What happens in our brain and body when we’re in love?

University of Wollongong and Susan J Thomas, University of Wollongong

Love dominates our popular culture and is the subject of countless songs, movies, and works of literature and art. But what’s happening in our body when we feel love?

Love is difficult to define, but can be described as an intense feeling of deep affection. At the most basic level, science sees love as a cocktail of chemicals released by the brain.

From an evolutionary perspective, romantic love evolved from the primitive animal drive to find and keep preferred mates. Love keeps people bonded and committed to one another, to raise children through infancy. This ensures our species will continue to reproduce, survive and thrive.

However, romantic love is not just about reproduction. Some argue we should consider love a motivation, like hunger, thirst, sleep or sex.

There are many benefits of loving others and being loved. These include better mental health, wellbeing and immune function, and reduced chronic stress and disease.

What happens when someone initially falls in love?

Falling in love typically begins when someone starts to see another person as special and unique.

The initial phase of falling in love is an extreme neurobiological state, characterised by heightened responses and high passion. Lust and attraction are driven by the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, as motivations for sex.

Specific areas of the brain are activated when you fall in love, in particular the limbic system and the reward centres. The limbic system has key roles in emotion and memory. This causes a positive mood and explains why the memories associated with new love are so strong.

There is also an increase in dopamine and noradrenaline. Dopamine stimulates the reward pathways and increases motivation and obsessive thoughts and behaviours to pursue the love interest. Noradrenaline causes the feelings of euphoria, and the physiological responses of a faster heart rate, butterflies in the stomach and increased energy.

At the same time, other brain areas are deactivated. Reduced activity in the frontal cortex reduces negative emotions and judgements. This explains why initially people may be blind to faults in the person they are in love with.

But while you might be feeling less judgement, there is also increased cortisol, stress and feelings of insecurity in the early phase of falling in love.

How does romantic love change over time?

The initial phase of falling in love and intense infatuation lasts for several months.

During the next phase, there is increased intimacy, commitment and attachment. This is driven by the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin helps us feel safe and secure after the initial high cortisol and stress of the uncertainty and risk of falling in love. Vasopressin promotes behaviours of vigilance and being territorial and self-protective.

Between oxytocin and vasopressin there is a balance of connecting with others while also protecting the person you are in love with and yourself.

Oxytocin is often called the “hormone of love” because it facilitates the formation of social bonds and connections. However, new research in animal models suggests oxytocin is not essential for life-long pair-bonding as previously thought.

Sexual activity is distinct from love, but it does reinforce attachment. When we touch, kiss or have sex, oxytocin and vasopressin are released, which promotes love and commitment between a couple.

Years into a romantic relationship, there is often a period of transition from passionate love to companion love. High intimacy and commitment help to sustain this love. Some relationships end at this time because of the reduced passion, while other couples remain in the passionate love phase for decades.

What about non-romantic love?

Beyond its role in romantic love, oxytocin is important in all forms of love, including with family, friends and even pets. Positive social relationships and oxytocin have many benefits on human health, wellbeing and longevity.

In our research, we have shown oxytocin is associated with better quality of life and healthier social connections, among people with and without depression.

So, for the love of your favourite person, people or pet(s), whoever they are, however long you love them for, and however many times you fall in love, relish loving and being loved.

Love might just be nature’s best chemical cocktail. But all the intricacies of the complex behaviour and emotion of love continue to elude science.

Theresa Larkin, Associate professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong and Susan J Thomas, Associate professor, University of Wollongong

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Cooking Anything Special For Holi?

Wishing to you and your family a vary happy Holi. 

A bowl of Payasam. Photo Credit: Ayshamarjana. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Festivals were created to gorge on delicious rich food. And, in the old times, when everyone including our grandparents was young, cooking special dishes amounted to a party preparation together with friends and family and eating those dishes was yet another festival altogether. Each festival had its own typical dish. Later those dishes became standard dishes for any festival.

So when you ask a Gujju what they eat on the festival of Holi, most would say ‘Undhiyu’ or ‘Sev ni Lapshi’. Undhiyu is a dish of baked mixed winter vegetables including broad beans and root vegetables with flour koftas made with fenugreek leaves. Mainly dry, and made in the farms, the dish used to be enjoyed by itself without the accompaniment of any breads. Holi is perhaps the last time one would be able to make authentic Undhiyu as the same fresh vegetables would be no longer available after that.

These days readymade sev, thread-like vermicelli, is available in any grocery store. Making a lapshi from it is very easy – just roast broken pieces in a tiny bit of ghee and cook it in very little water added as and when needed and add sugar last along with a little cardamom powder. The lapshi comes out light and fluffy and not sticky at all. One can always garnish it with chopped nuts.

Malpua or whole wheat pancakes fried in ghee. Photo Credit: Patelaahil. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Hasmukhben Parekh of Flushing, New York, remembers the ritual of hand-making the sevs in Lusaka, Zambia, where she was born. She says after the dough was made from whole wheat flour, one person would sit on a bench with a table in front of her and roll the sev out thin with hands as two others caught them and transferred them to a plate to dry. The fresh sev was then boiled in water and drained like pasta and then sugar and cardamoms were added. Priyamvada Trivedi, also of Flushing, New York, remembers how she and other women looked forward to a tasty meal after fasting the whole day. Sev lapshi and ‘batata wadas’ were much looked forward to in the evenings.A government of India stamp featuring Sarason da Saag and Makke di Roti. Photo Credit : Government of India, licensed under the Government Open Data License – India (GODL).

Actor-Producer-Filmmaker Tirlok Malik who has lived in Manhattan, New York, from a young age, tried to remember what Holi was like in his childhood in India. He remembers the Holi fire and dancing around it. But the taste of the Sarson da Saag and Makke di Roti is still in his mouth, he says. This, of course, would be followed by creamy ‘gajar halwa’.

For Sangeeta Pandit, resident of Valley Stream, New York, memories of Holi feasts are mixed with the joy of the colors, which fed her childhood passion of being an artist. The typical Maharashtrian treat she remembers is Puran Poli with milk and lots of ghee, specially made tart, sweet and spicy Kataachi aamti, Kesari Bhaat, Puri, Batatachi Bhaji, Koshimbir or Raita, Pakodas and Pappads. It is almost sad that no one can have all those items in a two-day festival any more. One is allowed the indulgence perhaps once or twice in a year and one item at that.

