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Nature’s living cannon: The explosive secret of the bombardier beetle

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This insect can literally blow away its attackers if necessary, but only if it is done with care and consideration. The Bombardier Beetle is for you. The Bombardier Beetle is a member of the Carabidae Family and has a chemical weapon built in. It can be found on every continent except Antarctica, hiding in fields, forests, and leaf litter. The beetles release a sizzling spray from their abdomen when threatened. This hot, boiling spray can kill or deter predators such as ants, spiders or small vertebrates. When danger strikes, chemicals are funneled into a reaction chamber equipped with enzymes like catalases and peroxidases. The chemicals undergo a violent exothermic reactions that reach near the boiling point (100 degrees Celsius), vaporising a part of the mixture, and creating high pressure. Their reaction chambers are also impressively sturdy and thermally resistant, ensuring that only the spray escapes, not their own insides. The reaction chambers of the Bombardier Beetle are thermally resistant and sturdy, ensuring only the spray is released. Many ground beetles use quinones as shell hardeners or basic deterrents. Over time, through exaptation the Bombardier’s ancestors repurposed those chemicals into a much more advanced, explosive defence, supported by accumulating enzyme control. The evolution of the Bombardier Beetle is a fascinating story. According to the Natural History Museum, in controlled studies, nearly 43 percent of beetles that were swallowed by toads later regurgitated themselves alive. This is likely because the chemical spray they released under the skin caused enough discomfort to trigger the expulsion.

  

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Inside Gaurav Taneja’s Rs 10 crore Gurgaon farmhouse: Chulha meals, organic dairy, cow dung painted walls

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Farah visits Gaurav Taneja at his farmhouse in Gurgaon. (Image source: Farah K Khan/YouTube.) Gaurav Taneja has been creating buzz with his health-related content. The YouTuber appeared last year on the TV reality series, Shark Tank India to raise investment for his brand BeastLife. In a recent appearance, Farah Khan hosted Fun With Farah where Taneja gave insights into his other venture, Rosier. He produces and sells organic products like buttermilk and pickles under this label. The farmhouse in Delhi-NCR is where he operates these businesses. He has described it in his videos as the most expensive investment he’s made, costing approximately Rs 10 crore by February 2024. The property combines luxury and sustainability. It is a residence as well as a hub for various ventures including organic farming and milk production. The YouTuber oversees the nearly 200 cows that live there. The video also highlighted the interior walls, which were painted using ‘lipai.’ This eco-friendly and traditional technique uses cow dung to regulate indoor temperatures and act as a disinfectant. Farah was initially surprised, but noted that there was no unpleasant odor, and appreciated the rustic yet comfortable aesthetic. The property is home to a variety of trees and plants, including mangoes and lemons. Taneja showed her the cowshed and explained that he does not sell milk directly but instead processes it into A2 butter and ghee. He sells his buttermilk in large glass bottles. He also introduced Ghar Ka Achaar pickles, which operate under the Rosier label. The vlog concluded with gift exchanges, a litti-chokha meal and gift exchanges. Experts clarify that the difference often is more about safety than nutrition. Ginni Kalra of Akash Healthcare’s Head Dietetics explained that organic food was preferred because it had a low to zero level of pesticides or chemicals. She explained that while some studies indicate slightly higher antioxidant levels in organic food, the overall nutritional differences are not drastic. Story continues below this advertisement.She added that choosing Organic can reduce long-term exposition to harmful residues which may benefit overall health. Kalra warned that not all packaged food is created equal. Additions such as salt, sugar, refined ingredients, and preservatives can reduce the health benefits of a food. She advised consumers to read labels and not rely on the organic label alone.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly in order to reduce pesticide residue
Before buying packaged food, read the labels carefully.
Limit the intake of ultra-processed products
Use packaged food as a back-up, not a replacement for daily meals

  

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How Roshni Chopra stays bloat-free: Decoding actor’s 3-step ‘water therapy’

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Roshni’s 3-step water therapy. (Source: Instagram/@roshnichopra)Roshni Chopra’s hydration routine is a dedicated, long process curated to keep her digestion strong and bloating far away. The television actor shared her “water treatment” on Instagram. “Water therapy – This is what worked for my body (ps. each body is unique and though the principles are often the same, you have to find what works best for you),” she captioned Reel. Here’s how Chopra’s daily routine looks:Morning – Ayurvedic Kadha (reduced to 1 cup of water):* 1 inch fresh ginger (crushed)

