Wackiest Tech Featured at CES 2024

Hey PRIME8’s 🦍, In this week's edition, we’re uncovering the most intriguing health and wellness tech showcased at CES 2024. We also delve into the fascinating world of neurocosmetics, exploring how brain-skin communication can enhance both mental and skin health.

Plus, get science-backed tips to speed up your workout recovery, discover effective HIIT techniques, and learn about the potential of ketamine as a depression treatment. We've packed this newsletter with the latest insights to keep you informed and inspired. Let's get started!

Enhanced Primates

Wackiest Tech Featured at CES 2024

At CES 2024, the latest health and wellness tech wowed attendees with some truly exciting advancements. Here are a few highlights you won't want to miss:

1. Evie Smart Ring

The Evie health tracker by Movano, designed with women's health in mind, stood out at CES. This smart ring tracks various health metrics without a subscription fee. It's currently compatible with iOS and costs $269.

2. BeamO Health Scanner

The BeamO from Withings is a multi-functional health device that acts as a thermometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen level checker, and stethoscope. Expected to launch for $250 after FDA clearance, it offers convenient health monitoring.

3. Nuance Audio Glasses

Nuance Audio glasses by EssilorLuxottica are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These glasses amplify sound and allow volume adjustments via a companion app. They’re expected to be available in late 2024.

4. Torras Neck Air Conditioner

Torras introduced the Coolify Cyber, a personal neck air conditioner that provides a cooling effect through a semiconductor and ceramic plate. It's a practical gadget for staying cool on hot days.

5. Oclean X Ultra Toothbrush

The Oclean X Ultra Wi-Fi Digital Toothbrush uses AI and bone-conduction technology to guide users on proper brushing techniques. It includes five brush modes and an interactive touch screen. It will launch in the US this fall for $130.

6. Vivoo At-Home UTI Test

Vivoo announced a new at-home UTI test that pairs with an app, providing quick results and easy sharing with healthcare providers. This test uses deep learning image processing for accuracy.

6. Pison Ready Wristband

The Pison Ready wristband tracks mental focus, reaction time, and agility by detecting neurological signals. It’s available via subscription plans starting at $59 for three months.

How Neurocosmetics Are Redefining Skincare

Did you know that the brain and skin share the same embryonic origin? On the 21st day of an embryo's development, the outermost layer, known as the ectoblast, gives rise to both the nervous system and the epidermis. This means your skin is essentially an extension of your brain. With a complex nerve architecture featuring 800,000 neurons, 11 meters of nerves, and around 200 sensory receptors per cubic centimeter, it's no wonder the expression “having nerves on edge” feels so accurate.

This intricate connection between brain and skin means that our mental states and physical skin conditions are deeply intertwined. Not only does your brain communicate with your skin, but your skin also sends signals to your brain, influencing sensations and emotions. This bidirectional communication suggests that mental states directly impact skin health and appearance, while skincare can positively affect your mental state.

Neurocosmetics is a new field that explores these connections. It aims to understand and leverage the interactions between our mental states, emotions, and skin conditions. Unlike traditional cosmetics, which focus primarily on external application and immediate visual results, neurocosmetics target the cutaneous nervous system, potentially influencing local mediators and neurotransmitters to improve both psychological and physiological well-being.

The potential of neurocosmetics is vast, promising more personalized and effective skincare solutions that consider both the mind and body. Brands like I.D. Swiss Botanicals are pioneering this approach, developing innovative products that harness the power of neuroactive ingredients to improve not only skin health but also mental well-being.

Peak Performance 💪

Science-Backed Tips to Speed Up Workout Recovery

While stretching feels good and has its benefits, it's not a proven method for speeding up recovery. Research shows that post-exercise stretching doesn’t significantly impact recovery times. However, here are some proven methods that can actually help enhance your recovery process.

Contrast Bath Therapy

Alternating between hot and cold water can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation by stimulating blood flow. If you don't have access to a bath, a cold shower can also offer benefits.

Protein and Carb Intake

Consume protein either before or after your workout to aid muscle repair and growth. Post-workout carbs are essential for replenishing muscle glycogen. Avoid alcohol after exercising as it inhibits muscle recovery and increases stress.

Hydration and Supplements

Stay hydrated to support recovery, and consider adding creatine and tart cherry juice to your regimen. Both have been shown to reduce muscle damage and soreness.

Prioritize Rest

Ensure you get adequate rest and quality sleep to allow your body to recover and rebuild effectively.

“HITT” Done the Right Way

High-Intensity Interval Training, “HIIT,” is a well-researched approach to exercise that delivers powerful health benefits.

HIIT involves alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and brief recovery periods of moderate activity. For example, a runner might switch between sprinting and jogging.

• Burns more calories than other forms of exercise

• Boosts your metabolic rate for hours afterward

• Effectively supports fat loss

• Reduces blood pressure in those with hypertension

• Can promote muscle growth under the right conditions

Avoiding Injury with HIIT

HIIT can be intense, which raises concerns about potential injuries, especially for those new to high-intensity workouts.

Key Tips for Safe HIIT:

Choose Low-Impact Options:

Use an exercise bike or elliptical to reduce joint strain while maintaining workout intensity.

Adapt Recovery Periods:

If you need longer recovery times, that's okay. Adjust as needed without compromising the intensity of your workout.

Focus on Proper Form:

Proper form is crucial. Ensure your movements are controlled to avoid unnecessary strain.

Gradual Progression:

Start with shorter HIIT sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as your fitness improves.

Great! How?

Instead of pounding the pavement, consider resistance interval training. Crank up the resistance on an exercise bike, and you’ll be doing cardio and resistance training without the impact on your joints.

