UF Health Podcasts

Human predecessors may have survived long enough to evolve into bigger-brained creatures not by eating meat, but by being flexible about what they ate.

For you kids keeping score at home, that’s one for the vegetable eaters and minus one for those who only want chicken fingers.

The new findings come courtesy of tooth enamel analyses of Australopithecus [Ahs-trah-low-pith-eh-cuss], our early relatives who lived in Africa as many as 3.7 million years ago.

German scientists knew Australopithicus had teeth and jaws capable of handling a meaty diet. They also had human-like hands and walked upright. It had long been assumed that our ancestors somewhere along the way developed a taste for meat, leading to more protein and thus, bigger brains.

But that was until recently, when scientists learned to target tiny amounts of organic matter trapped in dense tooth enamel, which stays intact for many years.

They tested 43 specimens from Sterkfontein [Sterk-fuhn-taine], South Africa, including seven Australopithecus teeth. They compared them with animal fossils from that era, including dogs, cats, hyenas and antelope.

Australopithecus, it seems, wasn’t picky and consumed a highly diverse diet of plants. Trees, shrubs, plants, fruits — anything in season. They likely used their manlike-hands to dig for bulbs and tubers other animals couldn’t easily find.

Surely, they had the occasional lucky day and scored an egg or termites to nosh on. But mostly, we’re talking stems, leaves and grass.

And that, the scientists say, was more likely what led to their longevity — and ours.

They hope to keep digging for answers about why, when and how the evolution to a more carnivorous diet began. Human predecessors may have survived long enough to evolve into bigger-brained creatures not by eating meat, but by being flexible about what they ate.

For you kids keeping score at home, that’s one for the vegetable eaters and minus one for those who only want chicken fingers.

The new findings come courtesy of tooth enamel analyses of Australopithecus [Ahs-trah-low-pith-eh-cuss], our early relatives who lived in Africa as many as 3.7 million years ago.

German scientists knew Australopithicus had teeth and jaws capable of handling a meaty diet. They also had human-like hands and walked upright. It had long been assumed that our ancestors somewhere along the way developed a taste for meat, leading to more protein and thus, bigger brains.

But that was until recently, when scientists learned to target tiny amounts of organic matter trapped in dense tooth enamel, which stays intact for many years.

They tested 43 specimens from Sterkfontein [Sterk-fuhn-taine], South Africa, including seven Australopithecus teeth. They compared them with animal fossils from that era, including dogs, cats, hyenas and antelope.

Australopithecus, it seems, wasn’t picky and consumed a highly diverse diet of plants. Trees, shrubs, plants, fruits — anything in season. They likely used their manlike-hands to dig for bulbs and tubers other animals couldn’t easily find. Surely, they had the occasional lucky day and scored an egg or termites to nosh on. But mostly, we’re talking stems, leaves and grass.

And that, the scientists say, was more likely what led to their longevity — and ours.

They hope to keep digging for answers about why, when and how the evolution to a more carnivorous diet began.

These days, the connection between exposure to nature and good health is so well-known that some doctors even prescribe outdoor outings for their patients.

Now, a study from a team of Austrian researchers finds that just looking at images of nature can lower pain.

Numerous studies have shown that exposure to nature is beneficial to humans and reduces pain. But the finding that virtual nature can offer pain relief is a new twist.

The team’s experiment used brain scans to monitor brain activity during painful experiences while study participants viewed three images.

Forty-nine participants were placed in a brain scanner and shown a natural lake with trees, an urban setting with buildings by the same lake and the interior of an office.

As they viewed the scenes, participants received brief electric shocks to their hands of varying intensity. They rated how each shock felt.

Participants reported less pain from the shocks as they gazed at the natural lake scene compared with the other two scenes.

Actual pain-related brain activity decreased when they saw images of nature, proving that the differences weren’t subjective.

None of this suggests you should toss everything in your medicine cabinet, although the researchers said nature’s pain-relieving effect was equivalent to about half that of painkillers.

The study may have particular value for hospitals and doctors’ offices, where nature scenes could be used in treatment rooms, perhaps blunting the effect of being pinched and prodded.

The next time your doctor tells you to “expect mild discomfort,” be sure she gives you a few seconds to grab your phone and search for “tranquil nature scenes” first.

Listen up, night owls: It might be time to take a page out of a rooster’s book.

In the past, research has shown that people who tend to stay up late — sometimes termed “evening chronotypes” — report more depression symptoms than those who are early risers, also known as “morning chronotypes.” The mechanisms between the two, however, bear explaining.