* 1/2 tsp Ajwain

* 1-2 strands of saffron

* 1 clove

Cinnamon stick, 1/2 inch

* 1 small cardamom, crushed

* 2-3 black peppercornsSip hot. This helps to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and gently detoxify your system. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Afternoon – Hydration + Electrolytes* – 1 glass of coconut (200-250ml) water

* 1 tbsp of chia seeds, soaked for a couple of hours.

Night (after dinner, which I try to finish by 7pm), Digestion ResetBoil 1.5 cups of water (reduced to 1 cup)

* 1/2 tsp Ajwain

Warm up 1/2 teaspoon saunf (fennel). Reduces bloating and improves digestion. View this post on Instagram Decoding the benefitsIndianexpress.com turned to health experts to understand the benefits of Chopra’s hydration routine, and find out whether we should hop on the bandwagon:Manvi Lohia, MP, registered dietitian and head of holistic health and International business, Ekaanta, Haridwar, broke down the ingredients, sharing that ginger juice, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, has long been valued for its digestive benefits. “Gingerol is the active component in ginger and acts as a catalyst for digestive enzymes. This enhances the breakdown and absorption nutrients,” she explained. Cardamom, on the other hand, stimulates the secretion and digestion of digestive enzymes and can alleviate bloating and gases. Coconut water, taken first thing in the morning, can help awaken the digestive system. She explained that some people experience less bloating, and smoother bowel movement over a period of time. This is because better hydration improves gut movements. Chia seeds also suppress appetite and keep one full, and are a good source of omega-3s and omega-6s. The cooling effect of saffron is an added bonus. Story continues below this advertisementAccording to her saffron has a high concentration of antioxidants which protects your cells from free radicals and oxidative stresses. It may improve your mood, learning ability and memory, as well as protecting your brain cells from oxidative stress. Lohia said that cinnamon also has antioxidants which helps to ease digestion by keeping your gut healthy. Sohini Banerjee is a consultant dietician at ILS Hospitals in Howrah, Kolkata, who added that fennel (saunf), due to its antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties, can help reduce GI distress. Carom seeds contain active enzymes that improve the flow of stomach acid, which can relieve indigestion and bloating. Banerjee said that the plant can also be used to treat peptic and stomach ulcers, as well as sores on the oesophagus and intestines. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Why aged basmati rice may be better for digestion and blood sugar

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In Indian kitchens, aged basmati rice is prized for its aroma, fluffy texture and perceived health benefits. Is it healthier than freshly milled basmati rice? What makes aged basmati rice different? The key difference is the ageing process. Dt Kalra explains that as basmati rice ages its starch structure and moisture content changes. “This results in grains which are less sticky and more separated after cooking, which improves texture and digestibility.” This structural change is what separates aged basmati from freshly milled, which tends be softer and more lumpy when cooked. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Does ageing affect its nutrition? Contrary to popular belief, ageing does not significantly increase the nutritional value. Dt Kalra says that the ageing process doesn’t alter rice’s core nutrients in a major way. It is the way the body processes the rice that changes, particularly due to the reduced moisture and restructured starsch. These changes can have subtle metabolic benefits, especially when it comes to how the body digests carbohydrates. Dt Kalra notes that aged basmati rice is easier to digest than freshly milled. It has a lower glycaemic indices, which may mean that it causes a slower rise in the blood sugar levels. It’s a good option for those who want to control their blood sugar levels or have sensitive digestion. However, it doesn’t mean they can eat it in large quantities. Dt Kalra says that aged basmati rice is still a refined carbohydrates. “Portion Control is Essential, Especially for People with Diabetes, as Excess intake can Raise Blood Glucose Levels.” She also highlights a common nutritional gap: “If you diet relies on too much polished rice, without enough whole grains and vegetables, it can impact on overall nutritional balance.” Disclaimer: This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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The 9-to-6.30 rule: Why Kumail Nanjiani swears by an early sleep schedule

