Between Saturdays
This week: What your brain does at rest, how chocolate and brain aging might be linked, why slower eaters have better health markers, and what one unexpected gene might reveal about self-control.
Every week, science peels back a layer—and sometimes, what’s underneath is surprisingly quiet. This edition of Between Saturdays brings you four pieces of research that didn’t make front-page headlines but quietly speak to how we live, eat, think, and even pause. From the brain’s remarkable activity in rest states to a fascinating genetic link to self-discipline, this week’s studies suggest that sometimes, what we don’t do—like rushing a meal or resisting a sweet—is where real health begins.
Whether you’re a mom trying to slow your evenings down, someone curious about cognition, or just tired of nutrition headlines that never stick, this one’s for you.
Let’s get into it.
Caught My Eye…
Your Brain at Rest Isn’t Really “Resting”
New neuroimaging research from the Institute for Basic Science in Korea has added to the growing evidence that the brain doesn’t shut off during rest—it organizes. In this study, researchers found that during restful wakefulness, the brain enters a state of high interconnectivity and low noise, strengthening links between distant brain areas. They used advanced MRI techniques to measure activity, and what emerged was a brain that's actively restoring—processing past experiences, rehearsing future plans, and maintaining emotional equilibrium.
Why it matters? Rest is not wasted time. In fact, it may be critical for maintaining mental flexibility, emotional regulation, and memory consolidation. Those quiet moments—staring out a window, walking without music—may be when your brain does its most vital maintenance work.A Gene That Shapes Your Self-Control
Researchers at Virginia Tech identified a gene—named CADM2—that appears to play a central role in impulsivity, decision-making, and even risk behaviors like smoking or overeating. The study, which analyzed genetic data from over 1.5 million people, showed that individuals with specific variants of this gene had higher tendencies toward immediate gratification, while others were more likely to delay rewards.
The implications here are fascinating. While self-control is often painted as a matter of willpower, this study suggests that biology lays the groundwork. That doesn’t mean behavior can’t be changed, but it reframes the conversation: what we call “discipline” might also be “neurobiology.”
Interventions that strengthen impulse regulation—like mindfulness, structured routines, or even targeted therapies—might work best when they align with, rather than push against, a person’s underlying neurological blueprint.Slower Eating, Longer Living?
A Japanese study involving over 60,000 participants found that eating speed significantly correlates with multiple health indicators. Those who ate slowly had lower risks of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance—even when calorie intake was the same.
The reason might lie in hormonal signaling. Slower eating allows more time for satiety hormones like leptin and GLP-1 to signal the brain that you’re full. It also likely reduces insulin spikes and improves digestion.
The takeaway: you don’t need to overhaul your entire diet—just your pace. A slower meal isn't just a more mindful one; it's physiologically healthier. And yes, your mom was right: chew your food properly.Dark Chocolate & Cognitive Function—Too Sweet to Be True?
A new double-blind, placebo-controlled study out of Loma Linda University found that adults who consumed high-flavonoid dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) twice daily showed improved cognitive performance and neural connectivity after just four weeks. The researchers measured verbal memory, reaction time, and focus—alongside EEG markers of brain activity.
Flavonoids, found in dark chocolate, are known to increase cerebral blood flow and reduce inflammation. But this study provides stronger causal evidence that regular, moderate intake could enhance mental clarity—at least in middle-aged and older adults.
Of course, it’s not a green light to binge. The benefits were found in small, consistent amounts—about 30g a day. Still, it’s sweet news for those who already enjoy their post-dinner square.
In Closing
Sometimes, health isn’t in the hustle but in the pause. In slowing down meals, in letting the brain wander, in choosing a single square of chocolate over five. And sometimes, the most powerful insights don’t shout—they hum in the background of everyday choices.
Until next Saturday,
Summaya
Detailed Readings
Spatiotemporal characterization of the latency structure in functional MRI
CADM2 is implicated in impulsive personality and numerous other traits by genome