Wake the Lakes “Weird and Wacky Wednesday” 12-6-23

—Wasabi: A Japanese study found that the spicy green condiment might improve memory. After three months, the researchers found that the group of people aged 60+ who got wasabi extract at bedtime had “significant” boosts in short- and long-term memory. That’s when compared to people in the same age group who received a placebo. Researchers believe wasabi’s main active component 6-MSITC, which reduces inflammation in the area responsible for memory function, is behind the findings.

—Cats Could Double Your Chances Of Schizophrenia: Studies show that owning a cat could double your chances of schizophrenia. Australian researchers looked at the results of 17 studies in 11 countries over 44 years and found people who were around cats before age 25 had twice as much chance of developing the mental disorder. The scientists think it’s because of a parasite found in cats, which can enter the body and affect the brain.