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“Speak on behalf of Mother Nature before we can’t”— Communicating Environmental and Healthcare Awareness

Sadaf Sarfraz
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“Speak on behalf of Mother Nature before we can’t”— Communicating Environmental and Healthcare Awareness

Have you ever wondered why it seems more accessible for the average person to participate in political discussions, yet basic scientific concepts like hyperglycemia or the consequences of burning trees remain somewhat mysterious?

Why is the average person only striving to get money but not interested in learning? Why is learning about science and getting knowledge limited to a specific age group? Why do we confine knowledge about science to textbooks and classrooms while political information is readily accessible on social media and TV?

The need of the hour is to make scientific knowledge as prevalent and accessible as discussions about politics.

Give man money, and you’ll feed one person, but if you give a man knowledge, you’ll feed a family. – Dr. Muhammad Mustafa

Effective communication can help demystify complex health issues, providing the public with reliable information that empowers them to make informed decisions [1]. It involves not just the transmission of data but also ensuring that the information is relatable, understandable, and actionable. This is crucial in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly and severely affect public health. As John Young said,

In the face of climate change and persistent healthcare challenges, effective communication of scientific knowledge emerges as a beacon of hope. The need for urgent action has never been more apparent when it comes to environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation. However, environmental science is often complex and challenging for the general public to understand.

“Speak on behalf of Mother Nature before we can’t,” –Dr. Muhammad Mustafa

Effective science communication

Science communication aims to clarify how various processes work, such as how a virus infects a person or the importance of new cancer treatments for healthcare professionals and patients[2]. It strives to present this information in a clear, relatable, and meaningful way.

Similarly, health communication focuses on presenting scientific information in a way that resonates with audiences, offering practical steps they can take to improve their health or prevent disease. It often goes beyond cellular interactions to apply scientific findings to entire populations, making the science applicable and beneficial to everyday life and public health efforts. 

A Glimpse of Lahore Science Mela 2023. Photo KSS
A Glimpse of Lahore Science Mela 2023. Photo KSS

Science communicators use different channels like documentaries, articles, and social media campaigns to translate scientific research into gripping narratives that resonate with people of various ages and backgrounds[3]. Promoting scientific literacy and encouraging informed decision-making can be accomplished by education systems, media outlets, and community organizations[2]

Science communicators and some notable organizations, like the Khwarizmi Science Society, play a crucial role in simplifying this complexity. By organizing the Lahore Science Mela in the past several years, they have played a significant role in conveying information in a way that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their impact on the environment.

Through initiatives like workshops, public lectures, and educational outreach programs, a deeper understanding of environmental issues can promote sustainable practices. 

Science festivals can act as social glue, Dr. Sabieh Anwar.

By amplifying the voices of scientists and providing accessible platforms for dialogue, these organizations contribute significantly to raising awareness and driving positive change for the environment and public health.

Science communication makes environmental issues more relatable and concrete, encouraging people to take action and feel a shared sense of responsibility towards the planet.

Healthcare communication

Healthcare is another area where science communication plays a crucial role. Effective communication is essential in raising awareness and shaping behavior, from combating infectious diseases to promoting healthy lifestyles. One of the primary aims of healthcare communication is to give people the tools to take charge of their health and well-being[3]. 

Science communicators empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health by translating complex medical jargon into accessible language and providing evidence-based information. Science communication offers people with the knowledge they need to prevent diseases, manage chronic conditions, and seek appropriate medical care through public health campaigns, educational resources, or online platforms.

Fostering scientific literacy

Fostering a culture of science literacy and critical thinking is fundamental for building resilience against misinformation and pseudoscience. Science communicators employ various strategies to spread environmental and healthcare awareness effectively.

They often use storytelling to convey complex scientific concepts in relatable and engaging ways, capturing the audience’s attention and evoking empathy. 

Additionally, visuals such as infographics, videos, and interactive media enhance comprehension and make abstract ideas more tangible [4]. Collaboration with scientists, policymakers, and community organizations amplifies the reach and impact of communication efforts.

Interactive engagement through workshops, citizen science projects, and online forums fosters participation and facilitates two-way communication. 

Transparency and trustworthiness are paramount, with communicators being transparent about scientific limitations and sources of information. They empower individuals to take action by providing practical tips and resources, inspiring a sense of agency.

By translating complex scientific concepts into accessible information, fostering dialogue, and empowering individuals, science communication drives positive change and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world. In the 21st century, investing in effective science communication is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

References: 

  • Goldstein, C.M., et al., Science Communication in the Age of Misinformation. Ann Behav Med, 2020. 54(12): p. 985-990.
  • Chowning, J.T. et al., Fostering critical thinking, reasoning, and argumentation skills through bioethics education. PLoS One, 2012. 7(5): p. e36791.
  • Chichirez, C.M. and V.L. Purcărea, Interpersonal communication in healthcare. J Med Life, 2018. 11(2):119-122.
  • Hutchins, J.A., TAILORING SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR AUDIENCE AND RESEARCH NARRATIVE. Curr Protoc Essent Lab Tech, 2020. 20(1).

More from the Author: Navigating Bipolar Battles, Schizophrenia Struggles, and Déjà Vu Realities in Pakistan

Scientific Fraud— Questioning the credibility of global research?

Saadeqa Khan
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Scientific Fraud— Questioning the credibility of global research?

According to the International Directory of Open Science Journals, more than 9 million scientific papers were published in 2023. Statistics show that the global scholarly journal publishing market was set to grow by 1.95 billion dollars in 2023; by 2027, it is expected to rise to 3.1 billion dollars.

Several developed countries allocate special funds for research in their annual budget, due to which scientific research has accelerated in recent years. However, an international scandal reveals that thousands of bogus research papers are being published in science journals, and the situation worsens yearly. 

Meanwhile, plagiarism in peer review remained surprisingly overlooked despite a notable rise in such cases in recent years. According to a study published in Nature, many published scientific papers worldwide are reviewed and retracted yearly, but in 2023, more than ten thousand such papers were retracted.

Another study published in Springer revealed that an in-depth analysis of fifty suspected scientific papers had detected plagiarised content. 

The debate sparked after the Standford University Scandal!

In July 2023, a global debate kick-started when Marc Tessier-Lavigne [The then] President of Standford Univeristy announced his resignation after an independent review of his research. The investigations found significant flaws in the studies he supervised a decade ago. 

Although Tessier Lavigne was cleared of accusations of scientific fraud and misconduct, the review said his work had several problems and fell below customary standards of scientific rigor.

Tessier-Lavigne said, “I expect there may be an ongoing discussion about the report and its conclusions, at least in the near term, which could lead to debate about my ability to lead the university into the new academic year.”

Theo Baker, the investigative editor of the Stanford University newspaper “Stanford Daily,” was awarded the “George Polk Journalism Award” for exposing this mishandling in scientific papers. After the revelation of this scandal, the voices against fraud in scientific publications got another spark worldwide. 

