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thoughtportal · 2 months ago

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One evening in 1951 astronomer William Wilson Morgan was strolling home from Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin when he looked up at the night sky and had a “flash inspiration ... a creative intuitional burst.” It solved one of the great mysteries of astronomy.

The observable universe contains billions, possibly even trillions, of galaxies. With a modest telescope, their varied forms are discernible—spirals, ellipsoids and others with irregular structures. But what about our own galaxy, the Milky Way?

Morgan had been calculating the distances from Earth of groups of big, hot, bright stars, nowadays called OB associations. He knew that in spiral galaxies these clusters reside in the trailing arms. Gazing at the sky while walking home, he located the familiar dots of the OB associations. But this time the flat image of the night sky merged in his mind with the star distances that he had calculated and committed to memory, and it sprang to three-dimensional life. Morgan’s vision: the stars of the OB association are arranged in a long strand—an arm of our spiral galaxy.

An “aha! moment,” such as Morgan’s marvelous insight that the Milky Way is a spiral, is a new idea or perspective that arrives abruptly, often bursting into an ongoing stream of thought. It may pop up while someone is actively trying to solve a problem, but it can also arrive spontaneously. “When I write songs, it’s never a conscious decision—it’s an idea that floats down in front of me at four in the morning or in the middle of a conversation or on a tour bus or in the mall or in an airport bathroom,” singer-songwriter Taylor Swift related to an interviewer. “I never know when I’m gonna get an idea and I never know what it’s gonna be.”

These revelations feel pleasing, even thrilling, and they can be portals to a scientific breakthrough, an innovative business proposal, a hit song or the plot of a best-selling novel. Or they may provide a life-changing perspective on a personal dilemma. People can overcome many challenges by analyzing them step by arduous step, but leaps of insight are more often associated with out-of-the-box ideas. And though often obvious in hindsight, the revelation can be astounding when it arrives.

Scholars have sought to capture the elusive essence of the aha! moment for more than a century, and it is finally within our grasp. We now know where it happens in the brain and when it’s more likely to happen. And we’re discovering some surprising benefits of insight, including elevated mood, memory and, oddly, the ability to distinguish fake news from real.

Jen Christiansen

Jen Christiansen; Sources: “Intuition in Insight and Noninsight Problem Solving,” by Janet Metcalfe and David Wiebe, in Memory & Cognition, Vol. 15; May 1987 (triangle and polygon reference); “Restructuring Processes and Aha! Experiences in Insight Problem Solving,” by Jennifer Wiley and Amory H. Danek, in Nature Reviews Psychology, Vol. 3; January 2024 (candle problem reference)

The 1990s saw rapid developments in neuroimaging. By the early 2000s cognitive neuroscientist Mark Beeman and one of us (John), both then at the University of Pennsylvania, concluded that imaging technologies were advanced enough for us to try to see what happens in the brain when a person has an insight. We used two complementary methods: electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain with electrodes placed on a person’s scalp. It provides very precise information about when something is happening in the brain. In contrast, fMRI measures slower changes in blood flow (when a region of the brain is working harder, it draws more blood) and provides very detailed maps of where things are happening. By using EEG and fMRI in parallel experiments with different people solving the same puzzles, we were able to isolate the brain’s aha! moments in both space and time.

We couldn’t rely on difficult brainteasers, because to get statistically significant results, we needed each test subject to solve many problems. Instead we used little verbal puzzles such as compound remote associates (CRAs), which people can solve either insightfully or analytically. Each CRA consists of three words, such as “pine,” “crab” and “sauce.” The participant’s job is to think of a fourth word that can be used to form a compound word or familiar phrase with each of the three given words. Immediately after a volunteer solved one of these puzzles, they reported whether the solution had popped into awareness suddenly or been discovered through deliberate, step-by-step thinking. We were thus able to isolate aha! moments and compare the brain activity during them with the brain activity for analytical solutions. (If you’re curious, the answer to the CRA in this paragraph is “apple.”)

Our key result: an aha! solution corresponds to a burst of high-frequency brain waves in the brain’s right temporal lobe, just above the right ear. That part of the brain, the right anterior superior temporal gyrus, connects with many other brain regions. It is associated with our ability to realize connections between concepts that may initially seem unrelated, as occurs when comprehending metaphors, jokes and the gist of conversations. Our findings linking this specific area of the brain to the aha! experience supported previous work by Edward M. Bowden of the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and Beeman suggesting that the solution to such a problem can be unconsciously present in the right hemisphere, ready to emerge into awareness as an insight.

The number of puzzles people solved by insight—but not analysis—predicted how well they could discriminate between real news stories and fake ones.

Our later research revealed, however, that aha! moments may excite other areas of the brain, depending on the type of puzzle. In 2020 John and his co-workers showed that insights that solve pattern-reorganization problems activate the frontal lobe rather than the right temporal lobe. Anagrams—for example, rearranging the letters in BELAT to get the solution TABLE—are among such problems. Thus, the distinctive feature of an insight is the sudden burst of high-frequency brain-wave activity, which can occur in various parts of the brain, depending on the type of problem solved.

Some problems lend themselves to an analytical, as opposed to an insightful, solution. Analytical problem-solving recruits areas of the brain involved in “executive” processes such as “working” memory that rely on the brain’s frontal lobes. Virtually everyone can use either insightful or analytical methods, but many people tend to use one rather than the other. Nobel laureate physicist and mathematician Roger Penrose, for example, can obviously think analytically but seems to be inherently insightful: “I had this strange feeling of elation, and I couldn’t quite work out why I was feeling like that,” he once said in an interview. It turned out he’d had an epiphany about the formation of black holes while crossing a road. “I do most of my thinking in visual terms,” he related, “rather than writing down equations.”

In the 2010s Brian Erickson, then a doctoral student in John’s laboratory at Drexel University, and his colleagues demonstrated that people’s tendency toward insightful or analytical thinking is evident during “resting-state” brain activity—while a person relaxes with no task to perform or expectation about what is to come. Erickson recorded people’s resting-state EEGs and then, weeks later, tasked the same participants with solving a series of anagrams. The astonishing result: a few minutes of EEG predicted, up to seven weeks in advance, whether a person would solve the puzzles mostly insightfully or analytically. Our predominant thinking style is stable over time.

Jen Christiansen; Source: “Resting-State Brain Oscillations Predict Trait-like Cognitive Styles,” by Brian Erickson et al., in Neuropsychologia, Vol. 120; November 2018 (reference)

Although individuals may be inclined toward more analytical or insightful thinking, we aren’t locked into one or the other. Your thinking style can shift or be nudged, at least temporarily, to the other strategy. One factor is mood. In a 2009 study led by Karuna Subramaniam, then a doctoral student in Beeman’s lab at Northwestern University, researchers found that participants who reported feeling more positive solved more puzzles by insight, whereas those who reported greater anxiety solved more puzzles analytically.

Why might that be? Consider the following example, courtesy of Beeman. Imagine you are in Africa 25,000 years ago. You see a lion off in the distance and are gripped with fear. Your thinking immediately becomes very careful and deliberate—analytical—because one mistake and you are finished. Can the lion see me or hear me? Am I upwind or downwind? If I run, is the lion close enough to catch up?

You manage to escape. That evening you are back in the cave with your people. There’s a fire, so it’s warm, and the day’s catch is cooking on a rack. You are enjoying what researchers call psychological safety. In your protected haven, you don’t have to suppress rambling, fanciful thoughts—the stuff of creativity. You are empowered to say or do something imaginative. That may be why, 25,000 years later, we find the innovative, practical flint tools and breathtaking cave paintings that sustained and inspired the lives of the ancients.

Jen Christiansen; Source: “An Insight-Related Neural Reward Signal,” by Youngtaek Oh et al., in NeuroImage, Vol. 214; July 2020 (reference)

To discover whether more complex insights could lift mood over a longer time, Christine Chesebrough, then a doctoral student in John’s lab, developed word pairs that formed ongoing analogies, such as steering wheel/car followed by rudder/boat, both of which suggest an implement that guides a vehicle. The next word pair could be either handlebars/bicycle, which continues this theme, or voting/government, which forces the subject to reinterpret the ongoing analogy in a more abstract way as one entity controlling another. This conceptual expansion sparked strong aha! experiences that elevated participants’ moods for at least the hour-long test session—the more insights, the better their mood. The vibe persists. The joy of insights can thus impel scientists, artists, writers, and others to feel such a strong drive to express their creativity that they forgo a well-paying job to immerse themselves in their vocation, contributing essential ideas to culture and science.

The thrill of an aha! moment can increase risk-taking. As a doctoral student in Beeman’s lab, Yuhua Yu led a study in which she and her colleagues gave people CRA puzzles to solve. Between some of these puzzles, they offered the participants a choice between taking a small payment—a sure thing—and taking a chance to win a larger prize with the risk of no payoff. After finding an analytical solution, the volunteers tended to take the smaller, guaranteed payoff. But after enjoying an insight, participants were more likely to gamble on winning the bigger prize. Experiencing an aha! moment can therefore promote an appetite for risk, which, as Maxi Becker of Humboldt University of Berlin and her colleagues showed in 2023, involves the nucleus accumbens, a dopamine-rich part of the brain’s reward system.

