Author: bioquest107

I am a junior @ Seminole High School, Lake Mary, FL

Circadian – The master clock within

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Circadian rhythms are our internal clock like processes -physical, mental, and behavioral changes- that follow a 24-hour cycle. This follows the bodies response to light and darkness. These in built process effects all life forms. Chronobiology is the study of circadian rhythms. The term circadian comes from the Latin phrase “circa diem,” which means “around a day.”. Our Sleep-Wake cycle, opening of flowers, returning of birds to nest, etc are examples of the rhythm at work around us. Body produces proteins to match the timing of the meal.

These rhythms are endogenous and controlled by the master clock in the brain that responses to the amount of light in the surrounding environment.Specifically, it is found in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. But when this circadian rhythm is thrown off, it can create significant sleeping problems, including insomnia. Research is also revealing that circadian rhythms play an integral role in diverse aspects of physical and mental health.

This rhythm is entrainable meaning they can be reset. When we travel across time zones, the human biological clock adjusts to the local time.Melatonin and Cortisol are regulated as part of the Circadian Rhythm.

Photo Credit – Inside tracker blog

The bio markers for measuring the timing of a mammal’s circadian rhythm are:

  • melatonin secretion by the pineal gland
  • core body temperature is low during night and higher during the day
  • plasma level of cortisol


Age and level of activities play a role in the circadian rhythm. Following the rhythm will help us maintain a good life.

My References:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Tdvu3N8dA

Photo Credit – Wikipedia

Stroke – we need to check FAST

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Stroke occurs due to a decrease or blockage in the brain’s blood supply. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, damage may start to occur. A person experiencing a stroke needs immediate emergency treatment. Most of the strokes are treatable however some may lead to damage of part of brain or even death. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death  in the United States with nearly 800,000 people have a stroke each year.

The 3 type of strokes are Ischemic stroke (caused due to a clot) , Hemorrhagic stroke ( rupture of blood vessel) or Transient ischemic attack ( also called a ministroke – happens when blood flow to a part of brain is limited for a short period of time and then resumes).

Ischemic stroke is the most common type. This is caused due to blockage of a vessel carrying blood to brain . This is treated by medication to breakdown the clot and prevent more from forming. A doctor may administer blood thinners such as aspirin or an injection of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). There are interventional procedures such as angioplasty.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks. This might be due to high BP or aneurysms (malformations in the vessels). This is treated by drugs to control pressure building up within the brain and the overall blood pressure.

The best way to prevent a stroke is by making lifestyle changes such as: eating a healthful diet, avoiding inactivity, maintain a good weight, avoid tobacco and drinking in moderation. Portion the amount of red and processed meat in the diet, as well as saturated fats.  Be mindful and do moderate salt intake to support healthy blood. Oct 29th is celebrated as World Stroke Day to increase awareness. We must pay attention to F.A.S.T rule and save a possible stroke victim.

My References :

https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm#:~:text=A%20stroke%2C%20sometimes%20called%20a,term%20disability%2C%20or%20even%20death

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113

The Flu or a Cold ?

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Photo Credit – NFID

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious viral infection that effects our respiratory system. It usually starts like a common cold – sore throat, runny nose and sneezing but could have other symptoms like muscle aches, chills, weakness, headache and cough.

The virus travels through air droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. We would inhale this directly or pick this up from an object where it had landed. The strains keep mutating every season. So, if you have had flu before, antibodies will be present in your body however they might not be able to prevent the new virus 100% but only shorten the severity of the infection. Same effect will be for the vaccine also.

Flu would usually last for 10 days and goes away without any lingering effects. However, for children and adult with high risk, flu could develop Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma flareup and ear infection.

Flu can be treated at home by taking antivirals to reduce the time of sickness and reduce any serious issues. If there are certain symptoms like dizziness, seizure or severe muscle pain, it is advisable to see your physician.

Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone ages 6 months and up should get flu vaccines every year. The spread of infection can be managed by Washing hands frequently, covering your cough and sneeze, avoid touching face, keep the surfaces sanitized and avoid crowded places if possible.

World Health Organization recommends annual vaccination for:

Photo Credit – Nfid
  • pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • children aged between 6 months to 5 years
  • elderly individuals (aged more than 65 years)
  • individuals with chronic medical conditions
  • health-care workers.

