Lifestyle
Study reveals why brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s differs from regular infections
A new study has shed light on the differences between how the immune system responds to Alzheimer's-related inflammation compared to infections.
While inflammation is a key immune response, in Alzheimer's disease, it becomes chronic and harmful rather than short-term and protective. Researchers have been working to understand why this prolonged immune reaction occurs.
The findings, presented at the 69th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, highlight crucial variations in immune activity when exposed to Alzheimer’s-related proteins versus bacterial infections.
How the immune system reacts
The research focuses on how immune cells respond to amyloid-beta (Ab) plaques, a defining feature of Alzheimer's, and how this differs from their reaction to bacterial toxins. "Bacteria cannot directly enter the brain due to the blood-brain barrier," explained Arpan Dey, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Cambridge. "However, small proteins might be mimicking bacterial activity in the brain, triggering inflammation that contributes to dementia."
Dey and his colleagues used immune cell models and exposed them to either Ab aggregates or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin that strongly activates immune responses. They specifically studied the formation of myddosomes, structures that play a key role in initiating inflammation.
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Their results showed that larger Ab clusters prompted significant myddosome formation, whereas smaller clusters failed to do so even after prolonged exposure. This suggests that the size of Ab aggregates is a crucial factor in triggering an immune response in Alzheimer’s.
On the other hand, LPS caused a much faster and more intense myddosome reaction than even the largest Ab clumps. This difference in speed and strength may explain why inflammation in Alzheimer’s is persistent and prolonged, whereas infection-related inflammation is typically brief and resolves quickly.
"Our research highlights a fundamental difference in how the brain’s immune system reacts to bacterial infections versus amyloid-beta aggregates," said Dey. "The slower, sustained immune activation in Alzheimer’s may be a key factor in its chronic inflammation."
The researchers now plan to investigate myddosome markers in blood samples from dementia patients and brain tissue from the UK Brain Bank. By uncovering the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s inflammation, they hope to aid in the development of treatments targeting chronic neuroinflammation.
"This study opens new possibilities for drug discovery," Dey added. "By identifying and targeting inflammatory pathways, we may develop therapies to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases."
Source: with inputs from Indian Media
5 hours ago
'12 Stories': Gallery Shilpangan's group art exhibition underway at Bhumi Gallery
A special group art exhibition titled '12 Stories' is currently underway at Bhumi Gallery in the capital's Lalmatia, organized by Gallery Shilpangan.
Opened on Sunday, February 9, the exhibition showcases a total of 60 artworks made by 12 renowned, young and promising artists.
The inauguration event of the exhibition was joined by Ekushey Padak-winning renowned artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma as the chief guest, while the distinguished artist and art critic Javed Jalil and art connoisseur Muntasir Moin joined as special guests.
Participating artists of this group art exhibition are Azmeer Hossain, Nabaraj Roy, Kamaluddin, Moazzem Jhony, Tarek Amin, Ajoy Sannyal, Sourav Chowdhury, Babul Hossain Shohagh, Manik Bonik, Deepika Bhuiyan, Azmol Hosen and Khaidem Sithi Sinha.
"This exhibition is showcasing five artworks of each artist, and in total, there are 60 artworks," artist Nabaraj Roy informed UNB. "With cordial participation by renowned and promising artists of our country, this exhibition has become a rendezvous of senior-junior artists," Nabaraj said regarding the exhibition.
Deepika Bhuiyan, another participating artist in the exhibition, said: "We, the 12 participating artists in the exhibition, have tried to showcase our country’s culture and heritage through their individual artistic expertise. For example, I have amalgamated folk art with the traditional imagery of our Bengali women, to portray their emotions and feelings through my artworks."
The exhibition will be open daily from 3pm to 8pm till February 20.
1 day ago
‘Imagination’: Jamil Khan’s solo exhibition begins at Garden Gallery Cosmos
Offering an immersive experience with an invitation to step into a world where art and nature merge, where imagination runs free, and where every brushstroke breathes life, Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan’s solo exhibition titled ‘Imagination’ was inaugurated on February 13 at the Garden Gallery Cosmos in Dhaka’s Baridhara.
