4 Nov 2026 07:24
The Gary Null - 11-4-26
- Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control
- Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found
- The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action
- Why permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea for health
- Adventurous play linked to better physical and mental health in children
It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps, and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Research lhas discovered that digestion of a particular red alga releases a peptide, or a small fragment of protein, with potential benefits for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention. The study was published in Food Bioscience.
Researchers subjected this seaweed, known as dulse (Devaleraea inkyuleei), to an artificial digestion process in the laboratory, mimicking how it is digested in the human body. They found that a novel peptide called EVYR, made up of just four amino acids, is released during the process and could help regulate blood glucose levels.
When we eat, our blood glucose level rises, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Several proteins and enzymes are involved in this process. EVYR works by inhibiting an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), which breaks down hormones that stimulate insulin release. By inhibiting this enzyme, EVYR helps maintain the activity of the hormones and allows them to stimulate insulin release for longer.
Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the team also found that other red algae could also potentially release EVYR during digestion, based on comparisons of protein sequences across different species and computer simulations.
Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found Simon Fraser University (Canada), October 28, 2026 (SciTech Daily)Some of the world’s leading happiness researchers have changed how they live because of what they have discovered. After decades of studying well-being, several have made a conscious effort to spend more time with family and friends, reflecting one of the strongest findings in happiness science. Their insights come from a discussion involving 13 international experts with a combined 600 years of research experience.
The key takeaways:
- Strong relationships are central to happiness. Social connections consistently emerge as powerful predictors of well-being. Several researchers have applied this finding by deliberately making more time for the people closest to them.
- More money does not guarantee greater happiness. Financial security helps support a good life, but additional income generally has a smaller effect on happiness once essential needs are met.
- Meaningful activities support well-being. Work and other pursuits can contribute to happiness when they provide purpose and reflect a person’s values.
- Daily habits can help cultivate happiness. Researchers described using strategies supported by scientific evidence, including practicing gratitude, savoring positive experiences, volunteering, strengthening relationships, and becoming more socially involved.
- Being happy does not mean always feeling good. Lasting well-being involves living according to personal values, building supportive connections, and adapting to difficulties rather than avoiding negative emotions altogether.
The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, October 28 2026 (Natural News)
- A meta-analysis of 248 studies concluded that older adults may need to consume 0.4 to 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily to mitigate muscle loss or sarcopenia. For a 150-pound individual, this equ
