National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: It's never too late to improve your brain function; how nature heals our overstressed brains; the life expectancy of today's 5-year-olds; the science behind the phenomenon called ASMR; the (beneficial?) creatures living on your face; and the health effects of living near railroads.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LU WEI, VCG/GETTY IMAGES

How to take better care of your aging brain

The easiest way to have a healthy brain in middle age and beyond is to follow good physical and mental habits. But what if you’ve spent years practicing bad habits? Once your neurons have begun to deteriorate, can they be saved—or even made stronger? Good news: Scientists say it's never too late to improve your brain function—and it could be the key to a longer life.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BRAIN

PHOTOGRAPH BY LUCAS FOGLIA

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ FROM THE ARCHIVES‌ ‌ ‌

This is your brain on nature

When we get closer to nature—be it untouched wilderness or a backyard tree—we do our overstressed brains a favor.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

PHOTOGRAPH BY FRITZ HOFFMAN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

New clues are revealing why exercise can keep the brain healthy

Scientists are learning how muscles in motion can improve cognition and shield against diseases like Alzheimer's, paving the way for new treatments.

HOW MUSCLES AFFECT YOUR BRAIN

More on healthy brains:

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Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer.

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What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?

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'Brain food' is real. Here's what to feed your kids to help their gray matter grow

PHOTOGRAPH BY JR, REDUX

Today's 5-year-olds will likely live to 100. But what will their lives be like?

For children in wealthier nations, 80 will be the new 60. That means a life filled with day-to-day technological advances—and a new way of thinking about school, work, and retirement. "We have an incredible opportunity," experts say, "to redesign our lives."

A LONGER MIDDLE AGE?

More on longevity:

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Want to live longer? Focus on these 6 things.

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Can aging be cured? Scientists are giving it a try.

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Can fasting help you live longer? Here's what the science says.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ASMR?

PHOTOGRAPH FROM YOUTUBE

The euphoric-but-relaxing responses to soothing visuals and quirky, textural sounds like tapping fingertips on cork, cutting fabric and whispering into a microphone is called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response—and it has spawned an online well-being phenomenon. But what is ASMR—and why do only some people feel it? Here's what the science says.

USING ASMR AS THERAPY?

THE CREATURES LIVING ON YOUR FACE

ILLUSTRATION BY ARMANDO VEVE

When it comes to microscopic face mites, biologists are fairly certain of a couple of things: They are sensitive to light; and they spend virtually their entire lives on our skin. Hundreds of these tiny arachnids, in fact, are on your face right now. Beyond that, scientists don't really know what these mites do—but one lab in North Carolina is starting to gain some insights.

FACE MITES, IN PHOTOS: They're smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. +

HEALTH NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

PHOTOGRAPH BY CREATIVE TOUCH IMAGING LTD./NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

On February 9, a Norfolk Southern train derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, spilling 11 cars' worth of hazardous materials into the ground. But while fiery crashes with towering smoke clouds make for lots of headlines, studies suggest trains carry health costs even when they don't derail. From chronic stress to an increased risk of cancer, here's how constant exposure to trains takes a toll on the human body.

THE HEALTH RISKS

Not all fat is created equal. This 'good fat' could keep us youthful.

 How liquid biopsies have made it easier to treat cancer

What to know about freezing your eggs

Social vs. medical egg freezing: What's the difference?

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