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  • Researcher warns against neck perfume

    ByJustpaste.in

    A cancer researcher has advised people not to spray perfume directly on their neck as part of their daily routine. She says that repeated long term exposure to some fragrance chemicals may pose possible health risks. Anna Canadas, a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Pathology shared this advice in a viral social media video. According to her perfumes can contain hundreds or even thousands of chemicals.  Many of these ingredients are listed simply as “fragrance” instead of being named individually making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are using. Referring to research published in Frontiers in Toxicology she explained that some ingredients commonly found in perfumes and cosmetics including phthalates formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. These substances may interfere with the body’s hormone system or act like hormones which could affect normal body functions. However experts stress that there is no clear scientific evidence showing that spraying perfume on the neck directly causes cancer. The concern is about repeated exposure to certain chemicals over many years which may increase potential health risks. Researchers say the goal is not to scare people away from using perfume but to encourage safer habits and reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals. Doctors also point out that the skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive than many other parts of the body. This may allow some ingredients to be absorbed more easily. Applying perfume right after a hot shower may increase absorption because the skin is warm and pores are more open. Dermatologists recommend a few simple precautions. Spray perfume on clothes instead of directly on the neck. If applying it to the skin choose less sensitive areas such as the wrists. Consider perfumes made with more natural ingredients. Avoid applying perfume immediately after a hot shower.

  • Airplane IQ Puzzle

    ByJustpaste.in

    Do you enjoy solving puzzles? If yes here is a fun brain teaser that will test your observation skills. Look carefully at the picture and try to figure out which person is poor. The image shows three people traveling on an airplane. One person is reading a newspaper a woman in the middle is holding a smartphone and another person is using a laptop. This is more than just a simple puzzle. It is designed as a small IQ test that checks how well you notice tiny details. Try to find the answer within 30 seconds. Take a close look before making your choice.  The clue is visible in the picture but you need sharp eyes to spot it. •Have you guessed the answer? If not the puzzle says the man reading the newspaper is the poor person. The clue is on the jacket resting on his lap. A label on the jacket suggests it is made from polyester which the puzzle presents as a cheap imitation leading to the conclusion that he is poor. Keep in mind that this is only the intended answer to the puzzle. In real life a person’s clothing or belongings do not determine whether they are wealthy or poor.

