#Understanding the Essentials of Product Development Research

[marketxcel]

Understanding the Essentials of Product Development Research

Explore the crucial elements of effective product development research. From market analysis to user feedback, discover the essentials that guide successful product innovation and launch strategies.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Scientific Literacy

Scientific Literacy - the ability to parse through scientific information and understand it. Furthermore, it can entail the knowledge necessary to conduct experiments, hypothesize about new data, and think critically about the wider world.

How to Improve Scientific Literacy

The more science literate a society becomes, the better equipped it is to meet the challenges of the contemporary world. Consider these ways to improve the public understanding of science:

Combat misinformation. Science education is essential to combating misinformation. Unless people know how to vet sources of information, they’re more prone to take untrue or science illiterate alternatives at face value. This has led to people outright denying the reality of climate change and global warming, as well as refusing to take life-saving vaccines.

Demonstrate the real-world value. People are more likely to achieve scientific literacy when they see it has pragmatic value. Show students how an increased understanding of science can boost economic productivity, increase personal well-being, improve professional development, and have a positive general impact on their everyday lives.

Specify needed skills. There are many different important science literacy skills, so help people break them down into manageable chunks. Walk students through how to form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment using the scientific method, or read through a science paper and evaluate its veracity.

Take a wide-angle view. Encourage people to study all sorts of different scientific fields. For example, someone may have a hard time understanding the scientific processes underlying a life science (like chemistry) but also take to a more physical branch of the field (like earth science). You could then use their enthusiasm for the latter to inspire them to work harder to understand the former. Utilize different science teaching strategies to encourage a love of the field in general.

How to Evaluate Scientific Literacy

There are various approaches you can take to test for scientific understanding. Here are a few key ways to evaluate literacy in the science classroom:

Follow an established science curriculum. You can find plenty of curricula to guide your own personalized science education goals. For example, institutions like the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Science provide general wisdom about how to teach students to become science literate throughout their time in school.

Start a dialogue. Constant conversation and experimentation are part of the very nature of science. As such, scientific inquiry requires a group approach to problem-solving. Ask your students to help each other deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and step in to assist them along the way. See if they’re grasping these concepts as you talk to them.

Test for knowledge. Try to test for knowledge of science concepts in multiple different ways. Ask your students to conceive of and conduct an experiment from start to finish. Encourage them to write a scientific research paper with the appropriate citation format, utilizing peer-reviewed resources. Provide traditional multiple-choice tests to evaluate general scientific knowledge as well.

The Importance of Scientific Literacy

Scientific literacy enables you to understand why things are the way they are. Becoming a science-literate person can lead to or contribute to:

A greater impetus to act on important issues: Scientifically literate citizens are more likely to act when science indicates a crisis is on the horizon. Scientific issues often become political and ethical issues, drifting out of the lab or classroom into the real world. Science teachers help their students identify issues like these as well as propose ways they can act to solve them.

A greater understanding of the world: From elementary to high school science and beyond, teachers do their best to explain the wonders of the natural world to their students. Scientific knowledge expands your ability to grasp mysteries you previously thought of as inscrutable and unsolvable.

Improved critical thinking skills: Science learning allows you to hone your critical thinking skills in a way that can apply to a vast array of other arenas in your life. As you comb through scientific evidence and assess data, you train yourself to think objectively. Core competencies like these have far-reaching benefits on your general decision-making capabilities.

At a very early age, even elementary school students receive exposure to scientific concepts in the interest of building this sort of literacy.

Schools follow national science education standards to bring the next generation up to speed on everything from physics and chemistry to the broader life and social sciences.

Certain scientific authorities lament what they see as the low standards of scientific literacy throughout contemporary society.

They insist we need education reform to ensure the general public can better learn to see the world through a science-oriented lens.

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[probablyasocialecologist]

In international development circles, most people are familiar with the World Bank’s data showing that extreme poverty has declined dramatically over the past several decades, from 43 per cent of the world’s population in 1981 to less than 10 per cent today. This narrative is based on the World Bank’s method of calculating the share of people who live on less than $1.90 per day (in 2011 “PPP” terms). But a growing body of literature argues that the World Bank’s PPP-based method suffers from a major empirical limitation, in that it does not account for the cost of meeting basic needs in any given context (see here, here and here). Having more than $1.90 PPP does not guarantee that a person can afford the specific goods and services that are necessary for survival. In recent years, scholars have developed a more accurate method for measuring extreme poverty, by comparing people’s incomes to the prices of essential goods in each country (specifically food, shelter, clothing and fuel). This approach is known as the “basic needs poverty line” (BNPL), and it more closely approximates what the original concept of “extreme poverty” was intended to measure. 

[...]

Extreme poverty is not a natural condition, but a sign of severe dislocation. Historical data on real wages since the 15th century indicates that under normal conditions, across different societies and eras, people are generally able to meet their subsistence needs except during periods of severe social displacement, such as famines, wars, and institutionalised dispossession, particularly under European colonialism. What is more, BNPL data shows that many countries have managed to keep extreme poverty very close to zero, even with low levels of GDP per capita, by using strategies such as public provisioning and price controls for basic essentials. In other words, extreme poverty can be prevented much more easily than most people assume. Indeed, it need not exist at all. The fact that it persists at such high levels today indicates that severe dislocation is institutionalised in the world economy – and that markets have failed to meet the basic needs of much of humanity. To address this problem, and to end extreme poverty – the first objective of the Sustainable Development Goals – will require public planning to prioritise the production of, and guarantee access to, the specific goods and services that people need to live decent lives.

[juniebugs]

peter parker would not be a chemical engineer!!

actually-- maybe he would be. i'm not completely against it and i would never yuck someone's harmless headcanon shaped yum

but please please please know what a chemical engineer does before you headcanon it. for my soul. as a chem eng student with a special interest only God could stop. lol what even is an engineer? you may be asking yourself. fair question. its one of those professions that is so broad its a bit hard to narrow down.

like, okay, you can imagine an office worker as... a person who works in an office. but what are their daily tasks? well it depends on their position, their company, how close they are to retirement, etc. engineering is kinda similar. the office would be problem solving with math, science, and a whole-lotta of trial and error. the daily tasks would change though. and a large part is based on the specific discipline.

okay, but whats a discipline (aka a specialization)?

what an inquisitive mind we have here. if you have ever heard of a mechanical engineer you can probably infer that their daily tasks would be much different to uhhh like a computer engineer. maybe some overlap-- sure, sometimes-- but generally distinct.

chemical engineering is a discipline! cool cool cool... so what does a chemical engineer do? not actually a lot of chemistry

WHAT HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE ITS IN THE FUCKING NAME

relax, pwincess. chemical engineers use chemistry in their work, but they just as often use physics and math (and even biology! which i have tons of fun with). chemical engineers can do a ton. so its a bit hard to narrow down. for this reason, i really can't claim our resident spidey wouldn't enjoy chemeng. i just picture him as mechanical and biomedical.

if you love chemeng so much though (me too!) and want to keep using it, here are some example jobs:

process engineer (could be oil, could be biotech, could be anything. essentially this is the managing of manufacturing or some kind of process control. checks flow of products in and out, their quality, and the maintenance of the machinery).

research & development (so, so broad. could be research in how a new heart pump could work-- thats flow in and out baybeee. it could be new renewable energy for batteries. it could be changing how fans are made. because why not).

optimization (oooo so sexy. wanna make something cheaper / easier / faster without comprimising it's quality. you might think its impossible, but chemical engineers dream big.)

and literally so many other things.

because

OKAY, maybe peter parker could be a chemical engineer

chemical engineering is a pretty tough degree, so when employers see it they also see : can do math, can do deadlines, can do problem-solving. it's pretty much only the people skills they can't confirm LOL so live your truth, write your fanfiction, draw the most unhinged fanart, i'll be reblogging all that shit. but now you're doing it with a better understanding of chemeng. and aint that something.

[iminseriousdebt]

GENLOSS RAMBLE

Heyo! This is a little ramble I needed to make before the founders cut comes out!  yipee!

(GENERATION LOSS SPOILERS)

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So we can see in the above images the methods Showfall Media is using to control gl!Sneeg gl!Charlie and gl!Ranboo, they use an already pre-existing technology called an Electroencephalogram (EEG). Now this technology has been in use for decades, and essentially how it works is that it uses electrodes placed onto your scalp combined with a conductive gel to measure the electrical activity in your brain, these electrical signals are usually referred to as “brain waves” and these brainwaves can be subdivided into four categories, Gamma (greater than 30 Hz), Beta (13-30 Hz), Alpha (8-12 Hz), Theta (3.5-7.5 Hz), and Delta (0.1-3.5 Hz)

These different brainwaves are generally assosiated with different emotions, awareness levels, brain activities, etc. Now if Showfall Media has installed these onto sneeg, charlie, and ranboo, that means they have access to their thoughts and feelings, but brainscanning isn’t an absolute precise device, it still takes a lot of human effort and time to properly interpret the brainwaves. If Showfall somehow had a tool to easily interpret the signals they could much more easily operate, say, a live show. Lucky for them there is already a real life solution to this problem, kinda.

