Discourse

The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the self-fulfilling prophecy, is a fascinating phenomenon that highlights the profound impact of expectations on human behavior and performance. Named after the character Pygmalion from Greek mythology, who sculpted a statue that came to life because he believed it would, this effect has significant implications in various fields, including education, psychology, and leadership. What is the Pygmalion Effect? At its core, the Pygmalion Effect refers to the tendency for people to perform better when higher expectations are placed upon them. In other words, when someone is led to believe that they are capable of achieving success, they are more likely to rise to the occasion and fulfill those expectations. Conversely, when expectations are low, individuals may underperform or fail to reach their full potential. Origins and Research The concept of the Pygmalion Effect gained prominence through the groundbreaking research of psychologists Robert Rosenthal...

The "Universe 25" experiment it is one of the most terrifying experiments in the history of science, which, through the behavior of a colony of mice, is an attempt by scientists to explain human societies.  The experiment involved creating a utopian environment for a population of rats. The enclosure provided an abundance of food, water, nesting materials, as well as ample space for rats to roam and socialize. Initially the rat population thrived and their numbers increased rapidly. However, as the rat population grew, social problems began to emerge. Rats became increasingly aggressive, territorial, antisocial.  Females showed more and more aggressive behavior, isolation elements and lack of reproductive mood. There was a low birth rate and, at the same time, an increase in mortality in younger rodents. Then, a new class of male rodents appeared, the so-called "beautiful mice". They refused to mate with the females or to "fight" for their space. All they ...

1. Raw Tomatoes: Biochemistry: Raw tomatoes are rich in lycopene , a carotenoid pigment responsible for their vibrant red color. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV radiation , thereby protecting the skin from oxidative damage and premature aging. Mechanism: Lycopene boosts collagen strength by inhibiting the activity of enzymes called collagenases , which break down collagen in the skin. By preserving collagen integrity, lycopene helps maintain the skin's elasticity and youthful appearance. 2. Carrots: Biochemistry: Carrots are packed with beta-carotene , a precursor of vitamin A . Beta-carotene is converted to retinol (active vitamin A) in the body, which plays a crucial role in skin health. Mechanism: Vitamin A regulates cell turnover in the skin's outer layer, preventing the accumulation of dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne. It also promotes the production of new skin cells, resulting in smoother,...

Researchers at the National University of Singapore found out how eating junk food raises the chances of getting cancer, especially in young people. They looked at a chemical called methylglyoxal , which increases when you eat sugary and fatty foods. They found that methylglyoxal can stop a gene called BRCA2 from working properly. This gene is important for protecting the body against cancer. Dr. Ashok Venkitaraman, who led the study, explained that methylglyoxal can break down the BRCA2 protein, making it less effective at preventing tumors. This discovery challenges a common idea in genetics that says genes like BRCA2 need to be completely switched off to raise cancer risk. Instead, even a temporary problem with the gene can make it less able to protect against cancer. Dr. Venkitaraman also mentioned that people with faulty BRCA2 genes are especially affected by methylglyoxal. This chemical is often high in people with diabetes or prediabetes, which means unhealthy eating and un...

CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (STROKE)  Dr Vernon Nsofwa  INTRODUCTION Stroke is a syndrome characterized by the acute onset of a neurologic deficit that persists for at least 24 hours, reflects focal involvement of the central nervous system, and is the result of a disturbance of the cerebral circulation. Stroke causes 9% of all deaths around the world and is the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease. There are three main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (about 80%, 15% and 5% of all strokes, respectively). ISCHEMIC STROKE Etiology A variety of disorders of the blood vessels, heart and blood can lead to focal cerebral ischemia. A. Atherosclerosis. In most cases, atherosclerosis of the large extra cranial arteries in the neck and at the base of the brain is the underlying cause of focal cerebral ischemia. The sites of predilection are the origin of the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery j...