As I drove through the quiet villages of Rano and Kibiya LGAs, something kept catching my eyes - these little curved shelters filled with onions, standing proudly beside the farms.
Locals call them Gadawa.
I saw them everywhere — in Bima, Ɓure, Kalanbu, Dakatsalle, and Doguwar Kwana. Each Gadawa can hold roughly 30 to 40 bags of onions, the farmers told me.
Inside, onions rest neatly on raised wooden platforms. Above them, tarpaulin or woven mats form a curved roof - a simple but clever design that keeps the onions dry, airy, and safe from the harsh sun, rain, and pests.
It’s the kind of smart local engineering you can’t help but admire — born from experience, not textbooks.
Farmers said they went big on onion planting this year, hoping for another season of sweet profits like last year’s. But the market turned. Supply is high, demand is low.
Now, the Gadawa are full, and so are the worries.
In some villages, onion prices have crashed hard. Just a few days ago, I bought over half a 50kg cement bag - more than four big “kwano” - for only ₦500 in Kibiya. The same would sell for ₦1,000 each in Kano city just a while back.
That’s farming for you - one season smiles, the next tests your patience. 🌾
You might’ve seen it everywhere — “Scientists use electricity to heal the body!” or “Immune cells reprogrammed by electric current!” It sounds unbelievable, but guess what? This one’s actually true — though with a few important details you should know.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have officially shown that a gentle electric current can reprogram human immune cells — the kind called macrophages — into a healing, anti-inflammatory mode.
Using a custom-built bioreactor, the team exposed real human macrophages to controlled electrical pulses. And something amazing happened: the cells started switching behavior — from “fighters” that cause inflammation, to “builders” that help tissue repair.
What changed?
The shocked cells (literally 😄) began:
✅ Producing less inflammation
✅ Boosting signals that help grow new blood vessels
✅ Attracting stem cells — the body’s own repair squad
The results were published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science (2025), by professors Aisling Dunne and Michael Monaghan. It’s the first time anyone has proven that electricity can reshape human immune cells in the lab.
So is this a new miracle cure?
Not yet. This experiment was done in test tubes — not in people. So while the science is real, doctors aren’t using this in hospitals just yet. The next step is figuring out how to safely deliver the right “dose” of electricity inside the human body without damaging anything.
Still, it’s a huge step forward — showing that our immune system can be tuned like an instrument, using energy instead of drugs.
In short:
✔ The discovery is real and peer-reviewed.
❌ But it’s not a treatment yet — still early research.
If future trials work, imagine what that means: faster recovery from wounds, less inflammation, and maybe even new ways to treat chronic diseases — all with a spark of healing electricity. ⚡
Posted by: SheFarm - 10-15-2025, 03:11 PM - Forum: Health
- No Replies
You might’ve seen it everywhere — “Scientists use electricity to heal the body!” or “Immune cells reprogrammed by electric current!” It sounds unbelievable, but guess what? This one’s actually true — though with a few important details you should know.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have officially shown that a gentle electric current can reprogram human immune cells — the kind called macrophages — into a healing, anti-inflammatory mode.
Using a custom-built bioreactor, the team exposed real human macrophages to controlled electrical pulses. And something amazing happened: the cells started switching behavior — from “fighters” that cause inflammation, to “builders” that help tissue repair.
What changed?
The shocked cells (literally 😄) began:
✅ Producing less inflammation
✅ Boosting signals that help grow new blood vessels
✅ Attracting stem cells — the body’s own repair squad
The results were published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science (2025), by professors Aisling Dunne and Michael Monaghan. It’s the first time anyone has proven that electricity can reshape human immune cells in the lab.
So is this a new miracle cure?
Not yet. This experiment was done in test tubes — not in people. So while the science is real, doctors aren’t using this in hospitals just yet. The next step is figuring out how to safely deliver the right “dose” of electricity inside the human body without damaging anything.
Still, it’s a huge step forward — showing that our immune system can be tuned like an instrument, using energy instead of drugs.
In short:
✔ The discovery is real and peer-reviewed.
❌ But it’s not a treatment yet — still early research.
If future trials work, imagine what that means: faster recovery from wounds, less inflammation, and maybe even new ways to treat chronic diseases — all with a spark of healing electricity. ⚡
In February 2025, China quietly rolled out a new divorce law — and it’s already shaking things up across the country.
