National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week provided new insight on microplastics and heart disease, the little-known benefits of (some) stress, pregnancy and aging, and an exit strategy for antidepressants. Plus, a rediscovered Roman ‘miracle plant’ that was believed extinct.

A human heart displayed with the fat stripped away

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CLARK, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

HOW MICROPLASTICS HURT OUR HEART

Microplastics are everywhere in the environment and in our bodies. A new study shows for the first time that the presence of these plastics in arteries are linked to greater risk of heart attack and stroke. But people can still reduce their exposure and their heart disease risks overall. (Pictured above, a human heart stripped of fat.)

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Microplastics are hidden in your home. Here’s how to avoid them.

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Is your tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you need to know.

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Update: The U.S. plans to limit PFAS in drinking water. What does that really mean?

A multi-colored, kaleidoscope of crystalized shapes ranging from small to micro sizes

PHOTOGRAPH BY SIDNEY MOULDS, SCIENCE SOURCE

LESS STRESS MAKES US HAPPIER—BUT HEALTHIER?

Do we need some stress? Amazingly, some of us don’t feel stress (pictured above, a polarized light micrograph of cortisol, which plays a chief role in the body’s response to stress). Wouldn’t that be great if all of us could do that? New studies DO show less stress can lead to fewer chronic health issues—but there’s a big caveat.

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‘In short, the more overstimulated you are, the less joy you can feel’

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What’s the difference between stress and chronic stress?

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Where are the world’s happiest places?

The yellow flowers of a ferula drudeana are held between a man's hands

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALICE ZOO, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

THE ROMANS CONSIDERED IT A MIRACLE PLANT

It was eaten into extinction 2,000 years ago—or was it? Silphion cured diseases and made food tasty, but Emperor Nero allegedly consumed the last stalk. Now, a Turkish researcher thinks he has found a botanical survivor.

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The benefits—and downsides—of taking ashwagandha

A pregnant woman takes a photograph on a black background

PHOTOGRAPH BY KVASILEV/ SHUTTERSTOCK

DOES PREGNANCY ACCELERATE AGING?

If so, would it be different if you were wealthier, lived in the country instead of the city, or had different genetic factors. Science studied many indicators—and came up with these answers.

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Why pregnancy means more licorice and fewer supplements

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Building bonds between kids and grandparents—wherever they are

A hand holding white pills

PHOTOGRAPH BY GUIDO MIETH, GETTY IMAGES

YOU MAY WEAN OFF ANTIDEPRESSANTS TOO QUICKLY. THAT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS

Stopping an antidepressant can trigger debilitating physical and psychological ailments as the brain goes through withdrawal. “The emphasis has been on prescribe, prescribe, prescribe,” says one expert, “and less on the exit strategy.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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Are you taking the wrong medications? You might be surprised.

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Can ending inflammation help win our battle against depression?

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