Can someone visit the biosphere in Oracle Arizona – Search

Yes, visitors can visit the Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona. The facility welcomes all visitors and strives to make its tours, exhibits, and programs accessible to everyone. While much of the Biosphere 2 campus is wheelchair accessible, certain areas of the property are not accessible due to steep terrain and the presence of stairs.

Visitors ages 8 and up who are interested in science and the environment can participate in the tours and programs 1 2.  It is located at 32540 South Biosphere Road in Oracle, AZ, northwest of Tucson. The facility is open every day of the year from 9:00am to 4:00pm, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day 2 3

Biosphere 2 – University Of Arizona

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Biosphere 2 is an American Earth system science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.

It has five synthetic ecosystems and a living area enclosed in a glass and metal structure. It was built to study the interactions between life systems and to test the feasibility of closed ecological systems for space colonization.

The Biosphere 2 Experience is a self-paced app guided tour that will lead you through the rich history and current research initiatives of this remarkable facility. The Biosphere 2 app should be downloaded prior to arrival in order to get the most out of your visit. The Biosphere 2 Experience will take place both indoors and outdoors.

Biosphere 2 – Apps on Google Play

The Biosphere 2 App provides an accessible and family-friendly guide for you to explore the groundbreaking science and unique history of this one-of-a kind facility. Visit Biosphere 2, owned and operated by the University of Arizona, to dive deep into all you need to know about the 30 years of history, architecture and awe-inspiring science.

Visitors should be prepared for the following physical requirements:

• This is a 75-minute walking tour, where you explore Biosphere 2 using your own smartphone and headphones.
• This is an indoor AND outdoor tour
• Approximately 100 stairs, both up and down
• 1-mile route to walk
• Varying weather conditions (Biosphere 2 Biomes are maintained as tropical environments, temperature and humidity inside the facility can reach the high 90’s)

Biosphere 2 is located in Oracle, Arizona – just outside of Tucson.  Although currently owned and operated by the University of Arizona, the complex and its creators have quite the backstory. We were excited to get to visit it in person!

The History of Biosphere 2

In the 1960s, John Allen was the leader of an idealistic and eccentric performance group located in San Francisco called the Theatre of All Possibilities.  His group then founded the Synergia Ranch collective in the New Mexico desert, where they constructed an environmental-centric community that included a Buckmisterfuller geodesic dome.   In the 1970s, they built the Heraclitus, a ship that they used to travel the world to explore its art, science, ecology.

Those adventures lead Allen and his team to envision a way to settle other planets. 

Keep in mind that this was right around the time that movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Silent Running” were out.   But before colonizing other planets, they needed to figure out how to create a closed system on earth that would support human life.  Given that earth itself was “Biosphere 1,” their project would be named “Biosphere 2.”

How did Allen and his followers pay for all of this? 

Most of the money came from Ed Bass, an oil billionaire from Texas who ultimately became chairman of Space Biosphere Ventures. For a location, John Allen eventually found some acreage in Oracle.  The Biosphere 2 property was first homesteaded in the 1920s by a dentist who ran a cattle farm and hunting lodge.  

In the 1950s, Lady Margaret of Suffolk built a large adobe home and servant quarters. The Motorola Corporation acquired the property and built a hotel, restaurant, and auditorium, and the facility was used as an executive training center. 

The University of Arizona obtained the property in the 1970s, but sold it to Space Biosphere Ventures in 1984, who built Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 broke ground in 1987, and construction was complete in just four years.  That included construction of: (1) a test module, (2) greenhouses where plants and animals were quarantined prior to placing them in Biosphere 2, (3) analytical lab, and (4) mission control.   

To me, the “lungs” were perhaps Biosphere’s 2 most interesting engineering feats.  As the air in Biosphere 2 heated, the pressure created by the expanding gas had to go somewhere or it would literally explode.  The solution was to create the “lungs” —40,000 pounds of flexible rubber attached to an aluminum steel disc that would move with the pressure. 

The biosphere itself included a tropical rainforest, ocean with a tropical coral reef, savannah, mangrove marsh, arid coastal fog desert, agricultural area, and living quarters.  Ten two-story apartments were designed for each resident, featuring a downstairs living area and upstairs bedroom that could be decorated to each person’s taste.  A library sat atop a long spiral staircase at the top of the biosphere that provided 360-degree views of surroundings.

Biosphere 2 – Lungs (Oracle, AZ — just outside of Tucson, Arizona)

For Biosphere 2’s first mission, a crew of eight “Biospherians” stayed in the system from 1991 to 1993.  Another mission with seven Biospherians in 1994 lasted about six months.  Media coverage was intense, and the launch of the first mission made the nightly news and many of the morning talk shows. 

Each Biospherian took turns preparing meals, which were low calorie and high in nutrients. Sweet potatoes, beets, and legumes were popular.  Goats, chickens, and pigs also lived in Biosphere 2.  Coffee was a luxury as the beans were difficult to grow and roast.  For alcohol, they tried to make banana wine.  One of the Biospherians was a doctor, and his job was to focus on how their diet affected them. If you are wondering, the crew had a 22-25% body fat loss during the mission. 

During both missions, low amounts of food and oxygen plagued the participants.  The air typically contains 21% oxygen, but because of all of the photosynthesis occurring in the closed dome, the oxygen levels dropped to a dangerous 14%, and oxygen had to be pumped into the system.  The project was later criticized for not disclosing this in a timely manner, especially given the media attention.

Food was scarce because, among other things, the hummingbird and honey bee pollinators died.  Meanwhile worms and mites ate the crops and cockroaches flourished. The mission was subject to criticism for other reasons as well.  When a Biospherian cut her finger on a threshing machine, the mission’s doctor ultimately decided she needed to go to a hospital for surgery.  

Upon her return to the “closed” system, she also brought a duffel bag filled with computer parts and color film. Biosphere 2 employees also reportedly supplied the Biospherian employees with seeds, vitamins, mouse traps and other supplies twice a month.  None of this was disclosed to reporters, and the project lost credibility after the press found out.

During the second mission, the owners decided to transition the project from being a human habitation experiment to an environmental experiment.  Interestingly, Steve Bannon (yes, THAT right-wing, Breitbart-founding Steve Bannon) became CEO for a couple of years.  Academics were brought in, and in 1996, Columbia University took over the project.  

They changed it from a closed system to a “flow-through” system, and operated research projects there for seven years.  One project showed how increasing carbon dioxide levels in the ocean would adversely affect the coral reefs. 

After several years of inactivity (which resulted in the coral reefs completely dying), the University of Arizona took over management in 2007 and then acquired ownership in 2011 from Mr. Bass, along with $20 million to support its research. 

Today, the University operates the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) out of the facility.  Scientists are trying to understand how water changes as it goes from rain and encounters various environments.   An energy center includes chillers, boilers, generators that run on both natural gas and diesel to keep Biosphere at proper temperatures.

An agri voltaics project illustrates how both the solar energy and resulting heat from solar panels can be harvested to produce a system that is around 80% efficient. In addition to conducting active research, the University also maintains a Conference Center with 28 casitas and nearly 100 rooms on the property. 

Visiting Biosphere 2

To visit Biosphere 2, we booked one of the time slots online for $25/person fee through Biosphere website and downloaded the self-guided tour on a mobile app created by the University of Arizona.  The mobile app is a series of videos that visitors are supposed to play at designated spots along the Biosphere 2 property.   We downloaded the mobile app ahead of time. 

 Biosphere 2 – Apps on Google Play

The Biosphere 2 App provides an accessible and family-friendly guide for you to explore the groundbreaking science and unique history of this one-of-a kind facility. Visit Biosphere 2, owned and operated by the University of Arizona, to dive deep into all you need to know about the 30 years of history, architecture and awe-inspiring science.

 If you are planning a trip to Biosphere 2, my advice is to watch all of the videos prior to visiting.  We had a hard time hearing our own video when several other people were playing the same thing in the background.  

Eight people attempted to live in a biosphere for two years and it went terribly wrong

While somewhat informative, the  University’s  mobile app video tour is lacking in many ways.   Instead, our advice is to watch the Spaceship Earth documentary, preferably before your visit. Unlike the documentary, the mobile app focuses largely on the facility itself and not on the people who created Biosphere 2 and the controversy surrounding that. 

Science on Screen Presents Spaceship Earth

 Maybe that is because the University is trying to promote its own ongoing research.  Or maybe that is because the Biosphere 2 missions were controversial in nature.  However, I think that most people who visit Biosphere 2 will be disappointed that there is not more information on the Biospherians themselves. 

The World Is A Book – Family Travel | Tips | Itineraries

Tales from the Morgue: Locked in at Biosphere II

 Biospherians 2, Oracle, Arizona

Getting Back to Earth | TIME

Admittedly, that is largely why I wanted to visit. 

The tour includes a hallway with photos from the original mission.   And, near the kitchen at Stop 106, the Biospherians are shown at work in a two-minute looped video.  There are a few notebooks on display as well.   But beyond that, most visitors will really have to use their imagination to understand what life was like inside Biosphere 2 during the mission.   During our visit, we were unable to venture inside the living quarters or up to the library for the 360-degree views.

As for the two-minute video, I note that the video was looped on a very small ~32” TV screen.   Was the University nostalgic for 1990s-screen sizes?   Or was this just another way that the University wanted to deemphasize history?  By the way, the video is the same as the one in the University’s mobile app (Stop 105 – Upper Human Habitat & Kitchen).

At one point not too long ago, University’s tour included human tour guides and docents, but then did away with them in 2020.   Bringing them back would likely make any visit much better.   As an alternative, the University could have the 19 videos in the mobile app play on appropriately-sized TVs located at each of the tour stops.   I’m just sayin’…

Another possible improvement to the visiting experience would be to have screenings of the Spaceship Earth documentary (or excerpts thereof) in one of the Conference Center rooms as part of the tour – maybe even for an extra fee that could be shared with the producers of the documentary.

Biosphere 2 is an incredibly compelling story. With just a few improvements, the University of Arizona can make the experience for visitors just as compelling.

The mobile app is a good try, but it is less than satisfying.

Eight people attempted to live in a biosphere for two years and it went terribly wrong

Exploring The Origins Of Humanity: A Complete Timeline of Human Evolution | Watch

Inside the ’90s ‘cult’ that locked humans inside ‘Spaceship Earth’

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: – Search Videos

By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP

Findings from a recent case study show that personalized lifestyle and environmental changes successfully reversed autism symptoms in fraternal twin girls diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study appeared in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.

The study also reviewed existing literature on the impact of lifestyle and environmental modifications on ASD, supporting the findings with evidence from similar cases and studies.

The Study Details

The case study involved 4-year-old dizygotic twins who were diagnosed with “level 3 severity” autism spectrum disorder, which the study describes as “requiring very substantial support.” The twins were diagnosed at approximately twenty months of age.

Dizygotic twins, or fraternal twins, result from two separate eggs (ova) being fertilized by two separate sperm. These twins are genetically similar to typical siblings but can be as different from each other as siblings born at different times. They do not share the exact same genetic material and, therefore, can look different and have different characteristics.

The case study shows that a non-drug, personalized approach by a team of multidisciplinary clinicians successfully reduced the number and severity of ASD symptoms using a variety of methods.

Conception

The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization using an egg donor and carried by a surrogate. Their father was 51 years old at the time of conception. They were born two months premature and spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. The twins received routine vaccinations at three and six months, but no further vaccination until fourteen months. The girls were given acetaminophen before and after vaccination.

Initial Symptoms

The girls’ parents observed some initial symptoms. One twin had sensitivity to changes, eczema, and digestive issues, and the other had problems making eye contact, babbling communication, difficulty breastfeeding, and decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).

Both twins received breast milk (from the surrogate and their biological mother) for twelve months and had no issues with eating or sleeping.

At twelve months, the girls stopped drinking breast milk, and the introduction of cow’s milk caused digestive as well as behavior and language problems in both girls.

In March of 2021, the girls received the series of vaccines that had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After this round of vaccinations, their parents noticed a worsening of some symptoms, including “significant language loss” for one of the girls, who began communicating using only single words.

ASD Diagnosis

Due to the worsening symptoms, the twins were evaluated for autism spectrum disorder, and both subsequently met the criteria for DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Lifestyle and Environmental Interventions

After their diagnosis, the twins’ parents began a comprehensive, personalized approach to address their daughters’ condition. Their approach was holistic and non-pharmacological and considered a variety of potential environmental and biological factors influencing ASD.

The interventions and support for both the twins and their parents began after the twins’ diagnosis at approximately twenty months of age and continued over the following two years. The following is a summary of their interventions and support:

• The parents worked with a coach to help understand the twins’ diagnosis and gain confidence.
• The parents learned about the “total allostatic load” concept, which links chronic stressors to disease, and used resources like webinars and forums through Epidemic Answers.
• The parents completed the Child Health Inventory for Resilience and Prevention survey—“a comprehensive assessment of total allostatic load (cumulative effects of chronic stress on mental and physical health) among children.”
• Made Dietary changes—They followed the Reduced Excitatory Inflammatory Diet, eliminating glutamate, gluten, casein, sugar, artificial colors, and processed foods, and focused on organic, fresh, home-cooked meals from local sources.
• Incorporated dietary supplements—The girls took supplements that included omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and homeopathic remedies.
• Differentiating the twins’ needs—Genetic variants revealed that each twin had different needs, for example, one twin needed more vitamin D, while the other needed support for neuroinflammation and detoxification.
• The twins received various therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy focused on neuro-sensory motor reflex integration.
• The family addressed toxins in their home, using an environmental consultant to evaluate air quality, moisture levels, and water damage.
• One twin had osteopathic care on the recommendation of a developmental optometrist resulting in notable improvements in communication and overall disposition.