AI helps Scientists to trick reviewers 

Richard Van Noorden, editor of Nature, says that scientific papers can be manipulated in several ways. For example, they create fake research data with the help of artificial intelligence and chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, taking data from Google, duplicating images and troubled phrases, etc. 

He further points out that in peer review fraud, scientists help each other pass research data without analysis. Most of such papers have text or content stolen from other research papers. Several editors and journals manipulated the metadata of accepted papers to increase citations of specific scholars and journals.

While talking to the Guardian, Professor Dorothy Bishop of Oxford University says that “the extent of fraudulent papers publication is creating serious problems for science. Building a cumulative approach to a subject in many fields is becoming arduous because we lack a solid foundation of trustworthy findings.”

“The startling rise in the publication of sham science papers has its roots in China, where young doctors and scientists seeking promotion must have published scientific papers. This demand has given rise to scientific fraud, and shadow organizations known as “paper mills” now supply fabricated papers for journal publication.”

“The practice then spread to India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, eastern Europe, and several other countries with paper mills selling fabricated papers to science journals. There is a growing demand for such papers as young ­scientists are more eager to boost their careers in international universities by claiming false research experience.”

“Journal editors have sometimes been bribed to accept articles, while paper mills have established their agents as guest editors who allow reams of ­falsified work to be published”, she argued. 

"It is good news that more than ten thousand research papers were retracted in 2023. This comes after a big year debating on this topic and the topic of finding fraudulent practices."
“It is good news that more than ten thousand research papers were retracted in 2023. This comes after a big year debating on this topic and the topic of finding fraudulent practices.” Photo, Evolution News

Spotting fraudulent scientific papers!

Even scientific research cannot spare from the increasing influence of digital media worldwide. A new trend in scientific communities is to send out a press release to media outlets before publishing their research papers. In these press releases, the researchers over-exaggerate as a breakthrough research, but later, it turns out to be bogus. 

Elisabeth Bik, a Science Integrity consultant — says that the growing trend of fake scientific research is a cause for serious concern for scientists and researchers worldwide. To address this problem, some scientists have formed non-profit groups revealing such bogus research. There are also websites like “PeerPub” and “Retraction Watch“—these sites have complete data of all the retracted science papers. 

Lonni Besançon, a researcher at Columbia University, expresses her joy and says— “It is good news that more than ten thousand research papers were retracted in 2023. This comes after a big year debating on this topic and the topic of finding fraudulent practices.”

“Of course, some researchers like me may always see the glass half empty — and I would still argue that probably many more papers should have been retracted and that, as I have lamented several times, the process of correcting the scientific literature is too slow, too opaque, and too bureaucratic. While at the same time not protecting, funding, or rewarding the hardworking sleuth behind the work.”

“Most of the sleuthing work takes place despite, rather than thanks to, the present publication and editorial system. She argues that the data or metadata to facilitate investigations is often not published or available”.

Mikolaj Piniewski, the study’s lead author published in the Springer, is affiliated with the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. He explains that his team used AI to highlight manipulation in 50 research papers. AI can detect patterns in papers that should not be there in principle and identify plagiarized content within the paper and original sources.

He further elucidates that his team of researchers asked the authors of the fifty suspected papers to publish their complete data. Later on, an Excel sheet of data was analyzed with the help of AI. The analysis found that most data had been repeatedly copied, pasted, and manipulated.

In December 2023, a Nature analysis revealed that among large research-producing nations, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia, and China have had the highest retraction rates over the past decades.
In December 2023, a Nature analysis revealed that among large research-producing nations, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia, and China have had the highest retraction rates over the past decades. Photo Prof Graham kendall

The Nerve-Breaking situation for Pakistan!

In December 2023, a Nature analysis revealed that among large research-producing nations, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia, and China have had the highest retraction rates over the past decades. Pakistan stands as the second nation with the highest research retraction rate worldwide. 

 Dr. Nayyar Alam, a senior researcher and geologist, expresses his concern and says, “Publishing scientific papers is significant for students and scientists. Many international universities and research institutions have for admission and the progress of scientists that includes several published research papers in reputed science journals.”

Moreover, he points out the main reasons for this downfall in scientific research— firstly, a shortage of international-level research in Pakistan’s universities is due to insufficient budget. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is running short of funds to sponsor research projects. At the same time, our laboratories are deficient in modern equipment and facilities. 

A third reason is the absence of science writing skills in English. Our students can hardly write science essays due to mere writing training in academic institutions. The students and researchers prefer fake resources like paper mills to get admission to international universities. These papers are retracted after some time, and the situation is quite disturbing to hardworking researchers. 

Like several other fields of life, corruption is creeping into the global scholarly journal publishing market. Ten of thousands of students and scientists are building their careers on the back of this tidal wave of fraudulent papers. But every now and then— they have to face the harsh reality of life, as the world is now more aware of such false practices. 

Several efforts are underway to ensure the highest research standards worldwide. Organizations sponsoring or funding research demand scientists publish all of their data to be thoroughly scrutinized. Science journals that publish new studies have already started screening suspected data— everyone involved in the process, including funding, production, and publication, is on ALERT now!

More from the Author: Breaking the Odds in Field Epidemiology in Pakistan

Flickers in the Void Dark Stars and their Secret Energy Source

Faraz Iqbal
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Flickers in the Void Dark Stars and their Secret Energy Source

Fusion-powered stars stand as celestial beacons in the vast fabric of the universe, illuminating the blackness of space with their incandescent brilliance. They project a fascinating alchemy at their heart, in which the simplest atom, hydrogen, evolves into heavier elements via a chain reaction known as nuclear fusion. 

The Origin of Dark Star Idea

The concept of dark stars originated through a series of discussions between Freese and Doug Spolyar. Mr. Spolyar is a former University of California, Santa Cruz graduate student.

Pondering over the influence of dark matter on the first stars that emerged in the universe, they reached out to Paolo Gondol. He is an astrophysicist at the University of Utah and subsequently joined the team.

After years of development and exploration, they published their initial paper on this groundbreaking theory in the journal Physical Review Letters in 2008.

The Enigma of Dark Stars

These three objects (JADES-GS-z13-0, JADES-GS-z12-0, and JADES-GS-z11-0) were initially identified as galaxies in December 2022 by the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). Now, a team including Katherine Freese at The University of Texas at Austin speculates they might actually be “dark stars,” theoretical objects much bigger and brighter than our sun, powered by particles of dark matter annihilating. Image credit: NASA/ESA.
These three objects (JADES-GS-z13-0, JADES-GS-z12-0, and JADES-GS-z11-0) were initially identified as galaxies in December 2022 by the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). Now, a team including Katherine Freese at The University of Texas at Austin speculates they might actually be “dark stars,” theoretical objects much bigger and brighter than our sun, powered by particles of dark matter annihilating. Image credit: NASA/ESA.

