One of the best ways to ensure that your food does not get spoiled or wasted, is to store it in a refrigerator, a device meant to ensure our food does not become ill for consumption. A fridge, with its cold temperature, slows bacterial growth. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that bacteria are present everywhere, however, to thrive they need nutrition, moisture and favorable temperatures which are in the range of 40-degree and 140-degree Fahrenheits. These bacteria grow quickly and multiply at such rates, that they can cause illnesses if consumed. Hence refrigerator set to temperature below 40-degree is the best way to ensure food safety

However, your food safety haven can quickly become a recipe for disaster if with some common household mistakes and put your health at risk. In a recent study, researchers identified these issues and warn people against them for their health and safety.

Danger of Incorrect Temperatures

Many households don't keep their fridges cold enough, jeopardizing food safety. When the temperature rises above this, bacteria thrive. It's also important to remember that fridge temperatures aren't uniform; some areas are colder than others. For example, the back of the fridge is typically colder than the door, which warms up quickly with frequent opening. A common mistake is storing

In a study done by University of California, reveal that an average of 11.4 million bacteria inhabit every square centimeter inside a fridge. Food technologist and dietitian-nutritionist Beatriz Robles explains that refrigeration doesn't kill microorganisms; it only slows their growth. Some bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, can even multiply at temperatures of 5°C. This is why temperatures between 5-degree (41-degree Fahrenheit ) and 60 degree Celsius (140-degree Fahrenheit) are termed the "danger zone" for food.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Many people misinterpret temperature controls, leading to inadequate food preservation even if the fridge seems to be working. Here are some key actions to prevent your fridge from warming up and harboring bacteria:

Limit Door Opening: Frequently opening the door or leaving it ajar for too long raises the internal temperature.

Organize for Efficiency: A well-organized fridge allows you to find items quickly, reducing the time the door is open.

Ensure Air Circulation: Leave at least a quarter of your fridge space free for proper air circulation.

Store Smartly: Keep items like tomatoes and potatoes in the pantry, as they don't require refrigeration and can take up valuable space.

High-Risk Foods and Areas

Experts point out that certain foods carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination because they are typically consumed without further cooking or processing; these include cooked meats like ham or cold cuts (especially pre-sliced), smoked fish, dairy products made with raw milk, cooked shellfish, dressed salads, and prepared dishes eaten cold. Furthermore, an Italian study found that the majority of bacteria in refrigerators are located on the internal walls, with 61% of pathogenic bacterial species concentrated at the bottom, which is usually where fruits and vegetables are stored.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, to prevent cross-contamination, always separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other items in your grocery cart and place them in plastic bags to contain any dripping juices. It's also best to keep these foods separate at checkout and in your grocery bags. When you get home, immediately transfer raw meat, poultry, and seafood into sealed containers or plastic bags before refrigerating to prevent their juices, which often contain harmful bacteria, from contaminating other foods. Additionally, always store eggs in their original carton and refrigerate them as soon as possible.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that many regions across the country will experience above-normal temperatures and a rise in the number of heatwave days this May. According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the number of heatwave days is expected to increase by one to four days across most parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal.

Heatwaves are extended periods of abnormally high temperatures, which can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. They pose significant health, social, environmental, and economic challenges. With the rising threat of heat waves, it is crucial to understand the various health issues triggered by extreme heat conditions.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s natural temperature regulation fails, pushing the core body temperature above 104°F (40°C). The condition can develop suddenly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Heat stroke requires emergency medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion

Though milder than heat stroke, heat exhaustion remains a serious concern. It results from the excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, especially during physical activity in high temperatures. People working outdoors or engaging in exercise during the peak heat hours are particularly vulnerable.

Dehydration

In extreme heat, the body loses fluids more rapidly through sweat. If these fluids are not replenished, dehydration can occur. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness. Severe dehydration may impair organ function and poses a significant risk to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful, and involuntary muscle spasms are caused by electrolyte imbalances and fluid loss due to intense sweating. These cramps often affect the muscles of the abdomen, arms, or legs and are common among people performing strenuous physical activities in hot environments.

Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn, which is an inflammatory reaction of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While mild sunburn may cause redness and discomfort, severe cases can result in blistering, peeling, infections, and long-term damage, including an increased risk of skin cancer.

With much of India bracing for hotter-than-usual weather, health experts urge people to take precautions: stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illnesses arise.

Late-night hustle culture may still be glorified in some corners of the tech world, but not everyone is buying into it—especially not billionaire entrepreneur and longevity advocate Bryan Johnson. The 46-year-old tech mogul, known for his extreme anti-ageing lifestyle, recently called out an Indian software engineer who boasted on social media about working until 4 a.m. "It's 4 AM, guys, but builders are building. What’s your excuse?” the programmer posted on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating his grind.

