Monthly Archives: January 2023

Elon Musk says new Twitter policy is freedom of speech & not freedom …

Posted: January 4, 2023 at 6:21 am

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. For social media giant Twitter, it is definitely one of the most tumultuous times in its 16-year-long existence. Ever since the richest man in the world came on board as the new owner of the microblogging site, Twitter has been witnessing an upheaval of monumental proportions.

In the run-up to becoming the acquirer of the worlds most famous social media platform, Elon Musk on numerous occasions had made it clear that he will make Twitter a space that will uphold freedom of speech.

Amid the spate of mass resignations at Twitter, the 51-year-old took to his Twitter account to announce a new content moderation policy. Musk also reinstated some accounts that were earlier banned from the platform. The surge of resignations was a result of the ultimatum issued by Musk to commit to a hardcore and intense work environment or take a 3 months severance and leave.

New Twitter policy is freedom of speech, but not freedom of reach. Negative/hate tweets will be max deboosted & demonetized, so no ads or other revenue to Twitter. You wont find the tweet unless you specifically seek it out, which is no different from the rest of the Internet, read Musks tweet.

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While Musks mention of Trump has triggered a range of conversations on the platform, hours later the billionaire tweeted a poll asking if Donald Trump should be reinstated? The tweet garnered many likes and comments.

Hundreds of Trump supporters had stormed the complex when the US Congress was certifying Joe Biden's victory in the election. The violence at the Capitol later led to deaths of four people and a police officer.

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Darwinism Theory of Evolution (With Criticism) | Biology

Posted: at 6:18 am

In this article we will discuss about the Darwinism theory of evolution with its criticism.

In 1831, Charles Darwin on a voyage on HMS Beagle for five years noted the flora, fauna and geology of the islands of the South Pacific and collected numerous living and fossil specimens. He also sailed to the Galapagos Islands about 600 miles from the west coast of America (Fig. 7a and b).

He observed a number of variations or differences among the organisms that lived on these islands. The common birds of the Galapagos Islands were the finches that were remarkably different from the finches of the mainland. These closely related species of finches had beaks of different shapes and sizes and were adapted for feeding on completely different diets.

In 1838, Darwin read an essay on The Principles of Population by Malthus who explained that the rate of reproduction in animal was very rapid and that animal population increases more rapidly than the available food supply. The food supply increases in arithmetic ratio while the population increases in geometric ratio.

Malthus noted that the human population was capable of doubling every 25 years. This increase in population would soon outstrip the food supply, leading to starvation, famine and war, which would ultimately reduce the population.

At the same time, Alfred Wallace, a young English naturalist made similar observations to Darwin. Wallace and Darwin adapted Malthus ideas about how scarce resources could affect populations. Darwin put forth all these ideas in the Journal of Proceedings of Linnean Society in 1859. Darwin also published his observations in a book titled the The Origin of Species by Natural Selection. Darwinism is the term coined for the explanation offered by Darwin for the origin of species.

Origin of Species by Natural Selection or Theory of Natural Selection:

The main points of the Theory of Natural Selection are as follows:

a. Over Production or Enormous Fertility:

Living organisms have an innate capacity to produce more individuals to ensure continuity of the race. For example, an oyster may produce over 60-80 million eggs per year. A rabbit produces six young ones in a litter and four litters in a year and the young rabbit becomes reproductively active in six months from birth. A single female salmon produces 28,000,000 eggs in a season.

b. Struggle for Existence:

Organisms multiply in a geometric ratio, while the food supply increases in an arithmetic ratio. This leads to intense competition between organisms to ensure living to obtain maximum amount of food and shelter.

Struggle exists at three levels:

i. Intraspecific struggle is the competition among individuals of the same species or closely related forms. This type of struggle is very severe as the need of the population is the same.

ii. Interspecific struggle is the struggle between organisms of different species living together. Individuals of one species compete with other species for similar requirements.

iii. Struggle with the environment means the various hazards of the nature like extreme heat or cold, excess moisture or drought, storms, earthquakes, volcanoes eruptions, etc. also affect the survival of various organisms.

c. Variations amongst Organisms:

Differences that exist among organisms are called variations. Variations may be harmful, neutral or useful. Variations that are passed on from generation to generation are called heritable variations and these form the raw material for evolution. These variations arise due to changes in the genes or the chromosomes.

d. Survival of the Fittest:

During the struggle for existence, the individuals that exhibit variations beneficial in facing the environment will survive, while those that cannot face the hardship will be eliminated. Those organisms best able to survive and reproduce will leave more offspring than those unsuccessful individuals. This is referred to as survival of the fittest.

