Science Report: Cosmic Distances, Appetite Control, and Health Trends

Researchers have unveiled interesting news on scientific and health fronts recently, as published on Earth.com and SciTechDaily news outlets.

The Search for Alien Life is Vastly More Distant

New research presented at the EPSC–DPS Joint Meeting suggests that technological civilizations in the Milky Way are extremely rare, with the nearest one potentially 33,000 light-years away. Scientists determined that for such a civilization to exist concurrently with humanity, it would need to have survived for at least 280,000 years. This conclusion is based on stringent requirements for planetary habitability, including active plate tectonics and a delicate atmospheric balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Happiness, Not Just Exercise, Drives Life Satisfaction

A study analyzing participants of a free weekly running and walking event found that the biggest predictor of increased life satisfaction was not merely physical activity, but rather improved mental health, happiness, and a sense of personal achievement. The research suggests that the enjoyment and fun derived from communal activity are more closely linked to overall well-being than physical metrics like finish times or training volume.

Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Surges in Middle Age

Addiction to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is rising sharply among middle-aged Americans, particularly women over 50. A study using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale found that approximately 21% of women and 10% of men in this age group meet the criteria for UPF addiction—a rate much higher than in older cohorts. Researchers link this trend to the aggressive marketing of highly engineered “diet” foods during their key developmental periods, stressing that future generations may face an even greater crisis.

Exercise-Produced Molecule Switches Off Hunger in the Brain

Scientists have identified a naturally produced molecule called Lac-Phe that helps explain how exercise promotes weight loss. Researchers found that this compound, which increases in the bloodstream after vigorous physical activity, acts directly on neurons in the brain (AgRP neurons) to suppress appetite. This discovery provides a new mechanistic explanation for exercise-induced appetite reduction and points toward potential new pharmacological targets for weight-loss treatments.