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The animal that eats its own brain: Strange life of the sea squirt

Losing your brain may seem like the end of the world. For one small marine animal, it’s part of growing up. The tiny sea creature known as the Sea Squirt replaces its brain over and over again throughout its life. This marine animal is a member of the genus Ciona. It looks like a soft blob that’s attached to rocks. Sea squirts are not born as stationary blobs. Ciona intestinalis is a sea squirt that lives in temperate coastal water and is known as the sea vase. It’s a solitary, transparent, filter-feeding seasquirt. As larvae they look like tiny tadpoles, measuring between 1-2 mm in length. They have a simple cerebral organ (also known as a. The larval brain contains 200 neurons involved in sensory processing, according to electron microscopy studies. Studies using electron microscopy show that the larval brain contains ~200 neurons involved in sensory processing.Then, something bizarre happens: upon settling headfirst via adhesive papillae, metamorphosis triggers autophagy–self-digestion of ~80% of the central nervous system, including most of the brain, tail, and notochord tissues within hours.Why would an animal do that?Also Read | The frog that breaks its own bones to grow clawsAs an adult, it becomes a stationary filter feeder, staying fixed in one place and feeding by pulling in water. It uses tiny openings called gills to filter out nutrients and plankton. It can actually pump more than 100 times its body volume of water each day. It is expensive to maintain a brain, as they can consume a lot of energy. Scientists have discovered that genes that are linked to brain development become less active when the animal settles. The body also produces enzymes to help break down the unused brain tissues. Continue reading below this ad. It retains only a small number of nerve cells, just enough to perform basic reflexes like closing its eyes when something touches it. So is the brain really replaced? The sea squirt develops a simple, free-swimming brain, and then absorbs the entire thing once it settles. It sheds traits that it briefly shared with chordates, from which it diverged around 550,000,000 years ago. This unusual life cycle challenges that brains are preserved in all closely related species. In a sense, the sea squirt is a lesson in efficiency. Intelligence is not always needed, but it depends on the situation. Scientists have found that the brain resorption can be delayed if an animal is prevented from settling down, proving it is an adaptive response and not a set timeline. In nature, survival doesn’t mean holding on to complexity. It’s about keeping what you need.

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Jacqueline Fernandez’s Big 5: Non-negotiable wellness rituals the actor swears by

Jacqueline Fernandez dressed to the nines (Image source: @jacquelienefernandez/Instagram)Jacqueline Fernandez recently opened up about the five wellness rituals she swears by to maintain balance in her fast-paced life. The actor, who made a Bollywood debut with Aladdin shared her wellness philosophy at the Vogue Beauty and Wellness Honours jury meet. Her wellness rituals focus on both mental and physically well-being. She revealed that each morning she starts on a positive note and that mental health is a major factor in the rest of her day. Staying hydrated is a ritual that she never misses. Jacqueline explained that she takes electrolytes to maintain her energy throughout the day. The actor also stressed the importance of meditation as part of her daily routine. It is very important. She said that it is good for both your energy and your skin.
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Skincare experts share their insights into cryotherapy and explain the medical technique’s benefits and side-effects. The technique can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. The treatment can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. “Facial and body cryotherapy treatments have been marketed by wellness and cosmetic facilities for their supposed benefits, including better blood circulation, decreased inflammation and tighter skin,” said Dr Prabhu. “When the skin returns to normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate and increase the blood flow to the facial area,” explained Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy. The technique is an adjunct to other treatments. Continue reading below this ad. Dr Prabhu also stressed that cryotherapy doesn’t replace regular skincare routines such as sun protection and moisturisation. He said that cryotherapy should be seen as a temporary cosmetic treatment for skin conditions, not an essential skincare procedure. Dr Prabhu also warned of the potential side effects of the method, including the damage to the skin barrier. He explained that the skin barrier, which protects from environmental damage and moisture loss will be damaged when people undergo treatment at excessive rates or receive treatment that does not match their skin requirements. Dr Prabhu also added that cold temperatures can trigger flare-ups in people with skin disorders like eczema or rosacea. “It’s the patients who exercise caution when using treatments because these procedures should compliment basic skincare methods that restore and protect skin barrier,” he said.Story continues beneath this adDISCLAIMER : This article is based upon information from the public and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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The Vicky Kaushal guide to ending a ‘kalesh’: ‘Don’t cater to logic’

