Could Parasite Control Human Mind? - Science 33

There are many reports about infection of a parasite to animals and humans in some parts of the world recently.

Image 1- The cat, host of parasite

The parasite is a single cell protozoan with scientific name Toxoplasma gondii. Actually, the parasite is common worldwide, and causes disease called as toxoplasmosis.

What interesting, especially for me that this parasite could alter behaviors of infected living things.

In fact, as reported by Zeleb.es (2023: A mind- controlling parasite that affects hyenas - and humans too) that 33% of human population is infected by this parasite.

Image 2- Just for illustration

Then, we wonder: Could parasite, Toxoplasma gondii controls human’s mind?

The plain answer is not really. Highly possible that the infected animals and humans might eager to take risk than the normal ones.

Image 3- Community activities, illustration

As suggested by Zeleb.es (2023) that risk takers tend to success as entrepreneurs.

Do you believe it? What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The White Spider Lily at our City Garden – Nature 36
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Swap Plants at Our City Botanical Garden
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange? - Part 2– Food 21

Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird? - Science 32

We have talked at previous post about mockingbirds as permanent residents of our state: Mockingbirds are Permanent Residents of Our State – Nature 47

Image 1- A mockingbird on the branches

Actually, the pictures were taken after several days approaching the bird.

At the first, I saw a bird sitting on the branch of a tree at my office. When approaching, the bird flew away.

Second days, I move closer, but have no chance to take a picture. Then, obscure pictures are taken after third days.

I believe that the mockingbird “learning” day by day to recognize me. Then, Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird?

Image 2- Freezing temperature, illustration only

Yes, mockingbird is a smart bird as suggested by David Mizejewski (2023: Brainy Birds: America’s Smartest Bird Species).

It is true in my case, the mockingbird let me to take its picture with my cellphone in “safe distance” after several days.

Image 3- A mockingbird, the smart bird

Finally, It is said that mockingbirds able to mimic other bird songs such as hawks, jays and blackbirds

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why does Gum Disease cause Alzheimer's?- Part 2 - Alzheimer's 8
- The Rainbow Before Evening : The White Spider Lily at our City Garden – Nature 36
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Swap Plants at Our City Botanical Garden

The Pulmonary Hypertension Type – Part 2 - Cardiovascular 4

You may read the previous post (Part 1):

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Pulmonary Hypertension Type – Part 1 - Cardiovascular 4

Image 1- Just for illustration

The signs could be normally enlargement of veins on the side of the neck, irregular heart sounds and swelling in the some areas of body such as abdomen, legs, or feet.

Both asthma and COPD are serious health problems, and asthma is the problem for more than 300 million people worldwide.

The COPD could further cause morbidity and mortality. Both are different diseases but have similarities in term of pathophysiologic characteristics.

Image 2- Blooming of Magnolia

The World Health Organization (WHO) categorized five groups of pulmonary hypertension (please see image 1 at Part 1: The Pulmonary Hypertension Type – Part 1 - Cardiovascular 4).

Image 3- Azalea flowers

The 5 groups are:

1) Pulmonary arterial hypertension
2) Pulmonary hypertension of heart diseases
3) Pulmonary hypertension of lung diseases
4) Pulmonary hypertension of chronic thromboembolism
5) and pulmonary hypertension of unclear multifactorial mechanism.

 Image 4- A little tree, illustration

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Do You Like Boba Bubble in Your Drink? - Part 2 – Food 20
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Newborn Sea Turtles are almost All Females – Science 16
- Rainbow Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange?- Food 21
- The Rainbow Before Evening : What does Hypertension Mean? - Part 1 – Cardiovascular 3
- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Four Weeks Old Baby Squirrel – Science 17

Sugarcane Sticks Sold in the Mexican Grocery – Food 36

I used to chew sugarcane sticks, off course after removing its outer layers, when I was a kid long time ago.

Image 1- Sugarcane sticks sold in the grocery.

Fun memory to select a good tree, cut tree with proper sizes, peel off the outer layers, and chewing its. Tastes so sweet.

I loved to drink sugarcane juice as well. As suggested by Raw Pressery (2021: 13 Amazing Health Benefits of Sugarcane Juice) that sugarcane juice has plenty of health benefits.

Just for few examples, sugarcane juice contains highly minerals, high source of vitamin C, low fats and low Glycemic index.

Image 2- Pine fruits, illustration only

By the way, when we visited an ethnic, Mexican grocery recently, we found sticks of sugarcane on the shelves.

