Betel chewing is a tradition that has been passed down for generations in many parts of South Asia. It involves mixing areca nuts, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco, all wrapped in a betel leaf. People chew this mixture for its stimulating effects. This practice is more than just a habit; it's deep
Bone cells, known as osteocytes, have a tough time as they get older. Their tiny home, the lacuna-canalicular system, shrinks. The cell's arms, or processes, dwindle in number. And the tiny canals, or canaliculi, that connect them to other cells get clogged up. This makes it hard for them to do thei
Cytokines are small proteins that help cells communicate. They play a big role in how cancer spreads. This is a big deal in cancer research. Three specific cytokines have been found to spike right after surgery to remove breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. These cytokines are TGF-β1, HGF, and I
Ecuador has a new leader. Daniel Noboa won the presidential election. This happened on a Sunday. The National Electoral Council made the announcement. They said Noboa had an unassailable lead. This was with 90% of the votes counted. Noboa's victory was not a surprise. He had won a previous election
Reed straw, a common plant waste, can be turned into a valuable resource. It's part of a group called lignocellulosic biomass, which can be used to make biofuels. The trick is getting past the plant's tough structure to access the good stuff inside. A recent experiment showed a smart way to do this
The recent diplomatic talks between the U. S. and Iran in Oman marked a significant shift. For the first time in years, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, agreed to direct communication with a U. S. envoy, Steve Witkoff. This move signals a potential breakthrough in negotiations, especially co
The mushroom industry is booming, and with it, a growing problem: what to do with all the leftover mushroom substrate? This stuff, known as spent mushroom substrate or SMS, is full of useful enzymes. These enzymes can help tackle another waste issue: old jute fabric. Usually, treating jute fabric in
The world of orthodontics has seen a huge shift with the rise of clear aligners. These nearly invisible braces have become a popular choice for straightening teeth. To make these aligners, dentists use special software to plan tooth movements on a computer. This is called a virtual setup. The softwa
The U. S. government has decided to beef up security along the southern border. This move is part of a broader strategy to tackle various threats that have been plaguing the region. The plan involves a significant increase in military involvement, which is seen as a necessary step to maintain the co
The mood among U. S. consumers has taken a nosedive. This is the fourth month in a row that sentiment has dropped. The latest figures show a sharp decline, with the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index hitting its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, sentiment h