Kaushal believes that emotional vulnerability is best handled with emotional understanding, not logic. (Image: Instagram/Vicky Kaushal). Arguments, conflicts, and what many in India, especially those in the north, call kalesh are a part of everyday life, whether with partners, family, or colleagues. How you respond to these moments can resolve the problem or make it worse. Vicky Kaushal, the Uri actor, once shared an insightful take on how to handle such situations. “Always the best way to navigate a kalesh situation is to cater to the most emotionally hurt person.” Don’t listen to logic, but to emotions. In an interview with ETimes, he explained that Kalesh occurs when one person is logical and the other emotional. How accurate is this advice in terms of mental health? This is why logic alone often fails to resolve conflicts when someone is already hurt or overwhelmed,” she explains. When someone is hurt or overwhelmed, logic alone can’t resolve the conflict. When one person seeks emotional validation and the other responds by giving facts or reasoning, this can feel dismissive, fueling the conflict. ‘Being nice is overrated,’ says Vicky Kaushal; expert on why people suppress emotions and turn into pleasersBut logic still mattersWhile emotional validation is important, Dr Chandra cautions against completely ignoring logic. If you only address the emotions and not the root issue, the conflict could resurface. She adds that a sustainable resolution requires a balanced approach of empathy and rational discourse. This means that emotions may open a door to resolution, but logic closes it. Story continues below this advertisement.
Situations in which one person feels hurt, unheard or triggered
Conflicts are driven more by emotions than facts
This article is based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with.

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Stop the cold shock: Why lukewarm water is better for managing fever

When someone has a high fever, it is instinctive to cool down the body as quickly as possible – sometimes with cold water. Experts say that this approach can be counterproductive. Dr Meenal Thakral of Artemis Hospitals says that using lukewarm or room temperature water is safer and more effective. “Water at room temperature or lukewarm cools the body without stressing it out,” explains Dr Thakral. During a fever the body’s thermostat is already higher. She says that cold water causes the blood vessels to constrict and can cause shivering. This actually increases the heat. She adds that “it allows heat to escape slowly through the skin and helps bring the temperature down in a natural way.” It’s also far more comfortable, especially for children, making the process calmer and more effective.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Is tap water better for fever? (Photo: Freepik).Can cold water make fevers worse? “When very cold water has been applied, the body attempts to conserve heat,” explains Dr Thakral. This causes shivering, and the body tries to conserve heat. The cooling effect is only temporary. Children and older adults have less stable body temperature control systems, explains Dr Thakral. Children tend to shiver more quickly, which can increase their body temperature. Older adults may have slower reactions and poor circulation. She says that cold sponge baths may make people feel weak, unwell, or even sick. The safest way of giving a sponge bathA good sponge bath is easy, but technique is important, says Dr Thakral. Dr Thakral recommends using a soft towel and lukewarm water. “Gently sponge the forehead, neck and armpits. These are areas where heat can escape easily.” She warns against overdoing. “Do not use extremely cold water or soak your entire body. She says that the goal is to keep the room warm, and not cool it down quickly. “Alongside this, ensure proper water intake and follow your doctor’s advice on medications like paracetamol.” Story continues below this adDISCLAIMER : This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Sadhvi Satish Sail gets crowned Miss India World 2026

Sadhvi Sail is Femina Miss India World. (Source: Instagram/@missindiaorg)Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned Miss India World 2026 at the grand finale of the 61st Femina Miss India pagenat held in Bhubaneswar last night. Rajnandini Pawar, a Maharashtra girl who won the 1st Runner-Up position, was a tough competitor. She co-founded a construction and development company. Sail, who was elated by her victory, expressed her deep gratitude for this opportunity. It feels surreal at the moment. She told ANI that she was “so, so grateful” that they had this opportunity, and that the contestants had a great time. She called her fellow competitors “winners” and said that the journey was about growth and friendship. Aur hum bas yehi chahate ki hum Bharat ka naam pure vishwa mein roshan kare. (And today, all of my friends are winners for me. We just want to make India happy around the world”, she added. Rajnandini Pawar, Femina Miss India. (Source: Instagram/@missindiaorg)Speaking about representing India on the global stage, Sail expressed excitement and a strong sense of responsibility. She stated that she hopes to represent India with honesty, compassion and integrity. She added, “This is just the beginning,” and asked for blessings and support from people across the nation. ‘It’s been transformational; enjoying the roller coaster ride’: Nandini Gupta on her journey as Miss India World 2023Crowned by her predecessor Nikita Porwal, Sail is all set to represent India at the Miss World 2027 pageant.Pawar, who missed out on the title, boasts of a strong foundation in both sports and the arts. She is a state level dancer, squash player, division-level swimmer and an athlete. She is passionate about artistic expression and finds her voice in the arts, while also embracing an adventurous spirit and athleticism.

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Happy Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Wishes, Images, Quotes Messages, Photos, Status, Picture & Greetings to Share with Loved Ones

Happy Akshaya Triti It is observed during the brightest Spiritually, the festival is connected The tritiya will Happy Akshaya t On this auspicious occasion, Happy Akshaya Triti Start today something that your future self Happy Akshaya Triti Knowledge Nugget This Akshaya Tiriti Endless blessings for you today Today’s vibe: Start something