Louis Pasteur’s gifts to the world

Pasteurised milk, rabies vaccines, fermentation and a whole lot more. These were the gifts Louis Pasteur gave the world. Also called the Father of Microbiology and Immunology, Pasteur was one of the greatest scientists of the 19th century.
Born in a tiny village in France in 1822, Pasteur’s academic career actually took off under the influence of a brilliant chemistry teacher. Pasteur believed that science should have practical uses and went on to found the science of microbiology, or the study of organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. In fact, many of Pasteur’s greatest discoveries were based on the requests for help by wine and silk merchants, and his solutions to their problems, along with his work in fighting fatal diseases like rabies, made him a hero.
For instance, his most famous discovery, that of fermentation and decay, occurred when a vinegar manufacturer asked Pasteur to find out why the process of fermentation sometimes went awry. The problem was happening with both vinegar as well as wine. When Pasteur researched this predicament, he found that when wine aged properly, it contained round yeast cells. If the process went wrong, then the cells changed shape and became long and narrow. He had discovered that there were two types of yeast cells — one which helped the fermentation process and the other that spoilt the product.
Even as the scientific world absorbed this miracle, Pasteur went on to discover that heating wine to about 60 degrees Celsius killed the unwanted yeast. This method was soon applied equally to other liquids, especially to milk, and became known as "pasteurisation" after its inventor. Pasteur discovered the existence of life without oxygen: "Fermentation is the consequence of life without air". The discovery of anaerobic life paved the way for the study of germs that cause septicemia and gangrene, among other infections. Thanks to Pasteur, it became possible to devise techniques to kill microbes and to control contamination.
In 1881, Pasteur turned his attention to the combating of a deadly disease, in the shape of rabies, which was killing hundreds of people and animals in Europe every year. Careful studies showed Pasteur that brain tissue from infected animals could be turned into a vaccine. Four years later, in 1885, he experimented on a young boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog. The boy recovered. Going on from there, he proved that vaccination could help an animal to develop immunity to infecting bacteria.
Louis Pasteur’s discovery of the rabies vaccine had made him a star, and accolades, donations and rewards poured in even from political leaders like the Tsar of Russia and the Emperor of Brazil. The funds collected went to finance the Pasteur Institute, which was built in 1895. Pasteur died the very same year and was buried at the Institute.
He was the Father of Microbiology and Immunology.
Timeline....................
* 1822: Born in Arbois, France

* 1843: Begins his studies at the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris

* 1854: Becomes Dean of The Faculty of Science at the University of Lille

* 1857-65: Studies the fermentation process

* 1865-70: Studies pebrine, a disease affecting the silkworm

* 1877-1887: Pasteur employed the fundamentals of microbiology in the battle against infectious diseases. He went on to discover three bacteria responsible for human illnesses — staphylococcus, streptococcus and pneumococcus.

* 1881: Begins work on rabies disease and proves the effectiveness of the anthrax vaccine

* 1888: Becomes Director of the Pasteur Institute

* 1895: Dies. Pasteur Institute is completed

Why does our nose run?

Have you ever wondered why our noses run? Why do we constantly have to reach for a handkerchief when we catch a cold? Our noses run when we have a cold, cry or when it’s cold outside.
A cold is essentially a viral condition. When we catch a cold, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of our nose becomes irritated by this virus. The tissues of the membrane instinctively try to repair the damage done by the virus by increasing the production of water from the blood. They also increase the production of white blood cells, or leucocytes, that help to protect the body and actually attack the source of irritation. Further, the mucous that is produced by the membrane is continuously being moved towards the opening of the nose by the action of cilia, which are numerous tiny hairs present inside the nose. This is why our noses run when we catch a cold.
When we cry, the tears produced by the tear glands in the eyes overflow from the narrow tube that is connected to both the nose and the eyes. As a result our eyes water and our noses run. In this case the excess tears from our eyes flow out via the nose!
If you’re outside on a particularly cold day, you will notice that your nose begins to run. This is because the air in your nose is much warmer than the air outside and water droplets come together and condense. These drops mix with your mucus and run out of your nose!
Interesting ‘nose’ expressions
* When Raja decided he was not going to the party, he was just cutting off his nose to spite his face because he was the one who would lose out on having a good time (make things worse for yourself usually because you are angry).
* The teacher told Shalini that she had to keep her nose clean if she wanted to stay in school (stay out of trouble).
* He had been keeping his nose to the grindstone for three months because he wanted to do well in the board exams (work hard for a long period).
* Ram has managed to lead the principal by the nose ever since he got into senior school (persuade someone to do anything you want).
* Rita looks down her nose at people who she feels are not as clever as her (think of as worthless).
* My mother paid through the nose for a new car (pay too much). We hope these expressions will spur you on to look for many more such ones associated with the ‘nose’!