So then what would be a typical special occasion South Indian dish? Sridhar Rajeswaran, visting professor of English, says it is Pongal. Now Pongal or rice can be both sweet and savory. But the sweet dish made with coconut and sugar or jaggery requires art to come out perfect. It is easier to make Payasam, a milk based item. Remember the sev lapshi of the Gujaratis? After roasting in ghee, the vermicelli can be cooked in milk which is boiled to a thick consistency. Saffron, sugar, crushed coconut powder, chopped nuts, all can be added to make the dish even richer. And the rule is not to eat more than a one-cup serving of it. Or be prepared to have a sugar hike which will make you fall asleep.

Puran Poli. Photo Credit : Rambhade. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license

Asha Shukla of Jacksonville, Florida, still remembers having Malpuas at a Rajasthani friend’s house. Malpuas are pancakes made with liquid wheat dough deep fried in ghee and topped with chopped nuts. More ghee is poured over it traditionally. Sometimes, they are eaten with milk. Now that is also a dish one cannot have much and often. That ghee is clarified butter and does not create cholesterol problems is a fact. But only if taken in moderate proportions.

So then, what can one do for a treat? Modify, reinvent these dishes! Instead of Sarson da Saag, one can create a dip with baby spinach and some mustard added for tang and have it with corn chip spoons. One can make ‘puran’ out of sweet potatoes, add no sugar, and bake them in philo pastry shells readily available in super markets. And one can roast chopped carrots with a honey glaze in the oven and mix them with a little ricotta cheese when serving. And voila! You have a Holi feast!Traditionally, produce was eaten at only certain times during the year. Holi ended the consumption of dates which were eaten in plenty during the winter. With day time temperatures rising over a hundred degrees, dates and figs were not to be eaten after Holi. Whereas mangoes could be eaten only after Holi even if they were available before that. Now how does one find seasons today when everything is available all the time! Source: https://www.newsindiatimes.com/

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Are Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor secretly engage

In the first look of Fitoor, starring Katrina Kaif, Aditya Roy Kapur and Rekha, our leading lady (Katrina Kaif), who plays a Kashmiri girl named Firdaus, besides looking stunning in the poster, also wears something tiny but quite noticeable, that has caught our attention. The actress is seen sporting a ring on the ring finger of her left hand. So is Katrina Kaif secretly engaged? While there were rumors about Katrina and Ranbir tying the knot anytime soon, could it be that they are already engaged to be wedded? Hey, this ring could also be for the movie’s first look. ‘Fitoor, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations. The shooting will star this August. “Fitoor is a story of grand passion, beauty and love. The entire team is charged about what it promises to be. We’re inspired to go all-out and give it our best,” Abhishek told. In the meantime, only time will tell us if the ring on Katrina’s finger is for real or reel. Source: Article

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CB Loves Jesica Ahlberg, Miss Alabama USA 2014!

How did you become interested in pageants?

In high school, a photographer that I worked with asked to sponsor me for a local pageant. I nervously entered, wearing the dress I wore to homecoming, and I won! Meeting new people with similar ambitions and being on stage... It is truly an addicting experience

Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you.

I just texted my best friend to see what she would actually say. "Inspiring, Loyal, and Passionate." [Awwww! Cliché, but i'll take it!]

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

How badly I need a tan..

How do you measure success?

I set personal goals with everything I do, so that's my measuring stick. I really don't compare myself to anyone else when it comes to success.

How do you handle criticism?

I love constructive criticism when it comes to my work. It makes me better at what I do. Everyone has something to say about everything. You just have to be confident in yourself. Know that you are stronger for putting yourself out there and for having big dreams. 

If you were to come back as an animal in the next life, what would you be and why?

I would be a lioness. She is strong, she takes care of the pack, she hunts and feeds everyone, she's nurturing and you don't want to cross her. She also lays out often. I would like to lay out often.

Name three pet peeves.

Driving slow in the left lane. Leaving the lights on. When people put tomatoes on my sandwiches after I tell them fourteen times not to put tomatoes on my sandwiches.

What will you never do?

I will (almost) never say never. I'm open to all experiences, and as I grow, my interests grow with me. I don't want to rule anything out.

Got any favorite reality shows?

I don't like reality TV. I also don't have too much time to watch TV, so when I do, I watch one of my favorites saved on my DVR, like Mindy Project or New Girl. 

True or False: People who are attractive tend to be more successful. 

False. People who are driven tend to be more successful. 

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

People not having to go to bed hungry. 

Do you have a problem saying "no"?

I dunno, umm, not really. I mean, maybe. If that's ok with you? lol... Joking aside, No I do not. I've always been quite confident in my decisions and knowing where I stand. I've never really been peer pressured to do anything I didn't want to do.

Describe a romantic date.

I'd have to say April 25. Kidding! I think trying something new and exciting would be quite romantic, and unforgettable. 

Your craziest or funniest tweet so far.

I really have to remind myself to tweet, but if I'm going off my most recent popular tweet, I would have to say: "I bet Taylor [Swift] is exhausted from having to pretend to look shocked. #AMAs" [on winning another award at the AMA's] I'm pretty sarcastic and most of my tweets reflect that. 

Why do you want to be the next Miss USA?

Being crowned Miss USA is such an honor. The chance to represent our country at Miss Universe, while inspiring girls throughout the USA to dream big and make a difference. Who wouldn't want that? Source: Article

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Russia's Eifman Ballet Theater makes splash in California

On Sunday, the St.Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theater headed by Boris Eifman started its tour of California with the Rodin ballet that made a splash among ballet buffs in the city of Costa Mesa. Later this week, the ballet will be performed in the cities of Berkeley and Chicago. Next week, the Eifman Ballet Theater is due to start its Canada tour. St.Petersburg dancers take new ballet to Paris, The St.Petersburg Ballet Theatre led by Boris Eifman is touring Paris with a new version of the Rodin Ballet, which will be presented at the Theatre de Champs-Élysées. Eifman says the ballet is

Eifman's Ballet Theater: © Photo: www.eifmanballet.ru

designed to portray the inner passions that filled the great sculptor’s life. The St.Petersburg Ballet Theatre led by Boris Eifman is touring Paris with a new version of the Rodin Ballet, which will be presented at the Theatre de Champs-Élysées. Eifman says the ballet is designed to portray the inner passions that filled the great sculptor’s life. The ballet Rodin is a reflection on the huge price that geniuses have to pay for creating their timeless masterpieces. Last year, the ballet was nominated for the Golden Mask National Theatre Award. Voice of Russia, TASS, Russia's, Eifman, Source: The Voice of Russia

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"The Real L Word" Star Romi Klinger Goes Off Camera In Long Beach

Romi Klinger gets a kiss from her husband, Dusty Ray. The husband and wife are living in Long Beach and are stepping away from life in the reality television spotlight. —Photo courtesy Romi Klinger

