How coffee keeps you awake ?

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage after tea. We consume coffee as a source of energy and activeness. Coffee keeps us that way, Because it contains Caffeine, Which is an alkaloid compound that is a stimulant to the central nervous system. Pretty sure you know that, But have you wondered what it actually does inside the body ?

The human body needs a constant source of energy called 'Adenosine', We get it by breaking down the energy molecule, ATP ( adenosine triphosphate ). The neurons in our nervous system have receptors that are perfectly designed for adenosine to land on.

When Adenosine lands on the receptors, The neurons trigger a bio-chemical reaction all through the body which makes the produce of important brain signaling molecules to slow down, Which makes you sleepy.

But, Caffeine on the other hand, Does exactly the opposite, It does not allow the Adenosine molecules to settle in the receptors as Caffeine molecules settle there.

As the receptors don't have any Adenosine on them, We do not feel sleepy.

Did you know ?

That various studies have proved to show that Caffeine improves alertness, Concentration and enhances memory ?

So, Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy knowing the ins and outs of your body with me on BIO GEEK !

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Who lives near a volcano ?

Volcanoes are the most hottest spots on the planets. A person being several meters away from a volcano can get blisters on their and hands and exposed skin, Which doesn't feel good.

But who do you think, Yet again managed to live and thrive near this dangerous crater being home to boiling lava and volcanic ash ? You guessed it. Microorganisms flourish in such hot spots.

In the year 1980, Bacteria were discovered who can live in heat exceeding the boiling point of water ! The bacteria that live in extreme temperatures are called as extremophiles

Marine biologists sent a probe with a camera down below the coast of Hawaii to observe the underwater volcanic, Loihi, And to find out, If life did exist at such extreme temperatures. And what they found was astonishing.

They saw so many microorganisms, Little fish and the most surprising of them all was SHARKS !!!

The temperature of a volcano is 1200 degrees centigrade.

And somehow, These basic and single celled organisms with basic functions can survive there ! Their very nature is beautiful. And also Sharks, That have adapted to such heat !

Thanks to scientists who have worked day and night to educate the world about these mythical creatures !

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The science behind aging

All humans age. You might define aging as grey hair, Weak body and wrinkled skin. But, In the words of science, Aging is the state at which cells cannot divide any further. The process behind aging is quite interesting.

A regular human cell divides 50 times before it dies. The DNA in our cells are packaged in chromosomes, Each of them have two protective regions at the extremes known as Telomeres,

They shorten every time the cell replicates. When Telomeres become too short, The cells stop dividing and eventually die.

So far discovered, Aging can be slowed down by maintaining a good balanced diet, Exercise and Medicine. 

Scientists have started to have a look at the idea of Cell repair using nanobots and gene replacements.

But until then, Our Biological clock is set and we all are destined to age and die.

Before that,

Follow my blog Bio Geek and comment !

Let us all age together being Bio Geeks !

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The Megalodon

' Megalodon ' which means big tooth is an extinct, flesh eating shark species. The magnificent Shark had roamed our waters nearly 2.3 billion years ago. It's scientific name being Carcharodon Megalodon belongs to a truly unique genus.

This beast grew nearly 60 feet in length, It weighed up to a staggering 63500 kg to 90000 kg. The Megalodon preyed on Whales, Sea lions and other mammals for food. Megalodons had an estimated lifespan of only 30 - 40 human years. It has about 276 teeth, with the largest verifiable tooth to be 20 cm. It swims with a speed of 20 mph. 

Around 2.6 billion years ago, Because of the lack of food due to significant pressure and climatic changes, This shark became extinct. This beast needed a lot of food to survive, Scientists say that it required 1133 kg of food a day!

How can we be sure that the Megalodon is extinct ? The Great White lurked around when the Megalodon flourished. There have been talks and few sightings, But we can never been sure.

With only 5% of the waters explored, There is a good chance that this vicious beast is still preying on food in the remaining 95% waters,

We might just find this supposedly prehistoric giant in the blue.

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I AM A BIO GEEK !!