The Herman Trend Alert

June 29, 2022

New Discoveries in Diet, Eye Health, and Lifespan

A research team from the Buck Institute have made some fascinating discoveries that ultimately will help humans to live longer in better health with ability to see better as well.

Assistance from the Lowly Fruit Fly

Many years ago, in Biology, I reviewed studies about an insect called Drosophila, better known as the Fruit Fly. In fact, the humble fruit fly has a long history of helping us with discoveries in longevity research, from calorie restriction to maintaining glucose balance. Why? Because it seems that, believe it or not, we have a lot in common with this pesky insect. And studying them can help us learn more about the human body.

Fruit Flies are our Research Heroes

Because fruit flies are so easy to raise and have such a short lifespan, they are ideal models that allow us to monitor many of things at the same time. Not only that but nearly 75 percent of human genetic disease genes have a match in the fruit fly.

A Recent Study from The Buck Institute

In a study published this month in Nature Communications, Buck Institute researchers detailed an interesting link between diet, circadian rhythms, eye health, and lifespan. In addition, the researchers unexpectedly found that processes in the fly eye are actually driving the aging process.

Eye Problems Associated with Other Disease

Previous studies of humans have shown an association between poor health and eye disorders. This study takes that premise a step further. The Buck Institute study demonstrates that a dysfunction of the eye can actually drive problems in other tissues. This lab is the same one that validated the fact that fasting and caloric restriction can improve many functions of the body. They are now reporting that not only does fasting improve eyesight, but the eye plays a role in influencing lifespan.

A Surprise for the Researchers

The surprise was that the eye itself---at least in the fruit fly---can directly regulate lifespan. It's all about circadian rhythms.

The Big News

The light from computer and phone screens, as well as light pollution for hours after sundown are conditions that disturb our circadian clocks. This disturbance disrupts our normal protection for the eye and that could have consequences beyond just the vision, including damaging the rest of the body and the brain. We already know there is a relationship between a deterioration of the retina and Alzheimer's Disease. And by the way, light pollution is now being blamed for the susceptibility some plants have to diseases as well. Here's the bottom line: if you want to live longer, reduce your protein consumption and limit your exposure to non-red light after sundown.

The Eyes are Windows to More than the Soul

There is a lot more to understand about the part the eye plays in the overall health and lifespan of humans, including (but not confined to) how the eye regulates lifespan. This frontier is only the beginning of this avenue of exploration into expanding the human lifespan.

Next Week's Herman Trend Alert: Our Incredible Shrinking Kitchens

For years now, kitchens in homes have been shrinking. In the next Herman Trend Alert, you will learn why and what that means for future building, as well as what to expect in the future. It is good news for some types of businesses and bad news if you're in the kitchen fixture business.

**********

EARN AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE^® AWARD TO RECRUIT THE PEOPLE YOU NEED NOW

With the workforce crisis detailed in several Herman Trend Alerts, you could really use a leg up in competing for top talent. Winning the Employer of Choice^® Award could be your competitive edge in this very tight labor market. Celebrate your employee-centered corporate culture! This coveted award is well worth the effort, yet is not easy to achieve. Download the extensive application at EmployerofChoice.com; or for a Word^® version, drop a note to Joyce@EmployerOfChoice.com or call Joyce at 1.336.210.3548

**********

WATCH JOYCE'S TV SHOW: IT'S YOUR FUTURE WITH JOYCE GIOIA!

Beginning last week, our own author, Joyce starred in her own show on Roku.tv. It's Your Future with Joyce Gioia debuted last week in various timeslots---due to time zones. The first episode recorded last week features Joyce talking about The Great Resignation and what employers must do to be competitive in today's turbulent times. Of course, Joyce will continue to deliver the futures commentary segment of INGOMU's podcast, The Future of Life, Work, and Wellness which also appears on the Futures Television channel on Roku.tv. Each podcast closes with a special commentary from our author Joyce about what the interview insights mean for the future. Eventually, FuturesTelevision.com will offer the listings for the showings of both programs.

*********

To read this Herman Trend Alert on the web: https://hermangroup.com/alert/archive_6-29-2022.html.

*********

© Copyright 1998-2022 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurist. 336-210-3548 or http://www.hermangroup.com. To sign up, visit https://www.HermanTrendAlert.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."