Organized by Gallery Cosmos, the two-day exhibition is the third solo of the artist and the second with the gallery. His previous exhibition, ‘Inspiration’, was organized by Gallery Cosmos in November 2023.
Showcasing around 30 artworks—created in Singapore and Dhaka using sketching on pencil, acrylic, and oil paint—Jamil’s artistic journey from ‘Inspiration’ to ‘Imagination’ has been one of resilience, of finding light in the shadows, and of translating nature’s rhythm into strokes of color and form.
The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition on Thursday was joined by distinguished guests alongside family, friends and admirers of the artist, who was born into a family known for upholding and providing patronage to the country’s diverse arts and talented artists.
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Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Vice President of the Cosmos Group, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and Executive Editor of UNB Nahar Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Khan and other distinguished guests were present at the inauguration.
Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Korean EPZ Corporation Bangladesh Limited President Jahangir Sadat; former diplomat and President of the Bay of Bengal Institute Ambassador Tariq Karim, prominent artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, family members of the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar and others were also present at the event.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Enayetullah Khan said, "It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this fantastic exhibition of Jamil on this lovely afternoon on Spring’s eve. From his kindergarten days, I sensed that he was very creative and full of enthusiasm. He created the majority of these pieces while living in Singapore, and he worked at the Gallery Cosmos studio after returning to Bangladesh.”
"The artist and all those connected to Gallery Cosmos are entitled to my heartfelt appreciation, especially Jamil’s sister Nahar Khan, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and, above all, Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, for fulfilling her roles as both an art promoter and a mother. I will always remember this evening as one of the most amazing evenings of my life," Enayetullah Khan remarked.
2 days ago
Archaeologists unearth remains of Roman basilica at London skyscraper site
Work to give 21st-century London yet another skyscraper has uncovered traces — in fact chunks — of the city’s origins almost 2,000 years ago.
Archaeologists exploring the site of a planned 32-story office tower announced Thursday that they have unearthed the remains of a Roman basilica that once stood at the heart of the city known as Londinium.
Excavations in the basement of a building slated to be demolished for the tower at 85 Gracechurch Street uncovered flint, brick and ragstone walls and foundations, up to 1 meter (over 3 feet) wide, 4 meters (13 feet) deep and two millennia old.
Sophie Jackson of Museum of London Archaeology called it “one of the most significant discoveries” in years in London’s oldest quarter, the City — the square-mile financial district where modern glass high-rises stand atop the remnants of Victorian, medieval and even earlier structures.
What’s been uncovered are the foundations of a two-story building, almost as big as an Olympic swimming pool. It was constructed between 78 and 84 A.D., about three decades after Roman troops invaded Britain and some 20 years after forces of the Celtic warrior queen Boudicca sacked the fledgling settlement.
With metal detectors and patience, amateur treasure hunters unearth pieces of British history
The basilica was part of the forum, the social, political and commercial heart of Roman London, where people went to shop, mingle, seek justice and hear the latest edicts from political leaders. The newly discovered remains are believed to form part of the tribunal, a raised area of the forum where politicians and officials made decisions about the city’s governance.
“It’s the beating heart of the city,” said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, head of public impact at Museum of London Archaeology. “It kind of towers above the city. And so it’s a real symbol of Roman power and authority.
“We’re talking about the early stages of London here, but it’s a real sign of investment in the city, even in its early infancy,” he said.
Developer Hertshten Properties, which owns the site and has planning permission for a new office tower, has agreed to incorporate the remains into its plans and put them on display in a visitor center.
Henderson-Schwartz said the extent of the “absolutely massive” foundations discovered in several test pits suggests an “extraordinary” level of preservation.
Further digging could answer intriguing questions, including why the original forum was only used for 20 years before being replaced by a much larger one, which remained in use until the collapse of Roman rule in Britain three centuries later. Items such as writing tablets, styluses — even ancient trash — could give glimpses into the daily lives of Roman Londoners.
Property developers in Britain routinely have to consult archaeologists as part of their planning process, a practice that has uncovered finds from Saxon jewelry to medieval ice skates to the skeletons of 14th-century plague victims.