Throughout the study, the children’s parents shared insights about their journey, “Conventional statistics have stacked the odds against the ability to recover a child from an ASD diagnosis. Our approach was therefore focused on following a nonconventional, holistic understanding of each daughter’s bio-individual needs, exploring root cause and designing customized support,” they said.

“We chose practitioners who were aligned in our belief in our daughters’ intrinsic ability to heal given the right support.”

Results

Due primarily to the implementation of lifestyle and environmental changes over two years, the twins achieved a reversal of their diagnoses of level 3 autism spectrum disorder. Significant improvements were seen in their social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns.

There were also dramatic improvements in scores using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist—a 77-question assessment tool used to evaluate the effectiveness of ASD treatment, with lower scores indicating improvement in symptoms.

Both twins “improved dramatically,” with one going from a score of 76 to 36 in seven months, and the other from 43 to 4 over the same period.

The study notes that the improvements were so profound the pediatrician exclaimed that one of the girls had undergone “a kind of miracle.”

The combined interventions, along with the commitment of the children’s parents, led to a “dramatic improvement and reversal of ASD diagnoses” for the twins.

Beth Lambert is founder and executive director of Epidemic Answers, a website made up of parents, clinicians, researchers, authors, and wellness experts dedicated to helping kids heal from health issues. She is also one of the study authors.

Mrs. Lambert spoke with The Epoch Times and explained that there is hope for children with ASD and other conditions as well as resources for parents to support them through the process.

“We’re doing research to try to gather evidence that many of these conditions are reversible. But also we’re trying to create a platform where we can give solutions to parents—we’re trying to educate them, and we have an online community [Healing Together] where we’re teaching them how to do this work themselves,” she said.

Autism Prevalence

According to the study, the prevalence of autism is growing with increasing speed. In the early 1990’s the number of children diagnosed with autism in the United States was 1 in 2000. Throughout the 1990s, the diagnostic criteria for autism were broadened to include a wider range of symptoms and behaviors. This expansion is reflected in updated editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

For example, in the DSM-IV, published in 1994, the diagnostic criteria were expanded and broken into subtypes such as Asperger’s disorder, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

There was a further expansion of the criteria in the DSM-5 released in 2013, which merged the previous subtypes into one unified diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.

These changes contributed to a significant increase in autism diagnoses in the subsequent years—however, some physicians believe that these factors alone are not enough to account for the dramatic rise in ASD diagnoses.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, in 2000, 1 in 150 children had a diagnosis of ASD, but their most recent data state that in 2020, 1 in 36 children had a diagnosis of ASD, which represents more than a 300 percent increase in the last two decades.

The study states that “Published projections estimate that even if the future prevalence of ASD remained unchanged over the next decade, there would be approximately 1 million new cases, thereby resulting in an additional $4 trillion of lifelong social costs in the United States. Furthermore, if the current rate of increase in prevalence continues, costs could reach nearly $15 trillion of lifelong costs by 2029.”

Mrs. Lambert says, “Modern living is making our children sick, but it’s also making all of us sick—and our children are the canaries in the coal mine.”

Final Thoughts

The study findings suggest that environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the manifestation of ASD symptoms and that targeted interventions in these areas can lead to substantial and lasting improvements—including a reversal of symptoms.

The study authors note that the engagement of the parents or caregivers is vital to the process.

“The commitment and leadership of well-informed parents or guardians is an essential component of the effective personalization that appears necessary for the feasibility of such improvements.”

What the study clarifies is that treating ASD requires a personalized, multifaceted approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, as ASD diagnoses are as unique and complex as the individuals they affect.

The twins’ parents agree, according to a section in the study containing their perspective.

“Having fraternal twin daughters diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 20 months has given us a profound appreciation of the highly individual presentation of Autism.”

For families dealing with an ASD diagnosis, Mrs. Lambert says “You are not alone.”

“I want people to know that there is support for them. We have a conference [Documenting Hope] so that we can invite parents in so that they can become part of our community. We can do this together, which is working to heal our kids together.”

Reposted from: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/autism-reversal-in-twin-girls-through-lifestyle-and-environmental-changes-new-study-5672976

Study shows reversal of Autism symptoms in twins through lifestyle changes instead of drugs | CENTRIST

36-year study reveals what really affects Antarctic ice thickness

Story by Mac Olivea

The sea ice in Antarctica’s McMurdo Sound has held secrets beneath its surface for decades. Now, scientists have unlocked some of those mysteries by studying how this fast ice—frozen sea water attached to the coast—has changed from 1986 to 2022. These findings don’t just matter to researchers and station crews; they also matter to the animals that call Antarctica home and the global climate system at large.

What Fast Ice Really Means

Fast ice isn’t the same as the floating, broken pack ice often shown in images of the polar regions. This type of sea ice clings to the shore and stays in place for weeks, months, or even longer. For wildlife like penguins and seals, it’s more than a frozen surface—it’s a vital platform for breeding, resting, and feeding. Underneath, fast ice shelters algae, krill, and fish from predators and cold temperatures.

It also provides a safe route for scientists studying the atmosphere above and the ocean below. “The ice needs to be stable and thick enough to do this safely,” explained one of the researchers.

Maren Richter on the fast ice next to a measurement site from which a sea ice core was taken. Coring equipment and part of the automated measuring site is on the right. The Trans-Antarctic Mountains are visible in the background. (CREDIT: Inga Smith)© The Brighter Side of News

Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand wanted to understand what factors control how thick this fast ice gets. So they analyzed over 30 years of direct, in-person measurements taken from a flat, stable 14-by-20-kilometer section of McMurdo Sound. These data form one of the longest and most detailed records of Antarctic fast ice in the world.

What the Long-Term Data Reveals

When scientists studied the data, they didn’t find a simple upward or downward trend in ice thickness. Instead, they saw that it changed year by year. Some years the ice grew thicker; other years it stayed thin. What caused this?

The answer comes down to three key things: temperature, wind, and storms.

Thicker ice formed during colder winters, especially when the average air temperature dropped below normal. Strong winds from the south, which push warmer air away and bring in colder conditions, also helped build thicker ice. Fewer storm events gave the ice more time to grow undisturbed.

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But monthly averages couldn’t always explain the changes. Even when one factor pointed toward thicker or thinner ice, the outcome often depended on a mix of other conditions. “Most of the variability in fast-ice thickness cannot be explained by a single driver,” the study stated. That’s why scientists suggest a new approach—looking at specific events, like intense storms, and how they impact the ice over shorter periods.

One of the study’s main goals was to find out whether climate change has already affected fast ice in this part of Antarctica. The answer, surprisingly, is not yet—at least not in an obvious way.

“The ocean/ice/atmosphere system there seems to still be able to balance out effects of climate change,” said Dr. Maren Richter, the lead researcher who completed the work as part of her PhD. She pointed out that while air temperatures have slightly increased over the last 10 years, the full dataset from the mid-1980s to 2022 shows no clear long-term trend.

Maren Richter (kneeling) pieces together a sea ice core taken at an automated measuring station (seen on the right). Professor Lars Smedsrud, of the University of Bergen, is seen standing. (CREDIT: Inga Smith)© The Brighter Side of News

That doesn’t mean nothing is changing. Dr. Richter cautioned that 30 years is still a short time when trying to understand long-term climate patterns. There may have been changes earlier that went unmeasured. She also stressed that other regions of Antarctica do show trends in ice thickness, extent, and persistence.

nHer supervisor, Associate Professor Inga Smith, added that fast ice may cover less area than pack ice, but it plays a big role in Earth’s climate system. It also supports the breeding cycles of many Antarctic animals.  

Why Long-Term Monitoring Matters

By tracking how thick the ice is each year and what affects it, researchers now have a baseline. That means they can more easily tell when something unusual happens. If future years show major differences from this baseline, it might be a sign that climate change is starting to overpower natural variation.

Dr. Richter emphasized the value of such long-term datasets. “Only long time series of observations allow us to distinguish between natural variability and trends influenced by climate change,” she said.

She also hopes this information will help scientists plan research safely and give supply teams guidance on what type of ship can reach the research stations depending on the ice thickness.

The data could also help fine-tune computer models that simulate future changes. These models can use the baseline to test how fast ice might behave 50 or even 100 years from now, especially in a world with more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

“Now might be the last time we can observe some systems before effects of climate change dominate over natural variability,” she said.

(a) Map of McMurdo Sound with position in Antarctica (b), and relative to Ross Island (c). (CREDIT: U.S. Geological Survey) © The Brighter Side of News 

Looking to the Future

Although fast ice in McMurdo Sound hasn’t shown a clear trend yet, that doesn’t mean it’s safe from future changes. The next steps include examining how specific weather events, like powerful storms, affect the ice in real time. This approach could uncover patterns that monthly averages overlook.

The results of the study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, show that the icy grip of Antarctica is more complex than it seems. With careful tracking and smart modeling, scientists can continue to uncover what lies beneath—and prepare for what’s to come.

Note: The article provided above by The Brighter Side of News.

  Related video: Scientists drill nearly 2 miles down to pull 1.2 million-year-old ice core from Antarctica (The Associated Press) – Search

An international team of scientists announced Thursday they’ve successfully drilled one of the oldest ice cores yet, penetrating nearly 2 miles (2.8 kilometers) to Antarctic bedrock to reach ice they say is at least 1.2 million years old.

Analysis of the ancient ice is expected to show how Earth’s atmosphere and climate have evolved. That should provide insight into how Ice Age cycles have changed, and may help in understanding how atmospheric carbon changed climate, they said.

“Thanks to the ice core we will understand what has changed in terms of greenhouse gases, chemicals and dusts in the atmosphere,” said Carlo Barbante, an Italian glaciologist and coordinator of Beyond EPICA, the project to obtain the core. Barbante also directs the Polar Science Institute at Italy’s National Research Council.

The same team previously drilled a core about 800,000 years old. The latest drilling went 2.8 kilometers (about 1.7 miles) deep, with a team of 16 scientists and support personnel drilling each summer over four years in average temperatures of about minus-35 Celsius (minus-25.6 Fahrenheit).

An ice core drilled by a research team at Little Dome C field base during the cutting phase Tuesday. PNRA / IPEV Beyond Epica via AP

Italian researcher Federico Scoto was among the glaciologists and technicians who completed the drilling at the beginning of January at a location called Little Dome C, near Concordia Research Station.

“It was a great moment for us when we reached the bedrock,” Scoto said. Isotope analysis gave the ice’s age as at least 1.2 million years old, he said.

Both Barbante and Scoto said that thanks to the analysis of the ice core of the previous Epica campaign they have assessed that concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, even during the warmest periods of the last 800,000 years, have never exceeded the levels seen since the Industrial Revolution began.

“Today we are seeing carbon dioxide levels that are 50% above the highest levels we’ve had over the last 800,000 years,” Barbante said.

The Little Dome C field base and drilling station is in eastern Antarctica. PNRA / IPEV Beyond Epica via AP

The European Union funded Beyond EPICA (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) with support from nations across the continent. Italy is coordinating the project.

The announcement was exciting to Richard Alley, a climate scientist at Penn State who was not involved with the project and who was recently awarded the National Medal of Science for his career studying ice sheets.

Alley said advancements in studying ice cores are important because they help scientists better understand the climate conditions of the past and inform their understanding of humans’ contributions to climate change in the present.

He added that reaching the bedrock holds added promise because scientists may learn more about Earth’s history not directly related to the ice record itself. “This is truly, truly, amazingly fantastic,” Alley said. “They will learn wonderful things.”

Institute for Precision Medicine – A partnership of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC

Precision Medicine has traditionally focused on genome sequencing to match patients to the most likely effective treatment. This approach, while increasingly effective, is nonetheless limited by our imperfect understanding of the genome and its mutations. To address this limitation, Dr. Olivier Elemento – Search Videos has initiated a wide-ranging, pan-cancer tumor avatar program leveraging tumor organoid ex vivo culture and state-of-the-art high-throughput drug screening. 

Dr. Elemento’s work seeks to inform therapy selection using empirical drug testing, including drug combinations. Dr. Elemento’s team is also actively exploring a variety of technological improvements for organoid technology from CRISPR screening, to immune co-cultures and new matrices. 

This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of Dr. Elemento’s research program, discuss opportunities and challenges in the use of organoids for precision medicine, and describe the long-term vision for this exciting field.

Olivier Elemento, Ph.D., is Director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.  Additionally, Dr. Elemento serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Computational Biomedicine and guides students not only as Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, but also Computational Genomics in Computational Biomedicine.  

