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Put your hand out in front of you. What do you see? Is your index finger longer or shorter than your ring finger? For centuries, depending on the length of their digits, people have classified themselves into archetypes with defined personality traits. Does this classification hold up in today's day and age, where research and science are the final authority? Could the size of your ring finger indicate your tendency for traits like risk-taking or assertiveness? Read on to find out what science says.
Your finger length ratio is the length of your index finger compared to the length of your ring finger.
Also called the 2D:4D ratio, this measure has become controversial in scientific research.
While some research suggests the ratio is a putative marker for testosterone exposure during pregnancy, others argue that its statistics are flawed and can’t be reproduced validly.
Certain conditions in the womb influence the 2D:4D ratio in the fetus.
Here’s what you need to know:
However, critics argue that this measure is simplistic and not statistically valid.
Some even contend that this area of study has irreproducible findings.
If your ring finger is longer than the index finger, you have a low 2D:4D ratio.
Some studies say this may be due to a greater prenatal exposure to testosterone.
Consequently, this could also impart further “masculine” traits to people with longer ring fingers and more “feminine” traits to people with longer index fingers.
A longer ring finger may also be associated with better athletic performance, cognition, and risk-taking behavior.
We’ll learn more about this in a while.
Research suggests that genetic influences account for about 60-70% of the variability in the finger length ratio.
The SMOC1 and LIN28B genes essential for early limb development may be responsible.
A study conducted by Cambridge University found a variant in the SMOC1 gene.
One form of this variant was associated with a longer ring finger, and the other with a longer index finger.
Some reports suggest the influence of testosterone and estrogen levels in controlling the activity of this gene.
Two studies presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference explored the link between digit length and cognitive impairment or dementia in older adults.
The study reported that females with longer index fingers scored higher on cognitive tests at younger ages, consistent with better verbal abilities.
Older females with longer ring fingers performed better than those with longer index fingers.
However, the study found no statistically significant differences for men.
The results suggest that prenatal testosterone exposure may help preserve cognition in older women, potentially reducing their vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease.
However, there are several limitations of this study:
Self-reporting biases, potential confounding variables, and the lack of longitudinal data further limit the robustness of the conclusions.
Though not fully proven, some experts believe that the 2D:4D ratio (index finger to ring finger) can be used to predict athletic prowess.
A study has reported that teenage boys with a longer ring finger (lower 2D:4D ratio) have better hand grip strength.
A finger length ratio expert conducted a study in 2024 examining the relationship between finger length and oxygen consumption (an indicator of athletic performance).
He found that those with longer a ring finger metabolized oxygen more efficiently in a cardio test.
A study investigated finger length ratios and their link to “masculinity” and “femininity” in nearly 1000 women.
The analysis revealed that women with shorter index fingers were more likely to describe themselves as ‘assertive and competitive.’
However, this study had significant limitations:
A study used data from an extensive population survey to decode the association between finger length ratio and risk behavior.
Here's what they found:
The researchers found this pattern in both men and women and for both hands.
However, the connection isn't solid - it's just a small tendency, not a rule that applies to everyone.
The size of men's hands has been a subject of scientific inquiry and widespread speculation.
While some claims about hand size are based on myths or unfounded assumptions, researchers have studied a few aspects scientifically.
Here's a comprehensive overview:
| Trait | Correlation |
| Hand Size & Height | Taller individuals generally have larger hands |
| Hand Size & Grip Strength | Larger hands are often correlated with better grip strength. However, muscle mass and training can also make a difference. |
| Hand Size & Testosterone Levels | Some studies say more testosterone equals larger hands. This relationship needs to be studied further. |
While studies have shown that finger ratio can affect other traits, there are many myths surrounding this topic.
Some of these misconceptions to watch out for include:
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https://udel.edu/~mcdonald/mythfingerlength.html
https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/finger-length-ratio
https://www.lesmills.com/us/fit-planet/health/finger-length
https://www.livescience.com/49883-finger-length-in-men.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886914006400
Your DNA is the most personal, sensitive piece of information that is uniquely yours. When you entrust it to a company, you should be certain they will use it responsibly. Xcode has always stood out as a sincere, honest service that prioritizes user privacy above all else. Privacy is an integral part of our DNA, and we continue to strive to provide a secure platform for you, the user. Our privacy policy remains clear-cut and concise, reminding you that at Xcode Life, your privacy comes first.
