What I Learnt This Week 2: "Eve" the AI, Orgasmic Mushroom, Trypanophobia, Hybrid Limb, Hyper Lactation
steemstem·@samminator·
0.000 HBDWhat I Learnt This Week 2: "Eve" the AI, Orgasmic Mushroom, Trypanophobia, Hybrid Limb, Hyper Lactation
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<p>Hello everyone. This is my second episode in the series of "What I learnt this week". And just like I did in my first episode, I would love to deeply appreciate @mobbs for the permission to trail his paths.</p>
<p>That being said; I learnt quite a number of things over the last week (22nd-26th January), but I would just pick out some random five, in no specific order.</p>
<p>Okay, enough of the intro speech; let's hit straight to the new discoveries I made. </p>
<h1>Monday: "Eve" the Robot Scientist discovers Antimalaria</h1>
<p>I would begin this episode with one of my favourite areas; Robotics :)</p>
<p>Amazing innovations have been witnessed in the field of AI and robotics, and these innovations have caused the evolution and creation of sophisticated AIs. And surprisingly, these AIs have found practical applications in almost all areas of our human lives. Here we would be considering the AI scientist; Eve, and her amazing discovery (Yep I used "her" because she's a female bot :D).</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/E1EYx4G.jpg"/></p>
<p>[<a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/artificially-intelligent-robot-scientist-eve-could-boost-search-for-new-drugs">Image Source</a>]</p>
<p>"Medical Robotics" is one of the robotic interventions that has greeted this era. At least, we have seen or have heard about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Vinci_Surgical_System">daVinci</a>, and many other telemanipulators, but Eve is a little different.</p>
<p>Just like you may have inferred from this sub-topic, this AI led to the discovery of antimalaria drugs for drug-resistant malaria.</p>
<p>Here's a little survey into the circumstances that led to this discovery:</p>
<p><code>As we all know, malaria has been a frontliner in the causes of mortality, especially in this part of the world; Africa. And more so, malaria is becoming drug-resistant, thus increasing the threat level (More than 500,000 die of malaria each year, according to </code><a href="https://www.unicef.org/health/files/health_africamalaria.pdf"><code>survey</code></a><code>)</code>.</p>
<p>And according to Dr Steve Oliver</p>
<blockquote>Drug-resistant malaria is increasing significantly and has become a threat; both in Africa and South-east Asia. And the cure we have for it is slowly dwindling. - Dr Steve Oliver</blockquote>
<p>But thanks to the discovery initiated by Eve. A particular ingredient (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan">Triclosan</a>) that is usually found in toothpaste has some properties that fight drug-resistant malaria when used to produce antimalaria drugs.</p>
<p>This research was done at the University of Cambridge by a team of researchers; of course with the help of Eve.</p>
<p>For the uninitiated, Triclosan is a chemical used to produce toothpaste. It actually stops plaque around the teeth by preventing the reaction of a particular enzyme; ENR (Enoyl Reductase).</p>
<p>Through the help of Eve, it was discovered that Triclosan can actually inhibit the development of Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) which is an enzyme of plasmodium (malaria parasite).</p>
<p>With this discovery, hope has arrived in the path of; especially, the Africans affected by drug-resistant malaria.</p>
<p>But there are more things to this discovery, and I know your interest has been piqued, you can check out more info <a href="https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/comment/ai-robot-helps-discover-ingredient-anti-malarial-drug/">here</a>.</p>
<h1>Tuesday: Mushroom triggers orgasm?</h1>
<p>I know some would be wondering "what's the relationship between mushroom and orgasm?" Well, let's find out if there's any :).</p>
<p>We already know that mushroom is also called "toadstool" and is a fungus which is spore-bearing, and some of which are edible. But that's not where I'm going to.</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of Phallus Indusiatus (<strong>Stink Horn Mushroom</strong>)? </p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wFAAklr.jpg"/></p>
<p>[<a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/can-a-rare-hawaiian-mushroom-really-give-women-a-spontaneous-orgasm">Image Source</a>]</p>
<p>The stink horn mushroom is also called <strong>bamboo fungus</strong>, or <strong>veiled lady</strong>. And it has been speculated that the smell of this mushroom can trigger strong orgasm in female humans, until recently when a particular <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3451975/Will-smell-Hawaiian-mushroom-make-orgasm-One-woman-goes-unsatisfying-mission-out.html">survey</a> was done.</p>