Astrophysicists at the University of Texas at Austin said on July 14, 2023, that they’ve now identified three bright objects that might be “dark stars.” Until now, “dark stars” have only existed as theoretical creations in the domains of mathematical models and scientific ideas. The term ‘Dark’ does not refer to the luminosity of the star but to dark matter as the power source at its core, rather than the typical nuclear fusion reactions that power ordinary stars.

Recent findings were published in the  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research revealed three mysterious celestial objects that, Originally identified as galaxies in December 2022 by the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES), the three candidate dark stars, named JADES-GS-z13-0, JADES-GS-z12-0, and JADES-GS-z11-0, have now become subjects of intense scientific inquiry.

“It’s more likely that something within the standard model needs tuning because proposing something entirely new, as we did, is always less probable,” Freese said. “But if some of these objects that look like early galaxies are actually dark stars, the simulations of galaxy formation agree better with observations.”.

While this discovery does not prove their existence, it has sparked renewed interest among scientists and astronomers to investigate this cosmic mystery further.

 “Discovering a new type of star is pretty interesting all by itself, but discovering it’s dark matter that’s powering this — that would be huge,” said Freese, director of the Weinberg Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Jeff and Gail Kodosky Endowed Chair in Physics at UT Austin.

You see slightly varying estimates for the percentage of dark matter in our universe. But, according to Fig. Modern theorists, there’s vastly more dark matter than ordinary matter in our universe.

Modern theorists believe there’s vastly more dark matter than ordinary matter in our universe. Image via NASA/ WMAP
Modern theorists believe there’s vastly more dark matter than ordinary matter in our universe. Image via NASA/ WMAP

The Dark Matter Enigma and Model for Dark Stars

Now, let’s drive into the heart of the mystery – dark matter. It’s arguably one of the most compelling mysteries in contemporary astrophysics, and it’s no wonder it has both seasoned physicists and curious minds on the edge of their seats. Unlike ordinary matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. It’s invisible, making it notoriously difficult to detect directly.

The model by Freese and her colleagues assumes that dark stars form in clouds made mostly of hydrogen, with dark matter contributing just 0.1% of the mass. When two dark matter particles collide, they can annihilate each other, releasing photons, electrons, and other particles. Most of these by-products stay in the cloud, depositing heat into its gas and causing it to glow like a normal star.

“Dark stars are a theoretically intriguing idea,” says Julian Muñoz, a cosmologist at the University of Texas at Austin who was not involved in the current work. “Self-annihilations are a fairly generic signature of many dark matter models.” They are a central feature in one popular model, in which dark matter comprises weakly interacting massive particles or WIMPs.

Some Important Results Deduced from the Existence of Dark Stars

Let’s go on to the results, where things get even more intriguing. This is more than simply physics; it’s a cosmic narrative that has the potential to alter our fundamental understanding of the cosmos.

Early Universe Dynamics: But hold on, there’s more. Dark stars may have evolved in the very early stages of the universe when conditions were significantly different than they are now.

Supermassive Black Holes’ Seed: We’ve arrived at the climax. If dark stars exist, they have the potential to shed light on the genesis and expansion of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Dark stars may act as cosmic seeds from which these enormous black holes sprout, offering light on the earliest conditions that lead to the formation of SMBHs.

The author acknowledges his teachers, Dr. Fatima Bint e Munir and  Dr. Atif Shahbaz, for their coordination. 

Also read: A New Phenomenon of Origination of Planets & Stars as “Twins”

Is Artificial Intelligence Our Ally or an Enemy?

Aliza Waqar
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Is Artificial Intelligence Our Ally or an Enemy?

“Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last unless we learn how to avoid the risks.”  ~Stephen Hawking   

The rise of AI is like watching a sci-fi movie unfold, except we’re all trying to figure out if AI will become our helper or an unforeseen Master. I am sure you’ve seen many things on the wonders of Artificial Intelligence but where there is light, there is also shadow. Artificial Intelligence holds unbelievable promise for improving our lives in vast measures, it also presents challenges and threats that we must address. 

Ever wondered what exactly artificial intelligence is and why everyone wants to indulge in it? What is the hype around it, and is it really a threat to humankind? Let’s dive in.

Well, Artificial Intelligence has been tossed around for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that it started gaining attention. 

The term “artificial intelligence” was officially used at Dartmouth College, where researchers discussed the probability of creating machines that could mimic human intelligence. In today’s day and age, it isn’t a mere term or concept but an everyday reality for us. AI invades various surfaces of society, reshaping how we work, communicate, and interact with technology.

The appeal of AI lies in its ability to solve problems in previously impossible or impractical ways. AI can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort. It’s like having a clever robot buddy that can learn and make your life efficient.

Speaking of robots, AI is far more progressed than just GPT-4. Have you met with the humanoid robot Ameca, which acts as a translator using the OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot, that could potentially extinct human translators? [2]

A well-read research paper that looks further into this is “The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence: Forecasting, Prevention, and Mitigation,” published in February 2018. [3] This paper is authored by researchers from the Future of Humanity Institute. It is known for being the Center for the Study of Existential Risk, OpenAI, and others. 

It explores the possible negative impacts of Artificial Intelligence if used wickedly. Highlighting situations where AI could be exploited for cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and autonomous weapons systems raises significant ethical and security concerns. Here is a series of advancements in Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) that have created synthetic faces that are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from real ones.

Humanoid robot Ameca, which acts as a translator using the OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot - artificial intelligence
Humanoid robot Ameca, which acts as a translator using the OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot

One of the most prominent downsides of AI is mentioned as a personalized attack to extract sensitive information or money from individuals. The rise of facial recognition technology has ushered in a new era of possibilities: an AI tool called Synthesia. This tool can generate human-like voices and AI avatars that could be used in several positive ways, such as making a marketing campaign, making content online, or training videos. However, this AI tool has sparked many concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. 

As mentioned in the paper, a phishing attack refers to a cybercrime tactic where individuals or organizations attempt to deceive users into disclosing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other personal data. It also addresses Political, Physical, and Digital Security risks like an individual’s online information used for impersonation and milking their real contacts; cybercriminals can use AI techniques to process payment or ransomware victims.

The research paper discusses the importance of active measures to mitigate the risks associated with the cruel use of AI and the need for disciplinary cooperation among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop safeguards and regulations that ensure AI technologies are deployed responsibly.

A recent article shed light on the unstoppable surge of Generative AI, which showed that approximately 77 percent of devices include AI [4] in some form, like opening your phone with the face ID or ads on social media, to famous digital assistants like SIRI or ALEXA. However, this personalized AI experience raises dual concerns. While 57 percent fear AI may replace humans, [5] 51 percent lack trust in companies to safeguard their data, leading to worries about privacy, security, misinformation, and job insecurities. 

Now the lingering question: could Artificial Intelligence defy its creators and dominate humanity, as depicted in movies? 

Well, not exactly. The maintenance, power supply, and programming are essential for Generative AI, Robots, and GANs, and all rely on human involvement. Also, Governments, corporations, and individuals each play a role in the development, deployment, and regulation of any form of new research or development. 

