Neuroestrogen, the AMIGOS project and the tiniest primate
OFFThe World Magazine #358
Neuroestrogen and Its Health Impact from Ultra-Processed Foods
Could neuroestrogen—the estrogen produced in our brains—be the secret weapon in the battle against hunger? Experts from Fujita Health University School of Medicine in Japan believe it might be. Recent groundbreaking research has unveiled the vital role neuroestrogens play in appetite regulation. These remarkable hormones enhance the expression of hunger-suppressing receptors in the hypothalamus and improve our sensitivity to leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. Such findings not only pave the way for innovative treatment strategies for obesity and eating disorders but also deepen our understanding of how the brain orchestrates hunger and manages energy balance.
Moreover, there’s a fascinating connection between childhood nutrition and the age at which girls experience their first period. A healthy diet during these formative years is linked to a later onset of menstruation than those who indulge in less nutritious foods. Notably, this compelling American study revealed that factors like body mass index and height, typically associated with earlier puberty, had no effect on these results. In contrast, earlier menstruation has been tied to heightened risks of diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases later in life.
In yet another intriguing study conducted by Chinese scientists, evidence suggests that individuals who consume higher quantities of ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop early symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Researchers meticulously followed over 40,000 participants for a remarkable 26 years. In a striking parallel, another Chinese study showed that for every 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed, the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, cancer, digestive diseases, and overall mortality climbed significantly. This expansive study involved more than eight million people from across the globe, highlighting the urgent need for awareness about our dietary choices.
The Impact of Migration on the Population of Europe
In 2023, the European Union experienced a dramatic decline in births, plummeting by a record 5.4% to just 3.67 million children, nearly half the number recorded six decades ago. The steepest declines were seen in Bulgaria and Romania, contributing to an average fertility rate in the EU of a mere 1.48. In stark contrast, the share of births among migrant families is on a remarkable upswing; between 2014 and 2023, birth rates in most EU countries surged by an average of 5.3%. Poland, in particular, saw a staggering increase of 645%, mainly driven by the influx of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In Luxembourg, 67% of newborns were born to migrant families.
For over a decade now, humanitarian organisations have diligently worked to rescue migrants in the treacherous Mediterranean Sea, yet they express a profound sense of neglect from the European Union. SOS Humanity has been vocal in criticising the EU's lack of adequate response and its troubling agreements with Libya and Tunisia, even in the face of harrowing reports detailing torture and violence against migrants. Since 2014, nearly 32,000 people have tragically drowned in these waters. The organisation is urgently calling for a comprehensive European rescue initiative. Gerald Knaus, an esteemed Austrian migration expert and co-founder of the European Stability think tank, underscores the necessity of policies anchored in the rule of law and human dignity, rather than in populist rhetoric.
In Portugal, the police have taken action against 13 individuals suspected of orchestrating a corruption scheme that enabled more than 10,000 migrants to secure residence permits deceitfully, using fraudulent employment contracts. The arrested are lawyers, businesspeople, and even a foreign ministry official. The government is now poised to deport 18,000 undocumented migrants, predominantly from South Asia. As the May 18 elections approach, immigration has emerged as a crucial battleground, with critics charging that the government is exploiting the plight of migrants for political gain.
The Debts of African Countries, Argentina, and Pakistan
African nations face a staggering total debt exceeding $650 billion, with over half teetering on the edge of a full-blown debt crisis. The burden of repaying these loans is eclipsing vital investments in health and education, leaving many citizens yearning for the essentials of a better life. The pace of debt restructuring has been painfully slow, and the recent suspension of U.S. aid threatens to plunge these countries further into turmoil. Despite Africa's wealth of resources and its vibrant, youthful population, the relentless rise of debt deepens the shadows of poverty and unemployment, stifling economic progress.
