Leukemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

A really good item on leukemia which is still out there and remains rare enough that most of us almost  never encounter a case.  More than one type and it is possible to cure a type or two well enough.

Yet i suspect it comes up in old age and folks slip away more often than not.  Many end of life stories although diagnosed as something else appear to trend into leukemia.  Just likely never named.

A human should be able to sustain his prime into 100 years of age.  Obviously most do a lousy job getting there and succumb in their seventies or quick enough then.  Yet we do have ninety year olds cruising about just fine.

Leukemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

As the 10th most common cancer in the United States, leukemia will affect up to 2 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime.

TypesSymptomsCausesStagesRisk FactorsDiagnosisComplicationsTreatmentsMindsetNatural ApproachesPrevention

Leukemia occurs when the proliferation of abnormal blood cells outpaces that of healthy blood cells. Illustration by Fei Meng

By Mercura Wang

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November 17, 2024

https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/leukemia-symptoms-causes-treatments-and-natural-approaches-5756032?

Leukemia is a general term for cancers affecting blood cells. The specific type of leukemia is determined by the type of blood cell involved and the rate at which the cancer progresses.

In the United States, the incidence rate of leukemia cases was 14.1 per 100,000 people annually, with a mortality rate of 5.9 per 100,000, based on data from 2017 to 2021 for cases and 2018 to 2022 for deaths.

Leukemia is most commonly found in adults over 55, but it is also the most prevalent cancer in young people under 15.

Blood stem cells form in the bone marrow and develop into various types of cells. If something causes a DNA mutation, certain blood cells can begin to grow out of control and crowd out the healthy blood cells, resulting in leukemia. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

What Are the Types of Leukemia?

Leukemia begins in blood stem cells, which are formed in the bone marrow and develop into various types of cells.

Blood stem cells develop into either lymphoid or myeloid stem cells. Lymphoid stem cells produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections, while myeloid stem cells produce red blood cells, platelets, granulocytes, and monocytes, with the latter two also being white blood cells. Before maturing into blood cells, lymphoid and myeloid stem cells first differentiate into blast cells, such as lymphoblasts and myeloblasts, which are immature blood cells.

In leukemia, abnormal blast cells are overproduced and do not mature into functional blood cells. These leukemia cells often grow and survive more effectively than normal cells, gradually crowding out and suppressing the production of healthy blood cells. The progression and impact on normal cells vary depending on the type of leukemia.

This article will discuss the four main types of leukemia.

1. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by the presence of over 20 percent myeloid blasts. AML was estimated to account for 34 percent of all leukemia cases in the United States in 2023. It is the most prevalent type of leukemia in adults but is less common among children.

It is the most aggressive cancer, with its prognosis varying depending on the molecular subtypes, and usually urgent treatment is needed. Cancer cells can rapidly spread to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system, liver, and lymph nodes. AML primarily affects white blood cells, although in very rare cases, it can involve red blood cells or platelets, as seen in acute erythroid leukemia and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.

2. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)Chronic myeloid leukemia is a slow-growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood, with less than 20 percent myeloid blasts. It occurs when two parts of our DNA get mixed up, creating an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome, an acquired chromosomal abnormality that develops after birth. This leads to the production of a faulty protein that causes certain blood cells to malfunction. These dysfunctional cells are mostly neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils—all white blood cells.

CML was estimated to account for 15 percent of all leukemia cases in the United States in 2023. CML can sometimes progress into AML, which is difficult to treat.

3. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)Acute lymphoblastic leukemia involves the blastic transformation of B- and T-cells, which are lymphocytes. The bone marrow produces too many of these abnormal lymphocytes, which cannot effectively fight against infections, while crowding out the healthy cells. It can spread to the brain, liver, lymph nodes, spine, and spleen.

ALL is the most common leukemia in children, making up about 80 percent of cases in this age group. Most children with ALL have the B-cell subtype.

It was estimated to account for 11 percent of all leukemia cases in the United States in 2023. In about one-quarter of adults with ALL, the leukemia cells have the Philadelphia chromosome.

4. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)Chronic lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a specific type of white blood cell called a monoclonal lymphoid cell grows out of control. It mostly affects people between the ages of 60 and 70. CLL usually progresses slowly, so not everyone with it will need treatment right away; treatment typically starts when symptoms become noticeable.

It was estimated to account for 31 percent of all leukemia cases in the United States in 2023.

What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Leukemia?

Leukemia often doesn’t have early signs or symptoms. It might not be discovered until a person undergoes a routine checkup. Symptoms and signs vary by the type of leukemia. The following are more common across any type:Anemia: Anemia (insufficient red blood cells) may present as fatigue, weakness, pallor (pale skin), malaise, dyspnea on exertion (shortness of breath with activity), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and chest pain during exertion.

Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia (insufficient platelets) can lead to bleeding from mucous membranes, easy bruising, purpura (small red or purple spots on the skin), nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual periods. Spontaneous bleeding, including in the brain or abdomen, may also occur.

Granulocytopenia or neutropenia: Neutropenia (insufficient neutrophils, a type of white blood cells) increases the risk of infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Symptoms may include fevers and severe or repeated infections. The exact cause of the fever is often unclear, but granulocytopenia (insufficiency in a type of white blood cell) can lead to rapidly worsening and serious bacterial infections.

Pancytopenia: Pancytopenia is characterized by low levels of all three above types of blood cells.

Swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen: 

When leukemic cells infiltrate organs, it can enlarge the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Fever and chills.

Unexplained weight loss.

Night sweats.

Loss of appetite.

Joint pain.

Bone pain.

What Causes Leukemia?

Leukemia occurs when there are changes in the DNA of bone marrow cells, but the reason for these genetic changes is not understood. Leukemia development is influenced by various genetic and environmental risk factors, which vary depending on the type of leukemia.

What Are the Stages of Leukemia?

Each type of leukemia is staged differently. 

The types are staged accordingly:

ALL is staged according to leukemia cell maturity and the type of lymphocyte involved.

AML is staged using the French-American-British (FAB) system, which accounts for how many leukemia cells there are and what size, number of healthy cells, chromosome changes, and other genetic issues.

CLL is staged with the Rai system, which considers the blood’s lymphocyte count, the degree of spleen, lymph node, and liver enlargement, and whether there is anemia or low platelet count.

CML is staged according to how many diseased cells are in the blood and bone marrow.

Who Is at Risk of Leukemia?

The following factors raise one’s risk of developing leukemia:Age: Age is a risk factor that differs among types. The highest incidence rates for ALL occur in children and adolescents under 15 years old, and children to middle-aged people are more at risk for CML. However, adults 50 years or older are more at risk for AML and CLL.

Sex: Men are more at risk for all four types of leukemia than women.

Genetic syndromes: These include Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, neurofibromatosis type 1, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, congenital dyskeratosis, Kostmann syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome.

Genetics and family history: Inherited genetic mutations present from birth may increase the risk of developing AML.

Race: In the United States, ALL is more common among whites and Hispanics, and CLL is more common among whites than other races.

Gene alterations: Most DNA changes associated with AML develop during a person’s lifetime rather than being inherited at birth. Changes in specific genes such as FLT3, c-KIT, and RAS are common in AML cells. These changes can prevent bone marrow cells from maturing properly or cause them to grow uncontrollably.

Smoking: Smoking is associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of leukemia, possibly due to the presence of the carcinogen benzene in tobacco.

Radiation exposure or chemotherapy: People who have received radiation therapy or chemotherapy (e.g., with drugs called etoposide and alkylating agents) have a higher risk of leading to AML, known as treatment-related or therapy-related AML. People exposed to very high levels of radiation, such as survivors of atomic bomb blasts or nuclear reactor accidents, are also at increased risk of AML and CML. Leukemia from radiation exposure takes many years to develop, and most people treated with radiation for cancer do not develop the disease. CML has also been reported in those who have undergone excessive diagnostic X-rays or CT scans.

Benzene exposure: Benzene is present in unleaded gasoline and is used in the chemical industry. People can be exposed to benzene through their work, the environment, or by using certain products. It is found in paint strippers, adhesives, forest fire smoke, and volcanic gas.

Blood and bone marrow disorders: People with certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative disorders, and bone marrow diseases are at higher risk for developing AML and CLL.

HTLV-1 infection: Infection with the human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus, type 1 (HTLV-1) raises the risk of developing T-cell ALL, a rare form of ALL.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): EBV is associated with a type of ALL. In the United States, EBV is the virus that commonly causes infectious mononucleosis.

Weakened immune system due to immunosuppressive drugs.

Exposure to herbicides: Researchers have identified a possible link between CLL and exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability compensation to those exposed to this herbicide.

Chromosome changes: In most cases of CLL, changes are found in chromosomes, commonly involving deletions such as the loss of part of chromosome 13. Other affected chromosomes can include 11 and 17, and occasionally there is an extra chromosome 12 (trisomy 12).

How Is Leukemia Diagnosed?

The doctor will inquire about one’s health history, which includes symptoms, risk factors, and past medical events. He or she may also inquire about any family history of leukemia. A physical exam helps the doctor check for signs of leukemia.

A series of tests, which may include blood tests, cytogenetic and molecular studies, and imaging tests, are performed to diagnose specific types of leukemia and for staging purposes.

Blood Tests

Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count measures the number and quality of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The presence of immature blood cells (blasts) in the blood, which are not normally seen, may lead doctors to suspect leukemia.

Blood chemistry tests: Blood chemistry tests measure specific chemicals in the blood to help identify liver or kidney issues caused by leukemia and help stage the disease. In leukemia, levels of certain chemicals, such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphate, alanine aminotransferase, and uric acid, may be elevated.