Its called Brain Generative Pre-Training Transformer, or BrainGPT for short.  What its goal is, is to act as an assist tool for human neurologists to use in real neuroscience cases and case studies, what it does is it uses a Large Language Model (LLM) full of pre-existing human research papers and other neuroscience knowledge too vast for human comprehension. And whenever a neurologist hands BrainGPT a prompt, (such as anomalous finding or to asses the fields understanding of a certain topic) , “would generate likely data patterns reflecting its current synthesis of the scientific literature”  (braingpt.org)

Now in regards to Generation Loss, what this means is that Showfall Media potentially has acces to this sort of technology, and would be able to use it in the production of their shows, now BrainGPT has a good way to go before its widely avalable. But in the genloss au, it can be far into development at this point, and be available for companies to use in whatever way they see fit.

Now reading and decoding brain signals is one thing, but to mind control someone is far beyond what is capable today, but Showfall Media has somehow developed technology to do so, the way I’m guessing they did it is that they produced certain brainwaves from the electrodes on the actors heads to give them the emotional reactions they needed for the show. I can’t exactly get into the technical stuff cause I’m not a neurologist, but its just a hunch on how I think they did it.

As for the mind controlling devices themselves, I feel there’s a more subtextual reason as to why those objects in particular are chosen as the devices that are central to the show’s operation. Ranboo’s mask has been a heavy emphasis throughout Gen 1 TSE,

Its been a central figure in not only generation loss’ marketing, but also ranboo’s marketing, because when you think of ranboo one of the first things that pops up is the mask, atleast in the wider public’s eye.

But these general associations not only exist with Ranboo, with Slimcicle you usually think of the wide brim glasses, with Sneeg its his backwards cap, and this is with the other cast members too when their introduced on the spinning carousel in episode 2. Furthermore, with Niki it’s that’s she's just so nice, with Austin its that he’s just a gay guy,  and with Vinny and Ethan these associations don’t really exist. So, with Vinny he's just the “hoarder”, and Ethan isn't even introduced. And then there's Jerma, who is relinquished to a goofy character with a weird voice and a strange sense of humour which sort of fits his public image.

But what I wanna mention with Ranboo’s mask specifically is that with the three images shown on the genloss twitter of the control devices, sneeg’s is just a hat, like theres nothing special about it, just a hat with electrodes on it, when you take it off he’s completely in control of himself. But, with charlie’s it’s a good bit harder to just take it off. His glasses are drilled into his skull connected to electrodes which are also implanted in his skull, with an additional feature of a speaker in his jaw. But if you remove the glasses, there would be a lot of bleeding and his vision would be impaired, but he would still be a free man.

But with Ranboo, poor, poor, Ranboo… Like Charlie, they have electrodes implanted on to their brain connected to a switch on the back of their skull (which also may or may not also be connected to their spine, idk its hard to tell). These sprout wires that thread through the mask and lead into their throat, and the mask piece itself is sewn shut onto their SKIN.

Now this makes me wonder, why is Ranboo so heavily guarded when the other are (relatively) easy to set free? Is it because Ranboo is an integral part of the show and therefore high risk? Is it because Showfall needed extra resources for the chat to be able to control them?... Or is it because Ranboo tried to escape so many times before that they were forced to disfigure them to such an extreme degree, and yet somehow, SOMEHOW, they are able to resist, whether it be tapping SOS on their hand when they're on full control mode or shanking a Showfall employee with a dagger, Ranboo, Resists. But Showfall will never let them leave. Or they will? Idk founders cut hasn’t come out yet as of writing this, anyway ramble over. You can leave now.

[atiny-for-life]

Mini Lore Nugget #8:

Mini Lore Nuggets - Masterlist

In the Fever Part.2 Diary Entries, we learned that Z-World's government really started shooting up on the waking-nightmare-scale after they began running AI simulations to come up with the "best" policies to implement for maximum control and efficiency.

What resulted from these simulations was that the AI determined all crimes and terrorism were strictly the result of human emotions. Therefore, the best way to rid the world of such suffering must be to eradicate emotions and all which might evoke it.

Z's government developed technology to essentially numb the population - the chips we later learned about in the World Ep.1 Diary Entries. In the Fever Part.3 Diary Entries, we then got some additional info on the AI software used by the government: it was an AI system which utilized deep learning technology and ran uncontrolled for a while as the government awaited its results.

During this time, the system began treating human emotion as a bug - perhaps because it couldn't understand it - and it also started estimating humans' individual energy, thereby reducing it to a product. And since it found it to be a product, it also began treating it as a tradeable commodity.

Instead of questioning these results, the government was more likely delighted, because they immediately took over this new energy trading platform, banned all arts and emotions, and wilfully stripped the population of its humanity by treating them as nothing more than components needed to maintain the governments' idea of a utopia.

Out here in the real world, we've also begun to see the crazy amount of negative consequences since AI technology has become widely implemented in pretty much all areas of life:

#1 - Use of AI in Healthcare

In the US, the healthcare system has been relying on AI powered algorithms to guide health care decisions, but due to the data sampled by the AI, extreme racial bias has crept in and is actively putting black lives at risk. To quote Science Journal:

At a given risk score, Black patients are considerably sicker than White patients, as evidenced by signs of uncontrolled illnesses. Remedying this disparity would increase the percentage of Black patients receiving additional help from 17.7 to 46.5%.

Furthermore, the data sourced by AI for global use (such as in risk-prediction) is often extremely biased in other ways as well: radiology manuscripts are over represented, the majority of documents sourced are authored by men, and data-poor regions are grossly underrepresented, meaning the majority of information sourced comes from the US and China. [Source]

#2 - YouTube's Algorithm Is Messed Up

According to the Tech Transparency Project which has gathered data from another study:

YouTube recommended hundreds of videos about guns and gun violence to accounts for boys interested in video games. Some of the recommended videos gave instructions on how to convert guns into automatic weapons or depicted school shootings. Many of the videos violated YouTube’s own policies on firearms, violence, and child safety, and YouTube took no apparent steps to age-restrict them. YouTube also recommended a movie about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer to minor accounts.

Further watching on dumb stuff YouTube AI features have done to fuck people over:

#3 - Ethics Has Left the Chat

#4 - The Physical Cost of Generative AI

Where Meta has recently constructed a 2 million square foot data facility in Georgia, a nearby living couple have documented the devastating consequences to the environment and their lives.

Facilities like these are used to power stuff like Chat GPT, Gemini, etc.:

In order for them to function as needed, they put a huge toll on the power grid and require the construction of an entirely new infrastructure atop the usual servers, storage systems and networking equipment.

For one, AI data centres require high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) which come with their own required infrastructure needs (advanced storage, networking, energy and cooling capabilities). The sheer number of GPUs necessary for AI use alone then already add a ton more square footage to the size of the data centre.

On top of that, living in a county with a data centre like this in the US drives up the cost of electricity for everyone in the county.

And what does all this mean for the environment? Deforestation. Light pollution. Air pollution. Here is a still frame from a video shot by a woman living over 366 meters away from an AI centre's construction site:

All this pollution then started seeping into the ground water, resulting in this:

And what does that mean for someone living nearby? Dishwashers breaking. Washing machines breaking. Water pressure dropping to the point where you can't even flush a toilet anymore because all the pipes are clogged with sediment.

On a global scale, it should also be noted that:

According to the Washington Post in collaboration with the University of California, Riverside, writing a single 100-word email in Open AI's ChatGPT is the equivalent of consuming just over one bottle of water.

Shaolei Ren, an associate professor of engineering at UC Riverside, says that while "We haven’t come to the point yet where AI has tangibly taken away our most essential natural water resources," the use of AI in places with frequent droughts has caused rising tension between communities who need the water and data centers. Not to mention, hardware production pollutes water, per a study initially published in January 2015 in the Journal of Cleaner Production, due to the extraction of precious minerals like boron, silicon, and phosphorous.

[Source]

UPDATE:

A new video has been released which takes a look at Memphis where Elon Musk had the data center built that allows for Twitter's Chat-Bot Gronk to exist, and here is what was discovered:

No regulatory body has been informed of what is operating within that facility.

Large turbines are causing noise pollution (far more turbines than is reasonable).

The building emits a disturbing smell.

