Name: Times Square's New Year's eve ball to give a sparkly welcome
Uploaded: 2018-12-28T13:10:24.0+05:30
Duration: T00M27S
Channel: editorji
Description: The famous Times Square New Year's eve ball is almost ready to welcome 2019 with a bang! The 12-feet ball is rolled out annually to ring in the new year. 192 new sparkling triangles made of Waterford crystal are being added to the sphere. Over 2,600 crystal triangles that vary in size have been used. The ball will descend 141 feet down a flagpole in 60 seconds and 2019 will be upon us!

The famous Times Square New Year's eve ball is almost ready to welcome 2019 with a bang! The 12-feet ball is rolled out annually to ring in the new year. 192 new sparkl

Times Square's New Year's eve ball to give a sparkly welcome

The famous Times Square New Year's eve ball is almost ready to welcome 2019 with a bang! The 12-feet ball is rolled out annually to ring in the new year. 192 new sparkling triangles made of Waterford crystal are being added to the sphere. Over 2,600 crystal triangles that vary in size have been used. The ball will descend 141 feet down a flagpole in 60 seconds and 2019 will be upon us!

The hormone which naturally induces sleep and regulates the wake and sleep cycle in our body is called melatonin. Natural melatonin is produced by the pineal gland of t

The hormone which naturally induces sleep and regulates the wake and sleep cycle in our body is called melatonin. Natural melatonin is produced by the pineal gland of the brain. The production of which increases as the day comes to a close, around dusk. It reaches peak levels in the middle of the night and starts decreasing as dawn approaches, and helps&nbsp;us&nbsp;naturally wake up.
People who suffer from mild sleep disorders caused by jet lag or work stress are usually prescribed a lab made version of melatonin, by a licensed medical practitioner. It is important to note that artificial melatonin is not a sleeping pill. It only works to supplement the hormone levels in the body, thereby putting you to sleep naturally.&nbsp;
Higher unregulated doses of melatonin can cause side effects like drowsiness, daytime sleepiness, headache and nausea.&nbsp;Hence, it is suggested that like any other supplement, melatonin too must be taken strictly under medical supervision.

If you feel the tendency to overeat when in emotional distress, you may not be alone. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have confirmed that stress eating is real. I

If you feel the tendency to overeat when in emotional distress, you may not be alone. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have confirmed that stress eating is real. In fact, overeating is a corollary effect of stress. Long term tension and worry produces a hormone called cortisol. This is the hormone which increases appetite and thereby increases the desire to devour food in such circumstances.
 Interestingly, several studies have classified a particular type of food which people tend to binge on whenever they feel uneasy. Foods which are high in fat, sugar, or both are consumed the most during stressful situations. Upon ingestion, these sugary, fatty items have an effect which moderates tension related responses and emotions. Therefore these are considered to be comfort foods as they seem to counteract stress.
 As relieving as they may be, there are better ways to deal with panic and anxiety than resorting to food. You can try meditating, exercising or talking to your friends and family which may help you calm your mind and find peace.

Moving away from regular menstrual products that one is accustomed to can be hard. But there are some incredibly easy-to-use, environmentally conscious and sustainable

Moving away from regular menstrual products that one is accustomed to can be hard. But there are some incredibly easy-to-use, environmentally conscious and sustainable menstrual care alternatives that make it easier to cut the strings attached.
There are so many eco-friendly, affordable and readily available sanitary products in the market&nbsp;that you just might be spoilt for choice!
Menstrual Cups&nbsp;
The menstrual cup&nbsp;is a type of reusable silicone product that collects your period fluid for around 6-10 hours. &nbsp;It is essential to wash the cup before inserting it into your vagina. After emptying it out, you need to rinse it once with water before re-inserting it.&nbsp;They are easy to use, odour-free, environment friendly, and even pocket friendly. These cups are leakproof which means you no longer need to worry about stains. Don't forget to sterilise your cup by boiling it in water, at the end of every period cycle.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Organic Sanitary Pads
Sanitary pads made of organic material like cotton and bamboo can be beneficial for both your menstrual health and the environment. They are super absorbent to ensure protection from leakage. Most importantly they are an eco-friendly alternative as they are biodegradable.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Made up of a breathable fabric, cotton pads seem to be a great alternative to regular sanitary pads. They are reusable, washable, highly absorbent and eco-friendly. They are also quite economical as they can last up to one year or longer, but this is subject to your usage. It is advised you change your cloth pad every 4 to 6 hours or as per your flow. You can wash these and reuse them, which makes them extremely sustainable to use.&nbsp;
Period Panties
Period panties have the comfortable feel of regular underwear but with an added protection from menstrual leakage.&nbsp;These are absorbent, leakproof and can be reused after a wash. We urge you to not be skeptical! It may sound like an alien concept but they're actually pretty easy to use. Put them on like regular underwear and forget all about it.&nbsp;
Biodegradable Tampons
Made of sustainable ingredients such as organic cotton, biodegradable tampons are a great alternative to regular pads. These are leakproof, easy to use and allow you to move around without worrying about stains.
With environment-conscious, pocket-friendly, comfortable to use menstrual care options available, it is time we bid adieu to the regular sanitary pads.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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Nothing can beat a hot cup of ginger tea with a spoonful of sugar on a rainy evening. Who can say no to a refreshing glass of lemonade with sugar on a hot and sultry af

