While the debate about the environmental impact of cats is complex, responsible cat ownership can contribute to local biodiversity control, such as keeping certain rodent populations in check. A study published in the journal Anthrozoös examines whether the widespread popularity of cats can be best explained through attachment theory or social support theory, to better understand the broader dynamics. Additionally, cat ownership can stimulate local businesses, including pet stores, groomers, and pet-sitting services, further fueling economic growth. As the demand for cat-related products and services increases, it leads to job creation across various sectors, from manufacturing to retail, thereby enhancing both local economies and the global pet industry too!

Exercise offers numerous benefits, including enhanced peripheral blood circulation, increased cardiac output intake and improved vascular elasticity. Picture yourself on the playing field, eyes focused on hitting that ball, or observing your posture in front of a mirror as you perfect your technique. Load-bearing exercises for example are particularly effective in promoting bone deposition and preventing osteoporosis.

This post will explore the molecular mechanisms and processes that contribute to good health, as well as other therapeutic developments.

Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscle, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity.

The physiology behind exercise
Compared to our resting state, exercise poses a significant increase in demand for the body. At rest, our nervous system maintains a parasympathetic tone which affects the respiratory rate, cardiac output, and various metabolic processes. Exercise stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and will induce an integrated response from the body. This response works to maintain an appropriate level of homeostasis and for the increased demand in physical, metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular efforts.

Exercise challenges many human physiological systems that need to adapt in order to maintain homeostasis, this is the inner balance of the body. While exercising, homeostasis is encouraged by the increased amount of CO2 and nutrients demand, the need to get rid of CO2 and metabolic waste products, rising body temperature and acid imbalance and varying hormone levels.


Equations for your learning

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Cardiac output

Spending time with canine companions does wonders for your well being. A large amount of research supports the idea that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally. Dogs make us happier, healthier, and help us cope with a crisis - and can even help you get a date!

Dog ownership can enhance physical health and longevity. Studies from 1950-2019 indicate lower mortality rates among dog owners, attributed to reduced blood pressure and stress responses. The human-dog bond mitigates stress, a key cardiovascular risk. Dogs, particularly therapy dogs, alleviate anxiety and stress. Simple actions like petting a dog can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and induce relaxation.Having a dog can enhance your appeal. Studies show that dogs make individuals seem more likable and attractive. Men with dogs are more likely to get a woman’s number. People in photos with dogs appear happier and more relaxed. Including a dog in profile photos increases right swipes, benefiting women more.Walking with a dog makes us approachable and aids in starting conversations, fostering new friendships. Dogs help reduce agitation in dementia patients and improve social interactions. They provide unconditional love and support, especially during tough times. They also offer comfort during grief. The care we give to dogs is reciprocated, as confirmed by science. Plus, the walks add up.

Pseudoscience relates to any belief system or methodology that attempts to seek legitimacy in the scientific domain but lacks rigorous methodology and evidence in support. A term first coined in 1796 by James Pettit; it is a term used a lot these days. This post looks to explore pseudoscience in modern society, from alternative medicine to detoxifying products. 

Medical treatments
There is a flurry of non-evidence-based approaches used by individuals as medical remedies and therapies. Although these "medical remedies" may appear legitimate, all backed by health gurus and spiritual leaders, they do not work. This includes herbal medicine treatment, acupuncture, homoeopathy, energy healing cures.

Homoeopathy techniques
This is just one of the many examples of practices with no scientific underpinning and clinical evidence still used by millions of people around the world. This one that cures by using small amounts of a substance that invokes symptoms of the disease that it is to be treated. Its application goes treatment of the common cold and allergies to severe conditions like heart disease and cancer. It is a low cost, generic, non-patented attributes make it an ideal for those who want a ready treatment. Homeopathic treatment can ease symptoms and offer therapeutic effects. This does not actually cure the problem. Prescribed medicine from medical practitioners have undergone rigorous testing in the lab and with past patients.

Anti-vaccination rhetoric
This is sentiment associates with conspiracy thinking and denials of individual liberties and freedoms. The dogma behind an anti-vaccine ideology is that vaccines cause autism and other lousy health impacts. Government and the pharmaceutical industry knowingly hide this information from the public. Social media acts as an essential conduit helping claims, anxieties and thoughts to manifest across. It is your choice on whether you are for or against vaccines, but there should be no denial of the proven facts.

"The wish to believe, even against evidence, fuels all the pseudosciences from astrology to creationism." – Isaac Asimov

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) November 27, 2020

Marketing and advertising
You can spot pseudoscience everywhere - from your shampoo bottle to the ads which pop up in your Twitter feed. Bold statements with scientific jargon help propagate misleading information. People are sometimes fooled by claims supported by "laboratory-research" and "statistics". It can be difficult to challenge these beliefs when people are persuaded by their cognitive biases. Our minds are hooked on patterns, and make sense of the world by seeking them out. A person might decide purchasing a suncream with "added collagen" as why not choose the one that sounds more healthy?