Aerial and thermal footage obtained of the site has revealed that:

The air quality in the entire area has been severely degraded to the point of causing health issues for people living in the area:

Continuing, Alexis shared her grandfather's story of how he developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) despite being a non-smoker-

- and continuous by saying her, her mother, and grandmother all three also developed respiratory illnesses (asthma and bronchitis in Alexis's case and just bronchitis in her mother and grandmother's case):

Another local is dealing with much the same issue:

If you're still not convinced of how truly horrific the situation is:

And if you're now wondering how all this could happen, I've got one word for you: DOGE. Together with the Trump administration, funds for the EPA have been slashed to the point where they're basically non-functional:

Presently, should everything continue on this set path, then...

These videos provided the screenshots used above:

#5 - Use of AI in Warfare

Israel has been using untested and undisclosed AI-powered databases in order to identify targets and plan bombing campaigns throughout Gaza, which has reportedly led to the loss of thousands of civilian lives.

And who provided this technology? Google. For fear of losing business to Amazon. And not just them. Microsoft too has been collaborating with the Israeli military, as has Amazon who collaborated with Google in 2021 to establish "Project Nimbus" which continues on to this day with zero transparency or accountability.

Sources: x | x

Beyond that, even after the bombs were dropped, drones would come in to specifically target surviving children and it is known that Israel utilized AI-powered drones for carrying out precise assassinations and various combat missions.

The video below is timestamped to when this surgeon retells the horrors of what happened to the children while he was working in the Gaza strip:

Outside of Israel, Ukraine has also been using AI-technology in its warfare:

Further reading on the topic:

#6 - AI-Generated Art

With AI-generated art flooding social media and streaming platforms on the daily, it's getting harder and harder for new artists to enter the scene. On top of that, all the recommendations you're getting online - be that on an image search, streaming platform or elsewhere - are also all the result of AI-powered algorithms.

And as we all know, generative AI is trained on data banks filled to the brim with stolen art from non-consenting artists across the globe - be that musicians, painters, photographers, voice actors, chefs, or writers.

All of this ultimately shapes the world we live in. Those in the know are now full of mistrust of corporations, new information, articles, and media. Anything and anyone is being accused of using AI when they post something online by skeptics, and those who don't know any better are living in blissful ignorance while they're being spoon-fed misinformation left, right, and center.

Further watching on generative AI as a whole:

Further reading:

Final Note:

Not all AI is bad, of course. There have been major breakthroughs in all fields of science thanks to AI which will bring about positive change for (hopefully) all of humanity.

But the problem is that the technology is developing far too quickly for lawmakers to keep up with (as planned, most likely, by all the billionaire tech bros on this planet) and generative AI in particular should have never been made publicly accessible. It should have remained in the hands of trained professionals who know how to use it responsibly.

[grey-sorcery]

Title: Herbology: Medicine & Correspondences

Suggested Reading

Correspondences Biases in Witchcraft Researching Witchcraft What is Witchcraft? Conceptualization Vs. Visualization Beginner Witchtips

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Herbology and herbal medicine carry risks and should be approached with caution. Individual circumstances and reactions may vary, so consulting a qualified healthcare practitioner is essential. I do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information and are not liable for any damages. Personal responsibility, thorough research, and evaluating sources are important. Herbal remedies can interact with medications and have contraindications. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if needed. Recommendations in this article are not endorsements of specific products or practices.

What is Herbology and Herbal Correspondence?

"Herbology" in English

(hɜːrˈbɑlədʒi, ɜːr-)

NOUN

"the study or collecting of herbs."

Herbal correspondences encompass the intricate relationship between plants and their metaphysical properties. Herbology, as a discipline, delves into the study of herbs for their medicinal applications. Herbology and herbal correspondences hold substantial significance across diverse cultural, historical, and magical traditions. These practices have evolved over centuries, drawing upon the wisdom and experiences of different societies. From ancient civilizations to modern holistic approaches, the use of herbs has played a vital role in healing, rituals, and cultural beliefs. Herbology and herbal correspondences share common elements, yet they differ in their approaches and purposes, which are shaped by cultural, historical, and magical contexts.

While both herbology and herbal correspondences deal with the properties and applications of plants, they diverge in their underlying principles, intentions, and methods. By examining the cultural, historical, and magical contexts surrounding these practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of their similarities and distinctions.

Correspondence

Herbal correspondences are integral to magical rituals, spellwork, and ceremonies, offering a means of aligning with desired outcomes and creating a sacred atmosphere. By assigning specific plants with symbolic meanings, energetic qualities, or intentions, practitioners tap into the attributes of herbs to enhance their magical practices. For instance, purification rituals may incorporate herbs symbolizing the removal of negative energies or the establishment of harmony. Burning herbs as offerings or for energetic transformation is a common practice in magical rituals. The selection of herbs is guided by their correspondences, aligning their energetic properties with the intentions of the ritual.

In spellwork, herbs are utilized to amplify the potency of spells, drawing on their symbolic associations and energetic resonance. Incorporating herbal correspondences allows practitioners to establish a deeper connection with the natural world and access its metaphysical powers. Cultural and historical contexts have shaped these correspondences, resulting in symbolic associations between herbs and qualities, elements, planets, or deities. Different traditions have developed their unique systems of correspondences, reflecting their perspectives and mythologies.

Herbal correspondences serve ritualistic and ceremonial purposes across various traditions. Specific herbs are chosen based on their symbolic attributes and perceived energetic qualities. For example, herbs associated with protection are employed to ward off negative influences. Although the effectiveness of correspondences may vary subjectively, they provide a framework for intention-setting and ritual practices, fostering a connection with nature and the spiritual realm. Symbolism plays a significant role in herbal correspondences, linking herb qualities to broader concepts or archetypal representations. An herb symbolizing vitality and growth, for instance, may represent renewal or the life force itself.

Herbal correspondences exhibit notable variations across different magical traditions and cultural contexts. Magical practitioners and spiritual communities develop their systems of correspondences, drawing from cultural, mythological, and occult traditions. The associations between herbs and planetary influences, for instance, may differ between Western astrology and Vedic astrology. Elemental correspondences assigned to herbs also vary based on specific magical traditions or cultural belief systems. These variations reflect the diversity of magical practices and cultural perspectives worldwide. In ancient Egypt, for example, herbal correspondences were an integral part of their medical and religious systems. The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 1550 BCE, contains extensive information on herbal medicines and their correspondences. Specific herbs such as frankincense and myrrh were associated with purification rituals and religious ceremonies in ancient Egyptian culture. These correspondences held deep cultural significance and were believed to invoke specific energies or deities. Different regions and traditions within Europe developed their systems of correspondences based on local flora, cultural beliefs, and astrological influences. For instance, in English folk magic, St. John's wort was associated with protection against evil spirits and was often used in rituals during the summer solstice celebrations. In Scandinavian folk traditions, elderberry was considered a protective herb and was used to ward off negative influences. 

15 Examples of Herbal Correspondences:

These correspondences are pulled from various online sources and are open for interpretation or modification.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Correspondences: Calming, purification, love, sleep, peace

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Correspondences: Protection, memory, clarity, purification

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Correspondences: Wisdom, cleansing, clarity, healing

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) Correspondences: Divination, psychic abilities, astral travel, dreams

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Correspondences: Prosperity, abundance, love, protection

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Correspondences: Relaxation, peace, purification, sleep

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Correspondences: Grounding, sensuality, wealth, fertility

Cedar (Cedrus spp.) Correspondences: Protection, purification, grounding, strength

Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) Correspondences: Spirituality, meditation, purification, consecration

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Correspondences: Healing, transformation, protection, banishing negativity

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) Correspondences: Love, sensuality, spirituality, divination

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Correspondences: Healing, courage, psychic powers, protection

Sandalwood (Santalum spp.) Correspondences: Meditation, spirituality, healing, purification

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Correspondences: Energy, mental clarity, purification, protection

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) Correspondences: Divination, psychic abilities, astral travel, dreams

Herbal Medicine

Herbology encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that combines elements of botany, pharmacology, chemistry, and traditional knowledge. It involves the systematic study of plants, including their chemical composition, physiological effects, and therapeutic potential. Practitioners of herbology seek to harness the medicinal properties of herbs to promote health, alleviate ailments, and restore balance within the body. Throughout history, herbology has been central to various civilizations and cultural traditions. Ancient cultures such as those in Egypt, China, and India developed rich herbal knowledge systems. They documented the healing properties of plants and incorporated them into medical practices, religious rituals, and cultural customs. Over time, this knowledge expanded, influenced by trade routes, exploration, and the exchange of ideas between cultures. Herbology encompasses a wide range of practical applications, including the preparation of herbal remedies, tinctures, teas, and poultices. Different herbs possess specific medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, or digestive effects. Traditional herbalists carefully select and combine herbs based on their observed actions and the desired therapeutic outcomes. This holistic approach aims to support the body's innate healing abilities and address the root causes of imbalance or disease.