Nothing can beat a hot cup of ginger tea with a spoonful of sugar on a rainy evening. Who can say no to a refreshing glass of lemonade with sugar on a hot and sultry afternoon? And can anyone turn a blind eye to the heavenly taste of a sugary cinnamon bun?
But little do we know that eating sugar may leave a smile on our lips but will definitely leave us in an unhealthy spot. Consuming too much refined sugar can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems. &nbsp;
So, we have for you some healthy alternatives and substitutes for refined sugar that can easily be incorporated into your everyday diet!
JAGGERY
Jaggery or more commonly known as Gur is unrefined sugar made from sugar cane. It is a healthy substitute for white sugar and is full of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Eating jaggery on a daily basis&nbsp;can help detox your body, aid digestion and improve immune function.
DATE SUGAR
Made of dates, this sugar is a healthier substitute because it is known to be less processed. Dates are high in fibre and potassium which make them a great and healthy alternative. It has a delicious caramel taste that will soon become a favorite part of your diet.
COCONUT SUGAR
Made from coconut palm sap, coconut sugar is another incredible alternative worth trying. It is a better substitute because it undergoes little processing and also contains minerals, fibres and antioxidants.&nbsp;
HONEY
This thick and golden liquid that is extracted from beehives is a great option over refined sugar. Honey is beneficial because it has a lower glycemic index, helps treat cough and has anti-bacterial properties.
MOLASSES
Molasses apparently has more nutrients and antioxidants than regular refined sugar. It is a thick syrup made from sugar beets or crushed sugar cane. But one must note that it may have some nutrients, but it is full of sugar, so an excess of this can be harmful.
These alternatives are not only healthy but are also easily available. But, don&rsquo;t forget that excess of anything can be harmful, so keep the quantity in check.
Let these healthy alternatives sweeten up your day!
&nbsp;

They are beige, a little funny looking and literally from the fungus family. People are often put off by mushrooms but they are actually the definition of somethin

They are beige, a little funny looking and literally from the fungus family. People are often put off by mushrooms&nbsp;but they are actually the definition of something that shouldn&rsquo;t be judged by its cover. Mushrooms are essentially the&nbsp;umbrella-shaped fruiting body (or&nbsp;sporophore) of certain fungi.&nbsp;&nbsp;
From button, oyster and porcini to enoki and shiitake, mushrooms&nbsp;impart a unique&nbsp;savoury&nbsp;flavour to dishes from many cuisines.&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re not convinced yet, here are some more reasons to give&nbsp;mushrooms a chance!&nbsp;&nbsp;
Only&nbsp;vegan&nbsp;food source of vitamin D&nbsp;
Mushrooms contain&nbsp;a substance called ergosterol, which converts into vitamin D upon exposure to&nbsp;ultraviolet (UV) light. This makes the fungus our only known vegan food source of this sunshine vitamin.&nbsp;The amount of vitamin D in a variety of&nbsp;mushroom depends on how long they&rsquo;ve been&nbsp;exposed to UV light.&nbsp;
They&nbsp;are a great meat&nbsp;replacement
Thanks to their earthy and umami kind of flavour, many mushrooms taste quite&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;meat.&nbsp;Instead of using meat or tofu&nbsp;in your cooking, you can make dishes that hero mushrooms for a lighter but still delicious meal.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Great source of B vitamins&nbsp;&nbsp;
These bell-shaped fungi are also a great&nbsp;source&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;B vitamins:&nbsp;riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.&nbsp;This vitamin group is great for heart health, helping in cell growth, maintenance of the digestive and&nbsp;nervous&nbsp;system.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Versatile and easy to cook&nbsp;
They might look intimidating but mushrooms are generally quite easy to clean and cook. Wash them under running water and&nbsp;quickly saut&eacute; them in the pan. You can even eat them raw or simmer them in soups over low heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
They are weight loss-friendly&nbsp;
Being&nbsp;about 80 to&nbsp;90 per cent water and basically free of any fat or cholesterol, mushrooms can be a great addition to your diet if you&rsquo;re trying to watch your weight. They are very low on calories and contain decent amounts of&nbsp;fibre&nbsp;and various nutrients.&nbsp;
So, feel free to experiment with some mushrooms in your regular diet. Just make sure you buy them from a trustworthy store!&nbsp;

International Yoga Day 2021: Since the declaration made on December 11 in 2014, by the UNGA, June 21st has annually been celebrated as the International Day of Yoga.