Corporations innovate through research and development while also obeying regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines. So, it’s safe to say there’s not much to worry about besides some job insecurities. [6]

The strength of Artificial Intelligence depicted in movies is mainly dramatized for entertainment purposes. Whereas Artificial Intelligence might have advanced significantly in recent years, it still operates within the boundaries of its programming and the limitations set by its creators. That said, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks associated with AI development, and these risks must be carefully managed through ethical guidelines and responsible development practices.

But why should we keep up with the advancement of artificial intelligence?

AI has a prominent position now, providing us with a further understanding of our intelligence. The growth of AI is crucial; learning and actively using AI tools is important not just to stay informed by the latest AI but also to form your own opinions on it and identify issues that could form risks towards security or privacy issues. 

While challenges and doubts may be linked to the increase of AI, there’s also significant potential for positive impact and growth when approached with careful consideration and practical planning.

In the near future, its implications on society, economy, and governance are key for navigating responsibly and harnessing its potential for the betterment of humanity, and hopefully, stricter laws will be formed around its data storage and usage to safeguard the rights of AI’s users. 

REFERENCES:
  • P. Sturgeon, “Talent Talk: The Fascinating, Frightening Potential of AI,” Plastics Today, August 14,
  • 2023.
  • R. Huppke, “Just a quick heads up: AI-powered robots will kill us. K, bye.,” USA Today, 2023.
  • S. Farquhar, “Arxiv Papers,” Feburary 2018. [Online].
  • A. Cardillo, “How Many Companies Use AI? (New Data),” EXPLODING TOPICS, 2024.
  • B. PERRIGO, “Exclusive: U.S. Must Move ‘Decisively’ to Avert ‘Extinction-Level’ Threat From AI,
  • Government-Commissioned Report Says,” TIME, 2024.
  • M. Roser, “Artificial intelligence is transforming our world — it is on all of us to make sure that it
  • goes well,” OurWorldInData.org, 2022.
  • F. Ghunaim, “Key Statistics and Trends: The Unstoppable Rise of AI,” SPECTRA, 2023.

Night Owl’s cheatsheet—Mastering Melatonin’s sleep clock for ultimate rest

Malaika Awan
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Night Owl’s cheatsheet—Mastering Melatonin’s sleep clock for ultimate rest

A peaceful quietness blankets the surroundings as the sun sets, inviting meditation and mindfulness. Many people find that the peaceful embrace of the night provides a welcome change of pace after the day’s exhausting activities. But, against this peaceful background, a specific group of people—the night owls—constantly battle to get enough sleep. However, a hidden key to unlock restful nights for these dark residents is known as melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone with strong effects that are frequently disregarded, has the potential to help us understand the fascinating night owl’s sleep schedule.

Understanding melatonin and the sleep cycle

Melatonin, often referred to as “the hormone of darkness,” plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles, serving as our body’s internal timekeeper. Produced by the pineal gland in the brain, its levels fluctuate in a 24-hour cycle, controlled by our body clock. Receptors in the hypothalamus’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) control this hormone’s secretion. Its production is sensitive to environmental light cues, which orchestrate our transition between wakefulness and slumber. 

When darkness descends, signaling the onset of nighttime, the pineal gland responds by releasing melatonin into the bloodstream. This surge in melatonin levels prepares our bodies for restorative sleep. Blood melatonin levels rise about two hours before bedtime, helping establish conditions favorable to sleep by slightly lowering core body temperature. As dawn approaches and daylight filters through, melatonin production diminishes, aligning with our body’s natural rhythm to prepare for awakening and the activities of the day. 

One notable phenomenon within this melatonin-driven cycle is the “forbidden zone” for sleep—a period during the early evening hours when the body’s propensity to fall asleep is notably low. This period typically spans from around 6 PM to 9 PM, during which individuals may find it challenging to initiate rest despite feeling tired. It is recommended not to try sleeping during this time zone as it might affect an individual’s sleep instinct later. 

However, as this window closes, usually between 9 PM and 11 PM, the sleep gate opens, marking the onset of increased sleepiness and facilitating easier entry into a restful state. A decrease in melatonin levels in our body can cause hindrances to our sleep and can lead to sleep disturbances.  

Blood melatonin levels rise about two hours before bedtime, helping establish conditions favorable to sleep by slightly lowering core body temperature.
Blood melatonin levels rise about two hours before bedtime, helping establish conditions favorable to sleep by slightly lowering core body temperature.

Factors decreasing melatonin release in the human body

Factors that decrease melatonin release in the body include certain drugs like beta blockers and NSAIDs, which inhibit its production. Beta-blockers, commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure, work by inhibiting specific receptors, consequently decreasing melatonin release. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and several other over-the-counter painkiller drugs, suppress nighttime melatonin levels. Blue light exposure at night also suppresses melatonin levels. 

Aging reduces pineal gland function, diminishing melatonin production. Short-term fasting and nutrient deficiencies in folate, magnesium, and zinc further contribute to decreased melatonin levels. Staying up late, the common nocturnal habit of night owls can harm their physical and psychological well-being.

Night owls’ nocturnal habits and psychological well-being

The psychological well-being of night owls can be significantly affected by their nocturnal habits. Staying up late into the night can contribute to mood disturbances, including heightened feelings of anxiety and depression. Disrupted sleep patterns impact neurotransmitters and hormones responsible for regulating emotional states, such as serotonin and cortisol, leading to increased stress levels and vulnerability to emotional ups and downs. Furthermore, impaired cognitive function due to inadequate sleep can result in difficulties in thinking clearly and making effective decisions. 

Night owls may also experience alterations in appetite and eating habits, often succumbing to late-night cravings and unhealthy dietary choices. Interruption of the circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycles, and low levels of melatonin hormone are considered risk factors for a variety of health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and various sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders and melatonin

Sleep disorders can wreak havoc on our lives, affecting everything from our mood to our overall health. One common culprit behind these disorders is insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Our natural melatonin levels decrease as we age, making us more susceptible to insomnia. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, has shown promise in treating insomnia, especially in older adults. 

But melatonin isn’t just for insomnia. It has also been studied for its role in managing other sleep-related issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing is disrupted during sleep. Melatonin has been found to mitigate some of the complications associated with OSA, such as cardiovascular problems and inflammation.

Sleep disorders can wreak havoc on our lives, affecting everything from our mood to our overall health.
Sleep disorders can wreak havoc on our lives, affecting everything from our mood to our overall health.

Enhancing melatonin levels in the body

Implementing various strategies can be beneficial in enhancing melatonin production and promoting healthy sleep.