Tolerance for risk can be good or bad depending on the circumstances. But one unequivocal benefit conferred by insightful thinking is reduced “bullshit receptivity,” as Carola Salvi of John Cabot University in Rome and her collaborators have found. People are flooded by biased information and slanted reporting, and their limited capacity to deal with this torrent of information makes them vulnerable to false messages. Fortunately, insightful thinking is largely unconscious and does not tax attention or working memory the way analytical thinking does. Salvi and her co-workers observed that the number of puzzles the participants in their study solved by insight—but not analysis—predicted how well they could discriminate between real news stories and fake ones, as well as between meaningful statements and “pseudo-profound bullshit” statements. Insightfulness is not only for dreamers: it confers real-world skills that help people navigate the overwhelming information landscape.

Insight also enhances learning and memory. Amory H. Danek of Heidelberg University in Germany and her colleagues showed participants videos of magic tricks and asked them to explain how the tricks were done. Later the subjects remembered the solutions that were experienced as aha! moments better than explanations that were not. Danek and Jennifer Wiley of the University of Illinois at Chicago followed up this study by showing that the pleasure accompanying insights made them easier to recall. Jasmin Kizilirmark of the University of Hildesheim in Germany and her colleagues have been exploring how this so-called insight memory advantage can be applied to improve memory in older adults.

Aha! moments can have a downside. Insights are more likely to be correct than analytical solutions—but they are not always correct. The dilemma is that people tend to be particularly confident about their insights, even the false ones. Furthermore, work by Ruben Laukkonen of Southern Cross University in Australia and his colleagues suggests that statements presented along with anagrams that people solve by insight also feel more believable than statements presented with anagrams solved by analysis. Aha! moments may create an aura of truth that envelops accompanying information.

The fact that mood can alter one’s thinking style has profound implications for our understanding of creativity. Subramaniam’s fMRI analyses isolated the lone area of the brain that responds to both differences in mood and differences in thinking style. This area, the anterior cingulate cortex, located in the middle of the front of the brain, detects conflicting strategies. When you are relaxed, your anterior cingulate cortex is better able to detect the presence of an alternative to the most obvious, but possibly ineffective, problem-solving strategy and switch to it, sparking an aha! moment. But when you are anxious, it is less able to detect the subtler strategy, and you will continue to grind through the problem in a straightforward, analytical manner.

An obvious way to increase insightfulness is therefore to relax and carve out a span of time when you aren’t anxious or rushed. Another way is expansion in space: When you are in a large room or the great outdoors—under a starry sky, as Morgan was—your attention expands to take in the large space. That broadened awareness shifts the mind toward considering the whole rather than the parts, thereby enhancing insightful thinking. Filtering out the world around you can have a similar effect: aha! moments are often preceded by eye blinks and looking away from a problem to reduce distractions. People solve more thinking problems when they close their eyes. In contrast, objects that grab attention will narrow your focus on details and induce you to think analytically.

Steven Smith of Texas A&M University and his collaborators have also shown that if you take a break from a problem to do something else, preferably a relatively undemanding task such as light gardening or housework, any misleading information or misinterpretation will loosen its grip, and you will be more likely to achieve an insight. Kristin Sanders, now at the University of Notre Dame, and Beeman showed that sleep can enhance this process, supporting the many stories of scientists who have experienced great ideas during or right after sleep. Colleen Seifert and David E. Meyer of the University of Michigan and their colleagues reported another benefit of breaks: you may encounter a trigger—a person, a street sign, anything—that can spark an aha! moment because the trigger bears some resemblance to or association with the needed solution.

How about drugs? The thought of popping a pill that would unlock creative insights may be appealing for some people. Microdosing psychedelic drugs has been proposed to increase innovative thinking. We are not aware of any rigorous scientific evidence that psychedelics can increase the likelihood of insights, although they may cause a person to feel creative and profound. But alcohol, if not taken to extremes, does seem to enhance insightful solving. (That is not an endorsement!)

Perhaps there are other ways to directly intervene in brain function to produce aha! moments. Several researchers, including Beeman, Salvi, Amna Ghani of Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Caroline Di Bernardi Luft of Brunel University London and Joydeep Bhattacharya of Goldsmiths, University of London, have shown that direct electrical stimulation of test subjects’ right temporal lobes with electrodes placed on their heads—in some cases, synchronized with hints—can increase the likelihood that they will solve CRA puzzles using insight. For various reasons, though—including the fact that different types of insight involve different areas of the brain—it is unlikely that electrical stimulation will become useful as a technique for sparking aha! moments.

Here’s what does not work: expectations of monetary prizes or bonuses. Payments can coax a person to tackle a problem—and people should certainly be compensated for their work—but they can also inhibit insights. A focus on an expected payoff grabs and narrows one’s attention, limiting creative thought. Messages about rewards can enhance insight—but only when they are displayed so briefly that a person cannot consciously perceive them. When innovation is the goal, conspicuous rewards may therefore be counterproductive, as are strict deadlines that switch one’s thinking to an analytical mode by inducing anxiety and narrowing mental focus.

Alternatively, you could just go get groceries. Vishal Rao, an oncologist in India, endured years of frustration before a surprising twist enabled him and his unique team to create an amazing medical device. As a surgeon specializing in neck and throat cancer, Rao knew that most of the tens of thousands of new patients with throat cancer each year in India could not afford the prohibitive cost of surgery to replace their diseased voice box with an artificial one. So, in 2013, Rao formed a team that developed an inexpensive artificial voice box costing less than a dollar.

But there was one roadblock remaining. The artificial voice box had to be replaced yearly in a surgical procedure that costs hundreds of dollars, a regular expense way beyond the means of most of his patients. He needed an inexpensive, nonsurgical tool that a patient could use to remove an old artificial voice box and implant a new one—a challenge that seemed insurmountable.

One day Rao went to the supermarket with his toddler. The boy broke free and started running down the aisles, gleefully knocking things off the shelves. Rao chased and caught him, but only after the boy had knocked down a box of tampons, the contents of which spilled out onto the floor. When Rao saw the tampon applicator, it sparked an aha! moment: here was a safe, inexpensive, nonsurgical implement that could be a model for a voice-box applicator.

When Rao explained this idea to others, they said the device he wanted sounded more like a toy than a surgical instrument. This comment triggered the doctor’s second aha! moment. He recalled that Channapatna, a nearby city, is nicknamed “toy town” because of its centuries-old tradition of master craftsmen who design and make inexpensive wood toys. After interviewing Channapatna toy makers, he found Kouser Pasha, who was intrigued by the idea. It took Pasha just a couple of hours to come up with a design for an inexpensive voice-box applicator.

Just as hungry people tend to notice anything related to food, Rao’s initial failure to imagine an inexpensive applicator sensitized his brain to anything around him that looked like it could help him solve the problem. When he took a break from his problem, his old ways of thinking relaxed their grip as he was exposed to a variety of objects in the supermarket. One of those objects, the tampon applicator, was potentially related to the problem, so it grabbed his attention. Once he figured out that a similar device would work, the surgeon still had to figure out how to design and manufacture it. The need for a solution sensitized him to the word “toy,” which triggered his insight about recruiting a toy maker from “toy town.”

The upshot: when you are stuck, take a break and expose yourself to a variety of environments and people to increase the chance you will encounter a triggering stimulus. Perhaps the most important scientific lesson about insight, though, is that it is as fragile as it is beneficial. The aha! moment brings new ideas and perspectives, lifts mood, increases tolerance for risk, and enhances the ability to discern truth from fiction. But anxiety and sleep deprivation can squash these precious gifts.

#article #brain #science #biology #neuroscience #neurology #scientific American magazine

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eternal-echoes · 6 months ago

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“To be fair, critics are correct that it is an oversimplification to speak of a "male brain" versus a "female brain." A close examination reveals extensive overlap in the structures and functions of the brains of men and women. Like their bodies, the brains of males and females have much in common, and much that is distinct.(32) Therefore, rather than speaking of a male or female brain, it is more precise to speak of the brain of a male or female. It is the person who is sexually dimorphic, not one's brain itself.

However, there are also profound sexual differences in the brain.(33) Whereas males have a greater number of white matter connections running from the front to the rear of their brain, women have more connections between the two hemispheres.(34) High levels of fetal testosterone results in a smaller corpus collosum in brains of men, which serves to transmit information from one side of the brain to the other.(35)

When performing identical activities, different regions of the brain are activated, based upon one's sex. For example, a specific region of the left brain is activated during speech for males, whereas women experience activation in different regions on both sides of the brain.(36) This explains why men take longer to recover speech following a stroke.(37) It also explains why a man might become mute after being injured on the left side of his head, whereas a woman struck in the same location is likely to keep on talking!(38)”

-Jason Evert, Male, Female, or Other: A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender

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Work cited:

32) Cf. M. Hines, "Sex-Related Variation in Human Behavior and the Brain," Trends in Cognitive Science 14:10 (2010), 448-56; M. Hines, "Gender Development and the Human Brain," Annual Review of Neuroscience 34 (2011), 69-88; McCarthy, Sex and the Developing Brain; Marianne J. Legato, MD, ed., Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine: Gender in the Genomic Era, 3rd ed. (Amsterdam: Academic Press, 2017).

