Alligator Plants Grow Well in Louisiana – Science 34

There are several names for a plant with bell shape flowers, one of them is Alligator Plants, and the plant recent scientific name is Kalanchoe daigremontiana.

Image 1- Blooming of Alligator Plant flowers.

The plant is native to the island of Madagascar, Africa. Then it separates to other tropical regions.

Alligator Plants have been transported to America, moreover, the plants have adapted easily to several states.

We may find the plants in the states such as:

- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana and other warmer states.

Image 2- Two alligator plants at the yard

Even thought some of our neighbors said that the plant is rare, but we have seen Alligator Plants are sold in some markets.

We bought it from a nearby farmer market with reasonable price about a couple years ago.

I think this bell shape flowers plant is easy to grow and maintain. Like other succulents, the plants no need much water, and may live for years.

Image 3- Bell shape flowers

Have you seen the Alligator plants?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Do You Know Cashew Milk? – Part 3 - Food 27
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Cooper Hawks Love to Come to Bird Feeders – Nature 44
- The Rainbow Before Evening : What is Brain Plasticity? - Part 2 – Brain Plasticity 1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Pickle Eggs in the Neighborhood Market – Food 30
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Leprosy is One of the Oldest Ancient Diseases - Part 1 - Healthy Life 27

Could Parasite Control Human Mind? - Science 33

There are many reports about infection of a parasite to animals and humans in some parts of the world recently.

Image 1- The cat, host of parasite

The parasite is a single cell protozoan with scientific name Toxoplasma gondii. Actually, the parasite is common worldwide, and causes disease called as toxoplasmosis.

What interesting, especially for me that this parasite could alter behaviors of infected living things.

In fact, as reported by Zeleb.es (2023: A mind- controlling parasite that affects hyenas - and humans too) that 33% of human population is infected by this parasite.

Image 2- Just for illustration

Then, we wonder: Could parasite, Toxoplasma gondii controls human’s mind?

The plain answer is not really. Highly possible that the infected animals and humans might eager to take risk than the normal ones.

Image 3- Community activities, illustration

As suggested by Zeleb.es (2023) that risk takers tend to success as entrepreneurs.

Do you believe it? What do you think?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The White Spider Lily at our City Garden – Nature 36
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Swap Plants at Our City Botanical Garden
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Does Red Bell Pepper Contain more Vitamin C than Orange? - Part 2– Food 21

Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird? - Science 32

We have talked at previous post about mockingbirds as permanent residents of our state: Mockingbirds are Permanent Residents of Our State – Nature 47

Image 1- A mockingbird on the branches

Actually, the pictures were taken after several days approaching the bird.

At the first, I saw a bird sitting on the branch of a tree at my office. When approaching, the bird flew away.

Second days, I move closer, but have no chance to take a picture. Then, obscure pictures are taken after third days.

I believe that the mockingbird “learning” day by day to recognize me. Then, Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird?

Image 2- Freezing temperature, illustration only

Yes, mockingbird is a smart bird as suggested by David Mizejewski (2023: Brainy Birds: America’s Smartest Bird Species).

It is true in my case, the mockingbird let me to take its picture with my cellphone in “safe distance” after several days.

Image 3- A mockingbird, the smart bird

Finally, It is said that mockingbirds able to mimic other bird songs such as hawks, jays and blackbirds

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why does Gum Disease cause Alzheimer's?- Part 2 - Alzheimer's 8
- The Rainbow Before Evening : The White Spider Lily at our City Garden – Nature 36
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is America a Wine Exporting Country? - Part 1
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Swap Plants at Our City Botanical Garden

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 3– Science 28

You may read previous posting (Part 1 and 2):
- Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science
- Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 2 – Science

Image 1- The painting by a local artist

Moreover, I able to analyze and distinguish for every shock such as etiology, process, signs and symptoms, and prognosis.

The causes of shock is not merely heart disease but also caused by infection (Septic shock), dehydration and burns also cause shock (Hypovolemic Shock).

