptors. This has the potential to impact the immune system positively and help in the regulation of […]

6 Natural ways to boost your stamina and improve your mental and physical health

6 Natural ways to boost your stamina and improve your mental and physical health

( Natural News ) Your stamina determines your ability to sustain physical and mental activity. There are natural ways to boost your stamina and improve your overall wellness. These include drinking caffeine, taking supplements, and exercising regularly. Why is stamina important? If you have low mental stamina, you may have trouble focusing on tasks for long periods. When you have low physical stamina, you immediately feel tired after doing light physical activities, such as walking up a flight of stairs. Low stamina can also result in an overall lack of energy or focus. By naturally increasing your stamina, you’ll feel more energetic. Boosting your stamina also means you can easily complete your daily tasks. Here are six natural ways to increase your stamina. Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb whose scientific name is Withania somnifera . The herb is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen , a natural substance that helps your body manage stress. Ashwagandha is available as a supplement, and taking the herb offers many benefits for your body and brain, such as: Boosting brain function Improving general health Increasing overall energy Reducing cortisol, the stress hormone Relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression In a small study published in the journal AYU , 25 athletes took 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha twice a day for 12 weeks. The researchers who conducted the study found that the athletes showed improved cardiovascular endurance, unlike the matched group who were given a placebo. (Related: Ashwagandha could be your next workout supplement .) Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this book includes everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, reversing […]

My Memory Worx Fund established to support Parkinson’s programs and services

EFFINGHAM — The MyMemoryWorx Fund at Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides a way for donors, individuals, and local businesses to provide charitable grants to MyMemoryWorx. The fund will specifically support the programs and services which are open to local people and their families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Any clinical or for-profit portions of MyMemoryWorx will not be eligible for support from this fund. MyMemoryWorx opened in 2016 and is a brain health & education center specializing in interventions not found inside a pill bottle. Kelly Willenborg is the Founder and President of MyMemoryWorx which offers certified cognitive coaching and assessments. She is certified in several fitness programs geared to the senior population and has opened a resource center called the Parkinson’s Institute of Effingham which manages programs such as Rock Steady Boxing and SPEAK OUT! Voice Therapy to improve the lives of those facing the disease. Her work with the aging population began over 10 years ago after launching The Healing Jukebox; an arm for delivering musical engagement and education to long-term care and memory care residents/staff. The Healing Jukebox has placed 120+ iPods in over 10 facilities. Kelly continues to advocate for music therapy as a board member of Tri-Music, a non-for-profit agency in Central Illinois. She received her Master’s in Aging Studies/Gerontology from Eastern Illinois University. The Parkinson’s Institute of Effingham (PIE) originated in November of 2018 as an extension of the existing neuro health interventions. The institute’s goal is three-fold: educate, stimulate and support. They practice peer connection, reassuring that no participant feels alone or are defined by the disease. Kelly acknowledges that the peer connection is a vital part of their involvement with the program: “They are all up against the same battle.” Kelly saw the formation of PIE as a natural progression from the […]

The ultimate guide to sleep

The ultimate guide to sleep

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) From personal experience, I’ve found that taking control of my mornings–and popping out of bed as soon as the alarm clock rings–has changed my life. If you’ve read or listened to The 5 Second Rule , you already know how I feel about the mornings! I’m obsessed with mornings and, in the book, I outline exactly how I use the 5 Second Rule to wake up early and take charge of my day. Your mornings set the tone for your day. And when I wake up early and have time for relaxing, planning, and being with my family, I tend to always have a better day of work. Here’s the thing…when I’m tired, it’s hard to do this. It’s tougher to wake up early and I’m lagging the whole day. I decided to delve into the topic of sleep and figure out for myself if waking up early (and going to bed early) is actually any better for us. My personal experience says it is…but I wanted to see what the experts said. Like I do with many other topics, I wanted to know everything. So I pulled together the best research about sleep on four different topics: Which Hours You Sleep, Staying Up Late, Sleep Deprivation, and Waking Up Early. FIRST: WHICH HOURS YOU SLEEP The first thing I discovered is that the hours that you sleep DO matter. In fact, sleep is made up of 2 phases: REM sleep, in which memories and thoughts are processed, and non-REM sleep, in which restorative functions occur and hormones are released to help the body recover. As we sleep, we experience 90-minute cycles of these 2 types of sleep. The ratio of the types of sleep, however, changes during the night – no matter what […]

