The multifaceted nature of tree leaves is both a testament to great design and a reflection of their integral role in sustaining life on Earth. At their core, leaves are the tree’s primary energy converters. Armed with chlorophyll, these remarkable organs capture sunlight and metamorphose it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is not only pivotal for the tree’s own sustenance but also for the broader ecosystem. As leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they play a linchpin role in maintaining the delicate atmospheric balance that life relies on. Additionally, their contribution to the water cycle through transpiration and cloud seeding cannot be understated, as it aids in temperature regulation and impacts local climates.

Yet, the marvel of leaves doesn’t stop at their biochemical processes. Observing the diverse landscapes of our planet, one can witness the leaves’ extraordinary adaptability. Their varied shapes, sizes, colors, and textures are designed to ensure the tree’s survival in a multitude of habitats. Whether it’s the narrow needle-like leaves conserving water in arid regions or the vibrant hues of deciduous leaves in temperate zones, each variation serves a purpose.

Equally intriguing are the leaves’ self-regulatory mechanisms for survival. Stomata, for instance, are not just mere pores on a leaf’s surface. They are gatekeepers, regulating the intake of carbon dioxide and ensuring minimal water loss in the process. And, in a world filled with potential herbivores, many leaves have devised their own defensive arsenal, be it through thorns, spines, or even toxins.

Yet, for all their biological wonder, leaves have intertwined themselves with human culture in profound ways. Their economic and cultural imprint ranges from their culinary and medicinal properties to their symbolic and artistic significance. In essence, while tree leaves serve as vital cogs in the natural world, they also enrich our human experiences in countless ways.

The life journey of a leaf is a captivating tale of growth, productivity, and eventual surrender to the rhythms of nature.

As seasons progress and daylight diminishes, the days of a leaf’s photosynthetic productivity gradually wane. By the time autumn approaches, a series of physiological and biochemical changes commence within the leaf. Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the leaf’s green hue, starts to break down and degrade

This degradation unmasks other pigments that were always present but overshadowed by the dominant green. Carotenoids, responsible for yellow and orange hues, and anthocyanins, which produce red and purple shades, begin to reveal themselves. This transformation results in the splendid array of fall foliage colors that many temperate regions of the world celebrate.

Concurrently, at the base of the leaf stalk, a special layer of cells called the “abscission layer” begins to form. This layer slowly cuts off the flow of nutrients and water to the leaf, and as a result, the leaf becomes more fragile. Over time, this layer becomes weakened, and external factors like wind, rain, or even the simple passage of time and presence of gravity can cause the leaf to detach from the tree.

This seasonal shedding serves a purpose for the tree. By shedding leaves, the tree conserves water and energy during the colder months when it would be harder to sustain its full canopy. As leaves fall and decompose, they also enrich the soil, providing the tree and other plants with nutrients to tap into during the next growth cycle. In essence, from the height of its photosynthetic productivity to its graceful fall descent, the life of a leaf embodies the cyclical and interconnected nature of life.

When a leaf drifts from the tree’s canopy and settles on the ground, it embarks on a new phase of life: decomposition. This process is vital, recycling nutrients back into the soil and ensuring the continued health of forest ecosystems. Decomposition isn’t just the fading away of the leaf; it’s an intricate dance of biology, chemistry, and environmental factors.

Upon landing, the leaf is immediately exposed to the elements—moisture, temperature, and oxygen—all of which influence its rate of decay. In moist and warm conditions, decomposition is expedited, whereas cold or dry conditions can slow the process.

The primary agents of decomposition are microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. These tiny decomposers break down the leaf’s cellular structures, consuming the carbon within and releasing essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil. As they work, these microbes are in turn consumed by tiny creatures like springtails, mites, and nematodes, which are a part of the intricate food web of the forest floor.

Insects, particularly detritivores like millipedes and woodlice, play a significant role as well. They feed on the leaf, breaking it into smaller fragments and making it more accessible to the microbial community. Earthworms, too, have their part to play, dragging leaves into their burrows and mixing the organic material with the soil, further enhancing its fertility.

As weeks and months pass, what was once a vibrant leaf becomes an unrecognizable mixture of humus, minerals, and organic matter. This rich blend nurtures the soil, providing a fertile ground for new plants to thrive and, eventually, support the growth of future tree generations.

In essence, the decomposition of a fallen leaf is not an end but a transformation. It showcases nature’s remarkable ability to renew itself, turning decay into life, in a never-ending cycle of regeneration.

Autumn blankets our gardens with a mosaic of fallen leaves, a spectacle of nature’s seasonal shift. However, these leaves, often perceived as mere yard waste, can be harnessed to benefit homeowners’ trees and gardens in profound ways.

Firstly, consider mulching. Instead of raking and bagging leaves to be discarded, homeowners can mow over them with a lawnmower, turning them into a fine mulch. This leaf mulch, when spread over garden beds and around trees, acts as a protective layer. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. As it decomposes, the mulch enriches the soil with organic matter and essential nutrients, fostering a hospitable environment for beneficial microorganisms.

For those keen on composting, fallen leaves are a goldmine. By adding them to compost piles or bins, they provide the necessary carbon-rich ‘brown’ material that complements the nitrogen-rich ‘green’ kitchen scraps. Over time, this combination breaks down to produce compost, a dark, nutrient-dense humus that can be mixed into garden soil to enhance its fertility and structure.

Another sustainable approach is creating a leaf mold. This involves piling wet leaves and letting them decompose over a year or two. The result is a fungus-driven compost, an excellent soil conditioner that improves water retention and provides a habitat for beneficial soil life.

Lastly, for areas aiming to support local wildlife, consider leaving a section of your yard untouched. Fallen leaves can offer shelter for overwintering insects, amphibians, and small mammals, promoting biodiversity.

In summary, autumn’s fallen leaves are not a burden but a boon. By understanding and applying these methods, homeowners can transform these leaves from mere debris into invaluable assets for their gardens and trees, all while embracing sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.

This fall take an active role in rejuvenating the grounds around you house or property.  Instead of bagging and removing leaves, blow or rake them into piles.  Places to pile leaves might be flower beds, compost piles, the woods in and around trees.

By placing the leaves in piles there will be nicely composted humus piles in the spring for your plants around the house.  Leaves placed in piles around rose bushes will help to protect the bushes from desiccation over the winter months.

If there are school-age children involved, piling leaves is a great way to teach them about decomposition and creating new soil for the plants to grow into.  Of course they will also get to learn about beetles, worms, and lots of other creatures that might make a pile of leaves their homes.

In the Spring, your garden will benefit as will the trees and other flora you chose to share last year’s leaves with.

Tucked away in the eastern corner of Germany, adjacent to the Czech Republic, is the extraordinary Saxon Switzerland National Park. This enchanting realm offers a dramatic landscape, defined by its imposing sandstone cliffs, labyrinthine gorges, and dense, verdant forests. Its myriad trails, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks, invite hikers to immerse themselves in its natural splendor.

Bastei Bridge and the Schwedenlöcher Trail: This iconic trail takes you to the park’s poster child, the Bastei Bridge, which connects towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe River and surrounding forests. The Schwedenlöcher is a connecting trail that meanders through canyons and forested areas, delivering a contrast of both aerial panoramas and intimate woodland encounters.

Malerweg (Painter’s Way): Once an inspiration to painters like Caspar David Friedrich, this is an approximately 112-km loop that traces the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Divided into eight stages, it’s a comprehensive route that covers the park’s most significant sights, such as the Barbarine rock pillar and the Elbe Canyon. Each segment is a journey through different facets of the park’s beauty.

Affenstein Promenade: Renowned for its rugged terrain and unique rock formations, this trail is challenging but rewarding. Offering views of the distinctive Carolafelsen and Domerker rocks, this trail also passes through the Kleinsteinhöhle, a narrow crevice between two massive boulders.

Goldsteig Trail: This shorter trail provides a serene experience, guiding hikers through lush forests and leading to the Griesgrund and Grüngrund valleys, where quaint brooks and moss-covered rocks create an ethereal setting.

Königstein Fortress (Festung Königstein) is one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe and is located on a hill above the town of Königstein, near the Elbe River in Saxon Switzerland, Germany. While the fortress itself is not directly on the main hiking routes of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, several trails and routes in the area can lead you to or around the fortress due to its prominence and tourist significance.

One notable route is the Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg). Although primarily a cycling route, it’s also walkable and runs along the Elbe River, passing through Königstein and providing visitors the option to stop and explore the fortress.

For hikers, there are multiple paths that ascend the plateau on which the fortress stands. The town of Königstein serves as a starting point or a stopover for many of these routes. Once in the town, you can take local trails up to the fortress or even use the elevator that helps visitors reach the fortress with ease.

While the aforementioned Malerweg (Painter’s Way) trail doesn’t directly go through the fortress, the town of Königstein and the fortress are popular detours or side trips for those hiking this iconic route, especially when they are in the vicinity.

Schrammsteine Viewpoint: A series of jagged rocks that offer one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. The journey to this viewpoint, though somewhat strenuous, is well worth the effort for the unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Schrammsteine Viewpoint is one of the most iconic vantage points in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, offering panoramic views of the sandstone formations and the surrounding landscape.

To reach the Schrammsteine Viewpoint, you can take several trails, but the most commonly used and direct route starts from the town of Bad Schandau.

Here’s a brief guide to the hike:

1. Starting Point: Begin your hike in Bad Schandau. You can easily reach this town by train, and it’s a popular starting point for many hikes in the national park.
2. Ascending to Schrammsteine: From Bad Schandau, follow the trail markers leading to the Schrammsteine. The path is well-marked, with clear signposts. The ascent involves some steep sections, stairs, and ladders. It’s a moderately challenging climb but is accessible to most hikers with a basic level of fitness.
3. Schrammsteine Viewpoint: Once you’ve ascended the main elevation, you’ll reach the Schrammsteine ridge. From here, you can traverse along the ridge to various viewpoints. The most notable one provides a sweeping panorama of the Elbe River, the surrounding forests, and the myriad of rock formations characteristic of Saxon Switzerland.
4. Return or Continue: After soaking in the views, you can either return to Bad Schandau via the same route or continue exploring the area, as several trails branch off from the Schrammsteine, leading to other landmarks like the Bastei or the Affensteine.

The round-trip hike to the Schrammsteine Viewpoint and back to Bad Schandau typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on one’s pace and the time spent at the viewpoint. Ensure you wear appropriate hiking shoes, carry sufficient water, and check the weather forecast before embarking on this beautiful journey through Saxon Switzerland’s heart.

Heringstein: A prominent rock formation that serves as a fantastic viewpoint and is also popular among rock climbers.

Heringstein is a unique rock formation located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. As with many spots in the park, it’s accessible through a network of trails. While Heringstein may not be as popular or widely recognized as some other formations, it is still a worthwhile destination for those interested in exploring less frequented areas.