I able to explain how pain and fear can lead shock (Vasogenic or Neurogenic Shock), and how do the foods, medications, venom, and latex lead shock (anaphylatic shock) (analyzing level).

Image 2- A cat on the street, illustration

Finally, based on this experience, I have reached the analyzing level in Bloom's Taxonomy levels.

Image 3- The banquet of flowers

I have prepared for the diagnosis of the complexity of human diseases, and the investigation of sign and symptoms.

Those are to prepared for future education and training in areas of human medicine.

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Scan and Go at Walmart Shopping Center
- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Chemist who Loves to Cook – Part 1 - Reading 11
- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Royal Ponciana Tree in the Neighborhood – Nature 30
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Is It Safe to Consume Foods after Expiration Date? - Part 1 – Food 16

Temperature Drop to Minus but No Snow – Science 31

Temperature is quite strange in our area, swing too huge, from plus C 28* (F 83*) last week to C -7* (F 19) degree in the last few days.

Image 1- Last snow in our area, 2017

Back to last year, we saw our bird drinking water was frozen in our backyard, but no snow fell down at all.

Yes, there was reported of snow in our state, Louisiana but our city, Baton Rouge got winter storm and frozen temperature only.

I don’t think that was snow. Our city was pouring with sleet and freezing rain. Winter storm caused blackout in our neighborhood in 2021.

Image 2- Frozen during last year winter, 2021

As far as I remember that a reasonable “thick” snow fall happened five years ago or in 2017.

Image 3- “Thick snow” in 2017

Based on record, our city experienced snow fall in the following years (just several recent years): in 2017, 2010 and in 2008.

The reason no snow even though temperature below zero degree Celsius is that there is less moisture in the air to form snowfalls

In fact, snow tend to form when temperature between C 0* (zero) to C +2* degrees.

How about in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- GUTSY WOMEN of Hillary and Chelsea – Part 1 – Reading 10
- CATS Transport System in Our City Baton Rouge, LA
- What kinds of foods are Consumed by Crowned Night Heron? - Nature 22
- What are Health Benefit of Eating Mango? - Part 2 – Health Life 19

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 2 – Science 28

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

- Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science 28

Image 1- Colorful sands, illustration

Then, I distinguished the causes that lead to dysfunction of the heart, so I can recognize the clinical manifestations of shock such as thirst and agitation or restlessness; those lead to hypotension is followed by the characteristic signs of compensation (understanding level):

- cool, moist, pale skin
- tachycardia
- and oliguria

Image 2- Strange type of pumpkin, illustration

Moreover, based on clinical manifestation that vasoconstriction shunts blood from the viscera and skin to the vital areas.

Image 3- White azalea, illustration

Then the direct effects of a decrease in blood pressure and blood flow become manifest by lethargy, weakness, dizziness, and a weak pulse.

I recommend the diagnosis should be done to determine shock: Blood studies, ECG, chest X-ray, hemodynamic monitoring (applying level).

# To be continued to Part 3

## Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Colorful Flowers in the Spring – Nature 21
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Parks for Dogs in My City Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Part 2
- The Rainbow Before Evening : In what chromosomes are the gene mutation related to Alzheimer's Disease? - Part 1 - Alzheimer's 5
- The Rainbow Before Evening : Weekly Farmer Market at Our Neighborhood

Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature? - Science 30

I don’t know whether I have seen a wild dove or not. I do believe that I saw domestic doves only.

Image 1- A white dove on the ground

They are raised by someone and business for pets purposes, and for commercial or profits goals.

Some small private companies provide “release services” of white doves for occasions in our city. The occasions include:

- wedding
- funeral
- and other specific events

Image 2- We saw doves at this tree sometimes

Back to the question Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature?

First, white dove is albino which happen very rare in nature. Then the white color is easy target for predators.

Image 3- A white dog, illustration

Hence, its is understandable that we highly probably doesn’t observe this wild critter in nature.

Moreover, there are several species of doves in our state. 4 species are seen commonly in our neighborhood: Eurasian collared doves, white wings doves, ringed turtle doves and mourning doves.