  • Manage light exposure: Seek natural light in the morning and daytime, and avoid bright light about 90 minutes before bedtime to regulate melatonin levels.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine intake before bedtime to support higher melatonin levels.
  • Incorporate melatonin-rich foods into your diet, including tomatoes, rice, barley, strawberries, olive oil, milk, pistachios, walnuts, seeds, eggs, fish, tart cherries, and goji berries into the diet to naturally boost melatonin levels.
  • Dimming lights and reducing screen time before bed to minimize exposure to blue light, which suppresses melatonin production.
  • Establishing a consistent sleep schedule synchronizes the body’s internal clock and facilitates the natural release of melatonin at the appropriate times.
  • Supplementing with melatonin: Discuss the potential benefits and considerations of using melatonin supplements to regulate sleep patterns, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into one’s routine.
  • Lifestyle adjustments for optimal sleep: Highlight the importance of creating a sleep-friendly environment, practicing relaxation techniques, and prioritizing self-care to support restful nights and overall well-being.
REFERENCES:
  • Konttinen, H., Kronholm, E., Partonen, T., Kanerva, N., Männistö, S., & Haukkala, A. (2014). Morningness-eveningness, depressive symptoms, and emotional eating: A population-based study. Chronobiology International. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24417521. doi:10.3109/07420528.2013.877922
  • Zizhen Xie, Fei Chen, William A. Li, Xiaokun Geng, Changhong Li, Xiaomei Meng, Yan Feng, Wei Liu & Fengchun Yu (2017): A review of sleep disorders and melatonin, Neurological Research.
  • McGrane IR, Leung JG, St. Louis E, et al. Melatonin therapy for REM sleep behavior disorder: a critical review of evidence. Sleep Med. 2015;16:19–26.
  • Poza, J.J., Pujol, M., Ortega-Albás, J.J. and Romero, O., 2022. Melatonin in sleep disorders. Neurología (English Edition), 37(7), pp.575-585.
  • Benca, R.M., Okawa, M., Uchiyama, M., Ozaki, S., Nakajima, T., Shibui, K. and Obermeyer, W.H., 1997. Sleep and mood disorders. Sleep medicine reviews, 1(1), pp.45-56.
  • Stoschitzky, K., Koshucharova, G., Zweiker, R., Maier, R., Watzinger, N., Fruhwald, F.M. and Klein, W., 2001. Differing beta‐blocking effects of carvedilol and metoprolol. European journal of heart failure, 3(3), pp.343-349.
  • Dawson, D. and Encel, N., 1993. Melatonin and sleep in humans. Journal of pineal research, 15(1), pp.1-12.
  • Brown, G.M., 1994. Light, melatonin and the sleep-wake cycle. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 19(5), p.345.
  • Skocbat, T., Haimov, I. and Lavie, P., 1998. Melatonin-the key to the gate of sleep. Annals of medicine, 30(1), pp.109-114.
  • Zisapel, N., 2010. Melatonin and sleep. The Open Neuroendocrinology Journal, 3(1).
  • Kun, X., Cai Hong, H. and Subramanian, P., 2019. Melatonin and sleep. Biological Rhythm Research, 50(3), pp.490-493.

More From the Author: Practical Tips and Strategies to Reduce Carbon Footprints in Daily Life

Nanoscience— In Energy Sustainability Outlook

Muhammad Kashif Raza
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Nanoscience— In Energy Sustainability Outlook

For more than 200 years, fossil fuel has been the primary source of energy, enabling the Industrial Revolution and technological advancement of society as a whole. As we know previously, energy is based on non-renewable resources, and we have to look for some renewable means for our energy. We need any source that enables us to meet our energy requirements and store enough amount of energy, leading us toward future energy conversion. In the article, I have discussed the different aspects of nanoscience for future sustainability using nanostructure for energy storage devices, i.e., Supercapacitors, Metallic Ion rechargeable batteries, Fuel Cells, etc.

In the near future, fossil fuels, particularly oil, will continue to play a significant role in the global economy. As consumption reaches its peak and consumer demand rises, the world must either discover new energy supplies or substantially improve existing energy technologies. The world has come to comprehend that using fossil fuels excessively threatens the planet’s ecosystems. The advancement of green energy is one of the most pressing global challenges due to the demand for alternative, clean energy sources and the preservation of the environment.

Nanomaterials have the potential to completely transform techniques for storing energy, rendering them superior, accessible, and sustainable. Thanks to their special nanoscale features, they can significantly improve many energy storage systems, eventually leading to a more environmentally friendly future.

Figure 1: A schematic represents the usage of nanomaterials in nanotechnology for designing the nanoscale devices i.e., for Supercapacitors, Batteries and Fuel Cells [1]
Figure 1: A schematic represents the usage of nanomaterials in nanotechnology for designing nanoscale devices, i.e., for Supercapacitors, Batteries, and Fuel Cells [1]

There is no dispute that in order for the globe’s economy and climate to have an environmentally friendly future, renewable energy must account for a sizable share of renewable energy consumption.

The natural reconfiguration tendencies of two-dimensional shapes (2D) nanomaterials, which drastically limits the way they can be used, undercuts the rapidly expanding interest in these materials. New porous heterostructures combining monolayered mesoporous substrates with two-dimensional nanosheets can significantly increase the selection of innovative substances in battery-based electrochemical energy technologies.

Advancements in Nanoscience

Many additional two-dimensional materials, including nanosheet-like structures, such as transition metal oxides (TMO), dichalcogenides, and transition metal carbides (TMCs) or transition metal nitrides (MXenes), have gained more attention as graphene was initially experimentally separated in 2004.

Beside other traditional materials with thicknesses in millimeters (mm) or micrometers (ꭎm), MXenes are just a few atoms thick. MXenes resemble tiny sheets with a high surface area and volume proportion. This gives ions plenty of room to gather and take part in energy storage workflows, particularly in supercapacitors.

Interestingly, even though the thickness of MXenes is a hundred times less than that of human hair, the research proceeded by the University of British Colombia (UBC), National Science Foundation, UK, and A.J. Drexel Institute of materials showed that their researchers created lightweight, 3D- printed polymer waveguides for satellites, coating them with conductive MXene nanomaterials to enable high-quality signal transmission for space rockets. This is how nanostructures like MXenes and other composites are providing the world with an opportunity to move toward future sustainability.

Figure 2:  A brief guiding schematic for the usage of Nanomaterials in different daily life applications [5]
Figure 2:  A brief guiding schematic for the usage of Nanomaterials in different daily life applications [5]

Unlike conventional materials, nanostructures (the basics of nanoscience) have many more tiny molecules or atoms on their interfaces. This boosts excitability and the easy availability of working spots for energy-related instances, such as the electrochemical processes in Supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells. Due to the use of lithium-ion batteries in portable and light electric products, backup energy storage components, and hybrid electric automobiles, the demand for these batteries has significantly expanded.

An American computer scientist and mathematician Ralph Merkle once said very precisely;

“Nanotechnology is an idea that most people simply didn’t believe. We’ll have more power in the volume of a sugar cube than exists in the entire world today.”