Practitioners of herbology employ systematic observation, clinical trials, and scientific analysis to understand the chemical composition, physiological effects, and therapeutic potential of herbs. The primary purpose of herbology is to develop evidence-based remedies and treatment protocols for improving health and alleviating ailments.

15 Examples of Herbal Medicinal Remedies:

1. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Usage: Immune system support, common cold, respiratory infections Active Chemicals: Alkylamides, polysaccharides Health Warnings: Possible allergic reactions, may interact with immunosuppressant drugs Metabolized in: Liver

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Usage: Anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, antioxidant Active Chemicals: Curcuminoids, especially curcumin Health Warnings: Potential interactions with blood-thinning medications, high doses may cause digestive upset Metabolized in: Liver

3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Usage: Sleep aid, anxiety relief, relaxation Active Chemicals: Valerenic acid, valepotriates Health Warnings: May cause drowsiness, avoid alcohol and sedatives, long-term use should be monitored Metabolized in: Liver

4. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

 Usage: Mild to moderate depression, mood disorders Active Chemicals: Hypericin, hyperforin Health Warnings: Interactions with certain medications, increased sensitivity to sunlight, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms Metabolized in: Liver

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Usage: Digestive aid, nausea relief, anti-inflammatory Active Chemicals: Gingerols, shogaols Health Warnings: Higher doses may cause heartburn or stomach upset, caution in individuals with gallstones or bleeding disorders Metabolized in: Liver

6. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Usage: Digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, headache relief Active Chemicals: Menthol, menthone Health Warnings: Safe for most people when used in moderation, may cause heartburn or allergic reactions in some individual Metabolized in: Liver

7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Usage: Relaxation, sleep aid, digestive disorders Active Chemicals: Apigenin, chamazulene Health Warnings: Possible allergic reactions, caution in individuals taking anticoagulant medications Metabolized in: Liver

8. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Usage: Cardiovascular health, immune system support, antimicrobial Active Chemicals: Allicin, alliin Health Warnings: May interact with certain medications, caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeries Metabolized in: Liver

9. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Usage: Cardiovascular health, high blood pressure, heart failure Active Chemicals: Flavonoids, proanthocyanidins Health Warnings: Caution in individuals taking cardiac medications, may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms Metabolized in: Liver

10. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Usage: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary symptoms Active Chemicals: Fatty acids, phytosterols Health Warnings: Rare reports of gastrointestinal upset, caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions Metabolized in: Liver

11. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Usage: Cognitive function, memory enhancement, circulatory disorders Active Chemicals: Flavonoids, terpene lactones Health Warnings: May interact with certain medications, caution in individuals with bleeding disorders Metabolized in: Liver

12. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Usage: Liver support, detoxification, hepatitis Active Chemicals: Silymarin, flavonolignans Health Warnings: Generally well-tolerated, rare reports of mild gastrointestinal upset, caution in individuals with ragweed allergies Metabolized in: Liver

13. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Usage: Liver support, digestion, diuretic, inflammation Active Chemicals: sesquiterpene lactones, taraxasterol (TS), taraxerol, chlorogenic acid Health Warnings: Generally safe, caution in individuals with gallbladder problems or certain medications Metabolized in: Liver

14. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Usage: Respiratory conditions, cough, congestion Active Chemicals: Eucalyptol, cineole Health Warnings: Caution in individuals with asthma or epilepsy, avoid internal use in large quantities Metabolized in: Liver

15. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Usage: Relaxation, anxiety relief, sleep aid Active Chemicals: Linalool, linalyl acetate Health Warnings: Generally safe, may cause allergic reactions in some individuals Metabolized in: Liver

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or magical advice. It's always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

Researching Herbal Medicines

To properly dose herbal medicines and ensure safe and effective usage, a systematic and informed approach should be followed. Here are the steps to consider:

1. Research Active Constituents:

Begin by studying the active constituents present in the herb of interest. Understanding the chemical compounds responsible for its medicinal properties can provide insights into appropriate dosage ranges and potential variations across different processing methods.

2. Analyze Extraction Efficiency:

Different processing methods yield varying levels of extraction efficiency. For example, teas and tinctures involve different extraction processes and result in varying concentrations and bioavailability of active compounds. Take into account these differences when determining dosages.

3. Evaluate Concentration and Standardization:

The concentration of active constituents in the final herbal product may vary depending on the processing method. For instance, tinctures often have higher concentrations of active compounds compared to teas. Consider the concentration and standardization of the herbal preparation when determining the appropriate dosage.

4. Assess Bioavailability:

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which active compounds are absorbed and become available for biological activity. Different processing methods can impact the bioavailability of herbal constituents. Some methods may enhance absorption and bioavailability, while others may reduce it. Consider the potential impact of bioavailability on dosing and adjust accordingly.

5. Consider Route of Administration:

Different processing methods lead to varying routes of administration. For example, teas are typically ingested orally, while salves are applied topically. Recognize that the route of administration can influence the required dosage as absorption, distribution, and metabolism may differ.

6. Evaluate Dosage Recommendations:

Consult reliable sources, such as herbal medicine textbooks or reputable publications, that provide dosage recommendations specific to different processing methods. These sources may offer general guidelines or empirical data regarding appropriate dosages for each form of herbal medicine.

7. Start with Low Doses:

When using a new processing method or preparing a different form of herbal medicine, it is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. This approach allows for monitoring individual responses and helps identify any potential adverse effects.

8. Monitor Individual Response:

Pay close attention to individual reactions and adjust dosages as necessary. Keep track of changes in symptoms, effectiveness, or adverse effects. This self-monitoring allows for personalized optimization of dosage based on individual needs and responses.

By following these steps and considering factors such as active constituents, extraction efficiency, concentration, bioavailability, route of administration, dosage recommendations, starting with low doses, and monitoring individual responses, one can ensure a systematic and informed approach to herbal medicine dosing.

Toxicology

When studying herbal medicine, it is essential to gain knowledge about herbal chemical/drug interactions, avoiding worsening preexisting health conditions, and understanding the impact of metabolism. The following resources offer valuable insights into herbal dosing, interactions, and precautions:

- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine" by David Hoffmann

- "The Master Book of Herbalism" by Paul Beyerl

- "Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects" edited by Iris F. F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor

- "Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals" by Joanne Barnes, Linda A. Anderson, and J. David Phillipson

- "Textbook of Natural Medicine" by Joseph E. Pizzorno and Michael T. Murray

(Some free reference materials are sited further down)

Considering the potential interactions or worsening of health conditions, it is crucial to be aware of common herbs that may pose risks. Here are some examples along with their potential interactions or effects on health conditions:

1. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum):

May interact with antidepressants, anticoagulants, and oral contraceptives.

2. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba):

Can increase bleeding risk and interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and certain antidepressants.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum):

May enhance the anticoagulant effects of medications like warfarin.

4. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis):

Can potentiate the sedative effects of medications like benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

5. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra):

May affect blood pressure and interact with diuretics, corticosteroids, and medications metabolized by the liver.

6. Kava (Piper methysticum):

Has potential interactions with sedatives, anxiolytics, and medications metabolized by the liver.

7. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.):

Can interact with cardiac medications and enhance their effects.

8. Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe):

May have significant interactions with medications for high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.

Consulting with healthcare professionals or herbalists can help evaluate the safety and appropriateness of herbal remedies for specific health conditions.

The potential toxicity of herbal medicines is an important consideration when using them for therapeutic purposes. Understanding the various types of toxicity associated with herbal remedies allows for better identification and management of adverse effects. Monitoring for signs and symptoms specific to each category of toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and dermatotoxicity, enables timely intervention and the promotion of safe herbal medicine use. It is crucial to remain vigilant, assess individual responses, and consult healthcare professionals when any signs of toxicity arise. By prioritizing safety and informed usage, the benefits of herbal medicines can be maximized while minimizing the risks associated with their potential toxic effects. 1. Hepatotoxicity:

Hepatotoxicity refers to the toxic effects on the liver caused by certain herbal medicines. It occurs when the liver is exposed to toxic compounds present in herbal remedies, leading to liver damage. The liver plays a vital role in metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of essential molecules. When herbal medicines containing hepatotoxic substances are metabolized in the liver, they can cause cellular injury and disrupt liver function. Signs of hepatotoxicity may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes in blood tests.

