Eye on Faith: February 2020

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Are gut bugs bugging you?

Skin Microbiome (Public Domain)

Most of us are only about 43 percent human, but not because of the way we carry on. In fact, our behaviors are greatly influenced by that other 57 percent.

The majority of our body cells are part of a microbiome which “includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled archaea.” Their combined genes are known as our “second genome.”

This second genome has been linked to physical conditions such as obesity and Parkinson’s. Research indicates that it might also be linked to “depression and autism.”

Which raises an intriguing question: Can changing one’s microbiome be a means of achieving better mental health?

Resources

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-bacteria-are-changing-your-mood

Friday, February 28, 2020

Of Biblical Proportions

Mandarin Ducks (by Francis C. Franklin)

Pakistan is currently being plagued by swarms of locusts. This plague, which is hitting other countries from Africa to Asia, will be combatted by ducks.

Yes, ducks. Neighboring China, fearing that the plague will infiltrate its borders, is planning to send “at least 100,000 ducks” to Pakistan. These “biological weapons” are expected to eat massive amounts of locusts.

If Egypt’s Pharaoh had thought of this, biblical history might have turned out differently. Or not. Some things are just meant to be.

Resources

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-27/army-of-100-000-chinese-ducks-on-standby-to-combat-locust-swarms

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Actions Speak Louder

James Meredith at 'Ole Miss' (Public Domain)

Although some vigorously advertise a lack of limitations on certain legal statutes, the longstanding need for ethical apologies is often ignored.

The University of Mississippi finally got around to apologizing for its harsh treatment of the African Americans who protested its racial inequality 50 years ago.

One of those same protestors, Henriese Roberts, recently pointed out that “African Americans still face injustice.” Apologies can be a start, but justice is better yet. Way better.

Resources

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ole-miss-apologizes-black-protesters-arrested-1970-69238657