By Ashleigh Ruhl: There’s a reality-show celebrity settling into a new life here in Long Beach — a life where cameras aren’t following her around on a regular basis to document her every move. Romi Marie Klinger, 30, was part of the cast on Showtime’s “The Real L Word” for the past three seasons. She was one of the stars on the ongoing reality television show that follows a group of lesbians in their daily lives in the Los Angeles area. During the show, Klinger dated both women and men, eventually marrying a man named Dusty Ray. Now, she says, she will not be returning to the show. “It’s been about four months since the show ended,” Klinger said. “I’m setting from reality show into reality.” The newlywed says she doesn't identify as gay, straight or bisexual — rather just someone who loves who she wants to love. It’s a character trait that runs in her blood since her mother and her aunt also spent time partnered with both women and men. She has lived in Long Beach for more than a year, with cameras following her until last summer, and she said she is settling into a new life in a city where her mother and other family members also live. Born to a part Mexican and part Native American father and a German mother, Klinger said she learned early to embrace the cultural abundance and diversity around her. She is passionate about her family, which includes five brothers — two of whom have special needs. She compares her big, unorthodox family to the television show, “Modern Family,” and she said one of her favorite mantras in life is: “You are who you are because of where you have been.” A woman of many talents, the former makeup artist, actress and “accessory maven” started a new career after the camera lights dimmed. She is busy hosting a pop-culture radio show and is working in retail at Kimberly’s Collection in Belmont Shore in addition to writing a fashion blog, creating music with her husband and launching her second jewelry collection called Casa Por Vida. Her radio show, The Romi & Rose Show, broadcasts at 4 p.m. Fridays at www.LATalkLive.com and features Klinger as well as Rose Garcia, another star from “The Real L Word.” Klinger said the two girls talk to guests on the show about fashion, pop culture and more — the show does not focus on LGBT issues, although Klinger is passionate about equal rights and considers herself part of the LGBT community."Source: Gazettes

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Poetry’s Relationship With the Olympics

Illustration by Luc Melanson

Champions of Verse - By TONY PERROTTET Published: June 29, 2012 - The New York Times Sports fans are not necessarily renowned for their literary tastes — their passions oft running less to soulful ruminations than to beer-fueled stadium chants — so Olympics observers may be flummoxed by the sudden proliferation of poetry related to the 2012 Games. This weekend, international poets have converged on London to orate in 50 languages at a festival called Poetry Parnassus, with 100,000 copies of their collected work to be dropped by helicopter on the venue by the Thames. Another poetic project, “The Written World,” will feature a poem from each of the 204 competing Olympic countries read live and broadcast daily by the BBC. And verse has been engraved on plaques of stone, metal and wood emblazoned at strategic points throughout the Olympic Park, for the edification of athlete and spectator alike. Yet the relationship between poetry and the Olympics goes back to the very origins of the Games. In ancient Greece, literary events were an indispensable part of athletic festivals, where fully clothed writers could be as popular with the crowd as the buff athletes who strutted about in the nude, gleaming with olive oil. Spectators packing the sanctuary of Zeus sought perfection in both body and mind. Champion athletes commissioned great poets like Pindar to compose their victory odes, which were sung at lavish banquets by choruses of boys. (The refined cultural ambience could put contemporary opening ceremonies, with their parade of pop stars, to shame.) Philosophers and historians introduced cutting-edge work, while lesser-known poets set up stalls or orated from soapboxes. Source: Beattie's Book Blog

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Meet the Most Amazing Drifter in the World; Pole Who Lost Both Arms will Leave You Speechless

We might not know them personally, but there are people around us in this world who inspire us to stretch our abilities and come out of our comfort zones to make our life meaningful. One such gifted individual is Bartek Ostalowskifrom Poland. What makes Ostalowski so special is that while he had  the misfortune of losing both of his arms in an accident back in 2006, he never let go of his life or his passion for motorsports and cars. In fact, the 26-year old Pole did the exact opposite pursuing his dreams of becoming a
professional racing river. He not only competed in the Polish Championship Rally Raceway Cross and the Polish Cup, but now he's also mastering the art of drifting. Just watching Ostalowski powerslide his Nissan Skyline GT-T R34 will leave you dumbfounded – yes, he's that good. So how does he do it? Well, he uses his right foot to control the pedals and his left to steer the car, while a special contraption allows him to use his shoulder to change gears on the automatic transmission with manual shift mode. It’s as amazing as it sounds, but don't take our word for it, check out the videos for yourself after the break. (You may also want to see this video on YouTube of Ostalowski operating his street-legal car.) Many thanks to Jorma T. for the find! Source: Carscoop

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Teens turn into adventure seekers

Two young inquisitive minds, Apoorva Arora (Class XI) and Himanshu Sharma (Class VII), will host the new show Mystery Hunters India on TV channel Discovery Kids. The show will uncover facts about hidden Indian myths : It’s time for young viewers in India to go beyond cartoons and gather knowledge of the unexplored places in India. TV channel Discovery Kids is launching Mystery Hunters India, a new and exciting show that will feature hidden myths of India. Two inquisitive minds, Apoorva Arora and Himanshu Sharma, will host the show. The duo will travel all over the country and explore its hidden facets. Mystery Hunters will explore sacred and many other places of the country to discover the answers of hidden mysteries. The kids will travel the length and breadth of India to explore the places and delve into the tales which have bewildered people for ages. The kids were cherry picked for the show. Both Apoorva and Himanshu are bright kids with a bent of inquisitive mind. “We went to Peppara wildlife sanctuary in Kerala to unfold mystery behind the existence of Pygmy elephants in the jungle. It was altogether an exciting experience as we unfolded the mystery,” said Apoorva. “We took help of professionals like scientists, doctors, authors and did a lot of reading related to mysteries. We were assisted by Doubting Dev, the resident skeptical scientist, at the Mystery India Lab. He used his sense of humour to conduct fun experiments and uncover the truth,” said the duo. Unveiling the truth behind strange voice heard from Shanivarwada Fort, Apoorva shares, “I personally don’t believe in such unusual sounds. But, my curiosity led me to find out the facts behind the mystery. We found that those sounds were not of evil. Long back in 1773 after the death of the king of Shanivarwada Raja Madhav Rao, his brother Narayn Rao who was then 13 years became the successor. This was not acceptable by Narayan Rao’s uncle. One night Raghunath Rao had sent his guards to kill Narayan Rao. Since then it is believed that Narayan Rao doesn’t allow anyone to come near the fort. To find out the truth behind this mystery, we went to a nearby library to research and investigate the case.” Speaking about what drove the young ones to host the show, Himanshu said, “I was always eager to learn and participate in activities. Since my childhood, I was fascinated by television and I thought to be a part of this. My parents have played a major role in guiding me in exploring my passion.” “My enthusiasm and diligence to hone my skills led me to attend various workshops from National School of Drama in Delhi and subsequently I found myself in the advertisement arena, where I acted in several TV commercials,” said Apoorva. How do they manage academics and work? “We maintain a balance between studies and work. We don’t shoot for more than six hours a day and our entire shooting schedule was during summer vacation. Our parents and teachers are very supportive and we take home tuition on a regular basis which does not affect our studies,” said the duo. While sharing their adventurous experience, they said, “This is an exciting experience with a new concept from Discovery kids. We got to learn so many new things on our journey to unfold mysteries during the show. We are happy because we are getting a chance to share our knowledge with the kids of our age.” Catch the adventure and excitement on the show from December 22 at 6.00 pm. Source: The Hans India, Image: photobucket.com