Under the new rule, couples will no longer automatically share property 50/50 after a divorce. Instead, what you take depends on what you bought or contributed to financially.
That means — if a house, car, or business was registered in your partner’s name alone, you may not get half anymore. The court now looks at who paid for it, whose name is on the title, and how much each person actually contributed.
Domestic work and emotional support? They can still count — but only if clearly proven. The new emphasis is on financial input and ownership.
To make things even stricter, there’s also a 30-day “cooling-off period” for mutual divorces. Either person can cancel the process within that time — which means no more quick, emotional splits.
Supporters say this law protects personal property and prevents unfair claims. Critics argue it could hurt stay-at-home spouses, especially women, who may have contributed through years of unpaid care and labor.
Whatever your view, one thing is clear — China’s divorce game just changed forever. Couples are now keeping receipts, tracking who paid for what, and thinking twice before saying “I do.”
After 20 long years of complete blindness, 51-year-old Brent Chapman from Canada can finally see again — and the way it happened sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Back in 2004, a rare infection destroyed the surface of Brent’s eyes, leaving him permanently blind. Doctors told him there was no cure. So, for two decades, he lived in total darkness — no faces, no colors, just memories.
Then came a miracle that even science finds hard to believe.
A team of surgeons at the University of Alberta Hospital offered Brent a groundbreaking procedure called osteoodontokeratoprosthesis — or simply, “tooth-in-eye surgery.”
Yes, you read that right — they used his own tooth to help him see again. ??️
Here’s how it works:
Doctors remove one of the patient’s teeth, drill a small hole through it, and place a tiny optical lens inside. That “tooth-lens combo” is then implanted into the patient’s cheek for a few months — so it can grow new blood vessels and living tissue.
Once it’s ready, they carefully place it inside the damaged eye, where it acts like a natural window for light to pass through.
Months later, when Brent finally opened his eyes — for the first time in 20 years — he could see light, faces, and color again.
“I just cried,” he said quietly. “It’s hard to explain what it feels like… seeing your family again after half a lifetime.”
The surgery is so rare that only a handful of specialists in the world can perform it. It’s usually reserved for patients whose eyes are too scarred for corneal transplants.
Now, Brent’s story is inspiring millions online — proof that sometimes, miracles come in the most unexpected ways… even through a single tooth.
Picture a chaotic 16th-century battlefield - cannons roaring, smoke everywhere, and a young French barber-surgeon named Ambroise Paré rushing to save wounded soldiers.
Back then, the standard “treatment” for gunshot wounds was pouring boiling oil into the injury to stop infection. It sounds horrifying — and it was. Soldiers screamed in agony, and many died from the pain and burns.
One day in 1536, during the Italian campaigns, Paré ran out of oil mid-battle. Desperate, he improvised a gentle ointment made from egg yolk, rose oil, and turpentine, applying it to the remaining wounded men.
That night, he couldn’t sleep, convinced those men would die. But by morning, he was shocked — the soldiers treated with his homemade ointment were resting comfortably, their wounds calm and clean. The ones treated with boiling oil were feverish and in terrible pain.
That moment changed everything. Paré abandoned cauterization for good, famously saying, “I dressed him, God healed him.”
He didn’t stop there. Instead of burning amputated limbs to stop bleeding, Paré introduced ligatures - tying off arteries with thread to prevent blood loss. This simple, humane innovation saved countless lives.
Over time, his compassion and skill earned him the role of royal surgeon to four French kings, and his discoveries laid the foundation for modern surgery.
Today, Ambroise Paré is remembered as the Father of Modern Surgery, a man whose kindness and curiosity forever changed the way medicine heals.
Medical students and non-medical entrepreneurs, this might be a good business opportunity. Read to end.
In Fortaleza, Brazil, doctors faced a major problem — a shortage of human and pig skin for treating severe burns. Researchers at the José Frota Institute and the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) turned to an unexpected local resource: tilapia, one of Brazil’s most common fish.
When they examined tilapia skin, they found it contains large amounts of collagen types I and III, the same proteins in human skin that are vital for healing and tissue repair. Tilapia skin is strong, elastic, and readily available, making it ideal as a biological dressing.