Dr. Elemento’s lab combines Big Data analytics with experimentation to develop new ways to help prevent, diagnose, understand, treat, and cure cancer. Dr. Elemento’sresearch involves routine use of ultrafast DNA sequencing, proteomics, high-performance computing, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.

Dr. Elemento’s areas of focus include:  systems biology of regulatory networks in normal and malignant cells, with a strong focus on blood cancers (lymphomas and leukemias); cancer genomics and Precision Medicine using novel computational algorithms to identify new cancer mutations to better understand why and where cancer mutations occur, with specific interest in whether 3D chromatin architecture predicts where mutations are more likely to occur; cancer epigenetics.

Using high-through put experimental approaches and pattern detection techniques to investigate what mutated cancer genes do and the genome-wide epigenetic patterns they mediate; the evolution of tumor genomes, using high-throughput sequencing to investigate how the tumor genome and epigenome change with drug treatments; machine learning to detect cancer as early as possible to guide treatment accordingly; and the development of innovative computational approaches for analysis of high-throughput data sets (for example,   metabolomics, proteomics, and high-throughput sequencing) obtained from cancer cells.  

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search

Treating bone cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy2. The best approach depends on factors like the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

• Surgery: The goal is to remove the cancerous tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, bone reconstruction may be necessary.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells, often used when surgery isn’t possible or to eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs help kill cancer cells, especially for certain types of bone cancer like osteosarcoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Some newer treatments focus on specific cancer cell characteristics to stop their growth.

If you or someone you know is dealing with bone cancer, it’s important to consult a medical professional for personalized treatment options.

You can find more details here:

1www.mayoclinic.org   2my.clevelandclinic.org   3www.cancer.org

Are there any promising clinical trials for bone cancer?

Yes! There are several promising clinical trials for bone cancer in 2025. Here are a few notable ones:

• Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial in Osteosarcoma: This study aims to predict the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to different chemotherapy agents using tissue cultures in the lab.
• Cabozantinib Addition to Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma: A phase II/III trial testing the safety and effectiveness of adding cabozantinib to standard chemotherapy for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients.
• ZN-c3 in Combination With Gemcitabine for Osteosarcoma: A phase 1/2 study evaluating the combination of ZN-c3 and gemcitabine in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma.
• Radium-223 Dichloride for Bone Metastases: Several trials are exploring the use of radium-223 dichloride in combination with other treatments for bone metastases in prostate, renal, and breast cancer.

If you’re interested in participating or learning more, you can check out the full list of trials at UCLA and UC Davis.

Let me know if you’d like help finding more details!

1ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org  2clinicaltrials.ucdavis.edu

What are the objectives of the Organoid-based trial?

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial in Osteosarcoma aims to improve treatment selection for osteosarcoma patients by using patient-derived organoids (PDOs)—miniature, lab-grown versions of tumors. The key objectives of the trial include:

• Predicting Chemotherapy Sensitivity: Researchers are testing whether organoids can accurately predict how a patient’s tumor will respond to different chemotherapy agents.
• Personalized Treatment Guidance: By analyzing tissue samples obtained during routine biopsies or surgeries, the study hopes to identify the most effective treatments for individual patients.
• Understanding Drug Resistance: The trial investigates why some osteosarcomas are resistant to standard chemotherapy and explores alternative treatment strategies.
• Genetic Testing for Better Insights: Additional genetic testing of tumors will help researchers understand osteosarcoma at a molecular level, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.

This approach could revolutionize osteosarcoma treatment by making therapies more precise and effective. If you’re interested, you can find more details here.

Let me know if you’d like help exploring related trials!

1www.uclahealth.org

Are there other trials using organoids for personalized medicine?

Yes! There are several ongoing clinical trials using organoids for personalized medicine in 2025. These trials aim to improve drug testing, predict treatment outcomes, and even explore autologous organoid transplantation. Here are a few notable ones:

• Organoid-based Drug Safety and Efficacy Testing: Researchers are using mini-organs to predict how drug candidates will perform before clinical trials begin, reducing reliance on animal testing.
• Organoid-based Tumor Outcome Prediction: This study focuses on using patient-derived organoids to assess individual responses to cancer treatments and guide personalized therapy decisions.
• Integration of Organoids with Organ-on-Chip Technology: Scientists are working on combining organoids with microfluidic systems to better mimic human physiology and improve drug development.

These advancements could revolutionize precision medicine by making treatments more tailored to individual patients. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out the full details here.

Let me know if you’d like help finding specific trials!

1www.nature.com  2academic.oup.com  3www.genengnews.com

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search Videos

How do organoids compare to traditional methods in personalized medicine?

Organoids offer several advantages over traditional methods in personalized medicine, particularly in disease modeling and drug testing. Here’s how they compare:

• More Accurate Disease Models: Organoids mimic the 3D structure and cellular diversity of real tissues, making them more representative of human biology than traditional 2D cell cultures.
• Better Drug Testing: Since organoids are derived from patient-specific cells, they can predict individual responses to treatments more effectively than animal models, which often fail to replicate human physiology.
• Personalized Treatment Selection: Organoids allow doctors to test multiple therapies on a patient’s own cells before administering treatment, reducing trial-and-error approaches.
• Potential for Transplantation: Some studies are exploring autologous organoid transplantation, where lab-grown tissues could be used to replace damaged organs, a possibility that traditional methods don’t offer.

While traditional methods like animal models and monolayer cell cultures have been useful, organoids are proving to be a game-changer in precision medicine. If you’d like to explore more details, you can check out this article.

Let me know if you want to dive deeper!

1academic.oup.com 2www.creative-biolabs.com

Organoid-based personalized medicine: from tumor outcome prediction to autologous transplantation | Stem Cells | Oxford Academic

What are some specific examples of organoids in personalized medicine?

Organoids are making waves in personalized medicine, offering exciting possibilities for disease modeling and treatment customization. Here are some notable examples:

• Cancer Treatment Testing: Patient-derived tumor organoids are used to test different chemotherapy drugs, helping doctors choose the most effective treatment for individual patients.
• Liver Disease Research: Scientists have developed liver organoids that mimic real liver function, allowing for personalized drug testing and potential regenerative therapies.
• Brain Organoids for Neurological Disorders: Miniature brain organoids are being used to study conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, providing insights into disease progression and treatment responses.
• Gut and Intestinal Disease Models: Researchers have created gut organoids to study inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and test new therapies tailored to individual patients.
• Autologous Organoid Transplantation: Some studies are exploring the possibility of growing organoids from a patient’s own cells for transplantation, reducing the risk of rejection.

These advancements are revolutionizing precision medicine, making treatments more tailored and effective. If you’re curious to dive deeper, you can check out more details here and here!

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial – Search Images

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial – Search Videos

Functional Precision Medicine – Search

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search

Former President Joe Biden Moonshot Program Never Happen© Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Joe Biden Had Unrivaled Medical Care.

How was Joe Biden’s cancer not caught earlier?

How Did His Cancer Go Undetected?

Story by Brianna Abbott, Annie Linskey

The news that the former president is battling an aggressive, stage-4 prostate cancer that has spread to the bone ignited a public debate about why a person with peerless access to medical care was diagnosed at such an advanced stage with a disease that is quite common in men his age.

Many prostate cancers in the U.S. are detected with a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. The test is cheap and can help find potential cancer before symptoms appear. There are some particularly aggressive prostate cancers that don’t secrete enough PSA to be flagged on the test. But those are rare, doctors said.

Whether Biden, 82, had been getting regular PSA screening before his diagnosis isn’t publicly known, and prostate cancer screening for men in their 80s isn’t considered standard care. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed volunteer panel of experts that makes preventive health recommendations, advises against PSA screening for men ages 70 and above, based on concerns about false positives and overtreating low-risk forms of the disease. Other groups advise older men to make the decision about whether to continue screening in consultation with their doctors.

“It’s in many ways unsettling that someone who has what is undoubtedly fantastic medical care could suddenly be diagnosed with aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer,” said Dr. Todd Morgan, co-director of the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer at Michigan Medicine. “On the other hand, this is often how prostate cancer presents. We typically don’t do PSA screening beyond 75 or late 70s.”

Biden, however, wasn’t a typical patient.

As the oldest president in U.S. history to seek re-election, his health was under considerable scrutiny by voters. His eldest son died of brain cancer at age 46, prompting Biden, then vice president, to launch his “cancer moonshot” initiative to accelerate the fight against the disease. His poor performance in last year’s presidential debate forced him out of the 2024 race, and new attention on his acuity while in office is amplifying concerns that his aides concealed his decline.

Donald Trump—the second oldest president at age 78—does get screened. He released the results of his prostate cancer screening last month, showing a normal score. Barack Obama released his PSA score when he was president, as did George W. Bush.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday evening, Trump said he is “very sad” to hear about Biden’s diagnosis and raised questions about why it wasn’t discovered earlier. “Someone is going to have to speak to his doctor,” Trump said. “I feel badly about it, and I think people should try and find out what happened.”

Biden’s prostate cancer may have gone undiagnosed for years based on severity, doctors say The Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is currently probing whether top White House officials concealed negative information about Biden’s decline. The probe began last Congress and included a request for an interview with Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician as president, and testimony from former Biden aides—but those asks would need to be renewed.

President Biden speaking at an event last year promoting an initiative aimed at reducing cancer deaths.© Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Chris Meagher, a spokesman for Biden, didn’t respond to questions about whether Biden was screened for prostate cancer as president. O’Connor didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Biden’s cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive and could therefore be receptive to hormone-reducing drugs, and cancer doctors have said that even patients with metastatic disease can live for years, thanks to newer therapies. But the disease probably isn’t curable at this stage, and Biden will likely be grappling with it for the rest of his life.

Around 10% of prostate cancers are already metastatic by the time they are diagnosed, prostate cancer specialists said. Symptoms including difficulty urinating or blood in the urine often don’t appear until the disease is advanced. Biden’s prostate cancer is one of the most aggressive kinds, implying that it is relatively fast-spreading, though it could have gone undetected for years, specialists said.

“It’s possible that he could have had it growing in him for years, or it could be possible that this had a shorter time course,” said Dr. Phillip Koo, chief medical officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “If someone were to get PSA screening annually after age 70, I’d imagine something like this would have been picked up earlier.”

Doctors have debated for decades how often to screen men for prostate cancer, and when to stop. The test can pick up cancers early while they are more treatable, but it can also flag false positives and pick up slow-growing cancers that would never have become life-threatening, particularly in older men, leading to overtreatment and corresponding harms.

“In the majority of cases, our guidelines really maximize their quality of life and reduce the harms associated with overdetection and aggressive screening,” said Dr. Behfar Ehdaie, a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which says on its website that PSA testing after age 75 is “rarely helpful.”

Many men stop screening at age 75 because doctors think men with a low or normal PSA value at that age have a low risk of developing life-threatening prostate cancer, said Dr. Jonathan Shoag, a urologist who specializes in oncology at University Hospitals and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.

But the number of later-stage, life-threatening diagnoses in the U.S. has increased in recent years, after medical groups started to advise less screening overall, Shoag and others said.

There is no public battery of medical tests required for all presidents and no standard release forms showing results. O’Connor said in February 2024 that Biden was “fit for duty” after a comprehensive assessment by a team of doctors.

“I would say it’s surprising he did not get this test, given the fact that the proclivity of presidential physicians is to test more rather than less,” said Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, a physician and vice provost for global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, speaking Monday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“Either they didn’t test for it, or they did test for it, they didn’t report it, and we didn’t get the information as a public,” said Emanuel, a former White House health adviser.

Trump has at times failed to be transparent about his health.

But he made a point of bragging about his prostate screening results when he was running for president. “My PSA has been very good,” Trump said in a September 2016 interview with Mehmet Oz, who is now his Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator. “It’s always the first number I ask for. I say, ‘Give me that number.’” Trump was 70 years old at the time and a candidate for president.

Write to Brianna Abbott at brianna.abbott@wsj.com and Annie Linskey at annie.linskey@wsj.com

As president, he should have had every test possible, especially cancer screenings, regardless of his age.  

Why did this not happen, or did it and they LIED about that too? Too many excuses for the old man. If the rest of the world could see it in what few times he was allowed in front of cameras, his family HAD to know. I find that his family showed no concerns for his decline to be the most despicable of all.

There are two possibilities, both of which are pretty bad.

One is they knew he had it but lied about this condition to the public the entire time. The other is that it was missed. Both are pretty bad if you think about it. I disagreed with Biden but prayed he could recover. It’s a horrible cancer. I fear cancer a lot personally.

There is only ONE possibility.

Doctors usually do not recommend PSA testing for senior men. But We are talking about the President of the United States. They do extremely detailed screenings. He gets care beyond a normal citizen. It still looks pretty bad.

As POTUS he had access to stellar medical care. 

BS that him hiding his ENTIRE medical condition for his ENTIRE presidency being unwarranted is crap.  Their cover up is known as gaslighting the American people.  The Biden family, his handlers and senior members of the Democratic Party are culpable 100%.  To believe anything else is an arrogant, self indulgent fantasy of failing to be held accountable … it’ called political Münchausen syndrome.

Political Munchausen syndrome is not a recognized term. However, Munchausen syndrome, also known as factitious disorder imposed on self, is a mental health disorder where individuals falsify or exaggerate having symptoms of an illness they don’t really have12345.  