Several trails lead to Heringstein, and choosing one depends on your starting point, the difficulty level you’re comfortable with, and the landscapes you wish to encounter along the way. Here’s a brief guide:

1. Starting from Bad Schandau:
   • Bad Schandau is one of the main gateways to the park. From here, you can take the marked trails toward the Schrammsteine, and from there, follow the trail markers leading to Heringstein.
   • This route combines some of the park’s most iconic views, like the Schrammsteine Viewpoint, with the more tranquil beauty of Heringstein.
2. From the Lichtenhain Waterfall:
   • Starting at the Lichtenhain Waterfall, a popular attraction in its own right, there’s a trail that takes you through the Kirnitzschtal and then branches off towards Heringstein. This route provides a mix of forested paths and open views of rock formations.
3. Circular Route from Ostrau:
   • The village of Ostrau can serve as a starting point for a circular hike that encompasses Heringstein. This route can include other nearby attractions, providing a comprehensive hiking experience.

Kuhstall: The second-largest natural arch in the park, Kuhstall is a popular attraction and is accessible via a relatively easy hike. The nearby Himmelsleiter, or “Ladder to Heaven,” offers a thrilling climb and an exhilarating view.

The Kuhstall is one of the most famous landmarks in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Translating to “Cowshed,” this is the park’s second-largest natural arch, and its size and location offer an impressive view over the surrounding landscape. The site also has historical significance, with legends suggesting it was once used as a hiding spot during wars, and as its name implies, even as a shelter for livestock.

Several trails lead to the Kuhstall, ensuring it’s accessible for hikers of various abilities:

1. From Bad Schandau via the Lichtenhain Waterfall:
   • Start your hike in Bad Schandau, a central gateway to the park. Head towards the Lichtenhain Waterfall, another popular attraction.
   • From the waterfall, you can follow signs and trails leading to the Kuhstall. This route offers a mix of woodland paths, open views, and encounters with multiple attractions.
2. Direct Path from the Lichtenhain Waterfall:
   • If you’re short on time or prefer a more direct route, you can start your hike right at the Lichtenhain Waterfall. From here, it’s a relatively straightforward path to the Kuhstall, with signposts to guide you.
3. From Altendorf via the Affensteine Rocks:
   • Starting in the village of Altendorf, this trail offers a longer, more challenging hike. You’ll first pass the striking Affensteine rock formations before reaching the Kuhstall.
   • This route offers a comprehensive experience of the park, encompassing dense forests, panoramic viewpoints, and multiple geological wonders.
4. Circular Route from Neumannmühle:
   • Neumannmühle, located in the Kirnitzschtal, offers a starting point for a beautiful circular route. This path leads you directly to the Kuhstall and back, making for a perfect day hike.
5. From the Grosser Winterberg:
   • For those seeking a more extended and challenging hike, the trail from the Grosser Winterberg to the Kuhstall is ideal. This route covers a significant portion of the national park and includes breathtaking viewpoints, dense forests, and, of course, the majestic Kuhstall arch.

For any trail you choose:

• Trail Markings: Saxon Switzerland’s paths are generally well-marked. Still, given the park’s extensive trail network, it’s vital to frequently ensure you’re on your desired route.
• Hiking Maps: A good hiking map is indispensable. These maps will detail all the park’s trails and can be crucial for navigation, especially if you plan to explore multiple sites in one day.
• Trail Conditions and Difficulty: Ensure you’re aware of the trail’s difficulty and conditions. Depending on the season, some trails can be slippery or more challenging.
• Local Expertise: Before embarking, consult local guides or the tourist information center. Their insights can be invaluable, offering updated information on trail conditions, durations, or even suggesting routes tailored to your interests.

Visiting the Kuhstall is a rewarding experience, granting both a geological marvel and sweeping vistas of the Saxon Switzerland landscape. Whichever trail you choose, the journey promises to be as enchanting as the destination.

Among the vast array of insects that inhabit our world, few command as much attention and intrigue as the praying mantis. Characterized by its iconic folded front limbs that resemble a posture of prayer, the praying mantis stands out not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its exceptional predatory skills. Delving into the world of this remarkable insect unveils a realm of stealth, precision, and brilliance.

To begin with, the term “praying mantis” commonly refers to any of the insects within the order Mantodea, which comprises over 2,400 species spread across numerous families. These insects are predominantly found in tropical regions, but they are also native to temperate zones around the globe. Their size can vary considerably, with some species measuring just a few centimeters, while others reach up to 10 centimeters or more.

One of the most striking features of the praying mantis is its head. Equipped with large, well-developed compound eyes that grant them a wide field of vision, mantises have the unique ability among insects to turn their heads from side to side. This allows them to scan their surroundings with minimal movement, making them efficient ambush predators. Coupled with their keen eyesight, mantises have specialized elongated front limbs designed to rapidly extend and snatch their prey. These limbs, covered in sharp spines, hold the prey securely, rendering escape nearly impossible.

The compound eyes of the Mantis religiosa, or European mantis, are marvels of natural engineering, optimized for the predatory lifestyle of these insects. Here’s a closer look at the features and functions of these compound eyes:

Structure: Like other insects, the mantis has compound eyes, which means each eye is made up of numerous small visual units called ommatidia. Each ommatidium functions like a mini-eye, collecting light and forming a part of the overall image that the mantis sees.

Wide Field of Vision: Due to the prominent placement and large size of their eyes, mantises have a broad field of vision. This wide field allows them to spot potential prey or predators from various angles.

Binocular Vision: One of the most remarkable features of the mantis’s vision is its capacity for binocular vision, which is the ability to perceive depth by gauging the difference in the image seen by each eye. This is especially important for a predator like the mantis, as it allows them to accurately judge the distance to their prey. The forward-facing placement of their eyes gives them a region of overlap in their visual fields, enabling this depth perception.

Motion Detection: While the resolution of compound eyes is generally not as sharp as the single-lens eyes found in vertebrates, they are exceptionally good at detecting motion. This motion sensitivity is crucial for a predatory insect like the mantis, allowing them to react swiftly to moving prey or potential threats.

Polarized Light Sensing: Some studies suggest that certain insects, including mantises, can detect polarized light with their compound eyes. This ability can help them locate water sources or recognize different types of reflections in their environment.

Color Vision: Mantises are believed to have color vision, although it differs from human color perception. They can perceive some wavelengths of light that are vital for their hunting and environmental interactions.

Adaptation to Light Changes: The compound eyes of the mantis can adapt to varying light conditions. They have more light-sensitive cells for low-light conditions, allowing them to be active during dawn and dusk. In bright light, certain cells reduce their sensitivity to prevent overstimulation.

Pseudopupil: When observing a mantis closely, one might notice a dark spot in its eyes that appears to move. This is the pseudopupil, and it’s not an actual pupil but an optical effect. It represents the ommatidia that are oriented directly at the observer, and it appears dark because the light entering those ommatidia is absorbed and doesn’t reflect back.

The compound eyes of the Mantis religiosa, as with other mantis species, are integral to their predatory lifestyle. Their ability to detect motion, judge distances, and perceive their surroundings in various light conditions makes them efficient hunters and fascinating subjects of study in the world of entomology.

The praying mantis’s predatory nature doesn’t just stop at small insects. Astonishingly, larger mantis species have been observed catching and consuming small vertebrates, including frogs, lizards, and even birds. Their hunting strategy relies on camouflage and patience. Mantis species come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings—be it on leaves, flowers, or tree trunks. Once an unsuspecting prey comes within reach, the mantis snatches the prey with lightning speed.

Reproduction in the mantis world is equally as fascinating, albeit with a dark twist. It’s well-documented that female mantises, in certain conditions, may consume their male counterparts after or even during mating—a phenomenon known as sexual cannibalism. This behavior, while gruesome, is thought to provide the female with necessary nutrients for successful egg production.

Eggs laid by female mantises are encased in a protective foam-like substance called an ootheca. This structure safeguards the developing nymphs inside from potential threats and environmental conditions. When the time is right, dozens, or even hundreds, of tiny mantis nymphs emerge, already resembling miniature versions of their adult counterparts.

The life cycle of a praying mantis in North America consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Here is a detailed overview of the life cycle of mantises in North America:

Egg Stage (Ootheca):

• • Oviposition: In late summer or early fall, after mating, a female mantis lays her eggs. She produces a frothy protein substance that hardens quickly, forming a protective case called an ootheca. This structure can contain anywhere from several dozen to a few hundred eggs, depending on the species.
  • Overwintering: The eggs inside the ootheca go through a diapause, or period of dormancy, during the winter months. The tough ootheca protects the eggs from harsh environmental conditions, including the cold temperatures of North American winters.

1. • Hatching: As temperatures warm in the spring, the eggs inside the ootheca complete their development. After a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species and local conditions, tiny mantis nymphs emerge from the ootheca.

Nymph Stage:

• • First Instar: Upon emerging, mantis nymphs are in their first instar stage. They already resemble miniature versions of adult mantises but lack wings.

• • Molting: As nymphs grow, they undergo a series of molts, shedding their old exoskeleton to allow for growth. Each stage between molts is called an instar. Mantises usually go through 5 to 10 instars, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
  • Development: Throughout their nymphal stages, mantises actively hunt and consume prey, gradually increasing in size. With each molt, they look more and more like smaller versions of their adult form.

Adult Stage:

• • Maturation: After the final molt, mantises reach their adult form, now equipped with fully developed wings (though not all species are strong fliers). Adult mantises continue to be voracious predators.
  • Reproduction: In late summer, adult mantises engage in mating. Males often approach females cautiously, as there’s a known risk of cannibalism by the female during or after mating.

• • Lifespan: After mating and laying eggs, the adult mantises have completed their life cycle. They usually live for a few more weeks to a couple of months, but as winter approaches, most adult mantises in North America will die off. The next generation is left behind in the form of oothecae, ready to begin the cycle anew the following spring.

The praying mantis’s predatory nature doesn’t just stop at small insects. Astonishingly, larger mantis species have been observed catching and consuming small vertebrates, including frogs, lizards, and even birds. Their hunting strategy relies on camouflage and patience. Mantis species come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings—be it on leaves, flowers, or tree trunks. Once an unsuspecting prey comes within reach, the mantis snatches the prey with lightning speed.

Reproduction in the mantis world is equally as fascinating, albeit with a dark twist. It’s well-documented that female mantises, in certain conditions, may consume their male counterparts after or even during mating—a phenomenon known as sexual cannibalism. This behavior, while gruesome, is thought to provide the female with necessary nutrients for successful egg production.

Eggs laid by female mantises are encased in a protective foam-like substance called an ootheca. This structure safeguards the developing nymphs inside from potential threats and environmental conditions. When the time is right, dozens, or even hundreds, of tiny mantis nymphs emerge, already resembling miniature versions of their adult counterparts.

Perhaps the greatest threat, not considering birds, bats, spiders, frogs, and lizards is people.  More specifically, people with pesticides/insecticides.

Praying mantises, like many other beneficial insects, are affected by insecticides. Insecticides are designed to control or kill insect pests, but they often do not discriminate between pests and beneficial insects. When mantises come into contact with these chemicals, either directly or through their prey, they can be harmed or killed.

There are several ways in which mantises can be affected by insecticides:

Direct Contact: If insecticides are sprayed and mantises are directly hit by the spray, they can absorb the toxic chemicals through their exoskeleton or ingest them while grooming. This can lead to immediate death or chronic effects, such as reduced ability to hunt, reproduce, or avoid predators.

