#hepatotoxin

[harlequinoccult]

OK FOUR HOST QUESTIONS BECAUSE I LOVE THEM, UR HONOR <3

1, because the host presumably knows our names, faces, locations, everything, are they going to/would they use that for blackmail in the future?

2, since the host's initials are listed as M.M., does their first name change depending on their gender, or nah?

3, how much knowledge do they have about, I dunno, corrosive chemicals? because of the whole 'if they were gonna kill somebody, there would be no body left behind' thing :D just wondering!!! for science!!! (my two leading theories about that tidbit are chemicals and cannibalism, anyways, so)

4, would they be chill with isopods? I love them a lot, they're very dear to me :]

Ok that's all!!! I love your story so, so much and I reread it often!! I think all of your characters are really interesting, dynamic and unique and I think your writing is phenomenal :) you inspire me a lot!!! I hope you have a lovely day/night/whenever!!! ❤️❤️❤️

:)

The name does not change

A Totally And Completely Normal Amount Of Knowledge. Everyone knows about Necrotoxins, Neurotoxins, Hemotoxins, Hepatotoxins- This is Completely Normal Behavior.

They'd be curious about giant isopods, but not the kinds that are parasites

[helperhome]

Cinnamon

Are there medicinal benefits to the delicious spice that is cinnamon?

YES!!!

Turns out, not only does cinnamon add a warm coziness to whatever recipe it is added to, but it's also FULL of health benefits!

Some of the benefits of consuming cinnamon are: (according to the National Library of Medicine) anti-inflammatory, antitermitic, nematicidal, mosquito larvicidal, insecticidal, antimycotic, and anticancer properties! Among those, there are other uses as well including oral uses for tooth treatment and aiding bad breath.

LINK FOR MORE: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/#:~:text=Cinnamon%20has%20been%20used%20as,agent%20%5B44%E2%80%9347%5D.

The link above goes into detail on the chemical breakdown and the benefits of cinnamon when ingested, but there are more uses beyond that!

Here's another link with some useful and interesting information as well:

https://flusterbuster.com/cinnamon-uses.html

The above article breaks down the uses of cinnamon in other areas of our lives from cosmetic uses to other miscellaneous uses as well. One bonus use that I swear by is simply sprinkling a fine layer of cinnamon in your house plant containers. If you do this and mix the cinnamon into the top inch of the soil, it will prevent pests from laying their eggs in the soil. Fungus gnats (for example) are a common pest if you have a number of container plants in the home, and by doing this you will drastically decrease the probability of having an infestation. Something to keep in mind, however, is that cinnamon is hydrophobic - meaning it doesn't like to tango with water. Because of this, if you sprinkle a layer of cinnamon on top of the soil and fail to mix it in, it will repel the water you're trying to give your plants. This is why it is best to sprinkle a layer over the top of dry soil and then use a stick or perhaps your finger to lightly till the top inch of the soil. Doing this will not only allow the cinnamon to disperse throughout the layers of your soil, but it also aerates the soil, making water absorption easier on the plant!

WARNING: According to an article published by Nutrisense, it is not a good idea to consume large amounts of cinnamon per day. This is because of coumarin, a toxin that has the ability to damage the liver (a.k.a. hepatotoxin). You would have to consume large quantities of this on a daily basis to sustain any liver damage, but it is always best to consume things in moderation.

Link:

https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/benefits-of-cinnamon-tea#:~:text=While%20cinnamon%20tea%20can%20be,or%20toxic%20to%20the%20liver.

[soysaucevictim]

New chubbyemu video just dropped and oh man was it brutal.

In which I learned the medical colloquialism of "nutmeg liver" and that shit's gnarly. Not a result of nutmeg consumption per se - just a description of a certain kind of liver failure state and the color/texture of the tissue in [more-or-less] gross anatomy.

The showcased poison of the day was NDMA. It's an extremely potent hepatotoxin and carcinogen.

If this "Jason" guy eased up on the dosage and AC coasted along after the malicious poisoning event... guy might've died of some kind of cancer, none the wiser.

Apparently this was inspired by a case in China between med school students. Don't know the legal side of things there (and Dr. Bernard tends to mix different case reports' details to tell a story and educate while doing it.) But this is making me think abt how an assault/battery charge can escalate to manslaughter/murder if the person dies of complications of the initial event - even YEARS later.

(For example... If you render someone a quadriplegic driving recklessly or under the influence - there's going to be criminal charges to that effect to expect. But if your victim dies of any number of issues that this condition presents - you can still be held responsible. There's no statute of limitations on murder.)

[scienceoftheidiot]

Rappel annuel : NE LAISSEZ PAS VOS ANIMAUX BOIRE DANS LES FLAQUES, LES ETANGS, LACS ET RIVIÈRES

Regardez les étangs ouverts ou fermés dans votre région, et ne passez pas outre les fermetures pour vous baigner.

Les cyanobactéries peuvent produire des dermatotoxines, hepatotoxines, et neurotoxines.

Au mieux vous allez vous taper une sale dermatite ou une espèce de grosse gastro, ce qui est fréquent et mal déclaré/mal relié aux pollutions cyano

Au pire vous serez un des premiers cas de mortalité directe enregistrée au monde (on oublie les transfusés du Brésil parce que faire une dialyse avec de l'eau contaminée c'est pas non plus la meilleure idée du monde).

Et je dis bien enregistrée parce que y'a quand même de forts soupçons que des cas existent mais sont trop rarement reliés à une exposition à des cyanotoxines.

[sushainwellness]

Himalaya Liv 52 tablets are herbal supplements formulated to promote liver health and function. With a blend of natural ingredients, it's believed to offer hepatoprotective and detoxifying effects, aiding in liver cell protection and detox processes. It's commonly used to enhance appetite, digestion, and overall liver wellness, but medical consultation is advised before use, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or taking medications.

[dantasunt]

Why You Need To Be Serious About Liv Pure Ingredients

A normal liver organ is vital to obtain a superior fat burning capacity, which is why Liv Pure is made. All the supplement is manufactured with a combined things that optimise the function with the the liver in addition to manage slimming by the body processes. It may also support ending excess fat solar cells in addition to aiding fat burning. Liv Pure is constructed from natural ingredients which can be away from GMOs, soya, in addition to milk. It is usually produced a fabulous GMP-certified area together with is run through third-party check ups. It is leaders claim that this method was basically determined using a study in which located the url between ailing liver health insurance and fat burning. Several overweight people now have toxin-filled livers, that will make it problematical in losing weight and continue the metabolism operational ordinarily. A dietary supplement features only two processes which often street address these complaints: person to detoxify typically the poorly liver and another to display fat-burning during the the liver. People who ought to fully understand Liv Pure ingredients, they will likely click here.

The 1st could well be containing sylimarin, an important part of whole thistle this safeguards your lean meats via damaging free-radicals. What's more, it provides anti-inflammatory not to mention antioxidants which could increase issue with the the liver. Typically the health supplement also may include genistein, which usually stimulates producing serotonin together with dopamine, growth hormone which just control emotional state together with improve motivation plus joy grades. It may also help avoid destructive dietary habits because of strain and also other emotions. That additive may also be found in coffee leaves as well as being deemed an efficient fat-burning dealer. It is used by inhibiting enzymatic methods which will keep the assimilation with excess fat, as stated by the designing patterns from historical with Liv Pure. Further, it cuts down on variety of sweets this is digested through the body, that is certainly necessary for retaining a standard energy. People who have anticipation to learn about Liv Pure side effects in addition to information can seem to be unengaged to visit here.

Other sorts of products inside the health supplement include choline, which is certainly some sort of amino which usually increases immune system which helps break up lipids for electrical power. It can also be called by reduced ldl cholesterol levels and also improves core overall health. Furthermore, reveratrol is an antioxidising that is definitely known to cause enterprise heart related illnesses danger and then mental turn down.

Cost-free problematic contains betaine, that is able to improve fat-metabolising nutrients and increase liver-cleansing tasks. Remember that give protection to your failing liver towards hepatotoxins and even assist sulfur amino acid rate of metabolism. Now, molybdenum is a vital mineral to assist during the purification of this renal system. It is recommended to acquire a few tablets within the product day-to-day using normal water for perfect outcomes. It can go persistently for three to 5 a long time. It's customers contain claimed available lost excess weight and get a lot more electrical power upon worth spending supplementation. Some even found necessary final result within a few weeks of normal take advantage of, while other companies began in order to six several weeks previous to people established his / her end goal.

The maker for the unit features a warranty for you to anyone is absolutely not very pleased with their own purchase. This company also has email address and speak to support to help consumers with questions or maybe concerns they have got. Additionally, they brandish to join service where visitors can receive typically the supplements at their doorstep month to month.

[neardiss]

Why You Need To Be Serious About Liv Pure Ingredients

Often the Liv Pure is often a herbal supplement that may targets on the fundamental source of morbid obesity not to mention overweight ? imbalanced renal system operations. It really is natural and organic solution maximizes the very renal system?erinarians a detox perform in addition to markets well-balanced the metabolic process. It also helps maximize weight-loss and values. These boost includes all-natural list of ingredients in addition to tested dosages. It's not made of stimuli coupled with addiction-causing particles. It is often created in conformity keeping the vehicle safe ideals combined with also has a money-back warrant when it comes to Two months. That heallth supplements have actually been researched and licensed with free laboratories. They can indeed be earned in an important GMP-certified center that retains sanitary circumstances past the needed levels. All of the capsules are free via GMO, milk, and also scented soy. They have also been free by way of chemical substances and then additives. Besides that, this product is without question gluten-free, rendering it safe and secure pertaining to non-meat eaters and vegetarians. This company gives the trial with their solutions for new purchasers.

This amazing weight loss offers the pursuing constituents: EGCG: Any herb out of Camellia sinensis contains level of caffeine and also ECGC natural elements that were tested to compliment fat-burning. Experts agree it is proven to hold back the organization of recent fats tissues plus impression abdomen vegetation to manipulate weight calorie burning. It assists to expand energy production because of curbing that overview of glycogen and also improving the metabolization involved with saturated fats. Whole milk thistle: This approach root contains silymarin, which can be methodically which can drive back age-related cognitive diminish not to mention enrich hardworking liver cell rejuvination. It's also shown to have got anti-inflammatory buildings together with improve stages deal with by way of cutting down triglyceride ranges. An enormous soothe strain, give a boost to get to sleep top notch, and increase total health. Betaine: The very concentrate away from beetroots has the compound betaine, which will help clear the bodies cells along with retain the hardworking liver?s metabolism activities. It force away hepatotoxins, supercharge pounds energy, and even stimulate aims of recent panels inside of the lean meats. Get the hang of for this Liv Pure side effects around the weblink.

Producer?ohydrates homepage states that the following herbal supplement may be medically read along with beneficial for the treatment of exceedingly overweight or chubby. It provides a mixture of herbs as well substances that concentration on the real cause relating to excessive fat. If the online users make use of this website online, they can get information about Liv Pure ingredients. It is usually packaged only using genuine, clinically proven products it's stated in a great FDA-registered premises. It has been established to be safe for much grown-ups as well as being exempt from allergens. Although, it is recommended visit a dr . before taking in the items for the purpose of expectant mothers, newborn mom, youths within 16, or the ones having tough solutions. The web page moreover claims they are freed from man-made elements as well as components, allowing it to be a much safer selection for nearly everybody. Moreover it is known for a one-time expense procedure that is protected or privacy-protected. You don't have auto-billing or perhaps automated charges, and you're able to have a tax refund having to pay delighted by the item. On the other hand, will not be any covered charges and / or transporting payments. End users have given positive reviews in the product. They provide described being inspired together with sleeker soon after getting the application. They have also claimed living with not as much strong desires and a lowered desires for food. Some users have lost nearly Thirteen kilo in only a few weeks. Anybody can visit the blog to have accomplish remarks in relation to Liv Pure ingredients.

[drananthakumarthillainathan]

Suspected Medication-Induced Liver Damage and Its Management

Suspected Drug-induced Liver Injury (SILI) is a clinical and pathological characteristic that is uncommon. It can be difficult to diagnose unless the offending drug is stopped quickly and liver enzymes return to normal to confirm the diagnosis.

Suspected drug-induced liver injury is a life-threatening illness requiring prompt supportive care and referral to a liver transplantation unit if symptoms worsen or liver function tests improve. However, no test accurately predicts whether or not a patient is at risk for acute liver failure (ALF).

The diagnosis of suspected drug-induced liver injury is largely dependent on the exclusion of alternative causes of liver injury, the clinical course of the underlying condition, and the monitoring of liver function test results after the offending drug has been discontinued. This is a time-intensive procedure.

The majority of DILI is defined by a hepatocellular-like condition, while cholestatic and mixed forms also exist. These "phenotypes" can be distinguished by the ratio of elevated alanine aminotransferase to alkaline phosphatase (ALT/ALP) readings, expressed as multiples of the upper limit of normal or reference range (R value). A R value more than five implies hepatocellular injury; two, cholestatic injury; two to five, mixed-type injury.

Suspected Drug-induced Liver Impairment (DILI) is a significant contributor to clinically severe liver injury. This can range from a moderate, transitory, asymptomatic increase of ALT and AST to severe liver failure or even death. The treatment of suspected DILI depends on the drug's chemical composition and its effect on the liver. If the medicine is hepatotoxic, doctors should stop administering it and give the patient with supportive treatment.

In a limited proportion of individuals without cholestasis, the presence of hepatic damage (aminotransferase increase) and/or jaundice is the most specific indicator of a drug's risk for severe hepatotoxicity. This observation, known as Hy's Law, is a strong indicator of a possible risk for serious liver injury. However, it is unclear if this result would be valid if other factors affected the underlying incidence of serious liver damage.

Drug-induced liver damage (DILI) is a rare and difficult condition. It can mimic a range of hepatic disorders, and there are few biomarkers that can aid in its identification. Most instances are modest and asymptomatic. A handful of these patients may experience a more severe form of liver impairment, requiring quick withdrawal of the offending medicine and referral to a liver transplantation program if the patient's condition worsens.

In order to evaluate the efficacy of risk management strategies aimed to reduce or eliminate the risk, it is crucial to track the incidence of serious liver injury caused by a new medicine. This necessitates prospective observation of the drug-exposed population in order to discover all cases of severe hepatotoxicity and establish accurate incidence rates.

Drug-induced liver damage (DILI) must be handled with prudence. It is the most typical reason for drug market withdrawals [20, 25]. The liver should be treated and monitored until its function has restored to normal or to its baseline level. The patient should disclose the outcomes of the hepatitis assessment, any blood tests, and their whole clinical history.

It is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the liver injury in order to differentiate between various causes. This may include hepatitis A, B, or C; viral or autoimmune hepatitis; concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications or hepatotoxins; biliary tract disorders; circulatory issues such as hypotension or right heart congestive failure; and other nondrug reasons such as steatosis or obesity.

[tom-at-the-farm]

are there any mushrooms that when you see them you think ''i wanna eat you'' whether edible or evil?

Anon I'm not sure I approve of the edible/evil binary, hilarious though it is! Some mushrooms just happen to pack enough hepatotoxins in half a cap to take out an entire village, they're beautiful in their way 'cause God makes no mistakes

Probably chanterelles and wood blewits, though, which happily are very much edible. They just look so chewy

[mylucky137276]

Birth control pills could impair women's ability to recognise emotion

Despite the widespread use of oral contraceptives (OCPs) by women, many are not aware that it may impair their ability to recognise others' emotional expressions, which may have serious consequences in interpersonal contexts, suggests a new study.

The study showed that healthy women who use birth control pills are poorer judges of subtle facial expressions than non-users.

"More than 100 million women worldwide use oral contraceptives, but remarkably little is known about their effects on emotion, cognition and behaviour," said senior author Alexander Lischke from the University of Greifswald in Germany.

"However, coincidental findings suggest that oral contraceptives impair the ability to recognise emotional expressions of others which could affect the way users initiate and maintain intimate relationships," said Lischke.

To investigate the effects of OCPs on women's emotion recognition, the researchers administered a special emotion recognition task to two similar groups of healthy women: 42 OCP users and 53 non-users.

The findings, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, showed that OCP users were nearly 10 per cent less accurate on average than non-users in deciphering the most enigmatic emotional expressions.

Though the groups were equally good at recognising easy expressions, the OCP users were less likely to correctly identify difficult expressions, results showed.

The effect held for both positive and negative expressions, and regardless of the type of OCP or the menstrual cycle phase of non-users. Readmore

[sharmaheena850]

Birth control pills could impair women's ability to recognise emotion

Despite the widespread use of oral contraceptives (OCPs) by women, many are not aware that it may impair their ability to recognise others' emotional expressions, which may have serious consequences in interpersonal contexts, suggests a new study.

The study showed that healthy women who use birth control pills are poorer judges of subtle facial expressions than non-users.

"More than 100 million women worldwide use oral contraceptives, but remarkably little is known about their effects on emotion, cognition and behaviour," said senior author Alexander Lischke from the University of Greifswald in Germany.

"However, coincidental findings suggest that oral contraceptives impair the ability to recognise emotional expressions of others which could affect the way users initiate and maintain intimate relationships," said Lischke.

To investigate the effects of OCPs on women's emotion recognition, the researchers administered a special emotion recognition task to two similar groups of healthy women: 42 OCP users and 53 non-users. Read More

Article Source -> Business Standard

[siglerprescriptiondrugcards]

Spirulina

Scientific Names: Microcystis aeruginosa, M. wesenbergii, and other Microcystis species, Spirulina maxima, S. platensis, and other Spirulina species; Anabaena species; Lyngbya wollei; Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Other Common Names: AFA, BGA, blue green algae, cyanobacteria, Klamath blue/green algae Overall Safety: 😐

Therapeutic Efficacy and Considerations:

Bronchial Asthma: 🙁 The one small trial conducted demonstrated no difference from placebo. Spirulina is not recommended for this indication.

Oral Leukoplakia: 😊 Due to spirulina’s high carotenoids (found to have benefit in healing precancerous lesions) content, a trial examined efficacy of S. fusiformis for treatment of leukopenia and demonstrated complete regression of homogenous lesions in 57% of patients. Because this precancerous condition requires close monitoring and treatment, it is recommended that spirulina not be used as monotherapy, but only as an adjunct to conventional treatments under a healthcare provider’s supervision. Dose: no more than 1 gm/day.

Kidney Disease-Associated Hyperlipidemia: 😐 Although preliminary evidence demonstrates that spirulina may have effects to lower cholesterol in patients with patients with kidney disease, at this time evidence is not sufficient to recommend use for this indication. Dose: 1-5 gm per day.

Hyperlipidemia and Hyperglycemia Associated with Type II Diabetes: 😐 Small, preliminary trials demonstrate that spirulina may have benefit in lowering cholesterol and fasting blood sugar. At this time, evidence is not sufficient to recommend use. Dose: no more than 1 gm BID.

Note: In general, although in vitro and preliminary tests have found many beneficial activities, spirulina can, with the possible exception of prevention of leukopenia progression, be considered to be a very expensive source of trace minerals. Patients who wish to take spirulina because of its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, should be directed toward less expensive sources, such as evening primrose oil.

Chemistry/Pharmacology: Spirulina has high concentrations of B vitamins and vitamin B analogs, approximately 60-70% crude protein, vitamin A, carotenoids, iron, 25-30% gamma-linolenic acid, phenylalanine, and many trace minerals. The B vitamins in spirulina are thought to be analogs of vitamin B12, but are nutritionally insignificant and probably not bioactive. The iron in spirulina has high bioavailability: as much as 1.5-2 mg of iron can be absorbed from 10 grams of spirulina. The phenylalanine content is thought to reduce appetite and cause weight loss, although an FDA review found no data to support a claim for weight loss. One study has shown increased excretion of stored arsenic when used with zinc. Constituents of spirulina have been found to have anti-inflammatory actions, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects, antiplatelet actions, and lipid-lowering activities. Because of the risk of heavy metal and pesticide contamination with wild-harvested spirulina, only vat-grown spirulina can be recommended.

Drug Interactions: Theoretically, may increase hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemics and may alter effects of anticoagulants. Monitor closely.

Contraindications/Precautions: Phenylketonuria (due to phenylalanine content), pregnancy/lactation (due to unknown effects), pemphigus vulgaris (due to possible stimulation of flare); and patients at risk of heavy metal poisoning.

Adverse Effects: Contamination with Microcystis aeruginosa, a producer of hepatotoxins, is possible. This can cause jaundice, GI distress and vomiting, weakness, severe thirst, shock, and death, within one-half-24 hours after ingestion. Children are more sensitive to these hepatotoxins than adults. Increases in lever enzymes and serum calcium, possible worsening of autoimmune disorders (due to immune-stimulating effects).

[marie1-kersaint]

Is wasabi good for liver?      NO    no    NO         John 3:16 Inspirational Image https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-3-16_Inspirational_Image/ HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY DEMOSTHENES Is wasabi good for liver? It has a chemical component called hepatotoxin, which is fine in small doses, but if you flood your body with wasabi, the body won't be able to process the toxin and it can lead to severe liver damage.Jul 23, 2021 Kathy Demosthenes Suzie Demosthenes Jeffrey Marie K. Demosthenes Marie Elia Demosthenes Marie Elia Demosthenes Rintuss Marie K. Demosthenes Howikilledmyphone.com Marcelus Maxx Demosthenes

[cheflanthorne]

Wasabi has anti-inflammatory properties for joints and muscles, helps defend against bacterial infections in the body and mouth, and can even reduce the irritating effects of seasonal allergies. The antioxidant richness of Wasabi helps to stimulate the immune system and eliminate harmful toxins from the body. It is commonly known as Japanese horseradish. The powerful flavor of wasabi is similar to hot mustard and is most commonly used as a condiment in sashimi (raw seafood) and sushi. The chefs get it as root, pasta, or powder, which is a bit easier to use. A 100-gram serving of wasabi contains about 109 calories and only 1 gram of saturated fat. It is also a rich source of fiber, protein and energy. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc, which are natural and necessary elements in our balanced diet. It is rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin B6. The plant also has high levels of certain antioxidants, such as isothiocyanates and has zero cholesterols. If wasabi is integrated into a diet with some frequency, it can increase the necessary nutrient intake and positively affect your overall health in a surprising number of ways. In addition, it can prevent the growth of tumors, its isothiocyanates seem to kill the cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. If you consume too much wasabi, in an effort to overload your body against cancer or heart disease, it can destroy your liver. Wasabi contains hepatotoxin, which in high doses can cause severe liver damage. Consuming wasabi can be beneficial for health, but always in moderation. https://www.instagram.com/chef.lan.thorne/ #wasabi #japanfood #asianfood #sushi #sashimi #fishfood #seafood #chef #medicine #healthy #chef #foodie #tips #hacks #lanthorne #egypt #cairo (en Cairo, Egypt) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnYzH1APRM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19k4zdalb7qeg

[scienceoftheidiot]

Update on our day off : the lake we went fishing into was covered in toxic cyanobacteria, I got a tick AGAIN (yay. It seems I do not have more than one but I need to look again. And now I have to monitor the bite for at least 3 weeks to see if I don’t have Lyme. I ALREADY GOT IT CAN I PASS ?!) aaannnnd my phone has decided to die. Completely. So all the money I have in front of me is going to go in a phone. Awesome. 

AT LEAST we slept. 

Under the cut, a little rant about the cyanobacteria and dumb people. 

See, my partner Benj has done his PhD on cyanobacteria (and, contrary to me, has published A LOT because he’s a fucking good worker and brilliant)(he’s also cute can you believe that ? anyway). He immediately smelled there was something wrong, what with the lake being bright green and the stench. It’s not really rocket science at this level. 

What people rarely know is that cyanobacteria can potentially produce toxins. 

I now work in a research team on this subject (from afar, really, but I’m now taught in all the different toxins they produce) 

and half of Benj’s work for all summer is to take samples from lakes and estimate if the danger is big enough to forbid swimming and nautical activities for precaution. This year (a relatively low year) he’s closed 3 lakes in the department. Tourists and people who work with tourists love him hahahaha. 