33) Cf. Larry Cahill, "His Brain, Her Brain," Scientific American (October 1, 2012).

34) Cf. M. Ingalhalikar et al., "Sex Differences in the Structural Connectome of the Human Brain," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America 11:2 (2003), 823-828; Larry Cahill, "Fundamental Sex Difference in Human Brain Architecture," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 111:2 (2014): 577-578.

35) Cf. Glezerman, Gender Medicine, 64.

36) Cf. B. Shaywitz, et al. "Sex Differences in the Functional Organization of the Brain for Language," Nature 373 (2004), 607-609.

37) Cf. D. Kent et al., "Sex-Based Differences in response to Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke," Stroke 36 (2005), 62-65.

38) Cf. B. and A. Pease, Why Men Don't Listen & Women Can't Read Maps, 65.

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For more recommended resources on gender dysphoria, click here.

#mtf #ftm #nonbinary #genderfluid #transgenderism #transgender ideology #Jason Evert #Quotes #Male Female Other: A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender

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vic-fandom · 6 months ago

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The Grand Lore Book of Countryhumans

(my take, may be updated in the future)

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Summery: random kids get fucking zaped with the countryhuman ray. Full, in depth explanation: ⬇️

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Biology:

╰┈┈➤ Biological History:

Long ago, in approx 4000 B.C.E (although believed to be earlier) the first ancestor of the countryhumans as a species had arrived. They occured from mutations in the genes of regular, modern Homo sapiens. Data suggests, oddly, that there was only ever one of these species at a time, their deaths and new births co-insiding with key cultural shifts in mesopotamian culture. These creatures have also been found to have lived very prolonged periods of time, often exeading the normal human life span.

As of recent, we have deemed these creatures Homo Cultura or, informally, 'Culturehumans'. This species still exists to this day.

Instances of breeding outside of the species was common as multiple culturehumans occuring outside of the Messopotamia region didn't occur untill approx 3000 B.C.E in modern day Peru. This interspecies breeding occured in long liniages of humans possessing Homo Cultura genes. The effects of this interspecies breeding wern't shown verry well (due to more dominant Homo sapien genetics) untill the rise of the oldest recorded country in history, Egypt, when the Homo Cultura genes present in a young boy suddenly became active and caused the boy to go through a rapid physical change. This change has now become known as 'the Country Personification Prosses' as reffered to by countryhumans (Homo Terra) today. Homo Terra, mutch like their ancestors, had extreamly elongated life spans, often living for thousands of years and had evolved in such a way that they had become semi-immortal. Earlier on the exeptions to their "immortality" were being killed by an unnatural force all though this trate later evolved into only being able to die by the hands of another member of Homo Terra. It is unknown how this occurs but it has been suggested to be 'magical' in general. Another evolutionary change occured as the need for re-production became limited and no longer needed, the reproductive organs present within Homo Terra began to shrink before dissapearing¹ with only vestigials remaining inside of the body of a member of Homo Terra.

The genetals of humans who undergo 'the Country Personification Prosses' shrink into vistigial remminants, this prosses is painless.

╰┈┈➤ Present Anatomy:

Most of the anatomy occuring within a Countryhuman (Homo Terra) corrolating with facts about the country they represent, there is few constants within Countryhuman (Homo Terra) anatomy though I will try to explain the most I can here.

Homo Terra's skeletal structure is very similar to the skeletal structure of Homo sapiens with only slite differences via sertan 'family groups²' present within the species.

The skin of the members of Homo Terra are often considered 'un-natural', the colors on their skin often correlating to their respective countries flags with the full flag being displayed over the face.

Height verriation within the speices can very wildly, ranging from 5ft or shorter to about 6ft+. This height verriation has been found to change rapidly when their respective countries lose or gain territory.

Reproductive organs within the species are left vistigial after thousands of years of not needing to breed with new Countryhumans (Homo Terra) occouring from the offspring of modern Culturehumans (Homo Cultura)

The physical aging prossess of this species rapidly slows after an individual reaches an age roughly between 19 yrs old and 23 years old. often takeing centuries or longer to reach at least another year older, though the exact aging rate is unknown.

Countryhumans (Homo Terra) have an extra section within their brains. The function of this section is officially unknown but a popular theory among prommited scientists is that this part of the brain correlates with their actions in occording to their respective countries politics and politicians.

Countryhumans (Homo Terra) has been found to be incapable of speech in languages other than the official ones belonging to their representitive state (eg. The 'countryhuman' representative of the country of England may only speak English and the 'countryhuman' representative of Spain may only speak Spanish) but they can understand eachother fluently³.

When a country splits (into two or more new countries), the respective country will also, physically, split. The split often posseses high amounts of energy and is known to ionise the air particals around the splitting country. By the time this splitting is complete, the inonised air particals loose their ionisation and the split ends.

When two or more countries fuse into a Union⁴ or a new country, the prossess above occurs but in reverse.

2. 'family groups' in countryhumans often reffer to country's who share a language with eachother. For example the English family includes countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Nigera and other countries that have been left off of this list.

3. This is another popular theory for the extra brain section, but again we do not officialy know.

4. There are two types of union, Wide-national unions and Slim-national unions. The prossess explained in the referenced bullet point belongs to a Slim-national union.

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History:

╰┈┈➤ Known History:

All known History comes from still living Countryhumans aswell as a select few Culture humans, some inaccuracies from the actual past may be present as it is possible that they could account these events incorrectly, expecialy with the older of these individuals.

During he earlier periods of the speices, it is said that they were held with high regard in their human communities and often treated very well, just as good if not better than their actual leaders. Although through out several cultures, it slowly became tabu to mention the existence of this species, as they were treated much like deites as time progressed. Adventualy, the normal 'pesant' populations had lost permission to see their Countryhumans by the countries/communities leaders. This is believed to occour no later than 100 C.E. This event lead to the public slowly forgeting about the countryhumans existence and their exestince was only prommited to be known by the elite of their countries.

Countryhumans tend to follow their countries historys, each countryhumans actions accord somewhat to political events in history, dying out and becomming replaced in cases of invasion and prolonged collapses and historically fighting along side their men in wars⁵.

5. As of the 19th century Countryhumans no longer go to war along side humans.

╰┈┈➤ Theorised History:

It is thought that during the forgetting of countryhumans that certain countryhumans tried to regain rellivence but failed.

The Countryhuman's and Culturehumans of old tended to fight for domminince over communities.

Egypt (the oldest countryhuman), has a bunch of still living decendants as one of the only countries with their reproductive organs still intact.

The faliure of Culturehumans to maintain their communities lead to the domminance of Countryhumans world wide.

Early Countryhumans had strange anatomy anomolys witch led to some of them being worshiped as gods.

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Family groups and Unions:

╰┈┈➤ Family Groups:

English family: [Core Family: U.K ⁽ᴱⁿᵍˡᵃⁿᵈ, ˢᶜᵒᵗˡᵃⁿᵈ, ᵂᵃˡᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᴺᵒʳᵗʰᵉʳⁿ ᴵʳᵉˡᵃⁿᵈ⁾, U.S.A, Canada, New Zealand, Australia] (Satilite Family: Botswana, The Gambia, Liberia, Micronesia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe) {Unique Family Trait: Animalistic features/body parts, often of their state's national animal or an animal that the country is well known for having}

Spanish family: [Core Family: Spain ] (Satilite Family: Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Equatorial Guinea) {Unique Family Trait: Inhanced sense of direction and location}

Portuguese family: [Core Family: Portugal, Brazil ] (Satilite Family: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé & Principe) {Unique Family Trait: Inhanced mobility and flexibility}

French family: [Core Family: France ] (Satilite Family: Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Monaco, Niger, Senegal, Togo)

German family: [Core Family: Germany, Austria, Belgium] (Satilite Family: Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechentenstein)

Serbo-Croation: [Core Family: Bosnia & Herzegovnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macidonia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro Slovinia]

╰┈┈➤ Unions:

U.S.A | Type: Slim-national Union | Members: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Conneticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

U.K | Type: Slim-national Union | Members: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

Canada | Type: Slim-national Union | Members: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland & Labrador

E.U | Type: Wide-national Union (separate entity from it's Members) | Members: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

N.A.T.O | Type: Wide-national Union (separate entity from it's members) | Members: U.S.A, UK, Canada, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macidonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkiye

African Union | Type: Wide-national Union (separate entity from it's members) | Members: Burundi, Cameroon, C.A.R, Chad, Congo Republic, D.R Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Republic, Tunisia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.

League of Arab States | Type: Wide-national Union (seperate entity from it's members) | Members: Algeria, Bahrian, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the U.A.E, Yemen.

A.E.S.E.A.N | Type: Wide-national Union (seperate entity from it's members) | Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Veitnam.

B.R.I.C.S | Type: Wide-national Union (separate entity from it's members | Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E.

________________________

Miscellaneous:

╰┈┈➤ Countryhuman wide:

In a meeting facilitated by the Leauge of Nations and carried on by the U.N, countryhumans have sworn of any romantic relationships with eachother.

Countryhumans can have familys (like humans, unlike family groups) but none of the countries involved are actually related.

