Distracted pedestrians
New research from the UBC found that distraction can increase the severity of pedestrian/vehicle interactions or near misses by as much as 45 percent. Analysis of those texting or talking on the phone showed them at higher risk because they 1. Are less likely to be aware of their surroundings 2. More prone to straying off marked crosswalks 3. Linked to incidents of failing to react to oncoming traffic.
Source: UBC Applied Science
Transforming mobility solutions
Mobility firm Supersmith is launching the 3Scooter, a three-wheeled mobility scooter designed to enhance safety, comfort, and reduce stigma around mobility aids. Incorporating patented stabilization technology and active suspension, it ensures balance on varied terrain and keeps users at eye level. The lightweight 3Scooter folds in 10 seconds and can double as a walker. Developed through extensive user testing, it aims to provide an empowering, socially inclusive mobility solution when released in 2025.
Source: Supersmith.co
Cuffing season
During the cool, dark months, men, in particular, look for romantic relationships according to Polish researchers. Noted were instinctive behaviour changes: seasonal testosterone levels, men’s judgement of women’s attractiveness and increased winter month social interaction.
Source: The Conversation
Avoiding glyphosates
Glyphosate is a chemical compound that continues to be found in heavily sprayed crops such as berries, greens, potatoes and corn. Residues have also been found in bagels, honey and flour. A new change.org petition calls for a Canadian ban on use of glyphosate-based herbicides for both human health and environmental reasons. However, until use is banned worldwide, expert advice is to buy organic, buy local and wash conventionally grown fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Source: change.org
Good bye jet-lag?
By tagging proteins, specifically the one at the tail end of Casein Kinase 1 delta that regulates the body clock, investigators at Howard Hughes Medical Centre gained new insight into circadian rhythms and human sleep-wake patterns. Their hope—to find a way to cure jet lag along with improving sleep quality and metabolism.
Source: Duke-NUS
Viagra for Alzheimer’s prevention?
Sildenafil (Viagra) currently used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) has shown a 30%-54% reduced prevalence in Alzheimer’s disease in a recent study. Feixiiong Cheng PhD, director of the Cleveland Clinic Genome Centre who led the research suggests that further clinical trails to examine the potential of using sildenafil are needed but on first glance, this is uplifting news.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