Global wellness industry
The global wellness industry is worth trillions of dollars, topping the global pharmaceutical industry by over four times. A large number of consumers and patients favour alternative moreover traditional medicines despite the lack of empirical evidence and medical backing. This is perpetuated by figureheads like celebrities and influencers who flaunt themselves as wellness gurus. A single celebrity endorsement can very much change the fortune of a business therefore, many businesses leverage this as part of their marketing strategy. The wellness industry frequently targets people who are vulnerable and likely to have been failed by traditional medicine. These individuals often have strong opposing opinions against big pharma.

Age of social media
“Pseudoscience” was previously an ad targeting category used by advertisers now removed by Facebook in bid to curb misinformation on Covid-19. According to Reuters, an estimate of over 78 million users possessed interest in material relating to pseudoscience. Facebook have now incorporated initiatives to stop the proliferation of false information that can cause imminent physical harm. Advertisers were profiting from ads which targeted people that the company believes are interested in pseudoscientific content.

Human and political impact
Throughout years, decades and even centuries, the world of science has slowly overcome pseudoscience, allowing a triumph of sense over nonsense. From the 16th and 17th century, the writings of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton have helped overturn ancient cosmology. Astrology was scientifically defeated in the 18th and 19th century although it garners some followers even today. Young-earth creationism has finally been overturned in the early 20th century but evolution theory still remains a heated debated topic.

“Pulling bad science apart is the best teaching gimmick I know for explaining how good science really works.” – Ben Goldacre

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) November 27, 2020

Political left or right
Politicians and scientists making bold claims and throwing accusations at one another on how scientific or unscientific something is enough to make our heads swim, especially for those with little to no exposure to science past their high-school. This is very much true for most of our politicians who create and enforce our laws. Hot topics like the anti-GMO movement, the paleo movement, anti-vaccination movement, the global climate change movement are just a few of the areas which affect our individual lives. To prevent abuse and exploitation of life, we need better quality of scientific education.

So... Is marketing just pseudoscience?
Pseudoscience has a hazy definition. Many things get labelled pseudoscientific such as astrology, alchemy, divinations... This list does not stop. It is tricky to differentiate between what is scientific versus something still waiting to be proved. Pseudoscience will likely continue to exist in society in various forms...





Resources
(Article) 3 ways to tell evidence-based health information from pseudoscience
The writer discusses how to distinguish between valuable information from legitimate health experts and pseudoscientific claims made by unscrupulous wellness influencers.

(Article) Pseudoscience from the political left and right
Throughout history, pseudoscientific ideas have cropped up on both sides of the political spectrum, often detached from any specific ideology. However, there are some crucial differences between left-leaning and right-leaning pseudoscience.

(Paper) Editorial: The Psychology of Pseudoscience
The research topic aims to explore developments in the psychological study of pseudoscience and inspire further philosophical thinking in this area. Understanding can help address misinformation and promote scientific literacy.

There are heaps of ideas out there available to explore across the web. Here are a few of my own as part of my quarantine routine, suitable under these reformed measures.

1. Finding your Funk and Soul
Spotify does wonders in creating playlists to match your moods and get your emotions going. You have access to pre-made playlists to lighten a sombre mood, or you can create your own themed playlists - e.g. '90s rock heroes', 'cheesy feel-good songs', 'future', or why not create a 'not a love song' label?

2. Exercising your Mind and Body
In this pandemic, social distancing rules are critical to follow to limit the risks to your loved ones and broader society. But it shouldn't limit you from stretching your muscles or taking care of your mental health. For example, you can tune into fitness videos or take a stroll/jog outside during quiet hours.

3. Memos, Journals and Organised clutter
Consider organising your thoughts by writing them down. This may segue into new, great projects or journals. The work created can be kept as sentimental to you in the future as interesting time-capsules. There are a large number of free-to-affordable online platforms that may help in the process (Skillshare, YouTube...). All you really need is a pen and paper.

4. Practicing Mindfulness in this Mayhem

It is easy to slip into a negative stream of pessimistic, depressive thinking. Often it is our subconscious thoughts that manifest into personal actions we take. To take a grip on this, you can practise mindfulness. One app I use is 'Smiling Mind', which is available on mobile devices (similar to 'Headspace' but free!). This can be further supported by limiting our active media consumption. Moreover, why not get creative and write down questions such as the following:


5. Picking up or Discovering a Skill or Hobby

Want to read that book collecting dust on your shelf, learn about the art of screenwriting, or even start a blog? Why not trade that Netflix show for time to devote to a skill? You may discover a new-found passion or develop a way of self-expression. Quarantine does not have to be a negative, boring experience.

So... Pandemic over?

Although the immediate crisis has become less severe, the long-term impacts on health, society, and the economy are still important topics for discussion and research. From a global health perspective, the potential emergence of new variants poses varying risks. Economically, we are witnessing ongoing shifts in employment, trends in remote work, and supply chain challenges that are affecting different sectors.

“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – W. Rogers

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) January 25, 2025