Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/ukraine-pipeline-cutoff-baby-food-fail/
Energy
In a recent discussion on Palisades Gold Radio, Doomberg, head writer for the Doomberg team, addressed the current state of technological and scientific innovations, the energy sector, and geopolitical issues. Doomberg discussed the “science hype cycle,” where innovations like solid-state batteries and fusion energy are often presented as imminent breakthroughs but face significant practical challenges. He reportedly views plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as a more practical solution for reducing gasoline consumption compared to full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and expressed concerns that Western automakers are lagging behind Chinese companies like BYD. On energy policy, Doomberg advocated for focusing on pollution control and emphasized the importance of nuclear energy and natural gas over wind and solar power. He also criticized Western sanctions on Russia, arguing they have increased global energy prices and strengthened Russia’s position. Doomberg concluded by suggesting that the West should focus on internal issues and adopt a more strategic foreign policy.
Geopolitics
Ukraine plans to shut down the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports oil from Russia to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, starting January 1, 2025. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian President, announced that Ukraine will not extend its oil transit agreement with Russia. This decision follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s declaration that Kyiv will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom. The refusal to renew the Gazprom contract has raised concerns about how Russian gas will reach Europe, with the Turkish Stream pipeline suggested as an alternative. Podolyak mentioned that Ukraine is willing to facilitate the transit of gas from other sources, such as Central Asia, but did not indicate that non-Russian oil would continue to be transited through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungarian oil and gas company MOL stated they have not received official information about the shutdown, and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted that negotiations for Hungary’s long-term oil supply are nearing completion. In a subsequent interview, Podolyak denied his earlier statements about the Druzhba pipeline closure, clarifying that Ukraine will fulfill its transit obligations as long as relevant contracts are in effect.
Health
A study of 651 commercial baby food products from 10 U.S. grocery chains found that more than half are unhealthy, potentially leading to obesity, poor dietary habits, and chronic diseases. Researchers discovered that 60% of these foods did not meet World Health Organization (WHO) nutritional standards, with over 70% failing protein requirements and 44% exceeding sugar recommendations. The study excluded infant formulas, fortified milk, and oral electrolytes, which are regulated separately by the FDA. Elizabeth Dunford, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, emphasized the importance of early childhood nutrition for preventing chronic diseases. Food pouches, the fastest-growing segment in the baby food market, were found to be among the unhealthiest, with snack-size packages showing the lowest compliance with nutrient requirements. Misleading labeling is a significant issue, with many products making health claims not supported by their nutritional content. The study calls for better regulation and guidance in the infant and toddler food market to ensure the health of future generations.
A study published in JAMA Open Network found that an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 31%. The research focused on individuals with cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke, revealing that those adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet are less likely to develop dementia. Lead author Abigail Dove from Karolinska Institutet emphasized the study’s uniqueness in exploring the diet-dementia link within the context of CMDs. The study used data from over 80,000 adults aged 60+ from the UK Biobank, tracking them for up to 15 years. Results showed that both CMDs and pro-inflammatory diets were associated with lower gray matter and hippocampal volumes, key indicators of neurodegeneration and dementia. While the study found an association between lower inflammation and reduced dementia risk, it did not establish causality. To minimize dementia risk, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts, fatty fish, and leafy greens is recommended, while avoiding inflammatory foods such as excess sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Sources
The Science Hype Cycle: Why Solid-State Batteries and Other Tech Miracles Remain Elusive
Solid-state batteries, in particular, as we said in the piece, we’ve been three years away from solid-state batteries for the better part of four decades.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Unveiling Iran’s Hidden Agenda: Beyond the Surface of Geopolitical Tensions
Iran’s Goals Are Even More Nefarious Than You Think
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Ukraine’s Druzhba Pipeline Shutdown Announcement Sparks Energy Security Concerns, Then Reversal
The Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries oil from Russia through Ukraine to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, will be shut down starting from 1 January 2025, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, announced in an interview.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
Study Reveals Over 60% of Commercial Baby Foods Fail Nutritional Standards
“Early childhood is a crucial period of rapid growth and when taste preferences and dietary habits form, potentially paving the way for the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and some cancers later in life,” Dunford said.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Linked to 31% Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds
The research revealed that individuals who adhered to an anti-inflammatory diet saw a 31 percent reduction in their risk of developing dementia.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon