That question came to me suddenly yesterday as I was looking for journals to publish a research paper. Not as a critique. Not even as a complaint. More like a quiet hit. We live in a time where almost nobody including me reads the full paper anymore. Not the 30 pages of dense text, not the appendices, not even the abstract. We feed the PDF into LLMs, and it spits out exactly what we need. A summary. Key takeaways or outcomes. The time it takes to truly read something. Efficiently replaced.
It saves time. It gives access. We don’t need a PhD to understand something anymore. It teaches as if we are kids. Feynman saying, IYKYK. More tailored prompts are required. Mostly, LLMs are the first to reach a paper. It digest the content, chunk it, and deliver it clean and neat to the rest of us.
But then, Who are we writing for?
Because the old idea was simple. Publish, get cited, gain credibility, contribute to the field. But now, LLMs doesn’t care if your paper was published in Nature or some unknown journal. It doesn’t care about your impact factor or your h-index. It just reads. It pulls based on what’s relevant to the query.
Are we not writing for people, but for LLMs? I am not sure, whether we reached there yet. If that’s true, then the journal isn’t the final destination anymore. The model is.
LLMs are brilliant at summarizing. They are terrifyingly bad at connecting dots. But do they know when not to apply a finding? Does it understand the context? Do they know that a study on a small sample in a specific geography isn’t the applicable to all studies?
It is weird to notice that the research paper are evolving from a final product to a kind of raw material. So yeah. Who will read the research papers? Maybe no one. Maybe everyone. Or maybe just the machines. But some part of me still wonders what happens when no one reads the original anymore. Just layers of summaries, passed through models until the real voice gets lost.
Are we adding to a library, or just feeding a machine? Maybe both. Maybe that’s not as bad as it sounds. But someone should be asking, before we forget what it felt like to truly read.
Cheers!
PS: Yet to submit & even the pronouns are blurring for LLMs.
Past few months, something’s been bothering me. A small fight not with anyone else, but between my brain and my gut. My brain has been making plans, solving things, analyzing every step. But my gut? It just quietly says, No or Yes. No drama. Just a feeling of calmness or anxiety. Sometimes, that gut feeling was right. Sometimes, my brain saved me. Not sure whether should let one ride over the other or just collab.
Out of dumb scrolling, read a Tesla quote
If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.
I didn’t really get it back then. But now? I’m trying to understand what he meant. I am a science person more of into biology then physics. So, its quite new.
Like, sometimes I walk into a room or meet someone, and suddenly feel either calm or my energy lifts up or totally restless. At first, I thought I was imagining it. But it kept happening. Around some people, I feel grounded. Around others, I feel like I’m carrying their storm. Like I’m tuning into their radio frequency without even realizing.
Even yesterday, while watching The Bear, I saw the same thing. One of the characters (Richie?), he walks in and the whole room changes. Everyone gets stressed. He doesn’t even have to say much. That’s when I randomly started reading about this thing called the heart’s electromagnetic field. Noticing the dots.
Turns out, our heart actually sends out energy. The HeartMath Institute says our heart creates a field that goes about 1 to 3 meters outside the body. And people around us can actually pick up on that even if they don’t know it. Adding a second layer which is gut brain axis. Basically, our gut and brain are always talking. That’s why when you’re nervous, your stomach flips. Or when you meet someone off, your stomach feels tight before your PFC even figures it out.
But evolution made things tricky. The amygdala, the brain’s panic button or the alarm system can hijack everything. It can mask down the part of your brain that sees the full picture. So even if your gut knows, your brain might ignore it. That’s why we miss the signs our body gives.
Interestingly, monks and yogis knew all this way before science. Maybe this is what they’ve been trying to teach all along to slow down, breathe, and listen to the body. Because when you breathe deeply and slowly, the vagus nerve gets activated, which connects your brain to your gut. It tells your body that you’re safe, calms your system down, and lets your gut handle both food and feelings better. They always spoke about lowering the mental noise, entering that peaceful state (like theta or even gamma), and letting the body speak again.
Right now, I’m not saying I have all the answers. My mind still runs in loops. But I’m starting to feel that my gut isn’t just reacting randomly. It’s wise. It’s picking up signals. It remembers what my brain forgets.
Not sure yet. I might be wrong. Maybe I’m just starting to notice the dots and someday, they’ll connect into something clearer.
Ending this with Einstein quote,
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.