My References :

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)

Super Spi(c)es – Clove

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Clove tree

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to Indonesia. The name cloves come from Latin “clavus,” meaning Nail , as cloves often look like small nails. They are used as whole or powdered form as spice in cooking and in products like toothpaste, cosmetics etc. They have many heath benefits and have been used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine.

Clove oil has been used widely to maintain good oral health. They can have a good effect on plaque and gingivitis and help reduce inflammations.  Study conducted on mice suggests that clove extract and nigericin can help to reduce insulin resistance. Cloves and nigericin were found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase the secretion of insulin, and improve the function of cells that produce insulin. Other studies also suggest that mice fed with clove powder showed lower blood glucose level that the group without it.

Clove also has cancer fighting properties. Eugenol is the main bioactive component found in clove. It is a good source of Manganese.

Side effects of clove oils are – may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, or an allergic reaction on the skin. It is also flammable and could be fatal if it is swallowed and goes into the airway.

My References :

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320768

10 Powerful Benefits of Cloves—and How to Use Them for Cooking, Cleaning, and More

Fabulous Fungi?

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Why did the Mushroom go to the party?  Because he is a Fun gi!!!! Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms on Earth  which can be found in soil, water, plants, animals and humans. . The most common type that we know are yeasts, molds and Mushrooms . They are member of the group of called Eukaryotes. They do not perform photosynthesis. Like animals they are heterotrophs and acquire their food by absorbing molecules. They have a special material called chitin in their cell walls which are the same material in the exoskeleton of certain insects. Thus they seem more closer to animal kingdom than plants. They do not have the ability to move about except for spores travelling through air.

When we hear the word Fungus, we think of Athlete’s foot, thrush, ringworm, etc. However, the first antibiotics Penicillin was derived from a mold. Fungi help making of cheese, bread, etc and they themselves are edible in the form of mushroom. They are used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug manufacturing and for production of industrial enzymes.

Fungi also destroys crops and plants. It also effects animals. Many times they have a symbiotic relation with these organisms too-  like a specialized fungi known as mycorrhizae which helps the plant roots in the uptake of water and nutrients and in return, gets organic molecules produced by photosynthesis. They are food source for other organisms and provide enzymes the animals  need to break down plant cellulose in their diets, and above all they are the main decomposers in ecological systems.

Photo Credit – sciencelearn.org.nz

Fungi has specialized feathery filaments called Hyphae. They grow from a point and extend out in search of food. Hyphae can also branch out and create a large network called a mycelium. The fruiting body is made to generate and disperse spore into the surroundings to grow more fungi.

We can limit the presence of spores in our kitchen by keeping the food in cool, dry and clean storage . Make sure to discard rotten products quickly. If there is a rotten houseplant, it is good practice to change the soil in the pot before re-potting to avoid old spores or fungi present.

My References

https://www.britannica.com/science/fungus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus

https://fantasticfungi.com/the-mush-room/how-fungi-wildlife-coexist/

https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.560315#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20a%20fungus%20called,plants%20and%20causing%20premature%20death.

Kidney – more than a filter

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Kidney filters the blood in our body every half an hour. Apart from this they also help control blood pressure, stimulate production of red blood cells, and regulate blood chemicals that are essential to life. In short, to maintain good health well-functioning Kidneys are essential. However more that one in seven American are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. This causes waste and excess fluid to remain in the body. Kidney diseases are mainly caused due to diabetes or high blood pressure. It is associated usually with getting older and more prevalent in people who are of South Asian Origin or black.

The damage to the kidney cannot be reversed. But early diagnosis will help to slow the progression of the disease by taking certain medicines, diet change and lifestyle changes. Test can be done by blood or urine test.

Some other health consequences of CKD include:

  • Anemia or low number of red blood cells
  • Increased occurrence of infections
  • Low calcium levels, high potassium levels, and high phosphorus levels in the blood
  • Loss of appetite or eating less
  • Depression or lower quality of life

My References

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd#:~:text=Chronic%20kidney%20disease%20(CKD)%20means,family%20history%20of%20kidney%20failure.

https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html

https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd

Photo Credit – Dallas Nephrology

Super Spi(c)es – Garlic

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Garlic (Allium Sativum) is a bulbous flowering plant. It is related to Chives, Leek and Onions. It produces a chemical called Allicin. Allicin is a compound that may help ease inflammation and block free radicals that harm cells and tissues in your body. The compound is one of the main active components of garlic and what gives it its distinct taste and scent.

