Connect with us

Health

The Notion ‘Cold Temperature Increases Lifespan’ Challenged

mm

Published

on

cold temperature increases lifespan - challenged

There is a poplar belief according to the free radical theory, that cold temperatures increase the lifespan of a person, because the metabolic rate slows down due to cold. But this notion has been challenged by a recent research about aging process.

Some scientists working at Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, revealed that the genes of a person play a major role in determining how much the cold temperature affects his or her lifespan. This university is an affiliate of University of Chicago, in Illinois.

For this research, tiny aquatic animals called rotifers were chosen. They make the perfect choice because they have more genes in common with humans. Moreover, they are transparent in shape, which makes it easy to study them properly. Not just that, they also possess a nervous system along with the brain, muscles, reproduction system, and digestive system. All of these traits make them highly similar to the humans.

If going by the free radical theory, all creatures should age slowly due to the cold temperatures. When this research was carried out on 11 strains of rotifers, results were highly varied. According to the popular belief, each rotifer should reach similar in cold temperatures. However that was not the case.

According to the results, each strain of rotifers gave different response to the test. There was a change in median lifespan of each strain, ranging from -6% to +100%. In some strains, the cold temperature also extended their reproductive period, which means increase in healthspan.

So, based on the latest research, the genetic makeup affects the response of body to cold temperatures. It can even increase the health span of a person, although it may not alter the lifespan. In short, when it comes to aging, genetic makeup should also be taken into consideration when going for any research.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

mm

Published

on

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw. 

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth. 

Now what? 

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps. 

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces 

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth 

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves. 

3. Control Bleeding 

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist. 

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments. 

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time. 

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals. 

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

  1. Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time. 
  2. Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies. 
  3. Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.
Continue Reading

Trending