How does blue light affect circadian rhythm?

blue light at night

Blue light significantly affects circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin production, the hormone crucial for sleep regulation. Exposure to blue light, especially in the evening from screens and artificial lighting, tricks the brain into thinking it is still daytime, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and reduced sleep quality[1][5].

To mitigate these effects, individuals can utilize blue light filters on devices, reduce screen time before bed, and employ blue-blocking glasses[4][6]. Creating a routine that limits exposure to blue light in the evening helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm and improves overall sleep quality[5].

Microbiome myths debunked in one minute

Transcript

Hello and welcome to Quick Gut Health Myths Busting. In the next minute we will set the record straight on some common misconceptions about the microbiome and probiotics. Many think that spicy foods cause ulcers, yet research shows that ulcers are really due to bacteria and certain medications. It is perfectly normal to have varied bowel routines and you do not need to have a bowel movement every day. Probiotics are helpful in maintaining a balanced gut and can assist with issues such as antibiotic-related diarrhea, but they are not a cure for every digestive problem. Also, contrary to popular belief, the number of bacteria living on and within us is roughly equal to the number of human cells. And while a fiber-rich diet is important for gut health, too much fiber can cause discomfort like gas and bloating. A balanced diet, proper sleep, and stress management remain the best ways to support your gut health. Thanks for joining this rapid fire busting session. Keep questioning and keep learning!

leadership quotes on digital transformation

When digital transformation is done right, it's like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
George Westerman[8]
At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years if they don't figure out how to change.
John Chambers[9]
You can't delegate digital transformation for your company. You and your executives have to own it!
Barry Ross[12]
There is no alternative to digital transformation. Visionary companies will carve out new strategic options.
Jeff Bezos[10]
In today's era of volatility, the only sustainable advantage you can have over others is agility.
Jeff Bezos[9]

Fast facts: women pioneers in esports

Sasha 'Scarlett' Hostyn was the first woman to win a major StarCraft II tournament.

Eefje 'Sjokz' Depoortere has hosted the League of Legends World Championship.

Maria 'Remilia' Creveling was the first woman and transgender player in NA LCS.

Tricia Sugita led FlyQuest to promote environmental initiatives in esports.

Liooon made history as the first woman to win a major Hearthstone championship.

What is the average carbon footprint in kilograms of CO2 to train a large language model with one billion parameters?

 title: 'The Carbon Footprint of LLMs — A Disaster in Waiting?'

The carbon footprint to train a large language model (LLM) with one billion parameters varies depending on specific factors, but estimates suggest that training such models could produce significant carbon emissions. For example, training models like GPT-3 requires approximately 552 metric tons of CO2[6].

Moreover, the operational and embodied emissions of LLMs can collectively reach up to 24-35% of their total carbon footprint from manufacturing hardware[5]. Therefore, the average carbon footprint for training a 1 billion parameter model could be several hundred tons, equating to roughly 502 tons of CO2[5].

5 milestones in holographic display tech

Holography was invented in 1947 by Denis Gabor to improve electron microscope resolution.

The first laser was developed in 1960, enabling practical optical holograms.

Yuri Denisyuk invented the white-light reflection hologram in 1962.

Stephen Benton invented rainbow holography in 1968, allowing holograms to be viewed with natural light.

Full-color holography techniques have now been perfected for mass production.

How does social media comparison trigger anxiety?

 title: 'Cognitive Restructuring: Techniques for clinicians | Article | Therapist Aid'

Social media comparison can trigger anxiety through mechanisms such as upward comparison and erosion of self-worth. Upward comparison occurs when individuals compare themselves to others perceived as more successful or attractive, leading to feelings of inadequacy and increased anxiety[4]. This tendency can erode self-esteem as users may feel their own lives do not measure up, further exacerbating feelings of anxiety and depression[2].

To counteract these effects, cognitive reframing techniques can be effective. By encouraging individuals to challenge negative thoughts and consider alternative perspectives, they can cultivate a more balanced view of themselves[5]. Strategies may include identifying cognitive distortions and asking oneself, “Is there another way to view this situation?” or “What positive aspects can I focus on instead?”[3].

Is it true that Greeks portrait women as the devil?

 title: 'Lamia, the Man-Devouring Goddess of Greek Mythology - GreekReporter.com'

Yes, Greek mythology often portrays women as monstrous figures, embodying male fears about female power and motherhood. Lamia, for example, is depicted as a child-devouring demon whose transformation into a monster follows her grief over losing her children to Hera, suggesting a deep-seated anxiety about women's roles in nurturing and caring for children[1][3].

Additionally, creatures like Gello serve as representations of similar fears, associated with infertility and child mortality[5]. This pattern extends to other figures in mythology, like Medea, who embodies both the nurturing and destructive potential of women, further reinforcing the demonization of powerful female figures in ancient narratives[6].

does heat affect autistic people more than normal people?

Augmentive: Wellbeing and Performance

Yes, heat can affect autistic individuals more than neurotypical individuals due to differences in sensory processing. Many autistic people exhibit heightened sensitivity to temperature changes, which can result in discomfort, anxiety, and even sensory overload when exposed to heat[3]. This heightened sensitivity often leads to difficulty managing body temperature, requiring specific accommodations to ensure comfort[5].

Additionally, some autistic individuals may experience both hyper- and hyposensitivity to temperatures, meaning they may react intensely to heat or struggle to notice changes in temperature at all[4][1].

Which smartphone settings instantly lower distraction?

 title: 'The Complete Guide To Eliminating Smartphone Distractions'

To instantly lower smartphone distractions, consider utilizing built-in settings such as Grayscale Mode, which reduces the visual stimulation of colorful apps, helping to minimize distractions[3]. Additionally, turning off badge notifications removes the red numbered alerts that often prompt users to check their phones unnecessarily, allowing for improved focus[3].

Implementing Focus Filters can also help by limiting notifications and distractions from specific apps during designated focus times[5]. These adjustments can lead to a significant impact on attention span by creating a less stimulating environment, fostering improved productivity and concentration[6].