<h3>International Day of Yoga 2021:</h3>
Since the declaration made on December 11 in 2014, by the United Nations General Assembly, June 21st has annually been celebrated as the International Day of Yoga.
Originated in India, Yoga is known as an age-old tradition that helps achieve physical, mental and spiritual harmony. The day aims to &ldquo;raise awareness about the many benefits of practicing yoga.&rdquo;
This year the day is marked by the theme, &ldquo;Yoga for well-being.&rdquo; The day comes at a time when people the world over are suffering at the hands of the pandemic. Apart from affecting the physical health of people, the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions have affected the mental health of people.&nbsp;
People have taken up Yoga in order to stay healthy and be able to fight anxiety and depression. As expressed by the United Nations in a statement, <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/does-yoga-help-do-we-need-a-double-mask-dr-naresh-trehan-answers-1619436580479" target="_blank">yoga</a> is "playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in quarantine and isolation."
So, no matter what part of the world you are in, do not forget to hit the mat and practise some yoga!

Father's Day 2021: The ongoing pandemic and consequent lockdown may have thrown several restrictions into our lives, but it won’t stop us from celebrating Father’s Day.

Father's Day 2021:&nbsp;The ongoing pandemic and consequent lockdown may have thrown several restrictions into our lives, but it won&rsquo;t stop us from celebrating <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/father-s-day-2021-movies-that-portray-the-father-child-relationship-1624163216456" target="_blank">Father&rsquo;s Day</a> this year! Whether you live with him or are in two different cities, there are ways in which you can make this day feel extra special for your dad.
So, to make this Father&rsquo;s Day a bit more memorable amidst the coronavirus crisis, we bring to you some fun, enjoyable and creative ideas that will surely leave a smile on your father&rsquo;s face.
<h3>COOK HIM HIS FAVOURITE MEAL</h3>
Whether it is a chocolate cake or a hot pot of noodles, this is that one day when you must put on the apron and whip up your father&rsquo;s favourite meal. If you are not in the same city, then home delivery from his favourite restaurant will do wonders.
<h3>MOVIE NIGHT</h3>
A movie with a bowl of popcorn is a great combination to make the day special. You can either pick up his favourite film or a tv show and enjoy some quality time together. If the two of you are not under the same roof, then you can use apps to stream &amp; watch it at the same time.
<h3>GAME NIGHT</h3>
Even though you can&rsquo;t go out, you can still move around and enjoy a game or two inside your house or in your backyard. Be it a game of croquet or scrabble or online car racing, this will definitely prove to be a time full of giggles and laughter.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/father-s-day-2021-bollywood-celebs-shower-love-on-their-fathers-1624171399471" target="_blank">Father&rsquo;s Day 2021: Bollywood celebs&nbsp;shower love on their fathers</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/father-s-day-2021-bollywood-celebs-shower-love-on-their-fathers-1624171399471" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>
<h3>GIFTING GUIDE</h3>
Whether it is a new wallet or a gadget, getting your father something that he wants or doesn&rsquo;t have will go a long way in making the day special. It will act as a keepsake that will remind you of this day for years to come. If you live far away, then online deliveries can come to the rescue.
<h3>SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME</h3>
Nothing warms a father&rsquo;s heart more than you spending some quality time with him. Ask him about his health, his work, go through your photo albums or tell him how much you love him. This simple act is full of warmth and love!
These ideas and activities are very easy to manage, so dive into a planning session right away!
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/father-s-day-2021-movies-that-portray-the-father-child-relationship-1624163216456" target="_blank">Father's Day 2021: Movies that portray the father-child relationship</a>

The rate or rhythm at which your heart beats is often taken lightly or is left unnoticed by many. Arrhythmia is a disorder that affects your heart’s rhythm.

The rate or rhythm at which your heart beats is often taken lightly or is left unnoticed by many. Arrhythmia is a disorder that affects your heart&rsquo;s rhythm, it may beat too slowly, too quickly or irregularly.
As part of the World Heart Rhythm Week 2021 (7 &ndash; 13 June), Arrhythmia Alliance, a national charity in the UK is "calling for everyone to listen to their heart and get to know their heart rhythm and not just the heart rate".
There are many types of arrhythmia but the most common is atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal. Atrial&nbsp;fibrillation can lead to a stroke or even to heart failure in some cases.&nbsp;
According to Arrhythmia Alliance, "one simple check to listen to the <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-heart-tends-to-shrink-in-space-new-study-finds-out-1617097182751" target="_blank">heart</a> rhythm, to see if it is regular or irregular, can help detect potential Atrial Fibrillation". You can check your pulse either manually or through several&nbsp;apps&nbsp;on your phone. Once diagnosed, there are treatments and therapies available that can help prevent strokes and heart failure.
Some of the symptoms of arrhythmia as highlighted by the NHS, UK, include palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting and being short of breath, but these may not always mean you have a heart rhythm problem. It is important to check your heart rhythm and consult your doctor.&nbsp;Some of the common triggers are viral illness, alcohol, tobacco and drinks containing caffeine.
Living with an abnormal heart rhythm can be challenging. It is important to follow a <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-world-heart-day-docs-urge-everyone-to-have-a-healthy-lifestyle-1601356401719" target="_blank">healthy lifestyle</a> and manage anxiety or stress.
&nbsp;