Blood clotting tests: Blood clotting tests evaluate how well the body can clot blood, as abnormal levels of clotting factors can be associated with leukemia. Key tests include fibrinogen level, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and international normalized ratio (INR).

Kidney function panels.

Liver function panels.

Peripheral blood smear: Blood cells are stained and examined under a light microscope to reveal their number, size, shape, and type, as well as the pattern of white blood cells and the ratio of blast cells to maturing and mature white blood cells.

Quantitative immunoglobulin test: The quantitative immunoglobulin test measures the concentration of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in the blood, which are produced by B-cells to help protect the body from infections.

Other TestsBone marrow tests: Bone marrow testing typically involves two steps that are usually done simultaneously. These samples are usually taken from the hip bone and examined to detect chromosomal and cellular changes. First, during bone marrow aspiration, a liquid sample is collected. Next, a bone marrow biopsy removes a small bone piece with marrow.

Immunophenotyping (flow cytometry): Immunophenotyping is a technique that uses fluorescent labels to sort and classify cells. This method allows doctors to quickly examine many antibodies on thousands of cells in a single sample, and it’s useful for identifying unique features of leukemia cells.

Imaging tests: Doctors use imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasounds to rule out other causes of symptoms and to check for leukemia cell masses in the chest that could affect breathing or blood circulation.

Spinal tap: A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) involves using a needle to collect cerebrospinal fluid, which is then examined for cancer cells.

Cytogenetic and Molecular StudiesCytogenetic karyotyping: Cytogenetic karyotyping identifies chromosomal abnormalities, helping doctors confirm a leukemia diagnosis and determine its type or subtype. These results also assist in planning the appropriate treatment.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): FISH uses fluorescent DNA probes to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes in leukemia cells. It helps differentiate between leukemias with similar appearances but distinct genetic profiles.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): PCR is a very sensitive test that can find a single leukemia cell among 100,000 cells. It amplifies specific gene segments to detect DNA mutations, inversions, or deletions associated with certain leukemia types. It aids in diagnosing leukemia and assessing its prognosis.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR): The qPCR test is a highly sensitive method used to find and measure the amount of a specific gene, BCR::ABL1 (related to the Philadelphia chromosome), in blood or bone marrow samples. It can detect even tiny amounts of this gene, which may not be visible with other tests.

Biomarker testing: Biomarker testing or molecular/genomic testing analyzes the DNA or RNA sequence in cancer cells to identify genetic changes. This information helps assess risk, predict prognosis, and guide treatment decisions, including the need for intensive or novel therapies.

DNA sequencing: DNA sequencing tests blood or marrow samples for mutations in certain genes. Identifying mutations or their absence helps assess the patient’s prognosis.

Beta-2 microglobulin test (B2M): Beta-2 microglobulin is a small protein produced by various cells and can be measured through a blood chemistry test.

What Are Possible Complications of Leukemia?

Complications of leukemia include the following:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): DIC is a leukemia complication where blood clotting proteins malfunction, causing both clotting and bleeding. It is commonly linked to acute promyelocytic leukemia but can occur with other leukemia types. Regular lab monitoring and fibrinogen replacement with cryoprecipitate are crucial for patient survival.

Severe infections: Immunosuppression due to chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, or the leukemia alone raises the risk of severe infections.

Other cancers: Leukemia survivors have an increased risk of developing subsequent cancers. Research has found a 5.6 percent risk of any cancer occurring within 30 years after leukemia. The most frequent second cancers in childhood leukemia survivors are other types of leukemia or lymphoma.

Organ dysfunction: Leukemia cells can invade organs.

Death.

What Are the Treatments for Leukemia?

Some types of leukemia can be cured. Treatment for leukemia depends a lot on the specific type of leukemia and individual factors such as age and other health conditions. Conventional treatments include:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs, either injected or taken orally, to target fast-growing cells, affecting both cancerous and healthy cells. It’s the primary treatment for many types of leukemia. The typical treatment for AML is known as the “7+3” regimen, where patients receive cytarabine continuously for seven days and an anthracycline drug (either daunorubicin or idarubicin) for three days.

Targeted therapy: In recent years, new drugs have been developed that specifically target certain parts of cancer cells. These targeted drugs work differently from traditional chemotherapy and usually have different side effects. Imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that block the abnormal protein produced by the Philadelphia chromosome. Most patients respond well to TKIs, which are the standard treatment for CML, so acute chemotherapy is usually only necessary if the disease progresses to an accelerated phase or blast crisis. These drugs have also been successful in combination with chemotherapy for treating the blast phase, which previously had a poor prognosis.

Stem cell transplant: For some patients in remission who can handle intensive chemotherapy, the doctor might suggest a stem cell transplant during the consolidation phase.