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World's Dignities Greeted On The Auspicious Day Of Diwali

New Delhi, Nov 13 (ANI): The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is being celebrated across India today. The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali. President Pranab Mukherjee, who extended his warm greetings and good wishes to the countrymen in India and around the world on Diwali, called for a pollution free celebration on the occasion. On the joyous

PM, Prez wishes Happy Diwali 

occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to my countrymen in India and around the world. Diwali is a time for festivity and happiness cutting across all faiths and cultures. It is an occasion to share our joy with those who are needy and deprived, said President Mukherjee in his message.Source: Indian-Express

President Obama's Diwali Message

Today, here at home and across the globe, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights. Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends, often marked with good food and dancing. It is also a time for prayer and reflection about those less fortunate. It is a testament to the compassion of these communities that so many of them have helped those that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Many who observe this holiday will light the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. As that lamp is lit, we should all recommit ourselves to bring light to any place still facing darkness. Earlier this year, we were reminded of the evil that exists in the world when a gunman walked into the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and  opened fire. In the wake of that horrible tragedy, we saw the resilience of a community that drew strength from their faith and a sense of solidarity with their neighbors, Sikh and non-Sikh alike. We also saw compassion and love, in the heroic actions of the first responders and the outpouring of support from people across the country. Out of a day of sadness, we were reminded that the beauty of America remains our diversity, and our right to religious freedom. To those celebrating Diwali, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak. Source: Sikh News Network

David Cameron greets Britons on Diwali

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday conveyed his best wishes to all the Britons and people across the world celebrating Diwali. “Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone in the UK and across the world a very happy and peaceful Diwali. A festival which celebrates hope over all else, it represents values shared by many of us in the UK,” he said in a statement. “As British Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists join friends and family to celebrate this festival of lights, let us also celebrate the great
cultural, social &  economic contribution they, and generations before them, have made to this country,” he said, praising the contribution to the British society by Indian-origin residents. “So once again, let me wish all a very happy and prosperous Diwali and Saal Mubarak (New Year),” said the British Prime Minister, who hosts an annual Diwali party for a select group of invitees at Downing Street. Source: Deccan Chronicle Pakistan wishes to have "friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations" with India as there are tremendous opportunities for the two countries to enhance cooperation for their mutual benefit, President Asif Ali Zardari said. Zardari made the remarks at a special Diwali dinner he hosted at the presidency for visiting Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his delegation last night. Source: Hindustan Times

Tibetan PM-in-exile greets Indians on Diwali

Dharamsala, Nov. 13 (ANI): Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay has conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the people of India on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. In his message, Sangay said: "I just want to wish everybody in India a happy Diwali. Being born and brought up in India I have celebrate Diwali and burst a lot of firecrackers since childhood and looking forward to a very noisy evening and smoky nights for a few days to come." Meanwhile, Speaker of Tibetan parliament in-exile, Penpa Tsering pointed out the mythological significance of the festival. "Diwali is very symbolic. It is symbol of victory of good over evil and that marks the festival of lights. On behalf of all the Tibetans we want to wish all Indians a very happy Diwali," said Tsering. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of self-exile and killing Ravana. Source: News Track

Newly elected Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard wishes everyone a Happy Diwali (festival of the lights). This festival holds extra meaning to her as the first Hindu ever elected to Congress. 

Transcript for her video message on Diwali: As you know, Diwali is not a fun holiday; but it also represents the victory of truth over untruth, of righteousness over wrong. While this is the time of celebration, this deeper meaning of Diwali could not come at a more appropriate time. As we put the campaigns and election year behind us, it’s time now for all of us to come together, setting aside our differences and find ways to work together, towards the greater and common good. It’s an opportunity to remember that true happiness and true success comes through being of service to others

and not just living for yourself. I personally have faced a variety of challenges in my life whether in the desert of Iraq, in the halls of Washington DC, or along a very tough campaign trail. The one constant for me that has guided me always is this understanding doing my best to be of service to others. I know that by keeping this at the forefront of all that I do, I will not be led astray. The lighting of the lamps on Diwali continues the longstanding tradition of celebration and reflection on the year that is behind us and to pray for the year coming ahead. Please know that as you rejoice and reflect with your families and your community, I send you the warmest aloha, look forward to serve you in Congress, and whish you a very happy Diwali. Source: Channelapa

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Wishes Everyone Happy Diwali, Conferred French Honor

Aish was honored with the second-highest Order Of France, Ordre des Arts et des Lettre, in a ceremony held at the Embassy of France in Mumbai on November 1st, the same day as her 39th birthday. Pics from the event below. Source: One-Asian-World

Sunita Williams greets Indians from space on Diwali: NASA astronaut and flight engineer Sunita Williams appears to touch the Sun in this amazing photograph snapped from space. It was taken during the 32nd expedition to the International Space Station after an epic 6 hour spacewalk on September 5th 2012.