DNA data privacy involves protecting a person's genetic information.
Storage and repurposing of a user’s DNA data must be done transparently.
Sharing DNA with third parties must require the user’s well-informed consent.
Federal laws, such as the Common Rule and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), aim to protect consumer privacy while encouraging scientific progress.
When you choose Xcode, your focus should be solely on learning more about your health.
You will remain in charge of your DNA data from the moment you upload it to our site.
Here’s how you can control your data through Xcode.
Your DNA data deserves nothing less than the best security measures.
We review and update our privacy measures regularly.
Your uploaded data is encrypted, anonymized, and stored safely within our secure databases.
Once you upload your data, it will stay on our secure server.
Your data isn’t shared with any third-party tools, even anonymously.
No insurance companies or employers will have access to your data.
We intend to empower you to take charge of your health and have no intention of selling your data for commercial gain.
Only a handpicked set of trained employees have access to your DNA data.
They have undergone training to handle your data securely.
They are bound by confidentiality protocols, meaning nobody else at Xcode can access your data.
We access your data for only two things:
If you do not wish for your data to remain on our server once you receive the report, you can delete it through your account by contacting us, as mentioned previously.
With Xcode Life, you can be confident that we handle your data in the most secure way possible.
You can focus on gaining actionable insights to build a healthier future.
We hope that we’ve addressed your privacy concerns in this post.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We will always do our best to provide you with the information you require.
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More than 200,000 people in the United States Google "how to lose weight fast" every month. No wonder social media is rife with weight loss advice! The latest on the bandwagon made popular by TikTok is the Gary Brecka diet. It's a diet brought into fame by Gary Brecka, a mortality expert, and is inspired by Tim Ferris's "The 4-Hour Work Week." Here, we explore Gary Brecka's 30/30/30 diet, its pros and cons, and how to follow it.
The Gary Brecka diet is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet designed to place your body in ketosis.
Typically, your body draws energy from glucose.
But during ketosis, your body draws energy from ketone bodies produced from fat.
Gary Brecka advocates reducing refined sugars and processed fat in one's diet and promoting eating whole foods instead.
His 30-30-30 diet advocates eating 30 grams of protein followed by 30 minutes of exercise within 30 minutes of waking up.
Gary Brecka, a human biologist by profession, is considered by many to be a mortality expert.
He claims to help people improve their body's function and delay aging.
He co-founded 10X Health Systems, a team focused on improving human lifestyle.
Some of his most well-known clients include Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White.
He recommends the 30-30-30 diet, inspired by Tim Ferriss's book The 4-Hour Body.
Gary Becka says blood sugar triggers insulin secretion and blocks other energy utilization.
Some research suggests that blocking insulin secretion may lead to weight loss in adults.
Also, some claims have suggested that Brecka's recommended steady-state cardiovascular exercises bring one's heart rate to an optimum point for weight loss.
However, there have been no extensive studies on this diet, and the claims can't be verified.
The Gary Brecka diet is claimed to have health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, regulating hormones, and maintaining energy levels.
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The Gary Brecka 30/30/30 diet promises to "melt your fat" through a specific routine involving a high-protein breakfast and timely exercise.
Let’s break down the components of this diet and see if it truly lives up to its claims.
One key component of the 30/30/30 diet is having a high-protein breakfast.
A high-protein meal can indeed make you feel full longer and reduce cravings throughout the day, making it easier to manage your calorie intake.
This is because protein takes longer to digest and can keep you satisfied for a more extended period.
However, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that the exact timing of your protein intake significantly impacts weight loss.
What's more important is maintaining a high-protein diet overall and ensuring you are in a calorie deficit.
Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for weight loss and overall health.
But the specific timing of your workout is less crucial than the consistency and intensity of your exercise routine.
Whether you do your cardio in the morning or later in the day doesn’t significantly impact your weight loss results.
The Gary Brecka 30/30/30 diet includes some useful principles, such as eating a high-protein breakfast and engaging in regular exercise.
