Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this exploration, we delve into the historical roots of cloning, its diverse applications, and the ethical debates it has ignited.
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Biotechnology
Reading Time: 5 minutesVitamin A in a Clinical Perspective, read about its Roles, Sources, Toxicity, and Significance in our day-to-day lives.
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Nutrition and Diet, People Forum
Reading Time: 5 minutesHow Can Indian Athletes Win More Medals At The International Level? The Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few days away. India will be hosting the prestigious tournament on October 5. Fans all over India are cheering for their cricketing heroes. However, somewhere down the line, other sports would be sidelined till the ‘cricket fever’ subsides. As they say, “Cricket is a religion in India.” Unfortunately, other sports like Football have been unsuccessful in penetrating the minds of the general Indian populace. India has a rich history in Football with decorated clubs and the team even playing Football in the Olympics. However, the Indian Football team still finds itself in a disappointing 106th place in the FIFA rankings. Europe on the other hand had 13 teams representing their continent at the FIFA World Cup 2020. The scenario remains the same when it comes to other sports as well. Indian athletes made the nation extremely proud by winning 61 medals and finishing fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, Indian athletes haven’t been able to translate that success at the world level. Things are changing with India having their best Olympics ever with 7 medals at the recent Olympics. Olympic Javelin Throw gold medallist Neeraj Chopra recently won the 2023 World Athletics Championship. However, on the whole, Indian athletes still haven’t been able to consistently win medals at prestigious events. To put things in perspective, India’s total Olympic medal tally ever stands at 35 medals. A European nation comfortably wins way more than 35 medals in a single Olympic tournament. Indian athletes, except Cricket, continue to face many social, financial, and infrastructural issues at all levels. The raw talent needs to be more utilized and impedes India from achieving even greater heights. The following are some factors to improve at grassroots levels to make sure that Indian athletes can consistently win medals at the international level. Lack of Sports Culture Sports have never been given importance in the life of an Indian kid. Indian parents are ingrained to direct their kids toward the typical route of academics. Sports take a backseat due to the burden of schools, tuition, and self-studies. Children are often restricted from pursuing sports as a punishment. Sports are often unfairly labelled as distractions, which detrimentally impacts a child’s developmental years. Such labelling prevents children from discovering their talents and acquiring essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and focus. Consequently, this trend has contributed to physical health issues among children, including obesity and excessive screen time. Lack Of Sports At College/University Level The same story continues when a child goes to college and university. At this point, a child has some freedom to pursue a sport for recreational purposes. However, a sport is never considered to be a career pathway in India. A student-athlete gets little to no support. European countries and America, on the other hand, have robust sports and training. A college student is directly thrown into a program of the sport of their choice. The program is structured in a way that wouldn’t impact studies. A student learns a lot about themselves even if they don’t want to pursue the sport as a career. They also have sports-related scholarships. Lack of Infrastructure A student and even an athlete fail to get the basic amenities required to excel in a particular type of equipment and kits are expensive for an athlete to afford and impede their sporting prowess. There are other infrastructural deficiencies like lack of courts, lack of tracks, lack of grounds, etc. Even a national-level athlete has to battle a lot of infrastructural issues to even practice, let alone excel at a sport and win. This is not the case in European countries. They invest a formidable chunk of their GDP in sports. Athletes get high-quality equipment and facilities. They also get world-class doctors, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches which help their progress. Too Much Impetus on Cricket Cricket has also been considered as a sole of extreme importance. Sports other than cricket have always been neglected. The Indian Cricketing Board (BCCI) finances around 60-70% of the total cricket expenditure of the entire world. However, India fails to finance other sports. Other sports in India fail to even get sponsors and broadcasters, which affects the growth of a sport in India that is already struggling. Athletes of other sports are not paid as well and have to resort to either leaving the sport or pursuing an alternate job. Gender Discrimination Indian girls and females have always been marginalized in every aspect, especially in sports. Indian girls are prohibited from playing any sport from a very young age. This shatters their dreams. Recently, it