Indians around the world got a special Diwali message from outer space as Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams sent out warm wishes on the occasion from the International Space Station. Floating upside down in the space station as she appeared on the screen before the Indian tricolour for a local TV show, Williams said, "I just want to wish everybody in India and people of Indian origin around the world a happy Diwali". "It is a wonderful festival and I am happy we are part of it up here at the International Space Station," she said. Williams, 47, spoke to Indian-origin student of New York University Riti Bhalla, who as a city-based TV host interviewed Williams on her Diwali special programme. The tricolour was not the only Indian object accompanying Williams in space. She has also carried a picture of the Sanskrit word 'Om' and a copy of the Upanishads, which her father gave to her before she left for the space mission. "I did bring a couple of things that have to do with India from my father, particularly a peaceful 'Om' that stays outside my crew quarters where I sleep and the Upanishads so I can read it while I am up here. "It is a small version (of the Upanishads) but it definitely brings the wisdom to us while we are here and allows us to think of the true meaning of life and what we are doing. "I have a couple of real true reminders of my Indian heritage while I am up here," Williams, dressed in a blue T-shirt and brown shorts, said. Williams expressed appreciation for the support she has received from people in India and for their "heartfelt sincere feelings for the work we are doing up here and how we are doing and for our safe return back home". As she waved goodbye and floated off, Williams said she hopes to visit India next Diwali "to say thank you to all the people in person". The interview would be telecast in 75 countries on the occasion of Diwali. In August, the Indian-American astronaut had displayed the tricolour on board the International Space Station and wished Indians on the eve of their 66th Independence Day. Williams along with Yuri Malenchenko of Russia and Japan's Akihiko left for the ISS aboard a Russian spacecraft on July15. She holds the record of the longest spaceflight (195 days) for a female space traveller. Source: Indian Express, Images: flickr.com, wikimedia.com 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni wishes everyone Happy Diwali

The Indian Cricket Team Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Wishes everyone Happy Diwali and given the emphasis to be with holy spirit of lamps instead of fire-crackers

Kevin Pietersen tweets Diwali wishes, Image Link Blogspot

May this Diwali and its festivities brings joy, happiness, wealth, health and prosperity for you and your family. https://twitter.com/kevinpp24  

Diwali mela is organised by Indian comunity in Australia,, various cultural program's were organised including the selection of Miss Canberra (India)

This Video is all about one of delight-full dance performance by Japanese people on Bollywood song during Diwali Carnival in yokohama

Diwali 2012 Diwali Celebration held at Chattanooga, TN - USA. Where American Girls Dance on Bollywood Songs with acute dress-up and style very much similar to Indian cultural. ***

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Small projects make big businesses

By Sreenivasa Rao Dasari: In the News Real happenings in the realty world The renewed buying appetite from domestic consumers and fresh demand from NRIs are pushing consumption for small ventures in the local market in the absence of major projects The real estate market is witnessing an entirely new phenomenon in Andhra Pradesh as the business dynamics are rapidly transforming on short-term basis in this segment which yields to long-term parameters precisely. The steep fall in rupee value against the US dollar and currencies of Gulf countries coupled with the rock-bottom prices in Hyderabad is really pushing demand northwards in an otherwise sluggish market hit by a gamut of adverse factors such as political uncertainty, GO:45, sand crisis, cost of finance, etc.The GO:45, which stipulates earmarking 20 per cent for economically weaker sections (EWS) in projects sprawling over one acre land space, has literally stalled all the new major ventures in the State. This was followed by another crisis in form of sand crisis that halted the construction activity across the State. These two factors almost ruined the construction season this year. As a result, the accumulated surplus space over the last three years is being consumed and exhausted mostly.Perfect Pincode, a real estate solutions company, says new projects, but smaller ones are coming up. It started three months ago. Many builders of new projects like Aparna Builders are offering fair price. Three years back, land prices were low, according to its study. Ravi Verma, Business Head at Perfect Pincode, told, “The number of new approvals so far is running over 100. I expect 400 new projects mostly small ones including G+5 structures will hit the market this year. For instance, Aparna Constructions alone is launching three to four new projects. Most of the new projects will be in B and C categories with prices in the Rs 30-35 lakh bracket. New projects are coming up as we see 10-15 new projects in the market recently.” In addition to small ventures, developers are preferring to construct villas as the demand is outnumbering the supply. The price range is another carrot for buyers. There’s clear demand for villas as there’s shortage in the Hyderabad property market.“Hyderabad is a villa market in the country as 30 per cent of the new projects are villa ventures. The demand for villas is more in Hyderabad than in any other metro. The price range of villas starts from Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.25 crore bracket is witnessing high demand as NRI families prefer to own them for accommodating their parents,” added Verma. Andhra Pradesh Realtors Association (Apra) says the market is good as the demand is picking up, but no major ventures under the progress. “GO:45 has badly hit the real estate market. Generally, south Indians prefer independent houses and gated community ventures. Particularly, Hyderabadis are passionate for villas,” said Raj Padmanabhan, Vice-President, APRA. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) terms the present scenario as now or never as the real estate prices are at rock-bottom when compared with other metros and tier-2 cities in the country. C Shekhar Reddy, President, Andhra Pradesh chapter of CREDAI, said, “We are expecting the government’s decision on GO:45 anytime as Legal Department completed its task and sent it to the Chief Ministers’ Office. Once this is cleared, many new major projects will start flowing into the market. There was no major project launched during last 20 months. In the meantime, the rupee fall and affordable prices have created renewed buying interest in the AP market, particularly Hyderabad, which is offering a whopping 40 per cent discount against the prices in the boom time. The real estate market prices fell 20 per cent and an equal percentage of fall in rupee value are the main triggers for the renewed buying in the market. But, there are no major ventures because of GO: 45. Hence, the developers of small projects on less than one acre land piece are calling the shots in the market. Another important observation is that Hyderabad is witnessing real estate activity around it regardless of north or west priorities.” Still people are scared for making investment decision in the real estate considering the present uncertain conditions in the State. “However, the buying demand is picking up for residential purpose. We provide real estate consultancy services for seven projects we tied up with. About 70 developers approached us for tie up. After studying the all aspects pertaining to land, venture, builder, location, legality, etc, we enter into tie up developers. The first time buyers are dominating the present realty market. So, our customers need not worry about other aspects except to choose the property as per their priority. The real estate market last year started recovering. It’s better giving hope to go further up this year. We see 20-25 per cent of recovery in prices this year,” adds Verma. Many investors including NRIs are entering into buying deals mostly in the pre-launch offers. If the market doesn’t pick up by the time projects are ready to occupy, what will happen. This will be detrimental to the investors, but it doesn’t matter for consumers with objective of residential purpose. “Now, we observe that the gap between pre-launch and ready-to-occupy is turning attractive for investors as this will give good returns to them. Generally, investors purchase in pre-launch offers and will cash in on margins when they exit in ready-to-occupy stage. During this time, the consumption should rise up, otherwise, the market will slow down again. If investors, who entered in pre-launch stage, get good opportunities to exit in the stage of ready to launch, then it will be an investor-market like New Delhi,” opines Verma. Source: The Hans India

