Extra, Extra
Size and Speed: “The human brain, more than any other attribute, sets our species apart. Over the past seven million years or so, it has grown in size and complexity, enabling us to use language, make plans for the future and coordinate with one another at a scale never seen before in the history of life. But our brains came with a downside, according to a study published on Wednesday. The regions that expanded the most in human evolution became exquisitely vulnerable to the ravages of old age.” Carl Zimmer in the NYT (Gift Article): Our Bigger Brains Came With a Downside: Faster Aging.
+ Gouge Gauge: “Kroger Co. hiked prices on milk and eggs more than needed to account for inflation, the company’s top pricing executive testified during a court hearing on the US government’s bid to block the grocery chain’s purchase of rival Albertsons.”
+ Uncovered: “In the countries where ‘age-appropriate’ sexuality education is available, ‘it has increasingly come under attack in recent years on the false premise that it encourages sexual behavior.'” WHO Europe laments declining rates of condom use among sexually active teens worldwide.
+ Football Deaths: “Over and over, tragedies have hit families just as they were celebrating a new school year and the start of football season. While the two most recent examples involve head injuries — a known risk of traumatic injury — other cases involve suspected heatstroke, as players participated in practices in the high heat indexes of August.” NPR: At least 7 middle and high school football players have died in August.
+ Shot in the Dark: “Growing numbers of Americans are buying into misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, according to a new national survey, with more than one in five believing it’s safer to get the virus than to get a shot.” (And these trends often extend to other vaccines.)
+ Baby Got Backup: “They indulge in recovery, coaching in newborn care and pampering. Perhaps the most coveted service, however, is the 24-7 nursery staff, affording new parents that elusive treasure: sleep.” WSJ (Gift Article): The New Wellness Retreat: Around the Clock for Parents and Newborn at $1,000 a Night. (This seems like a good start. Now they just need to provide services that extend through the teen years.)
