Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. One of the biggest challenges in fighting cancer is detecting it early, before it has a chance to spread and become more difficult to treat. While many diagnostic tools exist, some of the most promising new methods involve using animals to detect the presence of cancer.

You may have heard of dogs being trained to sniff out cancer. But did you know that other animals, including worms and ants, can also be trained to detect the markers of cancer?

So what does cancer smell like, exactly? Scientists have discovered that cancer cells produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have a unique odor. By training animals to detect these VOCs, researchers hope to develop new diagnostic tools that can detect cancer in its early stages.

Dogs are perhaps the most well-known cancer detectors. Studies have shown that they can detect lung, breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer with a high degree of accuracy. Trained dogs have been able to identify cancer cells with 98% accuracy in some cases.

But dogs aren't the only animals with a nose for cancer.

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where organisms emit light, creating a stunning and mystical display. Bioluminescence has been observed in various marine animals, including jellyfish, fish, and squid. However, bioluminescence in terrestrial organisms, such as mushrooms, had long been a mystery.

In 2015, a team of researchers at IPBio, led by Brazilian scientist Cassius Stevani, discovered the reason behind the bioluminescence in mushrooms. The team found that bioluminescent mushrooms emit cold visible light to attract insects and spiders that help spread their spores throughout the forest. The discovery is groundbreaking, as it helps us understand the unique mechanisms by which bioluminescent mushrooms interact with their environment.

Bioluminescent mushrooms are not only fascinating but also have potential medical and ecological benefits. The light emitted by bioluminescent mushrooms is cold, meaning it does not emit heat. This characteristic makes them a possible alternative to traditional lighting systems, reducing energy consumption and decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases.

Traveling for wellness has become increasingly popular in recent years as people recognize the benefits it offers for their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Whether it's a solo trip, a group retreat, or a wellness-focused vacation, travel can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life and help us reset and recharge.

Here are some of the ways that travel can benefit our overall well-being:

1. Mental Health: Travel can have a positive impact on our mental health by reducing stress levels, improving mood, and increasing creativity. Taking a break from our daily routine and exploring new places can stimulate our minds and provide a sense of excitement and adventure.

2. Physical Health: Traveling can also have physical health benefits, especially if it involves activities such as hiking, yoga, or other physical exercise.

During my recent stay at an Airbnb, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful houseplants that adorned the space. It wasn't until later that I realized these plants were actually fake, but that didn't diminish their impact on my mood. Despite being artificial, these plants still managed to evoke feelings of happiness and joy every time I looked at them.

In recent years, fake plants have become an increasingly popular choice for home and office décor. While some may view them as a less-than-ideal substitute for real plants, there are actually many positive effects that fake plants can have on the brain.

First and foremost, the presence of plants – even fake ones – can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that simply looking at plants can have a calming effect on the mind, and can even lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety levels. This is why many hospitals and other healthcare facilities have begun incorporating greenery into their interiors.

FUN QUIZ: What's Your Dosha Type?

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, recognizes three fundamental energies that govern our physical and mental processes: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energies, or doshas, are present in everyone, but in different proportions. Take this 10 questions quiz to discover your dominant dosha type and learn how to balance your mind and body.

1. What is your body type?

a. Thin, light, and bony b. Medium build, muscular, and athletic c. Heavyset, curvy, and well-proportioned

2. How is your digestion?

a. Irregular, with bloating and gas b. Strong, with a tendency towards acidity and heartburn c. Slow, with a tendency towards heaviness and constipation

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. This holistic approach to healthcare emphasizes the importance of achieving harmony in the mind, body and spirit to prevent disease and promote optimal health. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine for preventative care and how it can help you achieve harmony in your life.

Principles of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the concept of three doshas, or energies, that govern the body and mind: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which determines their physical and mental characteristics. When the doshas are in balance, a person is healthy and free from disease. However, when the doshas are out of balance, illness and disease can occur.

Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of techniques to restore balance and prevent disease, including diet and nutrition, herbal remedies, meditation, and yoga. By identifying a person's dosha type and making lifestyle adjustments to support that type, Ayurvedic medicine aims to promote health and well-being and prevent disease before it occurs.

Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are a type of whole grain oatmeal that has been minimally processed. Unlike other types of oats, steel cut oats are made by cutting the whole oat groat into small pieces using steel blades. This unique processing method gives steel cut oats a distinct, chewy texture that many people find appealing. But did you know that steel cut oats also have a number of health benefits that make them an excellent choice for breakfast?

One of the main benefits of steel cut oats is their high fiber content. Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps keep our digestive system running smoothly. In particular, fiber helps to promote healthy bowel movements and can prevent constipation. Steel cut oats are also a good source of protein, with one cup of cooked steel cut oats containing about 5 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, and it can also help to keep us feeling full and satisfied for longer.

Another benefit of steel cut oats is that they have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, which can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue. Steel cut oats have a low glycemic index, which means that they release sugar into the bloodstream more slowly and steadily. This can help to prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for people with diabetes.

To incorporate steel cut oats into your diet, try making a warm and hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

When we feel our best, we perform our best! Did you know workplace stress can lead to burnout? Chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed leads to an occupational phenomenon called burnout. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome that is characterized by exhaustion, increased negative thoughts and feelings, and lack of productivity in the work place. Whether you are going into work or working from home, the COVID-19 pandemic has probably changed the way you work. How you cope with stress can affect your well-being, family and workplace. To fix and avoid burnout you have to know what triggers your stress. Life is too short to be suffering through burnout. Here are some tips that can help with identifying burnout.

Whether you breastfeed for 2 days or 2 years, I applaud you. Breastfeeding is WORK! It is sacrificing, time consuming, and can be exhausting YET it is nourishing, beautiful, joyful, fulfilling and life changing! Here are some breastfeeding encouragement tips to support any mama or soon to be mama that would like to breastfeed.

1. Remind yourself of the benefits of breastfeeding! It is liquid gold! A nutritious and complete meal for babies. It protects babies from so many infections and diseases like obesity, and diabetes. It also helps babies go to sleep and lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancers in mothers.

2. Breastfeeding WILL get easier! The beginning is the worst. Don’t give up.

3. Use nursing props! Nursing pillows and silver nipple cups are great for comfort.

4. Find support from fellow breastfeeding mommies. Support is key to success and it will build your confidence which helps a lot on this journey!

5. Remember you are your baby’s #1 caregiver, you must keep yourself happy and hydrated to stay stress-free. These hormones are no joke! Whatever you are feeling goes straight to your baby when you are breastfeeding. Therefore, most importantly do what makes you happy because mama knows best!