<p>The sample space was drawn from 16 randomly selected females. The test subjects were made to sniff the mushroom; after which 6 reportedly achieved mild orgasm just by sniffing it, while the other 10 were relatively unaffected by the scent. Also, the male control test subject didn't feel anything relating to orgasm when they sniffed it (only pissed off by the offensive odour).</p>
<p>But the thing is: is 6 out of 16 actually statistically relevant? Also, was this phenomenon influenced by the internal anatomical makeup of these females?</p>
<p>Well, let's find out more <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/803192/sex-orgasm-mushroom">here</a>.</p>
<h1>Wednesday: Trypanophobia (fear of needle)</h1>
<p>According to <a href="https://heilablog.com/2013/09/30/did-you-know-that-we-are-born-with-only-two-innate-fears/">study</a>, humans are born with only two phobias: Fear of loud noise (phonophobia) and Fear of falling (Basophobia). That means, all other phobias are acquired over time (more like "learnt"), and we're going to be talking about a very rare kind of phobia; which is <strong>Trypanophobia</strong> (fear of needles).</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/BLt4n7U.jpg"/></p>
<p>[<a href="https://www.tes.com/lessons/gUuGYLoyo-WrJw/trypanophobia">Image Source</a>]</p>
<p>Trypanophobia affects only less than 10% of the entire world's population, and that makes it very rare (or maybe not; judging by the fact that I have a little of this phobia. Just like I mentioned in my <a href="https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@samminator/hello-steemit-my-first-post-introduction">introductory post</a>). That could be why I picked interest in this phobia. Because I discovered that, even going for immunizations, was like a mortal combat; and I know there are others like me.</p>
<h2>Causes of this kind of phobia</h2>
<p>Since we are made to believe that these phobias are learnt, that means there are causes to it: Let's look at some of them:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Association of prior pains</strong>: Believe me, the easiest trigger of this phobia is when you recall the memory of, maybe, your childhood experiences of needles and the associated pains. {I'm talking from experience here}. Growing up as an infant, I had some nasty childhood diseases, and was forced to receive large doses of injections at intervals. No wonder I picked up the fear of needles :(</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Staying around people with the same phobia</strong>: As simple as this sounds, you can actually imbibe this fear when you stay together with someone with trypanophobia. Remember "fears are acquired".</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Associating needles with scary thoughts</strong>: That is where psychology comes in. Our thoughts, no doubt, control a considerably large outcome of our lives. When you have a wrong thought about needles, they will manifest as phobia.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ways out of trypanophobia</h2>
<p>Just like phobias are learnt, they can also be un-learnt. But it takes time, effort, determination, and perseverance. Like I've noticed; my "fear level" has been dwindling, and here's what I did: First of all, I try to purge my thought from every associated pains to needles. Then try to get handy with pointed objects. You can repeat the same. And you can even get to play with needles if you can find one. You'd be amazed by the outcome.</p>
<p>Apart from trypanophobia, click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_phobias">here</a> for a list of phobias, and for more info on trypanophobia click <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/trypanophobia">here</a>.</p>
<h1>Thursday: Restoring mobility with "Hybrid Assisted Limb" (HAL)</h1>
<p>Lower limb paralysis is something that anyone would never wish to have. But what of the people that are already suffering from this, is there any hope for them? Well, technology is here to shimmer rays of hope on their path, with the creation of Hybrid assisted Limb (HAL).</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3EDMVMs.jpg"/></p>
<p>[<a href="https://www.smashingrobotics.com/how-hybrid-assistive-limb-hal-exoskeleton-suit-works/">Image Source</a>]</p>
<p>HAL is a kind of lower body exoskeleton that was designed by Cyberdyne; Japanese robotic giant, for medical purpose.</p>
<p>We may have known other forms of exoskeleton, even those that boost the strength of the wearer, but there is a slight difference that has given HAL an edge over them. Here's the difference:</p>