Improve Your Language

Here are some more commonly made grammatical mistakes.
a) Amount, number
Correct usage: You will require the right amount of money.I was surprised at the number of people that attended the gathering.
Point to remember: Use the word amount to refer to quantity and number for things that are countable.The most common mistake of this kind is to refer to an “amount” of people instead of a “number” of people.
MoreNote: The word “more” can be used either way: you can eat more food and also drink more juice.
***
b) Less, fewer
Point to remember: These are often confused because they both mean the opposite of more. But more has two meanings: Greater amount and greater numberLess means not as much Fewer means not as many
Correct usage: Sheila earns less (not as much) money for her work.Sheila sells fewer (not as many) products than Jatin. It’s the units of time and money which are treated as amounts: less than an hour, less than five rupees. Only when you are referring to specific coins or bills would you use fewer: “I have fewer than fifty stickers left to complete my collection.”Note: The use of the word lesser is incorrect. Please use less than…
c) An historic, a historic
You should use “an” before a word beginning with an “H” only if the “H” is not pronounced: An honest effort; it’s a historic event.And also, and, also‘And also’ is redundant; say just ‘and’ or ‘also.’
d) Anxious, Eager
Correct usage: I am very anxious about my sick mother.I am eager to receive my present.
Point to remember: Anxious has to do with worry while eager means looking forward to.
e) Any where, anywhere
‘Anywhere,’ like ‘somewhere’ and ‘nowhere,’ is always one word.
f) Apart, a part
Correct usage: Six months after they were married, Seema and Raja decided to live apart.Seema always claimed that Ravi would be a part of her life forever.
Point to remember: Apart (single word) implies separation while the two-word (a part) signifies union!

Learn about our National Symbols

Symbols are created to unite people using either a visual vocabulary, or by creating verbal representations of a nation’s goals, values or history. India, for example, is a country that is home to people with diverse backgrounds, religions, cultures and traditions. Binding all these together is our National Anthem and our National Flag. And this is what sets us apart from other nations and gives us a sense of individuality and pride in our motherland.
Symbols should be cherished and preserved by all of us for they are what makes us unique and what makes us proud to be Indian. Here are some facts on some of our other national symbols:
The national animal
The Tiger is symbolic of India’s wealth of wildlife. Its combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has contributed to making it our national animal. Sadly however, this magnificent beast is in danger of extinction today.
The national flower
The Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth and enlightenment. It occupies a unique place in our art and mythology and is held in the hands of numerous Gods and Goddesses. This is a flower that rises above the dark depths of the water to spread its beauty for everyone to see — therefore it is considered a symbol of triumph.
The lotus also symbolises purity of heart and mind.
The national bird
The Peacock is India’s national bird because it is symbolic of beauty, grace, pride and mysticism. Depicted in the company of Gods and Goddesses, the peacock is protected by a Parliamentary statute as well as under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The national fruit
The Mango, cultivated in India since time immemorial, is our national fruit. We have over 100 varieties of the fruit that come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. Our heritage is full of tales, songs and sketches of the mango tree. The poet Kalidasa sang its praises, Akbar was so taken up by the fruit that he planted a grove of mango trees. The mango tree is also as a symbol of life and is thus used in puja ceremonies or to decorate the doorways of homes. It heralds the season of spring and is considered the Creator’s blessing. And who can forget that the paisley takes its inspiration from the mango?
The national tree
The Banyan tree that towers over its counterparts and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees that in turn have the ability to give birth to new shoots, is our national tree. The Banyan, is capable of regenerating and is therefore thought of as immortal. Old pictures depict our sages sitting under the shade of this leafy tree holding their councils and meetings. It is not surprising therefore, that this is one of our national symbols.

Answer This Question?

Who do you think are the 3 most important people in the world today?
*The three most important people in the world today are the soldier, the doctor and the farmer. Soldiers are fighters who protect our country.
They are ready to die for their country so that we live in peace and dignity. Doctors too lead a stressful life spending all their time in treating us. Farmers feed us.
They are the very soul of our country. That is why the late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave us the slogan: Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
(Dheeraj V. JessaniSt Stanislaus High School .Mumbai)

*To me, the three most important people in the world are mother, teacher and friend.God exists but cannot be present physically every where. A mother takes care of her young ones even at the cost of her life. She is a child’s constant companion — feeding, clothing, teaching and nurturing. We owe our existence to our mother. Next comes the teacher who gives us knowledge which helps us succeed in life. Thirdly, a true friend who you can depend on is a priceless possession.
(Maranatha Edwin,Delhi Public School)

Today’s inspiration

The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourself.LIVE while you are alive.

In the blink of an eye

Have you ever wondered why you blink your eyes? If you haven’t, here’s some food for thought. Blinking our eyes automatically supplies them with moisture. In fact, blinking acts like oil would if used on dry skin. Blinking is so fast that the motion does not impair our vision. It lasts only one tenth of a second — all the time needed to clear away those dust particles and to spread lubricating fluids across the eyeball.
Amazing isn’t it? Think about it. One blink later and your eyes are moistened! Our eyelids can be likened to "wind-shield wipers." Their rims are lined with 20-30 sebaceous, oil-producing glands, which are located between our eyelashes, and are invisible to the naked eye. Our eyelids draw on a fluid from the tear duct over our eyeballs to moisturise our eyes. This same fluid flows copiously when we cry.
But apart from keeping our eyes from drying out, blinking also helps to keep the foreign bodies out. Blinking also keeps your eyes safe from situations where you have to confront harsh, bright lights. Blinking causes our eyelids to lower and with this motion our eyelashes serve as dust-catchers. If you look at the camel, for example, you will find that it has huge, thick curly eyelashes. That’s because the camel, also known as the Ship of the Desert, needs protection against the frequent dust storms that it may encounter on its journey through the desert.
And last but not least if you’ve ever wondered why the world around you does not go dark every time you blink, scientists have discovered that the human brain ignores what it perceives to be a momentary blackout.
And now for some interesting expressions associated with the eyes:
* Shalini is the ‘apple of her father’s eye’ (a cherished person).
* My mother did not ‘bat an eyelash’ when we told her we were going to be home late (show surprise).
* We couldn’t ‘believe our eyes’ when we saw our teacher at the party (believe what one sees).
* I tried to ‘catch Anil’s eye’ at the party but he did not see me (attract one’s attention).
* His ‘eyes were bigger than his stomach’ when he went to the restaurant and ordered too much food (take more than what you can eat).
* The teacher has ‘eyes in the back of her head’ and always knows what is going on in the classroom (ability to know what happens when one’s back is turned).
There are many more ‘eye’ idioms like these. Why don’t you see how many you know?

Improve Your Language

Everyone has the right to express him/herself in any way they choose. However, if you do wish to communicate effectively, you must use the right words and in the right context. Here is a rough guide to help you navigate your way through the English language maze.
Common grammatical errors
1 .Accept, except
Correct usage:
* Usha and Ravi accepted my invitation to dinner.
* Everyone went out to dinner except me.Point to remember: Accept is a verb while except is a preposition.
2 .Advice, advise
Correct usage:
* Ravi’s advice was invaluable.
* I was advised to buy a better guidebook.
Point to remember: Advice is a noun while advise is a verb.
3. Affect, effect
Correct usage:
* My mother told me that pollution affects everyone.
* However the word will change when you say ‘The effects of pollution include diseases like asthma.’
* Similarly, ‘Your anger does not affect me.’ But the word changes when you say ‘Your anger has no effect on me.’
Point to remember: Affect is a verb which means to influence; to attack or infect, as a disease, to act on the emotions of; touch or move. Effect could be either a noun or a verb. The verb means to cause; to happen; while the noun means the result.
4 .Almost, most
Correct usage:
* Almost all the dinner I cooked was eaten.
* Most of us are studying hard these days.
Point to remember: Almost is an adverb while most is used to modify a noun and is used to form the superlative.
5 .Already, all ready
Correct usage:
* The paper had already begun by the time we reached the examination hall.
* Ravi, Seema and I were all ready for the examination.
Point to remember: Already means ‘before the specified time’ while all ready means ‘completely prepared.’
6. Altogether, all together
Correct usage:
* The thought of another tsunami is altogether too scary.
* Ravi, Seema and I were all together in the park.
Point to remember: Altogether means ‘completely, thoroughly’ while all together means ‘in a group.’

