True Love or Pure Chemicals?

Ever wondered why when you’re looking at your crush or someone you’re attracted to, your heart beats faster and you feel giddy whenever you’re near them?

Well, we can blame our chemicals for everything. We had a list of attributes ready for our dream guy or girl, but we just end up falling with the person who possesses none of them….it is, as they say, chemistry.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is dubbed as the love molecule which is the culprit that causes sweaty palms, shaky knees and general restlessness. Sometimes it can keep us wide awake for hours when we should be yawning away. I guess this should be the reason why new couple can talk on the phone for hours late at night without falling asleep.

The love molecule is a natural amphetamine, like the drug, and cause similar stimulation and when overdose of this chemical, It also releases the neurochemical dopamine. Studies done at Emory University shows that female vole choose their mates in response to dopamine level released in their brain.

Dopamine further stimulates the brain to produce oxytocin which is also known as the “cuddle chemical” because it instills the need to be physically held, have close contact partner and makes both sexes more caring. It can be released simply by a lover’s look, smell or even fantasy.

When we are attracted to someone very much, it causes an explosion of neurochemicals very similar to adrenalin. Assisted by Phenylethylamine, that speeds up the flow of information between cells, dopamine,that makes us glow and feel good, and norepinephrine, that stimulates the production of adrenalin, make our world go round, our eyes sparkle and our heart beat faster. This combination of chemicals is what actually results in infatuation or so called ‘puppy love’.

Infatuation doesn’t last long because when it subsides, another chemical takes over, which is the endorphins. This chemical is responsible for intimate relationship as it makes relationship steadier, dependable, warm and a great sharing experience. The feeling brought on by endorphin is totally different from chemistry of infatuation which causes giddiness. This is why married people stay married longer because endorphin is addictive. It is also the reason why people grief for so long when their spouse die, or yearning for being together again when they are separated.

So, does this mean that love is all about the chemicals in us? Can the mystery of love be solved in the laboratory? Maybe we’ll find out one of these days, or maybe not.

Written by Rafidah ^_^

Super Injection. No Pain, No Gain.

In the history of contraceptive methods numerous mistakes were made. Some gynaecologists believed that ovulation occurred at the same time as menstruation. Unbelievable methods to avoid pregnancy were practised, such as smearing olive oil or tobacco juice around the vagina, or even crocodile dung with honey, it even went as far as placing bees wax on the cervix, fancy that. Then the idea of condoms arrived, condoms made out of cloth were placed on the penis but the Egyptians invented them for mosquito bite purposes, until Charles Goodyear developed the first rubber condom in the 19th century. Ever since, many different contraceptive methods were discovered, these included: Birth control pills, IUD, Abortion pills, caps, and many more. The most recent invention is an injection that does not only avoid pregnancy, but may also terminate the menstrual cycle for as long as a year!!

The contraceptive injections have various types, some which last for as short as 4 weeks and some for 12 weeks. These injections are jabs that contain hormones which are injected into the muscle of the buttock. The most common injections are Noristerat (Norethisterone) and Depo-provera (medroxyprogesterone) which is by far the most commonly used.

Image from http://z.about.com on male contraceptive injection

Depo-Provera injection contains the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. The medroxyprogesterone prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, and changing the quality of the endometrium.

Without focusing on the complex structure of the chemical medroxyprogesterone acetate, the fact that this chemical is very reliable but also comes with numerous side effects shows how strong it is. The injection is 99% effective but when the advantages and disadvantages are considered, some may go ahead and take it while some might decide against.

The advantages are:

• You do not have to remember to take a pill every day.
• You only have to think about contraception every 2-3 months.
• You don’t have to use a condom and worry about conceiving.
• It can be used when breastfeeding.
• It may help some of the problems of periods, such as pre-menstrual tension, heavy periods and pain.
• It can be used by some women who cannot take the combined pill (which contains oestrogen).
• It may help protect against pelvic infection. (The mucus plug in the cervix may help stop bacteria travel into the uterus.)

However, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages in terms of side effects, and these are JUST a few:

• Menstrual changes, eg irregular bleeding or spotting.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia).
• Nervousness.
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia).
• Depression.
• Nausea.
• Hair loss (alopecia).
• Decreased sex drive.

For most cautious people, the scariest side effect is weight gain!! Who would want to feel guilty after eating a burger only once a week? Also, once the injection wears off and a woman decides to conceive, she must wait for at least a year.!!!

Contraceptive injections are so far the most reliable methods of contraception and can also be used by men. These Super injections do not stop the spread of STDs but are in my opinion are quite useful when it comes to birth control. People considering these injections must thoroughly research on them first. But nevertheless let’s all be realistic; there is no gain, without pain!

Written by: Safaa Garelnabi

The romper suit that changes colour

Have you seen the romper suit that changes colour before? Well, in the england they do have this type of romper suit.

The brand called "Babyglow", made by Chris Ebejer.

Image from: http://www.blogger.com/www.dailymail.co.uk

In 2003, Chris Ebejer, a young father from England conceived a method of detecting fever in babies.

High temperature is very dangerous for young babies. It can cause brain damage in babies. High temperature is also an indication of an illness such an menigitis.

Chris Ebejer, the inventor of the romper suit that changes colour is from England. He spent six years and £700,000 working with scientists to develop the suit.

Now, Chris Ebejer gave his creation named Babyglow to the world. Babyglow is a romper suit that changes its colour to indicate the wearer's temperature. This colour-changing garment will help to notify parents should their child suddenly develop a high temperature. Mr.Ebejer came up with the idea after watching a documentary on babies. He started to research for an ink pigmant with heat sensitive molecules. The Babyglow romper suits come in pink, blue and pastel green, all of which will turn white when the baby's temperature rises above 37°C.

Until the Babyglow romper suits become available in the market, parents can use a thermometer designed specifically for babies, such as the pacifier thermometer.

The romper suit contains special coloured pigments embedded into the fibres of the material. Whenever the baby's body temperature rises above 37°C, the romper suit will become white.

Image from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Even though the parents can’t understand what baby says, this suit will tell them the baby have a fever whenever the body temperature rises.

Image from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

By Aw Kar Yan 1000717953

The Dangers of Plastics !!!

Plastic rules the world in today’s life. Look around at everything in your home, at your living room, kitchen to the bathroom, you cannot avoid products which are made from plastics. In this modern and advance life, plastics are used in our daily routine as they are readily usable, easy dispose off , cheap, strong and light factor and we seem to be unable to do without it. However, how many of us are actually aware about its harmful effects?

Since the plastics are non-biodegradable material, so they photo-degrade and break-up into small pieces until they become plastic dust, which remains in the environment. According to an estimate, more than 100 million tones of plastic is produced every year all over the world. Plus, the plastic thrown into drainage can result in blockage causes flood in local areas in cities as experienced in Mumbai, India, 1998. Another harmful effect is the particles of plastic make their way into oceans, polluting the water and is toxic to sea life. This plastic can affect marine wildlife in two important ways: by entangling creatures, and by being eaten. A recent US report concluded that more than 100000 marine mammals die each year in the world's oceans by eating or becoming entangled in plastic rubbish, and the position is worsening World-wide, 75 marine bird species are known to eat plastic articles.

The usage of plastic does not only effect the environment but we as human itself, which many people are not aware off. First of all, the plastic that is harmful to human is the effects of the plastic bottles. The plastic bottle releases potentially harmful chemicals, bisophenol A (BPA) after contact with hot liquids. For the past several years, manufacturers and consumers had been warned by the research scientists about the potential dangers of bisphenol-A, a plastic softener used in the production of polycarbonate plastic.
“ When the same new and used polycarbonate drinking bottles were exposed to boiling hot water, BPA, an environmental estrogen, was released 55 times more rapidly than before exposure to hot water” a study by The Scott Belcher, PhD, and his team found. Letting the water bottles heat up in the sun and heating leftover in the microwave in containers can cause chemicals leeching into your food and drink packaging. Even when buying food-grade plastics, caution is advised. Most plastics meant for food storage have a triangle with a number in it on the bottom. This is a code for recycling the different plastics. Each plastic is represented by a number, and some numbers are safer than others for food storage.