Countryhumans of older countries will remain the same since the start of the state, the exception for this is if the countryhuman is killed, the countryhuman is split, or becomes a full part of another country (not a colony) for an extended period of time.

The Existence of countryhumans as a fandom in this universe is due to an accedental sighting of one, although no one believed the person who saw the countryhuman.

The age that the 'Country Personification Prosses' takes place around 8 to 15 years old.

It is hard to seperate someone with Countryhuman genes from someone who doesn't (before the Country Personification Prossess takes place)

The UN created an island at the coordinates 0,0 near Africa where all the Countryhumans gather together every 2 months for about 4-5 weeks. Countries at war aren't permitted to come on the island untill the war has finished.

Some Countyhumans have canonically witnessed the horrors of the fandom.

╰┈┈➤ Spicific Individuals:

Japan has two large burn scars on the right side of his face from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing. Since the bombs wern't dropped by a countryhuman, Japan didn't die from the blast but was heavily scarred from burning hot dibre.

The US has sight problems from the bombing of pearl harbour. Due to this, his eyes take in too much light and his brain tends to incorrectly fill in the gaps (halucinations) so he wears ultra tinted sunglasses so that he's able to see properly.

Germany, South Korea, Japan and China work together in the office, they work together to make sure everyone pays their debt, makes sure everyone is in line and also makes sure none of the humans get too close to the truth.

Australia has a fear of heights due to their land being very very flat and having almost no tall mountains.

The UK has lion ears and a tail but hides them with his coat and hat, so no one really knows he has those exept for France, Spain and Portugal.

New Zealand is very good at his sports and takes any rugby challenge seriously.

Also New Zealand is a great climber.

Protugal and the UK are best friends.

Most people don't trust Germany too much.

France is gender fluid (THERE I SAID IT!!!!)

Island nations have their own little corner on the countryhumans island where they all hang out together.

Some of the countries like to hold cook offs with eachother to prove they have the better food.

The UK, New Zealand and Australia share a house on the countryhuman island but the US and Canada like to come visit (but US is technically breaking and entering)

U.S.A is a man child

The UK and France are several times divorced

________________________

(UGH MY CHROMEBOOK IS LAGGING TOO MUCH SO I'LL END THIS POST HERE)

#country personification #country fandom #countryhumans #countryhumans au #countryhumans fandom #country personificaition lore #country fandom lore #countryhumans lore #countyballs #detailed lore #txt #doodle #rambles #au #My computer is melting send help #long read

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averyghe · 2 years ago

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Not the gods, however someone could call them that, just because of how ancient the times of their existence were…

Star-travelers, all around the universe, traveled the space, and the neighbouring realities for the millions of years, and here is a glimpse at an earlier ones of them.

To begin, I will mention the incorporeal means of traveling used by some, in those ancient eras – the travelers, who used those means of transportation, tend to place their consciousness into the ghost, or astral projection, which than travelled space, like a comet or a ray of light. However the magic utilised in a ritual of creation for such a projection was lost to the time…

Pale ones were, and still are the species of an obscure origin. The only thing which is known, about it, is that on their homeplanet they achieved quite a success in a genetic modifications, which led to a development of biopsionics and telepathy. As well as losing natural means of procreation – pale ones, are born as the embrioids, inside of the artificial wombs on their mother-ships. The interesting detail about their physiology, is the fact that their mouths located on the tops of their heads, are actually are entrances to their BRAINS, or Stomach-Brains, to be clear. The complex neurological structures, which needs a nutritional supplementation, in order for it to function properly…

Pale ones, are rumored to be the kind of demiurges who brought life on several worlds, Hovewer, nobody knows for sure, as even if it is true, it was so long ago, even the Pales themselves are already forgot…

Yulakai or stellar gardeners were native to the planet of Uta, located in the now non existent system in a constellation of Hummingbird. These kind, peaceful creatures, carried in themselves a sources of premordial magic that allowed them to be channels for a weaving itself, and by utilising eat creating a groves, of a strange glowing planets. Those plants that translates a viewing in their glow, allowed Yulakai to travel the universe… By merging with a grow in one place, they were able to appear in another with a bright glow, of a wonderful flowers…

Unfortunately majority of them were killed by a purifiers of a species known as Tsu-Tsurians, or well… Mad Mollusks. In the early days of their civilzation their priests, got a vision, about their civilisation coming to its end, because of the threat coming from a distant stars. Being a species of warriors, cruel and ruthless, they marched in a krussade across the galaxy, obliterating everything which stood in their way. They destroyed civilisation after civilisation, right until their empire collapsed, as the region far from its core world of Tsu-Tsur, started a civil war which led to the species extinction. The interesting detail about Tsu-Tsurians, is their Tentahands – tentacles with the nearly humanoid hand-palms on their ends - quite useful for operating their horrible machinery and the electric blasters capable of burning a creature three times larger than the average tsu-tsurian alive…

Angmu. Whisperers of the ages, masters of illusion. These species of the gigantic octopus-like telepaths, was known for their struggle for accumulqting as much knowledge in their possession as they were able to. In their gigantic libraries, they gathered collections of experience from the thousands of different societies– from the horned apes, that enhabited kingdoms, of the swamp moon of G’naa, to the order of Mafa, sages of ancient Mars, hundreds of millions years ago. From the earliest of Hunter gatherers, from the godlike entities that fight over the Lizard Eyes nebula, to the hunter gatherers from the burned wastelands of planet Guahar. They have valued the first hand experiences, and that’s where their illusions came in handy. By impersonating members of societies they gathered information from, Angmu, often lived whole lives by pretending to be a members of other species. However there is not much of them left now, as they have died out of some unknown decease, that ravaged the galaxy about five million years ago… however some of them are still walking around the halls of their library worlds. And, who knows. Maybe some, are leaving among us, in disguise…

#song of eons #worldbuilding #fantasy universe #illustration #fantasy #fantasy world #science fiction #creature design #aliens #ancient aliens #strange aliens #starfish aliens #non humanoid aliens #character design #speculative worldbuilding #speculative biology #procreate #art #autism creature

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inherlight · 4 months ago

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Ralamians / Lore / Inquisitive but Aloof.

There is no particular history of migration for Ralamians: families would travel with sistren tribes and settle among sistren tribes. Although they prefer a perfect balance of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and windiness to keep bodies comfortable: If one of these meteorological variables is too low or high then others should compensate for that. Likewise they choose regions where continuous and extensive cultivation of silica-rich plants is simplistic whole year. Plenty of suitable soil is found in Eastern Feet Region.

When born, cells in Ralamian bodies are still soft and carbon-based, but after a couple months they get hungry and start absorbing high amount of silica, minerals and metals (latest substantially for bones), hence after toddlerhood Ralamian diet is composed mostly of just mentioned silica-rich plants. Food made of carbon-based meats and plants still can be consumed, but because Ralamians can’t digest it so easily they do so in lesser quantities and not for nutrients source, but just to add taste to a bland and small amount of products they really depend on.

After a few more months gem-like structures develop on joints and rib cage (primarily sternum area), and around skull. While first ones serve decorative purpose, gems located on sternum are external organs which crucial to release byproducts of breathing and hydration in Ralamian silica-rich bodies. Crystal (mostly quartz) formations start developing on these gemorgans through out the day, and every nights Ralamians would scrape these outgrowth as a hygiene process, like brushing teeth. If left unsupervised for too many weeks it can cause serious damage to the body; leaving without attention for even longer can result in death from intoxication.

Scalp produces different type of byproduct: wet on touch, soft and elastic homogeneous substance made of hydrogen-abundant radioloria-like cells; luminescent, harmless; functionally comparable to hair of other tribes. It can keep desired shape under a weak electrical current. Chunks of this mass can be detached and absorbed again before cells start dying. Coloration of this substance, as much as gemorgans, is affected by genetics and permanent, yet skin coloration is heavily ensued from ongoing selection of food and can be changed just in a few months depending on which type, and part, of silica-rich plants are regularly consumed. Thus it is also easy to discern when Ralamians are ailing or malnutritioned – their skin looses its hue and turn more ashen and pale.

With the specific from-birth diet Ralamian gems can become precious crystals, valuable enough to be turned into gemstones; after it became a wide understanding by the end of the Age of Crumbling Ralamians’ lives became valuable to [REDACTED] cruelty of the Hegemony... but these lives would last short, filled with a suffering as a stock for a single final purpose in mass generation of jewelry. For that Ralamians generally avoid these diets as a detest to the past, but still some risk to follow them for own beauty.

***

Ralamians grow really fast until their bodies fully develop and reach a certain peak, then they look young forever as their aging process is differ from pure carbon-based sistren. Always their skin is smooth and movements are elegant. Yet come a time when they will begin dying as fast as they grew. In fact Ralamians have one of the shortest lifespans of all tribes – less than forty Meorenell years at best. Though, it is theorized that they perceive time at much slower pace that other tribes, based on cognitive speed and reaction time of Ralamian brains.