Image 3- Sugarcane juice, sold in Walmart

Yes, USA has sugarcane farmings which produce millions ton of sugars, but first time saw sugarcane sticks on the market.

Have you chewed sugarcane sticks?

# Previous postings:

- Lantana for Summer Project in My Backyard– Nature 34
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Declining of Golden Swamp Warblers Population – Nature 35
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why does Gum Disease cause Alzheimer's?- Part 1 - Alzheimer's 8
- Higher Temperature due to Heat Island Effect– Science 15
- Giveaway and Discount in Time of High Inflation

Impacts of Winter Storms – Nature 49

We talked about “Winter Storms during Cold Season” at previous post:

- Rainbow Before Evening : Winter Storms during Cold Season – Nature 48

Image 1- Snow, several years ago.

Impact not only to an individual, but also to communities, and even to animals (pets or farming).

High speed and chilly winds may cause personal injuries, and sometimes deaths.

It is often that the storm has strong effect on many activities:

- travels
- business
- and school activities.

Image 02- Frozen, two years ago

Hundreds of flights may be canceled.

House maintenance is expensive during cold season. Snow and ice could cause on water pressure, sump pump and water temperature, then lead to plumbing problems.

Image 3- Frozen Ice at the backyard

Please avoiding hypothermia where our body may become freeze due to lack of blood circulation, thus body has extra worked when exposure to extreme cold by pushing more blood to keep lungs and heartwarming and working properly.

Finally, take care yourself during extreme temperature of cold storm.

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Cooked Snail is One of Favorite Foods in France - Food 19
- Rainbow Evening: 8 Eggs of Bluebird for Incubation– Nature 33
- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Proper Times to Take Pills – Part 2 – Healthy Life 22
- Rainbow Evening : Stretching to Prevent Leg Cramps- Healthy 23
- Rainbow Evening : Do You Like Boba Bubble in Your Drink?- Food 20

White Hominy Pearls Tossed with Coconut Shreds – Part 3 – Food 32

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

- White Hominy Pearls Tossed with Coconut Shreds – Part 1 – Food 32
- White Hominy Pearls Tossed with Coconut Shreds – Part 2 – Food 32

Image 1- Sweet white hominy pearls tossed with coconut shreds

Hominy is a product of corn, so it is free from gluten, high fiber, low fat and low carb.

Just for your illustration that one cup (165 g) of hominy contents about 120 calories, and 4 g(16% daily value) of fibers.

For today consumption, I use hominy from Juanita's. I empty hominy into the pot, rinse, and cover with water. 

Image 2- A nutcracker, illustration only

Image 3- The raw corn, illustration

Put the pot on medium high and bring to boil, then add some sugar, stir a few times. When the texture is softer, we should drain, and toss with coconut shreds. Ready to enjoy!

Do you like hominy? What is your favorite hominy recipe?

# Previous postings:

- Hydrangea Flowers Blooming in the Summer– Nature
- The Proper Times to Take Pills– Healthy Life 22
- Free Coffee at Toyota Car Repair Shop
- RainbowEvening : Is Rising Price due to Greedflation?
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Factors Causing the Late Onset Alzheimer's Diseases- Alzheimer’s 7

Winter Storms during Cold Season – Nature 48

We got first winter storm in early January this year. The storm brought freezing rains and snow to many states of USA.

Image 1- Icy in our place, last year photo, illustration.

The snowfall was approximately 5.1 cm (2 inches) per hour in several states such as:

- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Minnesota

It was predicted in the coming days that winter storms will again visit several parts of USA.

Image 2- Just for illustration

As you might be know that severe storms due to a blast of cold air from Arctic region sometimes, and as one of important factors.

Image 3- A squirrel, illustration only

Temperature is expected to drop to F below zero or around 17 C minus, so much below the freezing point with might be more than a one feet snow.

Image 4- Pile of snow in backyard, several years ago

Since winter storms cause temperature dropping and bring snow, and snow could cover many spots, thus very hazardous to walk or drive in this condition.

What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Factors Causing the Late Onset Alzheimer's Diseases – Part 1 - Alzheimer’s 7
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Cooked Snail is a Favorite Dish in Many Asian Countries – Food 18
- A Chemist who Loves to Cook – Part 2 - Reading 11
- Size of Bluebirds Birdhouse at the Backyard – Nature 31
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is It Safe to Consume Foods after Expiration Date? - Part 2 – Food 16