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It is all about reading

The Hans India, By: L Sailaja Kumar, The more that you read, the more things you will know.The more that you learn; the more places you'll go.” There was this famous journalist who started collecting coins as hobby and it took him all the way to London! You never know, when you are passionately in love with stamps, books, coins, shells or beads, the passion will show you a new way which nobody ever tread before.. A child who grows up reading is definitely enriched as a young person. He/she automatically takes to reading. If the habit of reading is formed during an early age, reading soon becomes the person’s hobby.We are introduced to the concept of reading at a very early age. It remains with us in different forms throughout our life. School-life begins with books. For some, books are our close companions in the youth. Reading continues to remain the favourite pastime of a large number of people even during their old age. There are different styles of reading for different situations. The technique you choose will depend on the purpose for reading. For example, you might be reading for enjoyment, information, or to complete a task. If you are exploring or reviewing, you might skim a document. If you're searching for information, you might scan for a particular word. To get detailed information, you might use a technique such as SQ4R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Relate and Review). You need to adjust your reading speed and technique depending on your purpose. Skimming is used to quickly identify the main ideas of a text. When you read the newspaper, you're probably not reading it word-by-word; instead you're scanning the text. Skimming is done at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading. People often skim when they have lots of material to read in a limited amount of time. Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in the telephone book or dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. All said and done, if reading improves your reasoning skills, develops your capabilities to understand various objectives and their possible solutions at once, better be a ‘reader’Source: The Hans India, Image: photobucket.com

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Japan’s spirited third city

Every trip does not have to be about ticking off a sightseeing list. Some of the best destinations are seen by getting under its skin to experience it like a local -- and a visit to Osaka, Japanese’s third largest city after Tokyo and Yokohama, is a prime example. While it does have a national art museum, acastle and an aquarium, really discovering this city is a lesson in experiential travel. Chowing down on local dishes and enjoying a beer with boisterous, good-humoured Osakans at the baseball will teach you more about Japanese culture than any museum or temple. The locals: People who live in Osaka tend to shed the conservatism that is found elsewhere in Japan -- perhaps owing to its prosperity as an arts, theatre and cultural hub at one time -- and the first place you will notice this is on the subway. Elderly ladies laugh together sweetly, teenagers stand in groups and poke fun at each other while businessman bark angrily on cell phones in animated discussion. Bucking the Japanese train etiquette seen elsewhere in the country, passengers do not speak in hushed tones while staring at the ground and the no-cell phone sign is rarely adhered to. Osakans are full of life and down-to-earth, so whether you are dining out, grabbing a beer or just asking for directions, you will find that it is easy to strike up a conversation with the city’s friendly and forward locals. Eat and be merry: Osaka is known as the food capital of Japan with fresh seafood from Osaka Bay and produce from the surrounding mountains, and was referred to as “Japan's kitchen” during the Edo Period (1601-1867) as essential goods were sent here from all over the country to be shipped worldwide from its busy port. Osakans are passionate about feasting and even have their own expression to describe it, kuidaore: “to eat oneself bankrupt”. There are plenty of places to gorge yourself in the city, and while Osaka does have an abundance of high-end international and Japanese dining options, most will not have you filing for bankruptcy just yet. The city is known for its traditional cheap eats and any trip to Osaka would not be complete without sampling what’s on offer. Takoyaki (dumplings filled with octopus) is a delicacy that originated in Osaka, and you will find little takeaway shopfronts throughout the city, with the best in the Dotombori district in minami (the south of the city). Order yourself half-a-dozen takoyaki topped with mayonnaise and a thick sauce similar to Worcestershire, stab one with your toothpick and shovel it into your mouth. Chomping into one of these piping hot dumplings will inevitably have you scalding the roof of your mouth, but it is all part of the experience. Okonomiyaki, a savoury-style pancake that translates roughly to “as you like it”, is another Osakan favourite. It can be made with a variety of ingredients which, when done Osaka-style, are all scrambled together with batter and cabbage before hitting the grill. Choose your own ingredients from tender squid, plump prawns or juicy pork, topped off withbonito (fish) flakes, a thick brown okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. The best spots to try okonomiyaki are the tiny “mom and pop” operations that are full of history and authentic atmosphere, where you will feel as though you are dining in someone’s home. Try popular Tengu (Toyosaki 3-15-19; 06-6372-7676) near Nakatsu station. Or jump off at Dobutsuen Mae station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji lines, head into the covered arcade and ask around for one of the best okonomiyaki spots in the city Dotombori Tokyo may be known for its neon and nightlife but Osaka has its own slice of madness -- and it is called Dotombori. All the action in this southern district concentrates around the Dotombori canal, Dotombori street and on the Ebisubashi bridge. It is best explored on a weekend once the sun goes down, when it takes on a B-grade horror movie atmosphere with giant mechanical moving crabs, oversized hot dogs, puffer fish and cows hanging overhead from buildings among flashing neon and coloured billboards. On ground level, crowds wander the strip taking snaps of convincing plastic food models in front of restaurants, hawkers squeal about meal deals and spiky bleached-blonde Japanese men in suits attempt to woo young women to the “host” bars nearby (male versions of the hostess bar). Come here to take it all in, grab a cheap ramen (noodle dish in broth) from the open-air 24-hour Kinryu Ramen street stall (Dotombori 1-7-26; 06-6211-3999; you can’t miss the giant dragons on the roof) and people-watch for hours. Beer and baseball Two things close to many Osakans’ hearts, and essential pursuits for any stopover in this town, are beer and baseball. The summer season from June to September sees beer gardens popping up all over the city, typically located on rooftops of hotel buildings like the Ramada and department stores like Hanshin. Usually the offer is all you can drink (nomihodai) (beer and spirits, but most opt for large frothy lagers) and eat (tabehodai) for about 3,500 yen – guaranteeing a rowdy night out. Another good spot for experiencing the city’s spirit is at a baseball game during the March to October season where locals are at the height of their boisterousness. The majority of Osakans are Hanshin Tiger fans and are known as the country’s most dedicated and fanatical fans. Catch baseball fever at a game at Koshien stadium, a 20-minute train ride from Osaka on the Kobe line, and hang out with fans amid of barrage of chants, trumpets, Tigers flags waving in the air and thousands of balloons being released at the seventh inning.Source: Sam Daily Times: Japan’s spirited third city

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The passionate love happens between Katrina and Salman