Mind & Mood 🧠

Ketamine for Depression?

Recent research reveals that ketamine might be a more effective treatment for severe depression compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A study compared these treatments in individuals with treatment-resistant depression, highlighting key insights for personalized treatment plans.

Why Personalized Treatment Matters

For those with treatment-resistant depression, traditional antidepressants often fail. This condition refers to the lack of adequate improvement after trying two or more medications. Personalizing treatment plans aims to increase the likelihood of success with the next approach.

Study Highlights

Researchers compared intravenous ketamine and ECT in a group of 365 participants with treatment-resistant depression. They found distinct patterns in response to these treatments, which can guide doctors in selecting the most effective option for each patient.

Key Findings:

Ketamine Benefits: Those with less severe symptoms and outpatients responded better to ketamine.

ECT Advantages: In-patients with more severe symptoms showed quicker improvement with ECT.

Cognitive Factors: People with lower verbal intellectual ability scores responded more favorably to ketamine.

Medication Impact: Ketamine was significantly more effective for those taking atypical antipsychotics compared to ECT.

The analysis also uncovered that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to respond well to ketamine. This might be due to the higher dosage received or ketamine’s impact on inflammation-related circuits, which are often more active in those with higher BMI.

Does a Full Moon Actually Affect Our Behavior?

"It must be a full moon." How often do we use that phrase when encountering odd behavior? This belief dates back to the first century when Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder suggested that a full moon induced madness. The term "lunatic" comes from the Latin lunaticus, meaning "of the moon" or "moonstruck."

Despite centuries of associating the moon with mischief and mood swings, scientific research generally points to correlation rather than causation. So, why do many still believe in the moon's power?

Aristotle and Pliny believed the moon's influence on the Earth's waters extended to the human brain, which they thought could lead to madness. In modern times, psychiatrist Arnold Lieber proposed that the human body's water content made it susceptible to the moon's phases, suggesting a link between the full moon and increased incidents of murder, suicide, and accidents.

However, Lieber's theory was quickly debunked. Studies have shown that the Earth's gravitational pull is much stronger than the moon's, making its effect on the human body negligible. Meta-analyses and modern research consistently find no significant connection between lunar phases and human behavior.

If science debunks the moon's influence, why do superstitions persist? Some suggest the "lunar lunacy" effect may stem from ancestral disruptions in sleep due to a brighter full moon. Modern studies indicate sleep quality might be impacted by the lunar cycle, potentially leading to behavioral changes.

Experts also cite confirmation bias, where we remember events that support our beliefs.

Optimal Wellness 🍎

Taking a Daily Multivitamin May Not Help You Live Longer

Daily multivitamins are a staple for about one-third of U.S. adults, with consumer spending reaching roughly $8 billion annually. The allure is understandable: one pill to meet all your vitamin and mineral needs. However, evidence suggests that multivitamins may not deliver the health benefits many expect.

A large study involving nearly 400,000 U.S. adults over more than 20 years found no improvement in mortality risk for those taking a daily multivitamin compared to those who did not. In fact, those taking multivitamins had a slightly higher mortality risk (4%)!

The study controlled for various lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and physical activity, and excluded individuals with major chronic diseases at baseline. Despite these controls, no significant mortality benefit was observed for multivitamin users.

The study indicates that for the general healthy population, taking a daily multivitamin does not reduce mortality risk or prevent chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer. While multivitamins remain popular, their health benefits are not well established yet.

5 Sleep Strategies From Around the World

Sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but catching those elusive Z's can sometimes feel like a dream. Fortunately, different cultures around the world have developed unique sleep strategies that might just be the pillow talk you need for better rest. Here are five sleep strategies from various countries that might help you snooze like a pro.

Inemuri (“Being Present While Asleep”) in Japan

In Japan, it's common for workers to take naps in public places such as park benches, public transportation, and office spaces. This practice, known as inemuri, translates to “being present while asleep.” Unlike in other cultures, napping at work is socially accepted and seen as a sign of hard work and productivity.

A 2021 systematic review found that short daytime naps can significantly improve cognitive performance, including alertness and memory, for a few hours in the afternoon. This supports the idea of implementing daytime napping to boost work efficiency.

Siestas in Spain

A siesta is a well-known Spanish tradition that involves taking a break in the middle of the day to enjoy lunch and then take a nap. This habit can help combat the post-lunch energy dip and make up for any sleep lost the previous night.

Research shows that a 10-minute nap can significantly improve alertness and cognitive performance without causing the grogginess associated with longer naps. This short rest can help you power through the rest of the day.

Scandinavian Sleep Method

In Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, it’s common for couples to use separate blankets rather than sharing one. This practice, known as the Scandinavian sleep method, helps prevent disturbances caused by a partner's movements or temperature preferences.

Using individual blankets can help maintain a comfortable sleep environment, as even mild changes in temperature can affect sleep quality. This strategy can make sharing a bed more conducive to restful sleep.

Finnish Sauna

Regular sauna use is a popular practice in Finland and has been linked to improved sleep quality. Saunas promote relaxation and help reduce stress, which can enhance sleep.

A study found that 83.5% of participants reported better sleep after sauna use. The heat from the sauna causes the body to release endorphins, which reduce pain and psychological stress. Additionally, the practice encourages mindfulness and social interactions, all contributing to better sleep.

Sleeping Naked in France

France is one of the countries where people get the most sleep, with about 28% of residents reporting that they sleep naked. For some, the lack of clothing helps regulate body temperature and promotes comfort.

Research suggests that our core body temperature drops during sleep and rises when we wake up. Sleeping naked may help the body cool down more quickly, facilitating faster sleep onset and longer duration.

Supplement Regimen Picks 🔥