Monday, 30 April 2012

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a type of denatured alcohol, an alcohol product rendered unfit for human consumption by the addition of poisons and bitter tasting ingredients. It is a liquid prepared and used primarily for topical application. It contains approximately 70 percent by volume of pure, concentrated ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. It is a cellular, volatile and flammable liquid. It is transparent, though it can be colored as desired.


Rubbing alcohol can be applied as a cooling, soothing application for bedridden patients and athletes. It is also widely used for cleansing surgeons' hands and instruments and for the disinfection of skin prior to the penetration by a hypodermic needle. It is also recognized as a rubefacient because it evaporates quickly and is used to cool and soothe skin. This product can also be used to harden skin, such as in the case of the fingertips of guitarists.
Some of the daily uses of Rubbing alcohol are :
Stain Removal -
It can be used to blot away fresh ink stains on carpet or clothing.For tougher stains, soak the spot in rubbing alcohol for several minutes, then wash.
In the Garden -
Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean garden tools that have been used to remove dead, diseased and rooting plants.
Dry Erase Board Build-up -
It easily removes build up from dry erase boards, and can be swiped over dirty computer keyboards, cll phones and MP3 players.
Health and Beauty -
Helping out in beauty and fashion department, rubbing alcohol can substitute for nail polish remover and clean the backs of pierced earrings as well.
Remove Dog ticks -
Ticks hate the taste of rubbing alcohol as much as they love the taste of your dog. Before you pull a tick off, dab the critter with rubbing alcohol to make it loosen its grip.
Erase Permanent markers -
Rubbing alcohol will dissolve the marker back to a liquid state so that you can wipe it right off.

Warning - Rubbing alcohol is not a drinking alcohol.
Poisoning can occur from ingestion, inhalation or consumption of rubbing alcohol. That is why it should be used in a well-ventilated area due to inhalation hazards. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include headache, dizziness, central nervous system, nausea, vomiting and coma. Product labels for rubbing alcohol include a number of warnings about the chemical, including the flammability hazards and its intended use only as a topical antiseptic and not for internal wounds or consumption.

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Purple Crab

Four new species of crab have been discovered in the Philippine island of Palawan. And one of the crabs truly stands out with its unusually bright purple shell. Located between the Sundaic and Philippine region, Palawan combines two of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Around 50 percent of the species living on Palawan are defined as endemic, which means they are exclusively native to the island.


The newly discovered purple crab species is very tiny - just one to two inches wide, so bright purple color indeed would be an advantage for recognition. Found only in small, lowland-forest ecosystems in the Palawan island group, most have purple shells, with claws and legs tipped red. The tiny crustaceans burrow under roots in streams, feeding on dead plants, fruits, carrion and small animals in the water at night. The tiny creatures can hide in spaces unavailable to their large counterparts and require less food. They can also survive in less habitat.


These newly discovered crabs are not secure. Reptiles, birds likely prey on the crabs, and it is possible that people in remote areas also collect them for food. However, the main threats are the ongoing forest clearing for farming, mining or home building, since the risks drying up their small habitats. All these activities cause water pollution leading to their elimination. Even if the habitats are not entirely destroyed, the smaller the remaining habitats, the higher is the risk of extinction for a species.

Boiling point of human saliva

Human saliva is composed of 98% water while the other 2% consists of other compounds such as electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds, and various enzymes.
A person cannot taste food unless it is mixed with saliva. For example, if strong-tasting substance like salt is placed on a dry tongue, the taste buds will not be able to taste it. As soon as a drop of saliva is added and the salt is dissolved, however, a definite taste sensation results. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase that breaks down starch into sugar. The daily salivary output ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 litres. It is generally considered that during sleep the amount of saliva drops to almost zero. 


There are many controversies regarding the boiling point of human saliva. It is assumed that the boiling point of saliva is nearly three times than that of pure water (boiling point of pure water is 100° C). But according to the mathematical calculations, it comes out to be 100.16° C.
The saliva helps detect cancer or other illness. Saliva testing using Elisa test kit helps you discover cancer cells and hormonal problems. It is also useful in drug testing and in other medical evaluations. It also helps heal the wound. Scientists have found that histatin, a small protein in saliva is responsible for the healing (previously only believed to kill bacteria).
Note : Opiorphin is a newly researched pain-killing substance found in human saliva. 

