INFUSE JOY INTO YOUR AND SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE

 The Significance Of A Smile

Have we ever thought about the gestures we use daily, knowingly or unknowingly, that have a profound impact on our lives? One such gesture, right under our noses, has the power to make us happier and potentially lengthen our lives. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's the simple yet powerful act of smiling.

The smile is a ubiquitous and heartening gesture, connecting us all, whether acquainted or strangers. This simple expression has the remarkable ability to infuse joy into someone's life, fostering a sense of unity and warmth.

A study reveals that the frequency of smiles tends to decrease as we age. Astonishingly, adults over the age of thirty smile, on average, only 40-50 times a day, whereas children effortlessly clock in 300-400 smiles daily. The  bustling lives and responsibilities gradually overshadow the simplicity of smiling.

A smile costs nothing but holds immeasurable value. It transcends language barriers, brings solace to the weary, and bridges the gaps between strangers. As we navigate our daily routines, let's preserve this innate ability to smile and rediscover the joy that a sincere smile can bring.

So let us all wear a big genuine smile on our faces. Embrace the positivity it radiates and carry it forward, creating a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries. A smile is a universal language, and by sharing it generously, we contribute to creating a world filled with warmth, kindness, and joy. Let's spread this infectious energy of smiles, uplift the spirit with a smile in our day-to-day life. May your days ahead be filled with countless reasons to smile!

A DEADLY DISEASE

Tetanus

Tetanus is a deadly disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can commonly be found in soil, dust, faeces, and saliva. The transmission occurs when someone’s skin breaks or is cut from an object that is contaminated with Clostridium tetani, allowing the bacterium to go into the body. Once inside, Clostridium tetani will produce toxins that affect the nerves that control muscles, which is also why one of the primary symptoms of tetanus is muscle contractions. Additional symptoms include fever, sweating, headaches, and high blood pressure. Tetanus is a significant global health concern, claiming nearly 34,700 lives, according to the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. Understanding the ways that tetanus transmits itself and its symptoms was crucial for the development of the first tetanus vaccine, which had its roots in a German physiologist named Emil Von Behring. 

Tetanus, a dangerous bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, poses a global health threat. The tetanus vaccine has significantly lowered the death toll of this deadly disease by making the immune system produce antibodies against the tetanus toxin. The article will focus on the development and impact of the tetanus vaccine on public health.

The history of tetanus and its vaccines:  The tetanus vaccine, also known as tetanus toxoid, had its first roots created in 1890 by a group of German scientists, all under Emil Von Behring, a German physiologist. Emil Von Behring was later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1901, honoring his development of the tetanus serum and, additionally, the first serum therapy for diphtheria, which was another common and deadly disease during the late 1800s. Later, based on previous findings, in 1924, the first inactive tetanus toxoid vaccine was created, meaning that morbidity and mortality caused by tetanus were lowered to some extent. Eventually, in 1938, an improved version of this vaccine was created that made itself easier to absorb with much fewer side effects. 

This variant would be proven to be incredibly effective later, when World War II began, where it prevented soldiers in the army from contracting tetanus. Soon after that, in 1948, DTP began to be used. It worked similarly to the tetanus vaccine, but it was also able to work as a vaccine for diphtheria and pertussis (two other deadly diseases) all at the same time. Despite its multiple functions, it was replaced later in 1992 with new versions due to the fact that the original caused high adverse injection reactions among people who received the injection, such as swelling around the area where the vaccine was injected. Unlike the previous version of the DTP vaccine, the new versions were able to be used on both adults and children.

The Functions of the DTP Vaccine: The DTP vaccine, which includes versions of DTaP, Tdap, and TD, is the most commonly used vaccine against tetanus since it can additionally act as a vaccine against two other deadly viruses as well. At its core, the vaccine is a preventive measure designed to train the immune system to recognize and combat these harmful bacteria. When administered, the vaccine introduces mostly harmless small fragments of the bacteria, known as antigens, to the immune system. These antigens cause the body to trigger the immune system to launch a defense. The body instantly calls specific proteins and cells called antibodies that are made to neutralize and destroy the small fragments of the viruses. 

The antibodies work to take down the antigens and destroy them quickly because, despite them posing a minor threat, the body will still attack foreign objects found in itself. Whenever the antibodies destroy the antigens, there will always be multiple memory cells. These specialized cells remember the antigens, making it so that whenever the actual virus gets into the human body, the immune system will immediately respond and attack it. This provides a level of protection that endures over long periods of time.