The latest discovery adds to the scant traces of Roman London that can be seen around the city, including a section of ancient wall, a portion of amphitheater beneath the Guildhall and a temple to the god Mithras which lies incongruously under the modern headquarters of information company Bloomberg.
"We do have these little windows into Roman London that are all over the city,” Henderson-Schwartz said. “But this is really in some ways the site that connects them all together. This is the heart of Rome in London, where all the decisions were made.”
2 days ago
10 Best Caffeine-Free Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Teas for Natural Healing
Discover the best caffeine-free herbal teas that help reduce inflammation naturally. From turmeric to ginger, these soothing teas—popular in Bangladesh and beyond—offer powerful health benefits and delicious flavors. Explore our list of the best anti-inflammatory teas to support your wellness journey.
10 Delicious Caffeine-free Teas to Heal Inflammation
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Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is known for its naturally sweet taste and medicinal properties. It helps soothe digestive issues, supports respiratory health, and reduces inflammation. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, has potent anti-inflammatory effects that may help with conditions like gastritis and arthritis.
Studies suggest that licorice root can help protect the stomach lining and ease symptoms of acid reflux. To prepare, steep dried licorice root in boiling water for about 10 minutes before straining. However, excessive consumption should be avoided as it can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Drinking this tea in moderation can provide numerous health benefits while adding a natural sweetness to herbal blends.
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Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has a warm, spicy flavor and is a common household remedy in Bangladesh. It contains over 50 antioxidant compounds that minimize the production of inflammatory cytokines. Regular consumption may help manage arthritis, muscle soreness, and digestive discomfort. Ginger is known for its ability to alleviate nausea and promote gut health.
Several studies revealed that ginger may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health. To make ginger tea, slice fresh ginger and boil it in water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea and enhance its flavor with honey or a splash of lemon. Drinking ginger tea regularly can contribute to overall wellness by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Rosehip Tea
Rosehip tea is made from the fruit of wild rose plants and has a tart, fruity flavor. It is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols, which combat inflammation and promote skin and joint health. Studies suggest that it can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and boost immune function.
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Rosehip tea is also beneficial for heart health due to its antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and improve circulation. To prepare, steep dried rosehips in hot water for 6-8 minutes before straining. Its high antioxidant content makes it an excellent immune-boosting drink, perfect for daily consumption.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is known for its deep red color and tangy taste. It contains anthocyanins and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Studies show that hibiscus tea lowers inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, often elevated in arthritis and heart disease.
It is also linked to improved blood pressure regulation and better cholesterol levels. To make hibiscus tea, steep dried hibiscus petals in hot water for 5-10 minutes before straining. It can be enjoyed hot or cold. Drinking hibiscus tea regularly may help support cardiovascular health and strengthen the immune system.
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Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea is well-known for its vibrant golden hue and earthy flavor. The active ingredient, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help with arthritis, muscle soreness, and digestive disorders. Studies suggest that curcumin may reduce inflammation associated with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
However, curcumin absorption is enhanced by black pepper. To prepare, simmer ground turmeric in water for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey or black pepper for additional benefits. Drinking turmeric tea regularly can support joint health and aid in overall inflammation control.
3 days ago
With metal detectors and patience, amateur treasure hunters unearth pieces of British history
When Malcolm Weale saw the tiny, dirt-covered object he’d unearthed in an English field, he knew it was something special.
In his hand was a silver penny minted during the reign of Guthrum, a Viking commander who converted to Christianity and ruled eastern England in the ninth century as Athelstan II.
For Weale, finding the first silver coin minted by a Viking ruler in Britain was the pinnacle of decades of hunting with his metal detector in the fields and forests near his home in eastern England.
“I was shaking,” Weale said at the British Museum, where the coin was displayed Tuesday alongside other items unearthed by amateur history hunters in 2023 and 2024. “I knew that it was a life-changing, incredible, historical find.
“I’d watched the series ‘Vikings’ on Netflix, and about a week later I’ve got the Guthrum penny in my hand," he said.
The thrill of finding fragments of history beneath our feet drives detectorists like 54-year-old Weale, who was introduced to the pastime at the age of 7 and “was hooked.”