Saturday, 24 March 2012

Dark Chocolates

It's more than wishful thinking - chocolates are good for you.
Studies have revealed that eating dark chocolates may contribute to improved cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart. Dark chocolates also have mild anti-blood clotting effects and help prevent the build-up of plaque that can block arteries. 


There is a 'feel good' factor present in the chocolates. Chocolate is packed with natural compounds called antioxidants which helps in reducing the risk of many kinds of illness, from heart disease to cancer. These antioxidants work by protecting the cells from damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are basically unstable oxygen molecules that can trigger changes in the structure of normally healthy cells. Dark chocolates have more antioxidants than do foods like blueberries, green tea and red wine. It contains all the vital minerals required by the body.

Copper -
It is a critical mineral that aids in the absorption of iron and is a key component of enzymes that form skin strengthening collagen. It also contributes to heart health.
Magnesium -
It helps in reducing the risk of several chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Some of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include leg cramps, migraines, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, nausea and vomiting.
Potassium -
It is considered as a key factor in affecting blood pressure and stroke. The more potassium present in the body, the less likelihood of developing high blood pressure or stroke.
Iron -
The main function of the iron is to help carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and other organs. If the iron content in the body is insufficient then fatigue, irritability and headache may occur. If the iron deficiency becomes significant, a person can become anemic.      


Chocolate is one of the nature's most concentrated sources of theobromine, a mild stimulant and molecular cousin of caffeine. However, unlike caffeine, it does not strongly stimulate the central nervous system. Theobromine has also been shown to reduce coughing and has been used in 'natural cough medicine'. While safe for humans, other species, such as dogs, lack the specific enzyme that metabolizes theobromine, so eating chocolate can cause them to become overstimulated. That is why it is strongly recommended that pet owners prevent dogs from eating chocolates.                                                                                          

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Varieties of Apples

Eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress and apples are one of the anti-oxidants rich fruits. Apple contains vitamins like Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, iron, potassium etc., apples are also very rich in mineral contents, malic acid which are good in normalizing the intestines.

There are different varieties of apples and each category has its own benefits.
Green Apples -
These are good for strong bones and teeth, aids for vision and in strengthening the gums. Eating fresh green apples prevent formation of plaque on the teeth. It also has anti-cancer properties. Green apples are found to be effective in reducing the risks and chances of neurodegenerative diseases like the schizophrenia, dementia, the Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.


Green apples can give relief from constipation, diarrhea, gout etc. These apples are also known for lowering blood cholesterol, stabilizing  blood sugar and improving appetite. It does not contain any cholesterol so helpful for people who are trying to reduce their weight.

Yellow Apples -
These are good for heart and eyes. These apples contain around three to five grams of fiber in each serving. The high levels of fiber helps in digestive support. A specific type of fiber called pectin helps in improving the digestive system. These apples are very good for baking, making apple sauce or apple butter. The apple skin contains a nutrient called quercetin, which is used to reduce the impact of allergens on the body.


A yellow delicious apple contain no sodium and proteins. It provide approximately 80 calories per serving. It contains good amount of Vitamin C. These apples contain no saturated fats, trans fats or cholesterol. It also contains a variety of flavonoids, which serve to produce inflammation and blood pressure.

Red Apples -
These apples help in improving the memory functions. Red apples have highest concentration of anti-oxidants which helps in fighting off many diseases. It lowers cholesterol and improves digestion. It also increases the immune system of human body. These are also helpful in maintaining the urinary tract health. These apples provide healthy and beautiful skin, hair and nails.

                                                             

The red delicious apples are rich in sugar but contains no fats. It contains proteins and has approximately 130 calories per serving. These apples are good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. These contain vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, K.
It is suggested that the apples should not be peeled because the skin on the apples has more than six times the disease-fighting chemical than the fruit on the inside.