Residual Contact: Even after the insecticide has dried or settled, residues remain on surfaces like plants, soil, or other structures. Mantises that walk or rest on these surfaces can absorb the toxicants, leading to similar negative effects as direct exposure.

Prey Consumption: If a mantis consumes an insect that has ingested or come into contact with insecticides, the toxicants can be transferred through the food chain, a phenomenon known as secondary poisoning. For example, if a mantis eats a bug that has consumed insecticide-treated plants, the chemicals can affect the mantis.

Reproductive Effects: Some insecticides may impact the reproductive capabilities of mantises, either by affecting adults directly or by affecting their eggs or nymphs. For instance, a female mantis exposed to certain insecticides might lay fewer eggs, or the eggs she lays might have reduced viability.

Disruption of Ecosystem Balance: Broad-spectrum insecticides can significantly reduce the number of available prey insects in an area. This can starve mantises or force them to move to new areas in search of food, exposing them to new risks.

Given these potential harms, it’s crucial for gardeners and farmers to consider the broader ecological impacts when using insecticides. Opting for targeted treatments, natural alternatives, or integrated pest management (IPM) practices can help minimize harm to beneficial insects like the praying mantis.

Mantis religiosa, commonly known as the European mantis, is one of the most well-known species of praying mantises. Its dietary consumption, like other mantises, varies based on factors such as size, gender, and reproductive status. However, for a rough estimate:

An adult Mantis religiosa can consume insects roughly equal to its body size daily, especially when active or gravid. In terms of weight, it might eat prey amounting to 20-30% of its body weight in a day, though this can vary.

For a tangible example, an adult female Mantis religiosa, which can reach lengths of about 7-9 cm, might consume 2-3 medium-sized crickets, several moths, or a comparable volume of other insects daily. However, it’s essential to note that consumption can be sporadic; a mantis might eat a significant volume of insects one day and then eat very little or nothing the next, depending on the availability of prey and its energy requirements.

In general, Mantis religiosa is a voracious predator and will consume a variety of insects throughout its life, helping regulate pest populations in environments where it is present.  Since the lifecycle is a full year, gardeners and farmers wanting to use the mantis for pest control should allow a full year for the mantis to lay ootheca’s and increase their population.

For those wanting to increase the mantis population immediately, Oothecas can be purchased in bulks and deposited in the fields as needed for the spring hatching.

The cultural significance of the praying mantis is also noteworthy. These insects have been revered, symbolized, and even emulated in various societies. In ancient China, the mantis was a symbol of courage and fearlessness. Its poised and efficient hunting techniques inspired martial arts forms that sought to mimic its movements. Elsewhere, it has been seen as a symbol of stillness, meditation, and mindfulness.

The praying mantis, with its arresting appearance and impressive predatory prowess, is a testament to great design and ingenuity. The mantis is a master of ambush, camouflage, and precision, it serves as a compelling reminder of the natural controls and the wonders that the insect world. From its unique physical characteristics to its role in cultural mythologies, the praying mantis stands as a captivating emblem of the intricate dance of life on Earth.

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Equally common are the phrases hearing is believing and touching is believing, both used to suggest sensing something firsthand is convincing.  What seems to be missing in the English idiom is a phrase to account for smell.

Interestingly, smell is a particularly acute sense that ties directly to the thalmus, amygdala, and other parts of the limbic system.  It is through the sense of smell that long term memories are established and emotions are locked into the mind.

The sense of smell can be thwarted through environmental compounds able to affect the human sensory equipment called the glomeruli.   The question to be answered is whether the glomeruli and its’ intricate biochemical processes can be permanently affected causing a general loss of use and resulting in permanent loss of smell.

What would a life be like without the ability to sense the world through smell?

The sense of smell, or olfaction, is a vital sensory system that allows us to detect and interpret odors in our environment. It plays a significant role not only in the perception of food flavors but also in various other aspects of daily life and well-being.

The Olfactory System: The primary organs for detecting smell are the olfactory bulbs.  They are a pair of small, elongated structures located just above the nasal cavity and below the frontal lobe of the brain. They play a crucial role in the sense of smell, serving as the primary neural processing centers for olfactory information.

Structure:  Each olfactory bulb is composed of several layers of different types of neurons, including mitral cells, tufted cells, periglomerular cells, and granule cells.  The bulbs receive direct input from the olfactory sensory neurons located in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity.

Function:  When odor molecules bind to the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity, they stimulate the olfactory sensory neurons, generating electrical signals.  These signals travel through the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) to the olfactory bulb.  Within the olfactory bulb, the signals are processed and refined. This involves distinguishing between different odors and amplifying or reducing certain signals to enhance odor perception.

Olfactory Glomeruli:  The axons of olfactory sensory neurons converge in the olfactory bulb to form spherical structures called olfactory glomeruli.  Each glomerulus receives input from olfactory sensory neurons that express the same type of olfactory receptor protein. This means that each glomerulus is dedicated to processing signals from a specific type of odor molecule.

Projection to Higher Brain Centers:  The processed signals from the olfactory bulb are transmitted to various regions of the brain for further interpretation and response. These regions include the olfactory cortex, the thalamus, the amygdala, and other parts of the limbic system.  The direct connection between the olfactory system and the limbic system (involved in emotion and memory) is why smells can evoke strong emotional reactions and memories.

Plasticity:  The olfactory system, including the olfactory bulbs, exhibits a high degree of plasticity. This means that it can adapt and change in response to experiences and environmental factors. For example, exposure to new odors or prolonged lack of exposure to certain odors can lead to changes in the structure and function of the olfactory bulbs.

Health and Disease:  Changes or damage to the olfactory bulbs can lead to a range of olfactory disorders, including anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) or hyposmia (reduced sense of smell).  Some neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are associated with changes in the olfactory bulbs and can lead to olfactory dysfunction.  The olfactory bulbs can also be affected by tumors, infections, or traumatic injuries.

The sense of smell, while understandably complex, is marvelously hidden from view in day-to-day life.  It is most often used without a thought.  Here are a few instances of how the sense of smell enters day-to-day living.

Interplay with Taste:  Olfaction is closely tied to gustation (sense of taste). Together, they create the perception of flavor. This is why when the sense of smell is impaired (e.g., during a cold), food can taste different or bland.

Memory and Emotion:  The olfactory system has a direct connection to the limbic system in the brain, which is involved in emotion and memory. This connection is why certain smells can evoke strong emotions or memories. A particular scent might remind someone of a specific event, place, or person from their past.

Social and Reproductive Behavior:  Smell plays a role in social interactions and mate selection. While its role in human attraction and social behavior is still a topic of research, some studies suggest that humans can pick up on certain pheromones or body odors that can influence attraction or social behavior.

Danger Detection:  Olfaction can alert us to dangers in our environment. The ability to smell smoke, spoiled food, or gas leaks is crucial for survival.

Mood and Well-being:  Certain smells can influence mood and well-being. For instance, aromatherapy uses essential oils and aromatic plant compounds to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and improve mood.

Health Indicators:  Changes in the sense of smell can be indicative of certain health conditions. For example, a sudden loss of smell can be a symptom of viral infections, including COVID-19. Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can also affect the olfactory system.

Influence on Behavior and Choices:  Smells can influence behavior and decision-making, from the products we buy (perfumes, foods, etc.) to the places and environments we prefer.  Ever wonder why the odor of cinnamon is used in stores selling christmas products.

In the olfactory system, each glomerulus in the olfactory bulb receives input from olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that express the same type of olfactory receptor (OR). When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor in the nasal epithelium, it triggers a signaling pathway, which results in a signal being sent to the corresponding glomerulus in the olfactory bulb.

In cases of strong or persistent odors, it is conceivable that there might be heightened or sustained activation of specific olfactory sensory neurons, leading to increased signaling to their corresponding glomeruli. This increased signaling can be thought of as a form of “overstimulation.”

However, the concept of “overstimulation” in this context doesn’t imply damage or harm to the glomerulus. Instead, it suggests an increased or heightened neural activity in response to the odorant. The olfactory system, like other sensory systems in the body, has adaptive mechanisms that can adjust sensitivity based on the level and duration of stimulation. For instance, prolonged exposure to a particular odor can lead to “olfactory adaptation” or “olfactory fatigue,” where the intensity of the perceived smell decreases over time even though the odorant is still present.

In practical terms, while a particular glomerulus might experience increased activity from a strong odorant that matches its corresponding olfactory receptor, this doesn’t necessarily translate to any harmful overstimulation of the glomerulus or the olfactory system in general. However, as mentioned earlier, certain strong or irritating odors can lead to discomfort, but this isn’t solely due to the activity of the glomeruli but rather a more complex interplay of factors in the olfactory system and other parts of the nervous system.

Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals can lead to hyposmia (reduced sense of smell) or anosmia (complete loss of smell). The duration and intensity of exposure, as well as the specific toxin involved, will influence the severity and persistence of the olfactory loss.

Many of the toxins associated with loss of smell can be found in homes or office settings.  Some can be found in agricultural venues and other public areas like schools and transportation vehicles.   Review the toxins identified below and see if your environment might be one in which these toxins are found.

Zinc-based Nasal Sprays: Some over-the-counter nasal sprays that contain zinc have been associated with loss of smell. The FDA issued a warning about certain zinc nasal products due to reports of anosmia.

Solvents: Prolonged exposure to solvents like turpentine, benzene, toluene, and others used in industrial settings can lead to olfactory dysfunction.

Pesticides and Insecticides: Chronic exposure to certain pesticides has been associated with a decrease in olfactory function.

Heavy Metals: Prolonged exposure to heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury can impact the sense of smell.

Smoke and Particulates: Prolonged exposure to smoke from fires or certain work environments, as well as fine particulates in polluted air, can cause or exacerbate olfactory loss.

Chemical Irritants: Chronic exposure to irritants like ammonia, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and others can damage the mucous membranes in the nose and lead to olfactory issues.

Formaldehyde: This chemical, used in various industrial processes and found in some building materials, can affect the olfactory system with prolonged exposure.

The duration over which a toxin affects the sense of smell can vary. Some chemicals might cause immediate and acute olfactory dysfunction after a single, intense exposure, while others might require chronic, prolonged exposure over months or years to have a noticeable effect.

The loss might be temporary in some cases, with the sense of smell returning after the cessation of exposure and recovery of the olfactory system. In other cases, especially with long-term exposure or if there’s significant damage, the loss might be permanent.

If someone suspects that their sense of smell has been affected by exposure to a particular toxin or chemical, they should seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can help ascertain the cause, provide advice on avoiding further exposure, and might offer treatment or rehabilitation options.

Several studies have investigated the potential effects of pesticides on the olfactory system. Chronic exposure to certain pesticides can impact olfactory function, though the exact mechanisms may vary. Some pesticides that have been associated with changes in olfactory function include:

Organophosphates: These are a class of insecticides known to affect the nervous system. Chronic exposure to organophosphates can impact various neural functions, including olfaction. Examples include malathion, parathion, and chlorpyrifos. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it might relate to their primary action of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for neurotransmission.

Many of these chemicals are for commercial use.  However, that doesn’t mean exposure is limited.  Public areas including schools can be treated by professionals who commonly use these chemicals due to their effectiveness.  Agricultural spraying can also result in over spray or just airborne aerosol generation that can waft into communities or businesses.

Pyrethroids: These are synthetic chemicals modeled after pyrethrins, natural insecticides from chrysanthemum flowers. Some studies have suggested that pyrethroids might affect the olfactory system, though the data is less conclusive than for organophosphates.

Note: the pyrethrin family of pesticides are very common and usually considered safe for humans.  Current research is finding that this may not actually be the case.  When using an insecticide in or around the home environment be certain to wear breathing filtration equipment and avoid exposure to other mucus membranes.  Long sleeved shirts are always a good idea during application, and then removed following application.

Paraquat: This herbicide has been associated with various health concerns, including a potential increased risk for Parkinson’s disease. Given that Parkinson’s can lead to olfactory dysfunction, there’s interest in understanding whether paraquat directly affects the olfactory system or whether its potential to contribute to neurodegenerative processes is the primary concern.

Maneb: Like paraquat, this fungicide has been studied in the context of Parkinson’s disease risk. Chronic exposure might indirectly affect the olfactory system through broader neurological impacts.

It’s important to note that the degree to which a pesticide affects the sense of smell can depend on factors like the intensity and duration of exposure, the specific chemical involved, and individual susceptibility. Furthermore, the majority of these findings are based on occupational or high-dose exposures. The risk for the general public, especially when these chemicals are used according to labeled guidelines, might be different.

Understanding the enormous pressure that most farmers live under is the first step in working with these fine people.  If you are concerned with a farmer spraying crops, then go visit with them and strike up a conversation.

I have yet to meet a farmer that wouldn’t give his shirt to help someone in need.  Ask the farmer what the schedule is for spraying.  Tell them of your concern and that you want to work with them to keep your family away from the chemicals that will be used.  Tell them you want to take a day trip on the day set aside for spraying.  Most farmers don’t have a specific day, but between the two adults an email or a sign can be posted on the day of spraying.

Bear in mind that a fresh baked apple or fruit pie can go a long way to making friends with a neighbor farmer.

Protecting and preserving your sense of smell involves taking precautions against factors that can damage or diminish it. Here are some steps to protect your olfactory function:

Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Irritants: Chemicals like solvents, pesticides, and certain household cleaning agents can adversely affect your sense of smell. If you must use them, ensure proper ventilation, and consider using protective equipment like masks.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages the sensitive lining of the nose and can lead to chronic issues with your sense of smell. Avoiding smoking or quitting if you currently smoke can help protect your olfactory function.

Protect Against Trauma: Since head injuries can lead to olfactory loss, always use protective gear when participating in activities that might result in head trauma, like cycling, skating, or certain contact sports.

Treat Sinus and Respiratory Infections: Chronic sinusitis or respiratory infections can block or damage the olfactory epithelium. Seek treatment promptly if you suspect an infection.

Regularly Clean Your Nose: Use saline nasal sprays or nasal irrigation (like a neti pot) to keep your nasal passages clean, especially if you’re exposed to dust or other particulates.

Minimize Exposure to Air Pollutants: If you live in an area with poor air quality, consider using air purifiers in your home and avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution times.

Practice Good Hygiene: Handwashing and practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of viral infections, some of which might lead to a temporary loss of smell.

Be Cautious with Medications: Some medications have been linked to olfactory dysfunction. If you notice changes in your sense of smell after starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider.

Stay Hydrated: Keeping the mucous membranes in your nose moist can help in maintaining a good sense of smell.

Engage in “Olfactory Training”: If you’ve experienced a decrease in your sense of smell, some evidence suggests that regularly exposing yourself to a range of scents can help in regaining olfactory function. This is like “physical therapy” for your nose.

Regular Health Check-ups: Some conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or nutritional deficiencies can affect the sense of smell. Regular health check-ups can help in early detection and management of such conditions.

Avoid Zinc-based Nasal Sprays: As previously mentioned, certain over-the-counter nasal products containing zinc have been associated with olfactory loss.

Stay Informed: Be aware of potential environmental or occupational hazards that might affect olfaction and take necessary precautions.

If you notice a significant or sudden change in your sense of smell, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early detection and management of any underlying issues can be crucial in protecting and restoring olfactory function.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays containing zinc have been associated with a potential loss of smell. The connection between zinc nasal products and olfactory dysfunction led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue warnings about certain zinc-containing nasal products.

For example, in 2009, the FDA advised consumers to stop using three zinc-containing intranasal products (Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size) due to reports of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell). These products were subsequently recalled by the manufacturer.

It’s essential to note that not all products containing zinc have been associated with this risk. The problem seems to be specific to certain zinc-based nasal preparations.

As always, if anyone is considering using an OTC product and has concerns about potential side effects, they should consult a healthcare professional. It’s also a good practice to regularly check for FDA warnings and other health advisories related to OTC products.

It is a well guarded secret that we all share, and none of us will admit.  For men and women alike the soft cosy feeling of a slightly salty, a bit peppery, somewhat thick sauce surrounding our tongues and enveloping a cherished food morsel is an experience that is all consuming and absolutely pleasurable.  So satisfying is this experience that we often cannot wait for the second excursion into the masterfully prepared dish set before us.  It takes a tremendous amount of control to pause and engage in conversation those who are equally tantalized by their own culinary delight.

We yearn for a lull in conversation to bring us back to our private garden of texture and olfactory delight.  We focus, prepare our approach, and once again lose ourselves in the flavors of the sauce, flowing over our taste buds and gently wafting through our olfactory senses.  With each and every morsel of food our minds are registering a cascade of pleasure that will not soon be forgotten.  When the evening is through, it is the memory of the sauce and food that will linger and remain fresh in our collective minds.

What are the mechanics of the processes that cause us to associate so strongly with particular sauces and textures. How does this lifelong associative feeling of contentment establish itself.

Surprisingly, it is not all that complicated.  The flavors and textures of particular sauces, and their subsequent associative psychological properties, are borne of repetition.

Consider the sensory experience.  The taste, smell, and texture of food are powerful sensory experiences. Sauces, in particular, can elevate the flavor profile of a dish, making it more memorable.  The sense of smell is closely linked to the brain’s limbic system, which is associated with memory and emotion. A familiar sauce or its aroma can instantly transport someone back to a specific time, place, or emotion.

Coupled with the sensory experience there is often a cultural and familial connection.  Many sauces have cultural or familial significance. A specific sauce might be associated with family gatherings, holidays, or cultural traditions, making them nostalgic.  Sauces often accompany comfort foods – dishes that provide consolation or a feeling of well-being. The creamy texture of many sauces can enhance the comforting sensation of a meal.

One cannot overlook the value of shared experiences.  Sharing food with loved ones can create strong emotional bonds. A particular sauce might remind someone of a memorable dinner with friends or a special moment with family.  On the flip side, trying a new or unique sauce while traveling or during a special occasion can create a lasting memory due to the novelty of the experience.

Research into brain chemistry has demonstrated enjoyable foods can release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. Over time, the brain can associate specific foods or sauces with this pleasurable feeling, reinforcing positive memories.  If a person consistently has positive experiences in the context of a particular sauce (like a family gathering with a specific dish), they may develop a conditioned positive response to that sauce.

In essence, the association of sauces with pleasant memories is a complex interplay of sensory stimulation, emotional connections, cultural significance, and brain chemistry.

Making a favorable impression through the use of flavorable sauces and nicely presented dishes has a surprising amount of science behind it.  A well chosen culinary experience is partly a dining atmosphere, but more importantly, it is the sauce and texture of the prepared food that will lock in contentment and positive emotions.

So, our discussion reduces itself to sauces and the mechanics of creating a memorable combination of flavor and texture.

The history of sauces spans millennia and is deeply intertwined with global cuisines. It seems that people have been creating and perfecting sauces as far back in time as people have been preparing food to consume.

The earliest records of sauce preparation and use date back to Rome.  Historical records, such as Apicius’ “De Re Coquinaria,” detail various sauces used in Roman cuisine, including “garum,” a fermented fish sauce that was a staple in Roman cooking.  In ancient China, soy sauce is well documented.  It is a fermented sauce made from soybeans Soy sauce has been a fundamental component of Chinese cuisine for thousands of years.  Egyptian records point to sauces and condiments made from fruits, vinegar, and honey that were readily available to those by the Mediterranean sea.

The Middle Ages In Europe, saw the use of thick, heavily spiced sauces. Many sauces were used to disguise the taste of preserved meats or less-than-fresh ingredients.  Almond milk was often used as a sauce base, especially during religious fasting periods when dairy was prohibited.

As trade routes expanded, during the Renaissance and Early Modern Period, there was a greater availability of spices, leading to a variety of new sauce flavors.  The use of butter and cream became more prevalent in sauces, especially in French cuisine.

It was not until the 18th and 19 centuries that codification of French sauces, particularly with chefs like Marie-Antoine Carême and later Auguste Escoffier. Escoffier’s classification of the “mother sauces” (béchamel, velouté, espagnole, sauce tomat, and hollandaise) remains influential in Western culinary education.  Many other global cuisines also saw the refinement and documentation of traditional sauces during this period.

Now, with globalization and technological advancements transportation and communication, we have a fusion of culinary traditions. Sauces from different cultures became integrated and adapted in various cuisines.  To the absolute disgust of many culinary professionals, modernist cuisine and molecular gastronomy introduced innovative techniques and ingredients for sauce-making, pushing the boundaries of traditional sauce preparations.

Even with the assault on sauces from those wanting to be unique or create a name for themselves, there are still characteristic sauces that have traditional iconic associations.

• • • Asia: Teriyaki in Japan, gochujang in Korea, curry pastes in Thailand and India, among others.
    • Americas: Barbecue sauces in the U.S., salsas in Mexico, chimichurri in Argentina, etc.
    • Europe: Pesto in Italy, tzatziki in Greece, aioli in Spain, and more.
    • Africa: Harissa in North Africa, peri-peri in southern Africa, among others.

Clearly, the history of sauces is as rich and varied as the history of food itself. From simple gravies to complex emulsions, sauces have always been essential in elevating and complementing the flavors of dishes.

While there is a seemingly endless variety of sauces, there exists some commonality among them.  Taking into account the purpose of a sauce being: to enhance or complement the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of a dish. Sauces can add moisture, introduce contrasting or complementary flavors, and improve the overall eating experience of a meal.

The properties of a sauce is where the commonality between them shows.  Although there are differences that cause a sauce to be unique, they all seem to share the same components.  Understanding these components and their use will make the mastery of sauce creation possible.

When a saucier considers making a sauce the thought process begins by starting at the presentation of the meal, the end product.  With the end product in mind and the flavors needing to be blended identified, the chef reverse engineers the sauce and steps backward through a series of processes to the foundation.

