No. 102 of 108
September 23, 2025
A new research field examines the “exposome” – the full range of environmental elements that a person is exposed to in their life, even before birth, and how those elements interact with biology. Environmental chemicals. Microplastics. Highly processed foods. Disruption of circadian rhythms (i.e., abnormal or disrupted sleep patterns). Screen time. Rather than simple causes and effects, researchers are investigating the interactive and cumulative impacts of environmental elements. A significant driver of this research is the earlier onset of cancers in younger folx.
Modernity, as it turns out, is bad for our overall health. Every era has its advantages and risks. Not all harmful things can be avoided. But we can and must support good and vigorous science – through private means if governments are allergic. Raise and nurture children who want to figure things out. Make better, informed choices and set good examples. In the exposome, microplastics and forever chemicals are ubiquitous (meaning: everywhere) and therefore the realm of policy that is currently hostile to even a conversation let alone a set of generational remedies. But screen time? Hey. We can all do something about that, for ourselves. Less processed foods? A challenge, but yes. At the level of community and in relationship to networks of communities, useful interruptions possible. Bit by bit, byte by bite. Reverse the slide.