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Kumail Nanjiani couldn’t agree more with the saying ‘early bed, early rise’. In a recent Instagram posting, the actor and comedian revealed that “if left to my own devices I am in bed before 9 pm”. “I wake up at 6.30 pm, and it gives me great joy.” I love it, because I feel like my life is divided into two parts – my life with Emily, and my work. He shared this in the video. He added that “if I go to bed early, I have a better relationship with Emily, because we spend time together, and wake up at the same times.” I feel more present at work”.DISCLAIMER : This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Prashant Makhija is a consultant neurologist at Wockhardt hospitals in Mumbai Central. He said that most adults benefit from 7 to 8 hours each night of quality sleep. It’s not only about the number of sleep hours, but also consistency and depth. He added that irregular sleep schedules and broken sleep are just as harmful as not enough sleep. According to Dr Makhija exposure to screens near bedtime disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone which regulates sleep. He suggested that a wind-down ritual, such as reading, light stretching or simply disconnecting devices, can help signal the brain that its time to rest. “These small habits can greatly increase sleep quality over time.” Dr Makhija reiterated. Dr Makhija said that sleep should not be a negotiable.
View this post on Instagram
Dr Sunil Kumar K of Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, who is a Lead Consultant in Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine said that sleep deprivation affects almost every system in the human body. “When a person consistently falls asleep less than recommended, the brain does not have enough time to remove waste, which can affect memory and concentration and affect thinking ability. This can increase the risk for conditions like dementia later in life.” he added. The body’s hormonal equilibrium can also be disturbed, leading to increased stress hormones like cortisol. A day in the life of Samantha Ruth Prabhu: ‘9.30 pm is meditation; hit the bed at 10’According to Dr Kumar, a sleep deprived person is more likely to fall sick often or take longer to recover from infections. Over time it can also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, because the heart does not get enough rest and recovery.Story continues below this ad”While metabolism may slow down or become irregular, leading to weight gain or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, and skin health can also be affected, as less sleep reduces collagen repair, causing early ageing signs like wrinkles and dullness, and long-term sleep loss can also affect emotional health, increasing the chances of depression and mood swings, and it may reduce overall energy levels and physical performance.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Swiping right for the dog: Why Indian Gen Z is ‘petfishing’ to get more matches

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Gen Z often go through a rigorous process before committing to their partners. From swiping right to situationship and hard launching on the Internet, they often go through a rigorous process. Gen Z is known for their rigorous dating process, which includes everything from swiping to hard-launching to situationships. In many cases, however, the pet might not be the owner’s. It could be the pet of a friend, a street animal, or a cafe cat. According to a survey conducted by Happn dating app, 19% of Indian singles had pets in their dating profiles, or were considering doing so. The data also suggests that pets influence how people date offline. While 33 percent still prefer pet-free dates at coffee shops, 25 percent choose dog walks or low-pressure strolls in public places like Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens and Chennai’s Marina Beach. Experts have commented on the trend and shed light on why people exaggerate some traits on dating sites. Dr Murali Krishna, Visiting consultant – Psychiatry & Counselling Services at Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore, said: “They want their chances of being likened to increase their chances of getting a date.” “The early stages of romantic relationship depend on impression management as people want to project themselves and their relationship compatibility and their likability, Dr Krishna explained. “Liking animals signals emotional intelligence and ability to form attachments. She said that it subconsciously reassures the person of their ability to care and commit, making them more attractive as a long-term companion. Story continues below this adAccording Dr Krishna, a pet or a love for animals exudes warmth and fosters trust. Ghosting is bad, but ‘ghostlighting’ is worse: Early warning signs of this toxic dating trend, according to an expertHowever, while petfishing may help secure matches, Dr Krishna warned that it can create cracks in trust early on. “Petfishing” is the act of pretending to own or love pets in order to appear more attractive. It can damage trust in early stages of relationships. He noted that one partner may discover the deception of the other, which can lead to doubts regarding their character and the possibility of hidden lies. For singles trying to navigate the modern dating scene, Dr Manchanda advised understanding a person’s personality beyond their dating profile, and avoiding emotional investments based on online dating profiles in the early stages. Ask open-ended, observant questions and let the relationship develop naturally. “Authenticity cannot be rushed and patience is the key to avoid disappointment,” she said.

  

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