His find was on show as the museum released its annual report on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a government-funded project that records thousands of archaeological discoveries made by the public each year. The coin sat alongside a set of 3,000-year-old bronze metalworkers’ tools, a seventh-century gold and garnet necklace, and a gold signet ring with an intriguing link to Queen Elizabeth I.
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They have been officially classed as “treasure” by a coroner, meaning they will be independently valued and offered to local museums.
Discoveries by detectorists, as well as beachcombers and mudlarkers — who search for items on riverbanks — shine new light into corners of British history. The necklace of glittering gold and garnet pendants found in Lincolnshire, central England, reveals the sophistication of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship, and is surprisingly global.
Archaeologist Helen Geake, who serves as a “finds liaison officer” for the antiquities program, said that it was likely made in England – “English craftsmen were by far the best in Europe” – with garnets from Sri Lanka.
Andy Akroyd, 49, also struck gold when he was out metal detecting near his home in Bedfordshire, central England.
“When I first saw it, I thought ‘Oh it’s a coin.’ Then I saw it’s a ring, I was thinking 1980s, cheap sovereign ring,” Akroyd said.
It turned out to be a 16th-century signet ring engraved with a phoenix, a mythical bird symbolizing rebirth that was associated with Elizabeth I. Found in an area used as a royal hunting ground in Elizabethan times, it was likely worn, and lost, by one of the queen’s supporters.
“When you find it, your journey is just beginning,” Akroyd said. Then come the questions: “What is this, how is it here?”
When items are declared treasure, their value is split between the finder and the owner of the land where it was found. Detectorists occasionally strike it rich – last year, a hoard of 1,000-year-old coins found in southwest England sold for 4.3 million pounds ($5.3 million).
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But the vast majority are in it for the thrill of discovery, not the money, Weale said.
“You could be a multi-multi-millionaire, but you could never buy that feeling that you feel when you find something,” he said.
Both he and Akroyd say that they will soon be back out tramping the fields, in the mud and — this is England, after all — the rain.
“You always find the best stuff when the weather’s terrible,” Weale said.
Both men extol the mental health benefits of the methodical, slow-paced hobby, popularized to a wider audience by the gentle BBC sitcom “ Detectorists.”
“All I’m thinking about when I’m out metal detectoring is history,” Weale said. “Kings, queens — I’m totally in the zone. I’m not worried about bills, or even keeping warm. Sometimes I forget to eat.”
Akroyd said that some days he just sits, watching hares leap and birds of prey soar in the sky.
“I lost my dad last year. I’ll have a chat to my dad when I’m out in the field. ‘Come on, Dad — what way now?’” Akroyd said. “He never finds me anything.”
5 days ago
Devoted nap-takers explain the benefits of sleeping on the job
They snooze in parking garages, on side streets before the afternoon school run, in nap pods rented by the hour or stretched out in bed while working from home.
People who make a habit of sleeping on the job comprise a secret society of sorts within the U.S. labor force. Inspired by famous power nappers Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein, today's committed nap-takers often sneak in short rest breaks because they think the practice will improve their cognitive performance but still carries a stigma.
Multiple studies have extolled the benefits of napping, such as enhanced memory and focus. A mid-afternoon siesta is the norm in parts of Spain and Italy. In China and Japan, nodding off is encouraged since working to the point of exhaustion is seen as a display of dedication, according to a study in the journal Sleep.
Yet it's hard to catch a few z's during regular business hours in the United States, where people who nap can be viewed as lazy. The federal government even bans sleeping in its buildings while at work, except in rare circumstances.
Individuals who are willing and able to challenge the status quo are becoming less hesitant to describe the payoffs of taking a dose of microsleep. Marvin Stockwell, the founder of PR firm Champion the Cause, takes short naps several times a week.
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“They rejuvenate me in a way that I’m exponentially more useful and constructive and creative on the other side of a nap than I am when I’m forcing myself to gut through being tired,” Stockwell said.
The art of napping
Sleep is as important to good health as diet and exercise, but too many people don’t get enough of it, according to James Rowley, program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center.