Johnson, however, wasn't impressed. "It may feel heroic," he replied, “but you’re spending down your human capacity.” He went on to explain the physiological cost of burning the midnight oil: a 30% reduction in brain oxygen, suppression of melatonin due to blue light, disrupted deep sleep, and impaired insulin sensitivity the next day. “The missed sleep raises cortisol, increases visceral fat, and decays memory,” Johnson added. His critique struck a nerve, triggering a wave of agreement from other users on the platform.

"No good code is being written at 4 a.m. and ruining your morning focus—the best focus of the day,” one commenter noted. Another wrote, “Whatever they are building now by staying awake will be built by an AI agent in 10 minutes, five years from now. What’s the point?" A third user summed it up bluntly: “The excuse is to feel good, rest, be healthy, and make better decisions.”

Man Behind The Mission

Johnson is not your average tech mogul. Best known for founding Braintree (later acquired by PayPal) and Kernel, a company developing brain-machine interfaces, he has poured millions into an audacious personal experiment: to slow, and possibly reverse, ageing.

Through what he calls Project Blueprint, Johnson adheres to a meticulous regimen involving diet, exercise, and sleep optimisation. He follows strict health protocols, including unconventional methods like plasma transfusions from his teenage son—a procedure that has sparked both fascination and ethical debate.

In a recent post on X, Johnson shared his detailed morning routine, which begins at 4:30 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. His day starts with monitoring his inner ear temperature, applying a custom "BP hair serum," and donning a red light cap. He then exposes himself to 10,000 lux of light to reset his circadian rhythm.

Breakfast is a carefully curated "Longevity Mix" consisting of protein, collagen, extra virgin olive oil, and antioxidant-rich berries, followed by a personalised supplement stack. His morning workout includes strength training, flexibility drills, balance exercises, and either Zone 2 cardio or high-intensity intervals. Johnson’s message is clear: productivity shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term health. In his eyes, sacrificing sleep to meet deadlines is not a badge of honour—it’s a sign of unsustainable living. As more voices from the tech community question the glorification of burnout culture, Johnson’s warning serves as a timely reminder: no innovation is worth your health.

Cognitive decline is one of the most difficult things that people go through. It is believed to be a part of aging, however, there are many things that can affect this. While there has been extensive research and studies done on different cognitive diseases like dementia, there is not a lot of evidence regarding how to cure it or what causes it. However, to make sure people with these conditions get proper care, researchers have meticulously studied things that show what helps our brains stay sharp.

Not just our lifestyle habits, but things like what food we eat, how much we exercise as well as our social life, these are all things that affect our brain’s ability to retain memories, functions, and survival skills. While you may think of some habits as insignificant or not pay much mind to it, they could be crucial for your mind’s health and well-being.

A new study suggests that regular, gentle exercise like Tai Chi can play a significant role in slowing the development of dementia. This understanding challenges previous notions about brain plasticity, with new findings from Harvard Medical School highlighting the brain's lifelong capacity for growth and adaptation.

Brain's Remarkable Adaptability

The study found an interesting fact, although it was believed that the brain's ability to generate new cells was limited to early life, experts at Harvard now confirm the brain's incredible adaptability throughout an individual's lifespan. The brain possesses the potential to produce new cells, form novel connections, and even increase in size, leading to improved cognitive functions. Tai Chi, among various exercises, is particularly beneficial in fostering brain health.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, Tai Chi, also called meditation in motion, is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, rooted in martial arts. This gentle, low-impact exercise involves a continuous series of fluid movements, often inspired by animal actions like "white crane spreads its wings" or martial arts maneuvers such as "box both ears." As you move, you'll focus on deep, natural breathing and bodily sensations, similar to some forms of meditation.

Tai Chi stands apart from many other exercises due to its unique characteristics, movements are typically circular and unforced, muscles remain relaxed rather than tensed, joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues aren't stretched.

Tai Chi's Impact on Cognitive Function

A review of 20 studies has revealed that Tai Chi significantly enhances "executive function" in individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Executive function encompasses crucial skills such as multitasking, time management, and decision-making.

For those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Tai Chi has proven more effective than other forms of exercise in decelerating the progression of dementia. Furthermore, it demonstrated comparable benefits to other exercises or cognitive training in boosting overall brain function.

How Does Tai Chi Affect Our Brain?

Harvard experts cite compelling research demonstrating Tai Chi's advantages:

Slowing Dementia Onset

In one study involving nearly 400 Chinese men and women with cognitive impairment, participants performed either Tai Chi or a stretching and toning program three times a week. After a year, the Tai Chi group showed greater improvements, with only 2% progressing to dementia, compared to 11% in the traditional exercise group.

Increased Brain Volume and Cognitive Performance

Another study compared Tai Chi to walking, social interaction, and no intervention over 40 weeks. MRI scans revealed that the Tai Chi group exhibited the most significant increase in brain volume. This group also demonstrated superior performance on cognitive tests.