Besides, bisophenol A, a potentially harmful chemical is also found in the plastic that make up baby bottles that could leach from the plastic into some liquids. This type of polycarbonate containing bisophenol A can harm the development of the baby. The newborn babies are at a very sensitive stage of their development. A study have shown, the effect of dishwashing, brushing with a detergent, sterilizing with boiling water and temperature on migration of bisophenol A is dangerous to baby’s health. The best way to indicate if the bottles containing BPA is to look on the bottom or underside of the bottle for the number 7 or "PC".

Here are some simple tips to avoid the dangers in plastics. These tips are advisable for everybody especially to infants and young children. Firstly, do not reuse plastic water bottles. Once the bottles are put in the dishwasher and they have gotten scratched, this degraded bottle allows a trace metal, antimony to leach to whatever you are drinking. Secondly, it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2, #4 and #5 on the bottom do not contain BPA is safe to use. Thirdly, use stainless steel containers – there’s a sippy cup adapter for toddlers and make sure to pick the one that does not have plastic liner. Fourthly, do not microwave or heat foods in plastic containers. This is because when you heat the liquids or food in container, more BPA will leach out. Finally, if u want to use a plastic containers, hand wash them. Make sure to wash your container by hand using a mild dishwashing soap. Avoid putting the plastic container in the dishwasher as it will degrade the plastic and allow more BPA to leach out.

The Negative Effects of Plastics

Sit back and enjoy!!!

By : Ooi Ju-May ^.~

Self-Tanning Lotion

Alba Botanica GOLDEN TAN Sunless Tanning Lotion

There’s vast of tanning products nowadays such as self-tanning lotions and sprays as well as tanning pills over the shelves waiting to be grabbed by you, yes you who want to achieve healthy Eva Longoria-esque olive glow skin in no time minus the long hours soaking in the sun building up oiliness on the face(very unglamorous!) and at the end of the day, getting sunburns or risking your life on tanning bed. You know how dangerous tanning bed is alright? Let’s not spend huge bucks on tanning bed as it dramatically increases chances to get skin cancer due to over exposure of ultraviolet (UV) radiations.

Image taken from http://blog.taragana.com/ 

Eva Longoria's glow  olive tan skin. Jealous?

Among the tanning products available, most of you must’ve been wondering which one works the best? I must say, self-tanning lotion works better than the rest as it gives superb full coverage than the tanning spray. Besides that, the ingredients used are safe to be slathered on skin because they have been approved by FDA unlike tanning pills.

Have you ever questioned yourself how does self tanning lotion work? How does it change your skin color in just a couple of hours? The answer lies in the ingredients itself that is dihydroxyacetone, DHA. This active ingredient is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead skin cells on the upper epidermis that undergoes oxidization to create darker color of skin called tan than the natural skin color. Other main ingredients are as follow: Melanin activating peptide a.k.a. hempseed oil which is high in fatty acid, locking up moistures on skin and intensify the tan as it controls the production of skin’s melanin by increasing it up to 50 percent within 21 days. In addition, it also helps to alleviate allergies and inflammation by regulating the skin’s cytokines. Next is copper, that aides in reducing the visibility of scars and blemishes. Not forgetting, botanical oils and selected vitamins that stimulate the circulation of blood in the skin and forcing the melanin to surface and enhance the tanning process. 

The ‘fake’ tan will last 5 to 7 days from its initial application. Every 35 to 45 days, the outer layer of the skin regenerates itself naturally and therefore it is a need to religiously reapply the self tanning lotion to maintain the tan but don’t overdo it or else you look too uhhhhh orange-y!

xoxo,

Stephanie Sali