Uncovering the not-so-pretty side of makeup products, a new scientific investigation finds that makeup wearers may be absorbing and ingesting potentially toxi

Uncovering the not-so-pretty side of makeup products, a new scientific investigation finds&nbsp;that&nbsp;makeup wearers may be absorbing and ingesting potentially toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances&nbsp;or&nbsp;PFAS.&nbsp;
These chemicals have been linked to serious health harms, from cancer&nbsp;and&nbsp;obesity to&nbsp;birth defects, lower immunity and&nbsp;hormone disruption.&nbsp;Also called &lsquo;forever chemicals,&rsquo; PFAS do not naturally break down.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The American&nbsp;peer-reviewed&nbsp;study&nbsp;discovered &ldquo;high&rdquo; levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of PFAS, in more than half of the 231 makeup and personal care&nbsp;products&nbsp;studied. The sample&nbsp;included&nbsp;products like&nbsp;lipsticks, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, concealer, lip balm, blush, nail polish&nbsp;and other products from big brands such as&nbsp;L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al,&nbsp;Ulta, Mac, Cover Girl, Clinique, Maybelline,&nbsp;Smashbox,&nbsp;Nars, Est&eacute;e Lauder amongst others.&nbsp;&nbsp;
However, the research team did not clarify&nbsp;which&nbsp;brands&nbsp;were using these toxic products to avoid &lsquo;picking on&rsquo; specific&nbsp;companies.&nbsp;Offering some clues,&nbsp;the study found fluorine was often present in products advertised as &ldquo;wear-resistant&rdquo;, &ldquo;long-lasting&rdquo; and &ldquo;waterproof.&rdquo;&nbsp;The most common culprits were&nbsp;waterproof mascara (with PFAS in&nbsp;82% of all products tested), foundations (63%) and liquid lipstick (62%).&nbsp;
Apart from ingesting via lip products, PFAS may be absorbed through the skin and tear ducts.&nbsp;What&rsquo;s&nbsp;worse, the majority of products with high fluorine, including those confirmed to have PFAS&nbsp;did not list these chemicals on the&nbsp;label&nbsp;making it nearly impossible for people to avoid them even if they read the labels.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters, the lead author of the study explained that PFAS are not necessary for makeup and given their large potential for harm, they should not be used in personal care products.&nbsp;

Imagine this, you go to bed and fall asleep the minute your head touches the pillow. Seems a little unrealistic, right? Millennials tend to remain on the brink of exhau

Imagine this, you go to bed and fall asleep the minute your head touches the pillow. Seems a little unrealistic, right?&nbsp;Millennials tend to remain on the brink of exhaustion the entire day, yet find it hard to fall asleep at night. In fact, so much so, that exhaustion and sleep deprivation has become a popular meme trend on the internet. While we laugh and find them relatable, it's important to think about the reality&nbsp;behind the joke.&nbsp;
We stay up all night or we sleep later than we ought to and we end up feeling exhausted all the time. Mindlessly scrolling through the phone on social media platforms, binge watching web shows or working till the wee hours of the morning. The vicious cycle of sleep deprivation continues, taking a serious toll on our health.&nbsp;To understand this further, let&rsquo;s take a look at some risks which arise from a lack of proper sleep.
<h3>1) Increased risk of cancer</h3>
John Hopkins Medicine reported that working overnight reduces our melatonin level which encourages the growth of cancer cells. Lack of sleep reportedly reduces 70% of our cancer killing cells, thereby putting us at a higher risk.
<h3>2) <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/wfh-improves-mental-health-worsens-work-relationships-survey-1610973447312" target="_blank">Mental Health</a> issues</h3>
An important reason behind sleep deprivation may be stress and anxiety, according to an article by Harvard Medical School. This makes us unsteady, irritable and keeps us anxious through the day. In the long run, this can potentially lead to major mental health issues.
<h3>3) Higher chances of obesity</h3>
A research by National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that when we do not get adequate sleep, our body&rsquo;s metabolism fails to regulate itself. Chronic&nbsp;partial sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Being low on energy, food with higher sugar level attracts us, which is another reason for weight gain.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/too-much-too-little-sleep-linked-to-increased-heart-disease-risk-study-1620645250720" target="_blank">Too much, too little sleep linked to increased heart disease risk: study</a>
<h3>4) Poor work performance</h3>
If we do not get a good night&rsquo;s sleep, it will surely hamper our performance at work. Due to a lack of rest, the functional capacity of our mind gets affected. This leads to delay in work progress, and an increase in anxiety and stress as well.
So, here&rsquo;s a simple piece of advice. Make sleep a priority! Work, Instagram and Netflix can wait for the next day. Instead, take a shower and read a book before going to bed. These habits will have a positive impact on your<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/new-ai-algorithm-to-diagnose-and-treat-sleep-disorders-find-out-1623745309782" target="_blank"> sleep quality</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The ketogenic or keto diet has found many followers in the last few years, who tout its benefits for weight loss and lifestyle diseases. However, it is often