See, we kinda know what we’re talking about. The toxins are either dermatotoxins (causing dermites (skin rashes, can be serious)), hepatotoxins (can cause severe liver failure), or neurotoxins (I bet you know this one yeah ?). No reported human deaths apart from a specific case in Brazil in the 90′s, but several wild animal, cattle and pet deaths, and when I say several, it goes into the thousands (cattle especially in USA and Australia). Not counting fish. Several cases of gastroenteris, and people poisoning happened. And last week 5 dogs died here because they drank water. 

So it’s a serious problem - people CAN die - and we know the deal. When there are too much of the cyanobacteria, it’s far safer to forbid any contact with water. 

So we go to this private lake that allows fishing for a fee. Benj uses a float-tube, and I’m too lazy to explain so here’s a pic 

So we arrive, it’s all green and kinda mushy, and he’s like “shit. Okay. Maybe it’s less bad in the middle of the lake than here, wind must push the cyano around, but this clearly warrants that swimming and fishing and anything concerning water is forbidden”. But he tries, if only to have an idea of the water’s transparency. 

In the middle of the lake, it’s also almost equal to zero. NOT GOOD.

So he gets out because it IS DANGEROUS okay, he’s already a little stressed that he’s touched the water through his waders and could get dermatitis. And his professional conscience says 1) he shouldn’t have gone 2) he has to do something. 

And we go directly to the dude who owns the lake and is now taking care of a children camp. Next to the lake. Where they go fishing. Using float fubes. 

See where we’re coming from ? 

Dude is a hippie, we think he will understand the environmental threat and make things so the children are safe. Dude is immediately on defense. He denies there’s a problem. It’s always been like this (no). Benj offers to test the water for free. Dude is okay, but won’t stop the children from fishing (they are already forbidden from swimming). We explain him the problem. He says there was no deaths. We say before deaths there are a number of problems. He says he doesn’t have to test the water (it’s true). We say it’s for him, it’s for precaution, it’s for the children. 

Nope. 

So we left, I gained a tick, and we’re now concerned for the children up there but can do nothing because he is in the right. Benj is going to assess the species of cyanobacteria there’s in the lake since we took a sample (for free !!!) and tell them if it’s really a potential threat. Benj already thinks he knows what it is - indeed a threat. 

Of course, when the cyanobacteria is there, it doesn’t mean the toxin is there (doesn’t make our work easy for sure). But precaution dictates that we should just not use the water when it’s fucking green and mushy for fuck’s sake. 

Mooorooonnnnssssss. 

I hope the children stay safe... 

[ihearthisto]

🍄 Mister Aspergillus 🍄

Taking the fun out of fungus

i♡histo

This is an image of the unhappy fungus Aspergillus parasiticus. I don’t normally post pictures outside of tissue histology but I just loved this image taken by self-appointed “Speaker of the Spores” Tracy Scott Debenport aka @under.the.scope on Instagram.  Her page is amazing so you should check it out for all things floofy and fungally.

A. parasiticus is a saprophytic (digests decaying organic matter) mold that can be found in soils rich in decaying plant and among things like hay and grains (like maize/corn). It is well known for its ability to produce the micotoxin aflatoxin - one of the most carcinogenic substances in nature. You can see and find out more about Aspergillus and its many friends by visiting Tracy’s page.

As for its affects on humans, well, don’t worry because commercial crops are usually screened for aflatoxin and those that exceed the regulatory limits are destroyed before they have chance to be consumed. However, animals are more susceptible since their diets are often grain based and not as well regulated. If you were chronically  (small amounts over a long period of time) exposed to A. parasiticus or its more common cousin A. flavus either through skin contact, ingestion or inhalation of its spores you may develop symptoms of aflatoxin exposure (aflatoxicosis). These can include growth and development issues (in children), respiratory issues and even liver cancer (aflatoxin B1 is a potent hepatotoxin).

Image: @under.the.scope (Instagram)..googly eyes added by @ihearthisto!