However, the fundamental driver of fat loss is creating and maintaining a calorie deficit.
This can be achieved by consuming fewer calories or increasing the number of calories you burn through physical activity.
The specific timing of meals or workouts, as promoted by the 30/30/30 diet, is not as critical as ensuring you are in a calorie deficit throughout the day.
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The Gary Brecka diet, which is mainly a ketogenic diet, might cause more harm than good if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
You should consult your doctor before starting any new diet, supplements, or exercise routine.
Any ketogenic diet, including the Gary Brecka diet, is not recommended for children.
Keto diets can limit carbohydrate consumption, which children need for regular physical and mental growth.
Foods rich in carbohydrates also have fiber, which helps regulate blood sugars and prevent constipation.
Children need around 130 grams of carbohydrates daily, while the keto diet limits them to 20-30 grams.
Here are a few food items that Gary Brecka advises to avoid:
Gary Brecka recorded the following supplements alongside following his diet:
The 30-30-30 challenge is a ketogenic diet Gary Brecka promotes on social media.
It promotes consuming 30 grams of protein followed by 30 minutes of exercise within 30 minutes of waking up.
Brecka did not initially come up with this, but he promoted it on social media, which has increased its popularity.
For most people, following this diet should be safe and potentially beneficial.
However, if you have certain health conditions or dietary restrictions, like those that require avoiding a ketogenic diet, this plan might not be suitable.
The benefits of a high-protein breakfast and regular exercise are well-established, but the specific timing is less crucial.
In most cases, following this timing won't cause harm, but it might not provide additional benefits over a more flexible schedule.
Before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, it's essential to consult with your healthcare practitioner, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Gary Brecka helped Dana White lose 39 pounds, which claimed to have dramatically changed his body in 2022.
Brecka conducted blood tests on White and concluded that he had just ten years to live.
He then put White on an 86-hour water fast and cut out all simple carbs from his diet, which allegedly helped him lose weight and regain shape.
The 30/30/30 diet, made famous on social media by Gary Brecka, claims to help you lose weight and promote longevity.
It is a ketogenic diet in which you eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and then 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise.
This diet claims to regulate blood glucose levels and reduce cravings.
However, it is not backed by scientific research, and some experts feel that the claims made by Gary Brecka are far-fetched.
We advise talking to your healthcare provider before starting any diet.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36615743
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/8/2840
Photographic memory is a rare and mysterious cognitive ability that allows people to remember images and objects in detail. It’s a rare phenomenon in which someone can retain an enormous quantity of information, whether it be images, sounds, or words. Photographic memory was first documented by a Harvard vision scientist named Charles Stromeyer III in early 1970 about a student named Elizabeth. Some believe that photographic memory is a real phenomenon, while others believe it’s just an exaggeration or myth. Another school of thought is that photographic memory could be genetic, where having a few gene changes may help retain information better. This article explores whether there is such a thing as photographic memory and the genetic landscape of it.
Why do we remember some things more distinctly than others? And why do some memories fade?
Answering these questions requires us to look into how memories are formed in the first place.
Our daily experiences are converted into pulses of energy that travel along the neuron network and form short-term memories first.
These are available for a few seconds or a few minutes.
They then get converted into long-term memories through certain brain areas like the hippocampus.
Finally, they reach the storage regions present in the brain.
With the help of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, neurons communicate with each other in regions called synapses.
Continuous communication between two neurons increases efficiency, a process described as long-term potentiation.
This phenomenon helps store long-term memory.
While ongoing research indicates that some may be genetically "blessed" with greater memory and recall powers, there's no concrete evidence that suggests photographic memory is genetic.
The common impression of photographic memory is that some people can take a mental snapshot of whatever is in front of them and retrieve it from memory, zooming in and out of various parts.
However, the true existence of photographic memory has not been proven till now.
What people mostly refer to as photographic memory is, in fact, eidetic memory.
Eidetic memory is “the ability to recall an image from memory with high precision for a brief period after seeing it only once, and without using a mnemonic device.”
This memory lasts less than one second for most people and a few seconds for others.
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*Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked with learning and memory
Episodic memory is the ability to recall and mentally re-experience specific episodes from one's past.