According to Darwin, the giraffe exhibited variations in the length of the neck and legs. When the grass on the ground became scarce, giraffes with long necks and legs had an advantage over those with shorter neck and legs, as they could feed on the tall trees. So these forms survived and reproduced and became abundant. Over a period of time, giraffes with short necks starved and became extinct (Fig. 8).

e. Origin of Species:

As a result of struggle for existence, variability and inheritance, individuals that are better adapted, survived and became abundant. Slowly over a period of time, this group, which was remarkably different from the original population, becomes established as a new species. This group is also subject to the same forces of change as their ancestors were and this process continues to give rise to new species.

Members of this group may possess variations that may be beneficial to them in another environment. As a result, two or more species may arise from a single ancestral species. Over many generations, unequal reproduction among individuals with different genetic traits changes the overall genetic composition of the population. This is evolution by natural selection. This mechanism can cause a population to change so much, that it becomes a new species. This is known as speciation.

But neither Darwin nor Wallace could explain how the process of evolution occurred; how did the inheritable traits, i.e. variations pass on to the next generation? This was because of the fact that during this period, no one knew anything about genetics. During the twentieth century, genetics provided that answer, and was linked to evolution in Neo-Darwinism, also known as Modern Synthesis.

The following points have been raised against the theory of natural selection:

a. Darwin was unable to explain the mechanism of inheritance of characters. Darwin proposed the theory of pangenesis to explain this phenomenon. He said that every cell or organ produces minute hereditary particles called pangenes or gemmules. These were carried through the blood and deposited in the gametes. This theory was not accepted.

b. According to natural selection, only useful organs are favoured by natural selection. The existence of vestigial organs in organisms could not be explained.

c. In some species of deer, the antlers develop beyond the stage of usefulness. These structures are of no functional significance to the animal.

d. Darwin was unable to explain the source of variations in organisms.

Artificial Selection:

Artificial selection is the isolation of natural population and the selective breeding of organisms with characteristic which are useful to humans. In this method, human exert a directional selection pressure that leads to changes in allele and genotype frequencies within the population. This is an evolutionary mechanism which gives rise to new breeds, strains, varieties, races and subspecies.

Darwin studied domestication in plants and animals in detail. He concluded that by artificial selection different varieties of plants and animals could be produced. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts could be produced from the common wild mustard (Fig. 9). Similarly, Darwin also raised several types of pigeons from the rock pigeon by artificial selection.

Similarly, the various breeds of fowl are all derived from the jungle fowl, Gallus gallus. Artificial selection has been used by breeders to produce high yielding cows, the Great Dane dog, the Shetland pony, the sleek Arabian horse, etc. The rate of species formation by artificial selection is fast. The analogous process that occurs in nature is natural selection, which proceeds very slowly.

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Darwinism Theory of Evolution (With Criticism) | Biology

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6 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects) – Healthline

Posted: at 6:16 am

Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is an active ingredient found in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its not psychoactive. People make CBD oil by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.

Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments.

Better known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa (1).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high thats often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.

This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or other side effects related to some pharmaceutical drugs.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food.

It continues to gain momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is it the right choice for you?

This article covers 6 evidence-backed health benefits of CBD, as well as potential side effects and safety concerns related to CBD products.

Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C. (2).

More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.

The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response (3).

The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.

Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters (4).

Some research suggests that CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, including nerve pain and back pain, when used on its own. However, it seems to be most effective when combined with THC (5, 6).

Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis.

An oral spray called Sativex (nabiximols), which is a 1:1 combination of THC and CBD, is approved in several countries to treat pain related to MS.

A study that included 47 people with MS examined the effects of taking Sativex for a month. The participants experienced improvements in pain, walking ability, and muscle spasms (7).

Still, the study didnt include a control group, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out (7).

In one review, researchers noted that Sativex may benefit those with MS-associated neuropathic pain and chronic severe neuropathic pain. The review also found that Sativex may help relieve anxiety and stress, which are major drivers of chronic pain (8).

Additionally, some research suggests that CBD may relieve symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia.

A study that included survey data from 2,701 people with fibromyalgia found that those who used CBD for pain relief generally reported slight to significant improvement in symptoms (9).

And according to preclinical evidence from rodent studies, CBD may have beneficial effects on pain and inflammation related to arthritis, but human studies are lacking (10).

Although researchers are cautiously optimistic that CBD may be helpful in the treatment of some types of pain, especially when combined with THC, more high quality studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in pain management.