Have you seen wild albino doves in nature?

# Previous postings:

- Parks for Dogs in My City Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Part 1
- Can Alzheimer's Disease be Passing Down from Parent to Child? - Part 2 - Alzheimer's 4.
- Crowned Heron Crawfishing Near Our Neighborhood – Part 1 – Nature 20
- What are Health Benefit of Eating Mango? - Part 1 – Health Life 19

Why are We Worry with Human Extinction? - Science 29

Human extinction has been discussed since many decades ago, and even lead to worry in recent days.

Image 1- Illustration only

The fact that our world just reaches 8 billion people this year. This number is projected to increase in coming years.

World population is projected by United Nation (2022):

- in 2030 hit 8.5 billion people
- in 2050 reaches 9.7 billion people
- in 2100 hit 10.4 billion people

So, why are we worry with human extinctions?

Image 2- Neighborhood in the morning

Image 3- One corners of our small city

Yes, population seem increasing year by year, but it will reach peak in 2100. Since then, world population is expected to decrease.

We are witness decreasing population in many countries such as Japan and South Korea. No growth in China anymore, population will decrease next several years.

Moreover, in term of biology, surprisingly, men sperm production is decreasing since decades ago:

- between 1973 to 1999, about 1.2% reduction of sperm count per year
- since 2000, about 2.6% reduction of sperm count per year

Acceleration of sperm reduction has been occurred all over the world. If this trending continue, human extinction is highly possible in the future.

# Previous postings:

- Lord of the Ducks in the Garden – Part 1 – Nature 18
- Corned Beef Harsh - The Popular Breakfast in Louisiana – Part 2 – Food 11

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science 28

During my human medicine study at a college, one of courses was Pathophysiology class (BIOL-4310).

Image 1- Learning process level of Bloom’s Taxonomy 

(credit to Cehdclass)

The last session of the class was the student presentation. I chose pathophysiology of shock from the list of assignment.

Before presentation we were assigned to do research from the journals with the peer reviews, and then we write certain pages of term paper about the assigned topic.

The professor would check the paper before we present it and give some feedback, include comments, suggestions and recommendation for further improvement.

Image 2- Neighborhood, just illustration

Whenever, everything in the "the right tracts", the topic then was ready to be presented.

Image 3- Wrap, Illustration only

Shock is a manifestation of pathological condition rather than diseases as many people know.

I understand that diagnosis and management of shocks are require extensive knowledge and clinical experience.

At the beginning, I identified and retrieved my knowledge in Anatomy and Physiology class about how does our heart work (remembering level).

# To be continued to part 2

## Previous posting:

- Sweet Chocolate Candies and a Yummy Book – Part 2 – Reading 8
- Reducing Number of Amazon River Pink Dolphin? - Part 1 – Nature 17

May Tomato Increase Our Brainpower? - Science 27

I always eat tomatoes, not daily, but at least one a week. I love its taste, and know that tomato is good for health.

Image 1- Tomatoes, one of healthy foods

By reading articles, one of them is written by Jerajani, D (2022: 5 Everyday Foods That Are Good for Brain Health!). it is said that tomatoes could improve our brainpower.

Other excellent foods for brain health are:

- spinach
- dark chocolate
- whole grain
- avocado

Image 2- Slices of tomato on Omelet

Just to let you know, we have talked about Avocado as “super food” at previous posts:

- Could Avocado Reduce Metabolic Syndrome? - Part 1 – Healthy Life 21
- Could Avocado Reduce Metabolic Syndrome? - Part 2 - Healthy Life 21

Image 3- Tomatoes in the bowl

Then, I myself wonder that: What is brainpower? And why is tomato good for brain health?

Brainpower could be mean as brain ability and capacity in respect to mental, learning, intelligence, comprehend and understand.

Tomato is good for brain health because tomatoes contain two important antioxidants that are beta-carotene and lycopene.

These two antioxidants are needed to prevent brain damage and protect brain cells.

Finally, do you like tomatoes?

# Previous postings:

- The signs of late stage of Alzheimer's Disease – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 1