Factitious disorder imposed on self
Other names	Munchausen syndrome[1]
Specialty	Psychology, psychiatry

 Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS), sometimes referred to as Munchausen syndrome, is a complex mental disorder where individuals play the role of a sick patient to receive some form of psychological validation, such as attention, sympathy, or physical care.^[2] Patients with FDIS intentionally falsify or induce signs and symptoms of illness, trauma, or abuse to assume this role.^[3] 

These actions are performed consciously, though the patient may be unaware of the motivations driving their behaviors. There are several risk factors and signs associated with this illness and treatment is usually in the form of psychotherapy but may depend on the specific situation,^[4]   which is further discussed in the sections below. Diagnosis is usually determined by meeting specific DSM-5 criteria after ruling out true illness as described below. 5

Factitious disorder imposed on self is related to factitious disorder imposed on another, which refers to the abuse of another person in order to seek attention or sympathy for the abuser. This is considered “Munchausen by proxy”, and the drive to create symptoms for the victim can result in unnecessary and costly diagnostic or corrective procedures.^[3] Other similar and often confused syndromes/diagnoses are discussed in the “Related Diagnoses” section.

Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis May Have Just EXPOSED Democrats

It likely didn’t go undiagnosed — more like UNDISCLOSED.  Biden has A-fib, advanced stage dementia, Parkinson’s and now they have DISCLOSED he has prostate CA with metastases to bone.  At his age and advanced stage of dementia (as well as Parkinson’s, A-fib) they are nuts to give him anything but palliative care and/or hospice.  Cruel to treat the CA at this time.  My brother was more than 10 years younger than Biden’s current age and in very good health when he was diagnosed with prostate CA.  

Look at meds commonly used for prostate cancer… look at the side effects, some are permanent.  Now look at Biden’s behavior over the 4 years.  Quite certain he was diagnosed and treated but was withheld.  In the 2022 video Biden admitted he had cancer clearly shows that Biden audibly said he HAS cancer. Bing Videos  Still not right under any circumstance how this was handled.   

He was treated with radiation which caused a LOT of problems with ureters, bladder.  His problems from the treatment were worse than the CA.  He became incontinent, has hot flashes and constant UTIs and blockages of ureters, damage to bladder. And my brother does not have dementia.  Give him his pity party and let him live out his days as comfortable as possible.

T N Cancer can be dormant for years. 

No test will pick it up until the cancer grows. I know, I am a cancer survivor.  Mine grew very quickly from the time it was discovered, until the surgeon removed the tumor four weeks later.   Cancer is not an exact disease.  Some people can live for years without surgery, chemo or radiation.  Others die within weeks of being diagnosed.

The PSA test is usually done every one to two years for men who want to be screened for prostate cancer, beginning at age 50. Most men should get a PSA blood test every 1 to 2 years, depending on their age, PSA levels, and risk factors. General guidelines recommend starting PSA screenings at age 55, but you may need one earlier based on different factors.  Until you’ve reached age 70, then it is no longer recommended. 

Go to the web and do the W 3x in front of this and see for yourselves. health harvard edu mens-health prostate-specific-antigen-blood-test-psa-test-a-to-z – Search

Dana Graham

A PSA is a yearly blood test that screens for prostate carcinoma. No symptoms are needed to order the test.  They LIED, plain and simple. Remember when his physician gave him a “clean bill of health” before the last election? I GUARANTEE the cancer was there and was either missed, or more likely, deliberately ignored. I’m board certified in Internal Medicine and have been in practice for over 30 years. IF his physician missed this, they should be fired for incompetence. I KNOW physicians employed at that level are NOT incompetent. The only logical conclusion is that they lied. They lied about his dementia, the border, everything else, 

John Melaragni

Corn Pop

First, it’s a blood test. Second, it’s not recommended for men over 70:  The USPSTF recommends against routine PSA screening for men 70 years and older due to the risks of false positives and overdiagnosis of indolent disease123.   Recommendation: Prostate Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce  “This is because the potential benefits of treatment are considered minimal, and the potential harms of treatment (like impotence or incontinence) may outweigh the benefits. “

Micki Jack

It didn’t go undetected.  I agree with HIPAA protections, but am not a fan of how the Biden family gas lit the American people.  If they knew that his condition could jeopardize- even remotely- his ability to carry on as POTUS, they are copiously responsible.  Just another box to check when it comes to the Democrats proving they have put the party over America.

Moving Forward

If a person reads the article some blood tests do not secrete enough PSA to register as troublesome. Biden started to have urinary problems, so the Doctors probably opted for the more invasive test. This means taking biopsy samples of the prostate usually through the anus. That invasive test is usually not done routinely unless there are more reasons to do it. People have a right to privacy in their medical decisions, however, not as POTUS who serves the American People.

Bob Uecker – Mr. Baseball | Carson Tonight Show

Bob Uecker’s Baseball Hall of Fame Speech: ‘Baseball was the only way I wanted to go’ ⚾️ Watch as iconic Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster the late Bob Uecker accepts the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2003.

Environmental features linked to dementia risk and cognitive decline

Story by PsyPost

Estrogen-plus-progestin imbalance and memory loss – Search

Imbalances of estrogen and progesterone may have profound effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, predisposing women to a variety of mood disorders and neurodegenerative processes. Menopause, whether natural or surgical, is often associated with complaints of memory issues1.

 Hormonal imbalances can affect brain chemistry and mental awareness, and estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone contribute to blood flow in the brain, protecting against memory loss and dementia2.

People living in greener, more walkable neighborhoods may face a lower risk of developing dementia, while those exposed to more air pollution might face a higher risk, according to a large review of existing studies. The findings, published in Ageing Research Reviews, highlight connections between environmental factors and brain health as people age.

Dementia is a growing global concern, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. It encompasses a range of disorders that impair memory, thinking, and daily functioning, including Alzheimer’s disease. With an aging population and no available cure, finding ways to prevent or delay dementia has become a pressing goal in public health. 

While many studies have examined genetic and lifestyle factors, researchers are now turning their attention to environmental influences. Previous studies have hinted that elements such as air quality, traffic noise, and neighborhood design may affect brain health, but results have been inconsistent and often based on subjective reports.

To address this gap, a team of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This means the researchers carefully examined and combined data from many previously published studies. A systematic review aims to gather all relevant evidence on a topic, while a meta-analysis uses statistical techniques to combine the results of those studies and provide a clearer picture of how strong the observed effects are. Only studies that used objective measures—such as satellite data, geographic information systems, and pollution monitoring—were included to ensure the most reliable results.

TIP WHICH HELPS MY MOTHER: Buspirone Anxiety and Dementia – Search

• Antianxiety medications can help reduce anxiety in people living with dementia. Dementia refers …
  The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
• Treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia typically involves treating the symptoms…
• Caregivers should consider taking an active role in helping administer medications.
• This can help keep a person with dementia on track regarding taking the correct medications.

  Related video: 2/3 of Alzheimer’s Patients are Women, Here’s What it Does to the Brain (Newsworthy Women) – Search

“My interest in this research topic is because of the urgent global challenge posed by dementia. As dementia affects millions of people and effective treatments remain limited, I was driven to explore modifiable risk factors that could help delay or even prevent cognitive decline,” said study author Linlin Da, a PhD student at the University of Georgia.

“I became particularly interested in investigating the role of the built environment, and how factors such as air pollution, urban design, and the availability of green spaces might influence cognitive health. By utilizing objective measures to assess these environmental exposures, I aimed to address inconsistencies in previous studies and contribute to a clearer understanding of how urban planning and environmental policies could support dementia prevention.”

The researchers searched five major scientific databases and initially identified over 1,800 studies. After a thorough screening process, they selected 54 high-quality studies for their systematic review, 21 of which were also suitable for meta-analysis. The included studies came from around the world, with sample sizes ranging from under 200 to over 63 million individuals, most of whom were aged 60 and older. 

These studies measured environmental exposures like fine particulate matter in the air (known as PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, proximity to green spaces, and access to local services. Outcomes included diagnosed dementia or measures of cognitive decline over time.

The researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop dementia. Specifically, exposure to fine particulate matter—tiny particles that can be inhaled into the lungs and bloodstream—was associated with a 9% higher risk. Nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to a 10% higher risk. Living near major roads, often a source of both air pollution and noise, was also tied to a 10% increase in dementia risk.

In contrast, people living in neighborhoods with more green and blue spaces—such as parks, forests, rivers, or lakes—had a 6% lower risk of developing dementia. These areas were also associated with slower cognitive decline. Neighborhoods with more connected street layouts and better walkability also supported cognitive health, possibly by encouraging physical activity and social engagement. Access to food stores, community centers, and healthcare services was similarly beneficial.

While these associations don’t prove direct cause and effect, they are consistent with what scientists already know about how the environment can affect the brain. Air pollution is known to cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can harm brain tissue and potentially contribute to dementia. On the other hand, green spaces may help protect the brain by reducing stress, encouraging exercise, and improving sleep—all of which are known to support cognitive health.

The study did have some limitations.

The researchers found considerable variation across the studies they analyzed. This so-called heterogeneity reflects differences in study designs, populations, and how environmental factors were measured. Some factors, like indoor air quality or socioeconomic status, were not always taken into account, and the methods used to estimate environmental exposure may not perfectly reflect individuals’ real-life experiences.

Still, the authors emphasize that their findings provide strong evidence that environmental features play a meaningful role in brain health. By focusing on studies that used objective measurements and following participants over time, the researchers were able to offer a more reliable picture than many past efforts.

Song hopes the findings will help shape future research and public health efforts. “These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” said Suhang Song, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

Urban planning decisions—like adding parks, improving air quality, and making neighborhoods more walkable—may offer a promising path toward protecting cognitive health at the population level. Future research may focus on how to better measure these environmental exposures over time, and how they interact with genetics, lifestyle, and other personal risk factors.

The study, “Objectively measured environmental features and their association with cognition and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” was authored by Linlin Da, Xia Song, Zimu Jia, Nicholas Gary Lamont Myers, Jin Sun, Jingkai Wei, Daniel Jung, Feiyang Li, and Suhang Song. 

What the research says about estrogen loss and memory loss – Search

Estrogen and memory loss are related in the following ways: 

Estrogen depletion during perimenopause can cause memory decline. Memory often improves after menopause. Estrogen-plus-progestin therapy doubles the risk of dementia. Estrogen alone increases the risk of dementia by 50% .Women on estrogen-only therapy have a 26% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.

Perspective: Estrogen and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Missing Choline(rgic) Link? – It can be hard to measure mild memory loss because research is largely dependent on women’s perceptions that they’ve experienced memory loss. Also, memory declines with age, so it can be hard to determine if it’s caused by menopause.

Still, studies on the effect of estrogen on memory support the idea that estrogen depletion during perimenopause causes memory loss, and that memory improves after menopause.

For example, a large 2004 study supports the finding that hormone changes during perimenopause often cause a decline in verbal memory. It found these effects are separate from the natural effects of aging. This study provides the basis for many current studies.

Another four-year studyTrusted Source found that women couldn’t learn as well during perimenopause. After menopause, women returned to the learning levels they demonstrated before perimenopause.

A reviewTrusted Source published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology also identified reduced memory and thinking skills in women during perimenopause and menopause. The women in the study reported problems especially with forgetfulness and concentration. 

Why does memory decline?

The exact effect of estrogen and progesterone loss on the brain is not well understood. It’s believed that estrogen may help the neurotransmitter systems that send signals in brain areas involved in memory and information processing. Many researchers also think that estrogen promotes the growth and survival of neurons, the cells that send electrical impulses. These impulses serve as messages that are crucial for making your brain and nervous system work properly.

What you can do

There are a few things you can do to help keep your memory functioning at its best through this time.

Get good rest

Sleep loss contributes to mood disturbances and depression.

Try these tips to maintain a healthy sleep cycle:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule, including on the weekends.
• Reduce your caffeine intake.
• Keep your bedroom cool, and consider placing a fan nearby.
• Purchase a cooling pad or pillows with cooling elements.
• Make sure your room is as dark as possible.
• Learn relaxation techniques, such as mindful meditation or yoga.
• Exercise, but not right before bedtime.
• Wear bedclothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, linen, or silk.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods.
• Consider asking your doctor to arrange a sleep assessment.

Eat right

Food that’s bad for your heart may also be bad for your brain. This means that you should limit saturated fats and trans fats found in foods such as fried foods, battered foods, and baked goods.

Try these other tips for eating a healthful diet, as well:

• Eat a diet that’s rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables.
• Look for whole-grain products in breads and side dishes.
• 15 Foods With More Omega-3s Than Walnuts
• Choose low-fat dairy options.
• Eat eggs to get the protein and vitamin D you need for bone health.
• Use non hydrogenated oils, such as olive oil, safflower oil, or canola oil.
• Choose products made with unhydrogenated oil if you’re purchasing processed food.
• Limit sweets, especially baked goods and carbonated beverages.
• Limit red meat.

Exercise your body

Exercise stimulates your brain in areas that are critical to memory and information processing. It also improves the functioning of the hippocampus, a part of your brain responsible for different types of memory.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that premenopausal and postmenopausal women get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, five days per week. A combination of aerobic and resistance exercise has the greatest impact.

