Strategian Science

The prevalence of obesity in the United States among those 40-59 and over 60 years of age is an extremely high 41-43% and about 19% for those under 20 (as of 2016). Rates of type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing today for adolescents.

How did we get to this point?

One way–big Tobacco companies bought up food companies and manipulated and marketed heavily sweetened/artificial flavor beverages (like Tang, Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, and more) to children from the 1960’s through the early 2000’s (many of these brands have now passed to other companies … who are continuing this marketing today in the U.S. and globally).

“Cigarette companies were frequently introducing new flavored products, and many of the chemicals that went into cherry-scented chewing tobacco and apple-flavored cigarettes [as examples] found their way into children’s drinks.” The goal of these manipulations and marketing was “to leave people wanting more.”

People were hooked on sugary beverages. The very adult age groups in the United States with obesity rates in the 40% range today were children in the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.

Read the article (Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, 14 March 2019).

Based on an analysis of the Twitter sites, Science Headlines and Headline Science, these were the topics that people were most and least engaged in between January and mid March 2019:

Most engaged:

1. Rising sea levels
2. Wasting food
3. Limits to accurate weather forecasting
4. Why do we crave sweets when stressed?
5. Inflammation and Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s

Least engaged:

1. Increasingly unhealthy fast food
2. Prejudice, empathy, and psychology
3. Job automation
4. Plastic waste
5. Consumer ancestry and DNA testing

(Kevin Engel, 18 March 2019).

Sleeplessness is a big problem today; its costs from health problems to lost productivity are huge. Recent research has probed the biological basis of insomnia. From analysis of the genomes of over 1.75 million people, insomnia has been potentially linked to hundreds of genes, specific brain regions, and an overlap with mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.).

Read the article (Simon Makin, Scientific American, 12 March 2019).

Approximately 800 women in the U.S. die each year during pregnancy and within 42 days after delivery–all developed countries have a lower maternal mortality rate. More than 60% of these deaths are preventable; the main causes of death vary by race. Suicide, homicide, and drug overdoses are the cause of many postpartum deaths.

Read the article (Anita Slomski, JAMA, 13 March 2019).

In 2005, Laura Reave reviewed over 150 studies on leadership effectiveness. A focus was on “spiritual values” and the overlap between religion and business. But, the “spiritual values” noted are universal and do not require a specific religion to teach or instill.

Based on the studies, Reave noted that “leadership success begins with personal integrity, which is then reflected in ethical behavior.”

A leader might use the latest practical guidance for responding to particular situations, but “studies show that followers tend to look first at who a leader is.” “Character and behavior must be integrated, or the leader loses authenticity. Leadership based on strategy and image management can be hollow.”

Leaders may become so wrapped up in crafting an image of themselves or so narcissistic and ego-driven that their “personal identity and convictions may be lost.” “If the approval of followers is the goal, the inner moral compass is undermined.” “They may become actors seeking the next round of applause.”

So, those “old-fashioned” values that include personal integrity, trustworthiness, ethical behavior, showing respect for others, honesty, and humility are very important. For example, studies show that “a high degree of humility is far more evident among exceptional leaders than is raw ambition.” “The presence of a gargantuan ego” contributes to failure or continued mediocrity. “Humble leaders do not seek to develop a personality cult with public attention and devoted followers”, instead they direct people’s attention to shared goals and values.

So, what should we take away from this?

In our era of social media and partisan political divide, there are many “shouters.” Through tweets, posts, speeches, and proclamations some politicians, entertainers, celebrities, radio, TV, and social media personalities, and a host of wannabes throw out provocative words and images to rile up, divide, confuse, condemn, obfuscate, mislead, harm, etc. others–often those in a weaker position and who don’t have the capability and/or platform to defend themselves. The people who do this may appear to be leaders, they may appear to have adoring followers … what they actually have are large egos and the ultimate aim is their own benefit.

An effective leader does not put himself or herself on a pedestal before which all must bow. An effective leader has integrity, is trustworthy, shows respect, and is honest and humble. An effective leader shows depth in a shallow world.

(Kevin Engel, 16 March 2019)

See also:

Narcissism and social media–a match made in heaven?

Rising sea water temperatures have lowered the yield of 235 fish stocks globally by 4% since 1930. However, by 2100, water temperatures will increase more than 3 times the current amount since 1930, plus tropical fish haven’t been factored in, and they’re most at risk. The global seafood supply is decreasing.

Read the article (Erik Stokstad, Science, 28 February 2019).

Both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may be the result of neuroinflammation; the evidence for that is building. The inflammation–triggered by a virus, gut microbe, infection, stress, aging, etc. (different triggers in different people)–could start a cascade of harm.

Read the article (Karen Weintraub, Scientific American, 4 March 2019).

Not a surprise–fast food menus are less healthy today than they were 30 years ago. Despite small attempts to mix in healthier options, the average fast food meal/portion size (entree + side + desert) is 30% larger, has 43% more calories, and 64% more salt than 30 years ago. Meanwhile, the obesity rate among adults in the United States has reached 40%–a 208% increase since the 1960’s.

Read the article (Tiffany Hsu, New York Times, 3 March 2019).

Disease-carrying mosquitos are spreading across the U.S. and Europe at rates of 37-93 miles per year. By 2050, at least half the global population may be at risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Climate change, increasing population density, and urbanization will be major drivers.

Read the article (Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, 7 March 2019).

Job automation is here and is happening in the fast food industry. 70% of fast food sales come from drive-through. From taking orders, customer interaction, even to cooking, machines are taking the place of human beings–all to get your burger 58 seconds faster.

Read the article (Peter Holley, Washington Post, 22 February 2019).

“Lying or acting dishonestly is a powerful act that is intent on retaining stability and social order.” But, whose order and stability? A corporation? A billionaire? A politician? A political party? Is it for the good of society, or for the benefit of a few?

Read the article (Kevin Engel, 26 February 2019; article by Melody Carter, Nursing Philosophy, July 2016).

Why do we crave sweets when we feel stressed? Our brain normally uses half of our daily intake of carbohydrates and, under stress, the brain needs even more energy. Carbohydrates in the form of glucose (like chocolate) provide our bodies with the quickest source of energy.

Read the article (Achim Peters, Scientific American, 27 February 2019).