The ketogenic or keto diet has found many followers in the last few years, who tout&nbsp;its benefits for weight loss and lifestyle diseases. However,&nbsp;it is often argued that&nbsp;the high-fat, high-protein and low-carb&nbsp;keto&nbsp;diet can be&nbsp;very&nbsp;restrictive&nbsp;and may&nbsp;be hard to follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This has given birth to a relatively new phenomenon called the&nbsp;&lsquo;lazy keto&rsquo;&nbsp;diet. An offshoot&nbsp;of the regular keto,&nbsp;the lazy version does not require you to dramatically increase the proportion of fats in your daily <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/pcos-diet-these-are-the-foods-to-eat-and-to-avoid-1622113467742" target="_blank">diet</a>.&nbsp;You do have to limit your carbohydrate intake to around 10 per cent of your total daily calories.&nbsp;
<h2>Regular Keto vs Lazy Keto&nbsp;</h2>
Someone on a regular keto would&nbsp;get&nbsp;up to 60 per cent of their calories from fats, 30 to 35 per cent from protein and 5 to 10 per cent from carbs. Whereas, a lazy or dirty keto follower&nbsp;may only focus on cutting back on carbs to below 10 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>What are the main criticisms of lazy keto?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>While some research has been done for regular keto&rsquo;s benefits and claims, there exists no scientific research backing the weight loss claims of&nbsp;&lsquo;dirty keto&rsquo; lovers.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The lack of guidelines on the other two macronutrients, fats and protein, makes lazy keto easier but&nbsp;it may&nbsp;also be its downfall. Not monitoring other food groups may actually prevent you from entering ketosis, which was the whole point of the diet.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Lazy keto might open the doors for poor-quality fats. Given the flexibility on fat and protein, people&nbsp;might opt for packaged and processed foods that don&rsquo;t provide adequate micronutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Ultimately, the lazy keto might help your body&nbsp;burn fat&nbsp;instead of carbs for energy but its long-term negative health effects might actually not be worth the trouble.&nbsp;So, we&rsquo;ll advise you to consult your doctor before making any big dietary changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/diet-versus-exercise-expert-advice-on-weight-loss-1568716295192" target="_blank">Diet versus exercise: expert advice on weight loss</a>

Autistic Pride Day is observed each year on June 18 to respect the rights of people suffering from autism. Autistic people are often subject to human rights violations,

Autistic Pride Day is observed each year on June 18 to respect the rights of people with autism. Autistic people are often subject to human rights violations, discrimination and stigma. This day and World&nbsp;Day for Autism&nbsp;Awareness are marked to stop such discrimination.
Autism begins during <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/childhood-trauma-linked-with-heart-disease-in-middle-age-study-1588250670848" target="_blank">childhood</a> and tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood. It&nbsp;refers to a neurological developmental disability that affects the processing of information in the brain. It also affects communication and the ability to interact socially. The causes of this disorder are not fully understood and the effect it has on people varies, as its symptoms and characteristics appear in a variety of combinations.
The first Autistic Pride Day was celebrated in Brazil in the year 2005. The day was hosted by an organisation named Aspies for Freedom (AFF). The people who started this were autistic themselves. This day&nbsp;is&nbsp;represented&nbsp;by&nbsp;a rainbow infinity symbol&nbsp;that signifies the diversity&nbsp;of autistic people and the&nbsp;infinite possibilities&nbsp;and&nbsp;variations&nbsp;within the autistic community.

The good, the bad and the plain weird... dreams are an intriguing phenomenon that puzzle and intrigue many. In fact, weird dreams seem to be having quite a bi