Interferon therapy: Interferons are natural substances produced by the immune system, and interferon-alpha is a manmade version that mimics this natural substance. Interferon therapy helps slow the growth of leukemia cells.

Active surveillance: CLL progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia and usually doesn’t significantly shorten a person’s lifespan. Early treatment isn’t helpful unless the patient meets specific criteria for starting therapy.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is used to treat a person with CLL with an enlarged lymph node, spleen, or other organ.

How Does Mindset Affect Leukemia?

While mindset doesn’t play a role in the development of leukemia, it can influence how leukemia patients cope with the disease, its treatment, and treatment outcomes.

A positive mindset can help patients handle the emotional challenges of leukemia, potentially leading to better overall well-being. It can also encourage patients to stick with their treatment plans and follow medical advice.

Similarly, a constructive mindset can help in managing stress, which may improve how patients respond to treatment, and it can encourage patients to seek support from family, friends, and health care providers.

What Are the Natural Approaches to Leukemia?

While some natural remedies are available, more research and clinical studies are necessary to confirm their safety and effectiveness. Consult a doctor before trying any of them.

Medicinal Herbs

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): Feverfew, also known as bachelor’s button, is a daisy-like plant commonly found throughout North America. Malignant stem cells play a key role in the development and persistence of AML. The compound parthenolide, derived from feverfew, has been found to selectively trigger the death of these AML stem cells, unlike standard chemotherapy, which often misses these vital cells and leaves the root cause of leukemia unaddressed. 

However, parthenolide’s effectiveness in medical treatments was limited as the body didn’t absorb it well. In 2019, researchers at Birmingham University developed a new parthenolide derivative that is better absorbed by the body and has promising effects against leukemia based on in vitro and in vivo studies. So far, clinical trials haven’t been completed on this derivative’s effectiveness in treating leukemia.

Korean red ginseng: A 2009 study found that treating U937 human leukemia cells with Korean red ginseng extract slowed their growth and triggered cell apoptosis (programmed cell death). A 2016 study tested a water extract of Korean red ginseng on a leukemia tumor model created by transplanting T-cell lymphoma cells (RMA cells) into mice. When given orally, the extract reduced the size of the tumors, increased the levels of certain enzymes involved in cell death, and decreased another enzyme linked to cancer metastasis. Although the extract boosted the presence of CD11c+ immune cells, it did not directly kill the cancer cells.Based on cell line studies and mouse models, other medicinal herbs that can inhibit leukemia cell growth or trigger their apoptosis include:

Euphorbia formosana

Moringa oleifera

Typhonium flagelliforme

Acupuncture

As per a 2022 review, the evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness in alleviating leukemia symptoms is strongest in its ability to reduce pain and nausea/vomiting. Its effectiveness is less certain for symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, constipation, insomnia, night sweats, and itching (pruritus).

How Can I Prevent Leukemia?

With many risk factors being uncontrollable, there is no guaranteed way to prevent leukemia. However, you can take steps to lower your risk by:

Avoiding smoking

Limiting exposure to radiation (e.g., X-rays) and harmful chemicals (e.g., benzene)

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, being physically active, and eating a balanced diet that is restrictive of processed foods

Preventing HTLV-1 and EBV infection

• Getting regular checkups

How Long You Can Balance on 1 Leg Reveals Neuromuscular Aging

All of this indicates a working protocol that enhances strength and balance and surely applies to anyone over fifty.

It is also low impact which can give you gains while avoiding real damage.

Damage is badly understood and so easy to encounter. I personally went in for a training program under healthy heart and we did a battery of upper body exercises. After many such sessions my back muscles spasmed and it took specialist work over many weeks to release 13 separate spasms.  so much for that conventional scheme.

That is an example of what can surprise yoou.

How Long You Can Balance on 1 Leg Reveals Neuromuscular Aging

When balance goes, other physical abilities—such as strength—are also affected, but balance is often the first to change. Learn simple steps for better balance.

By Cara Michelle Miller

10/24/2024Updated:11/20/2024

https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/how-long-you-can-balance-on-1-leg-reveals-neuromuscular-aging-5747352?

A simple exercise—standing on one leg—can reveal a lot about how we age, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic.

Standing on one leg is a good measure of your overall health because balance reflects how the body’s systems work together, lead study author Kenton Kaufman, a senior research scientist at the Mayo Clinic, said in a statement.

The study, published on Oct. 23 in the journal PLOS One, found a “significant decline with age” in the ability to stand on one leg.

“Balance is crucial to every aspect of life and influences participation and well-being,” Anat Lubetzky, an associate professor of physical therapy at New York University, told The Epoch Times. “It helps us navigate stairs, carry groceries, and avoid falls or serious injuries.”

As we age, our muscles, coordination, and senses weaken, making it harder to maintain balance. Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injuries among adults aged 65 and older, and most falls result from a loss of balance. Understanding these changes is essential for maintaining health and independence.