The foundation of most sauces is a liquid base.  From here the saucier will begin constructing a staircase of flavors, processes, and textures to create just what is needed for the dish being prepared.  Often a saucier will create a common base from which other sauces can be formed.  This is a refined skill, but adds to the presentation and enjoyment of the meal by having a subtle commonality of flavors complimenting different food presentations.

Liquid Base: Almost all sauces have a liquid component, whether it’s water, stock, milk, juice, wine, vinegar, or another liquid. This liquid base is often reduced, thickened, or otherwise modified to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.  In their natural state these fluids have a certain flavor.  If that flavor is intended to be a part of a sauce which accents a food, then the flavor needs to be enhanced so that a small amount of sauce will introduce the desired flavor while not overpowering the prepared food.

To accomplish this the liquid needs to be reduced so that the flavor molecules can become more prevalent.  By reducing the volume of liquid and maintaining the number of flavor molecules, the number of flavor molecules will become more prevalent in a lesser amount of liquid.  When they are more prevalent a small amount of liquid can posses a tremendous amount of flavor when it hits the tongue.

This is why mastering how to reduce different liquids is essential.  Understanding the intensity of flavor needed in a sauce is the real skill in reduction of liquids.  The balance of a reduction flavor and subsequent added flavors from other sources like spices, fruits, etc. is the challenge in making an outstanding sauce.

Thickening Mechanism: Most sauces employ some method to achieve their desired consistency, whether it’s through the use of a roux, starch, reduction, emulsification, or other means.  The texture of the sauce is determined by the intended use of the sauce.  Is the sauce intended to be part of the presentation of the dish so that its’ appearance on the food is a desired part of the presentation.  If so, then the sauce will need to be thicker and be able to hold its’ position on the surfaces of the food.

If the sauce is intended to act as a shimmering pool of flavor upon which the food resides, then the sauce will need to be able to spread across the dish bottom.  This might require a sauce that is less thick.

Increasing the thickness of a sauce without changing the flavor is a skill which takes some time and patience to master.  Keep in mind that the duration of time a sauce comes into contact with taste buds translates into an increase in flavor experienced by the person eating.  Consequently, increasing the sauce  thickness will impart more flavor, provided the thickening agent doesn’t significantly dilute the density of sauce flavor molecules.

Seasoning: Sauces typically include seasonings to enhance or introduce flavor. This can range from basic salt and pepper to a complex blend of herbs, spices, and other flavoring agents.  This is a delicate process that often requires finely ground vegetable matter as an additive to the sauce.

Keep in mind that very few sauces will take up flavor from ground spices quickly.  The flavor trapped in the cell structure and in the interstitial areas of a plant must be allowed to migrate from the vegetable matter and dissipate into the sauce being prepared.

Often a catalyst is needed to speed the process along and demonstrate the second law of thermodynamics.  Yes, who knew that making sauces was actually a skill for closet chemists!

The catalyst many chefs use is heat.  Heat increases the molecular activity of the sauce causing the sauce’s molecules to rapidly bounce into one another.  This increases the speed by which flavor compounds move from vegetable matter into the liquid of the sauce.

The liquid in most sauces is either water, fat, or both  They are considered solvents.  So, flavors can be either water-soluble or fat soluble.  Most essential oils of spices, herbs, and other aromatic compounds are fat-soluble.  Many organic acids, and some esters and alcohols are water-soluble.

With all the sources of flavors combined, cooking the sauce allows for sterilization of the sauce and an even flavor distribution.  Heating the sauce to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or longer will result in a sauce that can be kept for 4 days under refrigeration.

A well-made sauce typically has a balance of flavors, whether it’s the harmony of sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, or umami.  Understanding presentation and how the sauce will be used ultimately determines the mechanics of sauce creation and the choices that must be made along with the ingredients necessary for full flavor.

While commonalities exist, it’s essential to appreciate the diversity and richness of sauces across different culinary traditions, each bringing unique flavors, textures, and techniques to the table.

Beurre Blanc

A French butter sauce.

Pairs with: Fish and seafood.

Béchamel

One of the French mother sauces.

Pairs with: Vegetables, fish, pasta, lasagna, and works well as a base for other sauces.

Bordelaise

A French red wine sauce.

Pairs with: Steak and any other red meats.  Can be used as a base for varied gravies over vegetables.

Velouté

A french mother sauce.

Pairs with: Fish (fish velouté), chicken (chicken velouté), or meats depending on the stock used.

Espagnole

A French mother sauce (a brown sauce).

Pairs with: Meats, as a base for demi-glace and other derivative sauces.

Sauce Tomat

A French mother sauce.

Pairs with: Pasta, pizza, meat, fish, and vegetables.

Hollandaise

A French mother sauce.

Pairs with: Eggs (as in Eggs Benedict), vegetables (like asparagus), and fish.

Bearnaise

A derivative of Hollandaise.

Pairs with: Steak and other grilled meats.

Pesto

Pairs with: Pasta, chicken, fish, and as a spread for sandwiches.

Marinara

Pairs with: Pizza, seafood, and as a dip for other foods.

Alfredo

Pairs with: Pasta (especially fettuccine), chicken, shrimp, and scallops.  Alfredo is a subtle sauce that pairs with subtle flavored foods.

Carbonara

Pairs with: Pasta and the many sizes of spaghetti.  Unlike many sauces that are prepared seperately and then added to a dish, Carbonara is made directly in conjuction with its primary companion ingredients.

Barbecue Sauce

Pairs with: Grilled meats, ribs, chicken, and as a base for some pizzas.

Tzatziki

Pairs with: Grilled meats, pita bread, and as a component to gyros.

Teriyaki

Pairs with: Chicken, beef, fish, and stir-fried vegetables.

Soy

Pairs with: Asian dishes used for color, saltiness, and moisture. Often used with stir-fries, sushi, and as a dipping sauce.

Chimichurri

Pairs with: Grilled meats, especially steak.

Aioli

Pairs with: Seafood, vegetables, as a spread for breads, and as a dip for hand-held foods like fries or Indian pakora.

Salsa

Pairs with: Dipping foods like tortilla chips and vegetables.  Used often with tacos, burritos, fajitas, and grilled meats.  Depending on texture, it can be used as a garnish.

Curry Sauces

Pairs with: There is no end to the variety of pairing foods with curry sauces.  Curry sauces are quite varied and consequently are found in many dishes.

Roasted meat gravy

Pairs with: This sauce is typically paired with the meats from which the drippings were used to formulate the sauce.  It is often paired with side dishes of potato, vegetables, and breads like biscuits and rolls.

Mole

A Mexican sauce with cocoa, chilies, and other spices.

Pairs with: Chicken, turkey, and enchiladas.

Ponzu

A Japanese citrus-based sauce.

Pairs with: Seafood, sashimi, and dumplings.

Hoisin Sauce

A Chinese garlic bean sauce.

Pairs with: Chinese dishes, duck, stir-fries, and as a dipping sauce.

Tahini

A Mediterranean sauce.

Pairs with: many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, falafel, salads, and as a base for dressings.

Romesco

A Spanish red pepper and nut sauce.

Pairs with: Grilled vegetables, fish, and chicken.

Sambal

A Southeast Asian chili sauce.

Pairs with: a variety of dishes as a condiment, including rice, noodles, and meats.

Tartar

A derivitive of Hollandaise with a more sour base.

Pairs with: Fried fish, seafood, and as a dip for hand-held foods like fries..

Remoulade

Pairs with: Fried fish, seafood, crab cakes or shrimp, cold meats.

Coulis

A thin fruit or vegetable puree.

Pairs with: Desserts (if fruit based), as a drizzle for plated dishes (if vegetable-based).

Nuoc Cham

A Vietnamese dipping sauce.

Pairs with: Spring rolls, grilled meats, and seafood.

Gochujang

A Korean chili paste.

Pairs with: Korean dishes, stir-fries, rice bowls, and as a base for stews.

Satay

A peanut sauce.

Pairs with: Skewered grilled meats, rice dishes, and as a dip.

This is not a complete list, but it does give a glimpse into the many sauces and their respective food pairings.

Consider striking out and making a sauce tonight.  Make something wild and creative, then toss it and try again – this time you will have experience and the sauce will inevitably be much better.

The humble non assuming essential tree.  Where would we be without them!  Trees come in many different shapes and sizes.  They occupy nearly every biome on the planet, from excessively dry to excessively wet, and all of the thermal variances inbetween.  According the the 2022 study known as “The State of the World’s Trees” report by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), they estimated that there are over 60,000 tree species worldwide.

Let’s see… Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), Quercus alba (White Oak), Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch), Fagus sylvatica (European Beech), Picea abies (Norway Spruce), Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine), Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood), Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum), Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia), Ulmus americana (American Elm), Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow), Juglans nigra (Black Walnut), Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden), Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo).  That’s fifteen…

Trees are an essential part of our lives.  From toothpicks to telephone poles, trees provide essential materials for all sorts of things.  Yet, they are hardly recognized as an essential tool in the climate management toolbox.

Our ubiquitous tree, it turns out, is so much more that just a source for materials to build with.  The humble tree is an integrated part of the global climate management ecosystems responsible for managing greenhouse gases and providing the impetus for cloud formation, and much more.

Of course they are wonderful sources of relaxation and endless fun.  We just never think of them as the mighty steadfast warriors protecting us from an ever increasing number of toxins and continual fluctuations of temperature and moisture.

Our trees are working all day every day to process greenhouse gases and release microscopic compounds that work to seed clouds and produce rain.

Trees offer a multitude of environmental benefits.  Some benefits we are still discovering.

In addition to trees providing carbon sequestration, Oxygen production, and pollutant absorption; trees also support biodiversity, erosion control, water quality improvement, and temperature regulation by mitigating   the heat island effect through shading and transpiration.  In essence, trees are just really well designed to “keep in check” global damage caused by people and natural events.

Following the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, a large area, known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), was evacuated and restricted due to high levels of radiation. This zone covers roughly 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles).  Scientists have discovered much of the agricultural and urban land within the Exclusion Zone has been overtaken by forests. The Red Forest, named for the pine trees that turned reddish-brown and died after absorbing high radiation levels immediately after the disaster, has seen new growth and is now the source of flourishing new tree growth.

Trees are simply remarkable!

Just looking at sequestration of CO2 (carbon Dioxide) a full-grown tree absorbs a surprisingly significant amount of this gaseous compound.

The chart shows a list of 20 different species and their yearly absorption of CO2.  Some trees absorb more than others.  The Redwood and Sequoia list higher because of their enormous size in comparison to the others in the chart.

Fun math: if we take the chart average of 20 kg CO2/yr/ tree and extrapolate that number to a single square mile of mature trees in a forest (approximately 200 trees per acre, 640 acres per square mile, 128,000 trees per square mile).  The amount of CO2 that is absorbed by one square mile of forested trees is 2,560,000 kg per year that is removed from the atmosphere.

Taking one step farther we can see the amazing ability of trees to remove CO2.  The average person regardless of country has a carbon footprint of 5,000 kg CO2 (a little math behind the scenes to get 5,000 kg as the average CO2 footprint of the average world citizen).  Disclaimer: might be a little less, but this is a good number to work an example with.