MIPT physicists create device for imitating biological memory

MIPT physicists create device for imitating biological memory

IMAGE: On-chip brain. view more Researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have created a device that acts like a synapse in the living brain, storing information and gradually forgetting it when not accessed for a long time. Known as a second-order memristor, the new device is based on hafnium oxide and offers prospects for designing analog neurocomputers imitating the way a biological brain learns. The findings are reported in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces . Neurocomputers, which enable artificial intelligence, emulate the way the brain works. It stores data in the form of synapses, a network of connections between the nerve cells, or neurons. Most neurocomputers have a conventional digital architecture and use mathematical models to invoke virtual neurons and synapses. Alternatively, an actual on-chip electronic component could stand for each neuron and synapse in the network. This so-called analog approach has the potential to drastically speed up computations and reduce energy costs. The core component of a hypothetical analog neurocomputer is the memristor. The word is a portmanteau of "memory" and "resistor," which pretty much sums up what it is: a memory cell acting as a resistor. Loosely speaking, a high resistance encodes a zero, and a low resistance encodes a one. This is analogous to how a synapse conducts a signal between two neurons (one), while the absence of a synapse results in no signal, a zero. But there is a catch: In an actual brain, the active synapses tend to strengthen over time, while the opposite is true for inactive ones. This phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity is one of the foundations of natural learning and memory. It explains the biology of cramming for an exam and why our seldom accessed memories fade. Proposed in 2015, the second-order memristor is an attempt to […]

Seven herbal teas that are also excellent natural remedies

Seven herbal teas that are also excellent natural remedies

Not everyone can or wants to take prescription (or over-the-counter) medication to aid mild ailments like nausea, headaches or stress, but that doesn’t mean the only other alternative is to grin and bear it. Many herbal teas have been found to be just as effective at soothing a number of minor health problems, without the risk of over-dosing. Here are seven of our favourites: Photo Credit: Pixabay 1. Chamomile Possibly the number one cure-all of herbal tea , chamomile is amazingly soothing for a variety of ailments. Drink it before bed to aid sleep, or at any point to help with feelings of anxiety. It will ease stress-induced headaches, and is excellent for soothing digestive problems such as acid reflux, heartburn and colic. 2. Peppermint Another very popular tea for its multitude of use. Peppermint tea will help indigestion and heartburn, nausea and vomiting, menstrual cramps and colds. It’s also an antioxidant which means it can help minimise cell damage leading to things like heart disease and cancer. 3. Ginger Few things relieve nausea and sickness like ginger, particularly in pregnancy and those suffering travel sickness. Like peppermint, it can also aid colds and menstrual cramps, reduces inflammation and gives the immune system a boost. 4. Nettle If you are pregnant or suffering with mild anaemia, nettle tea is a good source of iron. It can also help with feelings of lethargy, as well as water retention as it is a mild diuretic. Plus, there’s some evidence that it can even increase the metabolism, which is helpful for weight loss. 5. Rosemary Rosemary tea is one of the best things for circulation problems, and thus can stimulate hair growth and even improve memory and brain activity. It can even aid depression (though it is far from a cure) and, […]

9 Health Benefits of Adding Honey To Your Day

9 Health Benefits of Adding Honey To Your Day

As sweet as sugar is, it doesn’t have the best effect on your health. That said, a lot of people have now turned to natural sugars that will serve to nourish the body and promote good health. A popular staple, honey is one of the best ways you can get your sugar fix without compromising your health. In fact, not only does it date back hundreds of years, but it also comes with a number of health benefits. Free of fiber, fat, and protein, one tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar ( which is broken down into fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose) ( 1 ). Additionally, it also contains iron, calcium, magnesium and is rich in bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, which are at the source of its beneficial effects on the body. Here’s how there’s more to honey than just a sweet side. 1. It contains anti-cancer properties With cancer accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 , it is important to find various ways in which to curb the disease’s terrifying rates. That said, research has proposed adding the bee-made sweetener to your pantry may help to lower your rates of developing the disease. According to research published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , the compounds found in it contain anti-cancer properties, and a separate study published in the journal Molecules discovered that the compounds in honey help to destroy cancer cells, and they do so without harming any healthy cells. 2. It helps with wound healing Honey may be the missing key to your first aid’s kit. As it is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, there is a consensus that it helps to nourish the area surrounding a wound. Whilst more studies are needed to better […]

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