The good, the bad and the plain weird... dreams are an intriguing phenomenon that puzzle and intrigue many. In fact,&nbsp;weird&nbsp;dreams seem to be having quite a big year&nbsp;as proven by a&nbsp;mysterious&nbsp;spike&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Google query, &ldquo;why am I having weird dreams&rdquo; in April 2021.&nbsp;
The question has naturally also piqued the interest of&nbsp;neuroscientists who have&nbsp;now&nbsp;discovered that strange dreams actually serve an important purpose in your <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/don-t-try-to-be-a-khatron-ke-khiladi-in-real-life-rohit-shetty-after-taking-covid-jab-1617281580114" target="_blank">real life</a>.&nbsp;As weird and illogical as they may seem, such dreams&nbsp;help the brain understand daily experiences in a deeper way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The&nbsp;study, published recently in Cell,&nbsp;was&nbsp;led by&nbsp;neuroscientist Erik Hoel who said that our brain is so great at learning that it is always at the risk&nbsp;of oversimplifying or becoming &lsquo;overfitted.&rsquo; Life can be pretty&nbsp;standard sometimes and so, our weird dreams keep&nbsp;us&nbsp;from becoming too fitted to the model of the world, explained&nbsp;Hoel.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Comparing the human brain to <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/new-ai-algorithm-to-diagnose-and-treat-sleep-disorders-find-out-1623745309782" target="_blank">artificial intelligence</a>, Hoel&nbsp;suggested that&nbsp;reading fiction may also have&nbsp;same&nbsp;the hallucinatory effect&nbsp;as that of&nbsp;funky&nbsp;dreams.&nbsp;While you can&rsquo;t induce weird <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/when-dreams-come-true-don-t-complain-juhi-chawla-with-sadhguru-1621843538884" target="_blank">dreams</a>, you could read&nbsp;fiction novels&nbsp;to&nbsp;rescue your brain from&nbsp;the sameness of life!

When Bhumi Pednekar appears on screen in obviously darkening makeup, playing a pivotal role in a film about social beauty standards, it is sure to r

When&nbsp;Bhumi&nbsp;Pednekar&nbsp;appears on screen in obviously darkening makeup, playing&nbsp;a pivotal role in a film about social beauty standards, it is sure to raise some eyebrows. Especially portraying a character proud of her 'dark complexion', you can't ignore the irony of Latika's brownface in Bala.
But when Tamilian, Samantha Akkineni, who plays the indomitable&nbsp;Raji in Family Man 2, dons the infamous brownface&nbsp;for a Tamil character... the boundaries of political correctness are a bit more blurred.
Can you term a fair-skinned Tamilian playing a darkened Tamil character racism?&nbsp;
Whether it's brownface, blackface or yellowface...if it is not your skin colour, you should probably not be wearing it. But where do you draw the line in a country that has a historic obsession with <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/explained-re-branding-of-fairness-products-1593843829868" target="_blank">fairness</a> creams and skin whiteners? Isn't the&nbsp;whitewash&nbsp;just as problematic?&nbsp;
Bollywood has always been criticised for reinforcing the fair skin obsession. In fact, a 2021 study employed artificial intelligence to confirm this bias. The researchers from&nbsp;Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the US used a fill-in-the-blank exercise to check how an algorithm used to study 500 Hindi films would fill in the sentence: "A beautiful woman should have [BLANK] skin." Unsurprisingly, the predictive text always picked the term 'fair'.
Arguably, Raji's browning could be chalked up to just bad makeup that made her face go from tamarind to near turmeric across different scenes. But the problems with brown or blackface run much deeper.
In as early as the 19th century, white actors slapped on black paint to play demeaning caricatures in the name of black characters for white audiences. And sadly, racial stereotyping in cinema through makeup, language, accents and fashion has sustained itself to this day.
If you were to raise a shade card to the top actors in Bollywood, you'd be hard-pressed to find much colour, culture or even size diversity. And this is in a country with possibly the most diverse and colourful population. This highlights the much bigger problem of discrimination and inequality in the industry.&nbsp;
It is important to remember that the issue of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/dumb-thing-to-do-brownface-pic-leaves-trudeau-red-faced-1568860297766" target="_blank">brownface </a>isn't just the unpalatable characters reinforcing dehumanising stereotypes. It is also the fact that even while representing the community, the members of the said community itself have been denied the opportunity to tell their story.
Like Bollywood, the fashion and beauty industry is also notorious for sometimes lightening and other times darkening the skin tones of people in their ads. Although visibility has massively improved in the last few years, it is still rare to see people with a naturally dark complexion or regular-sized waists at the forefront in popular media.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/explained-bollywood-s-brownface-syndrome-and-why-its-problematic-1623264054363" target="_blank">Bollywood's Brownface syndrome and why its problematic</a>
Simply put, if we can be angry at Gucci for selling a desi kurta for 2.5 lakhs&nbsp;rupees or putting a white model in a Sikh turban, it doesn't bode well for us to be doing the same to our own people.
Representation matters but not when you're wrongfully profiting off of a culture or people by turning them into a costume!

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, reported that myopia in children aged between 6 to 13 increased up to three times in the year 2020. On average, children were m

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, reported that myopia in children aged between 6 to 13 increased up to three times in the year 2020. On average, children were more shortsighted by -0.3 diopters.
Researchers analysed nearly 195,000 test results from school vision screenings collected over six years. They found that not only does myopia appear to be worsening, it seems to be more prevalent too. Only 5.7% of children were found to have myopia from 2015 to 2019; last year, that jumped to 21.5%.
Myopia is the most common ocular disorder and a leading cause of visual impairment in children. High myopia can cause serious retinal damage that can lead to blindness. As per <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/delta-variant-who-names-covid-19-strain-first-found-in-india-1622481606025" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>, it is estimated to affect 52% of the world population by 2050.
According to researchers, home confinement during <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/india-devastated-by-covid-china-must-pay-up-donald-trump-1623982982835" target="_blank">Covid </a>and reduced outdoor activity is associated with worsening eyesight. Those hoping to keep their myopia from worsening, should follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/pandemic-outbreak-delhi-mumbai-top-2-in-hazard-index-1623206218198" target="_blank">Pandemic outbreak: Delhi, Mumbai top 2 in hazard index</a>

