A first-of-its-kind look at how pregnancy changes the brain
Published over 1 year ago • 8 min read
Daily Edition • September 18, 2024
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Just in time for the fall/winter hibernation season, thelatestiteration of The Great British Bake Off (or Baking Show, for U.S. audiences) is on the horizon. The beloved, wholesome competition series announced the cast lineup for its 15th season yesterday. Once you’ve acquainted yourself with this year’s bakers, all that’s left to do is patiently wait for that first episode to drop on Netflix Sept. 27.
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Health
Pregnancy Changes the Brain More Than Previously Thought
Basilico Studio Stock/ iStock
Being pregnant can bring on a bevy of changes — morning sickness, mood swings, unconventional food cravings, the list goes on and on. But until now, scientists haven’t had a good idea of what exactly is changing in the brain during the course of a nine-month pregnancy. For the first time, researchers put together a comprehensive map of a woman’s brain throughout gestation, differing from previous studies which only took snapshots of the brain before and after pregnancy. While analyzing the time in between, the study authors found that nearly every part of the brain was affected, perhaps confirming what many parents already knew to be true. “It’s been a very long journey,” neuroscientist Elizabeth Chrastil, a co-author of the paper and the subject of the study, told the Associated Press. “We did 26 scans before, during, and after pregnancy” and found “some really remarkable things.” For example, the volume of gray matter decreased, likely representing a “fine-tuning” of brain circuits that allow the organ to prepare for a new phase of life. Although this study only looked at one person, researchers plan to expand the breadth of their work and scan the brains of hundreds of pregnant women in hopes of gaining a better understanding of postpartum depression and other disorders, at last.
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A Copy of the Constitution Was Found in a Filing Cabinet — And It’s Set to Sell for 7 Figures
Tom Williams/Roll Call/Getty Images
Need some inspiration to clean out your basement or attic? A nearly 237-year-old copy of the U.S. Constitution was found stashed away in a metal filing cabinet in an eastern North Carolina home. Later this month, it’ll go up for auction in Asheville with a minimum bid of $1 million, but it’s expected to go for much higher, according to CBS News. The rare document, which is the only known privately held, signed ratification copy of the Constitution, was found two years ago at Hayes Farm, an estate formerly owned by Samuel Johnston, the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789. Most of the historic artifacts in the home were located back in the 1980s, but this particular filing cabinet wasn’t sorted until the family cleaned it out in 2022. The copy is also one of only a few signed by Charles Thomas, the secretary of the Confederation Congress in 1787 — and it’s, of course, a symbol of much more. “This is the point of connection between government and people, and it’s the moment when the idea of ‘we the people’ really takes hold,” auctioneer Andrew Brunk said of the document, adding: “That’s what this document captures.” Check out the auction catalog.
Environment
Even Amid Setbacks, Ozone Layer Is on “the Road to Long-Term Recovery”
cookelma/ iStock
The ozone layer is steadily moving along “the road to long-term recovery,” according to the World Meteorological Organization. The protective layer is on track to return to 1980s levels — meaning the pre-hole era — around 2040. That’s true everywhere but the poles, which are both expected to heal by 2066. This continued progress comes despite a “significant” volcanic eruption near Tonga in 2022, which led to short periods of accelerated ozone depletion over the Antarctic. Luckily, these losses had a “limited effect,” per the organization’s annual ozone bulletin. The recovery is credited to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, requiring chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances to be phased out. The exalted example of international cooperation “stands out as a powerful symbol of hope,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement — and could perhaps serve as inspiration for future climate action.
In Other News
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The FDAgreenlitthe sleep apnea feature on Apple’s smartwatches, which works by detecting “breathing disturbances” via wrist movements.
A Javan rhino calf named Iris was spotted in Indonesia, a welcome boost for the endangered species.
“Everything Isn’t Terrible” Print From Montague Workshop Montague Workshop is a small creative studio run by Tennessee-based couple Brad and Kristi Montague. They sell a wide range of accessories, stationery, and apparel, but this print — based on one of Brad’s illustrations and a constant reminder that there’s good out there — is my favorite. — Marika Spitulski, Writer
With a name that couldn’t be more fitting, Holocaust survivor Nick Hope celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday. “I don’t feel that I’m 100,” he said at a party attended by friends and family, crediting faith and forgiveness for helping him live a “whole life.”
Photo of the Day
Zachary Flick/ Department of the Interior
The U.S. Department of the Interior dubbed this work of art “Meditating ChipMonk.” If you look closely, you can see that the Yosemite-dwelling animal is actually a squirrel, but we understand not being able to resist a good pun. Regardless of species specifics, let this zen creature inspire you to move a little slower and breathe a little deeper today.
Bombas Gives Back While You Upgrade Your Sock Game
From no-show to knee-high, Bombas will elevate your sock game in your preferred style. Right now, you can enjoy 15% off select packs plus an extra 25% off all socks + free shipping on first orders over $70. And for every purchase, the company donates an essential clothing item to someone in need, so you can always feel good about buying Bombas!