How It’s Made Safe for Human Use
Cleaning and Scaling: Skins are washed, scaled, and defatted to remove all residues.
Chemical Disinfection: Soaked in chlorhexidine to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Glycerol Preservation: Immersed in sterilized glycerol for hours to preserve flexibility and disinfect deeper layers.
Sterile Packaging and Gamma Irradiation: Vacuum-sealed and sterilized using Cobalt-60 gamma rays to ensure complete microbial elimination.
After processing, the skin is odorless, infection-free, and can be stored for up to two years under refrigeration.
How It Works on Patients
When applied to burn wounds, the tilapia skin acts as a biological bandage that adheres naturally, forms a moist protective barrier, reduces pain, prevents infection, and speeds up healing by transferring collagen. It can stay in place for up to ten days, reducing the need for painful dressing changes.
Patients treated with tilapia skin reported faster recovery, less pain, and fewer scars. Because tilapia is cheap and abundant, this innovation offers a low-cost, effective burn treatment now gaining global attention.
The Germans thought everyone inside Osowiec Fortress was dead.
On August 6, 1915, they unleashed a massive wave of chlorine gas against the Russian defenders. The toxic cloud rolled across the battlefield, killing hundreds within minutes. Confident of victory, the Germans — about 7,000 strong - advanced behind the gas, expecting silence.
But what they saw next would haunt them forever.
Out of the green mist came a handful of men — around 60 to 100 survivors — staggering, coughing, and bleeding. Their uniforms were torn, their faces wrapped in rags. The gas had burned their lungs and skin, yet they raised their rifles and fixed their bayonets.
The “dead” men charged.
Seeing these wounded soldiers coming toward them through the poison cloud, the German lines broke. Panic spread, and the attackers fled, trampling each other in their retreat.
The Russians held the fortress that day — a victory so unlikely it became known as The Attack of the Dead Men.
A few 1 later, the defenders withdrew under orders, but their courage became legend — a symbol of what determination can look like, even on the edge of death.
Sources: German military logs, Russian medical records, and eyewitness reports.
The gecko is often seen climbing walls or hiding behind curtains. Many people fear it, but this small lizard is actually one of the most useful creatures around the home.
It doesn’t bite, it doesn’t damage anything, and it helps keep the house clean in its own quiet way.
Nature’s Insect Hunter
Geckos eat insects that most people dislike—cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, and even small scorpions.
Because of that, they act like natural pest control. They help reduce the number of insects that can spread diseases or give painful bites.
So, when you see a gecko on your wall, remember it’s probably helping you more than hurting you.
Can Geckos Poison Food?
In some places, people say geckos can poison food or even cause death. But this is not true.
Geckos are not poisonous and they don’t have venom. They can walk on food or walls without releasing any kind of poison.
The real problem comes from their droppings. Gecko waste can contain bacteria like Salmonella.
If this falls into uncovered food or water, it can cause food poisoning if eaten without proper washing or cooking.
That’s why some people fall sick and blame the gecko, even though the sickness comes from germs, not poison.
To stay safe, always keep your food covered and clean any area where a gecko might have passed.
That’s enough to avoid any problem.
A Quiet Helper
Even though some people don’t like seeing them, geckos are more of a blessing than a threat.
They work silently, keeping insects away and helping us live in cleaner homes.
Sometimes, the smallest and quietest creatures do the biggest jobs.
Many livestock farmers lose animals every year because of nylon (plastic) ingestion, yet few know what really happens inside the animal.
This post explains what it means, how to recognize it early, and what to do before it’s too late.
What Is Nylon Ingestion? Nylon ingestion happens when cows, goats, or sheep eat plastics, nylon bags, ropes, or other non-digestible materials while grazing.
These materials cannot be digested or broken down. They build up inside the rumen (the first stomach), blocking the passage of feed and water.
Once this happens, digestion slows down or stops completely.
Common Causes
– Grazing near refuse dumps or market areas where plastics are scattered.
– Lack of minerals (especially salt and phosphorus) — this causes pica, a condition where animals eat strange things like nylon, stones, or sand.
– Poor waste disposal around the farm.
