How Stress Affects Your Brain + Other Stories
Every week, we corral the best wellness stories from around the internet—just in time for your weekend bookmarking. This week: why it’s more important than ever we step up efforts to fight global warming, how high levels of stress could put you at risk for developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, and a new study on teens and screen time.
Taking the Oceans’ Temperature, Scientists Find Unexpected Heat
The New York Times
A new study found that sea temperatures are rising faster than previously thought, increasing the risk of marine die-offs, coastal flooding, and ever-more violent and unpredictable storms.
“Stress Hormone” Cortisol Linked to Early Toll on Thinking Ability
Scientific American
High levels of stress could cause permanent damage to your brain. In a recent study, people—especially women—with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol performed more poorly on mental tasks and had a greater risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.
There’s Worrying New Research about Kids’ Screen Time and Their Mental Health
Time
Can smartphones affect your mood? An alarming new study on teens found that significant screen time is associated with increased levels of both anxiety and depression.
Just Months of American Life Change the Microbiome
The Atlantic
A look into how a Westernized diet can alter immigrants’ gut microbiomes and put them at risk for obesity.