2. Neurotoxicity:

Neurotoxicity is the toxicity that affects the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Some herbal medicines may contain neurotoxic compounds that, when metabolized, can interfere with normal neuronal function and lead to neurological damage. Signs of neurotoxicity may vary depending on the specific herb and its mechanism of action but can include dizziness, confusion, seizures, numbness or tingling in extremities, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination.

3. Cardiotoxicity:

Cardiotoxicity refers to the adverse effects of herbal medicines on the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart. Certain herbs contain cardiotoxic constituents that, when metabolized, can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart or cause damage to cardiac cells. Cardiotoxicity can manifest as irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fluid retention.

4. Nephrotoxicity:

Nephrotoxicity involves the toxicity of herbal medicines to the kidneys. When herbal remedies containing nephrotoxic compounds are metabolized, they can damage kidney cells and impair their normal functioning. Signs of nephrotoxicity may include decreased urine output, swelling in the extremities, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in blood tests.

5. Pulmonary toxicity:

Pulmonary toxicity refers to the adverse effects of herbal medicines on the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. Certain herbs may contain pulmonary toxicants that, when metabolized, can cause inflammation, damage lung tissues, or disrupt normal lung function. Signs of pulmonary toxicity may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and abnormal lung function test results.

6. Dermatotoxicity:

Dermatotoxicity is the toxicity that affects the skin. Some herbal medicines may contain compounds that, when metabolized, can induce adverse skin reactions. This can manifest as allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, or skin irritation. Signs of dermatotoxicity may include redness, itching, rash, blistering, swelling, and skin discoloration.

It is important to note that the occurrence of toxicity within each category can vary depending on factors such as the dosage, duration of use, individual susceptibility, and interactions with other medications or substances. Identifying signs of toxicity requires careful monitoring of individuals using herbal medicines and promptly recognizing any unusual or adverse effects. If such effects occur, it is recommended to discontinue the use of the herbal medicine and seek medical attention.

Free reference materials:

Anatomy & Physiology (2013) on OpenStax

Modern Toxicology (2004) on Archive.org

Encyclopedia Of Herbal Medicine (2016) on Archive.org

Handbook Of Medicinal Herbs (2002) on Archive.org

Similarities & Overlap

Both herbology and herbal correspondences approach the qualities of plants from distinct perspectives. Herbology relies on empirical observation, scientific analysis, and clinical studies to understand the medicinal properties and develop evidence-based remedies. In contrast, herbal correspondences view plants as carriers of symbolic or energetic attributes, incorporating their essences and potentials into emotional, spiritual, or metaphysical well-being. Despite their differences, both practices recognize the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit and emphasize holistic approaches to well-being. Herbology recognizes the influence of the environment on humans and seeks to restore balance by working in harmony with nature. It provides scientific knowledge on the medicinal properties, safety, and dosage of herbs, ensuring their safe and effective use in addressing health conditions and potential interactions with medications.

Herbal correspondences, on the other hand, focus on the spiritual and symbolic aspects of well-being. They enable individuals to connect with the metaphysical realms and align with the rhythms of the natural world. By incorporating symbolism and intention, they enhance spiritual practices and personal growth. Integrating the insights from herbology and herbal correspondences allows for a comprehensive approach to well-being. It combines the physiological benefits of herbs supported by scientific research with the energetic and symbolic qualities that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. This integrated perspective acknowledges the holistic nature of health and enriches the mystical applications of herbology.

The magical correspondences associated with herbs are influenced by their medicinal properties and symbolic associations. Medicinal properties are derived from the chemical composition of herbs and their physiological effects on the human body. Scientific investigation identifies bioactive compounds that interact with biological systems, eliciting therapeutic responses. Symbolic associations in magical correspondences are influenced by physical attributes, traditional uses, folklore, and cultural contexts of herbs. The convergence of medicinal properties and magical correspondences occurs when shared qualities and effects align. For example, a sedative herb may correspond to calming or promoting restful sleep in magical practices, reflecting its physiological sedative effects. Similarly, the specific medicinal properties of herbs inform corresponding magical intentions. An herb with anti-inflammatory properties may be associated with healing or soothing in magical applications, mirroring its physiological capacity to reduce inflammation.

The credibility of herbal medicines' potency and efficacy reinforces their association with magical correspondences. Tangible effects observed in healing practices validate the belief in their metaphysical influence. The integration of science and symbolism highlights the multidimensional nature of herbology, bridging the physical and mystical realms. Understanding the interplay between herbal medicinal properties and magical correspondences requires comprehensive knowledge and research. Exploring herbal texts, historical references, and cross-cultural perspectives provides valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between herbs and their magical applications. By studying the chemical constituents, physiological effects, and traditional uses of herbs, practitioners unravel the intricate tapestry of correspondences that enriches the practice of herbology and its magical manifestations.

Creating Correspondences Based on Medicinal Properties

To generate magical correspondences for herbs based on their medicinal applications, a systematic process can be followed, incorporating scientific knowledge and symbolic associations. The process involves several steps:

Identify the medicinal properties: Begin by researching and understanding the medicinal properties of each herb. This involves studying scientific literature, herbal texts, and reputable sources to ascertain the herb's physiological effects, chemical constituents, and therapeutic applications.

Analyze the physiological effects: Analyze the physiological effects of the herb in relation to the human body. Consider its impact on various systems, such as the nervous, immune, or cardiovascular systems. This analysis helps establish the herb's tangible influence on physical well-being.

Determine symbolic associations: Explore cultural, historical, and mythological references associated with the herb. Investigate traditional uses, folklore, and symbolic meanings attributed to the herb in different cultures or magical traditions. Symbolic associations may arise from the herb's appearance, aroma, taste, habitat, or historical significance.

Bridge medicinal and symbolic qualities: Identify shared qualities and effects between the herb's medicinal properties and its symbolic associations. Look for connections where the physiological effects align with the desired magical outcome or symbolic representation. For example, if an herb exhibits calming properties, it could correspond to promoting emotional tranquility or soothing energies in magical practices.

Consider elemental or planetary correspondences: Explore elemental or planetary correspondences commonly used in magical systems. Assign elements (such as fire, earth, air, or water) or planets to herbs based on their symbolic and medicinal attributes. This step adds an additional layer of correspondences that align with broader metaphysical concepts.

Document the correspondences: Record the generated correspondences for each herb, documenting the medicinal properties, shared qualities, symbolic associations, and elemental or planetary correspondences. Create a reference guide or database that consolidates this information for future use in magical practices.

Validate and refine correspondences: Continuously evaluate and refine the correspondences based on new research, cross-cultural perspectives, or personal experiences. Seek feedback from knowledgeable practitioners or experts in herbology and magical traditions to ensure the accuracy and coherence of the correspondences.

Tips for Beginners

Start with your local plants

Learn how to harvest and process plants responsibly and respectfully

Keep a notebook of local herbs and how to locate and identify them

Learn about your local ecosystem and ways that you can help it flourish

Study invasive plants in your region that can be used for magical or medicinal purposes

Take notes of key words in this article (in reference to an herbs toxicology) so that you can research each aspect of a local plant before consuming it.

Interested in my other articles? You can find my masterpost here.

Patron Shoutouts!

Megan Kipp Jinsu Ing Mar Cosmicaquamarie

Thank you for your continued support! My patrons help me maintain the drive to create content and help me keep food in my pantry.

My patrons of Mystic tier and higher had access to this article a week or more before it was public! To see other perks of supporting me, click here!

This article was reviewed and revised by ChatGPT.

[horsesource]

Love your blog and the excerpts you share. Are there any books on adhd or topics adjacent to it you would recommend?

Hello! Thank you 🐿️

I don’t seek out writing preoccupied explicitly with adhd. I really like Franco Berardi and he has written about the acceleration/predation of attention and the erosion of sensible sensuous time under “semiocapitalism”. Precarious Rhapsody is a book that discusses this, particularly in chapter 2:

But if you don’t wanna read a book he pays attention to attention and “attention deficits” in articles too:

“Do not forget that your brain functions in time, and needs time in order to give attention and understanding…You can accelerate attention by taking amphetamines, for instance, or using other techniques or drugs that give you the possibility of being more attentive, more productive in the field of attention. But you know how it ends.

One can recall a time around the dot-com crash of 2000 when a number of books dealing with the topic of the attention economy appeared in bookstores. Economists suddenly became aware of the simple fact that in a semiocapitalist world, the main commodity becomes attention. The 1990s saw an era of increasing productivity, increasing enthusiasm for production, increasing happiness of intellectual workers, who became entrepreneurs and so forth in the dot-com mania. But the 1990s was also the Prozac decade. You cannot explain what Alan Greenspan called the ‘irrational exuberance’ in the markets without recalling the simple fact that millions of cognitive workers were consuming tons of cocaine, amphetamines, and Prozac throughout the 1990s. Greenspan was not speaking of the economy, but the cocaine effect in the brains of millions of cognitive workers all over the world. And the dot-com crash was the sudden disappearance of this amphetamine from the brains of those workers…

The cognitive workers were both economically and chemically depressed, and because the attention economy was oversaturated, it was time to start the infinite war, the preemptive war, the never-ending war. This is what the Bush years brought: while using a lie to start a war in Iraq seemed crazy, the purpose was never to win or lose, but to fight a war that would never end.

