The title of “oldest rock on Earth” is a bit fluid, as new research and dating methods continue to refine our understanding. However, as of recent studies, the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt (NGB) in Quebec, Canada, is considered to hold what may be the oldest intact rocks on Earth.

Recent research published in the journal Science (June 2025) has dated rocks from the NGB to at least 4.16 billion years old, placing them within the Hadean Eon, Earth’s earliest geological period. This study used two different dating techniques, and both yielded the same age, strengthening the claim.

Previously, the Acasta Gneiss Complex in the Northwest Territories, Canada, was widely recognized as containing the oldest known exposed crustal rocks, typically dated at around 4.03 billion years old.

It’s important to distinguish between the oldest rock formation and the oldest mineral. The Jack Hills zircons found in Western Australia are the oldest known mineral grains on Earth, with some dating back as far as 4.4 billion years. These tiny crystals are found embedded within younger rocks, meaning they are individual mineral remnants from a much older, now mostly destroyed, crust.

The ongoing research into these ancient rock formations in Canada is crucial for understanding the very early history of our planet, including how the Earth’s crust formed and evolved, and even the conditions that might have led to the origin of life.

Taking vitamins daily can lead to a range of physiological changes in the body, depending on your existing nutritional status, the specific vitamins you’re taking, and their dosages. It’s crucial to understand that more is not always better, and for most healthy individuals with a balanced diet, significant changes from daily vitamin supplements may not be necessary or even noticeable.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential changes:

1. Filling Nutritional Gaps (The Intended Benefit):

• Correction of Deficiencies: If you have a true vitamin deficiency (e.g., Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sun exposure, or B12 deficiency in vegans), daily supplementation can correct these. This can lead to:
  • Increased Energy Levels: Deficiencies in certain B vitamins or iron can cause fatigue. Correcting these can boost energy.
  • Improved Mood and Cognitive Function: Some B vitamins (like B6, B9, B12) are crucial for brain health and neurotransmitter production. Adequate intake can support mood regulation, reduce stress, and improve memory and focus.
  • Stronger Bones: Vitamin D and Calcium are vital for bone health. Supplementation can help prevent osteoporosis and rickets, especially in those with insufficient dietary intake or sun exposure.
  • Enhanced Immune Function: Vitamins C, D, and Zinc are well-known for their roles in immune support. Adequate levels can help the body fight off infections more effectively.
  • Healthier Skin, Hair, and Nails: Biotin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E contribute to healthy skin, hair, and nails.
  • Better Vision: Vitamin A is essential for eye health and can prevent night blindness.
  • Improved Red Blood Cell Formation: Iron and B vitamins (especially B12 and folate) are critical for healthy red blood cell production, preventing anemia.
  • Better Wound Healing: Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, which is essential for wound healing.
• “Nutritional Insurance”: For those whose diets are not consistently balanced, a daily multivitamin can act as a “safety net,” ensuring a baseline intake of essential nutrients. This may not cause dramatic changes, but can subtly support overall bodily functions.

2. Potential Negative Changes / Side Effects (Especially with High Doses):

This is where caution is needed. Taking excessive amounts of certain vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones (A, D, E, K), can lead to toxicity because they are stored in the body and don’t easily flush out. Even some water-soluble vitamins (like certain B vitamins or Vitamin C) can cause issues in very high doses.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and constipation are common side effects of high doses of vitamins like Vitamin C, zinc, iron, and magnesium.
• Liver Damage: High doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin B3 (niacin), and iron can be toxic to the liver.
• Nerve Damage: Excessive intake of Vitamin B6 can lead to severe and potentially irreversible nerve damage.
• Bone Weakness: While Vitamin D is good for bones, excessively high doses can lead to hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), which can paradoxically weaken bones and cause kidney problems. Too much Vitamin A can also weaken bones.
• Increased Bleeding Risk: High doses of Vitamin E can interfere with blood clotting, especially if you’re on blood-thinning medications. Vitamin K toxicity is rare but can also affect clotting.
• Masking Deficiencies: High doses of folic acid (Vitamin B9) can mask the symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency, delaying diagnosis and potentially leading to permanent neurological damage if left untreated.
• Kidney Stones: Very high doses of Vitamin C can contribute to kidney stone formation in some individuals.
• Hair Loss: Too much selenium can lead to hair loss.
• Interaction with Medications: Vitamins can interact with prescription drugs (e.g., Vitamin K with blood thinners like warfarin, or certain vitamins affecting absorption of other medications).

Important Considerations:

• Individual Needs: The “changes” depend heavily on your individual needs. Someone with a pre-existing deficiency will see more positive changes than someone who is already getting adequate nutrients from their diet.
• Diet First: Most healthcare professionals emphasize that it’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Food provides a complex array of nutrients and phytochemicals that often work synergistically.
• Regulation: Dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated as pharmaceutical drugs. This means the actual content and dosage can sometimes vary from what’s stated on the label.
• Consult a Professional: Before starting any daily vitamin regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian. They can assess your individual needs and recommend appropriate supplementation if necessary.

In summary, daily vitamin intake can lead to beneficial changes by correcting deficiencies and providing “nutritional insurance.” However, it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet, and excessive intake can lead to undesirable and potentially harmful side effects.

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It doesn’t “go away” in the sense of being cured because of a combination of underlying biological mechanisms and how the body responds to triggers. Here’s a breakdown of why it persists:

1. Chronic Inflammation: At its core, asthma involves ongoing inflammation in the airways. Even when you’re not having symptoms, there’s often a low level of inflammation present. This makes the airways hypersensitive and prone to reacting strongly to various triggers.
2. Airway Hyperresponsiveness (AHR): Because of this chronic inflammation, the airways become “twitchy” or hyperresponsive. This means they overreact to things that wouldn’t bother someone without asthma, like allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (smoke, strong smells, pollution), exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections. When exposed to a trigger, the airways narrow rapidly.
3. Airway Remodeling: Over time, especially if asthma is poorly controlled, structural changes can occur in the airways. This “remodeling” can include:
   • Thickening of the airway walls: The lining of the airways becomes thicker due to inflammation and scarring.
   • Increased muscle mass: The smooth muscles around the airways can enlarge, making them contract more forcefully during an attack.
   • Increased mucus production: The glands in the airways produce more mucus, which can further clog the narrowed passages. These structural changes can lead to a more permanent narrowing of the airways and make them less responsive to medication.
4. Immune System Involvement: Asthma is often linked to an overactive immune response, particularly a type called “Type 2 inflammation.” This involves specific immune cells (like eosinophils and mast cells) and signaling molecules (cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) that drive the inflammation, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction characteristic of asthma.
5. Genetic Predisposition: There’s a strong genetic component to asthma. If you have family members with asthma or other allergic conditions (like eczema or hay fever), you’re more likely to develop it. This suggests an inherited susceptibility to airway inflammation.

Can asthma ever disappear?

While there’s no “cure” for asthma in the sense that it completely vanishes and never returns, some people, particularly children, may experience what’s called remission. This means their symptoms significantly decrease or disappear as they get older, and they may no longer need medication. However, even in remission, the underlying airway hyperresponsiveness might still be present, and symptoms can return later in life, especially with strong triggers or changes in hormones.

For most people, asthma is a lifelong condition that needs to be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and an individualized asthma action plan, most people with asthma can effectively control their symptoms and lead full, active lives.