I stumbled on HAPPY mapping after watching this TED talk about happy mapping. Daniele Quercia talks about finding that more beautiful route to travel along. It may add a minute or two to your commute, but adds immeasurably to your happiness factor.
Here's a piece of a happy map through Denver:
All of this brings us to the Bowhead Whale.
Researchers are looking at the genome of Bowhead Whales, the longest-living mammals, to see why they live to over 200 years without a higher risk of cancer or other diseases despite having more than 1000 times the number of cells as humans. According to the article published January 6, 2015, in Cell Reports and described in Science News:
"The scientists discovered differences, including mutations and duplications, in the whale genes that are tied to cancer, aging and cell division. The results suggest that the whales are better than humans at repairing their DNA and keeping abnormally dividing cells in check. The whales do not accumulate damaged DNA, allowing them to live longer without developing age-related diseases like cancer, says coauthor João Pedro de Magalhães, a gerontologist at the University of Liverpool."
I can tell them why they are so good at DNA repair and longevity. These great cetacean beasts SWIM all day. . .and they take the HAPPY, happy route.
Off to a happy swim,
Steph