has been the female athletes who have made India proud. Athletes like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Jhulan Goswami, Mitali Raj, and many more, continue to be a source of inspiration for many girls around the country. Some other issues include low socio-economic status, improper diet, and nutrition, genetics, politics, favouritism, etc., to name a few. However, it is high time for India to address these. A lot of talent is suppressed at a young age, hurting our passionate country’s rich sporting culture. As the old saying in our country goes, ‘Take politics out of sports, and there will be medalists on every street of India’. Conclusion In conclusion, India’s potential to excel in a wide range of sports at the international level remains largely untapped due to various systemic challenges. To unlock this potential, a shift in cultural attitudes towards sports, particularly at the grassroots level, is imperative. Encouraging sports as a viable career option, improving access to quality infrastructure, reducing the overwhelming emphasis on cricket, addressing gender discrimination, and investing in athlete development and support are all critical steps. The recent successes in cricket and the Olympics show that India possesses exceptional talent, and with concerted efforts to remove these barriers, there is a bright future ahead where Indian athletes can consistently shine on the global stage, bringing glory
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Editorial, People Forum
Reading Time: 9 minutesRishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World and Its Timeless Connection to Inner Wellness What would you say if I told you that I know a sure-shot healing method to alleviate the effects of that occasional nagging stress headache, that resident constipation, those tired eyes, the slowly emerging pot-belly etc. etc. Yes, you got it right! There is one superpower that can be used by all of us for a healthy body and mind and it is called Yoga!! You can call it the next best medicine, after laughter (as laughter is the best medicine). Yoga has now become a lifestyle, which is helping thousands of people all across the globe, to build a good body and mind and improve the quality of life. We can trace the origins of Yoga to Rishikesh, aka Hrishikesh, which is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. It is nestled in the Shivalik Himalayan range in the district of Dehradun, in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is a famous place having religious significance and a spiritual realm for visitors. The landscape, the ambience, the fresh air, the pleasant weather, the positive vibes, and the river banks, all, make it the ideal place to be rightly called the Yoga Capital. The word Rishikesh evolves from Sanskrit, where “Hrishika” denotes the senses and “Isha” denotes God i.e. Lord of the Senses. There are numerous Ashrams, Schools and centres of Philosophical studies, Yoga and ancient Indian Wellness traditions situated here. As you all must know, the Beatles were a very, very famous British Rock band in the early Sixties. They were invited by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a Yoga guru (teacher) who founded the technique of Transcendental Meditation. The Beatles practiced meditation and Yoga here and being away from the limelight, they were able to relax. This calm state of mind enhanced their creativity and they wrote more than 50 songs during their stay here. These songs went on to become very popular i.e. ‘Blackbird’, ‘Dear Prudence’, ‘Everybody’s got something to hide except me’, Sexy Sadie, to name a few, which were part of their albums The White Album and Abbey Road. Little did we know that these songs were ‘made in India”, that too in the 60s!! This marked the beginning of the popularization of Yoga across the World, as people were gradually learning about the concept of inner peace and harmony towards a meaningful life. Whereas the humble beginnings of Yoga in Rishikesh can be traced back to centuries. The ancient texts like the Vedas and Puranas have mention of Yoga in them. Historians say that Lord Rama did penance for killing Ravana in the caves and forests of Rishikesh. It is also said that Lord Shiva practised Yoga as he was always seated in Padmasana (Lotus pose) and his dance form of Nataraja is an amalgamation of Yogic postures. Historians also state that Lord Vishnu appeared to a sage Raibhya Rishi here and that Rishikesh is another name for Lord Vishnu. The Sage Maharishi Patanjali is known as the Father of Yoga, and his treatise Yoga Sutra dates back to 2000 (two thousand years)! His writings are relevant to this day as they are a simple compilation of diverse and complex historical texts. Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means “to yoke, to unite”. In simple terms, this means the union of the mind, body and senses, where they all become one, for self-enlightenment. Yoga Sutra states that there are eight limbs of Yoga: 1) Yama – Meaning abstinence from unethical practices: We need to awaken virtues like Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity) and Aparigraha (Non-Avarice). We need to stop being violent by word or deeds, always speak the truth, be content with what we have and not think of stealing from others in any situation, utilise our energy in better things instead of indulging in mindless sexual encounters and stop being greedy of wealth, position, power and possessions. 