A new study from researchers in the United Kingdom points to a potent mix of mindfulness, total sleep quality and alcohol consumption that may help explain why those of us who prefer to stay up late reap an unpleasant reward.

The team used an online questionnaire to collect data from 546 students at the University of Surrey. The questions asked students about their sleep patterns, relationship to mindfulness, alcohol use, quality of sleep and their tendencies around rumination.

Ultimately, the study demonstrated that people with an evening chronotype were at a higher risk for depression due to their differences in sleep quality —folks who went to bed later reported poorer sleep — and increased alcohol use.

Students who woke up earlier also had higher scores when it came to “acting with awareness,” or how researchers measured mindfulness. Folks who went to bed later did not.

Now, although it may come as no surprise that sleeping a decent amount (and at a decent time) is good for your mental well-being, further research is needed — ideally in a population that isn’t always cramming for midterms.

Regardless, the study points to a useful starting point for interventions around better sleep.

And for now? It would seem like the early bird does, indeed, get more than just the worm.

Age affects all of us differently. This is especially true when it comes to memory.

Just like our bodies, our brains change over time. Volume decreases, neural connections weaken and our memory’s sharpness declines.

The risk of developing dementia rises with age, too. But there is hope. A few   helpful habits can reduce your risk of memory loss and dementia, and slow cognitive decline.

According to a report published in The Lancet, nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented altogether through lifestyle changes.

Staying active and exercising enhances cognitive function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults strive for 150 minutes of exercise each week. It could be walking, playing pickleball or lifting weights — anything helps.

What is good for the heart is good for the brain. By quitting smoking, losing weight and managing your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, you can reduce your risk of both heart disease and dementia.

A balanced diet never hurts. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, or MIND diet, was designed specifically to protect brain health. It is filled with plant-based foods and is low in saturated fat.

Finally, stay socially active. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to cognitive decline and dementia. High-quality relationships benefit your brain in several ways. They not only promote healthy behaviors but reduce stress and inflammation.

Connect with others in a group class, keep in touch with loved ones or volunteer your time with an organization you support. It’s the small things that will help keep your memory in good shape.

When it comes to listing favorite subjects in school, math is rarely first. In fact, American students have struggled with math for years — consistently landing in the bottom 25% globally.

The pandemic set kids’ math progress back even more. Now, a study led by the University of Pennsylvania’s Behavior Change for Good Initiative, offers a cost-effective solution using something almost all of us are familiar with: the ever-humble, oft-ignored email.

Researchers tested small, behavioral science-based interventions aimed at teachers, sending tailored emails to over 140,000 teachers of more than 3 million students.

One intervention had teachers make detailed plans for using learning platforms, while another urged them to tap into their empathy for their students and their respective academic progress in math.

Upon analysis, the data showed a modest but promising 1.9% improvement in math scores over a four-week period.

The most effective intervention, however, turned out to be encouraging teachers to check personalized student progress reports every week via a learning platform, which boosted math scores by 5%. The takeaway? Personalization works. When teachers were reminded about their own students’ progress, the results were better than when they received generic messages.

Though the improvements were small, the research pointed to how personalized, behaviorally informed nudges could be an affordable, effective way to support teachers and improve student outcomes in one tough subject.

In short, a little nudge could go a long way in helping our students finally catch up … if not to love math itself.

Dr. Richard Hill, professor of small animal medicine and nutrition expert at UF’s Small Animal Hospital, joins us today on Animal Airwaves-Live to discuss the alarming rise of pet obesity. Dr. Hill will explain what’s driving this trend, why excess weight threatens your pet’s health with conditions like diabetes and joint disease. He also will share practical strategies for weight management. Learn how proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and veterinary guidance can help your furry companion maintain optimal health and extend their quality of life.

Despite our couch potato reputation, more people are running marathons in the U.S. In fact, between 2010 and 2023, more than 29 million people went the distance.

In the past, the strenuous, prolonged cardiovascular effort has resulted in the occasional racer experiencing a fatal heart attack. Now, however, that risk has dropped.

According to a study from Emory University, which builds on a 2012 investigation into cardiac arrests in long-distance races, survival rates have doubled since 2010.

The study shows that while the rate of cardiac arrests among marathon runners remains steady, the number of deaths has dropped by around 50%.

There is no central registry for race-related cardiac events, so researchers collected data from race directors, media reports and other sources to get a clear picture.