Aerobic exercise can include:

• walking
• riding your bike
• aerobics classes
• tennis
• the stair machine
• dancing

Resistance exercises include:

• lifting weights
• exercising with a resistance band
• exercises that use your body for resistance, such situps, pushups, and squats

Exercise your brain

Keeping your brain active helps stave off the effects of aging. Try these tips to give your brain a workout.

• Do crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
• Play word games. Matching Spidey Game
• Play online brain games and also quizzes.
• Read books, newspapers, and magazines.
• Learn something new, like a musical instrument or a new language.
• Spend time talking and socializing with family or friends.  

When to seek help

It’s normal to be forgetful as you age and go through menopause. Normal occurrences may include losing your keys, forgetting why you entered a room, or having a name slip your mind.

If your menopause symptoms are severe, though, you may want to talk to your doctor about low-dose menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT increases your risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and gallbladder disease. If you have a history of any of those diseases, you are not a good candidate for MHT. But your doctor may recommend limited use to help control your symptoms.

More serious cases

Be aware of symptoms that may be signs of more serious memory problems, such as:

• repeating questions or comments
• neglecting hygiene
• forgetting how to use common objects
• being unable to understand or follow directions
• forgetting common words
• getting lost in places you know well
• having trouble carrying out basic daily activities

Symptoms such as these warrant a visit to the doctor. The doctor may check for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There are many other reasons for memory loss, as well, including:

• medications
• infection
• head injury
• alcoholism
• depression
• overactive thyroid

Your doctor can help you figure out the cause of your memory loss and the best treatment.

Outlook

Researchers agree that memory loss is common in perimenopause, and that it often improves after menopause. Talk to your doctor to create a plan to get you through perimenopause. Keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor as you progress through perimenopause. As you near menopause, you will hopefully begin to feel better, and your memory will begin functioning more fully.

Estrogen and memory loss are related in the following ways: 

Healthline+1

• Estrogen depletion during perimenopause can cause memory decline.
• Memory often improves after menopause.
• Estrogen-plus-progestin therapy doubles the risk of dementia.
• Estrogen alone increases the risk of dementia by 50%.
• Women on estrogen-only therapy have a 26% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.

Perspective: Estrogen and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Missing Choline(rgic) Link? – PMC

US approves first blood test for Alzheimer’s

Credit: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

The United States on Friday approved the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a move that could help patients begin treatment earlier with newly approved drugs that slow the progression of the devastating neurological disease.

The test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, measures the ratio of two proteins in the blood. The ratio is correlated with amyloid plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s that, until now, has been detected only through brain scans or spinal fluid analysis.

“Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people—more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary.

“Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”

There are currently two FDA approved treatments for Alzheimer’s: lecanemab and donanemab, which target amyloid plaque and have been shown to moderately slow cognitive decline, though they do not cure the disease.

Advocates for the intravenous antibody therapies, including many neurologists, say they can offer patients a few additional months of independence—and are likely to be more effective if started earlier in the disease’s course.

In clinical studies, the blood test produced results largely in line with positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans and spinal fluid analysis.

“Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for US patients earlier in the disease,” said Michelle Tarver of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The test is authorized for use in clinical settings for patients showing signs of cognitive decline, and results must be interpreted alongside other clinical information.  Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It worsens over time, gradually robbing people of their memories and independence.

First blood test for Alzheimer’s diagnosis cleared by FDA

FDA greenlights first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s in US

7 million Americans with the common dementia could benefit from less invasive diagnostic, experts say Angelica Stabile

An Alzheimer’s patient embarks on a cross-country walk to showcase healthy aging
Thirteen years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Judy Benjamin, 80, has just embarked on a 3,000-mile journey across the country. – Search

The first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a press release, the agency announced its approval of the first in-vitro diagnostic device, Lumipulse.

The method is intended for early Alzheimer’s detection in adult patients over the age of 55 who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease. The first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a Friday press release, the agency announced its approval of the first in-vitro diagnostic device, Lumipulse.

The method is intended for early Alzheimer’s detection in adult patients over the age of 55 who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE COULD BE PREVENTED ANTIVIRAL DRUG ALREADY ON MARKET

The new technology works by detecting amyloid plaques in the brain, a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s.

While PET scans can pick up these plaques, they can be “costly and time-consuming” while exposing patients to radiation, according to the FDA.

The new Lumipulse device reduces the need for a PET scan or other invasive testing, the agency said.

In a clinical study of 499 plasma samples from cognitively impaired adults, the Lumipulse test detected the presence of amyloid plaques in 91.7% of individuals.

The results indicate that the new blood test can “reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired,” the FDA concluded.

The FDA noted the risk of false positive test results from Lumipulse, which could lead to inappropriate diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., MPH, wrote in a statement, “Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.”

“Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients,” he said.

Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., PhD, also commented in the press release that nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

“And this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million,” she said. 

“Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”Dementia brain scan
The new technology works by detecting amyloid plaques in the brain, a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s, according to the FDA. (iStock)

The first blood test used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing Friday, meaning the laboratory test can be marketed and sold in the U.S., a significant benchmark for detection of the brain disorder that affects 10% of people aged 65 and older.

Key Facts

The diagnostic device that tests blood to help diagnose Alzheimer’s was developed by Fujirebio, a Japanese biotechnology company.

Unlike the newly cleared blood test device, other FDA-authorized or cleared Alzheimer’s tests instead used cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients collected through spinal taps—invasive procedures involving the puncture of the lumbar.

Top FDA official Michelle Tarver said the clearance makes Alzheimer’s diagnosis “easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”

An FDA study found the blood test “can reliably predict” the presence of protein conditions associated with Alzheimer’s at the time of the test in cognitively impaired patients.

Big Number

6.7 million. That is the estimated number of Americans who have Alzheimer’s in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which notes that number is expected to double by 2060.

Surprising Fact

As of now, the lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s for people aged 45 is one in five for women and one in 10 for men.

Key Background

Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a lengthy process consisting of memory testing, laboratory tests, brain-imaging examinations and more. The Alzheimer’s Association has said the increase in blood tests for the disease could make for earlier and more accurate detection and diagnosis, potentially taking precedent over standard methods that are “expensive, invasive and not always accessible.” 

Costs for people with dementia, which Alzheimer’s is a form of, are projected to reach $384 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion by 2050. Up and coming blood tests could also help recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials and cut down wait times for disease assessment. Healthcare experts have contributed the forecasted dramatic increase in Alzheimer’s to an increase in the aging population and improved diagnosis.

Further Reading

Latest Alzheimer’s lab tests focus on memory loss, not brain plaques (NPR)

Alzheimer’s blood test catches 90% of early dementia cases, study finds (CNN)

FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease. What to know about Lumipulse.

Ken Alltucker

USA TODAY

We’re now closer to being able to diagnose the most common form of dementia with a simple test. The Food and Drug Administration on May 16 said it cleared the first blood test for Alzheimer’s disease.

The blood test is for patients 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of the mind-robbing disease.

The Lumipulse blood plasma test detects a disease hallmark, amyloid plaques, which form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

This approval marks a milestone for patients, their families and doctors, said Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.

“The ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier with a simple blood test, like we do for cholesterol, is a game changer, allowing more patients to receive treatment options that have the potential to significantly slow or even prevent the disease,” Fillit said.

The blood test is the first of what researchers say could be a new generation of blood tests to replace expensive brain scans and spinal taps now used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Early diagnosis could allow patients earlier access to FDA-approved drugs to treat Alzheimer’s, an incurable disease that afflicts an estimated 7.2 million older Americans.

In a statement, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. “I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients,” Makary said.

The Lumipulse blood test is made by Japanese company, Fujirebio Diagnostics, which markets a similar Alzheimer’s test that measures cerebrospinal fluid collected by spinal tap. The company did not return messages from USA TODAY asking when the blood test would be available and how much it would cost.

The test calculates a ratio of two proteins, tau and amyloid, found in blood plasma. The ratio approximates a measure of whether a patient has amyloid plaques in their brains − a disease hallmark that is now detected by images from expensive PET scans.

FDA Oks first blood test that can diagnose alzheimer’s disease – Search

In clearing the new blood test, the FDA evaluated a clinical study that measured 499 samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The study measured how often the blood test detected amyloid plaque compared to existing PET scans or spinal fluid tests.

The blood test picked up nearly 92% of cases detected by scans or spinal fluid. Less than 20% of cases received an inconclusive result, the FDA said. In a news release, the FDA said the test can “reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease” in people who are cognitively impaired. 

The test is meant to be used at memory clinics or other specialized care settings. Risks include possible false positive or false negative results. Alzheimer’s researchers believe the disease takes root with brain changes before memory and thinking problems surface. 

The new generation of blood tests could lead to earlier diagnosis and give patients access to medication. The FDA has approved two Alzheimer’s drugs targeting amyloid plaques in adults with early signs of the disease.

Eli Lilly’s Kisunla and Eisai and Biogen’s drug Leqembi include warnings for MRI-visible injuries, which can include brain swelling and tiny bleeds at the surface of the brain.

 I Traded My Stressful Job for Van Life. Here’s How I Stay Safe and Truly Enjoy the Solitude © Abigail Joselyn

The term “harried” is defined as:

• Beset by problems or harassed. 1
• Worried and angry, especially because people keep wanting things from you. 1
• Rushed, panicked, or overly busy. 1
    These definitions capture the essence of feeling overwhelmed or stressed due to various demands or pressures.
•  Typically, a “harried” person is overwhelmed, stressed, or troubled by constant challenges and responsibilities. 
•   Someone who is harried is feeling the stress of being rushed, overworked, or harassed.
• Harried (adjective)
  1. feeling strained as a result of having demands persistently made on one; harassed:
  2. “Harried always have to answer ringing phones” Similar: harassed under the cosh hassled Up against it meaning tormented plagued hounded hagridden beset vexed distressed troubled bothered flustered agitated beleaguered hard-pressed
  3. Opposite: untroubled

Story by Julia Sullivan 

Abigail Joselyn, a self-described “extrovert,” says she used to rarely do anything, including buying groceries, solo. That is until the (now) 26-year-old decided to throw caution to the wind, quit her promising accounting job, buy a van, and live in it while traveling around the country. Joselyn says the journey has been pretty lonely during the last two years, but she never regrets her decision: The solitude has made her a stronger, more resilient person. Here’s her story, as told to associate health conditions director, Julia Sullivan.

After earning my master’s degree in 2021, I immediately got my CPA and started working at a major accounting firm in Lakeland, Florida—one of “The Big Four.” Though I took pride in my performance and was good at what I did, I was miserable, logging super long hours. I remember my mom saying to me at one point, “When you’re not working, you’re a completely different person.” My career was sucking all of the joy from my life.

During this time, I started going on excursions anytime I had a long holiday weekend—I was desperate for a break. On one trip in particular with a friend, we started talking about “van life”—nomadic solo travelers who live, and explore the country, in their vehicles. We followed some people on social media who posted about it, but it never clicked in my brain that it was something I could do until that conversation. (I had never even been camping in general, let alone traveled anywhere by myself!)

When I got back home, “van life” was just something I just couldn’t get out of my mind. I’m a pretty impulsive person—I thought, ‘Why not me? Why couldn’t I do something like this?’ So, I told my parents I wanted to a) buy and build out an empty van, and b) see if my job would let me work remotely on the road. Of course, they (especially my dad) figured it was a “whim” kind of thing. I had what everyone wanted, right? Why would I try to blow up my life like that? I just knew I couldn’t stay on my current path for much longer. Something needed to change.

About two months after returning from that trip, I began test-driving vehicles and got really excited. This felt like something I could actually do. I think my parents were still a little skeptical, but after I made a down payment on one, things suddenly became real. In the next few months, they helped me put in 20 or more hours per week to build out my new four-wheeled home. My job was surprisingly onboard—(they agreed to let me work fully remote). However, I knew I wouldn’t have the experience I wanted—or the energy to do this—if I was still working a ton of hours each week. So, with some money saved up (and the hope that I could make a little more by boosting my social media presence), I quit my job and prepared to set out on the road for at least a year, I told myself, to see if this was something I could achieve.

Trading the Harried Life for Solitude – Search

I Traded My Stressful Job for Van Life.

Here’s How I Stay Safe and Truly Enjoy the Solitude© Abigail Joselyn

My mom joined me for the first 16 days, traveling from Asheville, North Carolina (where my parents were located) to the California coast. It was a really special, beautiful trip. I think because she was with me, it didn’t feel real at first. When my mom finally left, I remember crying the entire day. I was so afraid. I recall finding a little spot on the California beach to park the first night by myself, unsure where I’d go next. I realized I wasn’t going home anytime soon. This tiny van was my home now.

The next morning, I decided to pack up and head to Joshua Tree National Park in California. Again, I wasn’t *really* sure what I was doing (and everything still felt so overwhelming), but one evening in that area, when I was making dinner, a girl and her dog walked past me. She mentioned that she and her friends—other people living in vans—were having a bonfire later that evening, and invited me. We all clicked straight away, and those people are some of my closest friends today. Sure, I did this as a self-discovery journey, hoping to find out who I truly was. But I had no idea the kind of community around it.