“A lot of it has to do with electronics. It used to be TVs, but now cellphones are probably the biggest culprit. People just take them to bed with them and watch,” Rowley said.”
Napping isn’t common in academia, where there’s constant pressure to publish, but University of Southern California lecturer Julianna Kirschner fits in daytime naps when she can. Kirschner studies social media, which she says is designed to deliver a dopamine rush to the brain. Viewers lose track of time on the platforms, interrupting sleep. Kirschner says she isn’t immune to this problem — hence, her occasional need to nap.
The key to effective napping is to keep the snooze sessions short, Rowley said. Short naps can be restorative and are more likely to leave you more alert, he said.
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“Most people don’t realize naps should be in the 15- to 20-minute range,” Rowley said. “Anything longer, and you can have problems with sleep inertia, difficulty waking up, and you’re groggy.”
Individuals who find themselves consistently relying on naps to make up for inadequate sleep should probably also examine their bedtime habits, he said.
A matter of timing
Mid-afternoon is the ideal time for a nap because it coincides with a natural circadian dip, while napping after 6 p.m. may interfere with nocturnal sleep for those who work during daylight hours, said Michael Chee, director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the National University of Singapore.
“Any duration of nap, you will feel recharged. It’s a relief valve. There are clear cognitive benefits,” Chee said.
A review of napping studies suggests that 30 minutes is the optimal nap length in terms of practicality and benefits, said Ruth Leong, a research fellow at the Singapore center.
“When people nap for too long, it may not be a sustainable practice, and also, really long naps that cross the two-hour mark affect nighttime sleep,” Leong said.
Experts recommend setting an alarm for 20 to 30 minutes, which gives nappers a few minutes to fall asleep.
But even a six-minute nap can be restorative and improve learning, said Valentin Dragoi, scientific director of the Center for Neural Systems Restoration, a research and treatment facility run by Houston Methodist hospital and Rice University.
Bucking the trend
While workplace dozing is uncommon in the U.S., some companies and managers encourage it. Will Bryk, founder of AI search startup Exa, swears by 20-minute power naps and ordered two sleeping pods for employees to use in his company's San Francisco office.
Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s has had a nap room in its Vermont headquarters for a couple of decades, and a handful of employees use it, company spokesman Sean Greenwood said. “Employees who feel taken care of are much more likely to use this responsibly," he said.
Arianna Huffington, the celebrity author who co-founded the news website Huffington Post, became an advocate of a good night’s sleep and occasional naps after she collapsed from exhaustion in 2007. She installed a nap room at her former company, now called HuffPo, and at Thrive Global, a behavior change technology company where she serves as founder and CEO.
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“If people have been up all night because of a sick child or a delayed flight, if they have the opportunity to nap, ... then they will be much more productive and creative for the rest of the day instead of dragging themselves or trying to boost their energy through multiple coffees or cinnamon buns,” Huffington said in an email.
Kirsten Perez, 33, is a devoted napper. She used to use her lunch break at work to catch a few winks in her car. When she got her own office, she closed the door for a siesta while sitting at her desk.
Nowadays, working from home as a marketing manager at Nvidia, the Atlanta resident usually takes her daily nap in bed. She sets an alarm for 15 minutes, falls asleep within a minute and wakes up 30 seconds before the alarm rings.
“I can tell when my reasoning, my mood are dropping, just kind of feeling the drag of the day,” Perez said. In those situations, she asks herself, “‘Do I have a chunk of time in the next hour or so?’ And then I’ll figure out when I can find 15 minutes and find myself horizontal.”
Creating space for sleep
Naps are accepted and even a necessity in some occupations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages naps for nurses working night shifts. But many nurses can't sleep at the hospitals where they work because they're too busy and aren't given access to beds.
Nurses "regularly struggle to have sufficient time to use the bathroom or go outside for fresh air, no less take a nap," said a spokesperson for the National Nurses United union.
Some companies are trying to fill the void. Inspired by his mother who worked as a nurse, Neil Wong founded Nap York, which offers sleeping pods in Manhattan and Queens that can be rented for about $27 an hour.