They were lovers once but now, just friends, OK, we can say good friends. They haven’t let their past personal life affect their professional lives. This is pretty much clear from the chemistry they share in their upcoming movie Ek Tha Tiger. Well, yes we are talking about Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. It was a dream come true for director Kabir Khan when the two ex flames came together in his movie. So what makes this pair desirable?? Well, the fact can’t be changed that Sallu-Kats makes a very goof looking couple. They share an awesome chemistry with each other and that’s very visible in their films. Besides having action in Ek Tha Tiger, Salman-Kat’s on-screen romance is worth a watch. Though Salman-Katrina pair doesn’t have a hit record at the BO, Ek Tha Tiger certainly looks promising. Source: GaramGossips

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Simply the most beautiful pictures of waves we've ever seen

Breaking waves: These are the amazing photos taken by daredevil photographers Nick Selway, 28, and pal CJ Kale, 35, in Hawaii 

By Eddie Wrenn: These incredible pictures capture the stunning moment waves roll on to a tropical beach.The breath-taking images show the split-second in which each one breaks and crashes on to the sand, and are the work of two keen photographers who wish to remind people just how beautiful Mother Nature can be. Photographers Nick Selway, 28, and pal CJ Kale, 35, position themselves in the magnificentHawaiian water - and then wait for the waves to crash into their heads. Their only equipment are standard cameras - but a waterproof case means they do not need to

Clear and blue: Using a simple protective casing around their cameras, and donning just swimming shorts and flippers, they bob up and down with the water as the surf washes over their heads

sacrifice their cameras for their art. CJ, from Hawaii, said: 'It's such a beautiful island - all the different colours seemed to be replicated in the water while we were snapping away. 'We spend most of our time in the water photographing, but to get these kinds of shows isn't easy and it takes a lot of patience to get it right. 'Fortunately it paid off this time and we

A lone man can be seen on the shore as the waves crash over at sunset

managed to get an amazing set of images.' Nick was born in Lake Stevens, Washington, and says he always had an appreciation for Nature and that his purpose in life is: 'To capture Mother Nature's beauty and light in the most unique way possible.' CJ Kale is no stranger to the area, raised in Hawaii on the Waianae coast. He spent his days in the surf and outdoors exploring the beauty of nature and learned early on that he had a love for the outdoors and a passion for photography. The pair also love photographing active volcanoes, and often risk their lives for that perfect shot. 

An insight into the photography: A simple waterproof case allows the photographers to take these images 

The foggy sands closer to shore get tossed and turned in the foam, leading to a wide mix of colours in this shot

The breath-taking images show the split-second in which each one breaks and crashes on to the sand 

The waves break over the sand just as the sun breaks over the hills on the beautiful islands

The stillness of the sea is broken up by the force of the waves, lifted up by the moon's gravity, Source: Travelfwd

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Monster snake captured

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18ft anaconda weighs 100kg with a 27in girth

Bisarbeat: Super snake ... this giant anaconda was successfully captured by a group of biologists. Monster ... the snake was killed to stop the animals moving further north. Snake killed after eating whole deer. THIS enormous 18ft anaconda was successfully captured by a team of daring biologists - during a tropical rainforest exploration. Niall McCann, a 29-year-old biologist from Cardiff, pounced on the slithering jungle giant when

he happened across it on a bank of the Rewa River in Guyana. The monster reptile weighed around 100kg and had a 27in girth. Niall is an avid adventurer and has rowed the Atlantic and trekked across Greenland’s

Polar Ice Cap. He has a passion for handling creatures that would petrify most people and had always dreamed of catching one of these massive snakes. He said: “I'd always dreamed of seeing an anaconda and I knew that our work in Gcondauyana would give us a real possibility of seeing one.

Predator ... anacondas squeeze their prey to death before swallowing them whole

“I was trying to hold its head to the ground and it kept trying to turn its head to bite me - it was a wrestle. Its strength was amazing and when a ripple went through its body it shook all of us.” Anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world and can weigh up to a whopping 250kg. They squeeze their prey to death before swallowing them whole, and have been known to attack jaguars and humans.Source: Bisarbeat

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The ‘Missile Woman’ behind India’s test launch

BusinessDay, By  Pratap  Chakravarty:  The ‘Missile Woman’ behind  India’s

test launch Tessy Thomas juggles domestic duties with her day job — as India’s top ballistic missile expert Hailed as a trail blazer in male-dominated India, Tessy Thomas juggles domestic duties with her day job — as the country’s top ballistic missile expert. Ms Thomas was project director for the Agni V long-range nuclear-capable missile which was test-fired last week in a major military advance that will enable India to hit all rival China’s cities for the first time. Celebrated as "Missile Woman" in the local media, she has lent a new and unusual face to the secretive world of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation. But while the woman from southern Kerala state has changed perceptions of her profession and challenged tradition along the way, she says she remains a doting wife and mother at home. "In Indian culture, we feel women are also supposed to be taking care of the home, so a little bit of challenges are there," she says. "But all my lady colleagues are doing the same. It was slightly tough, but I could do it by balancing my time between home and work. Although i t was tough when my son was in school." Not all of her female colleagues have risen to such a position of prominence, though. The Agni V was a prestige project for India. Its 5000km range is seen as vital for national defence and another demonstration of the nation’s rising power. Indian President Pratibha Patil, another woman in a prominent position, commented after the launch that "the work of Thomas in the Agni programme would hopefully inspire more women in choosing careers in science". In January, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Ms Thomas was an example of a "woman making her mark in a traditionally male bastion and decisively breaking the glass ceiling". Ms Thomas joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation in 1988 and went on to work for APJ Abdul Kalam, the architect of the national missile programme who later became India’s president. Her initial focus was on guidance systems, and the first Agni variant was flight-tested in 1989. Her stewardship of the Agni V came after the first launch of the 3500km -range Agni III in 2006. Ms Thomas insists there is no gender discrimination in the predominantly male organisation, where about 200 female colleagues work in its dozens of ordnance factories and research facilities: "I always felt like a scientist and (the organisation) never made me feel otherwise. Besides, science does not recognise who is making the inputs." Ms Thomas says she decided to go into missiles — for her they are instruments of peace due to their deterrence value — after watching rocket tests from a launch centre near her home. "As school children we used to go on picnics to watch the rocket tests and I would be fascinated. Besides, I was always interested in science and mathematics." Such is her passion that she named her college-age son Tejas — after India’s indigenously built light combat aircraft. Between her kitchen at home in the southern city of Hyderabad and poring over complex telemetry data at work, Ms Thomas, who holds an engineering doctorate, has now set herself another challenge. "I am currently working on mission and guidance (systems) of the multiple independent re-entry vehicle," referring to proposed new technology to deliver multiple warheads. Source: BusinessDay