In Argentina, President Javier Milei has taken bold steps by partially lifting currency controls, allowing citizens the freedom to purchase unlimited dollars. This progressive move is bolstered by a substantial $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and aims to ignite investment and diminish the state's economic footprint. While market reactions have been largely favourable, critics are raising alarms about the potential recurrence of the 1990s crisis, triggered by similar policies. Deep cuts to public spending and increased poverty mean that many Argentines are left on the sidelines, missing out on the promised benefits of these reforms.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has unveiled additional financial support for Pakistan, lauding its commendable strides in stabilising its economy. Pakistan will receive $1.4 billion from the Climate Resilience Fund as part of a new loan initiative. Furthermore, upon completing the first review of the existing $7 billion stabilisation program, the nation will gain an additional $1 billion, bringing the total disbursed through this program to an impressive $2 billion.
Antibiotic Pollution in Water and the Ozonation of River Water
Researchers at McGill University in Canada have unveiled a staggering revelation about the scale of global river pollution stemming from human antibiotic use. Their groundbreaking study estimates that an astounding 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics—nearly one-third of the total consumed annually—make their way into the world’s rivers each year, despite passing through sewage systems. This alarming level of contamination poses a serious threat: it not only encourages the development of drug resistance but also jeopardises aquatic life. Analysing field data from nearly 900 rivers, the researchers identified amoxicillin as a particularly concerning contaminant.
In the UK, Severn Trent Water is pioneering a remarkable initiative, becoming the first company to harness ozone technology in the battle against pollution. Their efforts are focused on rejuvenating the River Teme in Shropshire, where the water quality has been severely compromised due to high levels of E. coli bacteria due to sewage and agricultural runoff during floods. However, it’s vital to note that while water ozonation technology is a promising step forward, it does not eliminate pharmaceutical chemicals from the water.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, a team of innovative researchers has developed a more accurate method for detecting faecal contamination in water by utilising human viral DNA markers. This cutting-edge technique can detect the slightest traces of contaminants and discern their origin—human, animal, or a combination of various sources. With nearly 2 billion people worldwide affected by faecal water contamination, this advanced testing method promises to enable swifter and more precise responses to such critical threats.
Using AI for Urban Space, Recycling, and the GPS Project on the Moon
EU-funded researchers in the AMIGOS project are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and data analysis to transform urban environments, enhancing safety and sustainability in our cities. One of the project's innovative test sites is Las Rozas, near Madrid, where cutting-edge AI cameras meticulously monitor pedestrian and street traffic, aiming to reveal insights that optimise the use of urban spaces. Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, the ELABORATOR project utilises smart cameras to analyse traffic flow, investigate accidents, and devise strategies to prevent them. In Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside Paris, an intelligent system of dynamic road signs directs pedestrian and bicycle traffic with remarkable precision.
On an even grander scale, the Spanish LUPIN project is set to revolutionise satellite navigation beyond Earth, specifically, on the Moon itself. In partnership with the European Space Agency, GMV is developing an ambitious system that will leverage satellites already orbiting our lunar neighbour to guide astronauts, industrialists, and future settlers as they explore and navigate the Moon’s surface.
To combat the ever-growing issue of electronic waste, the ReconCycle initiative at Slovenia’s Jožef Stefan Institute has emerged—an inspiring EU-funded research program that has birthed robots capable of dynamically reconfiguring themselves for various recycling tasks. These adaptable, AI-assisted robots are engineered to extract batteries from smoke detectors and radiator heat meters efficiently. Alarmingly, the EU produces nearly five million tons of e-waste each year—roughly 11 kg per person—yet less than 40% of this waste is recycled. The ReconCycle project is a beacon of hope for a greener future, tackling this pressing challenge with innovation and ingenuity.