Declining Balance: A Key Indicator of AgingAccording to the study, as we age, our ability to balance on one leg decreases.

Among 40 participants over 50—all in good health and free from neuromuscular disorders—the time they could maintain a one-legged stance decreased by two seconds per decade. For instance, if someone could balance for 30 seconds in their 50s, they might only manage about 28 seconds in their 60s and around 26 seconds in their 70s.

Participants performed several balance exercises, including standing on both legs with eyes open, standing on both legs with eyes closed, and single-leg standing on each leg, each lasting 30 seconds.

In addition to balance, researchers compared other factors, such as walking speed, grip strength, and knee strength. They found that balance and knee strength show significant declines with aging. Dominant grip and knee strength also decreased every decade, with one-legged balance deteriorating fastest.

This decline in balance “can serve as a reliable and gender-independent measure of neuromuscular aging,” the researchers said, often occurring before noticeable changes in other physical abilities, such as muscle strength and walking speed.

Kaufman believes proactive steps can improve balance: Standing on one leg helps you to train your muscles and vestibular responses to maintain balance. If you can stand on one leg for 30 seconds, you’re doing well, he said.

Understanding and Monitoring Balance

While losing balance on one leg is correlated with aging, that does not mean that training for it will stop aging or aging of the nerves, according to researchers not involved in the study.

While exercises like standing on one leg can be helpful, Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, cautions against relying solely on these tests for clinical decisions.

“Balance problems are often multifactorial, influenced by muscle weakness, neuropathy, and neurological conditions,” Segil told The Epoch Times. Neuropathy, which involves the fraying of nerves over time, is a common cause of balance issues.

“When patients experience neuropathy, we look for reversible causes like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies,” Segil said. “Identifying and treating these issues can lead to significant improvements.”

Segil and Lubetzky agree that experiencing an inability or decline in ability to stand on one leg doesn’t necessarily indicate a health problem; rather, it often reflects the challenge of the task itself, which is likely practiced less than activities like walking or standing on both feet.

As we age, balance challenges become more complex, so it’s crucial to address multiple aspects of strength and coordination, said Lubetzky. “If we practice standing on one leg, we’ll get better at standing on one leg. That’s great, but it’s not going to solve all balance problems and fall risks that happen with aging.”

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Segil. “When you walk, you make sure your bones don’t get brittle, you lubricate your joints, and you maintain your muscle mass. So, in my world, the most important activity is walking. I tell my patients every day, at 10 o‘clock and 2 o’clock, go for a walk.”

“I also think we should not ignore the decrease in knee strength and grip strength. Resistance training is very important as we age and can improve function in older age,” Lubetzky said.

Training Balance for Older Adults

To enhance balance at home, Lubetzky, who has provided workshops for seniors on training for balance and preventing falls, recommends engaging in a diverse exercise program that challenges people without overwhelming them.

“In my lab, we’re developing technology to create an accessible balance monitoring tool. This would allow individuals to assess their balance more effectively at home, beyond just one-leg standing time,” she said, noting that a physical therapist can evaluate your balance and help design a personalized program tailored to your needs.

Segil suggests that if you’re experiencing difficulties with walking or balance, see a doctor or neurologist to assess underlying conditions.

Getting Started

The Mayo Clinic suggests incorporating simple exercises like balancing on one foot while brushing your teeth. Other effective exercises include standing up from a seated position without using your hands or walking heel to toe for a short distance.

It recommends starting with these exercises:

Weight shifts: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, shift your weight to the right, and lift your left foot off the floor. Repeat on the other side. Increase repetitions as your balance improves.

Single-leg stand: Practice standing on one leg while holding onto a sturdy surface for support. Gradually increase the duration as you improve.

Bicep curls: Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in one hand. Lift your opposite leg and bend it at the knee while performing curls. Then, switch sides. As you improve, add repetitions or weight.

Scientists Tested 8 Famous Cities. Only 1 Met The Standard For Tree Cover.

The problem is that all our cities are built infrastructure and we want to work with it all.  All building alienate land for building and do little for the remaining land.

Sooner than later we will transition to gravity land vehicles which eliminates wheels and all that wear and tear.  Then roadbeds sill be removed and replaced with a working soil base allowing a growning grass surface easily maintained.

All this allows curbside boundary trees growing large enough to shade the roadbed and managing temperature.

Scientists Tested 8 Famous Cities. Only 1 Met The Standard For Tree Cover.

0 November 2024

ByThami Croeser, The Conversation

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-tested-8-famous-cities-only-1-met-the-standard-for-tree-cover

Can you see three trees from your home, school or workplace? Is there tree canopy cover shading at least 30% of the surrounding neighbourhood? Can you find a park within 300 metres of the building?

These three simple questions form the basis of the "3+30+300 rule" for greener, healthier, more heat tolerant cities.

This simple measure, originally devised in Europe and now gaining traction around the world, sets the minimum standard required to experience the health benefits of nature in cities.