Secondhand Smoke is “the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers”

A new study presented at the Annual European Congress&nbsp;of Rheumatology suggests that secondhand smoke exposure in both childhood and adulthood is linked with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women.
But what is secondhand smoke? As per the Centres for Disease and Control, secondhand smoke is &ldquo;the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/are-smokers-more-likely-to-get-coronavirus-boom-1597421566051" target="_blank">smokers</a>&rdquo;.
The study included 79,806 women, around the age of 49, out of which 698 women developed rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed approximately 12 years after the study began in 1990. The association&nbsp;was primarily observed amongst never-smoking women. It was also found that about 13.5 percent of women reported exposure to cigarette smoke as children and 53.6 percent reported being exposed to smoking as adults. What was further observed is that an overall 58.9 percent had secondhand exposure in either adulthood or childhood and 8.25 percent had both.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/smoking-weed-is-not-good-for-the-heart-study-1596695819049" target="_blank">Smoking weed is not good for the heart: study</a>
The result of the study highlighted that &ldquo;smoking by-products, whether actively or passively inhaled, could generate autoimmunity, at least towards antigens involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis&rdquo;.
The need of the hour is to avoid <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/smoking-linked-to-higher-risk-of-covid-19-symptoms-study-1610020882217" target="_blank">smoking</a> for the betterment of not just one&rsquo;s own health but also of those around them. If nothing else then passive smoking must definitely be avoided.

Most of the adults working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic do not have a proper work station available. The houses usually lack the space to accommodate the

Most of the adults working from home during the <a href="https://www.editorji.com/covid-19" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> pandemic do not have a proper work station available. The houses usually&nbsp;lack the space to accommodate the ergonomic office setup. And even if the space is available, people do not invest in it and end up working on a makeshift setting. This leads to sitting in unfit postures for hours, which results in a sore neck, backache and over all discomfort.
This can be fixed, but can only be fixed by you. Follow these tips to ensure that your body is not awkwardly bent or twisted while working. And make the conscious effort to straighten your back please!
Tip 1: Always sit back in your chair
When the lower back is supported by the chair, your upper body weight gets shifted to the chair. If your chair does not have a good lumbar support, you can use a cushion or folded towel behind your lower back. This support device should help maintain a good posture.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Tip 2: Minimize working from your bed
Sometimes we tend to be lazy and end up working from our beds with the support of a few pillows and cushions behind our back. The legs remain crossed or extended horizontally, acting as a support for your laptop. This not only affects your neck and back, but affects your vision as well, because the laptop is too low for optimal screen viewing. If the bed is your only available option while <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/pwc-embraces-wfh-beyond-pandemic-says-start-when-you-like-leave-when-you-like-1617259388760" target="_blank">working from home</a>, use proper back support and a low table for the laptop.
Tip 3: Keep your screen at eye level
Screens that are too low or high can strain your neck and eyes. In an optimal situation, the top of your computer&rsquo;s screen should be no more than 2 inches above your eye level. If the screen is at a lower level, then placing a stack of books below is an easy way to adjust the height.
Tip 4: Your feet should touch the floor or the foot rest
Do not let your feet dangle in the air as the pressure falls on your thighs which restricts blood flow to your lower legs and feet. So, ensure your feet get the base support they need.
Tip 5: Take regular breaks
It is important that you get up from your seated position and walk around a bit. This is because sitting for longer durations might reduce blood flow and cause muscle fatigue. To avoid this, it is essential to take breaks in between, move away from the work station and get the blood flowing thoroughly. You can also do some shoulder shrugs and calf movements to relax the tensed muscles.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/google-unveils-post-pandemic-policy-allows-more-flexibility-to-work-from-home-1620266812206" target="_blank">Google unveils post pandemic policy, allows more flexibility to work from home</a>

Yeast is an important ingredient while making any kind of bread. Be it a pizza base, cinnamon rolls or even a regular loaf of bread, they all need yeast to become soft

