TheScientificTriangle

If you are a die-hard fan of the color black, here is an interesting blog that explores the psychology behind wearing black clothes.

Black is bold, black is distinct, black draws attention, and black is powerful. Colors play an important role in our lives. Each of us is attracted to a particular color and its secret lies hidden in our psychology. We feel that a few colors look better on us than the rest or that our personality is accentuated by a particular color. Although some cultures associate the color black with mourning, in the modern world the color black is used to make a style statement.

A famous saying by Christian Dior rings a bell in the mind, “You can wear black at any time, at any age, and for almost any occasion.”

So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at the various aspects that make us feel hooked to the color black. In this post, we have collated five reasons that explore the psychology behind wearing black clothes.

Black color’s evolution in fashion

In the 14^th century, black dyes of good quality were developed for the first time. This made the color black expensive, so they were usually used by royal families and elite members of society. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth I were seen wearing black gowns on special occasions.

The iconic fashion mogul, Coco Chanel created a new line of black dresses only in 1927. Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s became a highly sought-after fashion trend of those times. Hollywood has largely contributed to making the color black a raging success by releasing movies like Men In Black, Black Widow, Black Panther, and many more.

Fast-forward to the present era and black is a popular choice from board-room meetings to romantic dates.

Benefits of wearing black

People wear black clothes for the following merits.

• Black makes you look slimmer.
• The color black helps you blend in easily.
• Black color keeps you warmer as it absorbs and retains more heat from sunlight.
• Wearing black helps you exude power, class, and confidence.
• Black color suits all occasions.

8 reasons explaining your psychology behind wearing black clothes

Different colors stimulate people’s brains in various ways. Let’s learn more about color psychology and what is the psychology behind wearing black color clothing.

1. Sophistication and secrecy

With the color black in function, you can look elegant all the time. Sophistication and secrecy are what it can easily convey. The color black can make your life seem heavier, grimmer, and more secretive, yet it offers you a distinct touch. Most timeless pieces are created on a black background. If you like black but even fear it, go for a deep, dark black. Nothing will go wrong if you wear it; instead, it might work on your body to strengthen your willpower and increase your stamina.

2. Adrenal Response towards wearing black

Dopamine reduces, as per a study, but adrenaline increases when one wears black. The psychology behind wearing black color clothing dates back centuries and is strongly built into our psyche. If you want to know what an adrenaline rush can help you with, you should look at what your desires are. Most of them will need a certain level of persuasiveness. If you can endure it, you can come out on the other side. Wear black to understand its effects better.

3. Slimming effect

The color black works by absorping sunlight and any light, which is why it appears black. Complete absorption of light means nothing gets reflected. If you wear black, you will notice a slimming effect since none of your imperfections or protruded body parts will reflect any bit of light. Due to zero reflection, the visible imperfections are not entirely visible in black and thus work well to create the illusion of slimness. The slimming effect is one of the potent reasons that has worked around the psychology behind black color clothing for centuries.

4. Color black conveys credibility

The color black is usually associated with qualities like credibility, reassurance, and confidence. Numerous studies show that people who wear black color clothes are regarded as serious and reliable. These are especially sought-after qualities in the business world.

Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs preferred dressing in black color clothes. In fact, he was known to repeat the same black outfit to work to reduce decision fatigue and enhance his performance at work.

5. Women prefer dressing up in black

Women in business often wish to be taken seriously; hence dressing up in black seems to be a convenient option. A study was conducted with women in black clothes. Throughout the study, 64% of men agreed that women in black oozed confidence and appeared more reassuring.

6. Personality traits associated with the color black

The color black is sexy. In a survey conducted by an online UK-based retail supplier Buytshirtsonline, black was the most purchased color. The buyers rated the color to be associated with personality traits like confidence, intelligence, attractiveness, and sensitiveness. Among thousand participants, most of them preferred wearing black outfits to weddings, interviews, meetings, and even dates.

People trying to wear black clothes frequently have the following personality traits or qualities.

• They are sensitive and want to protect themselves from any vulnerability.
• They like to keep their emotions guarded.
• People with high confidence like to wear black clothing.
• All-black wardrobe is a symbol of power and motivation.
• People who love to don black garments tend to be authoritative and serious.
• The color black attracts attention.
• Lovers of the color black are independent-minded.

7. C Color Ideology

According to C Color Ideology, millions of colors are identified in the C Color database and can be classified into the four distinct C Color Spectrum. Each C Color Spectrum comprises the predominant base of one of the primary colors – red, blue, or green. All individuals fall in one of the four C Color Spectrum owing to a color gene in their DNA.