The reason why multiple doses of vaccines are administered is because they serve to reinforce and optimize the immune system’s quick response and efficiency. The DTaP vaccine is primarily administered to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. This vaccine operates through a five-dose series recommended by the CDC, actively engaging the immune system to recognize and combat these diseases. Administered at specific intervals during infancy and early childhood, the DTP vaccine aims to induce a tough and lasting immune response. Usually, negative effects are less severe, such as redness or swelling at the injection site and occasionally fever.

Conclusion: Tetanus is a deadly bacterial disease caused when Clostridium tetani enters the body. Thankfully, through the efforts of many scientists around the world, a vaccine was created. Overall, the tetanus vaccine plays a pivotal role in maintaining the immune system's defenses and ensuring that a strong defense against these bacterial threats is guaranteed. The impact of the DTP vaccine on public health has been profound and massive. By preventing the spreading of Tetanus and some other viruses, the vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of these potentially life-threatening infections. Its inclusion has illustrated the vital role vaccines play in preserving public health around the entire world. Through a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism of action and the establishment of robust immunization programs, the DTP vaccine stands as a demonstration of the power of medicine and vaccines in promoting a safer and more resilient society.

DO YOU KNOW

Why does octopus spit ink?

Octopuses, along with other cephalopods, use ink as a defense mechanism to distract or scare predators away so that they can escape. 

The ink is released from ink sacs located between the gills and is made of mucus and melanin. When released, the ink can be dispersed more widely if the octopus also uses a jet of water from its siphon. 

Some octopuses can even eject ink in thick spurts that look like their own body shape. 

INTERESTING FACTS

About India's Independence Day

Every year the whole nation of India fathoms the patriotic feeling with the tricolor of saffron, white and green on 15 August, which is celebrated as the Independence Day in India.

Here are some interesting facts about India’s Independence day:

● India had no national anthem when it became an independent country on 15th August, 1947. It was adopted as India’s national anthem later in the 1950s. The Bengali version of Jana Gana Mana was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 which was first sung during the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.

● Although India became independent on July 18, 1947, Lord Mountbatten declared 15th August as the date of Independence because this date observed the second anniversary of the surrendering of Japan to the Allied Forces during World War II.

● The National Flag was first hoisted at the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta on August 7, 1906. The flag had three horizontal strips of red, yellow and green color. The red strip at the top consisted of 8 white lotuses imprinted on the flag in a line. On the yellow strip, Vande Mataram was written in Hindi. There was a white sun on the left and a white crescent and star on the right imprinted on the green strip.

● The first variant of the national flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921. It consisted of two colors-red and green which represented the two significant communities. But Gandhiji later recommended to add a white strip in the middle with a spinning wheel. The white color represented the remaining Indian communities and the spinning wheel signified the progress of the country.

● Our country got its name ‘India’ from the River Indus, a place which was a home to the country’s first inhabitants.

● No country had ever been invaded by India in the last thousand centuries of its history.

● India shares its Independence Day with five more countries on August 15, but with different years. The countries are Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Congo, and Liechtenstein.

● Even after India became independent in 1947, Goa still remained a Portuguese colony. Portugal made amendments in its constitution stating Goa as a Portuguese state. It was made a part of India in 1961 after Indian troops annexed the state to India.

● The Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission is the only licenced company engaged in the production and supply of Indian flag. The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha located in Dharwad is the only manufacturer of the flag made with cotton.

● Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, featured on the famous Vogue magazine because of his unique dressing sense. His jacket became a popular fashion trend in the West and came to be known as the ‘Nehru jacket’.

● Mahatma Gandhi was absent from the celebrations of the country’s first Independence Day. He was there to be a part of a hunger strike that was conducted to impede the communal killings that were triggered due to partition.

● There was a controversy relating to the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana that it was written by Rabindranath Tagore for the British emperor. He refused these claims on the basis that the song talked about the victory of Bhagya Vidhata of India and not of the British king.

● The price of 10 grams of gold was Rs 88.62 at the time of independence.

13 AUGUST

World organ donation day

Organ donation is a powerful act of generosity that gives hope and a second chance at life to those facing end-stage liver or kidney disease or even organ failure who are struggling as other treatment options fail. By choosing to be an organ donor, an individual’s organs can help those suffering from severe health conditions. The types of organs available for donation are the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Moreover, various tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, and bone can be donated as well, providing significant advantages to many patients in need. Remember, a deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a pair of kidneys can liberate two individuals from the need for dialysis. A single donated liver has the potential to be divided, benefiting two patients awaiting transplants. Two lungs from a donor can provide life saving assistance to two recipients. One pancreas donation can rescue one person’s life. Additionally, a donated heart can bring hope and joy to someone in need. Organ donation can be in the form of a Living donation, where the donor is still alive, and even cadaver donation, which occurs when the donor has passed away. However, millions of people lose their precious lives due to unavailability of organs. The demand for organ donation is high while only a few percentage of people donate organs. The waiting list for organs is too long and thus, many recipients struggle to get an organ and suffer in silence. Apart from the rising need for organs, there are also various myths attached to these subjects that should be debunked without any delay.