Despite these findings, true photographic memory is extremely rare and not fully understood.
Most cases of exceptional memory, such as those seen in individuals with hyperthymesia (highly superior autobiographical memory), do not necessarily equate to photographic memory.
For instance, Jill Price, known for her remarkable memory, can recall detailed personal experiences but does not possess photographic memory in the traditional sense.
Memories also depend on other lifestyle and environmental factors like diet and educational attainment.
As we age, the synapses become weak, making it difficult to retrieve information.
According to studies, the hippocampus loses 5% of its neurons every decade after age 40, resulting in a 20% loss by 80 years.
There may also be a loss of neurotransmitters.
Other mental and physical health conditions associated with aging can also be why memories get lost.
Chronic stress is another major contributor to memory issues.
The body releases a surge of hormones, enabling us to wave through stressful situations.
However, chronic stress continually exposes the body to this flood of hormones.
This may result in the loss of brain cells and block the formation of new ones, making it difficult to retain information.
Depression is another condition associated with memory problems.
The low levels of serotonin seen in individuals with depression can make it difficult for a person to pay attention to new information.
People with depression may be 40% more likely to develop memory and cognition-associated problems.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596698/
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/644739
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eidetic_memory
Newborn babies can be prone to bleeding disorders, and one standard medical procedure to combat this involves administering a vitamin K shot at birth. Vitamin K is known to help promote clotting and blood health by nourishing the liver. However, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to opt for a vitamin K shot for your newborn. This article will explore the benefits and risks of administering a vitamin K shot at birth.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found in two forms in your food.
It helps make the proteins needed for blood clotting
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to low levels of prothrombin in the blood.
Prothrombin is a blood clotting protein whose deficiency can lead to hemorrhage (internal bleeding) and blood loss.
Vitamin K deficiency is very rare in adults.
It occurs in individuals with malabsorption issues or those taking medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), infants between 0 and 6 months need two micrograms of vitamin K daily to maintain adequate nutritional levels.
This is because every newborn child has low vitamin K levels in their blood.
Two main reasons for this are:
Low vitamin K levels in infants put them at a higher risk for developing a condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in the first six months of their life.
This is why every infant needs a vitamin K shot at birth.
Since 1961, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a vitamin K shot at birth to prevent the risk of VKDB.
VKDB causes life-threatening internal bleeding, which can occur within 6 months of birth.
According to experts, one out of five babies with VKDB die because of the condition.
Two out of every five survivors end up with long-term neurological damage.
They may also have motor skill defects, cognitive issues, and organ failures.
VKDB may also lead to motor skill defects, cognitive issues, and organ failures in surviving children.
Early VKDB occurs within 24 hours of birth.
The baby could be born with an existing bleeding disorder, which may worsen due to low vitamin K levels.
The use of certain maternal medications also increases the risk of early VKDB.
Classic VKDB occurs between 24 hours and one week of birth.
It’s caused by a natural decrease in vitamin K levels, which breast milk cannot adequately replenish.
Late VKDB occurs between one and 24 weeks (6 months) of birth.
It could result from the baby's existing liver problems, which make the liver unable to produce clotting factors.
All three cases of VKDB cause bleeding in the gut or brain and can turn severe quickly.
Doctors usually administer Vitamin K as a single intramuscular shot or an oral dose right after birth.
The injection contains vitamin K and certain safe additives that maintain the vitamin's pH levels and improve its absorption rate.
A single shot of vitamin K within 6 hours of birth can greatly reduce the risk of VKDB.
The dose is generally 1mg, but babies weighing under 1500g at birth get a 0.5mg dose of vitamin K.
| Vitamin K Injection | Vitamin K Tablets |
| One-time procedure | Three doses over 8 weeks |
| Delivered intra-muscularly | Delivered orally |
| Absorbed quickly and efficiently | Absorbed slowly and partially |
| Recommended by the CDC | Not recommended by the CDC |
In 2019, a study surveyed parents who were against vitamin K shots and noted a few reasons:
A growing number of people oppose vitamin K shots at birth.
