Publications by authors named "E S Epel"
Importance: Mindfulness meditation may improve well-being among employees; however, effects of digital meditation programs are poorly understood.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of digital meditation vs a waiting list condition on general and work-specific stress and whether greater engagement in the intervention moderates these effects.
Design, Setting, And Participants: This randomized clinical trial included a volunteer sample of adults (aged ≥18 years) employed at a large academic medical center who reported mild to moderate stress, had regular access to a web-connected device, and were fluent in English.
Telomere attrition is a hallmark of biological aging, contributing to cellular replicative senescence. However, few studies have examined the determinants of telomere attrition in vivo in humans. Mitochondrial Health Index (MHI), a composite marker integrating mitochondrial energy-transformation capacity and content, may be one important mediator of telomere attrition, as it could impact telomerase activity, a direct regulator of telomere maintenance.
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- This study examines how the Wim Hof Method (WHM) compares to slow breathing in managing stress and depressive symptoms in women with high stress levels.
- 84 midlife women were randomly assigned to either the WHM group, which involved specific breathing techniques and cold exposure, or a control group practicing slow-paced breathing and warm showers over three weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Both groups reported significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms immediately after the intervention and at a 3-month follow-up, but participants in the WHM group had lower retention rates, suggesting differences in perceived credibility and expected benefits of the interventions.
Background: Food insecurity (FI) continues to be a significant public health concern and is associated with myriad physical and mental health consequences. Increased understanding of conditions around its occurrence throughout the life course are needed. However, research has been limited due to inadequate measurement tools and study length.
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- Health is influenced by mitochondrial energy transformation, which plays a crucial role in regulating various body systems that relate to resilience and disease risk throughout life.
- The MiSBIE study aims to explore how mitochondria affect interconnected systems like neuroendocrine, immune, and cognitive functions, focusing on individuals with mitochondrial diseases.
- This research seeks to enhance understanding of mitochondrial diseases, develop new health biomarkers, and better integrate knowledge of the connections between energy processes and overall health.