We've all edited a photo at some point. Maybe we've tried cleaning up the background a little or changing the lighting. Those of us with a little more skill -- and perhaps vanity -- may have tried erasing a few pesky wrinkles from our clothes or even from our brows....

March 15‚ 2024

Hear some of the world's most iconic guitarists play together on one of rock's great instrumentals‚ re-recorded for charity‚ and available to purchase now

It is a momentous occasion for the Canadian city of Toronto‚ as it welcomes a pair of bald eagles nesting for the first time in recorded history‚ highlighting the city’s growing environmental commitment. Karen McDonald from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority notes‚ “These eagles are a testament… If we didn’t have healthy waters and a healthy food web‚ I don’t think they’d be here.” Bouncing back from the brink of extinction Bald eagles were once demonized as pests‚ and they experienced extensive extermination on top of the devastation caused by the toxic chemical and commonly used insecticide DDT. DDT was introduced in the 1940s and made its way up the food chain‚ drastically weakening the shells of eagle eggs by the early 1960s. Michael Drescher‚ an environmental planning expert at the University of Waterloo‚ reflects on the grim reality‚ stating‚ “It was a very sad and very low point for the population.” The prohibition on DDT and eagle hunting was a watershed moment for the current environmental movement. Drescher emphasizes eagles’ adaptability‚ noting‚ “Other species on the brink of extinction… are much harder to help.” Bald eagles: endangered no more Bald eagles were removed from Ontario’s endangered species list in May‚ which is being hailed as a watershed moment. However‚ worries have arisen regarding potential dangers as a result of recent amendments to the Endangered Species Act. Karen McDonald underlines the link between decades of investment in ecological restoration work and a thriving ecosystem‚ saying‚ “For decades‚ we’ve invested heavily in ecological restoration work… it’s paying off.” Decades of investment in ecological restoration efforts are finally yielding rewards‚ as seen by the return of bald eagles to Toronto’s open spaces. McDonald’s perspective emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and a functioning ecosystem. Beyond eagles: a wider reemergence of wildlife The bald eagle’s reappearance is part of a bigger story of renewal. From a 42-inch muskie in the port to the re-emergence of northern river otters‚ Toronto’s ecology is showing signs of recovery. Karen McDonald expressed her delight in observing the resurgence of diverse creatures‚ saying‚ “To see these animals returning‚ it just warms my heart.” Balancing act: protecting eagles from human intrusion The charismatic nature of eagles raises concerns about possible disturbances. McDonald expresses concern about the eagles’ sensitivity to human meddling‚ highlighting the importance of striking a balance. She goes on to say‚ “Eagles are really charismatic species‚ and people have this intense desire to connect with nature.” Optimism takes off: Toronto’s symbolic victory While the eagles’ future in Toronto is unknown‚ their presence represents the city’s dedication to cleaning up contaminated rivers and industrial sites. McDonald remains positive‚ underlining the Eagles’ potential with the appropriate level of respect. “If people show them the respect that they deserve‚ I feel like they’ve got a real fighting chance here.”The post Toronto’s skyline soars: return of bald eagles signal urban environmental victory first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