Just as cells continuously consume and recycle silicon atoms, they slowly turn heavier and brittle, and suddenly fail to sustain themselves as an organic being. First visible sign of final months in Ralamian life always starts with eyes – they begin to pale and loose inner glow, eventually crystallize; optic nerves follow; skin and flesh gets hoary as well; then crystallization process reaches brain and nerve system, at that point the rest of the body is already cracking, and eventually crumble to sand. A Ralamian dies as a person, but a body partially stays alive: cells of some organ tissues (lungs, heart, liver and bone marrow) keep growing as symbiotic colonies, creating lustrous crystal and metallic structures for a few more decades before fully mineralizing to a non-alive state naturally or under threats of nature.

It is really easy to identify Ralamian cemeteries when you see a field of crystal formations surrounded by ashes and dusts. In modern times these crystals can find their value for technological use, but it is illegal as well as immoral to collect and use them unless Ralamians themselves bequeath it, which some of them do so in prideful likeness to ancient words of Meora:“Take my body and prosper. Take my skin, my flesh, my bones, my tears – use it, to flourish. As your mother I order you, my children. As your mother I sacrifice myself for your thrive, my children.” Alike She allowed us to exploit Her being and not be ashamed nor feared, these Ralamians desire to aid Meority after own deaths in Her honor.

***

Besides regular names, Ralamians have Inner Names – whispered only by intercessor in prayers to Meora when alone, for well-being of special someone, never for oneself. These names are so sacred to them that very often spouses and their children don’t know Inner Names of each other. It is the only time they talk about themselves in first person, which of course you will never hear; otherwise they always refer to themselves in third person.

Regularly you can hear Ralamians gently singing and humming; for a long time it was obscure even for them why they do it, but it was discovered that humming boosts Ralamian cognitive abilities, and tune changes directly depends on their thoughts.

Because of a powerful natural bioelectrical field it is possible for Ralamians to share thoughts and memories with each other (and at least somewhat read othertribe’s emotions) by linking nervous systems. Even children inherit memories of their mothers from during pregnancy period, hence Ralamians become ready and experienced for the world much earlier than sistren tribes. Coupled with accelerate growth, Ralamians regard each other as adults as early as six years.

Other tribes characterize Ralamians by solitary, stoic nature and equanimity, or sullen and morose, with tendency to keep secrets and refusing to communicate nor cooperate. They are indeed can be described as individualists and their first values are family-oriented at best, above nation and tribe interests. In truth many Ralamians just aspire for individual autonomy and aim to shape own, unique views on the world, to seek what others don’t. Which comes from an existential fear of their minds amalgamating and personalities stagnating through an entire tribe as an outcome of thought-sharing potential, even if they rejected to use it most of their lives. In conjunction with a lessen lifespans it shapes a specific loner mentality: very personally they are shy and timid, even docile, keeping themselves lone from other people and tempered somewhere behind, because sometimes an idea of mental homogenization so horrid they hermit themselves even from othertribe sistren. With such, achieving any close relationships with Ralamians means gaining their absolute trust in values and intentions.

Although, a lot of Ralamians spend their final year amongst own Elder Communities, where by excess use of bioelectrical field faculty they are advancing ideas they gathered through their short lives, committing to science, philosophy, experimenting and inventing; passing combined knowledge of decades through generations, often never to be seen outside but of their joint minds, kept secret and eventually forgotten anyway until someone else re-invents these thoughts again. Still, many scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, technological advancements and achievements are due to commitment of Ralamian Elders for the betterment of Meority. As their philosophers say: “Enjoy given life, but embrace inevitable end. Even if you live for yourself – submit upon death to other”.

#digital art #art #artwork #oc #own character #monster girl #dark elf #elf #elf ears #four arms

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helen0086 · 8 months ago

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Progress in the Study of the Protective Effect and Mechanism of C-phycocyanin on Liver Injury

Abstract: C-phycocyanin (C-phycocyanin) is a pigment-containing protein from marine algae that has shown promising results in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases and tumors. C-alpha-cyanobilin is a pigment-containing protein from marine algae that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases and tumors. C-alpha-cyanobilin has a protective effect on various liver diseases, such as drug-induced or toxic substance-induced liver damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The protective effect of C-alginin on liver injury is mainly realized through the regulation of signaling pathways such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), and the inhibition of oxidative stress, etc., and is not toxic to normal cells. Therefore, C-alginin has a broad application prospect as a potential natural hepatoprotective marine active substance. In recent years, the research progress of the protective effect of C-alginin on liver injury and its mechanism is summarized.

C-phycocyanin (C-phycocyanin) is a complex protein of cyanobacteria and a natural food protein pigment with pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, as well as fast-acting and low-toxicity, it can be used as a functional food [1-2]. C-Alginin can also enhance immunity and is safe, without causing acute and subacute toxic reactions [3]. Selenium-enriched PC has been shown to have stronger pharmacological effects [4]. Therefore, C-alginate has important research value both as a drug and a functional food, and has become a hot spot in the field of pharmaceutical research [5]. In this paper, we summarize the progress of research on the application and mechanism of C-alginin in liver diseases.

1 Ameliorative effect of C-phycocyanin on liver injury caused by drugs and toxic substances

The liver is the metabolic center of drugs and exogenous toxic substances, and metabolites are prone to liver injury. C-PC can inhibit the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ, and increase the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which can inhibit hepatic inflammation and alleviate hepatic injury [3]. It has been found that C-PC can significantly prevent thioacetamide-induced liver injury, significantly reduce the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aliquot aminotransferase (AST), shorten the prothrombin time and reduce the hepatic histopathological damage, and improve the survival rate of rats with fulminant hepatic failure [6]. C-alginin also has a good effect on thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy, which can be seen in the reduction of tryptophan and lipid peroxidation indexes in different regions of the brain, and the enhancement of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rats with fulminant hepatic failure [6].

Another study found that C-alginin not only attenuates the oxidative stress induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene and reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) radicals, but also inhibits the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene, thus inhibiting the expression of multidrug resistance genes [7]. Osman et al. [8] also showed that C-alginin could normalize the levels of ALT, AST, catalase, urea, creatinine, SOD and glutathione-s-transferase in the livers of rats poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This result was also verified in human liver cell line (L02) [9]. C-phycocyanin can effectively scavenge ROS and inhibit CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver [10], and C-PC can improve the antioxidant defense system and restore the structure of hepatocytes and hepatic enzymes in the liver of gibberellic acid-poisoned albino rats [11]. As a PC chromophore, phycocyanin can also significantly inhibit ROS generation and improve liver injury induced by a variety of drugs and toxic substances [10]. Liu et al. [12] found that phycocyanin showed strong anti-inflammatory effects in a CCl4-induced hepatic injury model in mice, which could significantly reduce the levels of ALT, AST, the expression of TNF-α and cytochrome C, increase the levels of albumin and SOD, and proliferate cytosolic nuclei. It can significantly reduce ALT and AST levels and the expression of TNF-α and cytochrome C, increase albumin levels and the expression of SOD and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, promote hepatocyte regeneration and improve the survival rate of mice with acute liver failure.

Gammoudi et al [13] used response surface method to optimize the extraction process of C-phycocyanin, and obtained high extraction recovery. C-phycocyanin extracted by the optimized method has the ability of scavenging hydroxyl, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals as well as the ability of metal chelating, and it has stronger antioxidant effect; C-PC significantly increased the activity of SOD and inhibited the increase of ALT, AST, and bilirubin in cadmium-poisoned rats. C-PC significantly increased the activity of SOD and inhibited the increase of ALT, AST and bilirubin in rats with cadmium poisoning. The above studies show that C-phycocyanin can effectively protect liver injury caused by drugs and toxic substances, and has the efficacy as the basis for drug development.

2 Preventive effect of C-alginin on hepatic fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is an inevitable process in the development of various chronic liver diseases and may be reversed with early and timely treatment. The key to liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Previous studies have found that low-dose C-alginin combined with soy isoflavones can inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting the activity of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase［14］, but it is not clear whether C-alginin alone can inhibit the activity of NADPH oxidase. Therefore, the combination of C-algin and soy isoflavones at appropriate doses may have a preventive effect on liver fibrosis in high-risk groups. C-alginin may inhibit the progression of NADPH by suppressing oxidative damage, thereby inhibiting the development of hepatic fibrosis [15].

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the key mechanisms contributing to the development of fibrotic diseases. C-alginin inhibits transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human EMT [16]. Although the effect of C-alginin on EMT in hepatic fibrosis has not been reported, it has been found that C-alginin can reduce pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition [17]. Another study found that C-alginin could reduce the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in human dermal fibroblasts and alleviate fibrous contracture [18]. The results of these studies also have significance for the inhibition of hepatic fibrosis, and provide a theoretical basis for the further study of C-PC as a potential antifibrotic drug.

3 Protective effect of C-alginin on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury is an important clinicopathophysiological phenomenon. It was found that the addition of two different doses (0.1 g/L and 0.2 g/L) of C-alginin to the Krebs Henseleit preservation solution significantly decreased hepatic ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase activities, and reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde content in an isolated perfused rat liver model, and increased the activities of hepatic glutathione-s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as sulfhydryl groups in hepatic tissue. On the other hand, it can increase the activities of hepatic glutathione-s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase and the content of sulfhydryl groups in liver tissues, therefore, C-alginin can significantly reduce hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury as an antioxidant [19]. In isolated perfused mouse livers, it was found that C-alginin significantly reduced the phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells), attenuated cytotoxicity and inflammation induced by highly active Kupffer cells, and dose-dependently inhibited carbon phagocytosis and carbon-induced oxygen uptake by perfused livers, and then inhibited the increase of hepatic nitric oxide synthase activity induced by gonadotropins [20]. and thus inhibit the thyroid hormone-induced elevation of hepatic nitric oxide synthase activity [20].