Of course, that hasn’t always been the case. In those early days, before I built up a friend group of other Van-Lifers, I was lonely a lot—particularly during holidays. We’re not big on them in my family, but I recall my mom calling me on Christmas Day when I was alone in White Sands National Park in New Mexico. After we hung up, I watched a bunch of families sliding down the sand dunes, laughing and having fun. I started sobbing.

While moments like that have been (and still sometimes are) hard for me, I have to remind myself that this was my choice. I don’t have to be alone—I can drive anywhere, and see anyone, I want, at any time. That’s a big deal, because a lot of people might think living solo in a van would be scary. I actually felt more afraid of being by myself in an apartment, or even walking home from the bars! Sure, I’ve had a couple of unnerving experiences on the road—particularly in cities. But I could simply…drive away. If someone knocks on my door when my window covers are up, I just jump into the driver’s seat and leave. I’m always moving, so it feels less scary.

In that sense, I’ve discovered one beautiful part of this solitary lifestyle: 

When I go somewhere, it’s because I *actually* want to do it. I don’t drop in on friends or catch scenery across the country because it’s convenient—I carve time out and make an effort. Still, that freedom can come with major decision fatigue. I always tell people: You can have a lazy night in a van, but you can never have a lazy day. There are so many things you have to plan, from figuring out where I can park at night to mapping out my route each day. 

Speaking of: Being sick is really brutal because you still have so many chores and so much to do. Even when I feel awful, I still have to go to the grocery store, fill my water tank, and dump my portable compost toilet. Those are days where I’m like, ‘Wow, life would be so easy to just live in a house, to get something delivered, and to relax.’ It can be a lot.

Then there’s dating, which has been…challenging. You have to make compromises to make relationships work, and to live this kind of lifestyle you have to be a little selfish. I’ve dated a few people who also live in vans, but it’s such a small community. I recently got out of a relationship with a stationary girl, who I’d drive or fly to see. But schedule-wise, it doesn’t add up: I have so much freedom, and she didn’t. It’s just hard.

I’ve been on the road for two years and I plan to do it for another two. Beyond that point, I’d love to own a small piece of land and build a tiny little home on it—I don’t think I could go back to the way things were. But I don’t think I could ever sell my van. I have such special memories of building it with my parents.

For someone who might want to try something like this: You don’t have to go from nothing to living in a van. You can plan solo hikes, or even just go to a restaurant to eat by yourself. Every little thing you do alone, no matter how big or small, will build your confidence. Before this journey, I was afraid to be by myself. Now, when I see a hike I really want to do, I go out and actually do it—no companion necessary. That was never me before. Our society makes us feel stuck, but that’s never the case.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

• Real Name:  Ame In A Van’s full name is Amélise Burr1 2 3 4 5 
• Nationality: United Kingdom Amélise Burr’s – Search

 Place Of Birth: Cambridge, England   _Born: Sep 4, 2000  known for her van life video content on YouTube and TikTok. Amelise built her campervan named Gloria and has been living full-time in it for over 12 months2.  

Introduction to Ame

Amelise, known as a van girl, traveled full-time around Europe in jungles, parks, tourist attractions, shopping areas, and mountains. She enjoys her life but it did not start as easy. She did a lot of research before executing her mission, as it started when she lost a loved one and felt emptiness and boredom by which she got the idea to make her own van and start a journey. She has the company of her dog Gigi, records videos and shares them with her fans on YouTube  Solo Van Life: Italy Trip for Pistachio and Tiramisu! 😉  to be a part of her solo journey. 

These days, she is traveling across Italy and sharing her journey on her YouTube channel. Ame has shared a vlog about her 1000th day in a van life as a solo female as well as repairing her fan and showering.

“I lived a fairly normal existence up until 2019, However this all changed when someone very close to me died. When this happened everything else in my life came crashing down and made me question if life was really worth the pain of living and loss. I asked myself ‘what makes life worth living?’, and I simply couldn’t find an answer. At this point, I hit rock bottom. I couldn’t see the purpose of living a normal existence anymore, it just was not worth the pain of existing to me. Then, I realised the problem, I had never been living, I had been surviving, merely existing, just ‘getting through’ each day… Something I think a lot of people can relate to.”

Ame in a Van (@ameinavan) • Instagram photos and videos

Ame In A Van: Your Gateway To Extraordinary Adventures | Bored Panda

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live life on the open road, with nothing but the vast horizon ahead? Adventures, new people, freedom, all of this become a casual occurrence with a lifestyle like that. One person that gets to experience this daily is Amelise Burr, also known as Ame in a Van. She’s a true adventurer who’s embraced the unique lifestyle of portable living and is here to share all the incredible experiences and insights she’s gathered.

Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, surrounded by nature’s symphony. That’s just a taste of life in a van for Amelise Burr. Through her inspiring tales, you’ll get a glimpse into the ups, the downs, and the unforgettable moments that come with this unconventional way of life. From awe-inspiring sunsets to the thrill of discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, Ame’s van life is a rollercoaster of unforgettable adventures waiting for you to hop on board! 

Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey filled with stories of freedom, self-discovery, and the true essence of wanderlust. Get inspired to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beauty of life on the road. Share with your friends and family and give them this excitement, too!

Ame In A Van: The Gorgeous Van Life YouTuber – TEOSGEAR

At 19, I left behind the chaos of instability and tragedy, building my van—Gloria—with my own two hands. What started as survival quickly turned into adventure, and what began as a van became my freedom and path to self-discovery.

My life on the road has taken me to incredible places, but more importantly, it’s helped me discover the truest version of myself. Today, my van life and nomadic existence are still my roots, but creativity is where I find my greatest freedom.

Whether it’s designing my own life, creating films, or curating stories with humor and inspiration, I’m dedicated to using my art to help others escape, dream, and find their own fearless selves. Life isn’t just about survival—it’s about creating something extraordinary.

Through my films, my videos, and my journey, I hope to entertain, inspire, and remind you to live boldly and unapologetically. So, here’s to the dreamers, the creators, and the ones brave enough to be ridiculous—this is just the beginning

I spent over 3 years in total researching van life and designing hundreds of vans before I reached the point where I had enough money and knowledge to take on the build. Once I felt ready, I bought a van and put all my knowledge, research (and passion) to test. I started the build in May 2020 and I eventually finished it in the south of France and I have been travelling since September 2021! 

 I’d love to take you with me on my travels or at least help to inspire you with your own version of van life. So here on my site I have shared everything I wanted to know about van life and wished I had available to me before I started my van build & living in a van (especially as a DIY newbie)!

More info: Instagram | ameinavan.com | tiktok.com | youtube.com

Images credits: ameinavan

What motivated her to start this conversion project?

Amélise Burr was motivated to start her van conversion project by a combination of personal loss, a desire for freedom, and a fascination with tiny living. After the passing of her grandmother in 2019, she found herself questioning the meaning of life and realized she had been merely existing rather than truly living.

She became inspired by the concept of van life after discovering it on YouTube, feeling an instant connection to the idea of a simple, nomadic lifestyle. Over the next three years, she meticulously planned, saved money, and built her van, Gloria, from scratch. The COVID-19 lockdown also provided her with the opportunity to focus on the conversion, turning her dream into reality2.

Her journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of a life filled with adventure and purpose.

1www.creativomedia.co.uk  2  www.dailymail.co.uk

Amélise Burr is a social media personality known for her van life adventures. 

She converted a Ford Transit van into a camper and has been traveling full-time, sharing her experiences online. She grew up in the UK but is originally from France2. Her journey into van life was inspired by personal experiences, including the loss of her grandmother. She documents her travels and lifestyle through various platforms, gaining a significant following3. You can check out more about her on her official website.

1www.ameinavan.com 2Van life freedom – Search 3www.dailymail.co.uk

Amélise Burr is a van life enthusiast and content creator who shares her experiences traveling full-time in her van, Gloria, with her dog, Gigi. She documents her journey through social media and YouTube, where she talks about van conversions, solo female travel, and the ups and downs of life on the road2. Her story is one of adventure and self-discovery, having built her van at 19 and embraced a nomadic lifestyle. You can check out more about her on 

1www.ameinavan.com 2www.youtube.com

Amélise Burr’s van life journey is a story of resilience, adventure, and self-discovery. She spent over two years researching van life, designing various van layouts, and saving money before finally purchasing her Ford Transit van, Gloria, in May 2020. She poured her heart into converting it herself, learning everything from wiring to plumbing through online research1.

Her decision to embrace van life was deeply personal—after experiencing a significant loss, she questioned the meaning of life and found inspiration in the simplicity of tiny living. She officially hit the road in September 2021 and has been traveling full-time across Europe with her dog, Gigi1.

Amélise funds her travels through multiple income streams, including YouTube ads, Patreon, brand sponsorships, and PayPal donations. She has explored various European countries and much of the UK, with plans to continue her journey for the next decade2. Her story is a testament to the freedom and fulfillment that van life can offer, especially for solo female travelers.

1www.ameinavan.com   2Van life freedom – Search

What challenges did Amélise face during her van life journey?

Amélise Burr has faced several challenges during her van life journey, but she has tackled them with resilience and adaptability. Some of the key difficulties she encountered include:

• Van Conversion Struggles: Building her van, Gloria, from scratch was a steep learning curve. She had to teach herself everything from wiring to plumbing, often working in difficult conditions like rain and cold weather.
• Financial Constraints: She saved diligently to afford her van and conversion, ensuring she could live debt-free on the road.
• Solo Travel Concerns: As a solo female traveler, safety was a priority. While she hasn’t faced major incidents, she remains cautious and prepared for unexpected situations.
• Emotional Challenges: The loss of her grandmother was a driving force behind her decision to embrace van life. While the journey has been fulfilling, it has also been an emotional rollercoaster.
• Adapting to Van Life: Living in a small space requires constant problem-solving, from managing water supply to dealing with breakdowns and maintenance.

Despite these challenges, Amélise has embraced the freedom and adventure of van life, inspiring many with her journey.

1www.dailymail.co.uk  2Van life freedom – Search   3www.boredpanda.com

What motivated her to start this conversion project?

Amélise Burr was motivated to start her van conversion project by a combination of personal loss, a desire for freedom, and a fascination with tiny living. After the passing of her grandmother in 2019, she found herself questioning the meaning of life and realized she had been merely existing rather than truly living.

She became inspired by the concept of van life after discovering it on YouTube, feeling an instant connection to the idea of a simple, nomadic lifestyle. Over the next three years, she meticulously planned, saved money, and built her van, Gloria, from scratch.

The COVID-19 lockdown also provided her with the opportunity to focus on the conversion, turning her dream into reality. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of a life filled with adventure and purpose2.

1www.creativomedia.co.uk  2www.dailymail.co.uk

How has Amélise Burr influenced the van life community?

Amélise Burr has made a significant impact on the van life community by inspiring others to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. Through her social media presence, she shares the realities of van life, including the challenges and rewards of living on the road. Her journey, which began after converting a Ford Transit van into a camper, has resonated with many aspiring van lifers2.

She has demonstrated that van life is accessible to those willing to plan and adapt, showing how she financed her travels through savings and online content creation. Her transparency about the ups and downs of solo travel, particularly as a female traveler, has encouraged others to pursue their own adventures with confidence2. Additionally, her content provides practical insights into van conversions, budgeting, and remote work, making her a valuable resource for the community.

Would you like to explore more about her van conversion process or her travel experiences?

1Van life freedom – Search  2www.teosgear.com  3www.dailymail.co.uk

Amélise Burr, also known as “Ame in a Van,” is a solo female van lifer who has been traveling full-time across Europe with her dog, Gigi, in her self-converted van, Gloria2. She grew up in the UK but has French roots. Her journey into van life began after a personal loss, which led her to reevaluate her life and seek adventure and freedom on the road2.

She meticulously researched van life for over two years before purchasing and converting her Ford Transit van. Since then, she has documented her experiences through social media, sharing insights into van conversion, solo travel, and the challenges and joys of living on the road2. Her content has resonated with many, inspiring others to pursue a nomadic lifestyle.

Amélise funds her travels through various income streams, including YouTube ads, Patreon, brand sponsorships, and donations from her followers. She has traveled extensively across the UK and several European countries and plans to continue exploring Europe for the next decade1.

Would you like to know more about her van conversion process or her favorite travel destinations?

1Van life freedom – Search  2www.ameinavan.com

Amélise Burr has faced both challenges and joys in her van life journey.

Some of the challenges include:

• Van conversion difficulties: She built her van herself, which was a steep learning curve, especially dealing with electrics and insulation.
• Weather struggles: Rain and cold temperatures made the conversion process harder.
• Solo travel concerns: As a solo female traveler, safety is always a priority, though she hasn’t had any major incidents.

On the joyful side, she has experienced:

• Freedom and adventure: Traveling across Europe has allowed her to explore new places and cultures.
• Personal growth: Overcoming challenges has made her more resilient and self-sufficient.
• Community support: She has built a strong online following, with people supporting her journey through Patreon and social media.

Would you like to know more about her favorite destinations or how she funds her travels?

