HOMEOSTATIC MED4U

Well, I have seen many people having astounding memories.  So this is how the thought of writing about photographic memory struck me. But there is not exactly any verified case where the memory works like a camera. Even though there's no such thing as a photographic memory, there are indeed, some people who are very gifted. Basically, this is more like a special ability that some people have, which helps them capture visual images momentarily, and recall a past scene in detail with great accuracy.  Usually, it's easier to remember the things that we see more easily than the things we hear. So what could possibly be the reason behind this photographic memory? What is the science behind photographic memory? Does it actually exist? There is a condition called Highly Superior Autographic Memory (HSAM) which is present in some people. These people with HSAM can recall past scenarios with great detail, including the exact dates on which the scenarios occurred. Of course having such m

 Many of us keep cracking our knuckles when we are worried/ stressed/ anxious/etc., so I have always wondered why this cracking happens. So I just took a bit of time to sit down and pen down my possible thoughts of why this knuckle cracking takes place, and the following is the context behind it, according to me, after coming across a few studies. There aren't any awards to be won for solving the most minor science mysteries - like why yawning and laughing are contagious - but that doesn't mean we don't want the answers anyway. Add to those everyday puzzles the mystery of knuckle cracking. Why exactly does this cracker burst occur from some of the body's smallest joints? The type of joints that you can most easily 'crack' or 'pop' are the diarthrodial joints. These are the most typical joints. They consist of two bones that are in contact with each other at their cartilage surfaces; the cartilage surfaces are surrounded by a joint capsule.  Inside the jo

  Heyy ! I have had my exams all this while so couldn't post anything earlier. But I'm back again with yet another post to make the scientific track going! The human body handles glucose and fructose - the most abundant sugars in our diet. Every cell of our body can break down glucose for energy. However, in contrast, the only ones that can handle fructose are our liver cells. What the liver does with fructose, especially when too much fructose intake takes place, has potentially dangerous consequences for the heart and the liver. Fructose, also called fruit sugar, was once a minor part of our diet. Today, it turns out to be a major part as almost all of the major part comes from the refined sugars (sucrose - half glucose, half fructose) used to make beverages, fruit drinks, sodas, pastries and other sweet foods, and breakfast cereals.  High sugar intake has been linked to several health complications, including - cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. T

  Almost everyone reading my blog know very well that my all time favourite topic is cancer. Yes, and today, 4th February 2021, is World Cancer Day. This year's theme, being "I Am and I will" (#IAmAndIWill), whoever we are, our actions small and big - will make a lasting, optimistic effect.  During a pandemic, giving scientific insights is very critical. The public is understandably eager to know as much scientific information as possible about COVID-19 prognosis, diagnosis, care and treatment and its impact on cancer care.  Last year capped an incredible decade for cancer immunotherapy. Patients with several types of cancer can now receive FDA - approved immunotherapies. Despite this progress, more work remains to be done because many cancer patients still don't respond to immunotherapy. If we look at chemotherapy, surgery, etc, all of us do know about their potential side effects, harming the general health of the patient. So the need of the hour is not just a treat

Many of you out there reading my blog, might be wondering what I was wondering - "Now that a vaccine has come, yet it causes severe allergic reactions, etc." So, this post is especially for all those curious minds ! Severe allergic reactions in many people who received the COVID - 19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech maybe due to a compound in the packaging of the mRNA that forms the vaccine's main ingredient. A similar mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna, which was authorised for emergency use in US, also contains the compound, polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG has never been used before in an approved vaccine, but it is found in many drugs that occasionally trigger anaphylaxis - a potentially life - threatening reaction that can cause a fast heartbeat, a plunging blood pressure, rashes and shortness of breath. Some immunologists believe that a small number of people previously exposed to PEG may have high levels of antibodies against PEG, putting them at risk of an ana

More than 150 coronavirus vaccines are in development around the world - and there are high hopes to bring atleast one into the rescue in record time to ease the global crisis. In order to instruct the immune system to mount a defense, some vaccines need to use the whole coronavirus, but in a killed or weakened state. Others use only a part of the virus - like a fragment of the virus. Some transfer the coronavirus proteins into a totally different virus that is unlikely to cause disease or even incapable of it. Finally, after such prolonged months of extensive research, some vaccines under development rely on deploying pieces of coronavirus's genetic material, so our cells can temporarily make the coronavirus proteins needed to stimulate our immune systems.  I would be posting some of the recent developments relating to COVID and vaccines, on a regular basis, whenever I can, to give you all some more insight into when an end for this pandemic is most likely to come. So let me begin

Every year, World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September, to raise awareness around Cardiovascular Diseases(CVD) and how they can be prevented. World Heart Day is a reminder for people across the world to stop and assess lifestyle choices for them and their loved ones. Due to the inherent genetic makeup, Indians are more vulnerable to heart diseases. The role of salt intake in the development of heart failure is not known. Maintaining healthy weight behavior for 25 years may reduce the risk of hypertension in young adulthood and middle age. Estimated sodium intake of more than 3.7 g per day appears to be associated with adverse cardiac remodelling, worse systolic strain, and worse diastolic e' velocity. A heart healthy lifestyle can improve brain health in adults and reduce the risk for cognitive impairment, including dementia. Research has shown that the same risk factors that cause atherosclerosis are also major contributors to late - life cognitive impairment and Alzheimer&#