  • Pakistan: A Laboratory That Refuses to Learn

    ByJustpaste.in

    By Ali Hiader Pakistan has gradually become a testing ground for government projects. Governments experiment with massive infrastructure projects costing billions, and when the results fall short of expectations, another project of the exact same nature is launched. The tragedy is that while other countries may well be learning from Pakistan’s experiments, we have completely failed to learn from them. Punjab’s public transport system serves as a clear example of this. Currently, there are three major metro bus projects operating in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, while two additional projects are under construction in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. The total length of the existing metro bus routes is approximately 70 kilometers, served by around 167 buses. In Lahore, a city with a population of nearly 20 million, only 66 buses operate along a 27-kilometer route; this indicates that a substantial amount of public funds have been allocated to cover only a limited area. It is also essential to consider the cost of these projects. Approximately 30 billion rupees were spent on the Lahore Metro Bus project, around 38 billion rupees on the Rawalpindi Metro Bus, and about 29 billion rupees on the Multan Metro Bus; thus, the total cost … is approximately 97 billion rupees. However, the matter does not end there. Subsequently, Lahore was gifted another major transport project—the Orange Line Metro Train—with a total cost of approximately 300 billion rupees. The issue is not that governments are making a mistake by investing in public transport; public transport is indispensable in expanding cities and can play a vital role in improving the mobility of ordinary citizens. The real question is whether a developing country like Pakistan can afford a transport system that requires the government to provide massive annual subsidies for its operation. According to reported figures, Punjab’s three Metro Bus projects collectively require an annual subsidy of approximately Rs 21 billion, while the Orange Line Metro Train also requires annual government financial support. This means that, even years after the initial construction costs were paid, taxpayers continue to bear the expenses of these projects. Meanwhile, passengers still face issues such as overcrowding, long wait times, and limited service capacity. The Punjab government’s new green electric bus project merits attention from a different reason. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s administration has proposed a plan to deploy 5,000 electric buses across Punjab over five years at an estimated total cost of PKR 300 billion. While this cost is relatively lower than that of Lahore’s existing Metro Bus and Orange Line Train systems, the project offers the added advantage of not requiring heavy infrastructure—such as dedicated metro corridors or rail networks; existing roads and bus stops suffice, and operations are far more flexible than current public transport systems. A driver and a conductor are all that is needed to operate a bus. Most importantly, electric buses can provide public transport services to a vast population with relatively low infrastructure costs. In principle, this model is particularly well-suited to a province where millions of citizens still lack access to reliable public transport.However, Punjab has previously experimented with conventional bus-based public transport; projects like the Speedo service and BUSCO were launched in Lahore and its surrounding areas with similar objectives. The BUSCO project, in particular, ultimately became a prime example of how a public welfare system can shut down when governments fail to plan for the long-term management of public assets. Today, these buses lie in a state of ruin, whereas they could have been properly sold, relocated, or repurposed. This is precisely why the Green Bus project requires a different financial model. For developing countries like Pakistan, it is extremely difficult to sustain public amenities that rely on perpetual subsidies. Whenever the government faces a financial crisis or a shortage of funds, these buses will eventually end up as nothing more than wrecks. A transport system that cannot survive without billions of rupees in annual government aid is, at its core, a weak system. To ensure that the project runs effectively, it is essential to operate it on a “no-profit, no-loss” basis so that it remains sustainable for years to come. Fares should be structured so that, following the initial government investment, the system can at least cover its own operating, repair, and maintenance costs, as well as the expense of future bus replacements. While it is acceptable for the government not to make a profit, it must avoid creating a system that requires billions of rupees in annual subsidies merely to remain operational.At the same time, the number of buses must be sufficient for public transport to truly serve as an alternative to private vehicles. Currently, passengers face severe overcrowding, long waits, and uncomfortable journeys. If traveling by government bus means enduring extreme overcrowding, public transport cannot persuade people to leave their motorcycles and cars at home.Kasur serves as a prime example of this situation. The Kasur district, with a population of approximately 3.8 million, has received only 12 ‘Green Buses’ so far—buses that are smaller than those operating in Lahore. Yet, for a population of this size, the number of buses should have been far greater. If the government genuinely wants people to prioritize public transport, it must increase the fleet size to a level where passengers can travel in comfort and dignity, rather than having to grapple with one another just to secure a spot on a bus.Punjab now has the opportunity to learn from its past. Instead of viewing every public transport project merely as an occasion for inauguration or a publicity stunt, Maryam Nawaz should focus on its long-term sustainability. The true measure of a project’s success is not how impressive it looks on the day of its inauguration, but rather how effective, affordable, and financially sustainable it remains even ten or twenty years down the line.Punjab certainly needs better public transport. However, the province requires systems that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and public convenience over political symbols. The government should undertake fewer projects that remain perpetually dependent on taxpayers’

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    New lizard species “Syrax” discovered in Thailand

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new species of lizard has been discovered in Thailand. According to foreign media reports, the new species was discovered in western Thailand and has been given a name inspired by the popular series “House of the Dragon.” The lizard has been named “Syrax” after the dragon ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series. Details about the discovery of the new lizard were published last month in the journal ZooKeys. The study found that the lizard belongs to a group known as mountain horned dragons and was discovered in the forests of the high-altitude areas of Mae Wong. Researchers explained that the name was chosen based on the lizard’s yellowish coloration, small size and large clutch size. Mountain horned dragons are known for the spiny projections on their necks and backs. The study also stated that further research is needed to fully understand the distribution of lizard species. Researchers also need to explore nearby mountain ranges to discover other hidden or previously undocumented species in the northern and western mountainous regions.