– Curiosity or boredom, especially in confined animals with nothing to chew.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
You can easily spot a cow suffering from nylon blockage through the following signs:
– Refusal to eat or drink water.
– Bloating or hard, swollen belly.
– Weakness and standing still for long periods.
– No rumination — the cow stops chewing cud.
– Dull eyes and general tiredness.
Once you see these signs, act fast — delay can kill the animal.
Early Home Management (If Caught Early)
If the case is mild or just starting, you can try to loosen the blockage before it becomes serious:
– Give vegetable oil, paraffin oil, or molasses to help soften the materials inside the stomach.
– Provide plenty of roughage (hay or grass) to help move the materials.
– Ensure there’s always salt lick and mineral blocks available to stop mineral deficiency.
– Monitor closely — if there’s no improvement in 24–48 hours, call a vet immediately.
Veterinary Treatment
If the nylon has already caused a complete blockage, home remedies will not work.
A qualified veterinarian can perform a procedure called rumenotomy — a minor surgery to open the rumen and remove the plastics.
After surgery, the vet will give:
– Antibiotics to prevent infection.
– Pain relievers and antiseptic dressing.
– Rest and soft feed for a few days.
Most animals recover fully and resume eating within a week.
Common Mistakes Farmers Make
– Waiting too long before calling a vet.
– Using only antibiotics or herbs when the real problem is a blockage.
– Believing the problem is caused by “village people” or witchcraft.
– Allowing cows to graze freely in dirty areas filled with waste.
– Ignoring the use of mineral and salt blocks.
Prevention Tips
– Keep your grazing areas clean — burn or bury all nylon and plastic waste.
– Provide mineral blocks and salt licks daily.
– Always give roughage to keep digestion normal.
– Observe your animals — when one stops chewing cud, check immediately.
– Have a vet’s contact on standby — a simple rumenotomy can save your cow.
Final Advice
This problem is 100% real and preventable.
Too many farmers lose cows, goats, and sheep to something as small as a nylon bag.
Don’t wait until your animal stops eating — prevention is cheaper than treatment.
If you run a farm, print and paste this guide in your feed store or office.
It can save you thousands of naira and the life of your best cow.
Would you like me to also make the headings uppercase (for extra visibility on MyBB) or keep them as they are?
A 24-year-old was rushed into the hospital last week, gasping for air. He's not a sm0ker, no asthma history. But…
He vapes heavily.
His friends thought he was having a panic attack. He wasn't. His lungs were severely damaged.
The hospital told us that he thought vaping was just "flavoured water vapour" and a safe alternative to cigårettes.
This is a dangerous lie that has become popular in lounges from Lekki to Abuja. Let me be clear: It is NOT water vapour. It's an aerosol filled with tiny, harmful particles.
That clean water in a shisha pipe is not your friend either.
It doesn't filter out the càncer causing substances; it just cools the smoke, which is even more dangerous because it allows you to inhale deeper and hold more po!son in your lungs for longer. The World Health Organization confirms that one shisha session can equal smoking 100 or more cigarettes in terms of smoke inhalation volume.
That young man is now f!ghting for his life. We only pray that the damåge is not so bad that the only option left is a lung trànsplant.
Your lungs are designed for one thing: breathing AIR. They are not an exhaust pipe. The only things you should be inhaling are air and prescribed medications. Full stop.
Dear youths, that posh shisha and vape lifestyle is a fast track to the emergency room. It is the same wahala as smok!ng, just in a different, more expensive package.
Don't let trends and peer pressure, deceive you into destroying the only set of lungs you have. Please.
“When they persecute you in one city, flee to another.” — Matthew 10:23
Jesus was teaching His followers something powerful:
When doors close, don’t stop the mission - just move to the next place.
Many people think persecution means failure, but it doesn’t. It simply means your light is shining in a dark place.
When they reject you, don’t quit - redirect.
God’s work doesn’t end because of rejection; it simply moves forward through you.
The message is clear:
1. Be wise, not reckless.
2. Be peaceful, not fearful.
3. Be persistent, not discouraged.
Even today, this lesson stands strong:
If one path blocks your purpose, take another. Keep spreading truth, love, and hope - because the mission isn’t over until Christ returns.
Matthew 10:34 (NIV)
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
What Did Jesus Mean?