We put the rule to the test in eight global cities: Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Denver, Seattle, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam and Singapore.

Most buildings in these cities failed to meet the 3+30+300 rule. We found canopy cover in desperately short supply, even in some of the most affluent, iconic cities on the planet. Better canopy cover is urgently needed to cool our cities in the face of climate change.

Explore all three interactive maps, zoom in or out and search by address or place, hit the "i" button for more detail. Source: Cobra Groeninzicht

Shady trees are good for health and wellbeing

People are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, obesity and heatstroke in places with fewer trees, or limited access to parks. But how much "green infrastructure" do we need to stay healthy and happy?

Dutch urban forestry expert Professor Cecil Konijnendijk set the standard when he introduced the 3+30+300 rule in 2022. This benchmark is based on his wide-ranging review of the evidence linking urban nature to human health and wellbeing.

While the rule is still relatively new to Australia, it is gaining momentum internationally.

Cities in Europe, the United States and Canada are using the measure, formally or informally, in their urban forestry strategies and plans. These cities include Haarlem in the Netherlands, Malmö in Sweden, Saanich in Canada, and Zürich in Switzerland.

Achieving 100% canopy cover is possible over streets, even in built-up areas. (Thami Croeser)

Putting the rule to the test

We applied the 3+30+300 rule to a global inventory of city trees that collates open source data from local governments.

We selected cities with the most detailed data for our research, aiming for at least one city on every continent. Unfortunately no suitable data could be identified for cities in Africa, mainland Asia or the Middle East.

Our final selection of eight cities features several regarded as leaders in urban forestry and green space development. The City of Melbourne is renowned for its ambitious Urban Forest Strategy.

New York is home to successful projects such as MillionTreesNYC and The Highline. Singapore is known for lush tropical greenery including standout sites such as Gardens by the Bay and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

Analysis of Melbourne and Sydney was restricted to central areas only, based on limitations in the data, while the other six analyses covered whole cities.

Most buildings across the eight cities met the three trees requirement but fell short on canopy cover. In contrast, three in four (75%) buildings passed the 30% canopy benchmark in Singapore and almost one in two (45%) passed in Seattle.

Just 3% of buildings in Melbourne had adequate neighbourhood canopy cover, despite 44% having views of at least three trees.

Central Sydney fared better, although only 17% of city buildings were shaded enough despite 84% having views of at least three trees.

Access to parks was also patchy. Cities such as Singapore and Amsterdam scored well on parks, while Buenos Aires and New York City scored poorly.

Since completing this study, we partnered with Dutch geospatial firm, Cobra Groeninzicht to map ten extra cities in Europe, the US and Canada. We found similar results in these cities.

Singapore was the only city to receive a pass mark on all three components of the 3+30+300 rule. (Croeser et al., 2024)

Too small and spaced out

We were surprised to discover so many buildings around the world had views to at least three trees but still had inadequate neighbourhood canopy cover. This seemed contradictory – are there enough trees, or not?

The issue comes up in other studies too. For example, the city of Nice in France recently revealed 92% of residents have views to three trees, but only 45% had adequate neighbourhood canopy.

When we looked into this issue, we found those three trees, visible as they may be, are often too small to create decent shade.

Planting density was an issue too. When a city did have large trees, they tended to be very spaced out.

Meeting the 3+30+300 rule therefore requires bigger, healthier longer-lived trees, planted closer together.

Explore all three interactive maps, zoom in or out and search by address or place, hit the "i" button for more detail. Source: Cobra Groeninzicht

City living is tough for trees

Many of our roads and footpaths sit on a base of compacted crushed rock, topped by impermeable asphalt or paving.

This means very little water reaches tree roots, and there isn't much space for the roots to grow. As a result, street trees grow slowly, die young, and are more susceptible to pests, disease and heat stress.

Above ground, trees face further challenges. Power companies have legal powers to demand sometimes excessive amounts of pruning. Residents and developers frequently request tree removals, often successfully.

This trifecta of high removal rates, heavy pruning and tough growing conditions mean large, healthy canopy trees are rare.

Planting new trees is surprisingly difficult too. Engineering standards often act against tree planting by requiring large clearances from driveways, underground pipes, or even parking spaces.

Instead of managing potential conflicts, trees are often simply deleted from streetscape plans. Sparse planting is the result.

Conservative powerline clearance rules requiring intense pruning of street trees are being challenged by urban forestry experts. (Thami Croeser)

Finding solutions to nurture tree canopy

Fortunately, there are solutions to all of these issues.

Legal reforms to put trees on equal footing with other infrastructure would be a great place to start. Trees do come with risks as well as benefits, but we need to manage those risks rather than settling for hot, desolate streets.

Better planting standards will be important too. Technology already exists to create larger soil volumes under footpaths and roads. Clever asphalt-like materials (often called "permeable paving") allow rain to infiltrate soils.