However, C-alginin has a very short half-life in vivo, which limits its application in vivo. It was found that the use of polyethylene glycol-b-(polyglutamic acid-g-polyethyleneimine), a macromolecular material with good drug-carrying capacity and slow-release properties, as a nanocarrier of C-alginin could solve this problem, and the release of C-alginin could be delayed by subcutaneous injection into the abdominal region of rats, which could attenuate islet damage caused by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion and enhance the function of the islets [21]. This study broadens the scope of application of C-alginin in vivo and improves the therapeutic effect of C-alginin.

4 Inhibitory effect of C-alginin on hepatocellular carcinoma

It was found that C-alginin significantly reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 cells) [22]. C-alginin is a natural photosensitizer, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by alginin microcystin induced a large accumulation of ROS in HepG2 cells, which promoted mitochondrial damage and cytochrome C release, and led to apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells [23].

Liu et al. [24] used nanoscale C-alginate particles prepared by lactobionic acid grafting and adriamycin loading to enhance the growth inhibition of HepG2 cells when combined with chemo-PDT, and the C-alginate particles could effectively accumulate and diffuse in tumor multicellular spheres. In vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of selenium-enriched PCs on PDT in hepatocellular carcinoma showed that selenium-enriched PCs could migrate from lysosomes to mitochondria in a time-dependent manner, and that selenium-enriched PCs could induce the death of tumor cells through the generation of free radicals in vivo, increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes in vivo, induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and inhibit autophagy, thus offering a relatively safe pathway to tumor treatment and showing new development perspectives [4]. It can provide a relatively safe way to treat tumors and shows a new development prospect [4].

Lin et al. [25] combined C-phycocyanin with single-walled carbon nanohorns and prepared phycocyanin-functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorn hybrids, which enhanced the photostability of C-phycocyanin and protected the single-walled carbon nanohorns from adsorption of plasma proteins, and synergistically used with PDT and photothermal therapy (PTT) to treat tumors. C-phycocyanin covalently coupled with biosilica and PDT or non-covalently coupled with indocyanine green and PTT on tumor-associated macrophages can also increase the apoptosis rate of tumor cells [26-27]. The development of PDT and PTT synergistic methods for the treatment of cancer has broadened the application of C-PC and enhanced its value in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

In addition, C-phycocyanin can inhibit the expression of multidrug-resistant genes in HepG2 cells through NF-κB and activated protein-1 (AP-1)-mediated pathways, and C-phycocyanin increases the accumulation of adriamycin in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, which results in a 5-fold increase in the susceptibility of cells to adriamycin [28]. Even in adriamycin-resistant HepG2 cells, C-PC induced the activation of apoptotic pathways such as cytochrome C and caspase-3 [29], and the results of Prabakaran et al. [30] also confirmed the inhibitory effect of C-PC on the proliferation of HepG2 cells, mediated by the inactivation of BCR-ABL signaling and the downstream PI3K/Akt pathway. mediated by BCR-ABL signaling and inactivation of downstream PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, C-phycocyanin modifies the mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes apoptosis in cancer cells [30]. Currently, C-phycocyanin is a synergistic molecule with other drugs that have been widely used in the treatment of cancer [31]. The above studies demonstrate that C-phycocyanin has good therapeutic potential in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma.

5 Amelioration of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by C-phycocyanin

It has been found that C-alginin can reduce ALT and AST levels, decrease ROS production and NF-κB activation, and attenuate hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by high-fat choline-deficient diets, and thus C-alginin has a protective effect on NAFLD rats through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms [15].

Another study on the effects of aqueous extract of Spirulina (mainly C-alginin) on NAFLD induced by a high-calorie/high-fat Western diet in C57Bl/6J mice showed that aqueous extract of Spirulina significantly improved glucose tolerance, lowered plasma cholesterol, and increased ursodeoxycholic acid in bile in mice [32]. Kaspi-Chadli et al. Kasbi-Chadli et al. [33] showed that aqueous extract of Spirulina could reduce cholesterol and sphingolipid levels in the liver and aortic cholesterol levels in hamsters fed a high-fat diet by significantly decreasing the expression of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA) gene, a limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis, and TGF-β1 gene, and that ursodeoxycholic acid levels in the feces of hamsters fed high-fat diets were increased in the high Spirulina aqueous extract treatment group.

A daily dose of C-alginin-enriched Spirulina can reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress induced by a diet rich in lipid peroxides [34]. Ma et al. [35] found that C-alginin promoted the phosphorylation of hepatocyte AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) in vivo and ex vivo, and increased the phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase. In the treatment of NAFLD in mice, C-alginin can improve liver inflammation by up-regulating the expression of phosphorylated AMPK and AMPK-regulated transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and its target gene, CPT1, and by down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and CD36 [35]. This suggests that C-phycocyanin can also improve lipid deposition in the liver through the AMPK pathway.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Studies in animal models of spontaneous hypertension have shown that long-term administration of C-alginin may improve systemic blood pressure in rats by increasing aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels, with a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure, and thus C-alginin may be useful in preventing endothelial dysfunction-related diseases in the metabolic syndrome [36]. In the offspring of ApoE-deficient mice fed C-alginate during gestation and lactation, male littermates had an elevated hepatic reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio and significantly lower hepatic SOD and glutathione peroxidase gene expression.

C-PC is effective in preventing atherosclerosis in adult hereditary hypercholesterolemic mice [37]. In vitro, C-phycocyanin also improved glucose production and expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) in high-glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells [38]. C-alginin also increases glucose uptake in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells through the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/PI3K/Akt and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMPK signaling pathways, activates glycogen synthase, and increases the amount of glycogen [38]. C-phycocyanin can improve blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels in tetracycline-induced diabetic mice [39]. Therefore, C-phycocyanin can maintain cellular glucose homeostasis by improving insulin resistance in hepatocytes.

6 Hepatoprotective role of C-phycocyanin in other liver diseases

Studies have shown that C-alginin can inhibit total serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL, ALT, AST, and malondialdehyde levels in mice modeled with alcoholic liver injury, significantly increase SOD levels in the liver, and promote the activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells, which can have an ameliorative effect on alcoholic liver injury [40]. In addition, C-phycocyanin may enhance the intestinal barrier function, regulate the intestinal flora, reduce the translocation of bacteria and metabolites to the liver, and inhibit the activity of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway, which may reduce the inflammation of the liver and prevent the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis in mice [41]. In mice with X-ray radiation-induced liver injury, C-phycocyanin can reduce radiation-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress injury by up-regulating the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downstream genes, such as HO-1, and play a hepatoprotective role by enhancing the activities of SOD and glutathione peroxidase [42].

7 Outlook

Liver fibrosis is the common final process of chronic liver diseases, and there is no effective therapeutic drug at present. Although some research progress has been made in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the reversal of liver fibrosis [43], its toxicological effects have not yet been clarified. Although the incidence of viral hepatitis has gradually decreased with the development and popularization of vaccines and antiviral drugs, the incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and liver diseases such as NAFLD has been increasing year by year with the improvement of people's living conditions [44]. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find drugs or nutrients that can help maintain normal hepatocyte function and effectively inhibit liver inflammation and fibrosis. C-alginin, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects, as well as good food coloring, has a wide range of applications in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.

References:

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［22］KUNTE M, DESAI K. The inhibitory effect of C-phycocyanin containing protein extract on human matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2)［J］. and MMP-9) in hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2) [J]. Protein J, 2017, 36(3): 186-195. doi: 10. 1007/s10930-017-9707-0.

［23］WANG C Y, WANG X, WANG Y, et al. Photosensitization of phycocyanin extracted from microcystis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells: implication of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis ［J］. J Photochem Photobiol B, 2012, 117: 70-79. doi: 10. 1016/j. jphotobiol.2012.09.001.

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［28］NISHANTH R P, RAMAKRISHNA B S, JYOTSNA R G, et al. C- phycocyanin inhibits MDR1 through reactive oxygen species and cyclooxygenase-2 mediated pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line[J]. Eur J Pharmacol, 2010, 649(1/3):74-83. doi: 10. 1016/j.ejphar.2010.09.011.

[29] ROY K R, ARUNASREE K M, REDDY N P, et al. Alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential by spirulina platensis C- phycocyanin induces apoptosis in the doxorubicinresistant human hepatocellular-carcinoma cell line HepG2[J]. Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2007, 47 (Pt 3): 159-167. doi: 10. 1042/BA20060206.

[30] PRABAKARAN G, SAMPATHKUMAR P, KAVISRI M, et al. Extraction and characterization of phycocyanin from spirulina platensis and evaluation of its anticancer , antidiabetic and antiinflammatory effect[J]. Int J Biol Macromol, 2020, 153: 256- 263. doi: 10. 1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.009.