At first glance, this verse can sound surprising. Isn’t Jesus called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?
So why does He now say He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword?
Jesus wasn’t talking about physical violence or war. The “sword” here is a symbol representing truth that cuts through lies, hypocrisy, and sin, separating right from wrong, light from darkness, and true faith from false comfort.
The Sword of Truth Divides
Jesus’ teachings were radical in His time, and they still are today. When people truly follow Him, they must make choices that often conflict with the world’s values.
That “sword” divides people not because Jesus wants conflict, but because truth exposes everything. Some will welcome it with joy. Others will resist it with anger.
Even families can be divided by it — one person chooses to follow Christ fully, while another rejects Him. That’s exactly what Jesus meant when He said a man’s enemies might be the members of his own household (Matthew 10:35–36).
Following Jesus Comes with a Cost
Right after this verse, Jesus said:
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37–38)
True discipleship isn’t about comfort — it’s about commitment.
Following Christ means being willing to stand for truth, even when it costs us relationships, popularity, or ease.
But that cost leads to something far greater — eternal life and peace with God.
? Real Peace Comes Through the Sword
The peace Jesus offers is not the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of reconciliation with God.
Before peace can come, sin must be confronted. Before healing, there must be truth. That’s what the sword does — it cuts away what’s false so that real peace can grow.
Conclusions
Matthew 10:34 reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to make everyone comfortable.
He came to transform hearts, even if that transformation causes conflict along the way.
The sword He brings is not one of destruction, but of discernment, conviction, and salvation.
So when you face opposition for standing with Christ, remember — you’re not doing something wrong. You’re living out the very reality Jesus warned about: truth divides before it unites.
Below is a quick reference guide for pig medication — written for Nigerian farmers.
Save it to your phone or note it down in your farm record book. It will help you avoid guesswork and keep your pigs healthy.
1. Piglets (3–5 days old)
Give 2 ml of Iron Dextran (100 mg/ml) by intramuscular (IM) injection.
Target dose is 100 to 200 mg iron per piglet.
Calculation: 200 mg ÷ 100 mg/ml = 2 ml
This is very important - many piglets die from anemia if not given iron.
Inject in the neck or thigh using a clean 21–22 gauge needle.
Iron Dextran strengthens blood and gives the piglet a strong start.
Common brands: Ferrodex, Iron-Dex, Aniferon, Pigferon.
2. At 6–8 weeks
Use Ivermectin 1% (10 mg/ml) – 1 ml for every 33 kg body weight (under the skin).
Target dose: 0.3 mg/kg [10mg/ml ÷ 33kg]
Example: 33 kg × 0.3 mg ÷ 10 mg/ml = 1 ml
It clears worms, mange, and lice.
Repeat every 3–4 months to keep your pigs clean inside and out.
Local brands: Ivomec, Noromectin, Ivermax, Ivomec Super (with clorsulon).
3. Weaners (8–12 weeks)
After weaning, piglets easily get stressed and lose appetite.
Give 1–2 ml multivitamins in the muscle to boost appetite and reduce stress.
Target dose: about 0.5–1 ml per 10 kg body weight.
Example: 20 kg pig × 0.5 ml ÷ 10 kg = 1 ml
Use any good multivitamin injection containing Vitamins A, D3, E and B-complex.
4. Growers (12–20 weeks)
This stage is all about growth, and deworming helps a lot.
Give 5 ml per 50 kg, repeat every 3–4 months.
This improves feed conversion, weight gain, and overall health.
5. Finishers (20 weeks to market)
Normally, they don’t need routine injections unless they fall sick.
If you notice coughing or infections, give Oxytetracycline LA 300 (300 mg/ml).
Target = 20 mg/kg IM (intramuscular).
Example: 50 kg × 20 mg ÷ 300 mg/ml = 3.3 ml.
Give 3.3 ml per 50 kg IM, repeat after 48 hours if needed.
This controls pneumonia, coughing, and other bacterial infections. Note: Stop using it at least 28 days before slaughter.
6. Breeding Sows (before mating and farrowing)
Give Ivermectin 1% (1 ml per 33 kg) and important vaccines such as: Parvovirus vaccine Erysipelas vaccine
These should be given 2–3 weeks before mating.