Yeast is an important ingredient while making any kind of bread. Be it a pizza base, cinnamon rolls or even a regular loaf of bread, they all need yeast to become soft and fluffy. While there are several types of edible yeast, today we will be talking about the one used specifically for baking purposes. In simple kitchen terms, it is called nutritional yeast.
It is sold in powdery form, which when mixed with water and sugar, gets activated. It creates carbon dioxide bubbles, and when the concoction is mixed in the flour, those bubbles get trapped in it. This results in expansion and causes the dough to rise overtime. Doesn&rsquo;t it look amazing? This process of rising is called leavening.
Now, in case you do not have yeast while baking, you will be glad to know that there are substitutes which can also make your bread fluffy. Here are three substitutes&nbsp;that you can get your hands on.&nbsp;
Baking Powder
It can be found in any bakers&rsquo; kitchen. An absolute must in most recipes, even this creates the leavening effect in dough. It reacts instantly when exposed to heat and liquid, but not to the same extent as yeast.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/these-foods-may-be-aggravating-your-skin-acne-1607242339223" target="_blank">These foods may be aggravating your skin acne!</a>
Baking soda and acid
Adding any acid in the equal ratio to baking soda can also make your dough fluffy.&nbsp;By acid, we mean lemon juice, buttermilk or diluted vinegar. For exact ratio substitution, use 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of acid to replace 2 teaspoons of yeast.
Sourdough starter
The&nbsp;purpose&nbsp;of the&nbsp;starter&nbsp;is to produce a vigorous leaven and to develop the flavour of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/move-over-banana-bread-people-are-now-baking-froggy-bread-1589458754270" target="_blank">bread</a>. This contains naturally occurring yeast. Made from flour and water, it has a slightly tangy flavor from the natural fermentation process. Once fermented in around 5 days, it is a fine substitute for yeast.
So there you go! You can now get your hands to knead some soft dough and become a baker yourself!

Cereals are the centerpiece of a healthy breakfast and you have to be quite picky to find the healthiest options. The breakfast cereal aisle at the grocery store i

Cereals are the centerpiece of a healthy breakfast and you have to be quite picky&nbsp;to find the healthiest options. The <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-is-what-americans-love-eating-for-breakfast-1563873838339" target="_blank">breakfast</a> cereal aisle at the grocery store is loaded with colourful boxes featuring cute characters to attract kids (and sometimes adults too!) Many of them are tagged with claims such as 'whole-grains' or 'low-sugar' aimed to reassure adults. But, how do you decide which ones are healthy and which ones are not?
Always look for the Nutrition Facts label on the side or back of the package. This is where you'll find all the information you need regarding the sugar, fiber, vitamin and mineral content, along with the entire ingredients list.
Here are some tips that&rsquo;ll help you choose the best cereal.
Look for whole grains
Look over the ingredients list for the word 'whole' attached to the first ingredient like whole oats, whole wheat etc. These whole grains will provide fiber as well as a small amount of protein, while processed grains will not. If the first listed ingredient is flour, you may be dealing with a highly processed cereal.
Choose high fiber cereals
Having a good proportion of fiber for <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/need-a-breakfast-idea-try-this-viral-pancake-cereal-recipe-1588598259860" target="_blank">breakfast</a> will help you get the right amount you need each day. Choose a cereal that is high in fiber or at least has 5 grams per serving. You'll find the most fiber in cereals such as shredded wheat, oat cereals, puffed wheat and bran cereals.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/breakfast-is-king-here-s-why-you-must-never-skip-it-1609486953691" target="_blank">Breakfast is king, here's why you must never skip it</a>
Keep sugar and fat in check
Do you know that one serving of some cereals has as much sugar as three chocolate chip cookies? Steer clear of processed grains, sugars and fat. Look for brands that have 10 grams or less sugar per serving.
Pay attention to portions
The serving size of cereal can vary from 1/2 cup to more than one cup and most people eat more than that. Aim for a cereal that has 200 calories or less per serving. Use a measuring cup to keep yourself honest and stick to the recommended serving size.
Ingredients to avoid
You must avoid cereals that contain artificial flavours and high amounts of sodium. It's always better to add fresh fruits to your cereal in order&nbsp;to provide natural flavours.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/ice-cream-dosa-for-breakfast-anyone-1582367185184" target="_blank">Ice-cream dosa for breakfast anyone?</a>

In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Computer Science have collaborated with the Danish Center for Sleep Medicine to develop an

In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Computer Science have collaborated with the Danish Center for Sleep Medicine to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm, that can improve diagnoses and treatments of sleep disorders.
Difficulty sleeping, sleep apnea and narcolepsy are among a range of sleep disorders that people suffer from. Today's sleep disorder examination takes a lot of time, the new<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/artificial-intelligence-predicts-suicide-attempt-risk-everything-you-need-to-know-plop-info-1617456025297" target="_blank"> AI algorithm</a> will be able to do the job in seconds. By saving many hours of work, many more patients can be assessed and diagnosed effectively.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-artificial-intelligence-sensor-could-help-scientists-study-sleep-1608979758815" target="_blank">This Artificial Intelligence sensor could help scientists study sleep</a>
Researchers were able to ensure optimal functionality of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-artificial-intelligence-sensor-could-help-scientists-study-sleep-1608979758815" target="_blank">AI</a>, by collecting data from a variety of sources. The algorithm will serve to help doctors and researchers around the world to learn more about sleep disorders in the future. The team is working with Danish physicians to get the software and algorithm approved for clinical use.

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