[31] SILVA M R O B D, M DA SILVA G, SILVA A L F D, et al. Bioactive compounds of Arthrospira spp. (spirulina) with potential anticancer activities: a systematic review[J]. ACS Chem Biol, 2021, 16 (11): 2057-2067. doi: 10. 1021/acschembio.1c00568.

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[34] OULD AMARA-LEFFAD L, RAMDANE H, NEKHOUL K, et al. Spirulina effect on modulation of toxins provided by food, impact on hepatic and renal functions [J] . . Arch Physiol Biochem, 2019, 125 (2): 184-194. doi: 10. 1080/13813455.2018.1444059.

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［36］ICHIMURA M, KATO S, TSUNEYAMA K, et al. Phycocyanin prevents hypertension and low serum adiponectin level in a rat model of metabolic syndrome［J］. Nutr Res, 2013, 33(5): 397-405. doi: 10. 1016/j.nutres.2013.03.006.

[37] COUÉ M, CROYAL M, HABIB M, et al. Perinatal administration of C-phycocyanin protects against atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice by modulating cholesterol and trimethylamine-N-oxide metabolisms[J]. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, 2021, 41(12): e512-e523. doi: 10. 1161/ATVBAHA.121.316848.

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［44］XIAO J, WANG F, WONG N K, et al. Global liver disease burdens and research trends : analysis from a chinese perspective［J］. J Hepatol, 2019, 71(1):212-221. doi: 10. 1016/j.jhep.2019.03.004.

#phycocyanin #cphycocyanin #phycocyaninspirulina

#healthy eating #health products #nutrition #veganfood

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covid-safer-hotties · 9 months ago

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Also preserved on our archive

Whenever you hear someone trying to blame kid's poor test scores "post pandemic" on "lockdowns," show them this.

By Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar, PhD.

New research shows that mild COVID-19 alters brain structure and connectivity in key areas responsible for memory and cognition, emphasizing the lasting effects on young people’s brain health.

In a case-control study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive tests to examine brain structure, function, and cognition in adolescents and young adults with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to healthy controls in a pandemic hotspot in Italy. They identified significant changes in brain regions related to olfaction and cognition, with decreased brain volume and reduced functional connectivity in areas like the left hippocampus and amygdala, which were linked to impaired spatial working memory. Notably, no significant differences were observed in whole-brain connectivity, suggesting that these changes were localized rather than widespread.

Background COVID-19, primarily known for respiratory symptoms, also affects the central nervous system, leading to neurological issues like headaches, anosmia, and cognitive changes. MRI-based studies reveal anatomical brain changes in COVID-19 patients, such as reduced gray matter and decreased volume in regions like the hippocampus and amygdala, often linked to cognitive deficits.

While research mostly focuses on severe cases and older adults, a majority of infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, occur in adolescents and young adults who also experience long-lasting cognitive symptoms.

This age group, undergoing key brain development, is impacted by changes in spatial working memory and brain structure, which are crucial for cognitive functions shaped by social interactions, significantly disrupted by the pandemic.

Given that this is the largest and most understudied population affected by COVID-19, understanding the brain and cognitive impacts in adolescents and young adults is vital.

Therefore, researchers in the present study compared anatomical, functional, and cognitive outcomes, utilizing a longitudinal design that allowed them to assess both pre- and post-infection differences, in COVID-19-positive and negative adolescents and young adults from Lombardy, Italy, a global hotspot during the pandemic.

About the study The present study involved participants from the Public Health Impact of Metal Exposure (PHIME) cohort, a longitudinal investigation of adolescents and young adults in northern Italy. Between 2016 and 2021, 207 participants, aged 13 to 25 years, were included in a sub-study with MRI scans and cognitive tests. After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, 40 participants (13 COVID+ and 27 COVID−) participated in a follow-up study, which replicated the MRI and cognitive assessments.

The mean age of participants was 20.44 years and 65% were female. COVID+ status was confirmed through positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests within 12 months of follow-up. Neuropsychological assessments used the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) to evaluate spatial working memory.

MRI and functional MRI data were acquired using a 3-Tesla scanner, processed, and analyzed for structural and local functional connectivity using eigenvector centrality mapping (ECM) and functional connectivity (FC) metrics. Whole-brain functional connectivity metrics showed no significant differences between COVID+ and control groups, indicating that the observed changes were specific to key brain regions rather than generalized across the entire brain.

Statistical analysis involved the use of pairwise Student's t-tests, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, linear regression, two-waves mediation analysis, negative binomial regression, and linear regression, all adjusted for covariates.

Results and discussion Significant differences were observed in the two groups regarding the time between assessments, COVID-19 symptoms, and vaccine status. The research identified five localized functional connectivity hubs with significant differences between the two groups, including the right intracalcarine cortex, right lingual gyrus, left frontal orbital cortex, left hippocampus and left amygdala, which is vital for cognitive functions. Only the left hippocampal volume showed a significant reduction in COVID+ participants (p = 0.034), while whole-brain connectivity remained unchanged, reinforcing the localized nature of the brain changes.

The left amygdala mediated the relationship between COVID-19 and spatial working memory "between errors" (p = 0.028), a critical finding that highlights the indirect effect of amygdala connectivity on cognitive function in COVID+ individuals. This mediation analysis underscores the role of specific brain regions in influencing cognitive deficits, as only the indirect effect was statistically significant for spatial working memory errors. The orbitofrontal cortex, involved in sensory integration and cognitive functions, also showed decreased connectivity in COVID+ individuals, supporting previous findings of structural and functional changes in this region during COVID-19.

The study is limited by small sample size, lack of diversity, potential confounding factors due to the long interval between MRI scans, treatment of certain subjects as COVID-negative based on antibody testing beyond the 12-month threshold, and the possibility of non-significant findings in mediation analysis due to these factors.

Conclusion In conclusion, the findings indicate persistent structural and functional alterations in specific brain regions of COVID-19-positive adolescents and young adults, including changes in gray matter volume and localized functional connectivity, which correlate with diminished cognitive function, particularly in working memory.

Further research is necessary to evaluate the longevity and potential reversibility of these brain and cognitive changes post-infection, enhancing our understanding of post-COVID outcomes and informing future interventions and treatments. The longitudinal design of this study, with pre- and post-COVID data, strengthens these findings by allowing direct comparisons over time, offering robust insights into the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent brain development.

Journal reference: COVID-19 related cognitive, structural and functional brain changes among Italian adolescents and young adults: a multimodal longitudinal case-control study. Invernizzi, A. et al., Translational Psychiatry, 14, 402 (2024), DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03108-2, www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03108-2

#mask up #covid #pandemic #covid 19 #wear a mask #public health #coronavirus #sars cov 2 #still coviding #wear a respirator #long covid #covid conscious #covid is airborne #wear a fucking mask

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darkmaga-returns · 3 months ago

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Story at-a-glance

Childhood cardiovascular risk factors, such as higher body mass index and rapid weight gain, are associated with structural differences in the brains of young adults, particularly in regions vulnerable to dementia later in life

Studies show a direct link between better cardiovascular health in adolescence and enhanced cognitive functions like executive function and increased brain volume

Fostering healthy habits early in life, like sufficient sleep, daily movement, stress management and a whole-food diet, is important for children’s long-term brain health, even reducing dementia risks

Simple lifestyle changes focused on improving mitochondrial function, such as reducing seed oils, minimizing endocrine-disrupting chemicals and EMF exposure, and eating whole foods, positively impacts brain health at any age

Prioritizing cardiovascular health from childhood through adulthood is not just about heart health; it's a key strategy for building and maintaining a healthy brain and reducing the risk of cognitive decline

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scarletwritesshit · 1 year ago

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LostDex: Beta Pokemon Fanzine Writings

All of the writing that I have done for @thelostdex zine. I wrote various types of entries for Ramoose, Tubacapra, Togekiss, Espeon, Leafeon, Gavillain, Suicune, Moibelle, Belladam, and Kiwundo. It was a pleasure working with everyone, and I hope you enjoy the product of our hard work!

Ramoose

10/18/2020

Approximately 3:00 A.M.

Unknown Woods, Lost Island

I should know better than to be out this late, this far away from base camp, on an island this deserted. Unfortunately, my persistent curiosity got the better of me, and so I set off on an expedition deep into the woods to see what might greet me while I tread alone.

I must’ve been traveling for a solid hour at the very least when I was stopped in my tracks by a massive shadow glaring directly at me. I couldn’t quite tell what it was, and I was unable to turn on my flashlight for there was a great risk of accidentally scaring it away. Slowly but surely, I approached it, and I could eventually begin to make out a silhouette as I inched closer.

Stantler? I initially assumed. However, my hypothesis was quickly disproven, as I noticed that its antlers were far too wide and its body, too bulky.

I soon found myself face to face with a massive beast holding its ground and staring into my soul with its glowing red eyes. I tried to keep low, so as to not startle the beast into thinking I was a threat, but it seemed to be well aware of its power and authority that it held over this dreary forest.

I went to grab my camera to take a quick photo, lest a photograph be the only remainder of my encounter, but as soon as I blinked, the creature disappeared in an instant.

I know what I saw. It was all too clear to merely be a hallucination.