Disclaimer: Based on a conversation with AI, podcast and articles.
We live in a time where having a child is not just an emotional or biological decision. It has become a philosophical one. And slowly, it is becoming a technological one too.
This blog came from a late-night conversation I had with AI. I was wondering and thinking about something that sounds strange but is slowly becoming real. Will people still want to have babies in the future, or will we choose something else?
We are already seeing a major shift in how the world is reproducing. Global population growth is slowing down especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and many. These are developed nations with high education and better healthcare systems. But still, their birth rates are dropping fast.
This is not a random trend. It’s closely linked to lifestyle and access. Studies clearly show that the more educated and career-focused people become, the fewer children they have. On the other hand, birth rates are still high among struggling or religious communities where children are seen as support or blessings not as a cost or choice.
#Wider Reproduction Gap
People with higher income and better access to healthcare now delay childbirth or avoid it altogether. Many freeze their eggs just in case. IVF is no longer just about solving infertility. It’s about timing and conditions of health.
We already have technologies that allow screening of embryos for genetic diseases. Soon, this might expand into picking embryos based on traits like intelligence, appearance, or emotional stability. Designer babies may not be a sci-fi fantasy for long. Possibilities! Cloning or growing babies in artificial wombs may follow.
Reproduction is becoming a planned, optimized process especially for the people with better resources.
#Cognitive Speed: Humans vs AI
While all this is happening, artificial intelligence is evolving at an exponential pace. A human child takes years to speak, understand emotions, build logic, and make decisions. AI, on the other hand, learns in seconds, improves overnight, and never forgets.
This brings a serious question! How will the next generation of human children keep up in a world where machines are already faster, smarter, and more efficient? Am I speaking like Bryan Johnson? Lol!
Some elite groups may try to solve this mismatch using tools like Neuralink or brain-machine interfaces (I heard this someone speaking in a podcast). If that happens, parenting might involve not just raising a child but upgrading them to stay relevant in a machine-dominated world. We don’t know if that’s good or bad. But we do know it’s a possible path.
#Two Different Baby Worlds
There will still be people who give birth the natural way without egg freezing, without gene editing, without AI tutors. That population may continue to grow, especially in lower-income regions. Children will still be born in large numbers where tech access is low, and cultural or religious values remain strong.
At the same time, tech enhanced reproduction may become common among the rest. Their families might be smaller, later, more customized, and possibly raised with the help of AI co-parents or robot nannies.
Over time, the world (possibilities maybe )could split into two parenting realities:
Resourceful families: one frozen embryo, one AI child, maybe Neuralink-enhanced, raised in a curated environment.
Natural families: multiple children, minimal tech, growing up in traditional settings.
This isn’t about who’s right or wrong. But the gap between these two worlds might become hard to ignore. Please read the disclaimer again.
We are entering an age where parenting is no longer just about love, survival, or tradition. It’s also about resources, access, cognitive speed, and the ability to prepare a child for a tech heavy future. I am not sure where this going to be. Some people will still choose to raise children the old way with mess, joy, and unpredictability.
Others may step back and ask: Is it worth it? Can a machine meet my emotional needs instead? Would I rather leave behind a product, a system, or a brain-print instead of a person?
The future won’t be childless. But it will look very different from anything we’ve seen so far.
End of conversation with AI, as battery drained (both me and the phone)
Hoping that AI helps solve the problems of life not remove humans as if we’re the problem (:P). I hope future generations still have both the easy and the hard problems to solve and find the meaning!
The Neelakurinji flower, blooming every twelve years, holds ecological and cultural significance, especially in Tamil literature, while facing climate change threats.
3–5 minutes
Last week was fun but it was like a learning session. I heard of this Kurinji flower but haven’t witnessed it. It is called Kurinji or Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) , found along the Western Ghats of India. It is a shrub, grown mostly on the grasslands. They bloom once in twelve years. Once they bloom, you see a burst of blue (kind of of purplish tint) across the mountains. The bloom of Neelakurinji is more than just a visual spectacle but it holds deep ecological and cultural significance, especially in Tamil literature and history.
#Tamil Literature
Neelakurinji has deep roots in Tamil culture and literature. During the Sangam period, the landscape was classified into five regions (known as Thinai)—Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forests), Marutham (agricultural lands), Neithal (coastal areas), and Palai (desert). Maybe named because of the flower. I still remember studying the table which these different landscapes and its characteristic for my Tamil exam. These flower is not just a part of nature but a symbol of their heritage too.