8. Influence of the color black on hormones& neurotransmitters

Black is a power color and numerous studies conducted on people have elicited specific responses from them. In a study, participants were shown different colors, and their fMRI scans were taken.

When participants were shown red, blue, and green colors, their dopamine levels increased. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. It is responsible for the feel-good mood. On the other hand, the color black reduced dopamine levels and increased adrenaline in the participants.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Parting Thoughts

So, you explored the various reasons influencing the psychology behind wearing black clothes. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog if you are a fan of the color black. If you know someone who loves the color black, then do share this post with them.

• Also read: Most popular doodles

IVF and normal pregnancy QS – Curious to learn what is the difference between IVF and normal pregnancy? This blog will enumerate the much-needed details for you.

In the 21^st century, pregnancy complications and infertility have become as common as the common cold perhaps. As per reports from CDC, about 1 in 8 couples and 48.5 million couples all across the world struggle with infertility.

IVF has opened doors to conceiving a baby for millions of couples all across the world. It is 44 years since the first IVF-assisted baby stepped onto the earth. About 2.5 million cycles are performed annually all across the world and 2 to 2.5 lakh IVF cycles are performed in India annually.

But before we delve deeper into the matter of the difference between IVF and normal pregnancy, let us know what is the full form of IVF is. IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It is part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Those new to these terminologies might wonder how is an IVF birth different from a naturally conceived birth. Hence you can find the needed knowledge below.

Who can opt for IVF? IVF and normal pregnancy

IVF can usually help those couples conceive who have been diagnosed with the following:

• Endometriosis
• Poor egg quality
• Ovulation related problems
• Issues with the uterine or fallopian tubes
• Low sperm counts
• Antibodies destroy the sperm or eggs
• Sperm’s inability to survive in the cervical mucus
• Genetic diseases of either parent
• Unknown fertility causes

Five major stages of an IVF cycle?      

The five important stages of an IVF cycle are explained below for you to better grasp what is the difference between IVF and normal pregnancy.

Stage 1: Injecting hormones

The first step involves giving hormonal injections to the woman trying to conceive a baby. This is done to stimulate healthy egg development in the woman. With the help of hormones, multiple eggs are produced during the ovulation period. A woman in general produces one ova during a monthly cycle; however, with the hormone injection, up to ten or fifteen eggs are produced. 

Stage 2: Harvesting the eggs

In the next step, the eggs are collected by performing minor surgery. The timing is important as eggs should be harvested before they come out of the fallopian tubes in the ovaries. After retrieving the eggs transvaginally, the sperm is collected.

Stage 3: Lab-assisted fertilization

Once the eggs and sperm are collected, then the process of fertilization begins with various methods like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Stage 4: Embryo culture

After this, the embryos are kept under observation typically till the blastocyst stage where the embryos have divided to make 100 to 125 cells.

Stage 5: Embryo implantation

Finally arrives the step where the egg is ready to be transferred into the human womb after it has achieved optimal growth in vitro. Usually, to increase the chances of conception, doctors transfer more than one embryo in the uterine cavity through the cervix. After a crucial wait of two weeks, blood tests are performed to determine the success of conception. If the concerned woman has conceived, she will be referred to prenatal care. If the results indicate otherwise, then the couple would be referred to another round of IVF cycles.

Difference between IVF and normal pregnancy

Here are the prominent differences between naturally conceived pregnancy and through the IVF cycle.

• The primary difference between IVF and normal pregnancy lies in the mental awareness of conception. In a natural pregnancy, a woman remains unaware that she has conceived for up to a month or more. But couples who have undergone an IVF cycle remain aware of this fact.

• This is followed by the constant prenatal care required during the first trimester of pregnancy in the case of IVF which is not prevalent in a natural pregnancy.

• Another important difference to note is that when hormones are injected during the ovarian stimulation phase, they can mimic symptoms of early pregnancy or the pre-menstrual phase.

• Women may experience bloating, tiredness, nausea, breast soreness, and moodiness or depression. Some amount of uterine cramps and light bleeding is also possible during the embryo implantation phase. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome symptoms may resemble early signs of pregnancy.

• However, the doctors only advise taking rest and care during this phase.

• Once pregnancy is detected post the two weeks of embryonic implantation, the woman is monitored more intensively by the fertility clinician throughout the first trimester. This is not the case when women have conceived naturally.

• After the first trimester is crossed successfully, the IVF-induced pregnancy becomes the same as natural conception. Beyond ten weeks the patient is left under the observation of an obstetrician.