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Seeing the music in nature

Domain_B:  If  anyone  were  going  to  discover   the  connections   between 

Markus Buehler 

molecular structures, mathematical concepts and musical scores, it's not surprising that Markus Buehler would be the one. He has built his career on bridging the connections between disparate disciplines, asking simple questions as an approach to understanding the world. Buehler grew up around engineering; his father is a mechanical engineer, his mother worked in the automotive industry and his two brothers became engineers as well (one mechanical, one computer). During his youth, Buehler was drawn to understanding how things worked, and started designing and building electronic circuits when he was about 11. Soon after, he began writing programs to regulate common things around his house, such as the household's solar-panel system for heating water and his electric train setup, automating the switching of tracks. Later, he wrote programs that simulated the dynamics of stock trading. In addition to building things, Buehler says, ''I enjoyed breaking things apart to learn how they were made, and using what I had learned to build it again with a new approach or with improvements. I built a radio and an intercom system for our house by taking apart telephones. It took a couple of iterations, but I finally got it to work well.'' On the side, Buehler taught himself how to play several instruments and began composing his own pieces. Though he no longer finds time to compose music, he enjoys sharing his musical interests with his children, including teaching them to play the guitar. His passion for music has also come into play recently in his research, which found significant correlations between the structure of spider webs and principles  of    musical   composition.   During   high   school,   Buehler  was
fascinated by chemistry and intrigued by how materials derive their properties from the structure of their molecules. After earning his PhD at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, Germany, he went to the California Institute of Technology as a postdoc. That's where he began working on computer simulations of chemically complex materials, and began to incorporate such models in the description of biological materials - a specialty that has remained a cornerstone of his research ever since. ''I changed fields completely, but only in terms of the application of my work,'' he says. Having done his doctoral research in materials science working on metals, he decided to focus on understanding features of natural phenomena, studying biological materials such as bone, spider webs or the proteins that make up the structures in our body's cells. ''I saw an opportunity to combine a chemistry-based approach with molecular simulations and multiscale modeling,'' Buehler says. Such approaches can be used not only to understand the function of biological materials in their physiological context, but also to appreciate the breakdown of diseased tissues. Given his focus on biological materials, people often ask Buehler how he ended up on the faculty of MIT's department of civil and environmental engineering - a field more traditionally associated with concrete and steel on the one hand, and oceans and ecosystems on the other. ''My work falls in between these fields, at the interface between the natural and the engineering-built world'' he says. ''I saw an opportunity to work on projects that could be in useful for both sides. It's a unique combination to work at this interface, and a good fit for what I was interested in.'' He was awarded tenure last fall. Since joining
   Image Link Flicker
the MIT faculty in 2006, Buehler has focused on understanding biological materials such as spider silk and the tangled masses of protein known as amyloids - primarily as a way to understand how their complex structures functional properties of manmade materials. He has also collaborated with his wife, whose experimental research at Harvard University focused on the interactions of cells with materials. ''She has taught me a lot about biology, and how simulations might contribute to the field,'' he says. But ''our focus is not to just copy nature'' or the kinds of materials nature produces, Buehler says. Rather, he'd like to learn the underlying principles of how complex, hierarchical structures with useful properties can be assembled from the simplest of building blocks - and how engineers can actually apply such knowledge in different materials or in different problems altogether. ''Here, I feel like I have an opportunity to do something new,'' Buehler says. ''At MIT, we don't believe in keeping things the same, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation.'' Civil and environmental engineering research ''is no longer just about building bridges, it's about using nanotechnology and scalability to improve the materials we use to build and maintain our infrastructure, and to improve the interface between the natural and built world from the tiny atoms to the tallest of structures. It's exciting to be part of redefining this field.'' Source: Domain_B

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Meditation 'improves emotional behaviour in teachers'

Indian Express, Agencies : Washington, Teachers who practice meditation in a short yet intensive program are more calm and compassionate, a new study has found. According to the study, conducted by UCSF Scientists, schoolteachers who underwent a short but intensive program of meditation were less depressed, anxious or stressed – and more compassionate and aware of others’ feelings. A core feature of many religions, meditation is practiced by tens of millions around the world as part of their spiritual beliefs as well as to alleviate psychological problems, improve self-awareness and to clear the mind. Previous research has linked meditation to positive changes in blood pressure, metabolism and pain, but less is known about the specific emotional changes that result from the practice. The new study was designed to create new techniques to reduce destructive emotions while improving social and emotional behaviour. “The findings suggest that increased awareness of mental processes can influence emotional behaviour,” Margaret Kemeny, lead author of the study, said. “The study is particularly important because opportunities for reflection and contemplation seem to be fading in our fast-paced, technology-driven culture,” she said. Altogether, 82 female schoolteachers between the ages of 25 and 60 participated in the project. Teachers were chosen because their work is stressful and because the meditation skills they learned could be immediately useful to their daily lives, possibly trickling down to benefit their students. The study arose from a meeting in 2000 between Buddhist scholars, behavioural scientists and emotion experts at the home of the Dalai Lama. There, the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman, PhD, a UCSF  emeritus professor and world expert in emotions, pondered the topic of emotions, leading the Dalai Lama to pose a question “In the modern world, would a secular version of Buddhist contemplation reduce harmful emotions?” From that, Ekman and Buddhist scholar Alan Wallace developed a 42-hour, eight-week training program, integrating secular meditation practices with techniques learned from the scientific study of emotion. It incorporated three categories of meditative practice – concentration practices involving sustained, focused attention on a specific mental or sensory experience, mindfulness practices involving the close examination of one’s body and feelings and directive practices designed to promote empathy and compassion toward others. In the randomised, controlled trial, the schoolteachers learned to better understand the relationship between emotion and cognition, and to better recognize emotions in others and their own emotional patterns so they could better resolve difficult problems in their relationships. All the teachers were new to meditation and all were involved in an intimate relationship. “We wanted to test whether the intervention affected both personal well-being as well as behaviour that would affect the well-being of their intimate partners,” Kemeny said. As a test, the teachers and their partners underwent a “marital interaction” task measuring minute changes in facial expression while they attempted to resolve a problem in their relationship. In this type of encounter, those who express certain negative facial expressions are more likely to divorce, research has shown. Some of the teachers’ key facial movements during the marital interaction task changed, particularly hostile looks, which diminished. In addition, depressed mood levels dropped by more than half. In a follow-up assessment five months later, many of the positive changes remained, the authors said. “We know much less about longer-term changes that occur as a result of meditation, particularly once the ‘glow’ of the experience wears off. “It’s important to know what they are because these changes probably play an important role in the longer-term effects of meditation on mental and physical health symptoms and conditions,” she added.Source: Indian Express

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