2) Niyama – Meaning Observances of positive practices: We need to follow positive practices like Saucha (Purity of mind, speech and body), Santosha (Contentment), Tapas (Self-discipline), Svadhyaya (Study of Vedas, self, and self-introspection), Isvarapranidhana (surrendering to a higher power/God). We need to cleanse our minds of bad thoughts, cleanse our speech from using foul language, clean our bodies to maintain good hygiene/health, be content with what we possess, control our desires, read-study and learn from the scriptures Vedas, learn about ourselves, learn about our inner sense and give up to the powerful presence of God. The Yama and Niyama control our weaknesses and cultivate a sense of good character. 3) Asana – Meaning Posture: We need to practice various Yogic postures till we are comfortable and relaxed, motionless and can hold the posture/s for a short duration. 4) Pranayama – Meaning breath control: We need to control our breath by regulating and focusing on our breathing in and out, deep breaths, that bring about a sense of calmness. 5) Pratyahara – Meaning withdrawal of senses: We need to disregard our physical senses look within and become more aware of our inner self. Instead of concentrating on the sounds around you, focus and listen to your breathing, which will bring you a deep sense of relaxation and increased awareness. Not easily done, but not impossible, either! These three limbs cultivate control over the mind, body and senses. 6) Dharana – Meaning concentration: We need to focus on a particular object/concept/place or idea and concentrate on it. This can be done by focusing on an object/a Mantra (chant)/our breathing/our navel/the tip of our tongue. The magic here is to concentrate as this will help quieten your mind and ward off any other thoughts. This helps in stress management and improves physical and mental wellness. 7) Dhyana – Meaning Meditation: We need to focus our attention on our breath for some time. This will train our minds to concentrate on what is imperative/required and
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People Forum
Reading Time: 7 minutesEverything You Need to Know about L-arginine L-arginine, a building block of protein, is an amino acid. While the body can usually produce adequate amounts of L-arginine on its own, it is categorised as a semi-essential amino acid, holding significant importance in diverse biological processes within the body. This means that during specific circumstances such as growth, illness, or stress, the body’s need for L-arginine might exceed its natural synthesis capacity. As a result, acquiring L-arginine from dietary sources or through supplements becomes essential. L-arginine is found in various protein-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is sometimes used for its potential health benefits. While L-arginine can have beneficial effects, it’s important to understand its usage, potential benefits, and risks. History of L-Arginine: Discovery of Arginine Arginine was first isolated in 1886 from lupine seedlings by Swiss chemist Ernst Schulze. It was initially identified as a basic amino acid, and its structure was later determined in the early 20th century. Later, In the 1930s, scientists discovered that arginine is a key component of the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway that helps the body eliminate toxic ammonia. This finding highlighted the amino acid’s importance in nitrogen metabolism. As research in biochemistry advanced, scientists learned more about the role of arginine in protein synthesis. It’s one of the 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins, and it contributes to the structure and function of various proteins in the body. In the 20th century, it garnered significant attention due to its cardiovascular advantages. In 1989, scientists discovered that arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and has a range of cardiovascular effects. This led to research on using arginine supplements to support heart health. Arginine supplements became commercially available as a dietary supplement in the late 20th century. They were marketed for various purposes, including improving exercise performance, enhancing sexual function, and supporting cardiovascular health. Today, L-arginine is used in both dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. It’s still being studied for its potential health benefits, including its role in wound healing, immune system function, and cognitive health. While L-arginine has shown promise in various areas of health and wellness, it’s important to note that individual responses to supplementation can vary, and it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially when addressing specific health concerns. Functions of L-Arginine in the body L-arginine plays several crucial roles in the body, including: Nitric Oxide Production: One of the most well-known functions of L-arginine is its role as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. This property is essential for cardiovascular health as it helps regulate blood pressure and ensures that tissues and organs receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Wound Healing: L-arginine is involved in the early stages of wound healing. It helps support tissue