The anxiety gene

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The Futurist is your daily tech, cosmic, and science (both weird or otherwise) newsletter with articles and content curated just for you.

In today's edition:

// Microbes

// NASA's budget problems

// Anxiety

// How to vacation correctly

Microbes discovered that can digest plastics at low temperatures

"Microbes that can digest plastics at low temperatures have been discovered by scientists in the Alps and the Arctic, which could be a valuable tool in recycling. Many microorganisms that can do this have already been found, but they can usually only work at temperatures above 30C (86F). This means that using them in industrial practice is prohibitively expensive because of the heating required. It also means using them is not carbon neutral. Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute WSL have found microbes that can do this at 15C, which could lead to a breakthrough in microbial recycling."

// The Guardian »

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NASA's Artemis program may face a budget crunch as costs continue to rise

"The Artemis program's budget is ballooning, and it is unclear when people will start flying to the Moon. These concerns were highlighted this week at a meeting of NASA's Advisory Committee for Human Spaceflight."

// Ars Technica »

Scientists discover 'anxiety gene' in the brain — and a natural way to turn it off

"To understand what is happening in the brain to cause anxiety, a UK-led team of researchers restrained mice for 6 hours to induce a stress response and then analyzed the rodents' brains on a molecular level. This led to the discovery of increased levels of five microRNAs (miRNAs) — small molecules that help determine which genes in a cell are expressed and which aren't — in the amygdala, the brain region implicated in anxiety."

// Freethink »

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Taking a vacation is seriously good for your brain — but only if you do it right

"You really should [take a completely work-free vacation] — and at least on that, the science is clear. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity suggests just three days without work and work-related tasks can be good for you. Taken together, the research into vacation shows we need to embrace a new mindset: Vacation isn't frivolous; it's healthy. Like going jogging or eating a salad, taking time off is essential to well-being."

// Inverse »