Living
Planting Green Plants Can Help Reduce Stress Levels And Make You Happier
Do you know planting some green crops around your house could help diminish your stress level?
I bet you didn’t know but results from a study by the Department of Landscape Architecture help confirm this. The research, done over four years in collaboration with the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) made it known that a greener front yard can do wonders to our mental health.
The researchers put ornamental plants on empty front gardens in the impoverished places of Greater Manchester, England.
The scientists revealed 42 residents were given: 1 tree (juniper or snowy mespilus), 1 shrub (azalea), 1 climber (clematis), sub-shrubs (lavender, rosemary), bulbs (daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops), and bedding plants (petunia, viola). They were to fit all these into two containers.
There was a separate group called the control group which one year later were given these crops.
Analyzing the level of cortisol hormone in inhabitants of the area before and after the plants were added, the research team were able to determine if the greenery had an effect on stress level.
Cortisol levels are known to vary during the day. They however reach optimum point early in the morning and fall to the lowest point at night.
Prior to the experiment, only 24% of the residents had a thriving cortisol pattern. During the course of the study, with the influence of the greenery, this grew to about 53% of the residents having healthy cortisol level
This also had an impact on stress levels as it dropped by 6% after the introduction of the plants.
Residents believed the greenery at the front yard was responsible for making them happier. 52% alluded to this. 40% claimed it helped them more relaxed and 26% said it made them more closer to nature.
Dr Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Pui, who spearheaded the research as part of her PhD studies, said: “We can now further evidence the vital need to incorporate plants into our front gardens and domestic spaces. This will require a change in the way we strategize, design, plan and build our living spaces.
“The stress reduction data is startling, in that we found such a significant response with just a relatively small number of plants. Now we know that access to even a tiny patch of nature has beneficial effects for our health.
“Since I started this research, it’s been fascinating to see how adding plants to front gardens really did have a transformative effect on residents’ lives. Residents suffering from loneliness and other mental health issues found it especially uplifting and motivational.”
Professor Alistair Griffiths added, “With so many millions more people gardening after discovering a passion to grow during lockdown, the RHS hopes this research inspires more people to plant a few plants, from containers and window boxes to hedges and trees, in their street-side outside spaces.
“Today life is even more stressful for so many, meaning the results of this experiment are more important than ever… Together we should all try to make a positive difference one plant at a time.”
Living
Fox Rescued from Fence Gap in Essex
In Essex, England, a fox found herself in a precarious situation when her head became wedged in a gap in a fence. The fox’s feet were barely touching the ground, and she was stuck, hanging helplessly. Fortunately, the South Essex Wildlife Hospital staff came to her rescue.
The fox had misjudged the leap between two fence panels, sliding further and further down the gap until she was firmly wedged. Time was quickly running out, as her legs could barely touch the ground. The hospital staff sprang into action, gently wiggling her neck and supporting her back end to free her from the fence.
Despite the initial worries about potential injuries from the ordeal, the fox miraculously escaped unharmed. There were no signs of constriction injuries or friction damage. After her ordeal, the fox was released back into the wild, much to the relief of the hospital staff.
The South Essex Wildlife Hospital praised the fox’s resilience and expressed their gratitude that she had escaped without any harm. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect animals like this fox, who may occasionally find themselves in need of a helping hand.
Living
New Cancer Drug Offers Hope: A Gentler Treatment Journey for Arthur
In the realm of medical breakthroughs, a new cancer drug has emerged as a beacon of hope for patients like 11-year-old Arthur, who battled blood cancer. Arthur’s journey with cancer led him to become one of the first children to try this innovative therapy, which his family fondly calls “a little bit of sunshine.”
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can often leave patients feeling severely ill, this new drug, blinatumomab or “blina,” offers a gentler alternative. For Arthur, whose previous chemotherapy had left him weak and still battling cancer, blina proved to be a ray of hope.
Blina works as an immunotherapy, harnessing the body’s own immune system to seek out and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. This targeted approach means fewer side effects and less harm to the body. Administered through a thin plastic tube inserted into a vein, blina can be carried in a portable backpack-sized device, allowing patients like Arthur to receive treatment on the go.
Arthur’s mother, Sandrine, described the profound impact of blina on their lives. Unlike the intensive chemotherapy regimen, blina allowed Arthur to spend more time at home with his family, engaging in activities he loved, like playing at the park. Sandrine expressed relief that blina didn’t make Arthur too weak to enjoy life, unlike chemotherapy, which had left him feeling worse while attempting to cure him.
The convenience of blina also meant that Arthur could take on some responsibility for his treatment, empowering him in his journey to recovery. Sandrine highlighted Arthur’s joy in being able to manage the treatment himself, a stark contrast to feeling helpless during chemotherapy sessions.
Thanks to blina, Arthur’s cancer journey took a positive turn. After undergoing treatment at home and regular hospital visits for blina top-ups, Arthur received the news that his cancer was gone. Sandrine described the momentous occasion as a double celebration, marking both the New Year and the successful outcome of blina therapy.
Medical professionals are optimistic about the potential of blina to replace significant portions of chemotherapy, offering a kinder and gentler treatment option for cancer patients. Chief investigator and consultant pediatric hematologist, Prof. Ajay Vora, emphasized the toxic nature of chemotherapy and the gentler approach of blina, which spares healthy cells from damage.
Living
Denver Rings in the New Year with Homes for the Homeless
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, Denver, Colorado, celebrated the arrival of 2024 with not just fireworks and champagne, but also with the opening of a unique solution to a widespread problem: homelessness.