  • Marriage can change couples personalities, study reveals

    ByJustpaste.in

    Marriage is often described as a situation where “those who marry regret it and those who do not marry regret that too.” Now, scientists have revealed a surprising effect that marriage can have on couples. According to researchers, the first two years of marriage can bring significant changes to the personalities of newly married couples. A joint study by the University of Georgia and the University of California found that personality changes during the first two years of marriage can have important long-term effects on marital relationships. According to the study, newlyweds experience noticeable changes in their personalities and these changes can influence their satisfaction with their relationship with their spouse. The research found that during the first 18 months of marriage, husbands tend to become more dependent on their wives and increasingly focus their attention on their wives rather than the outside world. The study also found that wives experienced reductions in anxiety, depression, feelings of inferiority, restlessness and stress. These positive personality changes were observed among couples of different age groups. However, researchers also noted one negative development: compatibility between husbands and wives tended to decrease. The researchers said that, overall, the findings show that men and women undergo significant personality changes soon after marriage and these changes can be important for developing a healthy long-term relationship. The findings of the study were published in the journal Developmental Psychology. Spousal support and stress Earlier, a study conducted by Binghamton University in the United States in April 2024 found that feeling a lack of support from a spouse can increase physical stress. This feeling can raise levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Cortisol works with parts of the brain involved in regulating mood, motivation and behaviour. Researchers said that people’s perceptions of their spouse’s support become stronger over time allowing them to predict how their partner is likely to behave in different situations. They further noted that support from a spouse is more important than people may expect.

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    Workers discover gold while replacing sewer line

    ByJustpaste.in

    When a drainage or sewerage line is replaced, workers generally expect to find nothing more than waste and garbage inside it. However, during routine renovation work in Belgium, workers made an astonishing discovery: gold worth billions of Pakistani rupees. The incident took place in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, Belgium. Workers were replacing a sewer line during the renovation of a building. They removed part of the foundation to install new pipes when they noticed something shining underground. At first, they thought they had found one-euro coins but they soon realized that the objects were actually gold. According to Mario, the workers’ manager, “I looked carefully and picked up the gold. Then we dug further and found more coins and gold pieces. It was an incredible experience.” He said that in his 33 years of construction work, he had never experienced anything like this before. An 18-year-old student working with the team said that at first they could hardly believe what they had found because they had never expected to discover gold. After the treasure was examined, it was estimated to be worth around $14 million equivalent to more than Rs2.5 billion. Unfortunately for the workers, they were unable to keep the treasure and had to hand it over to the police. The treasure is currently being kept by a charitable organization.It is still unclear who originally owned the gold. However, the building was reportedly once owned by a wealthy family. Under Belgian law, the original owner can claim such a treasure within five years. If no claim is made during that period, the treasure will be divided between the person who discovered it and the owner of the property.

  • Use rosemary in moderation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rosemary is a popular herb used to add a fresh and pleasant aroma to food. But it is more than just a kitchen ingredient.  This evergreen herb comes from the Mediterranean region and belongs to the mint family.  It is commonly used as dried leaves or in powdered form. Rosemary contains nutrients such as iron calcium and vitamin B6. It has also been used for centuries because of its possible health benefits. Modern research has explored how its natural compounds may affect the body. Rich in Antioxidants Rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect the body from harmful free radicals.  These compounds may also support the immune system and healthy blood circulation. May support digestion rosemary has traditionally been used to help with digestive problems such as indigestion. In Europe it has been used for this purpose for many years and Germany’s Commission E has recognized its traditional use for digestive discomfort. May help focus and mood The smell of rosemary may also have an effect on mental performance. Research published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology found that rosemary aroma was linked with better attention mental performance speed accuracy and mood. Possible brain benefits Rosemary contains a natural compound called carnosic acid.  Scientists are studying this compound because it may help protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is one reason rosemary is being researched for its possible role in brain and nerve health. What about Cancer? Some laboratory studies have explored rosemary extracts and their possible anti tumor effects.  One study found that a rosemary extract slowed the growth of human leukemia cells in laboratory conditions. Other research has also looked at its anti inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However these findings do not mean that rosemary can treat or cure cancer. More research is needed to understand its effects in humans. Use it in moderation Rosemary is generally safe when used in normal amounts as a food ingredient.  However taking very large amounts may cause harmful effects including vomiting and other serious problems. For this reason rosemary is best used in moderate amounts. If you plan to take rosemary as a supplement or use it for a specific health purpose it is better to speak with a healthcare professional first.