Using the 5,000 kg/yr carbon footprint and dividing it into the 2,460,000 kg/yr CO2 absorption rate of the forest.  The average 1 square mile of forest will absorb the full carbon footprint of 512 people.

Let’s extrapolate a little  more…

Using the U.S. Govt estimate of 1,254,000 square miles of forested land in the U.S. and multiplying the number of square miles by our carbon footprint group (512 people) we can derive that in the United States our tree cover can fully absorb the carbon footprint of every person in the country (331,000,000)  and have a 50% margin to absorb an additional carbon footprint of over 310,000,000 people!

Recently scientists announced they have determined that trees emit a chemical compound that has an effect on cloud formation.  This is in addition to the already known Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of isoprene and monoterpenes.

This lesser known group of sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units, which means they have 15 carbon atoms. They are part of a larger family of compounds known as terpenoids, which are naturally occurring organic chemicals based on combinations of the isoprene unit.

The sesquiterpenes have some interesting characteristics:

Structure: The basic molecular formula for sesquiterpenes is C_{15}H_{24}C15​H24​.

Sources: Sesquiterpenes are found in a variety of plants and some animals. They are especially prevalent in essential oils, such as those from cedarwood, ginger, myrrh, and ylang-ylang.

Diversity: Sesquiterpenes have a wide range of structures and functions. This diversity is due to the various ways the three isoprene units can be combined and modified.

Biological Activities: Many sesquiterpenes have significant biological activities. For example, they can act as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antifungal agents. Some sesquiterpenes also have a role in plant defense mechanisms against herbivores.

Aroma: Many sesquiterpenes contribute to the distinctive fragrances of plants and essential oils. They can smell spicy, earthy, woodsy, and sometimes citrus like.

Biosynthesis: In plants, sesquiterpenes are synthesized from the precursor farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), a compound formed from the joining of three isoprene units.

Industrial Use: Due to their varied properties, sesquiterpenes have applications in the perfume industry, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

Sesquiterpenes are a fascinating and diverse group of compounds with a wide range of applications and biological activities.

A research team headed by Lubna Dada who is a scientist performing research into how aerosols formed naturally can react with sunlight and Ozone to create secondary aerosols which can potentially  have an affect on the climate.

Due to their size, numbers, and reactivity, sesquiterpenes are more effective than previously thought at seeding clouds.  This ties trees into the process of seeding clouds as opposed to just seeding from airborne release of particulates.

While the research is not earth shattering, the implications are that scientists may have been undercounting the number of aerosols around the globe.  Trees may have been producing enormous quantities of aerosols and having a much greater affect on cloud formation than previously thought.

This new information has implications for radiative forcing.  The equations and assumptions will likely change and with it the assumptions and calculations for the cooling effect clouds have on the atmosphere and the ground.

Perhaps the most encouraging information in this piece is that the ability of trees to absorb CO2 is quite significant.  The fear mongers that are touting the extremely high concentrations of CO2 are causing climate change should tone it down a bit.

Using U.S. Gov’t data and a little simple math we can demonstrate that just looking at the ability of trees to absorb CO2 and the number of trees in the U.S. alone we have twice the capacity to absorb all the CO2 the U.S. generates.  If we were to add field crops, ground covers et al.  It’s easily demonstrable that CO2 is not a problem and it has little to no impact with climate change.

Do you want to add to the ability of the U.S. to absorb CO2?  plant a tree!, or a shrub, or a garden, or … well… just plant something!

Living among the Waves  – a multipart series focusing on the electromagnetic environment and what that means for our health and well being.

Living among the waves series will heighten your awareness of the invisible, but real, affects of radio frequency radiation (RF).  We pass through countless electromagnetic fields (EMF) daily and perceive nothing.  Does that mean RF has no effect on our bodies and the bodies of our children either born or developing?  Is there a causal link between RF, EMF and illness?  If we want to make lifestyle changes to limit exposure, what should those changes be?

To answer these questions and more, it behooves us to understand what Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are and how they have become so prevalent in our lives.  Perhaps our embracing of this suite of technologies was a bit hasty.  Just because we can doesn’t mean that we should.

There are numerous serious biological effects associated with EMF on both male and female reproductive ability.  These effects are not associated with heating of tissue, and are not part of the SAR testing method used by the FCC and technology manufacturers to determine deleterious effects of EMF exposure.

Myung Chan Gye et al. in their paper on the effects of electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive system, confirmed that EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development in animal systems. Reproductive parameters reported to be altered by EMF exposure include male germ cell death, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and pregnancy success. At the cellular level, an increase in free radicals and [Ca²⁺]i may mediate the effect of EMFs and lead to cell growth inhibition, protein misfolding, and DNA breaks.

Possible human diseases related with EMF exposure obtained from epidemiological studies include life threatening diseases such as leukemia in children and adults, brain cancer in adults, Lou Gehrig’s disease, depression, suicide, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Non-ionizing nonthermal EMF exposure can alter cellular homeostasis, endocrine function, reproductive function, and fetal development.  This impacts both male and female reproductive systems including: male germ cell apoptosis, the estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones,, reproductive organ weights, sperm motility, early embryonic development, and overall pregnancy success.

There is a robust body of research pertaining to the male reproductive system and EMF.  Several studies have determined a significant decrease in testosterone, sperm viability, motility, and morphology all resulting from increased EMF radiation sourced from cell phones, other wireless devices and their use.

Chronic exposure to EMF can inhibit cell apoptosis (cell death), thereby promoting survival of damaged cells and carcinogenesis (cancer development).  Additional effects can be seen in the increase of permeability of the blood-testes barrier resulting in male infertility.

Experimental and epidemiological studies have now demonstrated that EMF exposure is linked with impaired development of brain structures and functions of the fetus.  Additionally, EMF exposure has now been shown to have deleterious effects on the reproductive organs and reproductive capacity of children yet to be born.

Experimental evidence now demonstrates prenatal effects could range from impaired oogenesis and spermatogenesis to reduced number of brain pyramidal cells, neuronal impairments, and ovarian dysfunction.  Studies are tying increased DNA damage in multiple organs to EMF exposure in the 900Mhz-2.1Ghz frequency bands.  These happen to be the bands used by cell phone carriers.  They may be better known as 3G, 4G 5G.

Experiments now show daily exposure for as little as 1-2 hrs to EMF produces inflammation and impairment of ovarian function that is surprisingly consistent with endometritis – a problem that seems to be growing in the young adolescent population.

The effects of exposure to EMF enjoys two decades of research that has found EMF negatively affects both the structure and the function of the prenatal and adult central nervous system.

The environmental action plan take away for women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant is to take notice of your home, work, and play environments. learn to identify sources of EMF and then avoid them.

Whenever possible there should be at least a meter between yourself and any wireless device.  It is preferable that you have even greater distances between you and any wireless device.  Turn off the cellular radio in your laptop or desktop computer.  In like manner turn off the wireless LAN radio in your equipment as well.  Remember that your printer, if it is wireless, has a radio transmitting just like a laptop.

Install a wired LAN with drops in the rooms that you occupy.

Keep in mind that there is no level of microwave radiation which is safe.  Look around your home and work for where wireless products may be located.  Think twice before you purchase a wireless baby monitor.  These devices transmit continuously when on and flood your infant with EMF.

If your employer requires you use wireless equipment, inquire as to any alternative devices that might be available for your use.  If you are in or near a building with a cell phone antenna array consider relocating your office to a location as far from the array as possible.  If you cant get away from the antenna array consider a new job.

Remember that cellular damage from EMF is more often than not permanent damage.

Living among the Waves  – a multipart series focusing on the electromagnetic environment and what that means for our health and well being.

Living among the waves series will heighten your awareness of the invisible, but real, affects of radio frequency radiation (RF).  We pass through countless electromagnetic fields (EMF) daily and perceive nothing.  Does that mean RF has no effect on our bodies and the bodies of our children either born or developing?  Is there a causal link between RF, EMF and illness?  If we want to make lifestyle changes to limit exposure, what should those changes be?

To answer these questions and more, it behooves us to understand what Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are and how they have become so prevalent in our lives.  Perhaps our embracing of this suite of technologies was a bit hasty.  Just because we can doesn’t mean that we should.

There are many biological pathways that are affected by non-ionizing EMF.  Voltage Controlled Calcium Gates (VCCG) that are perturbed by pulsed EMF is one of the more accepted pathways for damage.  VCCG’s are responsible for actively transporting Calcium ions across cellular membranes in support of signalling and regulation of cellular homeostasis.

Panagopoulos et al. in 2000 established repeated irregular gating of electro-sensitive ion channels disrupts the cellular electrochemical balance and homeostasis.  This leads to overproduction of reactive oxygen species(ROS).  He found that repeated exposure cascaded into numerous biological affects to include cell membrane weakening.  Ultimately ROS lead to the pathological state of oxidative stress essential in regulation of cancer progression.

This was not an unexpected finding, in that ROS are well understood to regulate every step of tumorigenesis and have been found to be upregulated in tumors and aberrant signaling.  Likewise, ROS, plays a significant role in the onset of diabetes and other neurodegenerative disease.  Repeated animal studies are consistent in their finding EMF exposure at very low ionization levels result in ROS.

The level of concern was amplified when it was determined that children with developing immune systems are more sensitive and consequently more vulnerable to ROS.

In 2020 the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences conducted research into the toxicology associated with Cellular radiation.  Stephanie L. Smith-Roe et al. tested two common radiofrequency modulations emitted by cellular telephones in a 2-year study.  Their study findings demonstrated exposure to EMF radiation is associated with an increase in DNA damage.

It comes as no surprise that children are more sensitive to environmental pollutants.  EMF radiation can be counted as one of those pollutants to which children are particularly sensitive.  As a population group their sensitivity begins in the womb where they are bombarded with EMF from their mother’s laptop, cell phone, and wireless networks that she moves between both at work and at home.

As a group, the present generation and future generations will be in an ever increasing bath of EMF radiation.  What effect this is having for the current generation can be measured and reported.  However, future generations in the Womb or yet-to-be conceived remain in a gray area of impact, due to the unknown policies that may be affected to protect against childhood EMF radiation.

Children should never be considered small adults.  They are uniquely children with a physiology that occupies a developing body.  Their bodies proportionately absorb greater amounts of EMF radiation.  One of the distinguishing differences between adults and children is the size of their heads.  Children have smaller heads with a developing cranium which results in shorter distances for EMF to travel to reach critical brain regions.

The pediatric cerebellum as it’s developing contains more fluid which enables it to absorb relatively more EMF radiation.  Simulations indicate a 10-fold increase in absorption of cell phone radiation in the cerebellum, the bone marrow of the skull, and up to a 30-fold greater absorption in the hippocampus.

The times when a child is most susceptible to EMF is during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.  These are the times when the brain is growing rapidly.  Neuronal cell growth continues at a rapid pace until mid-life when the protective myelin sheath finally ceases its formation.  Mary Redmayne et al. in their study of EMF field exposure against the myelin sheath determined:

Overall, evidence from in vivo and in vitro and epidemiological studies suggests an association between RF-EMF exposure and either myelin deterioration or a direct impact on neuronal conduction, which may account for many electrohypersensitivity symptoms.