CBD, especially in combination with THC, may be effective for reducing certain types of pain associated with conditions such as MS and fibromyalgia. Still, more research is needed to investigate its potential use in pain management

Anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders can have devastating impacts on overall health and well-being.

Mental health disorders are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches (11).

Whats more, medications like benzodiazepines have the potential for dependence and may lead to substance use disorder.

CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural approach.

In a Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they underwent a simulated public speaking test. The researchers found that a 300-mg dose of CBD was the most effective at significantly reducing anxiety during the test (12).

Little to no effect was reported in those who took the placebo, a 150-mg dose of CBD, or a 600-mg dose of CBD (12).

CBD oil has been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder (13).

A small 2019 study also found that CBD was effective for reducing PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares, in adults (14).

Several other studies have found that CBD may be effective for those with social anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders (15).

Even though some people find that CBD improves symptoms related to depression, human evidence of CBDs potential antidepressant abilities is currently limited (15).

However, results from several studies suggest that it may help reduce depressive symptoms in those with cannabis use disorders (15).

Research investigating the effects of CBD on symptoms of anxiety and depression is ongoing.

In fact, a study evaluating the possible effectiveness of 150300 mg of CBD per day for 12 weeks on anxiety and depression symptoms in people with bipolar disorder is expected to be completed in April 2022 (15).

CBD use has been shown to improve some symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Researchers are currently investigating how CBD may be used in the treatment of other mental health disorders.

CBD may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.

An older study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience relief from pain medication.

Those treated with an extract containing both compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared with those who received only THC extract (16).

A review of five studies found some evidence that Sativex may help reduce cancer-related pain in some people (17).

However, findings from studies investigating the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids like CBD on cancer-related nausea, pain, and decreased appetite have been mixed (18).

Even though CBD may be helpful for some people with cancer, more research is needed to determine whether CBD should be used more regularly in cancer symptom management.

If you have cancer and are interested in using CBD or other cannabis-derived products, its important to consult your healthcare team. These products may not be safe, appropriate, or effective for all people with cancer.

Though CBD may improve certain cancer-related symptoms in some people, research findings are currently mixed and more studies are needed to assess its effectiveness and safety.

Researchers believe that CBDs ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain-signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.

In fact, one of the most studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and MS. Though research in this area is still relatively new, several studies have shown promising results.

Sativex has been shown to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle spasticity in people with MS.

It reduced spasms in 75% of 276 people with MS who were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications (19).

In another study, researchers gave 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.92.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (25 grams per kg) of body weight. Their seizures reduced by a median of 36.5% (20).

One more study found that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy disorder, compared with a placebo (21).

However, some people in both of these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever, and fatigue.

CBD has also been researched for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological diseases.

For example, several studies have shown that treatment with CBD may improve quality of life and sleep quality in people with Parkinsons disease (22).

However, researchers note that theres currently a lack of high quality data. That means theres not enough evidence available to support the use of CBD in the clinical treatment of Parkinsons disease (22).

But one CBD product has actually been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of several seizure disorders.

Epidiolex, a prescription cannabidiol product, was approved for use by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with two severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

In 2020, Epidiolex received FDA approval for the treatment of seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and other areas of the body (23).

CBD may be effective for treating seizures related to several health conditions. The prescription CBD product Epidiolex has received FDA approval to treat seizures related to rare, seizure-causing conditions such as Dravet syndrome.

Some research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome (24).

Studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.

In a small study, 9 healthy men were treated with 600 mg of CBD oil. The CBD treatment reduced resting blood pressure compared with a placebo (25).

In the same study, the men also took part in stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than normal in response to these tests (25).

Another study that included 26 healthy men found that treatment with 600 mg of CBD for 7 days led to significant reductions in blood pressure in the short term compared with a placebo group. However, the effect was lost after 7 days (26).

The CBD group maintained lower blood pressure levels in response to stress compared with the placebo group after repeated doses over time.

The researchers also found that the CBD group had reduced arterial stiffness and improved blood flow through their arteries after repeated CBD dosing compared to the placebo group (26).

Overall, these findings are encouraging, but we need more studies of the potential benefits of CBD treatment on heart health.

Though more human studies are needed, CBD may benefit heart health in several ways, including by reducing blood pressure and improving artery function.

CBD has been studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those outlined above.

Though more studies are needed, CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits:

Some studies suggest that CBD may help with substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, and certain types of cancers. However, we need more research in humans to find out more about these potential effects.

Though CBD is generally well-tolerated and is considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people.

Side effects noted in studies include (33, 34):

Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reported in childhood epilepsy studies. But these effects could stem from CBD interacting with other medications, such as clobazam (34).