Ending Note

You have learnt the difference between IVF and normal pregnancy from this post. I am certain that most of your doubts have been answered here. If you are eager to opt for an IVF process or you know someone who needs relevant information regarding this matter of conception, do share our blog with them. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of science, health technology, climate, and more.

FAQs

What is IVF test meaning in Marathi?

IVF Marathi’s meaning doesn’t change from what it means in the general English language. It is also known as the process of making test tube babies or in vitro fertilization.

What is the full form of IVF?

IVF is the abbreviated form of in vitro fertilization. It forms a part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Is IVF safe in India?

Yes, IVF cycles are safely performed in India. There are about 2 to 2.5 lakhs IVF cycles performed every year. The fertility clinics and hospitals in India do have the required infrastructure to carry on the needed procedures.

Can IVF pregnancy have a normal delivery?

Yes, a lot of women pregnant via the IVF cycle have managed to deliver their babies through the vagina without requiring C-section. So, it can be concluded that IVF pregnancy can be delivered naturally.

After how many weeks of IVF pregnancy is safe?

Ten weeks onwards IVF pregnancy can be considered as a regular pregnancy and thereby safe.

Quick Summary: Mudras are as old as the world itself. We have lived through ages only to learn that whatever way we turn or twist our body will give way to a mudra (a pose). Next time, you doubt if Mudras are for real, do take a day off and quietly observe yourself. You will be nothing but the mudras (postures and poses) time and again. Learn more about the purpose of Mudras from here.

When you join your two hands, it is a posture that works for your benefit. When you spread your hands far and wide, that too works as a mudra for you. Mudras are thus real for sure. But do mudras really work is a question many ask in the process.

Every form of relaxation or spiritual growth is always accompanied by a set of mudras that work best for that form of art. Yoga, meditation and dance are all about mudras at the beginning where you need to master them to reach the beyond behind them.

In this article, we will talk about mudras and their various aspects. Let’s analyze the purpose of Mudras before moving to the science of mudras. Why do we need the mudras? Why is it that we can’t just have any mudra in place and yet be someone?

Purpose of Mudras

 We are a reservoir of energy like every other being on Earth. However, energy in the body can exist in two interchangeable forms- potential energy and kinetic energy.

• Potential energy is the stored form of energy and kinetic energy is the form that we use to get our things done. When you are at rest completely, your energy exists as potential energy.
• No sooner do you move anything in yourself, even your mind, you convert your potential energy to kinetic energy.
• Thus, with each specific mudra, you channel your energy appropriately in the right direction. When you use your hands, you divert your energy to your hands and then make a mudra where you focus it right where you want the energy to be.
• Not only that, but with each mudra, you also channel your energy in the right direction. Yoga mudras are designed in a way to channel your energy right where you need it at that point. The purpose of Mudras or postures is to divert your energy in the right direction and align your energy goals appropriately with your needs.

But before you start practising it, we have more science associated with the mudras. It means mudras are just not about the potential and kinetic energy but is a lot of science that you must know to start believing in the ‘Why of mudras.’

The Science of a mudra

To know the science of a mudra, next, we will delve into the biological aspects of our body to further understand the purpose of Mudras better.

Our subtlest energy sources are what we are mostly unaware of and when we wake up, we understand the power we can harness just alone.

We also have to know about the astrophysical aspect of our body when we cover the science of a mudra.

To begin with, here is what you must know if you want to understand how a mudra works.

• The peripheral nervous system is an essential guide to the tactile senses. Our skin is the largest and widest receptor of our body.  The signals received from the brain directly to the peripheral nervous system scatter our arms, skin, fingers, and other internally located organs including our lower limbs.

The radial nerve is thus the direct connector of the brain with all your peripheral limbs.

They carry the sensory impulses upward and carry the motor impulses back from the brain to the peripheral organs.

It further gives way to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves together.

The radial nerve begins at the lower armpit and originates from different nerve roots- C5 to C8 of the cervical vertebrae and the T1 of the thoracic vertebrae.

We are aware that each nerve in our body is a source of energy.

By bringing the radial nerve terminals together in a mudra or by stretching the hands far away from the body, we are merely trying to tap and re-channel the energy that flows incessantly through the radial nerve. When we titillate them, they give way to an energy source and activate all those points that are connected through the radial nerve.

Mostly it oxygenates the areas used more frequently in performing voluntary activities, thus, by moving ahead with this form of nerve activation process we merely tap into the huge potential energy reservoir flowing quietly through these nerves.

