Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 3 – Brain Plasticity 2

You may read the previous posts (Part 2 and 3):

- Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 1
- Brain Changes during Reproduction Process – Part 2

Image 1- Decoupage eggs, just illustration

Previous belief that decreases maternal brain size will reduce learning capacity and the memory, but the understanding is reverse based on the recently observations.

In fact, hippocampus gets boosting, thus increase mother thinking ability during pregnancy.

In case of rats, not only increasing of neuronal activities, but also physical capabilities. Surprisingly, pregnant rats (carrying offspring) are faster to catch their prey than virginal rodents. Even 4 to 5 times faster.

Image 2- The Peony, illustration only

This is in parts of better visual, better motivation (courage) and can handle difficult conditions.

Image 3- The Native American pottery, illustration

In conclusion, maternity brings changes to neuro, physio and physical of animal in order for survival of both mothers and their offspring. Mother “well-being” will have positive impacts on their children development.

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : What is the Reason Specific Plants to Trap Animals? – Science 18
- Rainbow Evening : Young Coconut Water as Folk Remedies– Part1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Canadian Goose with a Broken Left Leg – Nature 39
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Learning a New Language Against Alzheimer's Disease – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 9
- Rainbow Evening : Asparagus Contains High Dietary Fiber– Food 23

Are Bald Eagles not Endangered Species Anymore? - Nature 50

We found Bald Eagles just sometimes in our areas. Sure, they are not common species compared to other birds.

Image 1- One shot, then she flew away

The bird with scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus is beautiful, for me It’s truly rare to see one in its natural environment.

One of neighbors just saw a nesting pair in our close by areas. They have been nesting there for years, but not sure if they are back this year.

Unfortunately, the Bald Eagles are not included as endangered species list anymore.

The main reason that since 2007, Bald Eagles populations are sufficient enough in nature.

Image 2- Plants, Just for illustration

Luckily, as reported by US Fish & Wildlife Service (2023: Bald Eagle) the bird is protected under two acts.

Image 3- The bird doing something

The two acts are “the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.”

Have you seen Bald Eagles in Nature?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Learning a New Language Against Alzheimer's Disease – Part 1 - Alzheimer's 9
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 2
- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Simple Steamed Layer Cake – Food 22
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why Should not We Take Aspirin Daily? - Part 1- Healthy Life 24
- The Rainbow Before Evening : What is the Reason Specific Plants to Trap Animals? – Science 18

How often Should we Consume Blueberries? - Part 2 – Food 35

You may read the previous post about blueberries and berries:

- The Rainbow : Blueberry is One of Fruits Rich in Antioxidants– Food 13
- How often Should we Consume Blueberries? - Part 1 – Food 35

Image 1- Blueberries, ready to be consumed

It is because they are healthiest berries. I have mentioned 3 kinds (excluded blackberry) of berries. Then, other 5 kinds of berries are:

- Goji berries
- Bilberries
- Acai berries
- Cranberries
- Grapes

Image 2- Magnolia, Illustration only

In case of blueberry, there are a lot of health benefits, just some (Megan Ware, written in MedicalNewsToday, 2017):

- Lowering blood pressure
- Managing diabetes
- Protecting against heart disease
- Preventing cancer
- Healthy digestion, weight loss, and feeling full

Image 3- Butterfly, just for illustration

The question then: How often Should we Consume Blueberries?

As recommended by Harvard Health Publishing (June 17, 2020): “Eat blueberries three times per week.”

Image 4- Blueberries sold in Walmart, US$6.97

# Previous Postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange? - Part 2– Food 21
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Flooding after Raining in Our Neighborhood – Nature 37
- The Rainbow Before Evening : What does Hypertension Mean? - Part 2 – Cardiovascular 3
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Purple Gallinule Visited Our Neighborhood – Nature 38
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Learning a New Language Against Alzheimer's Disease – Part 1 - Alzheimer's 9

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