  • Health benefits of plant compounds

    ByJustpaste.in

    Eating more plant based foods may benefit several areas of health including digestion the immune system metabolism and heart health. New research is helping scientists understand how foods from plants interact with the bacteria in our gut and influence the way our body processes nutrients. Gut bacteria play an important role One important reason plant based foods may be beneficial is their effect on the gut microbiome the large community of bacteria living in the digestive system. Dietary fiber is especially important. Gut bacteria break down fiber and turn it into different compounds that can affect the body in various ways. Plant chemicals may also help Plants contain natural chemicals called phytochemicals. These compounds help plants protect themselves from environmental stress.  When people eat plant foods these chemicals may also have different effects inside the body. What did the new studies find? Two studies led by researchers associated with Princeton University provided new information about the connection between diet, gut bacteria and metabolism.  One study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences while the other appeared in Nature Metabolism. The first study found that plant based fiber and certain plant proteins can change how gut bacteria process nutrients.  These changes may increase some helpful metabolic compounds while reducing certain potentially harmful ones. The second study found that some metabolic compounds previously thought to be produced mainly by gut bacteria can also be made in significant amounts by mammals themselves. Why this research matters Researchers are increasingly interested in using the gut microbiome and the compounds it produces to improve health.  However scientists first need to understand exactly how different parts of our diet affect specific gut bacteria and the substances they produce. Future health benefits These findings could eventually help researchers develop better dietary strategies and treatments aimed at supporting a healthy gut microbiome. In the future this may make it possible to use food choices more effectively to encourage the production of beneficial compounds in the body.

  • 80 Years, still no justice

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chiniot: A family in Chiniot is still waiting for justice in a theft case that was reportedly registered shortly after Pakistan came into being in 1947. The case dates back nearly 80 years. According to the affected family, a large amount of gold silver expensive clothes and other valuables were stolen from their home on the night between August 14 and 15, 1947. The family says the case was among the first cases registered in Chiniot after independence and was recorded as FIR No. 8. According to the family, around 112 to 120 tolas of gold, silver items, Boski fabric and other expensive clothes were stolen.  The value of these items would be worth millions of rupees today. Despite the passage of almost eight decades the stolen property has never been recovered and the family says there is still no clear record of what happened to the case. To mark 80 years of waiting for justice the family held a unique protest. They had a cake made featuring the text of the old FIR and cut it to draw the attention of the authorities. Family members say their elders spent years visiting police stations and courts in the hope of recovering their belongings.  However several generations have passed without any clear result. A family member Sajid Ismail Dar, said that applications had also been submitted to senior Punjab Police officials in the past.  Some officials took notice of the matter but the case later went quiet again. The family has now appealed to the Inspector General of Punjab Police and the Chief Minister of Punjab to review the decades old case investigate whether the stolen property can still be traced and provide justice to the family.

  • Why walking slows with age

    ByJustpaste.in

    Getting older is a natural part of life and it cannot be stopped. But have you ever noticed that people often walk more slowly and feel tired more quickly as they age? A new study may explain why this happens. Researchers from Flinders University and the University of Canberra in Australia studied how walking changes with age.  They found that as people get older the body starts to focus more on safety and balance than on walking speed. The study included 107 healthy people between 26 and 86 years old. Researchers examined how their bodies moved while walking. They found that movement around the ankles and other muscles changes with age. The ankle muscles play an important role in keeping the body balanced and helping people move forward. As people age the body appears to use more muscle effort to stay stable and upright. Older adults may move the muscles around their ankles in a way that makes the ankle joints stiffer.  This can improve balance and reduce the risk of losing stability. However there is a downside. Using the muscles this way requires more effort which can make older people feel tired sooner and walk more  slowly. Researchers believe that the nervous system also becomes more focused on preventing falls and maintaining stability with age. The good news is that regular physical activity can help maintain movement and muscle strength. Exercises that improve balance and strengthen the muscles may help older adults stay active and move more confidently.