More and more signs buy less and less meaning. In a letter to linguist and semiologist Thomas Seboek, Bill Gates wrote that ‘the digital revolution is all about … tools to make things easy.’ It seems that Bill Gates ingeniously grasped the problem in the relationship between meaning and power. Built under a hippie principle of bringing information to the people, the friendly interfaces developed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak began a dangerous process of making things easy: if you make things easy, a large majority of people will follow you. In this way, we find the evolution of the internet to be the evolution of a system that begins as a channel for research and discovery, for creation and invention, to become essentially a place where things are easy. It is in this way that meaning can be totally forgotten, but information can continue to move.

When more signs buy less meaning, when there is an inflation in meaning, when the info-sphere accelerates and your attention is unable to keep up, what do you need? You need someone who makes things easy for you. It’s a problem of time.”

[zhaoneurology]

Top 10 Myths About Multiple Sclerosis You Need to Know

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects millions worldwide. Unfortunately, misconceptions about MS often lead to confusion and unnecessary fear. In this blog, we debunk the top 10 myths surrounding MS and provide clarity on this misunderstood disease.

1. Myth: MS Is a Death Sentence

Reality: MS is not fatal. While it is a chronic condition, advancements in medical research and treatment options help individuals manage symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

2. Myth: MS Only Affects Older Adults

Reality: MS is commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. However, it can develop at any age, and early diagnosis plays a crucial role in symptom management.

3. Myth: MS Always Leads to Paralysis

Reality: While some people may experience mobility challenges, MS does not always result in paralysis. Many individuals with MS continue to walk, work, and participate in everyday activities with the right treatment plan.

4. Myth: MS Is Contagious

Reality: MS is an autoimmune disease, not an infectious disease. It cannot be transmitted through contact, air, or bodily fluids.

5. Myth: There Is No Treatment for MS

Reality: While there is no cure, various treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

6. Myth: MS Affects Only Physical Abilities

Reality: MS can also impact cognitive functions, such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Proper therapy and care can help individuals manage cognitive symptoms.

7. Myth: People with MS Should Avoid Exercise

Reality: Regular exercise is beneficial for those with MS. It helps maintain muscle strength, improve mobility, and boost overall well-being when tailored to individual needs.

8. Myth: MS Symptoms Are the Same for Everyone

Reality: MS affects each person differently. Symptoms range from mild to severe and vary in progression, making personalized treatment plans essential.

9. Myth: MS Is Only Hereditary

Reality: While genetics can play a role, MS is not solely hereditary. Environmental factors and immune system dysfunction also contribute to its development.

10. Myth: People with MS Cannot Have a Normal Life

Reality: With proper treatment and support, individuals with Multiple Sclerosis can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional guidance are key to improving quality of life.

Empowering Lives with the Right Support

Understanding MS is the first step toward breaking myths and supporting those affected. If you or a loved one is navigating MS, it’s essential to seek expert advice and explore comprehensive treatment options.

[mariacallous]

Editor's note:This is the first blog in our series that examines how social determinants influence gender biases in public health research, menstrual hygiene product development, and women’s health outcomes. 

Worldwide, over 100 million women use tampons every day as they are the most popular form of menstrual products. U.S. women spent approximately $1 billion from 2016 to 2021 on tampons, and 22% to 86% of those who menstruate use them during their cycles, with adolescent girls and young adults preferring them. Tampons and pads are the most practical and common option for those who are working and have limited funds. Yet, a recent pilot study exposed concerning amounts of lead, arsenic, and toxic chemicals in tampons: 30 different tampons from 14 brands were evaluated for 16 different metal(loid)s, and tests indicated that all 16 metal(loid)s were detected in all different samples. This news comes as quite a shock to women who use these products. It raises many concerns and questions for those who do not have other viable options when they menstruate. We explore some of the major questions and concerns regarding the products on the market and their potential to increase the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. It is clear that beyond this pilot study, further research is required to understand the potential health challenges. 

Unpacking the potential risks for those who use menstrual products  

Measurable concentrations of lead and arsenic in tampons are deeply concerning given how toxic they are. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies lead as a major public health concern with no known safe exposure level. Arsenic can lead to several health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. There are three ways in which these metal(loid)s can be introduced into the product: 1) from the raw materials that absorbed the soil and air, like the cotton used in the absorbent core; 2) contamination from water during the manufacturing process; and 3) intentionally being added during the manufacturing process for certain purposes. No matter how these metal(loid)s are introduced into the product, the pilot study stresses that further research must be done to explore the consequences of vaginally absorbed chemicals given the direct line to the circulatory system.   

On an institutional level, the public health system has historically been biased toward the male perspective, essentially excluding research related to women’s health. In 1977, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that women of childbearing age should be excluded from clinical research. Because of this gendered bias, many women now experience delayed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and suffer more adverse drug effects; eight out of 10 of the drugs removed from U.S. markets from 1997 to 2000 were almost exclusively due to the risk to women. In 1989, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) amended its policy to include women and minorities in research studies, but it wasn’t until 1993 that this policy became federal law in the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993. Then, in 2016, the NIH implemented a policy requiring the consideration of sex as a biological variable in research.  

Historically, women haven’t been in control of the various industries that support their unique health needs and develop products that allow them to manage their health in safe ways. In spite of this, women-owned businesses have increased over time, with many of them supporting a range of products, services, and health and child care needs. Changes in these industries can lead to a better understanding of how certain products aid or impede women’s health trajectories.  

Racialized and gendered bias in health research  

The life expectancy of women continues to be higher than men’s. That does not suggest there has been universal nor equitable support for women’s health issues and women’s health care. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. They also experience racism and differential treatment in health care and social service settings. This reality becomes starker when stigma and bias influence negative behaviors toward Black women and other women of color, and socioeconomic status limits access to preventative care, follow-up care, and other services and resources.   

Toxic menstrual products are just the tip of the iceberg for gender bias in health research. Gendered bias extends into how health care professionals evaluate men and women differently based on the stereotypical ideas of the gender binary. This results in those who are perceived as women receiving fewer diagnoses and treatments than men with similar conditions, as well as doctors interpreting women’s pain as stemming from emotional challenges rather than anything physical. In a study comparing a patient’s pain rating with an observer’s rating, women’s pain was consistently underestimated while men’s pain was overestimated. Women’s pain is often disregarded or minimized by health care professionals, as they often view it as nothing more than an emotional exaggeration or are quick to blame any physical pain on stress. This has led to a pain gap in which women with true medical emergencies are pushed aside. For instance, the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that women with chest pain waited 29% longer to see a doctor in emergency rooms than men.  

For people of color, especially Black women, the pain gap, as well as the gap in diagnoses and treatment, is exacerbated due to the intersectionality of gender, race, and the historical contexts of Black women’s health in America. Any analysis must consider the unique systemic levels of sexism and racism they face as being both Black and women. They face a multifaceted front of discrimination, sexism, and racism, in which doctors don’t believe their pain due to implicit biases against Black people—a dynamic that stems from slavery, during which it was common belief that Black people had a higher pain tolerance—and women. A study found that white medical students and residents believed at least one false biological difference between white and Black people and were thus more likely to underestimate a Black patient’s pain level.  

Intersectionality, as well as sexism, further explains why medical students that believe in racial differences in pain tolerance are less likely to accurately provide treatment recommendations or pain medications. A Pew study found that 55% of Black people say they’ve had at least one negative experience with doctors, where they felt like they were treated with less respect than others and had to advocate for themselves to get proper care. Comparatively, 52% of younger Black women and 40% of older Black women felt the need to speak up to receive care, while only 29% of younger Black men and 36% of older Black men felt similarly. Particularly among Black women, 34% said their women’s health concerns or symptoms weren’t taken seriously by their health care providers. This even happened to Serena Williams! 