The key takeaway is that survival rates have improved thanks to better emergency response systems, increased risk awareness and the widespread availability of defibrillators.

In fact, survival rates now resemble those seen in public places like airports.

For all you runners out there, the study highlights the importance of CPR training, accessible defibrillators on courses and recognizing at-risk runners before the race begins.

Identifying individuals, particularly older adults with undetected cardiovascular risks, doesn’t mean they can’t participate in a race — it just provides an opportunity to enhance preventive care and lower the risk.

In short: A little preparation and awareness can go a long way in making these events safer for everyone … who wants to run 26.2 miles for fun, that is.

Here’s a ready excuse for any male whose female partner accuses him of not listening. Men have poorer hearing than the opposite sex. Really.

That’s the conclusion of an international team of researchers. Their recent study in Scientific Reports shows women enjoy hearing that is about two decibels keener than men’s.

That isn’t a huge gap. But it makes women better able to hear softer sounds, like a whispered conversation in a theater, for example.

Researchers collected hearing data from about 450 people in 13 populations across five countries, including England and South Africa. The United States was not included.

The scientists sought a good cross section of people living in varied environments. So they included those based in cities, forested areas and at high altitudes.

Hearing ability has long been viewed by physicians as a product of genetics, age and noise exposure. This study, however, shows that gender and where someone lives is important, too.

By measuring how the inner ear responds to sound, they found that some female populations have a 6-decibel gap with similarly located men.

Scientists aren’t really sure why women have superior hearing. One theory is that they have a different hormonal exposure than men in the womb that makes for better hearing.

Cochlear anatomy also differs slightly between the sexes. The cochlea is the organ that converts sound vibrations to nerve signals.

Investigators also suspect the female brain might be better at neural processing of sound.

Whatever the reasons, it’s good to know the difference exists to help prevent future communication fumbles.

Most Americans put health problems wrecking their finances high on the list of things they fret about.

It’s with good cause. A new national survey shows that more than 31 million Americans borrowed $74 billion — yes, that’s with a “b” —  last year to cover health care costs.

And what’s worse: Most of them had health insurance.

The findings came from a West Health-Gallup survey taken in November 2024 of nearly 3,600 adults in the United States ages 18 and older.

Who is crunched hardest by all this debt? First, it’s those under age 50, and families with children. Women from 50 to 64 years old were twice as likely as men to borrow to pay for health care.

Black and Hispanic adults borrowed at higher rates than white adults.

Roughly 62% of Black adults, Hispanic adults and women said they lose sleep over health care costs.

Even those many of us might consider well off aren’t immune. Of households surveyed who earn more than $180,000 a year, 40% said they worry. Of households making $120,000, 60% shared similar concerns.

What’s not to worry about when it comes to health care costs? We all seem to know at least someone who’s had a medical episode that left them struggling financially. Medical debt can hurt credit scores, limit our housing options and job prospects.

Of those who had to borrow money to cover health care, 14% borrowed more than $5,000, while 41% borrowed more than $1,000. The rest needed $500 or less.

Among the survey’s many startling findings, this may be the most telling: Of everyone questioned, only 14% could say they had absolutely no worries about health care costs or medical debt.

They are the lucky ones, indeed.

Everyone has done it, whether they realize it or not.

You pick up your phone, open a social media app and your thumbs get busy. Post after post goes by. Some you watch, some you ignore and others you don’t even absorb.

Social media affects every user differently, based on our life experiences and how we engage with the algorithm. Social networks may manipulate us, showing us the types of content they’ve learned we tend to spend time on.

It could be a post about puppies, a favorite sports team or even a deeply philosophical post that speaks to your happiness or hopelessness in that moment.

In 2014, Facebook revealed it had conducted an experiment without users’ knowledge. The platform showed some users more positive visuals and others more negative, then examined the emotions those users conveyed in later posts. Those shown more positive posts seemed happier while those who saw more negative posts seemed less so.

Spending too much time on social media can be isolating, which underscores how platforms influence users through screen time. Being lonely — specifically, lacking human interaction — is bad for our mental health.

In a 2016 study from Florida State University and Remnin University of China, the researchers scoured 80 prior studies and found significant relationships between social media use and narcissism, self-esteem and loneliness.

But the strongest relationship was with loneliness.

So, what can you do? Put your phone down and go clown around. Hang out with friends, take a walk and stay offline several hours before going to sleep. Go on a social media hiatus. All of this will help you regain control over social media.