Life on the Streets: A Growing Challenge
With rising living costs and limited affordable housing options, many cities across the United States grapple with the issue of homelessness. People struggling to make ends meet often find themselves living on the streets, facing harsh weather conditions, lack of privacy, and limited access to basic necessities.
Tiny Homes, Big Hope
In an effort to tackle this challenge, Denver took a bold step by opening its first micro-community for the homeless. This innovative project features several dozen tiny homes, each offering a safe and secure haven for individuals in need.
A Home, Not Just a Shelter
These tiny houses are no ordinary shelters. Each unit is compact yet equipped with everything a person needs to feel comfortable and cared for. They include storage shelves, a bed, a desk, and a heating system. Residents also have access to shared facilities like laundry rooms, bathrooms, and a communal kitchen.
Quick Build, Big Impact
The Denver micro-community was built in record time, taking just 88 days to complete. The tiny houses themselves are designed for rapid deployment and can be installed in as little as an hour. This flexibility allows the city to easily scale up the project and provide temporary housing to more people in need.
A Symbol of Hope
The opening of the Denver micro-community marks a significant milestone in the fight against homelessness. It represents a shift towards creative and compassionate solutions that prioritize the dignity and well-being of individuals living on the streets.
A Step in the Right Direction
While the Denver micro-community is just one step in the right direction, it offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling with homelessness. By providing safe, secure, and comfortable housing, this project empowers individuals to rebuild their lives and work towards brighter futures.
The success of the Denver micro-community could inspire other cities to explore similar solutions and implement innovative approaches to addressing the complex issue of homelessness. With creativity, compassion, and collaboration, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to a safe and dignified place to call home.
Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has a roof over their head and a chance to thrive in the new year and beyond.
Living
The Remarkable Memory of Reefs in Warming Waters
In the vast underwater world of our oceans, coral reefs stand as vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. However, these essential habitats face a growing threat from climate change, putting their survival at risk. Recent research from Oregon State University brings a glimmer of hope, revealing how some corals possess a unique ability to “remember” heat waves, offering a potential strategy for their survival in warming waters.
The study, led by doctoral student Alex Vompe and overseen by microbiology professor Rebecca Vega Thurber, explores the concept of ecological memory within certain coral species. Ecological memory refers to the ability of these corals to withstand and adapt to marine heat waves by drawing on their past experiences. This fascinating phenomenon is intricately linked to the microbial communities that coexist within the coral structures.
“Coral reefs are vital to our planet’s ecosystem, but they face significant threats from various human-induced pressures, including climate change,” notes Vompe, the study’s lead author. As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, coral reefs are increasingly vulnerable to mass bleaching events, where corals expel the symbiotic algae that provide them with nutrients and color. Such events can lead to coral death and the subsequent decline of entire reef ecosystems.
Vompe emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role microbes play in the adaptation of corals to changing environmental conditions. This understanding could have significant implications for coral conservation efforts, such as coral gardening and planting initiatives. By harnessing the knowledge of microbial processes and the organisms responsible for ecological memory, researchers may develop strategies like probiotics or monitoring protocols to enhance coral health and resilience.
The study specifically highlights the resilience of Acropora retusa, a prevalent coral species in the Mo’orean coral reef. According to Vompe, this species displays a powerful ecological memory response to heat waves, suggesting a greater potential for resilience to climate change than previously thought.
While these findings offer a glimmer of hope, the broader issue of climate change remains a pressing threat to coral reefs worldwide. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events pose severe risks to these delicate ecosystems. Urgent global efforts are needed to address and mitigate climate change, preserving the beauty and biodiversity of coral reefs for future generations.
Living
Rediscovering the De Winton Golden Mole: A Blind Marvel of Nature
In the vast sand dunes of South Africa, a fascinating creature has emerged from the shadows after being presumed extinct for nearly nine decades. Meet the De Winton golden mole, a blind and elusive species that captivates scientists and conservationists alike. In a thrilling rediscovery, a dedicated team of researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the University of Pretoria successfully located this remarkable golden mole, shedding light on its mysterious existence.
The De Winton golden mole, named after its discoverer Harold De Winton, is a unique and rare mammal characterized by its small size and distinctive golden fur. What makes this creature even more intriguing is its blindness, relying on other heightened senses to navigate its underground world. Though small in stature, the golden mole plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Scientists had believed the De Winton golden mole to be extinct since 1936, making its recent rediscovery a momentous occasion. The journey to find this elusive creature spanned two years and involved a combination of innovative techniques, including DNA extraction from soil samples and the keen nose of a specially trained sniffer dog. The successful location of the golden mole in the northwest of South Africa has sparked excitement and renewed hope for its conservation.
Samantha Mynhardt, a conservation geneticist with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Stellenbosch University, explained the challenges of extracting DNA from soil. Despite these obstacles, the team’s dedication, honed skills, and refined techniques paved the way for success. The ability to find and sequence the DNA of the De Winton golden mole was a crucial step in confirming its existence and understanding its habitat.
The rediscovery of De Winton’s golden mole not only thrilled the scientific community but also proved the resilience of this species. Cobus Theron, senior conservation manager for EWT and a member of the search team, expressed his unwavering faith in the species’ survival. Despite skepticism from some quarters, Theron’s optimism was rewarded as the team celebrated the confirmation that the De Winton golden mole still roams the South African sand dunes.
While the rediscovery is a cause for celebration, conservationists emphasize the importance of continued efforts to protect and preserve the habitat of the De Winton golden mole. As an endangered species, it requires ongoing attention and conservation initiatives to ensure its long-term survival in the ever-changing landscape of South Africa.
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