A timetable to cope with Boards

With the board exams knocking at the door, here are some valuable thoughts on how you can deal with stress. Experts say that over 80 per cent of students report significant exam anxiety before their papers. This at least means you are not alone!It is important for you to understand what you are feeling and learn to handle your fears in a constructive manner. Never feel swamped or overwhelmed by fear. Here are some suggestions that’ll help you to de-stress.
Learn to relax: All you need is 10 minutes of free time. This will help you unwind.
Focus right: Close your eyes and focus on your body. Think about your toes. How do they feel? Are your shoes comfortable? If not take them off. Now go upwards and concentrate on your legs. Are you sitting in the right position? Are you relaxed? Work your way up your body. If some part of it is aching, adjust your position. Soon you will find yourself feeling almost liquid. No more tense spots and no more worries.
Use your imagination: Shut your eyes and visualise yourself in the midst of a serene scene. Choose the setting of your choice and fantasise about it. Get into your fantasy. This is an excellent relaxer.
Play some music: Listen to your favourite music. No heavy rock or metal please! Something that really soothes the soul. “Music has the ability to soothe and calm, so you're bound to be less tense afterwards,” says Dr. Yatish Agrawal, National Consultant to the WHO.
Set routines: “Set a routine for yourself. A routine always keeps thoughts at bay and gives you a sense of control over your fears,” says counsellor, Pravin Kumar, adding, “use positive suggestions and statements.” If it’s revision-related: Here are some tips.
* Make a realistic revision timetable and stick to it.
* Revision should never be left to the last day.
* Suppose you are revising something you've never been good at. You don't really like the subject at all. What you should do in this case is to set a period of about one hour of intense study. Then take a one hour break. Then go back to it and take another break and so on.
* Underline passages of importance. Make notes. And try to practice your answers by writing them down. Writing always helps you retain things better. Many students study all night and day. This is really not such a good idea.
* Plan well ahead of the boards. Now is a good time. Make a tentative list of the number of days you would require in total after you have allotted days to each subject. Now write out a rough schedule with free days in between each subject to cater to any thing that may come up unexpectedly (you may have given yourself 4 days for Biology but you actually need five and so on).
* Do schedule your map work, diagrams etc into your work sheet. Remember maps can bring you 100 per cent marks. That is, if a map question carries 8 marks and you get everything right — that's 8 marks added to your total.
* Go to bed at a reasonable hour to get enough sleep. Being too tired will slow down your revision and not help your exam chances.
* Do a few sample papers.
* And finally, never study for hours on end. More than three hours of study must be broken up with at least half an hour of free time. “And if stress is still bothering you. Talk to a friend, your teacher, parent or even a helpline,” advises Kumar.