<p>Prior to the creation of HAL, other forms of exoskeleton use more of the physical motion of the wearer to boost other functionalities, but HAL works independently of physical motion. That is; it is fully autonomous. The sensors are connected directly to the brain, which sends signals of movement to the part needed to move without the associated muscles. That is why it is very suited for people with lower limb disabilities. Did I also mention that it boosts strength? Yes it does, with an added advantage of stablity.</p>
<p>Now you see, technological advancements, as I have always said and reiterated, have come to augment human biological functions and abilities. Though they have their own downturns, but they have made us more efficient, faster, and more adaptable.</p>
<p>There are more functionalities to HAL and you can read up <a href="https://www.smashingrobotics.com/how-hybrid-assistive-limb-hal-exoskeleton-suit-works/">here</a>. </p>
<h1>Friday: Hyperlactation Syndrom</h1>
<p>Just as you may have inferred from the name, hyperlactation is a condition in which a female human produces an excess of breast milk (more than normal). As harmless as this condition may sound, it may pose some great challenges to the woman and even her baby. Take for example: There could be forceful surge out of milk, which can actually choke the baby [I wouldn't know which is more challenging: Underproduction or overproduction of milk]. Well, let's continue.</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DFSdSWw.jpg"/></p>
<p>[<a href="http://a1000laff.com.ng/wawuuu-woman-produces-1-75-gallons-breast-milk-day-donates-700-gallons-charity/">Image Source</a>]</p>
<p>A very remarkable scenario is the case of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCcB1xY7CZY">Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra</a>; a mom from Oregon. She developed this condition after the birth of her first baby which made here to produce an excess of over 1.75gallons of breast milk daily (babies take an average of 30ounces daily, so "wassup with the excesses?").</p>
<p>That is why she had taken it on to help humanity by donating breast milk to women with underproduction of milk, and also to "breast milk banks". And according to to her, she has donated over 700gallons of her breast milk; beating the initial world record by over 100%. No wonder she is called "milk goddess" and she refers to herself as "mass milk producer".</p>
<p>In her exact word:</p>
<blockquote>I am a mother with a gift I can share - Elizabeth Anderson-Sierra</blockquote>
<p>She has also acquired some mechanized pumps to help her express the breast milk. Wow! What a heart for humanity. No doubt, she has saved lives in her own way by turning this condition to favour humanity.</p>
<p>Just like it is said:</p>
<blockquote>When life throws lemons at you; make lemonades.</blockquote>
<p>In the same hand:</p>
<blockquote>When life throws "hyperlactation syndrom" to you; help humanity with it.</blockquote>
<p>to read up more on hyperlactation syndrome, click <a href="https://www.babycenter.com/0_hyperlactation-overabundant-milk-supply_8488.bc">here</a>. </p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Ok buddies; this is about the much I've got to say about some of the things I learnt. But one thing is sure; "learning never stops".</p>
<p>Until I come your way again, I remain @samminator</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em><strong>Thanks for reading.</strong></em></p>
<blockquote>References for further reading: <a href="https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/comment/ai-robot-helps-discover-ingredient-anti-malarial-drug/">Ref1</a>, <a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/artificially-intelligent-robot-scientist-eve-could-boost-search-for-new-drugs">Ref2</a>, <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/803192/sex-orgasm-mushroom">Ref3</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phallus_indusiatus">Ref4</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_phobias">Ref5</a>, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/trypanophobia">Ref6</a>, <a href="https://www.smashingrobotics.com/how-hybrid-assistive-limb-hal-exoskeleton-suit-works/">Ref7</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_(robot)">Ref8</a>, <a href="https://www.babycenter.com/0_hyperlactation-overabundant-milk-supply_8488.bc">Ref9</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCcB1xY7CZY">Ref10</a></blockquote>
<p><img src="https://i.imgsafe.org/ae/ae9cc89fec.jpeg" width="239" height="164"/></p>
<p><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmf18V3PQenbUzYfkZcWSVGgmV5CtZNymi824SYwAQ2GTp/DQmf18V3PQenbUzYfkZcWSVGgmV5CtZNymi824SYwAQ2GTp.gif" width="1000" height="253"/></p>
<p>gif by @foundation</p>
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