Allin is a chemical found in fresh garlic. An enzyme called alliinase is activated when the clove is chopped or crushed. This enzyme converts alliin into allicin.Garlic is mainly used for conditions of heart and digestion . It is believed to boost immunity, anti-inflammatory, positive impact on arteries and blood vessels.

Ancient Egyptian , Chinese, Indian and Sumerian civilization has reference to garlic as medicinal herb used for treating toothache, arthritis, cough, constipation, infectious diseases, etc.

On rare occasions, garlic supplements can cause headaches, fatigue, appetite loss, muscle aches, dizziness and allergic reactions like asthma attacks or skin rashes.

If you take blood thinners, a garlic supplement can increase the medication’s effect, making it even harder for your blood to clot.

My References:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-300/garlic
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-allicin-88606

Asthma Managed !!

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From NIH site

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be managed. There are different trigger agents – Chemicals from fumes, dust, gases, pollen, pet dander, mold, and exercise induced – and these change over time. It usually starts in childhood and hence can affect people of all ages.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness or pain

Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children

Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

There are two main types of inhalers:

Bronchodilators (such as albuterol), that open the air passages and relieve symptoms; and

Steroids (such as beclometasone), that reduce inflammation in the air passages. This improves asthma symptoms and reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks and death.

The best way to control Asthma is to take preventive measures like getting vaccinated against flu, preventing triggers, mindful of your breathing, recognize and treat early with medication. There is a study by UNC School of medicine on  why people with allergic asthma are less susceptible to Severe Covid.

World Asthma day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of May every year and this year it falls on 3 May 2022. This day is celebrated by the asthma patients and educators around the world to raise awareness about the condition and seek better healthcare facilities for asthma care.

My References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653#:~:text=Asthma%20is%20a%20condition%20in,asthma%20is%20a%20minor%20nuisance.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma
https://news.unchealthcare.org/2022/03/why-are-people-with-allergic-asthma-less-susceptible-to-severe-covid/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ohY9fV9kg&t=22s

You Be You – Mental Health

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According to Mentalhealth.gov “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” There are many factors that determine our mental health such as genetics, family , social and financial  environment.  Mental disorders can appear in many forms like depression, anxiety, panic attack, phobias.

Photo Credit – Wikipedia

Around 450 million people in the world struggle with a mental health illness, and  two thirds of all these people receive no treatment. May is Mental Health awareness month. During this time, there is a movement to spread support to those who struggle with mental health issues. People are able to connect with each other through organizations such as NAMI and help to confront the issues they are dealing with. The American Hospital Association also emphasize advocating on behavioral health issues in order reduce the stigma that many have to experience. Through community partnerships, the way disorders are identified and changes in the emergency departments are accomplished through this organization. Sharing one’s experiences during this month goes a long way and can encourage others to work together and understand each other’s issues.

Some of the activities we can make part of our daily habits is to Keep Active, eat well , sleep and rest enough, Take breaks from your work , Ask for help , do something which you are good at.Our brain secretes the feel good hormones during each of these activities. Mental health awareness in youth is very relevant now after the covid pandemic times.

Photo Credit – Mentalhealth.org.uk

My References :

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/

Sustainable Earth || Compost

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The US is extremely self-sufficient when it comes to producing food. However 40% of this food is wasted.Refer the EPA’s chart for food recovery hierarchy. I was curious about how we could help as individual. Our trash has plastic wrappings, packages that recycle service do not take, non-biodegradable materials, and organic waste -vegetable peels, food waste. It is the organic matter that we can work with.

Photo Credit – EPA

According to NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) website, ‘Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually, composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost.‘

To decompose organic matter  Nitrogen, Air, Water and Carbon are required elements. The ideal Carbon to Nitrogen ratio 30 : 1. Grass clipping, leaves, organic waste and coffee /tea grounds for Nitrogen rich or green component. Carbon will be the brown component – dried leaves, branches, etc. Aeration is important and moisture should also be checked. The temperature of pile rises as bacteria breaks down the materials. It can take from a few weeks to months for some materials to decompose.

There are commercial products such as compost tumbler, Indoor compost bucket using activated charcoal filters, and Smart composters like Lomi. There are counties that provide the compost services and with food waste drop off services like – https://www.orlando.gov/Initiatives/Food-Waste-Drop-Off. Otherwise there are paid services that does this like in our area- https://o-towncompost.com/

My References :

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/composting-beginners-guide#getting-started
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home