Scientists have discovered a connection between the approach of Judgment Day and the increase in mortality

Scientists from Mass General Brigham have identified a connection between the position of the Doomsday Clock and mortality rates from certain diseases and mental disorders. The results show that the closer the hands of the Doomsday Clock are to midnight - a symbol of global catastrophe - the higher the mortality rates associated with Alzheimer's disease, suicides, accidents, as well as disorders related to alcohol and drug use. The work is published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS).

The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, initially indicated the threat of nuclear destruction. In recent decades, its meaning has expanded to include risks associated with climate change, cyber threats, political instability, and other factors. Despite the fame and controversial nature of this symbol, until now no one has investigated the connection between the position of the clock hands and human health.

"Our research represents the first step toward understanding how the fate of the world and our health are interconnected," said the lead author of the study, Dr. Samuel Justin Sinclair from the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital. - "It sounds strange, but no one had studied this before us."

Interestingly, the researchers also identified a decrease in mortality rates from malignant neoplasms, HIV, and diabetes. This suggests complex mechanisms of how social and political factors impact public health.

"The well-being and functioning of individuals, society, nations, and all of humanity are closely interconnected," noted the senior author of the study, Dr. David Silbersweig. - "Further research will help to better understand these relationships and use the data obtained to develop more effective health policy and social measures."

The authors emphasize that this study is just the first step toward uncovering the complex interactions between global threats and the health status of the population.