As we know the bloom cycle of the Neelakurinji happens once every 12 years, it was sometimes used as a reference for measure time and age. The ancient community people (Paliyan tribal people) living near the Western Ghats used the flowering to calculate their ages. For example, people would say, “I have seen three Neelakurinji blooms,” meaning they are approximately 36 years old. Interesting isn’t it? I believe, those people would’ve way happier than us. No clocks, No calender, No meetings! Simple life! Lol!
#Honey Bees
The place was very clam and you would be able hear those buzzing bee sound echoing acroos the mountains. There were so much of bees. These flowers provide an abundance of nectar. The bees are drawn to the nectar and help with pollination. In return, honey bees benefit from the rich food source, producing honey during this time. This interaction also supports the broader ecosystem and helps the survival of the other species. However, if the blooming doesn’t happen as expected due to climate or environmental changes, it can affect bee population, honey production and the many species that rely on them. Most the flowerings gets delayed .
#Different Bloom Cycles
While Neelakurinji blooms every twelve years, another species of Kurinji (Strobilanthes callosa) flowers once every eighth years. The first seven years dryness followed by flowering in eighth year. Sea of lavender blush. This shows how different species of the plant have adapted to different cycles. Who knows, some might have hundred? These mass blooms create a surge of nectar and pollen, supporting honey bees, insects and animals.
#Grasslands and Ecosystem
The grasslands around Neelakurinji are also important. These grasslands help prevent soil erosion and provide food for grazing animals. The plants and shrubs in this ecosystem helps to absorb water and prevent landslides, especially on the steep hills of the Western Ghats. The connection between Neelakurinji and the grasslands creates a balance that supports life in the region. However, both are under threat from human activities like deforestation, construction and many more.
#Climate Change
Climate change poses a serious threat to Neelakurinji. The plant’s blooming cycle is closely tied to rainfall and temperature, and changing weather patterns can delay or disrupt the bloom. Over time, this could reduce the frequency of these blooms, harming the entire ecosystem. It is the connections that exist in nature, where plants, bees, grasslands, and even the climate work together to maintain balance. I am reminded of a line from a song!
உலகத்தில் எதுவும்… தனிச்சு இல்லையே…!
#Conservation Efforts
Today, Neelakurinji faces threats of habitat loss. Ofcourse, human activities included. Responsible tourism and stricter land use policies are being required to ensure that future generations can witness this beautiful blooms. It is not just saving a flower but it’s about preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage that it represents.
#Blue Mountains
The Nilgiris in southern India are often called as Blue Mountains, and this name comes from a combination of two reasons. One is because of these flowers and the other one is due to blueish haze (Rayleigh scattering). The eucalyptus trees in the Nilgiris also plays a role in this haze it seems, as they release oils into the atmosphere, enhancing the bluish tint. There is a blue mountain express as well.
Witnessing these Neelakurinji bloom is an unforgettable one. It is a rare moment when beauty, nature, and culture coming together! Make sure to see it if you get the chance!
Barnacles, crustaceans, attach with glue causing impacts on marine life and ships. Despite troubles, their resilience and adhesion are something interesting
4–5 minutes
Barnacles are the little hitchhikers of the sea. They are fascinating (/s) yet infamous for their tenacity. These crustaceans have been around for millions of years. Despite their tiny size, they’ve made a big impact on marine life. Definitely not to the marine organisms.
The History of Barnacles
Barnacles belong to a group of crustaceans called Cirripedia. They have been sticking to surfaces since the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago. Their fossil record reveals that barnacles have been clinging to the shells of marine reptiles, other crustaceans, and even floating wood. Over time, they’ve perfected the art of attaching (should learn, lol) themselves to almost anything that comes their way.
Attachment
Barnacles are born as free-swimming larvae, moves along with ocean currents. But once they find a suitable surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation. They produce a super-strong adhesive, often considered one of the strongest natural glues, and stick to them for good. This glue is so effective that it’s even being studied for medical and industrial applications.