Myths regarding organ donation

Myth 1: Only young people can donate organs

Fact: This statement is false. Anyone can register for organ donation at any time and donate organs irrespective of his/her age. Don’t believe in any kind of rumors or social media posts. One’s health status will be checked after which he/she will be eligible for organ donation.

Myth 2: One’s family members are charged if they decide to donate organs

Fact: Remember, there is no cost to the donor’s family for organ, eye, and tissue donation. So, be assured, come forward, and take a pivotal step in donating organs and transforming the lives of people. Be an organ donor and encourage others to do so for improved survival rates of those battling liver, and kidney ailments. It is the need of the hour to avoid believing the myths and create awareness by educating people regarding how organ donation saves lives

Each organ transplant offers renewed hope to recipients and their families, fostering a positive outlook on life. One donor can save up to eight lives, highlighting the importance of encouraging organ donation in society. Organ donation can greatly improve the lives of those who are critically ill or bedridden. Many people die waiting for an organ, making donation a crucial way to offer a new chance at life. Living donation is a viable option for kidney and liver transplants. Eligible family members can donate a portion of their liver or a kidney to save a loved one’s life. Organ donation can help families cope with grief, providing comfort in knowing that their loved one’s gift will save lives and make a difference. Raising awareness through open discussions about living donations or personal organ donation experiences can promote the cause. Donate organs and save lives.

In India, of the total 18,378 organ transplants in the country in 2023 — the highest-ever in a year — 10% were to foreign nationals who had come to India for treatment, while more than six of 10 living organ donors were women, as per the data released by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). 

INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS

International Math Olympiad

The IMO is a global level Mathematics Competition for High School students. 

A six-member student team from India have secured the country its best performance ever in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024. The Indian contingent of high school students came in fourth rank globally securing four Gold medals, one silver medal and one honourable mention at the just concluded 65th IMO held at Bath, United Kingdom.

This is the best performance by an Indian in IMO since the country’s debut in 1989 both in terms of number of Gold medals won and rank achieved. India’s previous best rank achieved until 2024 was rank 7, at IMO 1998 and IMO 2001. 

Adhitya Mangudy (Grade 11 from Pune), Ananda Bhaduri (Grade 12 from Guwahati), Kanav Talwar (Grade 10 from Noida), and Rushil Mathur (Grade 12 from Mumabi) bagged the gold medal. Arjun Gupta (Grade 12, from Delhi) won the Silver medal, and Siddharth Choppara (Grade 12 from Pune) clinched an honourable mention.

Globally, Team USA, China, and South Korea finished as the top three winners in that order. At fourth place, India’s total score at the Olympiad is 167 just one mark behind South Korea’s at third spot. The winning team USA’s total score is 192. In all 609 students (528 male, 81 Female) took part in the IMO 2024, which saw 108 countries participate. Mangudy’s performance also secured him an overall ranking of fifth - the best performance of an Indian team member ever. The Indian team trained at the IMO Training Camp held at Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) this year and was accompanied by mentors professor Krishnan Sivasubramanian of IIT Bombay, and former IMO medallists Rijul Saini of HBCSE and Rohan Goyal currently a Ph D student at MIT, USA, among others.

CMI director Madhavan Mukund said they see growing interest each year among student community to participate in International Olympiads, be it Mathematics or Science. “As they see success stories in the previous editions, their confidence and determination also goes up,” he adds.

DID YOU KNOW

Where did the word 'moon' come from?

Earth has just one moon. It is best known as the Moon in the English-speaking world because people in ancient times used the Moon to measure the passing of the months. The word 'moon' can be traced to the word mona, an old English word from mediaeval times. Mona shares its origins with the Latin words metri, which means to measure, and mensis, which means month. So we see that the Moon is called the Moon because it is used to measure the months. But why do the moons around other planets have names, while ours is just the Moon?

When the Moon was named, people only knew about our Moon. That all changed in 1610 when an Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei discovered what we now know are the four largest moons of Jupiter. Other astronomers across Europe discovered five moons around Saturn during the 1600s. These objects became known as moons because they were close to their planets, just as our own Moon is close to Earth. It’s fair to say that other moons are named after our own Moon. The newly discovered moons were each given beautiful names to identify them among the growing number of planets and moons astronomers were finding in the Solar System.