Getting old might not be something that's yet to cross your mind. But ageing is unavoidably going to get the better of us one day. And that’s why scientists are constantly seeking out evidence that will show us what we need to do to achieve longevity.

We all know that regular exercise is good for us. In recent years, although we've been told to aim to walk 10,000 steps a day to remain healthy, other advice to do three quick and energetic 10-minute walks a day is thought to be even more effective. And the latest piece of research might put a spring in your step if you’re someone who walks at a fast pace. That’s because, according to scientists, the speed at which people walk in their 40s is a sign of how much their brains, as well as their bodies, are ageing.

Tests on 1,000 people from New Zealand born in the 1970s found that slower walkers tended to show signs of "accelerated ageing". Their lungs, teeth and immune systems were in worse shape than those who walked fester. And what’s worse, the study found not only did slower walkers' bodies age more quickly, their faces looked older and they had smaller brains.

This might be seen as a wake-up call for people with a slower pace who might feel it's time to work out get fitter. But it might be too late; researchers say they were able to predict the walking speed of 45-year-olds using the results of intelligence, language and motor skills tests from when they were aged three. They also suggest that even in early life, there are signs showing which people will go on to have a healthier life.

So, what's the point of knowing that a slower walking pace might mean a smaller brain? Well, researchers say measuring walking speed at a younger age, and understanding what this might mean, could be a way of testing treatments to slow human ageing. This might help us make lifestyle changes while we're still young and healthy. Any steps we can take to prolong a good mental and physical state is a no brainer!

Throughout history, humans have assigned names to objects and each other as a means of efficient communication. Additionally, we often give names to animals that are close to us, such as our pets. To date, evidence has been scarce to indicate that animals engage in naming each other. However, an exciting new study indicates that elephants use unique sounds as a way to identify one another. Isn’t that fascinating?

A few animals, including parrots and dolphins, have been known to use sounds that are similar to names. Each dolphin invents a signature whistle that is unique to it, and other members of its species communicate with it by simulating this special call. The new study, led by Michael Pardo of Colorado State University, shows that wild African elephants use names in a way that is not just copying sounds and is much closer to the way humans use names.

For the study, the researchers recorded 625 sounds made by wild African elephants in Kenya that they called “rumbles (隆隆声)”. This is the most common type of call produced by elephants, and it can travel long distances — as far as 3.7 miles. It takes place at a very low frequency, which means humans can’t hear it.

The researchers analyzed the sounds using computers and found that certain rumbles were directed at specific elephants to get their attention They found that all the elephants in the herd used the identical call to get a particular elephant’s attention — these calls were not just nicknames used by one of the elephant’s friends. Also, unlike the way dolphins communicate, the rumbles were not just imitations of the elephant they were trying to communicate with.

The researchers then played back some of the recorded rumbles to the elephants. They found that elephants responded more to their own name than to other calls, coming toward it more quickly or calling back faster. Cartlin O’Connell-Rodwell, an elephant expert, said, “The study shows that elephants can still keep in touch with one another even across a large area.” She told Live Science, “The rumbles were magical, which allow them to spread out much further and still keep a watchful eye on individuals.”

Getting angry is a normal emotion that everyone experiences. However, regular or continued anger can harm your health in more ways than you might think.

When you get angry, your body reacts in ways that can cause problems. For example, a study found that anger can increase the risk of heart attacks. This is because anger affects how well your blood vessels (血管) work, making it harder for blood to flow properly. 【小题1】

Anger also affects your stomach and digestive (和消化有关的) system. When you’re mad, your body can slow down digestion and cause stomach pain. Worse, your brain suffers from too much anger as well. 【小题2】 This affects your ability to think clearly and remember things, possibly leading to long-term cognitive (认知的) issues.

So how can you manage your anger better? Here are several effective strategies which can help you lead a healthier life.

Recognize and accept your anger. 【小题3】 While occasional anger is normal, long-term anger may indicate a deeper issue that requires attention.

【小题4】 Practices such as deep breathing exercises and talk therapy (疗法) can reduce the physical impact of anger on the body. Deep breathing helps calm the nervous system, while discussing your feelings with a professional can provide valuable views and coping ways.

Use anger-management techniques. For instance, instead of yelling, calmly explain the cause of your anger and what you need to feel better. 【小题5】