"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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The Whys and Hows

Peeling Back the Layers: The Fascinating Truth About Human Skin Shedding

It's a common myth that humans do not shed their skin, but in reality, we do. In fact, our skin sheds constantly, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells falling off every minute. This process is known as desquamation, and it is a natural part of the skin's renewal process.   The outermost layer of our skin is called the stratum corneum, and it is made up of dead skin cells that are constantly sloughing off and being replaced by new cells from the deeper layers of the skin. This process is essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the skin, as it helps to remove dead cells and other debris that can clog pores and lead to a range of skin conditions.   While the shedding of dead skin cells is a normal part of the skin's renewal process, there are some factors that can affect the rate of shedding. For example, environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to UV radiation can all impact how quickly the skin sheds. Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can also affect the rate of shedding.   Despite the fact that shedding skin is a natural process, it can still be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for some people. Regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of the skin, while moisturizing can help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent excessive shedding.

5 May 2023
The Whys and Hows

Secrets of Sleep: The Surprising Reasons You Toss and Turn While You Snooze

Sleep is an essential component of our daily routine, and the position we sleep in can greatly affect the quality of our sleep. Many of us may have noticed that we tend to change our sleeping positions throughout the night, even though we are asleep. This behavior may seem strange, but it is actually a natural and necessary process for our bodies to maintain comfort and support during sleep. There are several reasons why we change our sleeping positions during the night. Firstly, discomfort is one of the most common reasons. If we are sleeping in a position that causes discomfort, our bodies may naturally adjust to find a more comfortable position. This can happen if we are sleeping on a hard surface or if the pillow is not providing enough support for our head and neck. Another reason for changing sleeping positions is to regulate body temperature. Our bodies naturally regulate temperature during sleep, and changing positions can help to distribute heat more evenly, preventing excessive sweating or cooling down too much. Moreover, changing sleeping positions can help to relieve pressure points and prevent the development of bedsores. Lying in the same position for extended periods can place pressure on certain areas of the body, causing discomfort and even pain. Changing positions can help to distribute the pressure more evenly, preventing the development of sores.

29 Apr 2023
The Whys and Hows

Positive Reads

Move More, Live Longer: Study Finds Physical Activity Trumps Genetics in Lifespan Impact

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has found that physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle have a greater impact on lifespan than our genes. The study analyzed data from over 400,000 people in the UK Biobank database and found that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity had a lower risk of premature death, regardless of their genetic predisposition. On the other hand, those who led a sedentary lifestyle, regardless of their genetic makeup, had a higher risk of premature death. "Our findings provide robust evidence that physical activity is more important for improving lifespan than our genetic makeup," said Dr. Carlos Celis-Morales, lead author of the study. The study also found that even small increases in physical activity can have a significant impact on lifespan. Individuals who engaged in just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day had a 28% lower risk of premature death compared to those who did not exercise at all. The findings are particularly important given the rise of sedentary lifestyles in modern society, with many people spending long periods of time sitting at desks or in front of screens. The study's authors suggest that public health initiatives should focus on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior, as this could have a greater impact on overall health and lifespan than genetics. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the importance of physical activity for our health and highlights the need for individuals to prioritize exercise in their daily lives.

27 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

Unwrapping the Mystery: The Surprising Reason Why Your Fingers Wrinkle in Water

Have you ever noticed that after spending a long time in the water, your fingers and toes become wrinkly? This phenomenon has puzzled scientists and the public alike for decades, but recent research has shed some light on why it happens. According to a study conducted by researchers at Newcastle University, the wrinkling of the skin on our fingers and toes is actually an evolutionary adaptation that helps us grip wet objects better. The wrinkling occurs when blood vessels in the skin constrict, causing the skin to shrink and fold. This process, known as vasoconstriction, is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and is thought to be an involuntary response to being in contact with water for an extended period of time. The wrinkles that form on our fingers and toes create a kind of drainage system that allows water to be channeled away from the skin, improving our grip on wet objects and reducing the risk of slipping. While this adaptation is useful for our ancestors who needed to grip wet surfaces to avoid slipping and falling, it is less useful for modern humans. In fact, some researchers believe that this adaptation may be responsible for the development of some types of foot and hand injuries, such as blisters and calluses. Despite the potential drawbacks, the wrinkling of our fingers and toes in water remains an intriguing phenomenon that has captured the curiosity of scientists and the public alike. And while it may not be as useful to us in our modern lives as it was to our ancestors, it's still a fascinating reminder of our evolutionary history.

8 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

The Mystery of Self-Tickling: Why Can't You Tickle Yourself

Tickling is a peculiar sensation that can cause uncontrollable laughter and a feeling of discomfort in the tickled person. However, have you ever wondered why it's nearly impossible to tickle yourself? This strange phenomenon is due to the way our brain processes sensory information and anticipates self-touch. When we tickle ourselves, our brain anticipates the sensation that is about to occur. The cerebellum, a region in the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement, receives a copy of the motor command that is sent to the muscles when we intend to move. This copy of the motor command is used to predict the sensory consequences of our actions. When we try to tickle ourselves, the cerebellum predicts the sensation that our touch will produce, and the resulting sensation is reduced or completely eliminated. On the other hand, when someone else tickles us, we are not in control of the tickling sensation. Our brain does not anticipate the sensation, and we are caught off guard. The sensation is then transmitted to the brain, and our response is one of discomfort and laughter. Another factor that contributes to the inability to tickle oneself is that the sensation of tickling requires the element of surprise. The tickling sensation is most effective when it's unexpected, and the tickled person doesn't know when or where the next touch will occur. When we try to tickle ourselves, we are already aware of where and when we will touch ourselves, and our brain is not surprised. To summarize, the inability to tickle oneself is due to the way our brain processes sensory information and anticipates self-touch. The cerebellum's prediction of the sensation, coupled with the lack of surprise, reduces or eliminates the tickling sensation.

28 Feb 2023
Positive Reads

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