This protects both the sow and her unborn piglets from infection and stillbirth.
[b]7. Boars (breeding males)[/b]
To keep them active and fertile, give Ivermectin 1% (1 ml/33 kg) every 3–4 months.
Also give 2 ml multivitamins IM monthly to boost fertility and stamina.
[b]Important Notes[/b]
1. Always weigh or estimate your pig’s weight before dosing — don’t guess.
You can use a weighing tape or chart to estimate.
2. Use clean needles and inject properly — most are intramuscular (IM), some subcutaneous (under the skin).
3. Stick to your schedule. Don’t wait till pigs fall sick before treating.
4. Store drugs properly: keep below 25 °C, away from sunlight.
5. If unsure, consult a qualified Veterinary Doctor before giving any medication.
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about raising stronger, healthier pigs that grow faster, reproduce better, and give you more profit at market.
In 1963, neuroscientist Dr. José Delgado walked into a bullring in Córdoba, Spain. Before him stood Lucero, a 1,200-pound fighting bull—strong, restless, and ready to charge.
Delgado carried no weapon, no shield, only a small remote control in his hand. As Lucero charged toward him, the scientist pressed a button—and the bull stopped. Instantly. Frozen in mid-attack.
The stunned crowd watched as Delgado calmly stood before the halted animal. It looked like magic, but it was science.
The Power Behind the Remote
Delgado had implanted a tiny radio device, called a stimoceiver, into the bull’s brain. This device sent electrical signals to the caudate nucleus, the part of the brain that controls movement.
By sending a pulse at the right moment, Delgado interrupted the bull’s motor commands. Its body obeyed the signal, even though its rage remained. When he released the button, the bull charged again.
He hadn’t changed the bull’s will—only its ability to act. But the message was clear: the brain could be controlled by electricity.
From Healing to Control
Delgado’s goal wasn’t entertainment. He believed brain stimulation could help treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and mental illness.
Yet his experiment raised a question that has only grown louder: where is the line between healing and control?
Today, projects like Elon Musk’s Neuralink carry Delgado’s dream forward. Neural implants are being tested to help people walk, see, and communicate again. Some hail this as a triumph of human creativity. Others see something far more troubling—the merging of man, machine, and mind.
The Faith Question
In the Book of Revelation, we read about a time when technology and control will unite under a system known as the mark of the beast—a symbol of submission and ownership. Neural implants may not be that mark, but they remind us how easily power over the body can become power over the soul.
The Bible also warns in Genesis 11:6:
“And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language... and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.”
Humanity’s imagination is boundless, but so is its pride. When our inventions reach into the mind itself, we must ask: Are we advancing life—or replacing God?
Lessons for Today
Dr. Delgado’s bull experiment was more than a scientific stunt. It was a glimpse into our future—a reminder that knowledge without restraint becomes danger.
Whether we’re improving the soil, building machines, or exploring the brain, every act of creation carries a question of purpose. Technology can heal, but it can also enslave. The power to touch the mind is no longer fantasy. It’s here—and it demands humility.
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Sources: PBS Archives, Dr. Delgado's 1981 manuscript
Some months ago, I bought and planted what I thought was ginger. But it turned out to be something else that looks like ginger.
I later found out that it's called galangal. At first glance, galangal and ginger look very similar—they both have knobby, beige rhizomes. But when you take a closer look, the differences are clear:
Appearance: Ginger has a thinner, more brownish skin that can easily be scraped off with a spoon. Galangal’s skin is tougher, smoother, and often lighter or reddish in color, making it harder to peel.
Aroma and Taste: Ginger has a warm, spicy-sweet flavor. Galangal, on the other hand, has a sharper, more citrusy and pine-like taste, with a hint of pepper.
Medicinal Uses: Both are medicinal, but ginger is better known for easing nausea and aiding digestion, while galangal is often used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
So while I didn’t end up with ginger, I discovered another useful plant.
A new study has found something surprising — aging might actually be transmitted through the blood by a protein called HMGB1.
Researchers discovered that when they blocked this protein in animals, damaged tissues began to heal and some signs of aging started to reverse. Muscles got stronger, organs repaired faster, and cells acted younger again.