The impairment of myelin sheath development can have lifelong implications for neurodevelopment.

The emission tests of wireless devices use two methods to ascertain strength of the EMF.  These are discussed earlier.  The penetrating aspect of the wireless device is markedly different when considering an adult skull v. a child’s skull.  As mentioned above the child’s skull has a multi-fold increase in absorption as opposed to the adult skull.

The diagram shows 4 positions of skulls A,B,C,D, each position shows an adult male and a male child.  The grey rectangle shows the position of the cellphone to the skull.  Notice the intensity and coverage of the brain with EMF radiation.  The intensity and coverage of the entire cranium is more pronounced in the child than in the adult.

When considering the overall radiation absorption of a 6 year old using a tablet on a WiFi network the degree to which the face is bathed in EMF radiation is concerning.  In this diagram the wireless device is broadcasting using a 2.45 Ghz WiFi enabled tablet.  Notice the entire face is lit up as is the frontal lobe of the brain.

Prior to the pandemic research studies were conducted at the School of Public Health at UCLA.  The studies were focused on cell phones and behavioral problems in young children.  The studies found that exposure prenatally, and to a lesser degree postnatally was associated with behavioral difficulties including emotional and hyperactivity difficulties at school entry ages.

The effects of EMF on children in both the prenatal and postnatal periods are difficult to take in.  Especially when considering that it is us who might have adversely affected our most prized treasure.  Yet, it is never too late to take action.

First step if you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant – toss the wireless devices.   Devices like a laptop, cell phone, printer, and tablet are shown to adversely affect your baby.  If you need these devices to earn an income there are alternatives configurations you can explore.

Step one: wire the house for Ethernet.  add a network drop wherever you need to connect a computer or printer or phone.

Step two: turn off the radio portion of your network router.  If you are going to add network drops in rooms where you live and work, you don’t need the wireless portion of the router enabled.

Step three: turn off the wireless radio on your laptop and, if needed, purchase an Ethernet dongle to attach to your laptop.

Step four: buy an ip phone and contact 1-voip.com to buy or configure a phone you purchase.  You can use any ip phone service.  Do your research on quality of service before you commit.

Step five: Take notice of the wireless network at work.  If your employer requires you to use wireless equipment, have a chat with them and express your concerns about general health and the health of your baby.  Chances your employer isn’t aware of the health problems associated with wireless communications.

Step six: If you work in a building with cell phone antenna mounted  on it consider leaving or asking to work from home.  There is no safe place in the building where microwaves from the antenna cant find you.

Step seven: take notice of your friends and their phones and chat with them about what you have learned.  Educate educate educate.  Your friends will thank you.

Living among the Waves  – a multipart series focusing on the electromagnetic environment and what that means for our health and well being.

Living among the waves series will heighten your awareness of the invisible, but real, affects of radio frequency radiation (RF).  We pass through countless electromagnetic fields (EMF) daily and perceive nothing.  Does that mean RF has no effect on our bodies and the bodies of our children either born or developing?  Is there a causal link between RF, EMF and illness?  If we want to make lifestyle changes to limit exposure, what should those changes be?

To answer these questions and more, it behooves us to understand what Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are and how they have become so prevalent in our lives.  Perhaps our embracing of this suite of technologies was a bit hasty.  Just because we can doesn’t mean that we should.

We exist in a society where breakthroughs are common place and advances in most fields occur with such rapidity that no individual can possibly entertain any hope of keeping track of them.  It’s also apparent that no matter the field in question, wireless communication has in some measure made itself indispensable.

In our collective effort to be the best, have the best, and invest in the best, we seem to have abandoned our ability to reason and discern.  As a consumer society, we are increasingly dependent upon marketers/influencers to define our needs and wants.  Their responsibility is to imbue a desire in our minds with sufficient repetition that it becomes second nature to assume the story is true.

The Svengalis of new technologies want us to accept without question their technology imperative: because something can technically be done, then it should be done.  To a large extent they have succeeded, and we don’t seem to possess the will to transcend the Svengali moment, courageously looking future in the eye and  opting for a moment of pause and perhaps thoughtful contemplation.  Our children bear the brunt of our unquenchable thirst, a thirst we satisfy without regard to the many effects observed both now and yet to be revealed in the future.

When new technologies are introduced we are compelled to implement them.  Consider cellphone frequency labels of 3G, 4G, 5G.  These labels describe enhancements to frequencies and data rates.  Adoption of new frequencies requires new hardware be designed and old hardware replaced.  If we want the new features provided by  new frequencies then we must acquire new transceivers (cell phones) that can make use of the new frequencies.

What is driving our decision to upgrade our cell phones? is it a set of features and the overarching health implications of ownership or the inability to acquire a replacement device with the older frequencies.  Stated more succinctly, am I making the conscious decision to adopt new features or are new frequencies imposed on me by manufacturers (Svengalis) of equipment.

The same situation plays itself out in the purchase of laptops, PDA’s, PC’s, access points, wireless network gear, and other wireless enabled products.  The decision to acquire technology items is less to do with health than to establish or maintain a work/home environment that is less costly to support and less complicated to implement.

Often when confronted with sudden changes or overwhelmingly complicated situations, the tendency is to defer, relegate, or follow another’s example from someone we trust.  When acquiring new technology it is very difficult to be the expert on the many descriptive elements found listed on packaging.  It is even more difficult to maintain effective levels of knowledge pertaining to the health implications of use.

Effective management in any organization, including the home, comes down to making straightforward decisions based on the best information available.  This relatively simple approach streamlines the decision-making process and limits any confusion.  Establishing guidelines is a natural outcome of the decision-making process.  The best available information is used in making a guideline.  The guideline is then available to be applied whenever it is needed.

The use of guidelines is nothing new for any parent of a child.  It is a time-honored truth that parents universally seem to have an innate ability to establish guidelines for safe conduct, within which their children live and learn.  This is played out by the parental indifference to yearning by children at the grocery store.  It is also seen when a guideline becomes the condition by which play can occur.  Take for example the parental guidance regarding skateboarding.  It’s okay to go skateboarding, but it is not okay to skateboard without a helmet and safety pads.

A parent has a much broader frame of reference  from which discerning judgments can be made.   However, Just having a broader frame of reference does not translate to having knowledge that can be used to set a safety guideline.  To establish home/work guidance regarding EMF some research is needed.  Continue reading and begin/continue building your knowledge base.

When considering wireless technologies, children are surrounded by transmitters and receivers from the time they are infants onward.  Only recently have efforts been made to perform research on the effects of Electromagnetic Fields  (EMF) on children.  What is becoming apparent is that wireless technologies when used at an early stage of life can interfere with social development, learning, socialization, and have a demonstrable health affect on a child that can have lifelong potentially irreversible adverse biological effects.

In correspondence from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the Federal Trade Comission, the President of the academy articulated that “Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation.”  [McInerny T.K.. Letter from President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP to the FCC. August 2013.]

For a decade or more the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have advised that children two and under have no screen time.  Sadly infant and toddler use of devices is skyrocketing.

According to PEW research Children’s engagement with electronic digital devices is significant.  As a child matures their use of electronic devices grows.  Of particular concern are the tablet and smartphone columns.  These columns show a surprisingly high number of  children with exposure to EMF at a very vulnerable age.

Regulatory agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) hold that low level EMF exposure is non tissue heating and therefore safe.  The difficulty with the regulatory stance is the singular focus on tissue heating.  Recent studies are demonstrating non-thermal tissue levels of EMF can cause adverse effects.  The list of effects include induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cardiomyopathy, sperm damage, DNA damage, carcinogenecity, and neurological effects to include memory damage.

[I. Belyaev, C. Blackman, K. Chamberlin, et al. Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environ Health, 21 (1) (2022), p. 92]

Concern surrounding health effects of radiation have been present since the mid 1930’s when Marie Curie’s death was associated with prolonged exposure to radiation during her research.  More recently, member states of the European Union and the U.S. FCC have relied upon the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and others, for their guidance on occupational exposure from EMF  from all sources.

The standard upon which the IEEE bases their guidance is keyed to tissue thermal effects of EMF.  Generally speaking the IEEE position is, excessive heating is to be avoided.

According to other research-based organizations like the Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Assessment Association (ORSAA), the IEEE guidance is lacking and only addressing a singular effect associated with EMF exposure.  ORSAA and others suggest the standards for evaluating wireless devices are not in keeping with the advancements in the supporting technologies.  Consequently, the FCC standards are not representative of standards necessary to adequately evaluate health effects of EMF and do not adequately protect the public from adverse health effects.

To set a standard for comparison and evaluation a reproducible effect had to be determined with regard to EMF.  The metric that was established was called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).  It became the guage by which a rate of electromagnetic energy absorption could be quantified.  The SAR is measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg).  The energy is measured over time at 6 minutes and 30 minute time frame.  The measurement is taken in a 1g or 10g volume placed within a 12-pound area containing homogenous fluid shaped as a human head.  A similar 220 pound plastic body is also used to represent the human torso.

A SAR of 1.6W/kg is the allowable head and torso absorption rate, whereas 4.0W/kg is permissible in the extremities (including the ear).

The measurement is taken in a 1g or 10g volume placed within a 12-pound area containing homogenous fluid shaped as a human head.  A similar 220 pound plastic body is also used to represent the human torso.

A SAR of 1.6W/kg is the allowable head and torso absorption rate, whereas 4.0W/kg is permissible in the extremities (including the ear).

The difficulties with this method of measurement are painfully apparent.  While we applaud the FCC and others for having and enforcing a standard, we also expect the FCC to remain current with regard to research and amend established standards to reflect the domestic and international peer reviewed research.

The one size fits all approach fails in many ways to address the variability in body mass present in the population.  Likewise, the constant salinity of the homogeneous test fluid does not adequately account for the varying densities of internal organic structures found within each body and the varying conductivity of different tissues.

The base assumption, upon which the SAR is based, is faulty.  The assumption is that harm to the body can only be caused by a heating effect to the brain or torso that causes a 1 degree Celsius rise.  Lower heating is safe and considered non-hazardous.

A complementary test method to the SAR is the Ambient Power Density (APD) method.  This measure uses watts per square meter as the metric.  Since a meter is a large area to measure the metric is reduced to a measurable milliwatts per square centimeter.  APD is used to measure the flow of electromagnetic waves in the sample size and it is typically a measurement taken at a distance from the source.

We can thank the NAVY and US ARMY for these measures of electromagnetic energy. In the late 1950’s there was a concern for radar operators.  Eye damage and epithelial tissue burns were evident, and the exposure limit was set at 10W/m.  This value became the standard and was adopted by the American Standard Association and the IEEE.  The measurement standard value has not changed in the past 70 years and is still in effect.

In 1996 the FCC established guidelines for allowable EMF RF for frequencies in the 300KHz – 100GHz range for the public.  These frequencies are inclusive of the widely known 3G and 5G cellphone frequency range labels.  Their guidelines were based on a 1986 report from the National Council on Radiation Protection & Measurement (NCRP) – a professionally troubled organization and the IEEE.