It’s essential to clearly explain the pros and cons to help them make an informed decision.
| Pros of Vitamin K Shot At Birth | Cons Of Vitamin K Shot At Birth |
| Prevents VKDB, a rare but severe blood clotting problem in infants | Rare instances of infection, bleeding, or bruising at the site of injection |
| Easy administration; intramuscular(recommended) or oral | Preservatives like benzyl alcohol can be toxic in large amounts for very premature babies |
| One of the safest substances to administer |
Some parents wanted to wait until their infant showed signs of vitamin K deficiency.
However, visible signs of VKDB appear only after significant internal bleeding since it starts affecting the liver right from birth.
If the condition grows severe, there is little that doctors can do.
In most countries, hospitals offer vitamin K shots at birth completely free of cost.
Yes, VKDB incidences in the USA are extremely low.
It’s only because nearly all newborns take the vitamin K shot.
VKDB is more common in regions where vitamin K shots aren’t readily available.
Yes. Vitamin K isn’t properly delivered to the fetus through the placenta and won’t be adequately delivered through breast milk.
Every newborn needs a vitamin K shot to prevent internal bleeding due to VKDB.
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With over 6 million people affected by GERD globally in 2019—an alarming 77.19% increase from 3.4 million in 1990—the prevalence of this troubling condition is rising rapidly. GERD, characterized by the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, is a widespread health concern with significant genetic influences. Research suggests that hereditary factors play a major role in an individual's risk of developing GERD. Knowing how genetics play a role is vital for managing and potentially avoiding this chronic disease. Keep reading to discover how your genetics might impact your risk of GERD and how this knowledge can inform your health choices.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
This occurs due to a problem in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle ring that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
Normally, this ring opens to allow food into the stomach and then closes to prevent the stomach's contents from flowing back up.
In GERD, the LES is either weak or relaxes when it shouldn't, allowing acid to move up into the esophagus.
Fundamental causes of GERD:
The most common cause of GERD is a weak or relaxed LES.
When the LES becomes weak or doesn't function properly, stomach acid is permitted to flow back into the esophagus, resulting in the symptoms associated with GERD.
Yes, GERD can be hereditary. Research reveals that genetic factors play a significant role, with a heritability rate of about 31%.
Certain genetic markers, like specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are linked to a greater risk of developing GERD.
Several genes are linked to GERD. Key genes include:
Genes like COX-2, IL-10, GSTP1, XRCC1, hMLH1, and A61G are also associated with increased GERD risk due to their roles in inflammation, DNA repair, and growth factors.
Yes, acid reflux, also known as GERD, can run in families. A twin study provides strong evidence for a genetic component in GERD.
The study examined 1960 twin pairs, including both identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins.
Identical twins, sharing the same set of genes, were more likely to have GERD than fraternal twins, who share only half their genes.
The study indicated that monozygotic twins had a GERD symptom rate of 42%, compared to 26% for dizygotic twins. This suggests a significant genetic influence on GERD.
The study’s heritability estimates indicate that around 43% of the variance in GERD risk is due to genetic factors.
This suggests that having family members with GERD increases your chance of getting it, pointing to a strong genetic influence.
Several conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of GERD. Key contributors include:
Underlying conditions:
Lifestyle factors:
Yes, GERD is often a lifelong condition. It’s a chronic problem, which means that even if symptoms improve with treatment, they often come back when treatment stops.
People with severe GERD, like those with erosive esophagitis, usually need long-term treatment to keep the symptoms under control and prevent complications.
Studies have shown that after stopping treatment, up to 90% of people with healed erosive esophagitis see their symptoms return within 6 to 12 months.
This shows that GERD doesn’t go away easily and often requires ongoing management.
Lifestyle changes often serve as the first line of treatment for GERD. If these adjustments are insufficient, further medical intervention may be necessary.
Over-the-counter options:
Prescription treatments:
Surgical options:
For obesity-related GERD, weight-loss surgery may be recommended.
Note: Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication for GERD to ensure it's the right approach for your condition.
Dr. Yalini Vigneswaran, MD, MS, a gastrointestinal surgeon at the University of Chicago Medicine, offers expert advice on managing and preventing GERD, including:
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9122392
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/reflux-disease-gerd-1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6107529
https://gut.bmj.com/content/52/8/1085.full
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1936305
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