So, what does that mean? It suggests aging isn’t just about cells wearing out — it’s also controlled by certain signals in the body. And if those signals can be controlled, aging itself might be slowed down or even partly reversed.
Scientists were able to block HMGB1 using neutralizing antibodies — special molecules that stop it from sending its “aging messages” through the blood. When they did this, the animals became healthier and more energetic.
This discovery gives hope that one day, we could treat aging like a disease — not just something that happens to everyone. It could lead to new ways to fight Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and organ failure — all problems linked to getting older.
Human trials haven’t started yet, but the future looks bright. If researchers can safely block HMGB1 in people, we may finally be able to slow down aging from the inside out.
One day, John’s disciples came to Jesus with a sincere question.
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?” (Matthew 9:14)
They couldn’t understand why Jesus’ followers didn’t follow the same religious rules. To them, fasting was a serious act of devotion - something every “holy” person should do.
But Jesus answered:
“Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”
He was talking about Himself - the Bridegroom.
He was saying: “Why should my friends fast when I’m right here with them? This is not a time for mourning - it’s a time for joy.”
Then Jesus added something deeper - two short parables:
1. “No one puts a new patch on an old garment.”
2. “No one pours new wine into old wineskins.” (Matthew 9:16-17)
At first, it sounds like He changed the topic. But He didn’t. He was explaining why His way of life couldn’t fit into the old religious system.
The Old Garment and the New Patch
An old cloth is already stretched and weak. If you sew a new piece of cloth on it, the first time you wash it, the new patch will shrink and tear the old cloth even more.
Jesus was saying:
“I didn’t come to patch up the old ways. I came to make something completely new.”
You can’t take a little bit of Jesus and stick Him onto your old lifestyle or religious mindset. It won’t work - it’ll tear apart.
You either stay old, or you become new. There’s no in-between.
The New Wine and the Old Wineskin
In Bible times, people used animal skins to store wine. When the wine was new, it was still fermenting and releasing gas, so the skin had to be new and flexible.
If you poured it into an old, dry wineskin, it would burst. Both the wine and the skin would be lost.
The new wine represents the life and Spirit of God.
The old wineskin represents old traditions, mindsets, and self-made religion.
Jesus was saying:
“My message - this new life of the Spirit, can’t fit into your old, rigid systems.”
You can’t experience God’s power while holding onto the old ways of fear, guilt, or routine religion. The Holy Spirit needs a new heart — soft, teachable, and ready to stretch.
? Why Jesus Said “The Old Wine Is Better” (Luke 5:39)
“And no one, after drinking old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’”
This part shows how human nature resists change.
People who’ve been drinking old wine - those used to old traditions and systems — rarely want new wine right away.
The old feels familiar. It’s what they know.
Spiritually, it means many prefer their old religious comfort zone over the new move of God.
It’s easier to follow rules than to let the Holy Spirit transform your heart.
Jesus was gently warning us:
“Don’t let your love for the old make you blind to what God is doing now.”
The Pharisees and even John’s disciples thought they were protecting tradition — but in truth, they were resisting transformation.
Sometimes the hardest part of walking with God isn’t learning new things — it’s unlearning the old ones.
But once you taste the new wine of His Spirit, you’ll never want to go back.
“Behold, I make all things new.” — Revelation 21:5
So the question is:
Are you still holding onto an old wineskin — or have you become new inside?
Estrogen is a hormone. Hormones play a big role in how children grow and develop. But many everyday products we use at home contain chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body. These are called xenoestrogens or “fake estrogens.”
While adults are also exposed, children are more vulnerable because their hormone systems are still developing. That means even small amounts of these chemicals can have long-term effects.
Where Fake Estrogen Comes From
In Nigeria, just like in many other countries, products that families use every day may contain xenoestrogens. Common sources include: Plastics: feeding bottles, food containers, cheap water bottles, soft drink bottles (especially if exposed to sun or heat).
Baby and kids’ items: plastic toys, teethers, nipples, and pacifiers not labelled BPA-free or phthalate-free.
Cosmetics and skincare: soaps, creams, lotions, and hair products with preservatives like parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben).
Canned foods: some cans have linings made with bisphenols.
Pesticides and cleaning chemicals: residues from farms and household sprays can also act like hormone disruptors.