UCLA Health conducted a landmark study that revealed the transforming potential of Kundalini yoga for older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study‚ published in Translational Psychiatry‚ demonstrates how this holistic technique extends beyond memory augmentation‚ providing a comprehensive strategy that rejuvenates brain circuits while counteracting aging and inflammation biomarkers. The Alzheimer’s conundrum Alzheimer’s disease is a persistent neurodegenerative disorder that disproportionately affects women. Longer life expectancy‚ hormonal changes following menopause‚ and heredity all contribute to an increased risk. With no cure in sight‚ prevention is key‚ particularly in the early stages of the disease. Kundalini yoga: a holistic intervention Kundalini yoga‚ a mind-body practice that includes physical postures‚ breathing methods‚ and meditation‚ has emerged as a viable intervention. Dr. Helen Lavretsky and her team at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior investigate the role of Kundalini yoga in preventing cognitive decline in postmenopausal women at high risk for Alzheimer’s. A rigorous study approach The study included 79 postmenopausal women aged 50 and up who reported subjective cognitive decline and cardiovascular risks. They were divided into two groups for the 12-week intervention‚ which included Kundalini yoga and memory-enhancing exercises. The Kundalini yoga group met weekly for 60-minute sessions‚ while the memory training group worked on memory methods. Comprehensive examinations‚ such as cognitive tests‚ subjective memory evaluations‚ mood assessments‚ and blood samples for gene expression‚ offered a comprehensive picture of Kundalini yoga’s impact on cognitive health. The results: yoga’s resonant impact Participants in the Kundalini yoga group showed substantial cognitive and neurobiological benefits compared to those in the memory training group. Memory performance and subjective memory assessments improved significantly‚ suggesting a possible intervention for subjective cognitive decline. However‚ it is important to highlight that‚ while Kundalini yoga participants improved their subjective memory‚ they also suffered a decrease in delayed recall capacity during the 24-week period‚ which was not detected in the memory training group. Beyond cognitive outcomes Kundalini yoga’s influence went beyond cognitive functioning. The study discovered a reversal of aging and inflammation-associated gene expression patterns‚ implying a larger influence on biological processes connected to aging and neurodegeneration. Dr. Lavretsky went on to say‚ “That is what yoga is good for — to reduce stress‚ to improve brain health‚ subjective memory performance‚ and reduce inflammation and improve neuroplasticity.” Tolerability and feasibility Notably‚ Kundalini yoga showed excellent levels of adherence and low side effects‚ indicating its tolerance and feasibility as an intervention. This supports the practice’s promise as a safe and effective technique for improving cognitive health in older persons at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Next steps and room for improvement Despite the hopeful results‚ the study admits some limitations‚ such as a small sample size and a short period. These considerations may have an impact on the generalizability of the findings and the capacity to draw firm conclusions about the long-term effects of Kundalini yoga on cognitive health. Dr. Lavretsky recommends combining yoga with memory training for greater overall advantages. “Ideally‚ people should do both because they do train different parts of the brain and have different overall health effects‚” she went on to say. This collaboration could provide a comprehensive approach to cognitive health in older women. A pathway to cognitive wellness This study opens the door to further holistic interventions for Alzheimer’s prevention‚ with Kundalini yoga emerging as a potent tool. As we discover the power of mind-body activities‚ the path to cognitive wellness becomes clearer‚ providing hope and real answers for people at risk of Alzheimer’s. Source study: Translational Psychiatry— Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for Alzheimer’s diseaseThe post Is Kundalini yoga the perfect holistic intervention for older women at risk of Alzheimer’s? first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

A roundup of mysterious‚ paranormal and strange news stories from the past week.

Whether we like it or not‚ bras are a part of many people’s everyday lives! In fact‚ 50% of the world’s population is women‚ so at least that many have to deal with them at some point in their lives. Shopping for these articles of clothing may be difficult‚ but once you get the hang […] The post 10 Un-bra-lievable Facts about Bras appeared first on Listverse.

Not everyone can be an Olympic gold medalist‚ win an Oscar or a Nobel Prize‚ or sell millions of records. But there is a way for people who lack such traditional talents to achieve something that will be recorded along with their name for posterity—breaking a world record. With a bit of creativity and hard […] The post 10 Ridiculous Times World Records Were Rejected appeared first on Listverse.

Click to Skip Ahead Risks Nutritional Facts Raw Bacon Considerations Most people enjoy a bit of bacon on their sandwich‚ with eggs‚ on a pizza‚ or in a pasta dish‚ knowing very well that it’s not the healthiest meat to indulge in. However‚ it’s crispy and tasty and hard to resist for many people. As much as your dog may enjoy the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning‚ it’s not a good idea to share some with them‚ even though they technically can eat it. The truth is that unless eaten cooked‚ with fat removed‚ in very tiny quantities on rare occasions‚ bacon has health risks for your dog. Thankfully‚ bacon isn’t toxic to dogs‚ and you don’t need to rush them off to the vet if they munched down a strip or two behind your back. However‚ it is not recommended to add it to your dog’s diet. If you need more convincing as to why your dog should swap bacon out for a healthier option‚ keep reading. Why Is Bacon Bad for Dogs? Bacon is a very fatty meat and is often cooked in oil. Foods that are very fatty can cause pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog has pancreatitis‚ it’s important to get it treated early for the best prognosis. Signs of this condition are vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ abdominal pain‚ and a loss of appetite. Over time‚ pancreatitis can destroy the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas leading to diabetes. When bacon is cooked at high temperatures heterocyclic amines form in the bacon‚ which have the potential to cause cancer. Bacon is also high in calories‚ which can contribute to obesity if eaten often. Obesity can shorten your dog’s life by around 1-2 years. It’s a serious condition that can increase the risk of health issues‚ such as hypertension‚ diabetes‚ cancer‚ joint issues‚ and heart disease. Image Credit: Bear Fotos‚ Shutterstock Is It Nutritious? Bacon is a pork product‚ and is a protein‚ although‚ there are much healthier protein options for your dog. Bacon does contain a few vitamins‚ minerals‚ iron‚ magnesium‚ potassium‚ and zinc. Bacon won’t offer your dog any additional nutrients that they don’t get from quality dog food and  the negatives far outweigh the positives. Leaner alternatives include cooked chicken or turkey breast which are safe for most dogs although dogs with food allergies may react to them. What About Raw Bacon? Image Credit: Antonius Ferret‚ Pexels Although raw bacon hasn’t undergone high temperatures to get it crispy and is free from cooking oil‚ it is still a highly processed‚ fatty meat that won’t do much good for your dog’s health. In fact‚ raw bacon has risks of its own. Raw bacon runs the risk of being contaminated with parasites‚ which will make your dog very sick if they eat it and become infected. Trichinella spiralis‚ which is also known as “pork worm‚” can infect your dog and cause vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ muscle pain‚ and inflammation. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella are bacteria in raw meat that can make your dog sick. Conclusion Dogs really shouldn’t eat bacon as it comes with risks‚ whether given cooked or raw. Pork bacon is high in fat which can affect your dog’s health negatively. Giving your dog raw bacon has its risks‚ too‚ because it could be contaminated with harmful bacteria or worms that will make your dog very sick. While your dog’s mouth may be watering for a bit of sizzling bacon‚ they are better off getting a healthier alternative. Sources Pubmed Pubmed VCA Hospitals Pet MD Featured Image Credit: Artit Wongpradu‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts &; Risks appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Safety Benefits Feeding Tips Disclaimer: Before changing your dog’s/cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before‚ especially when it comes to human food‚ make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every dog/cat is different and requires an individual approach to nutrition‚ depending on their age‚ health‚ level of activity‚ and medical history. The guidelines offered in our article have been fact-checked and approved by a veterinarian but should be used as a mere guide on food safety‚ rather than an individual nutrition plan. Bran flakes are a fibrous breakfast cereal made from the hard external layer of a wheat kernel‚ also known as the bran. Bran is mostly wheat and most dogs will tolerate this well‚ although some dogs have a wheat allergy or intolerance. Dogs can eat bran flakes‚ but there are some things you should consider before giving your pup any. Read on to learn more. Are Bran Flakes Safe for Dogs? Dogs can eat bran flakes in moderation‚ but there are some caveats. You shouldn’t feed your pup bran flakes that contain additives or sugar. They also shouldn’t eat bran flakes if they have raisins‚ as raisins are toxic for dogs. It’s important to know that while bran flakes provide wholesome nutrition‚ they cannot fulfill your pup’s nutritional requirements alone. If you choose to give them to your dog‚ use them as an occasional treat or a supplement to an existing healthy and wholesome diet. Image Credit: LightField Studios‚ Shutterstock Are Bran Flakes Healthy? Bran flakes are ok for dogs‚ provided they’re offered in small quantities. Adding large amounts of bran flakes to the diet will either lead to weight gain or‚ if you are offering bran flakes instead of a balanced pet food‚ take away from their other nutrient requirements such as protein. High in Fiber Because they’re made of whole grain cereals‚ bran flakes are a source of natural fiber for your pup. Fiber is a carbohydrate that is important to your dog’s gastrointestinal health. It promotes colon health and helps your pup maintain a healthy gut. It can produce healthy bowel movements and can be useful in relieving constipation and diarrhea. High-fiber diets also promote feelings of fullness for longer‚ so they’re great for weight loss. Image Credit: Moving Moment‚ Shutterstock High in B-Vitamins Bran is naturally high in B vitamins‚ a group of essential vitamins that are great for your dog’s overall health. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for brain health and is used for carbohydrate metabolism. Dogs not getting enough thiamine may exhibit signs such as lack of appetite‚ weight loss‚ and gastrointestinal upset. As the deficiency progresses‚ dogs may show neurological signs such as weakness‚ seizures and heart problems. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps with red blood cells and neurological functions‚ including brain and heart health. Dogs without enough B12 may suffer from a lack of energy‚ poor coat quality‚ and coat loss. Protein A 100-gram serving of bran flakes contains almost 10 grams of protein 1. Protein is an essential macronutrient that your dog needs for their body to function properly. It contributes to coat and skin health‚ muscle development‚ and tissue repair. Image Credit: Radomir Rezny‚ Shutterstock Source of Magnesium Magnesium is necessary for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. It also promotes a healthy immune system and helps keep your pup’s bones strong and healthy. How to Serve Bran Flakes to Dogs Bran flakes‚ as with any new food‚ should be introduced into your pup’s diet gradually. Choose plain and unsweetened bran flakes. Never give any to your pup that contains fruit‚ added sugar‚ or sweeteners. Offer them as occasional snacks or training treats. Final Thoughts Bran flakes are a supplemental source of fiber and nutrients your pup needs to thrive. You should never give your dog bran flakes with added sugars‚ sweeteners‚ or ingredients like raisins. As with all new foods‚ introduce them slowly to prevent gastrointestinal upset‚ and watch your dog for any signs of tummy upset after adding this high-fiber food to his diet. Remember‚ bran flakes should be used as a treat or supplement to a healthy and wholesome canine diet. Sources https://www.prospre.io/ingredients/bran-flakes-274283 https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/732658/nutrients https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs https://www.kingsdale.com/vitamin-b12-cobalamin-deficiency-in-pets Featured Image Credit: Diana Taliun‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Bran Flakes? Vet-Reviewed Benefits &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.