Do What's Right.

Day: 29 April 2023

New study suggests exercise could help counteract the health consequences of not getting a proper amount of sleep

Dani Blum, NY Times »

The researchers on the new study theorized that working out might help balance out the effects of unhealthy sleep by combating inflammation or possibly helping to regulate metabolism and sympathetic nervous system activity, Dr. Zhang said. It’s also possible that poor sleep contributes to heart disease risk by elevating blood pressure and inhibiting insulin resistance, said Dr. Virend Somers, a cardiologist who studies the effect of sleep loss at the Mayo Clinic. Exercise might counter this by regulating blood pressure and increasing insulin sensitivity.

97% of Canadian EV drivers will purchase another when it comes time to replace their existing EV

  • 89% enjoy driving their EV more than their ICE vehicle.

Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) »

The survey of over 16,000 EV owners from coast to coast found their top concern is the availability of public charging. More than four out of every 10 (44%) EV drivers say that this is a worry even after experiencing EV ownership. Significantly, EV owners say they spend 30% of their time charging outside the home. 

Further, a significant minority lack confidence in taking road trips in their EV. More than one-third of those surveyed (36%) don’t have the confidence to drive their EV on a long road trip, and most EV drivers (67%) still own a gas vehicle, which they are more likely to use for longer journeys. 

The survey asked respondents to rate their level of pre-purchase concern against their actual experience as EV drivers, in several categories. The survey found that while none of the concerns disappeared completely, they did significantly decline. Worries about range fell 37 percentage points to 30%, cold-weather performance concerns dropped 25 percentage points to 33%, and fears about battery degradation fell 41 percentage points to 13%. 

The survey also found satisfaction rates among EV drivers in Canada are extremely high. An overwhelming majority (97%) say they will purchase another EV when it comes time to replace their existing one. Almost nine in ten (89%) say they enjoy driving their EV more, 95% say their EV is more affordable, and 92% say their EV is a quieter ride than their gas vehicle. 

Turn up the beat! Groove music can improve brain function for music lovers

Neuroscience News »

Dancing to musical rhythms is a universal human activity. But now, researchers from Japan have found that dancing doesn’t just feel good, it also enhances brain function.

In a study recently published in Scientific Reports, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed that music with a groove, known as groove music, can significantly increase measures of executive function and associated brain activity in participants who are familiar with the music.

Music that elicits the sensation of groove can elicit feelings of pleasure and enhance behavioral arousal levels. Exercise, which has similar positive effects, is known to enhance executive function. Accordingly, this may also be an effect of listening to groove music.

Published Research » Groove rhythm stimulates prefrontal cortex function in groove enjoyers” by Hideaki Soya et al. Scientific Reports

Elsewhere » Earth.com

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