The Most Endangered Primate Species
An international team of dedicated scientists has unveiled a poignant list of the 25 most endangered primate species for 2023-2025. These incredible creatures have experienced a staggering decline across the diverse landscapes of Asia, Africa, South America, and Madagascar. Their principal threats—habitat loss, hunting, climate change, and illegal trade—cast a shadow on their survival. Leading the charge in urgency is the Tapanuli orangutan, a symbol of vulnerability with a mere population of around 800 individuals. Equally heart-wrenching is the plight of the tiny mouse lemur, the world’s smallest primate, critically endangered. The report serves as a clarion call for immediate action, advocating for habitat protection, community engagement, legal reform, and essential funding to safeguard these irreplaceable species.
In a groundbreaking discovery, chimpanzees have demonstrated the remarkable ability to combine sounds into intricate structures known as "bigrams," mimicking the essence of sentence construction akin to human language. Researchers meticulously recorded over 4,300 vocalisations from 53 adult chimpanzees, revealing at least four distinct methods of communication, where the sequence of sounds alters meanings. This marks an unprecedented exploration into linguistic-like syntax outside of humans, suggesting that our closest relatives may possess the early foundations of language. Such revelations illuminate a compelling chapter in the evolutionary story of communication.
In another compelling study, researchers have discovered that longer lifespans in mammals, such as cats and dolphins, are intricately linked to larger brains and more sophisticated immune systems. An in-depth analysis of the genomes of 46 species unveiled that those with extended lifespans have more immunity-related genes. These genes are crucial in eliminating damaged cells, preventing infections, and preventing cancer. This fascinating research not only reshapes our understanding of longevity but also suggests that a tapestry of single mutations and vast genomic changes weaves together the remarkable stories of mammalian lifespans.
Armed Conflicts Worldwide and the Situation in South Sudan
The Rule of Law in Armed Conflict (RULAC) portal serves as a crucial beacon in tracking armed conflicts across the globe, adhering to the principles of international humanitarian law. Currently, it monitors over 110 conflicts, some of which have persisted for over half a century. The Middle East and North Africa stand out as the most turbulent regions, grappling with over 45 armed clashes in countries like Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Western Sahara. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 35 conflicts rage on, including those in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Meanwhile, Asia grapples with 21 armed conflicts, Europe faces seven, and South America endures six.
In South Sudan, a staggering 130,000 people in the Jonglei and Upper Nile states have been uprooted from their homes as violence between government and opposition forces intensified since February. Airstrikes and fighter jets have wreaked havoc on aid efforts and disrupted vital trade routes with neighbouring Ethiopia. This unsettling turmoil has triggered the largest cholera outbreak in two decades, as terrified patients fled medical centres amidst the chaos, inadvertently spreading the disease over a wider area. For years, political disputes have ignited cycles of violence in South Sudan. Still, the situation has reached a critical juncture this year, marked by fierce clashes between government forces and opposition militias, coupled with the alarming arrests of opposition leaders. The United Nations has issued a dire warning: the country teeters on the brink of a full-scale civil war, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
The Earliest Evidence of Tattoos and the Use of Psychedelics by Humans
Archaeologists have made remarkable discoveries in the Actun Uayazba Kab cave of Roaring Creek Valley, Belize—the first known Mayan tattooing tools. These stunning artefacts, crafted from sharp-edged pieces of flint, date back to between 250 and 900 CE. Microscopic analysis reveals intricate wear patterns, indicating repeated contact with human skin, alongside traces of a rich black pigment—most likely soot—used as ink. In the Mayan culture, tattoos were a powerful symbol of courage in men and beauty in women, often depicting majestic creatures like bats, eagles, and snakes.
In another astonishing find, the archaeological site of Chavín de Huántar in the Peruvian Andes has unveiled the oldest direct evidence of psychoactive plant use in the region. Ritual bone snuffboxes, dating back to 1200, have been uncovered, containing remnants of wild tobacco nicotine and the hallucinogenic vilca grain, known for its DMT content. Analysis suggests that these potent substances were employed in sacred rituals by select members of Chavín society, conducted in private spaces with restricted access. Far from merely seeking visions, these practices allowed Chavín rulers to strengthen their authority, presenting such experiences as divine gifts that solidified their connection to the celestial.