Could it have actually been Ramoose? There was simply no other explanation...

Tubacapra

I almost feel bad for disturbing the peace of such gentle creatures, but Tubacapra are so laid back that I simply couldn’t help myself but walk among the herd. None of them turned their attention to me for long periods of time as I walked past individuals both young and old, bountiful and sickly. They seem almost too gentle for their own good…

Then again, they were overall not the most intelligent looking Pokemon that I have seen. There was a certain…emptiness that could be seen in their eyes. Their expressions were not plagued with despair, but rather, devoid of thought. A carefree life it must be, to have the bare minimum thoughts to occupy your brain at any given moment at time.

They paid little to no mind to me, as the majority of the herd remained resting on the ground with their poncho-like roots anchoring themselves into the soil. I wonder if their bodily compositions were closer to that of a plant, rather than the flesh and blood of an animal, as they appear to be sapping nutrients from the soil to recharge themselves.

I have also noticed that the individuals with larger branches on their head seem more attentive and alert contrary to those with smaller twigs. Perhaps it could be an indicator of age, with the older Tubacapra being far more mentally developed than the youngsters. This also presents the plausible theory that these tree-like structures function as a brain or brain-like organ for these creatures.

Now, this implies that Tubacapra walk around with an exposed, photosynthesizing brain. The thought irked me in the weirdest way, but it could not stop me from gently scratching behind their ears or letting them lick my palm.

Togekiss

I cannot believe what I am witnessing before my very eyes.

I have never seen so many Togekiss gathered in one location in my life.

Their numbers are still small, but relative to sightings in other regions of the world, this is a huge discovery.

However, these Togekiss are clearly different from the ones that we are familiar with. They’re more...dragon-like, in a sense. Their underbellies are solid blue and the spikes on their head are much larger and sharply angled. Their eyes were glowing red with a fierce, passionate gaze. It wasn’t filled with seething hatred like a feral beast, but rather, it was more like that of a gentle yet formidable guardian.

While I was watching them from the ground, I heard one of their cries. It wasn’t quite as aggressive as a Hydregion or Tyranitar, but it certainly had an aura of demand to it. Simultaneously, it was soft and graceful to the ears. One could describe their cry as being that of an old, gentle beast, capable of great might yet dared not bring harm to the innocent.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get close enough to properly confirm any of my observations, including the extent of their possible draconic features and overall demeanor. It was rather difficult to keep up with them, as they were quite fast and would soar beyond the clouds.

One thing was for certain; If the Togekiss we know are bringers of peace, then these are its guardians.

Gavillain

Ahead of me in the midst of a sloppy, muddy swamp, I spotted a Gavillain creeping up on an unattended nest of eggs. It was so intensely focused on the meal before it that it didn’t turn an eye to my presence, even after I had accidentally stepped on a branch, splitting it in half. I froze in place, expecting it to jolt into the air and scan its surroundings, but it continued creeping ever so slowly towards the nest. This Pokemon must think that it’s some sort of slick, devious cartoon villain. Obviously, it’s really not, seeing how easily I was able to sneak up behind this “stealthy” individual and grab it.

I held it by the neck and base of its tail, so it would be unable to swing around and take a bite out of my flesh. As it squirmed in my grasp like a captured snake, I noticed that it seemed to be wiggling around with the intention of escaping, not aggression. If only this woeful creature could understand that I merely wished to observe it up close, not endanger its fragile life in any manner.

It had muddied brown scales, which felt like dried mud as well, presumably to act as camouflage. With a bright green frill around its neck, it seemed rather pointless, as it would stick out like a sore thumb amidst the mud. Perhaps it served it some good to disguise itself as an aquatic plant, or to perhaps hide among the bushes?

Who knows. I crouched down and let the creature have its freedom that it so desperately desired. It panicked and ran off, abandoning its original goal of snatching the eggs completely.

Incredibly pathetic nature and incredibly impractical design. Thus is the fate of Gavillain.

Suicune

...graceful, aqua blue panther leisurely strolling through the fields. Its mane resembles that of our majestic steeds, in terms of…was more akin to that of an amethyst, as intensely violet and crystalline its coloration appeared to the human eye. Pure white tiger’s paws...spots adorning the entirety of its body...rippling water…

...peaceful in nature but quick to dash towards cover at the faintest trace of an interloper. Left no signs of...light footed. The beast’s movements were swift and graceful, comparable to that of a gentle breeze along the surface of a calm lake. The lake-blue panther-like creature had a...-like howl, yet I do not believe for it to have any relations to…

It drank from a heavily soiled lake in the midst of the forest one afternoon...later that very day, the water was crystal... I can only begin to speculate that this divine beast must have some form of water blessing powers. I had never quite seen anything like it during all of my years of exploring... I fail to believe that natural causes have cleansed the water...

...has only been seen within the forests of...legend among us, unlike any other that lies beyond our sacred land?

...shall be called Sui... a name fitting for a monarch of the water itself.

-From a weathered manuscript, date unknown

Leafeon & Espeon

Leafeon -

These Leafeon are far from being considered prized specimen. Their tails were more like long strands of wild grass, and their paws were covered in similarly structured strands. Their coloration was quite variable as well, with some Leafeon being more intense shades of green or weathered brown than others.

The most notable feature about these Pokemon was not their appearance, as they simply resembled a more feral deviation of Leafeon. The smell, I must say, was agonizing on the senses. The organic stink of unattended weeds was so revolting for the sheer fact that they triggered my immune responses so violently. Even worse, was that some individuals were curious of my presence, directing their pollen and chlorophyl towards me.

I couldn’t bring myself to call these adorable creatures weeds, however.

Espeon -

In the mountainous regions of the forgotten island, an abandoned temple is the home to a variant of a beloved species that were once regarded as deities. Golden Espeon prowl this secluded temple, away from the contact of all humans or most other Pokemon.

Its golden fur shone spectacularly in the sunlight, except for the markings at the base of its tails and around the edges of its ears. Unlike the more familiar form of Espeon, this deviation has two distinct tails, rather than one being split into two at the tip. I do not believe these, along with the Leafeon, to be a subgroup, similar to regional variants from Alola or Galar, but rather, more like an ancestor of sorts.

If this proves to be true, then not only is it possible that other similar forms of Eevee exist, but a whole new field of Pokemon evolution research becomes a distinct possibility.

For now, I must respect these Espeon and their solitary nature.

Kiwundo

I have never seen a Pokemon quite as round and birdlike as what I am currently observing before me. My initial impression of this curious new species is that they seem exceptionally impractical. Their wings are tiny, their bodies are heavily rounded, and it appears that their heads are locked in an upwards facing position. None of them seem adjusted to walking on such long legs either, as all individuals in the flock were stumbling and struggling to maneuver around a simple grassy plain.

These bird Pokemon appear to greatly lack in the cognitive department as well. I witnessed a larger predatory bird Pokemon pluck an individual out of the flock without a struggle, and the unfortunate victim’s companions seemed to have not noticed. They were comparable to ripe kiwis, who exist solely as pickings for those higher up on the food chain. Arguably, they were more like sentient kiwis than conscious specimens. The resemblance is uncanny, yet they were neither fully bird nor fully kiwi. The overwhelming majority were a dull brown akin to that of the common bird Pokemon, with textured feathers easily mistaken for kiwi skin.

I noted one unusual exception, to this, however, where one individual was a vibrant green unlike the earthy brown of the rest of the flock. I couldn’t help myself but throw a Pokeball at the weird green specimen to take back for further observation. It put up almost no struggle, which was rather unsurprising considering what I had noted earlier about its absentminded appearance.

These bird Pokemon were better compared to Magikarp, as even the common Pidgey would put up a decent fight. I don’t recall them having a name, so I shall call them Kiwundo after their round, kiwi-like appearance.

Moibelle & Belladam

It’s easy to tell when a clan of Moibelle are nearby. What may sound like an orchestra of a thousand little jingles is actually a group of seven individuals max, skittering through the alleyways. They seem rather shy and difficult to approach, as they go out of their way to avoid even harmless Pokémon.

One lone Moibelle seems to be the exception to my observation, as it cautiously but curiously walked up to my leg and began to rub on it. Its fur was velvety soft, and the bells around its ears were softly ringing. It did not utter a peep, which has led me to believe that its primary form of communication was the bells on its head, neck, and tail.

Strangely enough, it didn’t seem frightened around me. In fact, the little baby quickly grew quite attached to me. I slowly held out my hand, offering for it to climb on. It was taken aback at first, but after a quick sniff, it climbed onto my arm and dug its claws into my sleeve. How could I say no to taking in such an adorable, mysterious fella? I saw no others seeking it out, so it may have been abandoned for some unfortunate reason.

As I gently stroked my newfound friend, I looked above me to notice a Belladam looming over me, laying on a guard rail on the balcony above. Its bell tail flickered silently, a great contrast to the "talkative" Moibelle. It was staring down at me fiercely, as if it were ready to strike should I make the wrong move.

Along another balcony further down the alleyway, two Belladam were tense and flickering their tails at each other. This time, I could hear the ringing, further supporting my theory of the bells being used for communication.

Moibelle may be shy, but they will grow up to become some aggressive beauties.

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