Removal and the Impact
Removal from Marine Animals
Removing barnacles from marine animals is not an easy task. For creatures like whales and turtles, the barnacles are often deeply embedded in the skin or shell. The removal process can be harmful or painful. Whenever I am watching the whales reels, i have urge from deep down of my body to starch (Pudingify) those barnacles. One of reader (G.) sent the videos of how it is removed from turtles. Too painful to watch! They might cause skin irritation, open sores, infections and more prone to diseases and predators. Anyways, they are done in two ways
Physical Scraping: In rehabilitation centers, barnacles are sometimes removed manually using tools. This must be done cautiously to avoid injuring the animal, as barnacles can leave open wounds susceptible to infection.
Natural Shedding: Some marine animals can shed their outer layers or engage in behaviors like rubbing against hard surfaces to dislodge barnacles.
Distress
For marine creatures, barnacles can be more than just an annoyance. Imagine trying to swim with several small creatures stuck to your body. I don’t why I am annoyed with these. Whales, for example, can carry thousands of barnacles, which can create drag and slow them down. Similarly, sea turtles often have their shells covered in barnacles, making it harder for them. Already the shells are heavy. In extreme cases, the sheer number of barnacles can even impact the animal’s health, causing diseases.
While most barnacles are harmless filter feeders, some are parasitic. The rhizocephalan barnacles, for example, infect crabs and can alter their host’s behavior and reproduction. (Upcoming ones)
Impact on Ships
For ships, the removal of these barnacles is labor-intensive.
Dry Docking: Ships are brought to a dry dock where the hull is cleaned manually or with high-pressure water jets.
Chemical Treatments: Anti-fouling paints and coatings are applied to hulls to prevent barnacle attachment. Obviously, some of these chemicals can be harmful to the marine environment.
This means that ships have to burn more fuel to maintain speed, leading to higher costs and more pollution.
Marvel of Glue
The glue of barnacles is a something amazing I believe. It’s a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules that combine to form an incredibly strong and durable adhesive. Unlike most glues (Fevikwik?) we’re familiar with, barnacle glue sets in water and even in the presence of turbulence, which is why barnacles can attach themselves to the hulls of moving ships or the rough skin of marine organisms.
The glue works by first creating a sort of primer layer that bonds with the surface. Then, as the barnacle secretes more adhesive, it builds a layer that forms a strong, permanent bond. The glue isn’t just strong but it’s also flexible enough to absorb shocks and adapt to the movements of the surface where its attached to. Maybe, that’s why its hard to remove.
Scientists have been studying barnacle glue for years, hoping to replicate its properties for human use. Imagine surgical adhesives that work better in wet environments or industrial glues that can bond materials even underwater. While we’re still figuring out all the secrets of barnacle glue, it’s clear that these tiny creatures have mastered a form of adhesion that’s far beyond our current capabilities.
A Love-Hate Relationship
Despite the trouble they cause, barnacles are also a marvel of nature (Bound to say). Their ability to adhere so strongly to surfaces, their ancient history, and their resilience in harsh marine environments make them interesting to study.
So next time you see a barnacle-covered rock at the beach/whale, take a moment to appreciate the complex life of these tiny, stubborn creatures and scrap them off the surface (lol). Appreciate the nature too at least they mastered the art of attachment. They’ve been clinging to survival for millions of years sometimes, quite literally!
Cheers.
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The paper cup raises sustainability and health concerns due to microplastic release, challenging the need for alternatives.
2–4 minutes
In our fast-paced world focusing on sustainability, the paper cup has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. The tea, coffee are usually served in this and even it is used for drinking purposes in events and more. With the ban on the single use plastics across countries, the paper cup got its hype. The paper cup isn’t fully made up of paper but has a thin lining of plastic in it.
#The Anatomy of a Paper Cup
They have two things.
The paper body: Made from paperboard, a thick paper-based material
A thin plastic lining: Usually made of polyethylene (PE).
So the paperboard gives the structure and strength whereas the plastic lining (0.5 mm thick) is usually low density polyethylene (LDPE) making it waterproof and prevents leaks. They are mostly used since it is of hydrophobic nature and repels water and creates a barrier between the liquid and paper fibers. It also keeps hot beverages warm and cold drinks cool.
Recent study found that microplastics can be found in the beverages served in these paper cups. It stated that around 25,000 micron-sized (10 µm to 1000 µm) microplastic particles are released into 100 ml of hot liquid (85 – 90 °C) when left in a paper cup for 15 minutes. The plastic film was separated from the paper and exposed to hot water to examine changes in its properties. But the paper also indicated that most of the people consume their beverages within this timeframe. (Not me! I’ve to be extra careful)
#Environmental Concerns
Since they are a combination of paper and plastic, it will be difficult to recycle. As we know, plastic lining takes years to decompose. The paper can be left for decomposition and the thin plastic lining can be decomposed through pyrolysis, catalytic degradation or through microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. We have advanced research on producing plant based plastic lining, nanocellulose or enzyme based decomposition.