It is concerning that the ICNIRP and the IEEE do not consider non-thermal effects of EMF RF as significantly relevant.  This is particularly troubling when considering other professional organizations like the ICBE-EMF and ORSAA  have widely differing views which run counter to the official guidance.

The battle against the FCC guidance position has included in excess of 11,000 pages of published scientific studies supporting and recommending the FCC strengthen their guidelines.  The FCC largely ignored the submitted science and in 2021 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a judgement in Environmental Health Trust et al v. FCC.

The court found the agency negligent in providing a rational record of review and had failed to show evidence of examination of studies on the greater vulnerability of children to include long term exposure impacts.

The international regulatory bodies have been listening, and the once mighty FCC has, to some extent, lost footing in RF emissions standards governance.   Other countries have established significantly lower emission thresholds for the public, and the use of wireless communications.

The most interesting takeaway from the lower emissions standards is the ability of the population to continue using wireless technology, albeit at significantly lower power levels.

The knowledge base is growing and it is becoming increasingly more difficult for agencies like the FCC to justify their positions regarding EMF strength and the public health.  To what extent politics play a role is poorly understood.  Yet, there must be industry influencers that are pushing back against change, wanting to keep power levels where they are.

Keep in mind that it is in industries’ best interest to keep power levels high.  Higher signal levels translates directly into better device performance and overall satisfaction.  There is a real cost to circuit redesign and re-certification can be a lengthy process.  Unfortunately, when trying to introduce lower power technology into the high power wireless device marketplace, the matter of one device overshadowing all lower power devices is real.  To overcome the dampening effect, the FCC would have to issue new guidance to force low power adoption in all wireless devices.

The action for all is simple and straightforward.  Continue to bring this matter to the forefront of policy-makers’ minds.  Do this by asking questions of employers regarding potential health effects of wireless technology.  Let your doctor know you are aware of the health effects and ask their opinion on the matter.  Have conversations with school leadership personnel.  If you are fortunate to have contact with governmental policy makers, speak with them and share your knowledge.

This topic is a hard one for all involved.  We all use the wireless technologies, and to some extent, have become dependent.  So, what to do personally as an action plan.

Fall back on the skateboard guidance paradigm.  It’s okay to skateboard, but it is not okay to do so without a helmet and pads.  It’s okay to use wireless devices, but it is not okay to continually keep wireless devices near your body.  The most important first step is to distance yourself from wireless devices. Act on those things over which you have a modicum of control.

Take a proactive approach to removing cell phones from sleeping areas, and out of pockets.  It is proximity to the originating signal that causes harm.  A meter is about as close as you want to be to a cell phone or other wireless device.

Separate yourself from your cellphone.  Start with keeping the cell phone away from your body as much as possible.

Look into wiring your house for ethernet.  Having a network installed in the house is not as difficult as it sounds.  A good installer can usually accomplish the task in a day and have you up and running in short order.

There are many actions you can take to push back against the wireless effect on your health and to live among the waves.  Be sure to read our next article to learn even more about cellphone radiation and your health.

Living among the Waves  – a multipart series focusing on the electromagnetic environment and what that means for our health and well being.

Living among the waves series will heighten your awareness of the invisible, but real, affects of radio frequency radiation (RF).  We pass through countless electromagnetic fields (EMF) daily and perceive nothing.  Does that mean RF has no effect on our bodies and the bodies of our children either born or developing?  Is there a causal link between RF, EMF and illness?  If we want to make lifestyle changes to limit exposure, what should those changes be?

To answer these questions and more, it behooves us to understand what Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are and how they are so prevalent in our lives.

An electromagnetic field is a physical field of energy produced by electrically charged objects in motion.  It consists of electric and magnetic components that are interrelated and propagate (move) through space as waves.  Electromagnetic fields are created by the interaction of electric charges and their associated electric fields, as well as by moving charges and their associated magnetic fields.

Electromagnetic fields are fundamental to the understanding of electromagnetism, which is a branch of physics that deals with the study of electric and magnetic phenomena.  They play a crucial role in various aspects of our everyday lives, as well as in many technological applications.

The electric component of an electromagnetic field is produced by electric charges, whether they are stationary or in motion.  Electric fields exert forces on other electric charges and can influence the behavior of charged particles.

The magnetic component of an electromagnetic field is generated by moving electric charges or by changing electric fields.  Magnetic fields can induce electric currents in conductive materials and interact with other magnetic fields.

.Electromagnetic fields propagate through space as electromagnetic waves, which can have various frequencies and wavelengths.  This spectrum of electromagnetic waves spans from extremely low frequencies (ELF) to extremely high frequencies encompassing familiar names like: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.  Each portion (set of frequencies) of the spectrum has distinct properties and applications.

Understanding and controlling electromagnetic fields have led to many technological advancements, such as radio communication, television, wireless networks, medical imaging (MRI), cell phones, and countless other applications.

Devices and technologies that make use of EMF are diverse and found in all aspects of our lives.  This is mostly due to the convenience that EMF affords.  EMF is at the core of all wireless communication.  The ability to use a piece of technology without any attached wires is a valuable attribute of EMF. The convenience and mobility this affords in our daily lives is remarkable.

EMF is at the heart of all electronics and the innumerable number of printed circuit boards tucked away inside all manner of devices.

The past few decades have seen an increase in EMF radiation in all areas of our lives.  From the time of birth an infant is lovingly placed in a crib with a wireless baby monitor. The house network is available to stream soothing music to wireless speakers in the baby’s room.  The room is softly lit with LED lights using a power supply.  The room is on the side of the house where the power meter is located. The parents have a wireless alarm system monitoring the windows and doors, and whenever the baby is attended to the adults are carrying their cell phones in their pockets.  This infant is in a continual bath of EMF radiation.

Take a moment and consider all the devices that you have at home and the office that use batteries.  These would include any item that requires a charge in order to operate.  Depending on your stage in life you might have a slew of baby related devices including a baby monitor and toys.  With older kids the electric toothbrush is popular as are radios and bedroom clocks and any number of flashlights.  Rechargeable Scooters are everywhere and who could live without a cell phone and the many devices with which  it interconnects.  In school and at work it has become common place to carry a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) like an iPAD and laptop computer.

Depending on your profession you may have to carry any number of wireless tools to perform your job.  In the medical field consider the sheer number of devices that are used to gather vital statistics and illuminate surface areas for examination and treatment.  In the construction and manufacturing fields most, if not all, previously cord-powered tools are now wireless.  The airline industry is also no stranger to cordless tools used to maintain and clean aircraft. In the home, particularly the kitchen, there seem to be any number of battery powered devices.  Who could live without a cordless vacuum cleaner, floor steamer, and hand held spot vacuum.  Law enforcement seems to have a never-ending need for hand-held devices to support their activities.

The number of devices which need batteries is seemingly never-ending.  This is great news for the battery manufacturers as they continue to develop new battery chemistries to store and release energy.

When cordless devices are in use they all produce EMF.  Many cordless devices not only produce EMF as a byproduct of operation, but are designed to generate very intense EMF as a critical component of their use.  Consider a cell phone that could not communicate with a tower, or a wristwatch that could not communicate or an iPad or laptop that couldn’t reach a network.  Communicating on a wireless network requires a device to generate significant EMF to reach the antennas of the network.

Construction tools that are wireless generate large quantities of EMF due to the amount of electrical current the tool requires to operate.  EMF is generated in the battery pack from the battery chemistry.  EMF is then generated by current flowing in wires from the battery to the tool’s circuit board.  The circuit board produces EMF from the electronic components on the board.  Finally the motor or other electrically activated mechanism produces EMF as it operates.  In a power tool there can be multiple sources of EMF each varying in field strength.  Even when a tool is not being used many expensive construction tools have a wireless monitor circuit that communicates to a monitoring station on the construction site to guard against tool theft.  So, the tool is generating EMF even when it is not in use.

EMF is not unique to just cordless devices.  EMF is generated whenever electrical power moves through a conductor.  A plugged in lamp in your room or office will generate EMF the moment it is turned on.  Not only will the bulb generate EMF, but the wires leading to the lamp will generate EMF as will the wires in the wall attached to the outlet.  EMF is generated by each conductor from the lamp back to the generator from which the power originated.

The strength of the EMF is proportional to the amount of current moving through the wire.  So, the amount of EMF generated around an extension cord is much less than the amount of EMF near the power meter of your house.  The power meter for your home feeds all the extension cords in your house and everything else that needs power.  So, the power meter has more current running through it than just your lamp’s extension cord.

EMF is also generated by antennae arrays like cell towers and radio/TV stations.  Each cell tower is a significant source of EMF.  So are cell phones, laptops, iPads, and any other wireless computing device.  Other sources of EMF are Microwave ovens, and access point routers found in the home, office, stores, and other businesses like restaurants and book stores.

When considering the many sources of EMF radiation trying to avoid EMF is a daunting task.

There is a growing scientific and social interest in the influence of EMF radiation on health, even upon exposure that is significantly below the generally accepted applicable standards. The intensity of electromagnetic radiation in the environment is increasing and has currently reached astronomical levels never before experienced.

The most concerning aspect of EMF and its’ impact on living organisms, is its direct tissue penetration.  The current established standards of exposure to EMF are based upon the thermal effect. It is well known that weak EMF could cause all sorts of dramatic non-thermal effects in body cells, tissues and organs.

It has been over a decade since the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified radio electromagnetic fields to a category of 2b as potentially carcinogenic.

EMF can be dangerous not only because of the risk of cancer, but also other health problems, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).  Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a phenomenon characterized by the appearance of symptoms after exposure of people to electromagnetic fields.

EHS is characterized as a syndrome as opposed to a disease with a broad set of non-specific multiple organ symptoms including inflammatory processes located mainly in the skin and nervous systems, as well as in respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal system.

It is important to note the symptoms of EHS may be associated with a single source of EMF or be derived from a combination of many sources.

It is important to note the symptoms of EHS may be associated with a single source of EMF or be derived from a combination of many sources.

The number of people suffering from EHS is growing describing themselves as severely dysfunctional, showing multi organ non-specific symptoms upon exposure to low doses of electromagnetic radiation, often associated with hypersensitivity to many chemical agents (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity-MCS) and/or other environmental intolerances (Sensitivity Related Illness-SRI).

The environment in which we work and play is literally full of radio frequency energy.  The number of transmitters and receivers is staggering.  In addition to the devices that are purposed to be transmitters, there are sources of radio frequency energy that are not purposed to be transmitters.  Items like light bulbs, power cables, hair dryers, clothes irons, furnaces, air conditioners, electronic devices, clocks, solar cells, electric vehicles, radios, battery chargers, electric tooth brushes, etc.   Each of these devices generates radio frequency energy.

These are items that we come into contact with in our homes, that we have control over  We can, generally,  choose to turn on or off these devices.  There are even more devices that we come into contact with when we leave our homes and perform daily activities.  So, it is a reasonable question to ask if there are negative affects associated with all of the radio frequency energy that we encounter every day.

The Living Among the Waves series will continue with an exploration of what research has established as dangerous to health.