In fact, CBD interacts with several medications, including pain medications, antidepressants, seizure medications, and diabetes medications. Before you try CBD oil, discuss it with a healthcare professional to assess safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions (35, 36).

Additionally, its important to note that the market is currently saturated with CBD products, many of which are low quality.

CBD is added to foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and body care products, and these items are often marketed as a way to improve stress, pain, and sleep issues.

However, this does not mean you should include any of these items in your diet or wellness routine.

Although some evidence suggests that CBD may be helpful for certain aspects of health, dosing varies widely in research studies. Its difficult to determine what dose is most appropriate for treating specific health needs.

Whats more, many products contain a blend of ingredients, not just CBD. For example, dietary supplements that contain CBD plus a blend of herbal ingredients may not be safe for everyone, as many herbs have the potential to interact with commonly prescribed medications.

Before you use a CBD product, talk with a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate dosing and any other questions you may have.

If you do decide to use a CBD product, choose one that has been third-party tested for quality and purity.

NuLeaf Naturals and Bluebird Botanicals sell CBD products that undergo testing by accredited third-party laboratories and offer batch reports on their websites.

Although CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also interact with certain medications, causing side effects that may be harmful.

CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in easing the symptoms of many common health conditions, including anxiety and neurological disorders. Plus, it may benefit heart health and help relieve certain types of pain.

Keep in mind that some of these health benefits are related to the use of CBD combined with THC, not CBD alone.

Research investigating the effects of CBD on certain conditions is ongoing, and there is still much to be learned about the potential uses of CBD.

If youre interested in trying CBD to manage a health condition or to support overall health, check with a healthcare professional first. They can help you decide whether adding a CBD product to your routine is appropriate and help you choose the best product.

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6 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects) - Healthline

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Investor Update : The first shipment of Stenocare medical cannabis oil products has arrived in Norway and the products are ready for patients. -…

Posted: at 6:16 am

Investor Update : The first shipment of Stenocare medical cannabis oil products has arrived in Norway and the products are ready for patients. Marketscreener.com

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Investor Update : The first shipment of Stenocare medical cannabis oil products has arrived in Norway and the products are ready for patients. -...

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Elon Musk Becomes First Person In History To Lose $200 Billion: Report …

Posted: at 6:15 am

Twitter CEO Elon Musk has become the first human being in history to lose a mammoth $200 billion in net worth, Bloomberg reported.

It wasnt too long ago that Musk became the second individual ever to amass a personal fortune of more than $200 billion. That happened in January 2021, just months after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos accomplished the same feat.

Much of Musks lost billions have been swallowed up by the plummeting value of his shares in Tesla, the electric vehicle company of which he is CEO. That value has dropped 65% this year, and dove 11% last Tuesday alone, as Bloomberg noted Friday.

Musks fortune to date peaked in November 2021 at $340 billion, according to Bloombergs Billionaires Index. Hes now worth a not-too-shabby $137 billion, per Bloomberg, but thats still a steep dive from 2021.

Musk was the worlds richest person until earlier this month, when he was surpassed by European fashion magnate Bernard Arnault, the powerhouse behind LVMH.

Musks challenges include huge controversies over his hands-on management of a struggling Twitter, for which he paid $44 billion. The self-described free speech absolutist has repeatedly come under fire for arbitrarily booting journalists over actions he disapproves of, while allowing previously banned neo-Nazis back on the social media platform.

The billionaire has described the financially challenged Twitter as basically ... a plane that is headed toward the ground at high speed with the engines on fire and the controls dont work.

The company is apparently so strapped for cash that Musk recently shut down the servers supporting a Twitter data center in Sacramento. He has also fired janitors at Twitters San Francisco headquarters, reportedly forcing some staffers to bring in their own toilet paper.

Tesla investors fear Musks over-involvement in Twitter is distracting him from responding to serious issues at Tesla amid mounting competition.

In a dramatic move, Tesla has been offering American consumers a $7,500 discount on certain car models before the end of the year. The company is also reportedly reducing production at its Shanghai plant.

The worlds billionaires collectively lost nearly $2 trillion in 2022, Forbes reported earlier this month. American billionaires lost a combined $660 billion, more than in any other country, Forbes noted, and Musk lost the most of all.

(The loss occurred, however, after the worlds billionaires added $5 trillion to their collective wealth between March 2020 and November 2021.)

Forbes attributed the losses in America to a dive in tech stock value, rising interest rates, inflation and a weakening economy.

Elon Musk Becomes First Person In History To Lose $200 Billion: Report ...