w‘

[w‘ @w____black]

#Berlin

[Vαnessα Rαdıce @lavaneradi]

Yayoi Kusama

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

Sweden is reintroducing printed books and handwriting into its classrooms. Once celebrated as a leader in digital education, the country is now directing significant resources toward traditional textbooks while limiting the use of tablets and screens, particularly for young students.

Swedish authorities attribute this policy shift to mounting evidence that excessive screen time may have harmed reading proficiency and basic skill development. The government has also announced plans to ban digital learning tools for children under six years old.

Scientific research on handwriting provides insight into the rationale. When children write by hand, they engage multiple brain areas responsible for motor control, visual processing, memory, focus, and language. Unlike typing, this process demands precise coordination of fine movements alongside letter recognition and word formation. Studies indicate that such multisensory engagement enhances letter knowledge, spelling, reading acquisition, and memory retention.

Printed books may similarly promote stronger comprehension. Research shows that people often retain information more effectively from physical pages than from digital displays. The tangible nature of paper offers spatial references that aid memory organization. In contrast, screen based reading, especially when interrupted by notifications or hyperlinks, can fragment attention and reduce deep focus.

This approach does not reject technology entirely. Computers and tablets continue to serve important roles in research, group projects, accessibility features, and interactive exercises. Education specialists emphasize the need for thoughtful integration, applying digital resources where they prove most effective while safeguarding core practices such as handwriting, printed materials, and direct teacher instruction.

Sweden's policy change mirrors growing international discussions about optimal screen time in schools. As educators worldwide evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of digital tools, many are reconsidering when traditional methods may better support fundamental learning.

[Chris Hadfield @Cmdr_Hadfield]

Pilots say airplanes fly as good as they look.
The Italians only built one Caproni Stipa.
It was so stable it was hard to turn, and slow - the extra efficiency of the ducted propellor was cancelled out by all the bulbous drag.
My question is - what did the guy in the back seat do?

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

You’ve been picking the wrong bell peppers for max vitamin C. 🫑

Raw red bell peppers deliver a shocking ~190 mg of vitamin C per cup. Tthat’s over 211% of the daily RDA.

Green peppers? Only about 120 mg (~133-160%).

But here’s the game-changer most people miss: red peppers actually hold onto their vitamin C better when cooked than green ones or many other veggies.

Thanks to stronger cell walls and protective antioxidants, they lose less during heating (typically 20-40% vs. bigger drops elsewhere).

No more worrying that stir-fries or roasting destroys everything!

Action Plan:

1. Swap in red bell peppers raw in salads or lightly sautéed to keep that immune, skin, and antioxidant power high.
2. Cook the lightly or eat them raw for max vitamin C.
3. Choose red bell peppers for max beta-carotene.
4. Add a source of fat to a red pepper meal to absorb more beta-carotene.
What’s your go-to way to eat bell peppers—raw, roasted, or stuffed? Drop it below! 👇

#VitaminC
#BellPeppers
#ImmuneHealth

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

Do you still believe that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging?

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial (the gold standard of science) challenges this narrative.

The study found that for adults aged 65-80, daily consumption of wild blueberries improved brain processing speed.

Anthocyanins, abundant in wild blueberries, sharpen how quickly your neurons communicate with each other.

If a simple dietary shift can measurably upgrade your executive function, why are you still waiting for a pharmaceutical "fix"?

Action Plan:

1. Opt for wild blueberries (often found in the freezer aisle)

2. Aim for approximately one cup daily to match the levels used in clinical studies.

3. Make it a non-negotiable part of your morning routine to see the cumulative metabolic benefits.

Giles B. New study indicates wild blueberries improve brain’s processing speed - UNC NRI. UNC NRI. Published September 19, 2022. Accessed July 22, 2026.
‌
#HealthyLifestyle
#HealthyDiet

[escribonia @escribonia]

Después.

Buenos Aires
llora ahora.
Suena Piazzolla en algún bar.
El invierno es azul
frío, horada.
A veces cuesta dar un paso.
Seguir.
No quedarse
a mirar a las palomas
en una plaza
para ser
una nada.

Escribonia✍️

[Lori Shemek, PhD @LoriShemek]

If you have osteoarthritis, keep blood sugar balanced.

High glucose levels can speed up the formation of molecules that make cartilage stiff & this can also trigger inflammation that can accelerate cartilage loss.

Why?

A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can exacerbate existing osteoarthritis by promoting systemic inflammation, accelerating cartilage stress, and driving weight gain that increases mechanical load on weight-bearing joints.

👉Increased Inflammation.
👉Advanced Glycation End-Products
👉Weight Gain
👉Metabolic Stress

Eliminate sugar & excess carbs as a foundation.

[ana4ever @ana4dream]

Apple

[w‘ @w____black]

Lunchtime 🌱🌱🌱

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

Capers beat blueberries, kale, and onions for quercetin—by a mile.

Pickled or canned capers pack up to 520 mg quercetin per 100 g, the highest natural source known.

This the active aglycone form your body can actually use, thanks to the brine converting rutin into free quercetin.

But here’s the catch: regular quercetin absorption is dismal—less than 1% reaches your bloodstream.

Without the right moves, you’re not getting the blood pressure drop (–4.45 mm Hg systolic at ≥500 mg/day) or anti-inflammatory power studies show.