#Health concerns
We have seen it across the platform that plastics are everywhere and the microplastics are found in body, blood and even in the mother’s milk. It reminds me of a meme, let me share below. This also includes bioaccumulation. The microplastics can act as carriers for various contaminants such as toxic heavy metals ((e.g., Palladium, Chromium, Cadmium) and organic compounds with hydrophobic properties.
Source: IG
#Alternatives
The first can be done, it is to reduce its usage and opt for alternative solutions like earthen products. Recently, Starbucks announced their new design features with several improvements with a concern to sustainability. They redesigned the tall cups so that the same lid can be shared with grande and venti cups. Plus, the customers in the US and Canada can use their own clean cups for all orders. Yes, they get discounts and bonus stars if they bring their own cups. Let me know if any company has done the same.
The paper cup, it turns out, is not so humble after all. Be cautious on drinking it after 15 minutes. As science continues to advance and innovate, we can look forward to a future where our morning coffee comes in a cup that’s not just a convenience.
Ranjan, V. P., Joseph, A., & Goel, S. (2021). Microplastics and other harmful substances released from disposable paper cups into hot water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 404, 124118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124118
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Discover the fascinating world of pulsating glaciers, which can suddenly surge forward after long periods of slow movement. Learn more about these dynamic ice formations and their impact on our environment
As I was reading the book “The Midnight Library“, I came across something called pulsating glaciers. I have heard of glaciers, but not pulsating glaciers. Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that move slowly over land. They form from layers of snow that compress into ice over many years. Most glaciers flow steadily. However, some glaciers behave differently from normal glaciers. They pulse.
Pulsating glaciers, also called surging glaciers, have a unique pattern of movement. Pulsating glaciers alternate between two states. Most of the time, they move slowly or stay almost stationary. Then, suddenly, they surge forward rapidly, covering large distances in a short time. It might move up to tens of meters per day instead of just centimeters. This surge can happen over months or even just weeks.
How do they form?
The process behind pulsating glaciers involves two main phases, like the cyclical pattern.
Quiescent Phase: During this phase, the glacier builds up ice and snow. It might appear inactive, but beneath the surface, stress and pressure are accumulating.
Surge Phase: Pressure builds up internally until the ice becomes unstable. The glacier suddenly moved forward. After the surge ends, the glacier returns to a slower mode. It rebuilds mass for decades until the cycle repeats.
Why do they pulse?
The behavior of pulsating glaciers is complex. It is due to several factors.
Internal Ice Deformation: Ice deep within the glacier may distort, allowing the glacier to move.
Melting water: Water from the glacier can act as a lubricant, making it easier for the glacier to slide.
Sediments: Loose sediments or dirt under the glacier can also help it move quickly during a surge.
Other factors like bed topography, water supply, glacier geometry, and debris cover may also play a role in a cyclical surge.
Where do they occur?
Pulsating glaciers are relatively rare. They make up only a small fraction of glaciers globally. But they cluster in specific regions like Alaska (Variegated Glacier), Canada (Menyanthes Glacier), Svalbard, the Pamirs Mountain range, and even the Karakorum range (Lets explore them later).
Methods to study pulsating glaciers
Satellite imagery: Gives a broad overview and monitors changes over time.
Filed Observations: Scientists conduct field observations on glaciers in order to track and measure their movements.
GPS, drones (for precise data), and seismographs (for detecting ice quakes within the glacier) are all used.
Climate Change and Pulsating Glaciers
With rise in temperature and global warming, there are incidents of change in weather patterns. Climate change has made pulsating glacier behavior more relevant. As the world warms, many glaciers recede and lose mass overall. Surge-type glaciers in some cold environments appear to have become more unstable and surging in recent decades. Some of the reasons include,
Increased Meltwater: As the glacier melts, more water accumulates at its base, potentially triggering surges
Permafrost: Melting permafrost can disrupt glacier beds. This allows the rapid movement of glaciers during surge phases.
The Impact
Landscape Transformation: Rapid surges reshape valleys. They create new landforms like mountains and outwash plains.
