Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, titled “Body Electric Part 1: The Body Through The Ages,” we explore the fascinating relationship between our bodies and technology throughout history. From the discovery of electricity in our bodies to the invention of the battery and the impact of modern technology on our physical health, this episode delves into the ways our bodies have adapted and changed over time.
Main Takeaways
The Discovery of Electricity and the Invention of the Battery
- Our bodies and batteries share similarities, including a story that starts with a dead frog.
- Luigi Galvani discovered “animal electricity” and believed all animals store electricity in their cells like a battery.
- Alessandro Volta, a physicist, tested Galvani’s ideas and determined that the legs twitched due to a circuit between the frog and the scalpel.
- Volta’s experiments led to the creation of the first battery.
- Volta’s invention of the Voltaic pile, a stack of different metal discs, was basically the invention of the battery.
- Galvani’s discovery of electricity in the body works differently than what we use to keep the lights on, but it is what makes us move, think, and feel.
The Impact of Modern Technology on Our Bodies
- Our devices are slowly stealthily draining our energy, and nearly 85% of jobs are mostly sedentary.
- Our bodies have morphed in response to the changing ecology of labor over time.
- The agricultural revolution 12,000 years ago led to a pool towards efficiency and removing friction from everyday life.
- The chair was invented about 5,000 years ago, but only became widespread during the industrial age.
- The era of sitting began in the mid-1800s, with chairs being used extensively in work.
- The changing ways we work have impacted our bodies, leading to differences in bone density and other physical characteristics.
- The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in people’s lives, with more sedentary lifestyles and dangerous working conditions in factories.
- Modern technology has made daily chores more efficient but has also led to a sedentary lifestyle for the majority of the population.
- Many diseases and health problems are connected to a lack of movement and a move away from rural environments to urban ones.
- Our bodies are constantly adapting to our habits, and modern life is confusing them, leading to health problems such as obesity and asthma.
The Importance of Movement and System-Level Change
- Movement is seen as an inconvenience in modern life.
- Checking off exercise for the day is not enough to combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
- Sitting for long periods increases the risk for chronic diseases and decreases longevity.
- To offset the harms of sitting, move every half hour for five minutes.
- Moving every half hour for five minutes lowered blood sugar spikes by 60% and blood pressure by 4-5 points.
- Employees who move every half hour feel more energized, less fatigued, and have a better mood, which makes them more productive.
The Movement Break Study
- NPR is partnering with Columbia University to conduct a study on movement breaks, asking listeners to commit to doing movement breaks for three weeks.
- The study will test different doses and send text messages to check in on participants.
- The goal is to see if this changes how participants feel and to pave the way towards system-level change.
- Participants have until Sunday, October 8th, at 11.59 pm Eastern to sign up for the study.
- Listeners are encouraged to share their experience by emailing or sending a voice memo to [email protected], and they might be featured in the series.
Summary
The Discovery of Electricity and the Invention of the Battery
Our bodies and batteries share similarities, with Luigi Galvani’s discovery of “animal electricity” leading to Alessandro Volta’s invention of the battery. Volta’s experiments with a dead frog’s legs led to the creation of the first battery, the Voltaic pile. While Galvani’s discovery of electricity in the body works differently than what powers our devices, it is what makes us move, think, and feel.
The Impact of Modern Technology on Our Bodies
The changing ways we work, from the agricultural revolution to the industrial age and the Industrial Revolution, have had a significant impact on our bodies. The advent of modern technology has made daily chores more efficient but has also led to a sedentary lifestyle for the majority of the population. This shift has resulted in health problems such as obesity and asthma, as our bodies struggle to adapt to our new habits.
The Importance of Movement and System-Level Change
Movement is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. Sitting for long periods increases the risk of chronic diseases and decreases longevity. To combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is recommended to move every half hour for five minutes. This simple act can lower blood sugar spikes, decrease blood pressure, and improve mood and productivity.
The Movement Break Study
NPR is conducting a study on movement breaks in partnership with Columbia University. Listeners are invited to commit to doing movement breaks for three weeks and share their experiences. The study aims to explore the impact of movement breaks on participants’ well-being and pave the way towards system-level change. Participants have until a specific deadline to sign up for the study and can contribute to the ongoing conversation by emailing or sending a voice memo to [email protected].
Conclusion
The relationship between our bodies and technology is complex and ever-evolving. From the discovery of electricity to the invention of the battery and the impact of modern technology on our physical health, it is clear that our bodies are constantly adapting to our habits. By recognizing the importance of movement and participating in studies like the movement break study, we can strive towards a healthier and more balanced relationship between our bodies and technology.