1www.dailymail.co.uk   2Van life freedom – Search  3www.ameinavan.com  

What are some of her favorite travel destinations?

Amélise Burr has explored various destinations across Europe in her van, Gloria. While she hasn’t publicly listed a definitive set of favorites, her content suggests she enjoys places with stunning natural landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Some locations she has traveled to include:

• Scenic coastal areas: She has spent time in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region, known for its breathtaking beaches and sunny weather.
• Remote countryside spots: She enjoys finding hidden gems off the beaten path, where she can park her van in nature and wake up to serene views.
• European cities: While she prefers nature, she has also visited cities for cultural experiences and necessities.

Her travels are constantly evolving, and she continues to explore new places. If you’re interested in following her journey, you can check out her social media for updates on her latest destinations.

Would you like to know more about how she plans her travels or her van setup?

Amélise Burr plans her travels with a mix of spontaneity and careful research. She often chooses destinations based on scenic beauty, accessibility for her van, and safety considerations. She relies on apps and online resources to find suitable parking spots, campsites, and hidden gems off the beaten path.

She also factors in seasonal weather conditions, ensuring she avoids extreme temperatures that could make van life uncomfortable. Additionally, she stays flexible, adjusting her plans based on recommendations from fellow travelers and her own experiences on the road.

1www.boredpanda.com

Tell me more about her van setup

Amélise Burr’s van, Gloria, is a self-converted Ford Transit that she transformed into a cozy home on wheels. She purchased the van for £5,000 and spent around £2,000 on the conversion. Some key features of her setup include:

• Insulation & Flooring: She installed insulation to keep the van comfortable in different climates and added flooring for a homey feel.
• Kitchen Area: Her van includes a compact kitchen with a stove, sink, and storage for cooking essentials.
• Sleeping Space: She designed a bed setup that maximizes space while providing comfort.
• Shower & Utilities: Despite the limited space, she managed to include a shower for convenience.
• Roof Rack & Ladder: Her van features a large roof rack and ladder, adding extra storage and accessibility.

She documented the entire conversion process online, sharing insights into the challenges and triumphs of building her mobile home. If you’re curious about her van life experiences, you can check out her website.

Would you like to know more about her daily routine or how she manages van life expenses?

1www.dailymail.co.uk   2Van life freedom – Search

What are some of her notable travel experiences?

Amélise Burr has had a range of incredible travel experiences while living on the road in her van, Gloria. She often shares breathtaking moments, from waking up to the sounds of nature to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Her journey is filled with awe-inspiring sunsets, encounters with new people, and the thrill of exploring diverse landscapes.

One of her most notable experiences was her decision to embrace van life after a personal tragedy—the loss of her grandmother. This moment of reflection led her to pursue a life of adventure and self-sufficiency. She has traveled across various countries, documenting her experiences and showing how van life can be both freeing and challenging.

You can explore more about her adventures on her official website. Would you like to know more about her van conversion process or how she manages life on the road?

Amélise Burr has had several unforgettable adventures during her van life journey.

Some of her most memorable trips include:

• Exploring the UK and Europe: She has traveled extensively across the UK and various European countries, embracing the freedom of van life.
• Sunset views and hidden gems: She often shares breathtaking moments, from awe-inspiring sunsets to discovering off-the-beaten-path locations.
• Personal transformation through travel: Her journey into van life was deeply personal, inspired by the loss of her grandmother. This experience shaped her perspective on adventure and self-sufficiency.

What were the biggest obstacles in her van conversion?

Amélise Burr faced several obstacles during her van conversion, but she tackled them with determination and creativity. Some of the biggest challenges included:

• Learning DIY Skills: She had to teach herself everything from wiring to plumbing, often relying on online tutorials and trial-and-error.
• Budget Constraints: She spent around £7,000 ($10,000) on the entire conversion, using reclaimed materials to keep costs down.
• Weather Conditions: Working on the van in unpredictable weather, including rain and cold, made the process more difficult.
• Space Optimization: Designing a functional and comfortable living space within a small van required careful planning and problem-solving.
• Building a Shower: She managed to install a shower herself, even adding pink tiles to personalize it.

Despite these challenges, Amélise successfully transformed her Ford Transit into a cozy mobile home, inspiring others with her journey.

1www.autoevolution.com   2www.dailymail.co.uk   3www.creativomedia.co.uk

What advice does she give to aspiring van lifers?

Amélise Burr shares a wealth of advice for those looking to embrace van life. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research before diving in—she spent over two years studying van life and designing vans before committing to her own build. She encourages aspiring van lifers to believe in themselves, highlighting that she was able to build, wire, and plumb her own van just through online research.

She also stresses the significance of financial planning, as she saved wisely to afford her van without debt. Additionally, she advises people to embrace the adventure and live in the moment, rather than getting caught up in societal expectations.

How does van life change one’s perspective on travel?

Van life transforms travel from a temporary escape into a way of life. Instead of planning trips around vacation days, van lifers embrace spontaneity, waking up to new landscapes whenever they choose. It fosters a deeper connection to nature, as people trade hotels for campsites and city streets for mountain views.

It also shifts priorities—travel becomes less about luxury and more about simplicity and self-sufficiency. Many van lifers find joy in minimalism, realizing they need far fewer possessions to be happy. The experience encourages resourcefulness, as living in a small space requires creative problem-solving.

Most importantly, van life redefines freedom. Without the constraints of a fixed home, travelers can follow their curiosity, explore hidden gems, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures at their own pace.

What are common experiences that change perspectives in van life?

Van life offers a unique lens through which people often redefine their values and priorities. Some of the most common experiences that shift perspectives include:

• Embracing Minimalism – Living in a van forces people to downsize, teaching them that happiness isn’t tied to material possessions but rather to experiences and connections.
• Adapting to Uncertainty – Van lifers quickly learn to embrace unpredictability, whether it’s dealing with mechanical issues, finding a safe place to park, or adjusting to changing weather.
• Deepening Connection to Nature – Waking up in breathtaking landscapes fosters a greater appreciation for the environment, encouraging sustainable living and mindfulness.
• Challenging Social Norms – Many van lifers step away from traditional career paths and societal expectations, realizing that fulfillment doesn’t always come from a 9-to-5 job.
• Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills – With limited resources, van dwellers become more resourceful, learning to fix things on the go and navigate unexpected challenges.

1www.outsidenomad.com 2www.cruiseamerica.com  3www.thewaywardhome.com

How has van life changed her perspective on living?

Van life has profoundly changed Amélise Burr’s perspective on living. She has embraced a minimalist lifestyle, realizing that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions but from experiences and connections. Living on the road has taught her to appreciate the simple things—like a beautiful sunrise, a quiet forest, or the freedom to wake up in a new place every day.

She has also learned to be more adaptable and resilient. Challenges like van breakdowns, unpredictable weather, and navigating unfamiliar places have strengthened her problem-solving skills and independence. Additionally, van life has deepened her appreciation for nature and sustainability, as she has become more conscious of her resource consumption.

Overall, her journey has reinforced the idea that life is meant to be lived fully, without waiting for the “perfect” moment. She has found joy in the unexpected and has inspired others to pursue their own unconventional paths.

Would you ever consider trying van life, even for a short adventure?  

Would you ever consider van life yourself?  

Facebook  Ame in a Van (@ameinavan) • Instagram photos and videos

 Ame (@ameinavan) | TikTok   Living In A Van – A day in my life…

ameinavan – Reddit | Ame in a Van Short Film Introduction

Is Ame in a Van Fake? Ame in a Van Real Name | Net Worth | Boyfriend

Woman escapes rental ‘struggle’ and saves thousands of pounds by moving into a van – The Mirror

Woman, 22, quits busy lifestyle to live in van so she doesn’t pay for mortgage – Daily Star

Living freely in Van Life!!! 🙂

They were revolutionaries who risked everything for freedom.

The Founding Fathers didn’t want career politicians

Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of having citizen politicians.

And The Founding Fathers were not career politicians.

Citizen politicians defined more than 248 years ago as people who participate in the political process, and these people come from all walks of life, such as farmers, businesses, law practices, inn keepers, chimney sweepers and schoolteachers.

These citizen politicians’ participation in the people’s government resulted in fresh new realistic practical ideas from the communities they live in. These ideas come from the community bringing reality and cultural inspiration based on real-world experiences. These citizen politicians represent the people’s government and after their politicking is done, they simply travel home to their private citizen lives once again.

What is deeply saddening is the evolutionary process of the professional politician, who’s only goal in life is to stay in that elected seat full-time and forever. Resulting in stagnant ideas, with no possible sense of connection to the real people that elected them. In addition, a lack of connection to any sense of reality at all, these professional politicians are more closely aligned to an elitist mindset nowhere grounded to the community they are supposed to represent.

Our Founding Fathers never intended to make citizens full-time politicians, or they would have written term limits into the Constitution for all elected officials from dogcatcher to the president, do you agree?

I was watching a clip of Sen. Ben Sasse on Colbert, and he repeated an idea that I’ve heard countless times since forever: that Congress isn’t functioning the way the founders imagined, and that the body is at its second weakest in U.S. history.

Senator Ben Sasse: Congress Isn’t Working

“The Founders didn’t have a vision of the world where people wanted to be in politics, move to DC, and stay there forever. You’re supposed to think the place you’re from is the most interesting place in the world. We use the term historically “public service,” because you go to Washington to serve for a time then go back home. Right now most people in Washington, their biggest long-term thought is about their own incumbency.”

As the audience did the obligatory applause for this feel-good truism, I realized that every Founder I could name off the top of my head was a lifelong politician with about 30 years working in federal politics and government.

However, it would be more accurate to say that this vision of a political leader was more of an aspiration or a theoretical influence on the Founders than to say that it was what they’d experienced for themselves, or what they actually expected of the nation they were founding. 

Certainly career politicians existed both in England and to a lesser degree in the colonies, and every one of the Founders would have had a good idea of what they were like. But Enlightenment ideas about early Greek and Roman democracies/republics were a strong influence on the political philosophy of the day, and the idea of the citizen-politician who preferred a quiet life at home to the accumulation of permanent power was an ideal that many of them appreciated. 

The Society of the Cincinnati, a post-Revolutionary association of veterans of that war, was named for Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman who was supposedly granted supreme dictatorial powers to deal with an emergency, refrained from using it to enrich himself or build a political power base, and retired peacefully to his farm to live out the rest of his days. Parallels were drawn between his example and that of George Washington when he refrained from using his postwar prominence and Presidency to enrich his family or entrench his power base.

TIL Trump is ‘not joking’ about third term, though Constitution says he can’t serve : r/TIL_Uncensored

There is a long standing debate about the nature of elected office.

On the one hand is the delegate model of representation. Our elected legislators are there to express the interests of the people who elect them. They should not express their own conscience nor invoke their own expertise where it conflicts with the interests or opinions of the constituency. In this model, the representative should be of short-duration for fear that their will be captured by the interests and fashions of the capital. Sasse is arguing this view.

This model was contested most famously by Edmund Burke in his formulation of the trustee model of representation in 1774. The people select a trustee who is somewhat autonomous and may act in the common good or the national interest, as opposed to the parochial interests of the constituency. Burke encapsulated this as:

“Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”

Burke is considered the father of modern British conservatism. He was a leading MP during the Revolution, lending his support to the grievances of the American colonies and promoting a peaceful reconciliation between Britain and America in advance of Lexington and Concord. The founding fathers were not only aware of Burke, but intimately and actively involved in that exact debate.

Sources: Burke’s Speech to the Electors at Bristol at the Conclusion of the Poll (1774) from The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke. Volume I (London: Henry G. Bohn, 1854)

Is there any truth to this notion at all? 

Certainly, it’s wrong to say that Jefferson or Madison couldn’t imagine it. 

Was that ever the “norm” for national politics? 

If it was merely an aspirational desire, was it ever achieved to any degree? 

And why did so many of them discard that ideal to further their own careers?

President Trump’s America-first agenda and Elon Musk (through DOGE) has made it really easy to find the corrupt thieves in Washington D.C, in the Republican and Democrat parties, and in the judicial system – including SCOTUS.

Corruption in D.C. isn’t partisan—it’s systemic. The DOGE investigation into lawmakers’ wealth exposed how career politicians magically turn $174K salaries into $20M fortunes. Pelosi’s venture capitalist ties, Schumer’s portfolio spikes before key votes, and the STOCK Act’s laughable enforcement prove both parties game the system. SCOTUS? Let’s just say lifetime appointments with zero accountability aren’t helping. The real issue? A swamp so deep it takes an outsider like Musk to drain it. But don’t hold your breath—career bureaucrats and their legal shields make accountability a pipe dream. As an American citizen, it’s infuriating to know about all the corruption – now with data to back it up—and

just sit around waiting for the FBI or The DOJ to act!  I get that investigations

take time, but people don’t want to wait years for justice.  

Something’s got to give—we need results now! 

Yes and if you aren’t yet following her @DataRepublican has taken the DOGE findings to the next level and truly connected the dots with AI tools. She’s named the names and uncovered all the NGO connections. Between DOGE and Data they have nowhere left to hide.
DEFRAUDING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, Racketeering Enterprise by the Washington establishment. So true! President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE are shining a light on the corruption in D.C. and SCOTUS.

We need this accountability! #AmericaFirst

 It took a total team effort from Democratic politicians to the White House staff to the media to hide the fact that the President of the United States was mentally diminished.

If there were a RICO crime, half of Washington would be frog-marched to the nearest federal courthouse. They’re squirming bro, exposed as the thieves they are, hoarding power while the hardworking American gets crushed.

If you’re not with MAGA, you’re with the swamp, 100%. So, pick a side, stand with Trump and Musk to drain this cesspool, or slink back to the shadows with the RINOs and leftists. There’s no middle ground anymore.

Knowing who they are, Pres Trump has still been running into roadblocks, either the AG, DOJ along with the FBI becomes as aggressive as the Dems are in stopping the Pres policies the next four years will be just or nearly as frustrating as the Biden years concerning America.

True. President Trump’s America-First agenda and Musk’s push for transparency have exposed the corruption on both sides of the aisle.

It’s time to hold Washington accountable – no matter who’s involved.

In that Administration Joe Biden was never in control. A cabal of insiders orchestrated a scheme to deceive the nation for their own gain. Greed and unstoppable power. A free-for-all went on under an enfeebled President and insiders covered it up. America paid the price. Questions about Joe Biden’s fragility were swatted away like flies and a hawkish Jill Ed.D controlled the swatter. It took an army to pull it off.

An army of Washington fat cats, invisible shadow actors, staffers, Obama, Pelosi, Schumer, the media.

Biden was plopped in the Oval. A fake “Mattel dream White House” set was established to accommodate the senior needs of the mentally declining Biden. The big lie. Because Democrats refused to let Trump win. Denials and sharp as tack campaigns ebbed and flowed. A disastrous four years of obscene spending policies and topless trans on the lawn at the White House.

The list of disgraces goes on and on. And just like that, it all ended. Trump won!!!

But something new in the House of Secrets has shifted.

A parade of insider confessions about the autopen era are suddenly gushing forth.

What’s changed? Jake Tapper’s bombshell book ‘Original Sin’—it indicates a coverup of a steeply declining Joe Biden. A curious endeavor, considering Tapper was Biden’s go-to guy, he HAD to have known Joe was failing. 

In fact, he DID know. Quite a lot. Tapper just didn’t report on it to save America from the biggest political heist in the history of this great country. Instead, he decided to monetize his findings in a bestseller, which presumably, had Biden won, be released in Joe 2.0.

After the public outrage, Kamala Harris — who can’t win without a coronation, would be installed. They almost pulled it off. But they didn’t count on America rejecting Democrat policies and electing Donald Trump. Tapper’s soon to be released tell-all has DC insiders in a coverup panic.

So one by one, we get true confessions from Jenny Psaki on air, denying she knew and Karine Jean-Pierre—in a “who’s Joe?” moment claimed she “rarely saw Biden.

These Cartoon Characters Created with Grok. Click here to edit.

The first black lesbian press secretary was Biden’s trophy on the Mattel White House wall. Jake Sullivan, Biden’s National Security advisor denies the deep state ran the country in the fake Biden presidency. But wait. In a plot twist, comes an unexpected bombshell release —AHEAD of Tapper’s book.

An audio snippet of Special Counsel Hur’s classified document deposition. – Search No amount of conscience cleansing admissions can excuse away the elder abuse, in the Biden era. Watch clueless Joe in this clip from 2022. Three years ago.

Joe Biden was left to wander around the room, clearly lost. – Search Videos

It was heart wrenching watching Biden and should be a history lesson.

While the real president, Barack Obama basked in the glow of 12 years of Obamacare. The Afghanistan withdrawal, Deception, lies, pardons, rogue judge appointments, to the federal agency thievery, while laundering taxpayer money t0 the war in Ukraine.

It was a bogus stolen election of a 4-year farce to behold.

When was Michelle Obama was Vice President?

Joe was never Vice President either. 

Americans watched a carefully orchestrated plan unfold. It was the best kept secret. Dare to question the mental faculties of the 46th commander-in-chief, and the shame army came out. Upsets on the domestic and global stage—blunders, the hand shakes with thin air happened with frequency.

A loyal press scrubbed each embarrassing incident away. Joe Biden was trotted out like a circus pony to follow the tape arrows on the floor, to read scripts crafted by others, and to smile and nod. It was the dirtiest bait and switch pulled on Americans in the modern era. When Biden decided to run for a second term (God help us) aggressive efforts to hide his cognitive diminishment.

Barack Obama’s Hope and change of a transformational America came to pass in 1.0.

The greatest nation on earth was to become barely recognizable…that was the plan. And here we are. Biden’s coverup crew needs to be held accountable. The department of justice must act so this level of abuse, overreach, and deception never happens again.

The Silent Healers: What Horses Taught Us About Truth, Presence, and Healing

Ruslan Sharonov

Horses are healers Two powerful lessons learned from horses – Search

Horses have a unique ability to facilitate profound healing in humans, extending far beyond mere companionship. Their therapeutic power stems from their exceptional sensitivity, non-judgmental nature, and capacity to mirror human emotions 1 3. Two powerful lessons learned from horses are that they are healers and can provide companionship and emotional support 245.

3. Big lessons CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield learned from horses | CNN

Unexpected Miracles – Horses Healing Humans

There are moments in life when healing does not come from words, medicines, or carefully orchestrated interventions. Sometimes, it comes quietly — through the deep, honest gaze of another living being. And sometimes, that being stands on four legs.

I’ve always believed that healing requires not only knowledge but a profound shift in awareness — a movement away from the mind’s noise into something simpler, more primal. It was only when I encountered equine therapy that this idea moved from theory to experience.  

A Different Kind of Therapy

Traditional therapy, for all its profound tools and breakthroughs, often remains a highly cognitive exercise. You talk. You analyze. You rationalize. You try to “figure things out.” But for some — including myself — there are times when words fail, when explanations feel hollow, when the mind’s intricate webs only deepen the confusion instead of resolving it.

This is where horses come in.
Standing next to a horse, you quickly realize there is no room for pretense.
You can’t outsmart or outtalk a horse. They are not impressed by résumés, wealth, charm, or excuses. They don’t understand your language — they understand your presence.

Horses mirror your inner state without judgment. Tense, they tense. Relaxed, they relax. Fearful, they respond with distance. Present, they meet you halfway.

It is the most honest therapy I have ever encountered — and it demands that you, too, become honest.

The Science Behind the Mystery

Skeptics often ask, “Isn’t this just another wellness trend?”
But the emerging body of research suggests otherwise.

Studies show that horse-assisted therapy improves emotional regulation, reduces symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, lowers cortisol levels, and boosts self-confidence and social engagement. Children on the autism spectrum often experience breakthroughs with horses when other therapies fall short.

In fact, a 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that equine-assisted interventions significantly reduced stress and increased emotional resilience among participants with anxiety disorders.

But while science is catching up, the deeper truth is something that cannot be fully captured in graphs or studies. It must be felt.

Energy Doesn’t Lie

One of the most profound lessons I learned from horses is that energy precedes behavior.

We are so conditioned in human society to judge people by what they say or do. Yet in the animal world, particularly with horses, energy is the first and primary communication tool.

A horse doesn’t wait for you to articulate your intentions. It feels them.

If you show up scattered, tense, or distracted, a horse will immediately pick it up. If you pretend to be calm while harboring fear, they know. They demand your authentic presence — and nothing less.

In a way, horses force you into a kind of meditative awareness. You must be here now, not thinking about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s fears. You must breathe. You must feel.

And when you do — something miraculous happens. The horse responds in kind. 

No Agenda, No Judgment

Unlike human therapists, horses have no hidden agendas.
They are not trying to fix you, diagnose you, or reshape you.
They simply reflect who you are in the moment — with an honesty that is both brutal and beautiful.

The more time you spend with them, the more you begin to peel away the layers of performance you didn’t even know you were wearing. Layers like:

• The need to impress.
• The fear of vulnerability.
• The compulsion to control outcomes.

With horses, none of it matters. Only your true energy matters. Only your presence.

Healing begins when masks fall away. 

A Return to the Body

In today’s world, many of us are disembodied — living almost entirely in our heads. We overthink. We overanalyze. We spin stories and scenarios until we are tangled in anxiety and paralysis.

Equine therapy demands that you come back to your body.

You begin to notice your breathing. Your heartbeat. Your posture.
You feel the way your muscles tighten when you are afraid and loosen when you trust.
You experience, viscerally, what it means to inhabit yourself again.

It is a return not just to the body, but to life.

The Heart’s Synchronization

There’s a fascinating phenomenon that researchers have observed: when humans spend time with horses, their heart rates synchronize.

It’s as if, on a primal level, two nervous systems — human and horse — find a common rhythm, a shared language without words.

This deep resonance goes beyond therapy techniques.
It taps into something ancient: the bond between humans and animals, a bond built not on dominance, but on mutual respect and energetic alignment.

In a world obsessed with technology and virtual connections, rediscovering this primal connection feels nothing short of revolutionary. 

Not Just for Trauma Survivors

While equine therapy has shown remarkable results with individuals suffering from PTSD, autism, anxiety, and trauma, its potential reaches far wider.

It’s for anyone who feels disconnected — from themselves, from others, from life.

It’s for professionals burnt out by endless deadlines.
It’s for parents overwhelmed by the ceaseless demands of caregiving.
It’s for seekers who have lost their inner compass and crave a reconnection with something real.

In the presence of a horse, you don’t have to perform, achieve, or explain.
You simply have to be.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes to remember who you are. 

Barriers and Hopes

Of course, equine therapy is not universally accessible.
It requires trained facilitators, resources, safe environments, and — most importantly — horses themselves, which are not always available to underserved communities.

Organizations like the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) are working to expand access.

I dream of a future where healing spaces — not just clinics or hospitals — include sanctuaries where humans can reconnect with animals, the earth, and themselves.

Because sometimes the deepest healing does not come from understanding or intervention.
It comes from being seen — truly seen — by another living being. 

A Personal Reflection

The first time I stood in the field with a horse during a therapy session, I remember feeling exposed.
All the strategies I had used to navigate the world — charm, intellect, humor — fell away. They simply didn’t matter.

All that mattered was whether I could show up fully, honestly, vulnerably.
And when I finally did — when I dropped the defenses — the horse approached me. Quietly. Calmly. As if to say: I see you.

That moment was more healing than a hundred therapy sessions.

It was a reminder that I am enough, without adornment, without achievements.
It was a reminder that life itself — raw, unfiltered, present — is enough. 

Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Silent Healers

If there is one thing horses have taught me, it is this:

• Healing is less about fixing and more about feeling.
• Growth is less about striving and more about surrendering.
• Connection is less about words and more about presence.

The most honest therapist you will ever meet may very well have four legs and no agenda.

Sometimes, to heal, we don’t need to talk more or think harder.
We need to feel more deeply, breathe more fully, and show up more truthfully — just as the horses teach us.

And when we do, we may find that what we have been searching for was never really lost.
It was simply waiting — quietly, patiently — for us to remember the way home.

The farmer buys an old horse out of pity, never imagining the incredible secret it was hiding in a shadowy auction, an abandoned horse, and a farmer with an unexplainable instinct. When Ambrose Calloway bought a forgotten animal for just fifty dollars, he had no idea he was rescuing a former champion—and uncovering a dangerous secret. What happened to Waymaker? Why did someone try to erase his past? And more importantly, how far will they go to make sure he’s never found? A gripping mystery where every clue reveals an even greater danger. Watch until the end and uncover the truth!

Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery 

with the Healing Power of Horses Paperback – July 30, 2021

by Tara Coyote (Author), Linda Kohanov (Foreword), Véronique Desaulniers (Foreword)

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars   173 ratings

See all formats and editions

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To the outside eye, it looked like Tara Coyote was living the perfect life in the suburbs with her musician husband, successful Pilates studio and Brady Bunch type family. What the outside world didn’t see was the pivotal event that turned her life upside down.

Grace, Grit & Gratitude is one woman’s story of a profound bond with horses that carried her through nine years of pain, trauma, cancer and the challenges of loss. It is about finding the courage to face one’s shadow in the darkest hour. Learn how the ancient principles of death and rebirth from the Mesopotamian Goddess, Inanna, has saved more than just one life.

Follow one woman’s spiritual journey of pain, perseverance and discovery with the unexpected power of her horses and ancient teachings as her guide.

A portion of the sale of each book will be donated to The Wild Beauty Foundation, an organization that works to raise awareness for the wild horses of North America. As Tara’s mustang, Comanche has had a profound impact upon her life, she is passionate about supporting this important cause!

Tara Coyote is the founder of Wind Horse Sanctuary, a certified Eponaquest ‘Equine Facilitated Learning’ instructor, life coach, workshop leader, writer and dancer.

You will find her happily scooping horse manure on Kauai, Hawaii! 

Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses: Coyote, Tara, Kohanov, Linda, Desaulniers, Véronique: 9781737247401: Amazon.com: Books

Tara Coyote — Wind Horse Sanctuary

Tara Coyote – Search

Horses are healers Two powerful lessons learned from horses – Search

16 Myths About Horse Riding That Need Debunking

How Horses Help Humans Heal and Thrive