Water Systems: Surging glaciers can block rivers, forming temporary lakes that might burst and cause downstream flooding.
Ecosystems: Changes in glacier behavior can the ecosystems. It affects both local flora and fauna, disturbing the normal.
Flood Risks: Sudden surges and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) can damage the banks, people and infrastructure.
Water Resources: Glaciers are a vital source of freshwater. This change of behavior can impact the availability of water for agriculture and drinking.
We can reduce the emissions. Additionally, implementing the monitoring systems and early warning systems for GLOFs can protect communities around the glaciers.
Pulsating glaciers are a fascinating aspect of our planet’s ice systems. As technology advances, we will continue to uncover the mysteries behind these incredible natural phenomena. Moreover, we have to be conscious of our actions making sure that we are not accelerating the melting of glaciers.
Cheers
PS: Glaciers have names!
Thank you for reading ♡!
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Dugongs, or sea cows, play a vital role in their habitats and are at risk due to climate change and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these gentle marine mammals and their seagrass ecosystems.
4–6 minutes
Have you heard of the domino effect? It’s a series of events where each event triggers the next, creating a cascading impact. This morning, I read a story on social media about the structure, or “doll,” of a dugong. Curious, I discovered that a dugong is a sea cow, celebrated today for its ecological importance. Questions arose: What exactly is a dugong? Is it a mammal? How is it related to elephants? What does it eat? Why is it endangered? And how does climate change affect it? Let’s explore.
#What is a dugong?
Dugongs, often called sea cows. They are marine mammals that play an important role in maintaining the health of their habitats. They roam around the shallow coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans for millions of years. Unfortunately, climate change poses significant threats to their survival. Dugongs are classified as vulnerable, meaning they are at high risk of facing extinction.
#Why is it called a sea cow?
Dugongs are called sea cows because, like cows, they graze on plants—in this case, seagrass. Using their bristly lips, they uproot and eat seagrass, resembling cows grazing in a field. A mature dugong can reach 3 meters in length and weigh up to 400 kg, making them one of the largest marine herbivores. An interesting fact is that early explorers saw these grazing giants, and, well, they looked like cows in the sea. This catchy nickname stuck, with “sea cow” and the French “vache marine.”
#History and Evolution
Dugongs have a rich history, with fossil records showing they’ve inhabited our oceans for over 40 million years. They evolved from terrestrial, plant-eating mammals, adapting to a semi-aquatic lifestyle over time. Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, which also includes manatees. They share a common ancestor with elephants. Unlike whales, which evolved from terrestrial carnivores, dugongs and other sirenians evolved from herbivorous ancestors.
#Relationship to Elephants
Dugongs and elephants have a common ancestor. They share similarities in their tooth structures and skeletal systems. Both have a streamlined body adapted for their respective environments—coastal waters for dugongs and land for elephants. This close evolutionary relationship is fascinating and highlights the unique adaptations each species has developed over millions of years
#Habitat and Distribution
The Indo-West Pacific region’s warm coastal waters are home to dugongs. They are mostly found in Australia’s shallow waters, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Queensland coast. They feed mainly on seagrass. It is abundant in sheltered bays, mangrove channels, and the waters surrounding islands.
#Adaptations and physical characteristics
Since they eat plants, you might wonder if they might be ruminants. No, they have a simple digestive system. They have a single-chambered stomach and a long, coiled intestine. Their digestive process relies on the fermentation of plant material by gut microbes. Similar to horses and other hindgut fermenters.
They breathe through nostrils located on the top of their snout. This allows them to surface and take breaths without exposing their entire body. They can hold it up for 6 minutes. They have efficient respiratory systems and a high tolerance for low oxygen levels. This allows them to remain submerged for extended periods while feeding on seagrass beds.
#Diet and ecological role.
Dugongs feed almost exclusively on seagrass, making them an essential component of their ecosystem. Seagrass isn’t a grassy weed; it’s a flowering plant. It supports a wide range of marine life. By grazing on these plants, dugongs help maintain the health of seagrass meadows, which in turn support fish, crustaceans, and other marine species.
#Seagrass and climate change
Seagrass meadows are critical not only for dugongs but also for combating climate change. They are not grasses instead a flowering plant. These underwater plants sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks. Unlike land plants that release carbon upon decomposition, seagrass meadows create oxygen-poor environments where decomposers struggle.