These approaches cost more, but they work very well. Not only do they potentially double tree growth rates, but they also help reduce flood risks and minimise issues such as roots blocking drains or causing bumpy footpaths.

Trees planted in specialised soil volume systems grow much faster, as do trees with proper access to water. In this trial, the tree on the right was planted in a soil vault, while the tree on the left (planted at the same time) was not. (CityGreen)

Our study is a clear call to action for cities to expand, maintain and protect their urban forests and parks to prepare for climate change.

With another record-breaking summer predicted, hot on the heels of the world's hottest year, growing tree canopy has never been more urgent.

We must push forward with these reforms and ensure our urban populations have all the green infrastructure they need to protect them into the future.

Thami Croeser, Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

Researchers discover revolutionary material that could shatter the limits of traditional solar panels

 

most do not realize just how small our solar harvest happens to be.  This strategy could tip the take upward to double the present energy harvest.  Understand we really have a long way to go but we are actually getting there.

Battery tech is now good enough but still costly and this breakthrough majorly lifts light absorption.

Installed infrastructure can double and triple this way.

Researchers discover revolutionary material that could shatter the limits of traditional solar panels — here's what you need to know

There's been a limit to how much energy we could capture — until now.

by Leslie SattlerNovember 17, 2024

Photo Credit: iStock

https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/alpha-phase-indium-selenide-solar-panel-material/

Researchers in Japan have discovered a breakthrough that could make solar panels more efficient than ever, according to SciTechDaily. This means cheaper energy bills and cleaner air for everyone.

Traditional solar panels have always hit a ceiling in terms of how much sunlight they can turn into electricity. It's like trying to fill a cup that can only hold so much water. There's been a limit to how much energy we could capture — until now.

Enter a revolutionary material with a fancy name: alpha-phase indium selenide. Unlike regular solar cells that waste some of the sun's energy, this material can capture and use more of the sunlight that hits it. Think of it like upgrading from a regular drinking straw to an extra-wide smoothie straw. You're able to take in more at once.

The research team at Shinshu University has been working to crack this puzzle, and its experiments show this material performs several times better than other similar technologies. That's not just exciting news for science; it's exciting for anyone who pays an electricity bill or breathes air.

When solar panels become more efficient, the benefits ripple through our communities. More efficient panels mean we need fewer to power our homes and businesses, making clean energy more affordable. They also mean we can generate more clean electricity from the same amount of space, helping our cities and towns transition away from polluting power plants that harm our health.

Lead researcher Professor Noriyuki Urakami shares the excitement about what this means for our future: "Our findings have the potential to further accelerate the spread of solar cells, one of the key technologies for environmental energy harvesting and a promising avenue towards a carbon neutral society."

While this discovery is still in the laboratory phase, it represents a major step toward next-generation solar technology. The researchers are optimistic their findings will accelerate the development of better, cheaper solar panels in the coming years.

Every time scientists push the boundaries of what's possible with clean energy, we get a little closer to a future where powering our lives doesn't mean choosing between our wallets and our well-being.

Digging below the surface: Hidden risks for ground-nesting bees

\We should have done this decades ago.  Yet here we are and in need of a mandate that protects insects in our agriculture.

Alternate strategies need to be honed and well applied.

all good finally when work like this comes out.

Digging below the surface: Hidden risks for ground-nesting bees

Sabrina Rondeau Authors Info & Affiliations

Science

14 Nov 2024

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt8998

Metrics

Modern intensive agriculture faces a critical paradox: The very pesticides designed to protect our crops endanger essential pollinators that sustain their productivity (1). As human reliance on pollinatordependent crops grows (1), it becomes more urgent than ever to reconcile the need for crop protection with pollinator preservation. The stakes are high, as pollinators, such as bees, are vital to food security and biodiversity (3).

Pesticide environmental risk assessments (ERAs) aim to approve only those agrochemicals that pose low environmental risks. Yet as mounting scientific evidence highlights adverse effects of authorized products on bees, it becomes clear that current ERAs fail to adequately protect insect pollinators (1, 4, 5). Part of the issue is a reliance on the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), by pesticide regulatory authorities worldwide, as the model species to assess risks to all bees (6). This specific focus is problematic owing to substantial differences in life history traits, exposure routes, and vulnerabilities among bee species (7). For example, whereas most of the world’s 20,000+ bee species are solitary, honey bees live in large colonies that benefit from social detoxification strategies, which buffer pesticide impacts (8).

Failures to detect and document pesticide impacts on wild bees arise from multiple other deficiencies, which include incomplete consideration of potential long-term and sublethal effects, overlooked exposure routes specific to wild bees, and failures to account for possible coexposure to multiple pesticides (1, 4). While completing my PhD at the University of Guelph, I addressed each of these pitfalls to help develop ERAs more suitable for a wider range of bee taxa.