Figure 3: The nanoscience is fueling the world with green energy and striving for lowering its pollution for sustainability. [6]
Figure 3: The nanoscience is fueling the world with green energy and striving to lower its pollution for sustainability. [6]

Researchers are striving to enhance the energy density, power density, durability, and reliability of lithium-ion batteries through the integration of nanomaterials into all of these different elements. These properties are essential for their wide adoption in various applications, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage.

Nanostructures for Energy Conversion Applications

High energy and power density may be achieved concurrently because of nanoparticles’ characteristic short diffusion paths and high surface-to-volume ratio. Additionally, the ability of nanomaterials to work with cutting-edge manufacturing processes like spray coating, printing, roll-to-roll assembly, and others makes it possible to design and create flexible, foldable, and smart energy storage systems.

Thinking precisely toward storing Energy

The more we are heading in the future, we will be gaining advancement in the energy storage direction. With the growing population around us, researchers are thinking more precisely to meet the requirements of future energy consumption using cutting-edge materials and technology for a better and secure future.

In conclusion, one can say that nanomaterials are the little titans altering our technological environment in the field of nanoscience. Despite their tiny size, they are incredibly powerful, holding the potential to advance energy, medicine, and other fields.

A world of whispered miracles, where nanoparticles dance with atoms, is hidden from observation. They hold the pathway to energy revolutions, medical wonders, and a sustainable future with their quiet influence. When seen from a macro perspective, what might appear to be a whisper at the nanoscale becomes a roar of innovation. Scientists use nanomaterials to create marvels, much like painters do on miniature canvases.

There is a journey into nanoscience that lies beyond the horizon of ordinary materials. In this context, nanomaterials take on the role of cosmic explorers, laying the foundation for a new era in energy, medicine, and sustainability ahead in the future. The blueprint for tomorrow’s legacy resides inside the tiny structures of nanomaterials. Their pioneering attitude inspires the quest for sustainable energy, revolutionary healthcare, and an innovatively driven world.

References


Also Read:Is electrical energy an alternative to more carbon footprints?

Spiders on Mars? The truth behind the mysterious clusters on the Red Planet

Scientia Staff
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Spiders on Mars? The truth behind the mysterious clusters on the Red Planet

The European Space Agency (ESA) recently shared pictures of the mysterious spider-like clusters on the planet Mars. The space agency has, however, clarified that these spider-like dark features on the Red Planet form “when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months.” 

The view of Ice-Spiders on Mars. Photo ESA.
The view of Ice-Spiders on Mars. Photo ESA.

The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice. The gas bursts free in Martian springtime, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick.

The emerging gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers before falling back down and settling on the surface. This creates dark spots between 45 m and 1 km across. This same process creates characteristic ‘spider-shaped’ patterns etched beneath the ice – and so these dark spots are a telltale sign that spiders may be lurking below.

Perspective view of Mars' Inca City. Photo ESA
Perspective view of Mars’ Inca City. Photo ESA

Mars Express’s High-Resolution Stereo Camera captured this new view of Inca City and its hidden arachnid residents. The space agency is still not sure exactly how Inca City formed. It could be that sand dunes have turned to stone over time. Perhaps material such as magma or sand is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Or, the ridges could be ‘eskers’, winding structures related to glaciers.

More about Mars: Mars Colonization: What decades of missions have revealed

Stem Cells— A Hallmark in the Treatment of Neurological Disorder

Eman Fatima
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Stem Cells— A Hallmark in the Treatment of Neurological Disorder

“Now science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that have for so long been beyond our grasp.” –Nancy Reagan

According to Dr. An, Ms. Lynn Bertrand was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the same type of condition the physicist Stephen Hawking suffered) about 24 years ago. Lynn was miserably unable to walk, eat, and even sleep. She was taking medication, but all those treatments failed to treat her illness. Her family was told to be prepared for the worst of the situation.

Fortunately, somebody informed Lynn and her husband about an innovative method of treatment: Stem Cell Therapy. They agreed to this therapy. After two days of the first treatment, Lynn could walk with a walker’s help. Her body started regaining much of its functions like her vision was improved, her left arm started functioning, and her hair started regrowing. Lynn has become the foremost supporter of umbilical cord stem cell therapy to treat ALS-like neurological disorders. 

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are related to the central and peripheral nervous system. They include epilepsy, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), migraine, thrombosis, and traumatic disorders. These disorders affect hundreds of millions of the World’s population. According to WHO, more than 6 million people die because of stroke each year. More than 50 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy and 47.5 million people with dementia globally. Alzheimer’s may contribute to 60-70 percent of dementia cases, and Migraine is more than 10 percent preventable worldwide.

Even with its complexity, the central nervous system is nevertheless intriguing and challenging to comprehend. Irreparable impairments, including physical and cognitive problems, can be caused by various conditions affecting it. Many bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can affect the nervous system. The disease or an immune response to the infection may cause neurological disorders. 

Despite having some potential for endogenous regeneration, the adult brain cannot achieve complete recovery when it gets damaged. Moreover, pharmaceutical therapies for underlying disease processes may have limitations such as temporary efficacy, lack of full neurological recovery, or overwhelming cost. Therefore, therapeutic interventions are needed to address brain-related disorders. Over time, Stem cells have shown great potential in the treatment of various neurological disorders.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are the undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into any specialized type of cell, e.g., muscle cells, blood cells, and brain cells. These cells keep on dividing over a long period. Stem cells are present in almost every human tissue and provide a renewal capacity to most of the organs. This ability makes them serve as the repair system for the body. 

Researchers and scientists are very interested in stem cells because they could be crucial in health and medical research and treat many diseases like skin burns, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Dr. Daniel Kota says: “We have reached a critical point in the history of stem cells that the only thing between us and a massive number of stem cell treatments are regulatory agencies such as the FDA, but the number of stem cell therapies is so overwhelming that some are just falling through the cracks.’’

What are clinical trial outcomes?

The potential utilization of stem cells for neurological conditions has been studied in clinical trials. Different types of stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, have been evaluated. In 2001, a double-blind, sham-controlled surgery was performed on Parkinson’s disease patients.

This surgery gave promising results, which encouraged researchers to continue clinical trials. Several other trials on different neurological conditions, such as Huntington’s disease, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease, are in progress. Moreover, stem cell-based therapies are getting more popular for traumatic central nervous system injury and stroke. A mesenchymal stem cell product has been cleared by Japanese authorities to treat spinal cord injuries.

What is the mechanism of Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is based on repairing or replacing damaged neurons to prevent further degeneration. The localization of these cells stimulates the tissue repair and maintenance of the injured areas of the brain. When transplanted, stem cells move towards damaged areas of the brain due to the expression of chemokines and growth factors, where they differentiate into host tissue cells, replacing injured neural tissue.

SC secretes neuroprotective growth factors, increasing differentiation and maintenance of neural functions. Improvements in neural activity through therapeutic mechanisms have been demonstrated in animal studies. These cells have the potential to generate even new neurons. Different types of SCs are being applied to treat neurological disorders.

Neural Stem Cell therapy

Neural stem cells (NSC) would be the most logical and appropriate stem cell therapy for treating neurological conditions. However, an adult’s NSC cannot be harvested because it is present deep within the adult brain. Thus, they are acquired from the brain of the aborted fetus and are prepared for transplantation purposes. Due to this situation’s ethical and practical concerns, an alternative source of NSC is needed.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 

Professor Shinya Yamanaka (The 2012 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine) discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells. This understanding can be used to develop neural progenitor cells from induced pluripotent stem cells to be exploited for therapeutic purposes. 

SCT for different diseases

Transplantation of NSC in animal models improved dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk) in Parkinson’s, reduced lesions in Huntington’s disease (a condition that stops parts of the brain from working properly over time), reduced the lesion size in stroke (brain attack), improved learning memory in Alzheimer’s disease, and increased life span in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The use of NSC proved to be safe in human studies. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have also shown a potential to restore brain functions and neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease.

Challenges to SCT

 However, the implementation of stem cell therapy still faces challenges. It is essential to determine the type of stem cell used, the number of them administered, the route of administration, the optimal method, preconditioning, and the injection schedule. More research is also necessary to determine the long-term safety of stem cell treatment and the recipient’s age. Despite these concerns, stem cell therapy has great potential for treating neurological disorders. Further research and well-planned studies are needed to explore its potential fully.

References:

  • Alessandrini, M., Preynat-Seauve, O., De Bruin, K., & Pepper, M. S. (2019). Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders. South African Medical Journal, 109(8 Supplement 1), S71-S78.
  • Hachimi-Idrissi, S. (2023). Stem cell therapy in neurological disorders: promises and concerns. Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy, 3, 346-362.
  • Hassan, A. U., Hassan, G., & Rasool, Z. (2009). Role of stem cells in treatment of neurological disorder. International journal of health sciences, 3(2), 227.
  • Jamali, F. A., & Dahbour, S. S. (2017). Stem Cell Therapies in Neurological Disorders. Advances in Stem Cell Therapy: Bench to Bedside, 31-59.
  • Rahman, M. M., Islam, M. R., Islam, M. T., Harun-Or-Rashid, M., Islam, M., Abdullah, S., … & Mostafa-Hedeab, G. (2022). Stem cell transplantation therapy and neurological disorders: current status and future perspectives. Biology, 11(1), 147.
  • Sakowski, S. A., & Chen, K. S. (2022). Stem cell therapy for central nervous system disorders: metabolic interactions between transplanted cells and local microenvironments. Neurobiology of disease, 173, 105842.
  • https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/case-lynn-bertrand-als-stem-cell-therapy-success-story-suhyun-an

Let’s heal the Earth to unleash the power of earning a better livelihood

Maira Masood
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Let’s heal the Earth to unleash the power of earning a better livelihood

Last week, the largest city, Dubai, was brought to a halt, with one of the worst rain events in decades flooding streets, homes, and highways. The heavy rains also halted air traffic, damaged buildings and streets — and left climate experts and common citizens asking whether one of the world’s hottest and driest cities should be better prepared for extreme storms.   

In March 2021, the coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was hit by a disastrous flood. Sydney received 40 percent of its annual rainfall in that time period, flooding numerous households and displacing large masses. Around 29,000 damage claims were put forward by different insurance companies, owing to the extent of damage this vicious flooding had caused. Such natural disaster unveils the social and economic distress mankind is indulged in.

Earth is the only planet mankind can inhabit because nature has provided it with ample blessings: freshwater, fertile soil, vegetation, appropriate climate, glaciers, deserts, and much more. Exhausting these natural supplies and littering the earth is one of our greatest threats. It is paramount to realize the extent of damage we, humankind, have done to the earth. Restoring the earth to its original state seems plausible, but we can still aim to reduce the damage we are currently doing. Earth’s deterioration is combinatorial factor damage. Thus, to pace down the damage, we need to understand and be receptive to the mankind-induced factors that are vandalizing planet Earth. 

Human-derived factors that are destroying Earth:

Pollution

Water, air, or land pollution is one of the most destructive issues for the earth. The accelerating rate by which we are polluting this planet is an eye-opener. Pollution at such alarming rates is imperiling our survival and affects the biodiversity of various species of animals. Ocean acidification, spillage of oil at shipping ports, industrial and domestic waste discharge into water bodies, and the release of harmful gases (Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide) all impair the quality of life on Earth. This further gives birth to infinite waterborne or airborne diseases, such as cholera, lung and respiratory diseases, etc.

Earth Day 2024
The accelerating rate by which we are polluting this planet is an eye-opener.

One of the recent episodes of pollution has brought long-term damage to it. 20,000 tons of diesel leakage in a river in Russia after a storage tank collapsed is one of the biggest man-induced damages done in 2020. The oil flowed into the Ambarnaya River, covering a 7.5-mile area. The oil also contaminated the Daldykan River. According to the former deputy chief of Russian environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor, Oleg Mitvol, the entire cleanup process will cost $1.5 billion and span around 10 years. This spillage is a potent threat to marine life. 

Land-use change

Another major concern for humanity is deforestation. With the increased demand for clear land for different activities, forests are being cleared faster. Lack of forest cover is one of the root causes of other issues, such as loss of soil fertility, fluctuations in the water cycle, and habitat destruction, to name a few. Forest fires further add to the unproductivity of land. Destruction of natural landscapes and ecosystems is another outcome of human activities such as mining, fishing, etc. The land that provides us with food and a cover is collapsing in the blink of an eye. 

The deforestation rate in Pakistan is accelerating between 0.2% to 0.5 % per annum, the highest worldwide, contributing to a 4% to 6% decline in its wood biomass per annum. Assessing a research report, Justice Jawad Hasan (Pakistan) observed that the natural forest cover had declined from 3.59 million hectares to 3.32m hectares at an average rate of 27,000 hectares annually. This deterioration will exploit nature to alarming levels.

The exploitation of natural resources

Humans have been exploiting the earth’s natural resources to produce products for their survival. This practice has been carried out for decades. However, over-exploitation and overuse of natural resources are depleting them quicker than usual. Overfishing, excessive deforestation, and abundant extraction of non-renewable raw materials such as coal, gypsum, and natural gas are disturbing nature’s balance. Our hunger for the accessibility of these resources has masked the potential damage these practices are bringing forth.  

earthday 2024
Humans have been exploiting the earth’s natural resources to produce products for their survival.

Our dependence on non-renewable energy sources is so pronounced that it is polluting the environment to a much greater extent. Groundwater extraction and solid waste dumping have lowered the water table. It has led the land to become waterlogged and saline, making it unfit to be used for agricultural activities. Barren land means no food supplies, which leads to starvation.