Restructuring the health system  

On Tuesday, September 11, 2024, the FDA announced they would investigate the toxic chemicals and metals in tampons as a result of the pilot study. This comes after public outcry and Senator Patty Murray’s (D-Wash.) letter to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf asking the agency to evaluate next steps to ensure the safety of tampons and menstrual products. In her letter, she specifically asks what the FDA has done so far in their evaluations and what requirements they have for testing these products, ensuring a modicum of accountability within this market. As of July 2024, the FDA classifies tampons as medical devices and does regulate their safety but only to an extent, with no requirements to test menstrual products for chemical contaminants (aside from making sure they do not contain pesticides or dioxin). The pilot study on tampons containing harmful metals was the first of its kind, which sheds light on how long women’s health has been neglected. Regulations requiring manufacturers to test metals in tampons need to be implemented, and future studies on the adverse health impacts of metals entering the bloodstream must be prioritized. The FDA investigation will hopefully be a step in the right direction toward implementing stricter regulations.  

For too long, the health field has been saturated with studies by and for men. Women’s health, on the other hand, faces inadequate funding, a lack of consideration for women’s lived experiences, and the need for more women leading research teams investigating women’s health. Women, especially those who face economic and social disparities, have the capacity to break barriers and address real issues that impact millions of women each day but only if they are brought to the table. With structural change, we can address how women’s concerns are undermined and put forth efforts to determine new and effective measures for women’s health.  

[eedenuwu]

oc-tober | my first few days

hello tumbo ler. i am kinda doing oc-tober this year, kinda not. i know my schedule (busy, hectic, hell) but i also know i like to procrastinate (these 3 pieces have consumed time that would've been better used for homework).

so, i'm gonna jump into it... the other 2 drawings and more info will be below the cut

day 1 | favorite oc

ok so i started off strong here... by that i mean i started with day 1!!! (on october 5). this is my favorite ever. i have never really info dumped about this one on the internet before... was gonna use this as a time to start but then deleted what i just wrote LOLL all u gotta know is that bro is stunning witterawy just look. also this oc is from the 1920s/30s/40s... most of the story i've got in my head takes place in the 30s tho 😻

day 5 | redesigned oc

see this is what i mean. i skipped from day 1 to day 5.. but this is an oc i made when i was like 12 (WAY TOO CLOSE TO 10 YEARS AGO) and he was an angsty little bugger... it used to be the case that he was a witch living on his own in a village that, like, hates him or whatever. (because he's a witch.) the townsfolk like rip his tongue out or whatever and then he couldn't speak anymore but still ran like some sort of fruit stand at some sort of market. then like the love of his life moved in and he lived happily ever after. (not true, the love of his life was a BOY so i think they both got killed.)

and wow!!! that's a lot for a 12/13 year old. i came across an OLDDD google doc that had a little bit about this guy in it. the story, as anything written by a 12/13yo, made like. extremely little sense.

so i redesigned bro in about 2022ish. gave him a name, and he's still a witch. he's still missing a tongue. the differences now include that he's AFAB, has a little friend in his head only (pictured. he is cursed) and has a twin brother now. his twin brother works as a knight and like... captured him for an insane bounty. i also gave him a little bit of plot armor... he's some sort of telepath now so he's able to get by without a tongue. instead of straight up fantasy ville, i've been doing a little research into the middle ages to figure out a more, like, realistic setting... as realistic as including supernatural things can be but believe me the story is making a lot more sense now than it did in 2015.

day 3 | old oc

so i drew this today. yes these are in order of when i drew them...

anyway in terms of when i made this one, he's not THAT old. he's a product of my highschool mind and appeared on MANY assignments as doodles.. so he was like, essentially, born in about 2016/17, but i consider him old because i haven't so much as thought about him since like 2020, MAYBEEE early 2021.

this is also making me realize i have a thing for FREAKS. every one of these ocs has something about them that makes them "less than human;" this guy's deal is that he's like.. half fish..

it sounded really cool in 2017 you have to understand this was the vibe of the time

anyway he essentially got scrapped for no better reason than i was just getting bored. like, the story i was developing for bro ALSO took place in the 1920s (dude let me tell u. prohibition era america is actually my roman empire. genuinely in every sense of the real meaning of that trend) but it was diverging too far from reality and sort of becoming an atla knockoff toward the end of my thoughts for it... so then bro at the top was born (girl on day 1) in august 2021 and the rest for this guy was history. such is the damning reality of the creative.

anyway, that's all. i have no idea if i'll keep this up, but some of the prompts have genuinely given me ideas to cure my art block (I HAVE NOT DRAWN SINCE JULYYYYY) so i'm hoping to have time for more 🥲

[punk-pins]

fundamentally you need to understand that the internet-scraping text generative AI (like ChatGPT) is not the point of the AI tech boom. the only way people are making money off that is through making nonsense articles that have great search engine optimization. essentially they make a webpage that’s worded perfectly to show up as the top result on google, which generates clicks, which generates ads. text generative ai is basically a machine that creates a host page for ad space right now.

and yeah, that sucks. but I don’t think the commercialized internet is ever going away, so here we are. tbh, I think finding information on the internet, in books, or through anything is a skill that requires critical thinking and cross checking your sources. people printed bullshit in books before the internet was ever invented. misinformation is never going away. I don’t think text generative AI is going to really change the landscape that much on misinformation because people are becoming educated about it. the text generative AI isn’t a genius supercomputer, but rather a time-saving tool to get a head start on identifying key points of information to further research.

anyway. the point of the AI tech boom is leveraging big data to improve customer relationship management (CRM) to streamline manufacturing. businesses collect a ridiculous amount of data from your internet browsing and purchases, but much of that data is stored in different places with different access points. where you make money with AI isn’t in the Wild West internet, it’s in a structured environment where you know the data its scraping is accurate. companies like nvidia are getting huge because along with the new computer chips, they sell a customizable ecosystem along with it.

so let’s say you spent 10 minutes browsing a clothing retailer’s website. you navigated directly to the clothing > pants tab and filtered for black pants only. you added one pair of pants to your cart, and then spent your last minute or two browsing some shirts. you check out with just the pants, spending $40. you select standard shipping.

with AI for CRM, that company can SIGNIFICANTLY more easily analyze information about that sale. maybe the website developers see the time you spent on the site, but only the warehouse knows your shipping preferences, and sales audit knows the amount you spent, but they can’t see what color pants you bought. whereas a person would have to connect a HUGE amount of data to compile EVERY customer’s preferences across all of these things, AI can do it easily.

this allows the company to make better broad decisions, like what clothing lines to renew, in which colors, and in what quantities. but it ALSO allows them to better customize their advertising directly to you. through your browsing, they can use AI to fill a pre-made template with products you specifically may be interested in, and email it directly to you. the money is in cutting waste through better manufacturing decisions, CRM on an individual and large advertising scale, and reducing the need for human labor to collect all this information manually.

(also, AI is great for developing new computer code. where a developer would have to trawl for hours on GitHUB to find some sample code to mess with to try to solve a problem, the AI can spit out 10 possible solutions to play around with. thats big, but not the point right now.)

so I think it’s concerning how many people are sooo focused on ChatGPT as the face of AI when it’s the least profitable thing out there rn. there is money in the CRM and the manufacturing and reduced labor. corporations WILL develop the technology for those profits. frankly I think the bigger concern is how AI will affect big data in a government ecosystem. internet surveillance is real in the sense that everything you do on the internet is stored in little bits of information across a million different places. AI will significantly impact the government’s ability to scrape and compile information across the internet without having to slog through mountains of junk data.

[spacepepperstudios4]

Video Production Services in Delhi NCR – Tell the Story of Your Brand with Spacepepper Studios

Spacepepper Studios is a leading video production company in Delhi NCR, empowering brands to connect with their audiences through meaningful and impactful visual storytelling. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in producing videos that engage customers, inspire teams, and attract new business opportunities.

Video Production – The Modern Marketing Essential

In today’s digital world, video content is no longer optional—it’s a powerful tool to influence, inform, and convert your audience. When created strategically, videos can outperform nearly every other form of marketing. If your business in Delhi NCR isn’t leveraging video yet, now’s the time to start. Partnering with a professional agency like Spacepepper Studios can elevate your brand and deliver exceptional returns on investment.

Our Video Production Services

On-Location Videos

We specialize in shooting videos at locations that align with your brand's identity and message. With our skilled crew and advanced equipment, we ensure professional quality and storytelling that truly resonates with your audience.

Explainer Videos & Animations

Animated videos are the ideal way to simplify complex concepts. At Spacepepper Studios, we create visually engaging 2D animations that convey your message clearly and creatively, making it easier for your audience to understand and act.

Corporate Videos

Our corporate videos help establish brand credibility, build trust, and showcase your company’s culture, services, or milestones. Whether for internal communications or public campaigns, we help you make a strong and lasting impression.

Product Demo Videos

Demonstrate how your product or service works with clear, informative, and captivating videos. We blend narration, visuals, and music to create demo videos that educate users while reinforcing your brand value.

Video Ads & Commercials

From YouTube pre-rolls to television spots, we produce ads that grab attention and drive action. Our team can script, shoot, animate, and edit everything from branded content to sponsored videos tailored for digital and broadcast platforms.