How does a mudra work?

It empowers you to connect to your higher energy level.

Refer to the mudra’s scientific proof-

If you need to find out the mudra’s scientific proof and its efficiency, here is a recent experiment to refer to to understand better the purpose of Mudras.

• According to a 2018 study conducted by the Isha Foundation in India whereby the coronal discharge around the ten fingers is studied, it was found that prolonged practice of yogic mudras increased the average intensity of the mean EPI (Electrophotonic imaging) parameter. When a mudra was practised for more than 20 minutes, it seemed to have the best impact on the body.
• The astrophysical aspect that controls bringing the fingers together or even the movement of limbs includes the ruling planets and the elemental construct we are made of.

1. The thumb represents the Fire element
2. With your index finger, you give way to the air element within us
3. The little finger represents the water element
4. Space is emblemized by the middle finger
5. The ring finger is for the Earth’s element

When you bring together your fingers, you are actually balancing the two elements within you at your fingertips.

You align and focus them to balance your body’s elemental structures and the organs ruled by them.

• Air is the most vulnerable element and can turn and change at any moment.
• Thus, the most common mudra is to bring together the fire and the air.
• When both come together in equal amounts, each balances the other element and helps create an equilibrium where the mind opens up and your gastrointestinal system.
• Additionally, it will also help activate the nervous system existing within your gastrointestinal tract.

Now, after being well-versed in the idea, you need to also understand when to do mudras and when to practice them.

When to do a mudra?

As vast as the universe, so is the vastness of the different mudras available to a person who wants to truly gain by practising them.

Before jumping to the question, let us find out how you can practice the different mudras using different art forms.

1. Dance is an art form effortlessly using mudras since time immemorial
2. Meditative practices have minimal use of mudras
3. Yoga is all about finding the right mudra to catch the right chord
4. Every martial art form is also an assemblage of different mudras.

 Doing your mudras can be your art!

Do them every time or choose a preferred time to practice them. Choose a certain mudra that works best for you.

You can select from different mudras and use them for practising what seems missing in you.

Are Mudras effective?

If you have read the article carefully, you will know they are not entirely effective but they definitely are when you practice them for a long time. Each of these mudras can become your soul-strengthening or body-nurturing device and that is a wholesome purpose of Mudras.

Use them essentially and make way for a fresh new beginning every time you feel stuck either during the day or in your life.

Mostly those who doubt the sanctity of mudras and feel they are unreal can refer to the vast amount of science involved within them.

When we join our hands together where the fingertips of our right hand touch the fingertips of our left arm, we are merely bringing all the five elements within us to bow down before a deity we consider superior to us. Similarly, when we touch the earth with our fingertips, we are paying obeisance to the earth praying to mother earth for the blessings we need at that point in time.

So, next time you shake hands with anyone else, do not forget to understand why you are doing it. That answer will help you understand the higher self over the mundane existential conflict we have within us each day.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Monkeypox is a virus of the smallpox virus family. Recently, a lot of people across the world got the infection from the sudden viral outbreak. Vaccines of smallpox are ordered and are being administered currently. Learn more about the spread of the disease from this article.

Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family and is a viral zoonosis (the viruses transmits from animals to humans). Many have heard of smallpox and WHO (World Health Organization) confirmed the MonkeyPox virus is from the family of smallpox viruses. “Is MonkeyPox dangerous?” It is a question everyone wants answers for.

Smallpox viral illness was eradicated in 1980 and the vaccination process also ceased by then. Monkeypox primarily occurs in West Africa and Central Africa. The virus is often available near tropical rain forests. However, now these viruses are showing their appearance in urban areas.

Animal agents:

The animals that transmit the virus include rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, non-human primates and even other species.

First outbreak:

The human MonkeyPox virus outbreak first was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Spread of the disease:

Since 1970, the virus spread in 11 different countries.

• Cameroon
• Benin
• The Central African Republic
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Gabon
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Liberia
• Nigeria
• Republic of the Congo

How or why the outbreaks happen- Is Monkeypox dangerous?

There are no apparent reasons why the outbreaks happen.

• In some instances, the fatality rate is low while there is a high attack rate.
• In other scenarios, the infection rate is low but the fatality rate is high.

1. The Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The fatality rate was low but the infection rate was high. This event occurred in 1996-1997 and subsequently, there was another attack of chicken pox and Monkeypox together concurrently. The dynamics remained the same and there were no changes in the transmission dynamics.