Genetic advancement

As exciting as these terms sound, genetic modifications and research have an underlying dark side to them. Tampering with the natural human genome, introducing or eliminating specific genes, and adding or omitting various physical traits according to human needs are disturbing natural phenomena. Genetic modifications have resulted in the introduction of non-native species of animals and a new variety of crop plants, all modified to the demands of mankind.  

Reaping benefits for our survival, also called “advancement,” actually reduces our chances of survival. Genetically modified organisms and transgenic organisms disrupt the germline. They can pose much stronger natural selection phenomena, with increased competition leading to the extinction of rare species, all of which affect biodiversity on planet Earth.

Overpopulation

With the global population exceeding 7.9 billion, overconsumption of resources and a shrinking planet is no surprise. The birth rate graph shows that it is rising exponentially. A larger population requires more land, resources, and infrastructure. This is an added burden on Earth as it exceeds the Earth’s capacity to support life. With an increasing population to feed, more land is needed to practice modern agricultural techniques to meet the increasing demand for food. Moreover, the consumption of non-renewable energy resources in industries and transport has also heightened, further sinking the quality of life on Earth and polluting the environment.

According to the Global Outlook for Water Resources to the Year 2025, it is estimated that by 2025, more than half of the world population will face water crises, and human water demand will contribute to 70 percent of all available freshwater. According to a Harvard study, “Over the next forty years, nearly all (97 percent) of the 2.3 billion projected increase will be in the less developed regions, with nearly half (49 percent) in Africa.

Industrialization

Automation and the Industrial Revolution depict numerous advantages to humankind that can confer more damaging consequences for the earth. The production of efficient and user-friendly means of transport, such as cars, airplanes, buses, and ships, is one of the major sources of pollution. The release of toxic gases from these means of transport pollutes the air we breathe and is harmful to the human body. This also brings several associated health-related risks and diseases, such as chronic lung infections, asthma, allergies, etc.

The use of coal dates back to the time of the Industrial Revolution. The black smoke/carbon released is again a threat to plants, polluting water bodies and land.

Automation and the industrial revolution depict numerous advantages to humankind that can confer more damaging consequences for the earth
Automation and the Industrial Revolution depict numerous advantages to humankind that can confer more damaging consequences for the earth

Furthermore, the production of plastics (non-degradable), cleaning agents, pesticides and insecticides, and pharmaceuticals is degrading this planet. Lead and other additives used in the production of paints lead to several environmental concerns. Similarly, the cleaning agents can be bio-active with a range of consequences, including health-associated risks. Pesticides and Insecticides, though used for crop production, can prove to be fatal. They are drained off into streams and lakes, causing eutrophication that kills the underwater living organisms.

Land contamination, particularly lead-associated land contamination, is a major drawback of industrialization. Landscape damage, ecosystem disturbance, and biodiversity reduction are some of the many drawbacks of industrialization.

Global warming

Global warming is escalating at an unprecedented rate. The increase means the daily temperature can potentially transition the climate of the entire world for the worse. Depleting the ozone layer due to releasing toxic and harmful substances into the environment further adds to higher daily temperatures. With no cloud cover to protect us from harmful UV radiation, we destroy the planet with our own hands. Cancers, especially skin cancer, are prevalent due to exposure to direct UV radiation. 

The ever-rising temperatures mean more evaporation of water from water bodies, more transpiration in plants, and distortion in the normal water cycle. Less condensation takes place, which leads to less precipitation. High temperatures mean that the frozen water bodies, such as glaciers and snow-covered areas, are melting faster. This leads to floods, which devastates large communities and socio-economic setups. Animals such as polar bears, accustomed to living in lower temperatures, must migrate. Lack of food availability, changes in seasonal rainfall patterns, and dry, polluted air are all the unknowable problems we face.

According to the National Climate Assessment, human causes are the biggest reason for global warming. The harmful pollutants released into the environment act as a cushion that absorbs the Ultraviolet rays and makes the planet warm. Such climatic shifts can jeopardize our chances of survival and potentially make the earth a non-habitable place, just like the other solar system planets.

To ensure a healthy lifestyle for present and future generations, to ensure Earth remains an inhabitable planet, and to validate a supreme quality of life on this planet, we must change our practices, implement environmentally friendly procedures, reduce population rates, and prevent the exhaustion of resources.

References:

Healthy diets increase the economic and physical feasibility of 1.5°C

Scientia Staff
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Healthy diets increase the economic and physical feasibility of 1.5°C

A global shift to a healthier, more sustainable diet could be a huge lever to limit global warming to 1.5°C, researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) find. The resulting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would increase the available carbon budget compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and allow us to achieve the same climate outcome with less carbon dioxide removal and less stringent CO2 emissions reductions in the energy system. This would also reduce emission prices, energy prices, and food expenditures.   

“We find that a more sustainable, flexitarian diet increases the feasibility of the Paris Agreement climate goals in different ways,” says Florian Humpenöder, PIK scientist and co-lead author of the study published in Science Advances. “The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to dietary shifts, especially methane from ruminant animals raised for their meat and milk, would allow us to extend our current global CO2 budget of 500 gigatons by 125 gigatons and still stay within the limits of 1.5°C with a 50 percent chance,” he adds.

Putting a price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the energy and land system is an important policy instrument to stay within the limits of 1.5°C warming. “Our results show that compared to continued dietary trends, a more sustainable diet not only reduces impacts from food production within the land system, such as deforestation and nitrogen losses. It also reduces GHG emissions from the land system to such an extent that it cuts economy-wide 1.5°C-compatible GHG prices in 2050 by 43 percent,” explains co-lead author Alexander Popp, leader of the working group land-use management at PIK. “Moreover, healthy diets would also reduce our dependency on carbon dioxide removal in 2050 by 39 percent,” he adds.  

A Flexitarian diet could make a marked difference in the feasibility of the 1.5°C target

Up to now, existing literature has not allowed the single-out contribution of dietary shifts for the feasibility of the 1.5°C limit. In the new study, PIK scientists investigated how dietary shifts would contribute towards the feasibility of 1.5°C transformation pathways relative to a scenario without dietary shifts. The researchers used the open-source Integrated Assessment Modelling framework REMIND-MAgPIE to simulate 1.5°C pathways, including dietary shifts towards the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet by 2050 in all world regions.

“The EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet is a flexitarian diet predominantly featuring a wide variety of plant-based foods, a marked reduction of livestock products, especially in high- and middle-income regions, and restricted intake of added sugars, among other things,” says co-author Isabelle Weindl from PIK.

However, considerable challenges are yet to be addressed: Decision-making in food policy is often dispersed across different institutions and ministries, hindering the implementation of coherent policies supporting healthy diets. Moreover, the authors state that social inclusion and compensation schemes are central to a just transition to healthy diets.

„The results indicate that a shift in our diets could make a considerable difference if we do not want to crash through the 1.5°C limit in the next 10 to 15 years. This calls for globally concerted efforts to support the transition towards sustainable healthy diets,” concludes Johan Rockström, PIK director and co-author of the study.

The original link to study:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj3832

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