Longevity Hacks
An original Inverse series on science-backed tactics to live smarter, healthier, and longer with better exercise, wellness habits, and sleep.
Are muscle knots real? An exercise physiologist explains what they really are
Researchers are still trying to figure out the exact physiological mechanisms within the muscle that cause this reaction.
This indispensable habit reduces your risk of getting Covid-19
Surprise — an exercise habit protects us against the novel pathogen.
Why is my dog lazy? New research explains the frustrating answer
Heal thyself and you will help your pup.
Research reveals the best way to exercise — and it’s surprisingly simple
Even a minute of lifting is beneficial.
One type of walking reliably boosts fitness more than any other
Here’s why — alongside a few good reasons to give Nordic walking a try.
Exercising only on the weekends has surprising health benefits — study
Don’t be ashamed to be a weekend warrior.
How much exercise do you actually need?
No matter what you do, the key is consistency.
Why “micro workouts” can have significant mental and physical benefits
There are advantages to fitting short bursts of exercise into your day.
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in lifting — here’s how to do it right
Research shows that mental training can increase gains at the gym.
Most-effective core exercises: Why traditional sit-ups may not be best for your routine
Plank it.
One simple activity could ease your lower back pain
Reach for the sky.
Should you exercise your dog on a treadmill? Here's what veterinarians say
It might not be a bad idea.
Can dry scooping boost performance? Experts explain the viral workout hack
Is it a hack or is it hype?
Just over an hour of weekly exercise reduces the risk of depression, scientists say
Get ready for a lot of brisk walking.
Exercise may matter more than BMI for lowering cancer risk
Bodyweight is not synonymous with health.
Just 30 minutes of one action can dramatically boost the effects of therapy
Before you sit down for a session, take a little extra time to amplify the effects.
Is decaf coffee caffeine-free? ‘Dr. Coffee’ shares the answer
Decaf and regular differ in other ways than caffeine levels.
Is vanilla extract fake? Here’s the secret chemistry behind the ancient flavor
Vanilla beans are “chemical factories.”
Want more umami? This is the science-backed seasoning you need
Forget sneaking in vegetables — sneak insects into your food instead.
One common misunderstood ingredient could be damaging your gut bacteria — study
Artificial sweeteners are failing at their one and only task.
These 10 common foods have the smallest environmental impact: study
Your favorite sugary drinks aren’t as bad for the planet as you’d think.
What makes mold edible? A food safety expert breaks it down
Sometimes mold is tasty, except when it’s not.
This genetically modified rice could transform the global food supply
Copying one key gene could help feed hundreds of millions of people worldwide facing nutritional deficiencies.
Why does eating pineapple sting? A food scientist explains the chemistry
More like painapple, right?
Why does spicy food make you sweat? A neuroscientist breaks it down
The body isn’t in actual harm, but it responds as if it is.
Artificial photosynthesis can grow plants without light — and may solve a planetary dilemma
Plus: Robotic limbs can feel real.
Does coffee make you poop? A gastroenterologist gets to the bottom of it
The connection is more complicated than you might think.
Does smoked meat cause cancer? A dietitian assesses the damage
Your BBQ could come with a side of P.A.H.s and H.C.A.s.
Surprise! Biologists find that plants can grow in Moondust returned by Apollo
Thale cress grew in the soil, but maybe not well.
Should we abandon good pasta? A dietitian digs in on “healthier” alternatives
There’s a place on the plate for all types of pasta.
For mice, fasting at the right time extended lifespans — but can it work for humans?
Studies on animals, usually lab mice, have limited applications to humans.
Does submerging an avocado in water keep it fresh? The science behind the hack
Read this before you follow that TikTok advice.
Your gut microbes can help fight cancer, new research reveals
Gut microbiome research is still relatively uncharted territory.
Peeing Red: What is beeturia and who gets it?
If you ate beets last night and are seeing red, don't panic.
One common misunderstood ingredient could be damaging your gut bacteria — study
Artificial sweeteners are failing at their one and only task.
Fugitive gut bacteria can disrupt our immune systems. Here's how we can capture them
Your friendly, neighborhood antibodies are the key.
Bacteria-eating virus cocktails may effectively treat gut inflammation — study
Two huge breakthroughs could change the game for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Genetically engineered gut bacteria boost long-term metabolic health — mouse study
This technique could eventually help treat human metabolic conditions using our own genetically-engineered bacteria.
Unripe bananas have a hereditary cancer prevention property — study
Finally: a reason to eat more starch!
Why this pervasive immune chemical may be behind pain in IBS
For some people with IBS, blocking histamine may lead us to some potent pain relievers
The secret to gut health is already in your mouth
Your oral microbiome plays a key role in your health — here's how to keep it happy.
Why scientists think these dietary supplements may help treat depression
While probiotics alone aren’t the cure, they could help as an add-on to other treatments.
Beer might actually improve gut health, study finds
Beer belly, but make it biodiverse.
Does coffee make you poop? A gastroenterologist gets to the bottom of it
The connection is more complicated than you might think.
The baby poop of hunter-gatherers could unlock better gut health
The Hadza are known for their exceptional microbiomes.
Can ginger cure nausea? A gastroenterologist reveals the spicy truth
It certainly doesn’t hurt.
Antibiotics can hurt your gut microbiome, leading to a deadly fungal infection — study
One of the risk factors for getting invasive candidiasis is antibiotics.
A brief history of video game poop
A trail of turds from Earthbound to Death Stranding.
Going to bed before this time could boost your metabolic health
Sorry, night owls.
Eating at this hour is associated with lower depression and anxiety, study shows
If you work the graveyard shift, read this.
Brushing your teeth can protect brain health, new research reveals
Brush your teeth for your brain’s sake.
Microbreaks may be a ‘panacea’ for workday wellness
Anywhere between 8 seconds and 10 minutes does you some good.
This indispensable habit reduces your risk of getting Covid-19
Surprise — an exercise habit protects us against the novel pathogen.
Research reveals the best way to exercise — and it’s surprisingly simple
Even a minute of lifting is beneficial.
Neuroscientists finally figured out why thinking can be so exhausting
Your brain is begging you to go touch grass.
Unripe bananas have a hereditary cancer prevention property — study
Finally: a reason to eat more starch!
This humble vitamin might be a worthwhile supplement for anxiety
It’s certainly worth a shot.
Exercising only on the weekends has surprising health benefits — study
Don’t be ashamed to be a weekend warrior.
A psychiatrist’s guide to coexisting with intrusive thoughts
It’s not about controlling the thoughts, it’s about not letting the thoughts control you.
This everyday behavior is essential to preventing heart disease
Don’t feel guilty about sleeping in, because it’s good for your health.
Stop wasting money on this ineffective daily regimen
Just get gummy worms if that’s what you really want.
These 90-plus-year-old women reveal the secret to living a long, happy life
Looking on the bright side of life is backed by science.
This coffee hack could improve your gut health and make you live longer
Here’s what science can glean from your daily coffee order.
Researchers: Pump iron for 30 minutes a week to ward off early death
A little goes a long way.