This slow breakdown allows dead seagrass and captured carbon to be buried beneath sediment layers, locking away carbon for years. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester carbon at a rate up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making them vital for both climate regulation and ecosystem health.
However, human activities and the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and coastal development, threaten seagrass meadows. Consequently, dugongs face the dual threat of habitat loss and reduced food availability.
#Conservation Efforts and Organizations
Numerous organizations are working to protect dugongs and their habitats. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists dugongs to prevent their trade. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also run various initiatives to conserve dugong populations and their seagrass habitats.
These initiatives include establishing protected marine areas, researching seagrass restoration techniques, and raising public awareness. Every year, on May 28th, we celebrate International Dugong Day to highlight these efforts and the importance of protecting these gentle sea cows.
In a nutshell, our actions on land ripple through the ocean, causing a chain reaction that threatens dugongs. Coastal development, pollution, and climate change are pushing these gentle giants toward extinction. To break this cycle and protect dugongs, we need to be more mindful of our environmental impact and work together to preserve their underwater homes. Saving the dugongs means taking better care of our planet, benefiting us all.
Cheers!
PS: World Dugong day!
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The poverty loop is like a maze, with low income leading to health and financial challenges, creating a complex cycle.
3–4 minutes
Ever heard of the “poverty loop” in Development Economics? It is called the vicious cycle of poverty. It’s like a tricky maze where low income sets off a chain reaction. Less money means fewer savings and demand, leading to a shortage of cash for investments. With a deficit in capital, productivity takes a hit, and we find ourselves back in the realm of low real income. It’s a bit like a never-ending cycle.
But I won’t bore you with the nitty-gritty details. Instead, let’s compare this concept to something more interesting. Life often resembles a complex puzzle where the pieces of our health and finances interlock in intricate ways. This complicated connection forms a challenging cycle, a loop where the ups and downs of one thing can influence and intensify another.
It’s interesting how our life goals evolve as we journey through different ages. In our younger days, passions often shape our aspirations, but there comes a point when a significant shift occurs, and staying healthy takes center stage. Perhaps the seismic events of the COVID era triggered a collective awakening, steering our priorities towards well-being. I’m no exception to this trend. Everywhere you look, even on social media, there’s a surge of people dedicating themselves to health—hitting the gym, embracing fitness routines, and making conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle.
The saying “when health is lost, everything is lost” encapsulates a universal truth: at our core, all we desire is good health. It’s a testament to the growing realization that good health isn’t just a goal; it’s a foundation for a fulfilling and resilient life, especially in a world that constantly reminds us of the importance of wellness.
However, in the complexities of the modern world, maintaining health hasn’t become a singular pursuit, but intricately woven with financial well-being and even the fluctuating prices of groceries. Instead of a straightforward path to well-being, it often feels like navigating a vicious cycle, where the challenges in one aspect loop back and impact the others.
Let’s break it down in a more fun way. Imagine our meals are like those of good people: nutritious foods, proteins, veggies, fruits, and nuts. They’re the ninja squad that keeps our health, especially our gut microbiome, in tip-top shape. This powerhouse crew doesn’t just stop there; they’re the secret agents behind good health, a stronger immune system, mindful sleep and even a happy tummy and mind. Additionally, there is an increase in our productivity, focus, and earning potential.
A key piece is missing from this game or equation: the rising prices of groceries. The cheaper, processed options, loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, start looking really tempting. and consumption of fast food is prevalent in our daily routines, irrespective of the cost. It’s a bit like choosing a wallet-friendly option that goes for instant noodles over a meal with a couple of veggies or wholesome veggie-packed kichadi. It’s like having to decide between your taste buds and your budget, and sometimes the pocket-friendly choice isn’t the healthiest one.
I’m not here to argue about which food is the absolute best in terms of health or taste because, honestly, it’s all about personal preferences and body conditions. However, this subjective decision-making can set off a troublesome cycle of making not-so-great dietary choices, throwing our gut balance out of whack, and causing additional health issues.
It’s like a domino effect, where every move sets off another and they can unintentionally guide us towards less healthy choices, creating a cycle that just keeps on going.
Breaking this cycle is not a one-and-done task; it’s more of a journey. The first step is recognizing how health, finances, and gut health are all interconnected, it’s like untangling a complex web. This requires personal commitment, teamwork, and a steady focus on both health and financial stability. It’s all about the journey towards a healthier and wealthier tomorrow.
Cheers
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