Current ERAs overlook soil pesticide residues as a threat to pollinators because honey bees rarely interact with soil. In contrast, >80% of bee species nest or overwinter underground, which exposes them to these residues (9). My thesis used two agriculturally relevant model species: the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens, and the hoary squash bee, Xenoglossa pruinosa (see the figure), to study wild ground-dwelling bees.

Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are social insects. In temperate climates, queens overwinter underground for 6 to 9 months before establishing new colonies in the spring (10). Yet it was unknown how exposure to pesticide-contaminated soils might affect bumble bee queens during this critical phase. In contrast, the hoary squash bee is a solitary species that specializes on Cucurbita plants (pumpkins and squash). Females excavate individual underground nests within crop fields, which makes them highly vulnerable to soil pesticide residues (10).

To ensure field realism, I conducted a literature review to understand the extent of pesticide exposure for bees (12). Then, I generated the first field exposure estimates for overwintering bumble bee queens to pesticide residues in agricultural soils (10). I identified high risks of exposure to multiple pesticide residues for bumble bee queens that overwinter in agricultural soils in eastern Canada, especially in apple orchards. Orchard soils at suitable overwintering sites contained mixtures of up to 29 pesticides, and 95% of samples contained at least one insecticide, herbicide, and fungicide.

Pesticide exposure is dependent not only on the extent of agrochemical contamination in the landscape but also on how bees choose to use available resources. A key question is whether bumble bee queens can detect and avoid pesticide-contaminated soils, or whether they might be attracted to them. To address this question, I conducted a large-scale multiple-choice experiment where newly emerged bumble bee queens were offered numerous boxes of soil treated with different pesticides, alongside untreated soil, within large mesh-covered enclosures (13). I then analyzed the distribution of queen overwintering burrows (hibernacula) among these soil treatments.

I found that bumble bee queens did not avoid residues of commonly encountered pesticides when selecting overwintering sites; rather, they were seemingly attracted to pesticide-contaminated soils. This apparent preference increases their likelihood of exposure to and potential risk from pesticide residues while they overwinter underground. The mechanisms that drive these preferences are currently unclear, but further research on avoidance behavior or sensory perception of pesticides by bees will help elucidate them.

From exposure to impact

Ground-dwelling bees, such as bumble bee queens (A) and the hoary squash bee (B), are commonly exposed to pesticide residues in soil. This exposure can lead to lethal and sublethal impacts on behavior and brood production

.

My research also investigated two newer classes of insecticides marketed as safer alternatives to bee-toxic neonicotinoids—diamides (chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole) and butenolides (flupyradifurone)—in combination with commonly used broadspectrum fungicides. In the absence of established protocols, I developed a methodology to evaluate how pesticide residues in soil affect overwintering bumble bee queens. In a fully crossed experiment, I exposed bumble bee queens to soil treated with field-realistic concentrations of two diamide insecticides and two fungicides (boscalid and difenoconazole), alone or combined, over a 30-week overwintering period and examined the effect on queen overwintering survival and subsequent colony initiation success (14).

My research revealed size-dependent effects for bumble bee queens exposed to cyantraniliprole-treated soil. Heavier queens exhibited increased mortality and delayed brood emergence and produced smaller workers. These larger queens likely face greater vulnerability to cyantraniliprole because of their greater muscle mass (cyantraniliprole disrupts insect muscle function), greater surface area in contact with soil, and lower metabolic detoxification capacity. My findings suggest that cyantraniliprole impairs heavier queens’ ability to feed their brood and highlight potential cascading impacts on bumble bee populations, as larger queen size is key to successful overwintering and colony establishment in the spring.

In another study, I examined the effects of chronic exposure to two pesticides commonly used on squash crops—the soil-applied insecticide Sivanto Prime (flupyradifurone) and the fungicide Quadris Top (azoxystrobin and difenoconazole)—both alone and combined, on ground-nesting squash bees (15). In this fully crossed semi-field study, female squash bees were exposed to treated squash crops within large outdoor enclosures to replicate real-world conditions. Exposure to the fungicide reduced pollen collection by female squash bees, whereas coexposure to both pesticides synergistically induced hyperactivity and reduced the number of offspring that emerged from each nest. These results highlight potentially serious consequences for squash bees. For example, reduced offspring production per nest due to pesticide coexposure could contribute to population declines.

My research reveals a clear potential for ground-dwelling bees to be affected by field-realistic (co)exposure to soil pesticide residues. These findings urgently call for a reassessment of global pesticide regulations to create a safer, more sustainable agricultural future that protects both our crops and the pollinators they rely on.

Acknowledgments

The author thanks her PhD supervisor, N. Raine, for his mentorship and support; her advisory committee members for their guidance; and her colleagues and collaborators for their valuable contributions. This work was supported by scholarships from the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, the Fonds de recherche du Québec–Nature et technologies (FRQNT), and the Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph.