Wave clouds.

Here are a collection of photographs taken by me at home. They show wave clouds.

Wave clouds are brilliant for glider pilots. Rarely at a low altitude (below two to three thousand feet) but nonetheless a soaring ambition when they appear within range. Here’s the AI description:

Cloud waves, or Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, are rare, transient formations that resemble breaking ocean waves in the sky. They occur when a faster layer of air moves over a slower, denser layer, creating shear that curls the top of the cloud. Often appearing as a series of curls, they are considered a sign of high atmospheric instability and turbulence.

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Reflections.

I was born in 1944 and that makes me 81. I am still relatively healthy but find myself wondering how long I will live. My father died in 1956, aged 55, and my mother died when she was 97.

The website Super Age recently spoke of foods that slow biological ageing. I quote:

The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in your digestive tract. These microbes help regulate inflammation[in-fluh-mey-shuhn]nounYour body’s response to an illness, injury or something that doesn’t belong in your body (like germs or toxic chemicals). LEARN MORE, blood sugar, immune function, mood, and metabolism. Research increasingly links microbiome diversity to longevity and reduced risk of chronic disease.

Researchers have come up with a simple way to measure how your diet supports your gut. One science-backed framework being studied right now is the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DIGM). It’s designed to help people (and researchers) better understand the connection between diet and gut microbial health.

Developed by a team from the University of South Carolina, the DIGM pulls together two decades of research linking specific foods and food groups with positive or negative impacts on gut microbiome diversity, richness, and functionality.

Then there is the emotional health of a person. Here’s an extract from Equinox.

HOW EMOTIONS INFLUENCE LONGEVITY   

The most popular scientific study on how emotions influence longevity is the “Nun Study,” a longitudinal study that involved 687 Catholic nuns. Researchers found that the sisters who experienced positive emotions (like happiness) lived longer than the sisters who experienced negative emotions (like depression). Another scientific study found that people with a high level of optimism were associated with “exceptional longevity,” which means surviving to 85 years old. 

The way emotions influence health is not fully understood, says Robert Levenson, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California Berkeley. But what is known is that continuously experiencing negative emotions (like sadness, stress, or anger) can cause wear and tear on the body, which can accumulate over time. He explains that chronically high levels of stress or depression cause sustained levels of autonomic nervous system activation. This, he says, can raise blood pressure (bad news for your heart) and weaken the immune system. “On the flip side, experiencing feelings of positive emotions, like happiness, can undo that activation,” Dr. Levenson says. 

One emotion that’s well-documented to shorten lifespan: anger. “People who are angry or show a lot of hostility are more likely to experience heart attacks and get coronary artery disease,” Dr. Levenson says. These emotions cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Over time, this can put too much stress on the heart.

Besides the physical reactions emotions can have on health, negative emotions can cause people to neglect taking care of themselves, adds Dan Blazer, M.D., Ph.D, a professor emeritus of psychiatry and behavioral science at Duke University. This can, in turn, negatively impact their health. For example, someone who is depressed may not have the energy to go to the gym to make nutrient-rich meals. They may stop seeing friends or doing anything social, something that is associated with a shorter lifespan. Dr. Blazer says that people who are depressed are more likely to have trouble sleeping—and getting consistent, good sleep is very important for longevity.

So staying positive isn’t only good emotionally but it has benefits for our body.

For me, I just welcome the deer each morning when I go out to feed them.

They give me a perfect start to the day!

The Cerebral Cortex

This is a two-minute review, courtesy of YouTube, to the most important part of the brain.

I write purely as a layman, interested in the brain. It is wonderful how much has been understood, and documented, about the human brain.

Here is Part Three.

I was thinking earlier today when feeding the deer how the brain is predominant in so many species. And from that the rich return we have from evolution.

Long may all species continue to evolve!

The wonderful world of the wolves.

Just perfect!

The Silent Global Emergency.

First, let me go to the Skeptic website where more details are explained.

Today on the podcast, economist Dean Spears explains the forces driving global population change, from past fears of overpopulation to today’s concerns about declining birth rates.

He contrasts the perspectives of biologists and economists on population growth and highlights the role of human ideas and innovation in sustaining progress. Spears also discusses misconceptions about zero-sum economics, the links between population, health, and economic well-being, and the rise of anti-natalism.

The conversation covers population size and environmental concerns, government policies on family planning, and why cultural attitudes toward reproduction may be as important as policy in addressing the challenges of a shrinking population.

Dean Spears is an economist, demographer, and associate professor at the University of Texas.

His talk is available on YouTube. It is not a short talk, about an hour and a quarter, but it is incredibly interesting.

Another single photograph – but what a picture!

Courtesy of The Weather Channel.

Note to readers.

From Saturday, 26th July until Thursday, 7th August we will have family staying with us and the likelihood is that there will not be any blog posts during this period. By family I mean my daughter, son-in-law, and my grandson.

More than just the brain; taking a better diet as well.

Last Wednesday, the 24th June, 2025, Jean had a second appointment at The Neurologist Clinic, 1663 Williams Highway, Grants Pass. Jean was seen by Dr Jon Chambers, a neurologist as well as a Chiropractic Physician.

The clinic has its own website, Neuro Clinic NW, and I am republishing that website’s information on Dr. Chambers.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN, BOARD CERTIFIED FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIST

Dr. Jon Chambers, DC, DACNB

Dr. Jon Chambers is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic and a Board Certified Functional Neurologist. As a chiropractor, he has been providing gentle adjustments and holistic treatment in Grants Pass, Oregon, since 2009.

Dr. Chambers began his studies at Brigham Young University-Idaho and later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College. After receiving his doctorate, Dr. Chambers completed a fellowship with Dr. Carrick at The Carrick Brain Center and sat for the functional neurology boards.

He has never stopped learning and to date has logged more than 900 hours of additional training in functional blood chemistry, thyroid management, neurotransmitters, natural auto-immune management, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other related topics.

Now I want to republish their website content on Our Methodology (And my italics)

First functional neurology:

Functional Neurology

The brain and nervous system are full of wonder. There is still so much to learn about all that the brain is capable of. Functional neurology helps us to interpret what your brain is able to manage, and what it is having a hard time controlling. Everything that we do in life has an impact on the brain, and the brain has control over everything that we do.

and now Functional Endocrinology

Functional Endocrinology

Just like blood chemistry, an evaluation of hormones for function can be a very powerful tool. Hormone function usually follows proper blood chemistry. The volatility of human endocrine function is the paramount feature of the system. It takes so very little hormone to create a vast change in the system. Knowing when and where to support these systems is the key to developing the treatment plan that will best serve each patient.

This was the supplement outline for Jean, but this advice is only for Jean!

I have permission to share this with you:

Jean Handover 24th June, 2025

Dietary – Anti inflammatory

Avoid gluten, dairy, soy, and grains. Try to focus on high protein and good fats. Ex> meats and veggies, nuts and seeds, berries, and eggs. Chicken and fish are appropiate options. Try to add in red meat (beef). Try to avoid seed oils, avocado or olive oil are better options. Avoid all gluten-containing grains including wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. Coconut or macadamia nut is a better substitute for soy milk.

Finally, a short YouTube video of the practice.

Working dogs courtesy of Unsplash.

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That’s all for today!

Some nostalgic memories.

For some odd reason I have been thinking about The Beatles.

All four singers were born before me and when I was growing up in London they were the first pop music group that I liked very much. The Beatles were formed in 1960. There are many of their tracks available on YouTube.

It is not possible to share the tracks with you (Presumably for copyright reasons). So please go to the track on YouTube and listen to: Let it Be.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=QDYfEBY9NM4&si=mSx-iOJ5ncqH-zgC

Meanwhile here are the lyrics.

Let It Be

Song by The Love Beatles ‧ 1970

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Source: Musixmatch

Matthew Walker addresses how sleep can be our superpower.

‘Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep — and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don’t, for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep’s impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code — as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye.’ It is fascinating.

Before we go to the TED Talk video here is biographical information on Matthew Walker:

Matt Walker is a brain scientist trying to understand why we sleep.

Why you should listen:

Matt Walker’s research examines the impact of sleep on human health and disease. He got his PhD from the Medical Research Council in London, UK, and subsequently became a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He’s currently a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science.

Walker has received funding awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, and he’s a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences. He has shared his research on the importance of sleep on television and radio outlets including CBS’s “60 Minutes,” National Geographic, NOVA Science, NRP and the BBC. He is the author of the international bestseller Why We Sleep and host of the TED original series Sleeping with Science.

Matt has eighteen videos on sleep. He has these videos under the general approach to the subject:

Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep — and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don’t, for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep’s impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code — as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye. This text taken from here.

Then more generally one can go here and read:

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Background

Sleep is far more than just a period of rest—it’s a complex, active process during which the brain cycles through distinct stages, each marked by unique patterns of brain activity.

While scientists still debate sleep’s true purpose, research has proven it to be essential for survival. Both humans and animals suffer severe consequences without sleep, including cognitive decline, emotional instability, and eventual death. More than a third of adults regularly experience poor sleep, leading to increased risks of heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor vehicle accidents.

Brainwaves

During both wake and sleep states, the brain generates electrical rhythms called brainwaves, which represent oscillating patterns of brain cells (known as neurons) working together. Different brainwaves are associated with specific states of consciousness. For example, high-frequency beta waves dominate during alertness, while sleep features primarily theta and delta waves.

Stages

The drive to sleep is regulated by our circadian rhythm, a sort of body clock mediated by a brain region called the hypothalamus. Once asleep, the human sleep cycle proceeds through four stages, each characterized by unique brainwave patterns and physiological changes.

Light sleep (stages 1-2) begins as our heartbeat and breathing slow, muscles relax, and brainwaves transition from wakeful alpha waves to relaxed theta waves. Brief bursts of electrical activity called sleep spindles are especially prevalent during stage 2 and play a critical role in memory consolidation and learning.

Deep sleep (stage 3) is characterized by further decreased heart rates and slow delta brainwaves. This stage is most prevalent in the first half of the night and provides the majority of sleep’s restorative benefits.

Rapid eye movement sleep occurs in stage 4, about 90 minutes after falling asleep. During this stage, brain activity surges to near-waking levels, eyes move rapidly behind closed eyelids, and major muscles are temporarily paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our vivid dreams (how dreams work). After REM, the cycle begins again, with adults typically completing four to five cycles per night.

Mechanisms

During sleep, the brain performs several critical functions: consolidating short-term memories into long-term storage, preparing neurons for learning the following day, repairing tissues, and boosting the immune system.

Recent science has even shed light on a specialized “cleaning system” where cerebrospinal fluid is pumped through the brain to carry away toxic compounds that accumulate during wakefulness.

Disorders

Sleep disorders are exceedingly common and highlight the importance of a functioning sleep cycle. As an example, narcolepsy occurs when patients lack hypocretin, a brain chemical essential for regulating the sleep cycle. Patients with narcolepsy experience sudden, irresistible sleep episodes and can fall directly into REM sleep rather than progressing through the normal stages.

Other common disorders include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), and REM behavior disorder (muscle paralysis fails during REM sleep).

Future

Scientists continue to explore promising avenues for improving our sleep and treating sleep disorders. Advanced brain imaging may soon allow us to visualize sleep’s cleaning mechanisms in real-time.

Meanwhile, the rise of wearable sleep trackers is generating unprecedented amounts of sleep data—though researchers caution that current technology may not accurately measure sleep stages. Future developments in wearable sensors will likely bridge this gap, enabling earlier detection and better management of altered sleep.

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Clearly this is an area of research that continues and, presumably, will come up with more detailed evidence. As was stated just a few paragraphs above: ‘Sleep disorders are exceedingly common … ‘

One of the common characteristics of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is sleep interruption. Not every single night but maybe two or three times a week.

Hopefully it will not be many years before PD sufferers can rely on getting a good nights sleep practically every night.