Testimonials & Interview Videos

Customer testimonials and interviews are powerful tools to build trust. Let your happiest clients and team members share their experiences on camera to inspire confidence and increase conversion rates.

Social Media Videos

Tailored video content for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube is essential to stand out online. We craft platform-specific videos with the right tone, visuals, and strategy to captivate your digital audience.

Animated Logos

Give your brand a dynamic identity with a custom animated logo. These short yet powerful animations enhance brand recall and create a more professional and modern brand experience across platforms.

E-Learning Videos

We create educational videos for online learning platforms, schools, and corporates. Our engaging formats help learners retain knowledge better, making learning accessible, efficient, and enjoyable.

The Spacepepper Studios Process – From Idea to Impact

1. Pre-Production

We begin with understanding your goals, audience, and message. Our team then handles:

Audience and channel research

Concept development and scripting

Storyboarding and shot planning

Location scouting and talent sourcing

Scheduling and obtaining necessary permissions

2. Production

This is where the vision comes to life. Our production team uses the latest equipment, including HD cameras, drones, and lighting kits, supported by skilled professionals such as directors, cinematographers, sound engineers, and makeup artists.

3. Post-Production

In this phase, we enhance your video with:

Editing and sequencing

Animation and visual effects

Voice-over recording

Sound design and music scoring

Color correction and final mastering

4. Marketing & Distribution

We don’t stop at delivery. We also assist with strategizing the launch, optimizing for platforms, tracking performance, and refining content to meet KPIs and generate maximum ROI.

Why Spacepepper Studios for Video Marketing in Delhi NCR?

At Spacepepper Studios, we believe that personalized, impactful videos are key to modern marketing. We help brands communicate their unique value with clarity and creativity.

We understand that your business is dynamic and complex—so we create layered visual stories that go beyond plain words. Whether you need a brand film, an explainer, a social ad, or an educational module, we can bring your message to life through video.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

How life began on Earth: Model suggests ancient Earth had organic-rich atmosphere

The key to unlocking the secrets of distant planets starts right here on Earth. Researchers at Tohoku University, the University of Tokyo, and Hokkaido University have developed a model that considers various atmospheric chemical reactions to estimate how the atmosphere—and the first signs of life—evolved on Earth. The study is published in Astrobiology.

"Ancient Earth was nothing like our current home," explains Shungo Koyama from Tohoku University, "It was a much more hostile place; rich in metallic iron with an atmosphere containing hydrogen and methane." These molecules contain an important clue to how life was initially formed.

When exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces organics (also known as the "building blocks of life"). Part of these organics were precursors to essential biomolecules, such as amino acids and nucleic acids.

However, understanding the role of UV radiation is difficult. First, this type of atmosphere is unstable and likely underwent rapid changes due to atmospheric chemical reactions. Second, when UV radiation efficiently breaks down water vapor in the atmosphere and forms oxidative molecules, the precise branching ratio and timescale has not been determined.

In order to address these issues, a 1D photochemical model was created to make accurate predictions about what the atmosphere was like on Earth long ago.

The calculation reveals that most hydrogen was lost to space and that hydrocarbons like acetylene (produced from methane) shielded UV radiation. This inhibition of UV radiation significantly reduced the breakdown of water vapor and subsequent oxidation of methane, thus enhancing the production of organics.

If the initial amount of methane was equivalent to that of the amount of carbon found on the present-day Earth's surface, organic layers several hundred meters thick could have formed.

"There may have been an accumulation of organics that created what was like an enriched soup of important building blocks. That could have been the source from which living things first emerged on Earth," Tatsuya Yoshida of Tohoku University proposes.

The model suggests that the atmosphere on ancient Earth was strikingly similar to what we see currently on neighboring planets Venus and Mars. However, despite their proximity, Earth evolved into a completely different environment.

Researchers are trying to understand what makes Earth so special. As such, this model allows us to deepen our understanding of whether atmospheric evolution and the origin of life on Earth are unique or share common patterns with other planetary systems.

IMAGE: Diagram of the atmospheric evolution of Earth's ancient atmosphere estimated by this study. Credit: Astrobiology (2024). DOI: 10.1089/ast.2024.0048

[teh-nos]

the crucial stages of Writing A Longfic (ie 10k words or more), as i have come to understand them through recent Experiences:

think of an idea for a fic!

take a few moments to work out how you can. you know. tease it out a bit. pad the wordcount. develop the concept. make it longer more of an in-depth study of working as a florist whose shop is next door to that of a sexy tattooist.

now that you have that sorted, it's time to go to photopea dot com and create a picture of your OTP in a flower shop (ESSENTIAL STAGE OF THE PROCESS, DO NOT SKIP)

write an outline of the story, making sure to pad it out a bit more keep track of the key relationship developments as they unfold against the backdrop of the complex and murky world of flower sales.

add a subplot to the outline, but only to the first half of the outline - you are going to have to drop this subplot at the midway point when you realise you don't give a fuck about it anyway.

but don't worry, nobody else does either.

time to make a playlist for this fic! so you can get ~the vibes~ right! via the works of taylor swift and *checks notes* hosiery!

research tattoos and flowers on wikipedia for an approriate length of time.

having obtained your PhD in flowers, return to the fic outline you put aside so that you'd have enough time to devote to being stressed about your studies.

wait. what if you set it in the 1640s?

research the 1640s for an appropriate length of time.

having spent two decades becoming the world's leading expert in the political history of your nation in the 1640s, ditch the historical au angle entirely as you have realised you are not capable of writing this - your knowledge of menswear production in the 17th century is shockingly poor and everyone reading it would laugh at you as soon as you gave someone the wrong kind of socks :(

despair

actually write some of the fic in a sleep-deprived/drug-fuelled daze

post part 1/? to AO3

consider writing the rest of it at some point

fail to do so

[rafijaman]

The Basics of Digital Marketing For Beginners

Tips for Beginners

As a digital marketing beginner, you don’t have to feel intimidated or lost. Here are some tips to make digital marketing for beginners easier to grasp and get going.

Know everything you can about brand awareness

Building brand awareness is an essential element to your marketing strategy and your success. Start out by knowing everything you can about it and its benefits.

Essentially, brand awareness is the recognition and familiarization by others of your brand, product, or service. To boost such awareness, you will need to help consumers learn more about your business, the products or services you offer, and what makes you stand out from your competitors.

There are several ways to build brand awareness. Consistency in how you present your brand across channels and platforms will be key. Consumers will be able to look at a blog or social media post and instantly know it’s yours if you do it right.

SEO is everywhere

Search engine optimization (SEO) is everywhere today! Once you acknowledge this, it’s time to get in the game by understanding how SEO works and ways to use it to your advantage.

Sure, it can be a little intimidating at first, so start slow and easy. Identify keywords and phrases that your target audience uses to conduct searches. Incorporate these into all your content so your audience can find you more easily. From here, you’ll want to consider a link-building strategy to boost your SEO even more.

If you start feeling anxious, remember to take action one step at a time and keep learning all you can about SEO techniques and available tools. Soon you’ll be using it to increase website traffic, gain higher-quality leads, and more.

Discover the online potential of your brand

One of the most empowering moments that can occur as a digital marketer is to discover the online potential of your brand. Digital marketing is the perfect avenue for generating high-quality leads that result in more interaction with your brand and, ultimately, higher sales.

You may discover opportunities to offer webinars to customers, create courses, sponsor events, or become a thought leader in your field. The online potential of your brand is vast, and cashing in on that is possible with targeted marketing and planning.

Get to Really Know Your Customers

While you may already know everything about your product or service, it is essential to step away from that and get to really know your customers. By doing so, you can build a better marketing strategy that appeals to them and other potential customers.

Conduct your own market research by sending out surveys to existing customers and by asking for feedback. Closely study customer reviews and comments to gain a sense of what they want most. Learn all you can about who they are, what they want or need, and the type of interests they have.

Once you collect this information and start to understand your customers, develop your buyer personas. You will use these to plan your marketing strategy and the type of content to share.

Build a significant presence on social media

Consumers today spend tons of time on social media platforms. Since that is where they are, it is where you should be also. The goal is to build a significant presence on one or more platforms.

Create your social profile to match your brand and how you present yourself on your website. Now it’s time to start publishing content. Consider mixing it up a bit at times, providing informative, educational, or entertaining content to show your brand’s confidence and personality. Don’t just focus only on your products or services, but add posts that speak to your target audience’s interests and desires.

Online consumers are highly visual these days, so be sure to always include the highest quality videos and images with your posts. As you gain more followers, increase your interaction with them by responding to comments. You can even use interactive content to draw them in further.