Possible Effects on Children
Fake estrogens interfere with the natural hormone system (endocrine system). For children, this may lead to:
Early or delayed puberty
Disrupted growth and development
Hormone imbalance later in life
Increased risks of fertility problems or hormone-related diseases
Safer Choices Available in Nigeria
The good news is that safer products are available if you know what to look for. Here are some examples:
Baby Feeding Bottles Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic BPA-Free Plastic Bottle
Medela Breast Milk BPA-Free Bottles
Chicco Perfect 5 Eco+ BPA-Free Bottle
Comotomo Baby Bottle (made mostly of silicone)
Farlin Anti-Colic Glass Baby Bottle
Parents Choice Standard Neck Bottles (polypropylene, BPA & phthalate-free)
Cosmetics Alaia Cosmetics Keratin Plus Leave-In (paraben-free)
Check labels for “paraben-free” and avoid ingredients like methylparaben or propylparaben.
Better Materials
Choose glass, stainless steel, or silicone over plastic when possible.
Go for natural oils and butters in skincare instead of chemical-heavy products.
What Parents Can Do Read labels carefully: Look for “BPA-free,” “Phthalate-free,” and “Paraben-free.”
Don’t heat food in plastic: use glass or ceramic instead.
Store safely: avoid leaving bottled water or baby bottles in hot sun.
Wash fruits and vegetables well to reduce pesticide residues.
Ask questions: if you’re unsure about a product, contact the seller or manufacturer.
Final Word
Fake estrogens may be invisible, but their effects are real. Protecting children from unnecessary exposure is possible with a little extra care in choosing what they eat from, drink from, and what goes on their skin.
Small changes—like switching to glass bottles, paraben-free creams, or simply reading labels—can make a big difference in safeguarding children’s health for the future.
What Jesus Really Meant by “Turn the Other Cheek”
When Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also” (Matthew 5:39), He wasn’t commanding blind passivity. In His culture, a slap was more about insult than physical injury. His teaching was about breaking the cycle of retaliation—responding with dignity, not revenge. Jesus’ Example
When slapped during His trial (John 18:22–23), Jesus didn’t lash out with insults or violence, but He also didn’t stay silent. He calmly asked: “If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
This shows that He didn’t retaliate violently, but also didn’t submit to unjust abuse in silence. He confronted it with truth and dignity.
On the cross, He embodied the principle fully by refusing revenge and praying, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Paul’s Example
Paul endured beatings and insults without striking back. Yet, he also defended himself legally by appealing to his Roman citizenship (Acts 22:25–29). This shows “turning the other cheek” is about avoiding revenge while still pursuing justice. The Balance Not retaliation: Neither Jesus nor Paul answered violence with violence. Not passivity: They still spoke truth and resisted injustice lawfully.
“Turning the other cheek” is about the heart—choosing love over revenge—not about being a doormat. Modern-Day Examples Insults:
Suppose a co-worker mocks you publicly to embarrass you.
The natural reaction might be to insult them back. Turning the other cheek means you don’t trade insult for insult. Instead, you stay calm, maybe respond with a kind word or silence, showing that their words can’t control your spirit. Business loss:
If someone cheats you in business, don’t cheat in return rather calmly demand fairness or let go. Family conflict:
A relative lashes out in anger and says hurtful things.
Instead of escalating the quarrel, you choose to keep peace, forgive, or give a soft answer. That can sometimes shame the aggressor into calming down. Enemies:
Someone spreads lies about you online or in the community.
Instead of retaliating with your own campaign of gossip, you leave vengeance to God and continue doing good, letting truth and time expose the lie. Or you gather evidence and sue them to court. When Not to Turn the Other Cheek
Jesus’ words don’t mean ignoring abuse. At times, it’s right to stand firm: Self-defense: Protecting yourself or loved ones isn’t revenge—it’s survival (Luke 22:36). Protecting others: Scripture calls us to defend the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8–9). Seeking justice: Like Paul, use lawful means to stop injustice. Correcting wrongs: Jesus drove out corruption in the temple (John 2:13–17). Final Thought
Turn the cheek when it’s about pride, insult, or revenge.
Stand firm when it’s about justice, protection, or truth.
Conclusion: Let go of revenge—but don’t enable evil. I hope this blessed someone