The vicious cycle? Poor absorption + low dietary doses = zero real impact on inflammation.

Action Plan:

1. Choose pickled or vinegar-packed. Pickled capers boosts free quercetin by 61% compared to the raw plant material. Rinse the excess sodium from capers.

2. Add 1–2 tbsp to fat-rich meals (olive oil, avocado, nuts) for up to 45% better uptake.

3 .Hot therapeutic levels through quality supplementation if targeting cardiometabolic wins.

#Quercetin
#HeartHealth
#LongevityHacks

[Kekius Maximus @Kekius_Sage]

Physicist Michio Kaku notes that the universe is only 4% atoms (visible matter), alongside 23% dark matter and 73% dark energy.

He describes dark matter as a mysterious halo that lacks interaction, stabilizing galaxies and possibly hinting at parallel dimensions, though its true nature remains unknown.

Atomic Limitation: Kaku challenges the common belief that everything is made of atoms. Atoms form just 4% of the cosmos, and the heavier elements making up humans account for a mere 0.03%.

What is Dark Matter? It is an invisible form of matter that possesses gravity but ignores light and electromagnetic forces. It is essential for preventing rapidly spinning galaxies from tearing apart.

Parallel Universe Theory: Kaku suggests dark matter might be ordinary matter in an adjacent, parallel dimension. Because gravity can cross dimensions, its pull bleeds into our universe, appearing to us as dark matter.

"Physicists are Made of Atoms": Kaku often notes that physicists are essentially atoms trying to understand themselves, highlighting the deep link between human consciousness and the fundamental building blocks of the cosmos.

The Unknown: Despite ongoing research, dark matter and dark energy, often called the "dark side" of the universe, remain among the greatest unsolved mysteries in physics.

[old toons @oldtoons_]

1984 short film Orpheus and Eurydice by animator Lesley Keen🏺

The entire film is masterfully animated in the exact style of ancient Greek red-figure and black-figure pottery. Without a single word of dialogue, characters glide across the screen like a rotating classical vase.

[Lori Shemek, PhD @LoriShemek]

Did You Know?

High-quality 100% pure extra virgin olive oil can make you cough or cause a distinct burning sensation in the back of your throat. In fact, this throat-irritating "kick" is considered one of the primary indicators of authenticity and premium quality.

The scratching sensation and cough are caused by a specific, naturally occurring organic compound called oleocanthal.

To ensure authenticity of 100% extra-virgin olive oil, (not cut with seed oils), look for third-party certifications like the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) or the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) Quality Seal on the bottle.

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

‼️ Waiting just 1 year with knee pain could steal your best mobility results forever.

This stopped me cold:

A major study in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (analyzing 1,769 people with knee OA across 10 RCTs).

It found that exercise therapy works dramatically better when started within the first year of symptoms.

Patients with shorter symptom duration saw greater improvements in short-term AND long-term pain relief + physical function compared to those who waited longer.

Early movement appears to slow disease progression.

The vicious cycle is real. Delaying exercise often leads to more stiffness, weakness, and faster decline.

But starting smart, supervised movement early can break it.

Action Step:

If you're noticing new knee discomfort, don't wait.

Talk to your doctor and begin a tailored exercise program (focus on strength, flexibility, and low-impact cardio) ASAP.

Your future knees will thank you.

Who's dealing with knee issues and ready to move earlier? Share below 👇

#KneePain
#Osteoarthritis
#JointHealth

Source:

Early Knee Osteoarthritis: Exercise Therapy’s Golden Window. Medscape. Published August 2024. Accessed July 3, 2026.
‌

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

Struggling to fall asleep… only to wake up wide awake at 3 AM? 😩

That “tired but wired” feeling can have many causes—stress, hormonal shifts, alcohol, sleep apnea, medications, or an inconsistent sleep schedule.

Magnesium may be one piece of the puzzle.

This mineral helps regulate nerve signaling, muscle function, and the sleep–wake system.

Some studies suggest magnesium supplements may modestly improve sleep in certain people, particularly those with low magnesium intake—but the evidence is still mixed.

A food-first approach is a good place to start:

🥬 Leafy greens
🥜 Nuts and seeds
🫘 Beans and lentils
🍫 Dark chocolate

Considering a supplement? Magnesium glycinate tends to be well tolerated, but no form is a guaranteed sleep fix.

Check with your clinician if you have kidney disease or take medications that may interact with magnesium.

And remember: persistent 3 AM awakenings deserve a closer look—not just another supplement.

Has magnesium made a noticeable difference in your sleep?

#magnesium
#bettersleep
#sleephealth

[Kristie Leong M.D. @DrKristieLeong]

🧅 Red onions aren’t just colorful—they’re one of the most potent veggies for your heart and metabolism.

Their standout compund, quercetin, delivers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power for healthy endothelial function and cardiometabolic health.

The anthocyanins that give red onions their vibrant red-purple hue are linked to better blood lipids, glucose control, and vascular health.

But there’s more. Organosulfur compounds round out the benefits with extra antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.

Quick win:

Keep the outer layers (quercetin hotspot) and enjoy them raw or lightly cooked.

Start adding red onions to your meals this week—your arteries will thank you.

What’s one easy way you could sneak more red onions into your day? Share below 👇

#RedOnions
#HeartHealth
#Quercetin

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

She turned sadness into smile. A true winner.