repair and the formation of collagen, a structural protein that plays a vital role in wound closure and scar formation. Immune Function: L-arginine plays a part in the immune response. It helps activate immune cells, allowing the body to defend itself against infections and pathogens effectively. Hormone Release: L-arginine is required for the secretion of various hormones, including insulin and growth hormone. These hormones are essential for regulating blood sugar levels, growth, and development. Detoxification: L-arginine is involved in the removal of ammonia from the body, a waste product that can be toxic if allowed to accumulate. This detoxification process is crucial for overall health. Cell Division: L-arginine is necessary for cell division, a fundamental process that allows the body to grow, repair damaged tissues, and maintain organ function. Urea Cycle: L-arginine is a key component of the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway that converts ammonia into urea, which is then excreted by the body. This cycle helps maintain nitrogen balance and prevents the buildup of toxic ammonia. It’s worth noting that while L-arginine offers numerous health benefits, excessive intake or supplementation should be approached with caution, as very high doses can lead to side effects and interactions with certain medications. L-Arginine Benefits and Uses L-arginine has been studied for its potential role in the treatment of various conditions, and it may offer some benefits in certain cases. Chest Pain or Pressure (Angina) L-arginine has been investigated for its potential to improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production, which can help relax blood vessels. This effect might be beneficial for individuals with angina, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. A few studies have explored but the results have been mixed. Erectile Dysfunction L-arginine is often marketed as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction (ED) because of its role in improving blood flow. Nitric oxide, derived from L-arginine, plays a crucial role in the relaxation of blood vessels in the penis, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Some men with mild to moderate ED have reported improvement with L-arginine supplementation, although its effectiveness can vary. Heart Failure L-arginine has been studied in the context of heart failure, a condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. The research has suggested that L-arginine might help improve exercise capacity and quality of life in individuals with heart failure. However, its use in heart failure treatment is still a subject of ongoing investigation. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) The potential blood pressure-lowering effects of L-arginine are related to its role in enhancing nitric oxide production and promoting blood vessel relaxation. While some studies have shown a modest reduction in blood pressure with L-arginine supplementation, it’s not typically recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension. Lifestyle modifications and conventional antihypertensive medications are often preferred. Regulation of Blood Sugar L-arginine’s potential role in blood sugar regulation is an interesting area of study, and some research suggests
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Nutrition and Diet, People Forum
Reading Time: 6 minutesThis article delves into the history, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and intriguing facts surrounding ergot poisoning,
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Editorial, Medicine and Diseases
Reading Time: 5 minutesBiotin: Understanding Its Importance for Health and Well-Being The vitamin biotin, commonly referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin. The name “vitamin H” originates from the German words ‘Haar and Haut,’ which means hair and skin, highlighting its significance for these aspects of health. Biotin naturally occurs in various food items such as eggs, nuts and certain vegetables. It’s also commonly included in dietary supplements, often marketed for its potential benefits in promoting healthy hair and skin, as well as supporting overall well-being. The role of Biotin in our body: Biotin plays a vital role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. It helps convert these macronutrients into energy that the body can use. Also, biotin is responsible for maintaining cardiovascular health, and proper nerve functioning. Biotin is often associated with promoting the health of hair, nails, and skin. It is a common ingredient in many beauty supplements. Biotin is essential in the regulation of genes (as it modifies the activities of transcription factors), histone modifications, and cell signalling. Biotin is considered to be important in breaking down macronutrients, it is involved in processes such as the synthesis of fatty acids, breakdown of amino acids, and glucogenesis. Apart from this, biotin plays a key role in lactation, pregnancy, and regulation of blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Sources of Biotin: Biotin is present in a variety of plant and animal-based food items, some of which include: Eggs: The egg yolk is particularly renowned for its high biotin content. However, it’s advisable to cook them as avidin in raw egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption. Spinach: Spinach is not only a good source of biotin but also offers a variety of other vitamins (such as Vitamin A, C, and Folic acid) and minerals (such as Iron, Calcium, and potassium). Sweet potatoes: Rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of biotin Avocados: These are high in biotin and provide vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin and hair health. Organ meats: The liver, particularly chicken liver, is a potent source of biotin. Just 3 ounces of cooked chicken liver can provide a significant amount of biotin. Nuts: Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts, contain biotin and can be included in your diet. Along with these some other food items such as mushrooms, legumes, salmon, yeast, and dairy products are rich in biotin. What are the normal biotin levels? The normal ranges for biotin levels in the blood serum is approximately: Adults: 133-329 picomoles per litre (pmol/L) Children: 157-425 pmol/L On average in adults, the normal urine biotin concentration must be around 18-127 nmol/24hrs. Biotin Deficiency The biotin deficiency is relatively rare in healthy individuals because biotin is found in a variety of foods, and the body requires only a small amount of it. However, certain medical conditions or genetic factors can lead to biotin deficiency or impaired biotin metabolism. An unusual decrease in biotin excretion through urine signals a deficiency in biotin. Similarly, an elevated excretion of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (above 3.3 mmol/mol creatinine) or 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (above 0.06 mmol/mol creatinine) is indicative of reduced MCC (3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase) activity, suggesting a biotin deficiency. What are the signs and symptoms of Biotin deficiency? The Symptoms such as hair fall, conjunctivitis, brittle nails, and rashes, may indicate biotin deficiency. In severe cases of deficiency, In adults, symptoms may include seizures, skin infections, fragile nails, and neurological issues like depression, lethargy, hallucinations, and tingling sensations in the extremities. In infants, symptoms may manifest as hypotonia, lethargy, and developmental delays Serum concentrations of biotin and its metabolites can be increased by administration of oral doses. Recommended Amounts There’s no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin because there isn’t sufficient evidence to determine a daily requirement for most healthy individuals. Adolescents and adults are often advised to take between 30 to 100 micrograms (mcg) of biotin daily. Supplements and gummies: The significance of biotin was first noticed when rats with the absence of biotin in their diet showed disorders such as neuromuscular dysfunction, dermatitis, and alopecia. In case suffering from a biotin deficiency, supplements can help level up the required concentrations of biotin in the body. A wide range of dietary supplements for biotin are available, including supplements that contain just biotin, and supplements containing various combinations of vitamins and B-complex. However, it is important to choose according to the individual’s deficiencies and requirements. Biotin gummies are a popular dietary supplement option for individuals looking to increase their biotin intake. Biotin gummies are easy to take and often more enjoyable than swallowing pills or capsules. Biotin for skin and hair health: In a recent decade, biotin has become commercially popular for its claimed benefits on skin, nails, and hair health. Biotin is an important nutrient that helps with the production of keratin. Hair Health: Studies reveal that low levels of biotin can cause hair loss. Biotin supplements are often prescribed for the strengthening of hair. Cosmetic products also tend to contain biotin as an alternative supplement. Biotin is known to improve the elasticity of hair and reduces brittleness which prevents the strands from breakage. It has been reported that people using biotin-enriched hair products experienced thickness in hair, texture, and overall hair health. Skin Health: Biotin is said to promote radiant complexion as it is significant in the production of fatty acids which are responsible for maintaining healthy skin cells. And speeds up the process of regeneration supporting the collagen protein which imparts elasticity to the skin. However, the complete role of biotin in maintaining healthy skin has not been elucidated by scientists. The influence of vitamins on the skin may be associated with the effect on the metabolism of fat. Despite the rising craze for biotin in the media, only a small amount of literature is found to support the biotin claims for skin and hair health. Conclusion: Biotin plays a vital role in
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Nutrition and Diet, People Forum
Reading Time: 9 minutesRead about Molecular mechanisms that control our circadian rhythms and their effect on our health.
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Editorial, Medicine and Diseases
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe gut microbiota live in the gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Our diet influences the composition and diversity of gut bacteria
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Editorial, Medicine and Diseases