2. Nigerian outbreak

Nigeria experienced a large outbreak with the number of suspected cases being 500 or more. There were 200 cases with a fatality rate of 3%. Even to date the WHO has reports of cases from frequent outbreaks.

3. The Outbreak in the US

In 2003, the first monkeypox outbreak outside Africa was noted in the US. It was linked to contact with pet prairie dogs.

Subsequently, travelers from Nigeria carried the virus to Israel and also to the United Kingdom in September 2018 and thereafter on three other occasions. They carried it to Singapore in May 2019 and to the US in July and November 2021.

Before moving on to the next segment, let us know a bit more about the symptoms that can help identify monkeypox.

Monkeypox virus-mode of action

The antiviral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells cannot recognize the MPV infected monocytes. But unlike the cowpox virus, MPV does not downregulate MHC Class I (HLA-A, -B, and -C) and Class II (HLA-DR) on the primary monocytes. The migration from the endoplasmic reticulum is smooth and normal as per a recent study.

Observations suggest an immunomodulatory protein release by the MPVs that enter the cells. Anti-CD3 stimulation will not happen as MPV will inhibit T-cell responses. An early gene product plays a part in this procedure. Cytopathic effects release proteins responsible for T-cell suppression and the virulence of MPV is due to the function of an early protein and not due to a late protein as is the case in many other viruses. If you wish to know how dangerous the MonkeyPox virus is, then you need to read this article for wholesome information and idea.

Symptoms of the Monkeypox virus

Incubation (transmission to the appearance of symptoms) period of monkeypox: 6 to 13 days (range: 5 to 21 days)

If you wish to divide it further, you can divide it into two parts:

1. Invasion period: It is a period that lasts from 0-5 days and symptoms that characterize the disease involve;

• Immense headache
• Nausea
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Intensified asthenia (lack of energy or what people often define as a feeling of weakness)
• Lymphadenopathy
• Back pain
• Fever (Pyrexia)

2. The skin pustules appear 1-3 days later and the rashes look very different from the rest of the pox types.

• It impacts the face (in almost 95% of the cases)
• Outer extremities like palms of hands and soles of feet (75% of cases)
• Other impacted regions of the body include the genitals, conjunctiva, cornea and oral mucous membrane.

There are five stages of the lesions that accompany other symptoms in MonkeyPox. If you want to know how dangerous Monkeypox is then you must know that apart from being painful, the lesion stage is the dangerous part and you can sub-divide the lesions into five types:

• The rash first takes the form of a macule (flat-base lesions)
• They develop into papules (firmer lesions that are now slightly raised)
• Vesicles are the next stage (clear fluid-filled lesions)
• Pustules (Yellowish fluid filled lesions)
• Crusts (dried lesions that fall off)

Sometimes crusts can join together and can take a larger form. Non-fatal Monkeypox disease can last for 3 weeks after viral exposure. For those who already have flu-like symptoms will surely get the rashes 1-4 days later. Typically contact with an infected person during any of these stages will pass on the virus to other humans. The illness can last anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks.

How does Monkeypox spread?

These are the ways monkeypox spreads:

1. Monkeypox spreads through direct contact with the patients
2. Oral, anal and vaginal sex with a person who already has the disease can contract it.
3. Massaging an infected person, kissing and hugging can also spread the disease.
4. Touching objects that have been touched or used by monkeypox patients can also lead to the spread of the infection.
5. Being a zoonotic disease, monkeypox can spread from infected animals.

Tests and treatment of monkeypox virus

Swab testing from the rashes is a way to test monkeypox.

Treatment of monkeypox usually involves the following;

1. The smallpox vaccine is introduced in patients suffering from the monkeypox virus.

(JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) are the two vaccines.

• JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine.
• ACAM2000 is shown to be having more side-effects.

2. Individuals must stay away from the infected individual

3. If there are pets with the disease households must keep them at a great distance.

4.Practice safe sex methods to stay away from MonkeyPox disease.

Distribution & Spread of Vaccination

The US is on high alert and has intimated all the residents. A few of the essential activities taken up by them include;

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Concluding lines

Is Monkeypox dangerous? The extent and intensity of virulence will depend on the strain and the physical condition of the patient. There are two distinct clades of the MonkeyPox virus– the West African (Congo Basin) clade and the Central African clade.

The Congo Basin clade is the more virulent type and has a potentially high rate of transmission. For those of you who have contractible patients around you remember that MonkeyPox can be dangerous if ill-managed. Special precautions are a must for those who are already immunocompromised and old. Other than that the virus might not have any major harm to the individual who contracts it.

Also read about the cervical cancer vaccine here