Winters mean sleep time

Have you ever wondered how animals spend the winter? Did you know that some sleep the whole winter away? While we spend time in houses that are warmed either by central heating or good old heaters, animals have no such luck — expect of course if they are house pets. Animals do many different, amazing things to get through the winter. Some of them migrate, others adapt and some hibernate. Today, we will take a look at what hibernation is about.
Hibernation is a very deep sleep that some animals, like bears, go into all through winter. During this period they need little or no food as this deep sleep allows them to conserve energy, and survive the winter. Most animals therefore, prepare for this period by storing food in their burrows or dens to eat when they wake up for short periods. Others stuff themselves with extra food while it is available in plenty.
Hibernators appear almost dead. Their body temperature drops and their breathing and heart beat slow down significantly. For example, a hibernating land beaver’s heart rate slows from 80 to 4 beats per minute, and its temperature drops from 980F to as low as 380F. Of course some animals do not experience major changes in temperature, heart rate and breathing. Animals such as skunks, raccoons and some chipmunks are light sleepers and thus, easily awakened. They may sleep during the most severe weather and wake up to eat during milder weather.
The largest hibernators are the bears. Their temperature drops slightly so that they awaken more easily. The grizzly or black bear, for example, is unique because it does not eat, drink, or excrete at all while hibernating, which can be as long as six months! Scientists have been wondering how animals know it is time to hibernate. But what is known is that animals that hibernate have something in their blood called HIT, or Hibernation Inducement Trigger.
Animals that hibernate
* Bears and chipmunks
* Frogs, snakes and even some bugs
* The jumping mouse, little brown bat, the eastern chipmunk, and some species of ground squirrels.

Create a paper-bag puppet owl

What you need
* Brown paper bag
* Brown construction paper
* Scissors
* Craft glue
* Orange, yellow and black craft foam
* One black chenille stem
* Black marker
What to do
1. Lay the bag flat, with the flap side up.
2. Measure the width and depth of the bag flap. Then, cut a rectangle of brown construction paper that same size. Cut rectangle shape into a triangle shape and glue onto the bag as shown.
3. Cut two brown construction paper triangles about 2 inches tall for the ears. Glue the bottom of the ears to the back of the bag as shown.
4. Cut out two yellow foam circles for the eyes, about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Cut two black foam circles for the pupils about ½ inch in diameter. Glue the pupils onto the yellow circles.
6. Glue the eyes to the center of the bag.
7. Cut two 1 inch chenille stem pieces and glue on as eyebrows.
8. Cut the beak from orange foam. (We made ours a diamond or kite shape about 2 inches long.)9. Glue only the top part of the beak onto the head, with half the beak coming over the flap.
10. Cut two three-toed feet out of orange foam. Cut one piece first and use that piece as a pattern for the second.
11. Cut three black foam claws for each foot. Glue the claws onto the feet; glue the feet onto the paper bag as shown.
12. Cut an oval shape of the brown construction paper and glue it to the belly.
13. To make a wing, trace around your hand on the brown construction paper. Repeat this for the second wing and cut out both pieces. Glue the edge of each wing to the back of the bag as shown.When you’re not using your owl puppet, you can place the owl over a plastic bottle to display.

Increase your vocabulary

1. Executive
2. Unnatural
3. Subsequent
4. International
5. Contract
6. Attractive
7. Consequence
8. Good-natured
9. Pursuit
10. Retraction
11. Portrait
12. Nativity
Match the twelve definitions below to the vocabulary words on the left
a. Contrary to the laws and course of forces; at variance with what is normal and expected
b. Having or showing a pleasant, kindly, agreeable disposition; amiable
c. The state of being born, esp. with reference to the place of being produced
d. Between or among countries; pertaining to two or more countries or their citizens
e. A painting, photograph or other likeness of a person, esp. one showing the face
f. Providing pleasure or delight, esp. in appearance; charming; alluring, arousing interest
g. To draw together; to settle or establish by agreement; to restrict; to shorten
h. Withdrawal of an opinion, statement or promise as inaccurate or unjustified
i. Person or group having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization
j. Act of following in order to overtake; effort to secure or attain; quest
k. Effect, result or outcome of something occurring earlier; conclusion reached
l. Occurring or coming later or after; following in order of succession

Answers: 1 - i; 2 - A; 3 - L; 4 - D; 5 - G; 6 - F; 7 - K; 8 - B; 9 - J; 10 - H; 11 - E; 12 - C

Catching food spider style

Navigating a sticky trap
Because a spider has only two body segments, it is technically not an insect. In fact, spiders love to eat insects. To catch food, some spiders use special glands to create silken threads and build a web, a task that’s usually done at night and can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Some, but not all, of the silky strands are sticky and serve to entangle prey. If you’re wondering why spiders don’t get caught in their own webs, it’s because they tend to remember which strands are which, and just to be safe, they coat their legs with an oily substance that keeps them from sticking.