His regular customers include super-commuters, UPS drivers, a security guard who works two full-time jobs, and doctors who work at nearby hospitals. Nap York also gives half-off prices to essential workers such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel.
“In this society, you really only have two place to sleep: you have your bed at home and you have a hotel room you can probably get for 100 bucks,” Wong said. “There’s really no third space that’s quiet, that provides some privacy, where you can also rest.”
9 days ago
How to Strengthen Your “Curiosity Muscle”
Curiosity motivates people to learn, explore, and innovate. It drives us to seek answers to questions, understand how things work, and find ways to change our lives through innovations. Stimulating the “curiosity muscle” is essential for personal and collaborative growth. By taking deliberate actions, anyone can develop and strengthen their curiosity and become a more passionate, understanding, and better version of themselves.
What is Curiosity Muscle?
Curiosity is the innate trait that makes people question, learn, and explore the unknown. It provokes them to acquire knowledge and build a clear perspective based on that knowledge. This newly gained perspective may later spark innovation.
Though curiosity is an inherent quality, it is also a learnable skill. Several studies on human cognitive behaviour link curiosity with the surge of excitement in a specific part of the brain, implying its biological existence. The studies conclude that curiosity, like a muscle, can be stimulated through deliberate practice. This resemblance between curiosity and our body muscles in gaining strength through regular exercise has coined the term “curiosity muscle.”
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How to Improve Curiosity
Curiosity is rooted in human nature. It flourishes in a self-reflective mind that can reflect on its unique views, desires, and needs. However, to sustain the progressive flow of curious energy, there is no alternative to pursuing new perspectives and continuously seeking ways to achieve success.
Here are a few proven steps backed by neuroscientific research to improve curiosity:
Make it Personal
Studies on human cognition suggest that the first step to cultivating curiosity is to make it personally relevant. Awareness of the usefulness of a particular task or knowledge in personal life stimulates a mind’s latent curious energy. Tasks that evoke passion and support individual goals pique curiosity the most. Conversely, fogged vision and confusion can lull down the curiosity muscle, preventing the brain from making a personal connection to an activity.
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Discover Your Curiosity Type
Just like people’s personalities, curiosity also varies. What makes a person’s brain tick and how they approach a problem primarily define their curiosity types. Some people love to ask questions and engage in intellectual exploration; some are more interested in learning about others by conversing and interacting with them, while others expose themselves to diverse situations, finding revelations in new environments and cultures. Understanding one’s curiosity style helps them fashion suitable learning strategies and advance to the next step of their curious journey.
Cultivate a Curiosity-driven Culture
Curiosity thrives in open-minded conditions. Researchers have found that environments where individuals can make independent choices inspire them to think outside the box. People will likely invest more energy in deliberately chosen professions than those they are forced into. An open-minded attitude welcomes uncertainty, resists personal bias, and believes in growth, which is essential to prioritizing a curious hunch and sticking to it until the mystery unfolds.
Go Beyond Limits
Making curiosity-driven decisions often leads to unconventional routes. Traditional ways of solving a problem, lack of freedom in pursuing a different solution, and time scarcity may kill our desire to keep following those routes.
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The solution to this problem is rather simple. Fostering curiosity is about prioritizing our desires, making the right choices, looking deeper into a problem, and celebrating new experiences.
Ask Open-ended Questions
Open-ended questions demand detailed discussions on a subject rather than becoming satisfied with vague and short answers. Being inquisitive entails forming the right questions and finding in-depth answers.
To devise the right questions, you must reexamine your goals and necessities. Asking open-ended questions is also a cornerstone of meaningful relationships where learning about each others’ distinct personalities is necessary.
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Embrace Changes
Change is the only constant phenomenon in our lives. With time, the people surrounding us, our relationships with them, our values, and our understanding of the world shift.
A curious mind keeps records of those changes, notices the nuances between phases, accepts the inevitable, and prepares for the future. On the contrary, a rigid mind lacks the courage to face anomalies and suppresses the natural curious drive needed for further exploration.
Master the Fundamentals
Our urge to learn something new or achieve mastery of a skill may rub on our curious stimuli. While the idea of learning a new skill sounds exciting, the boredom and pain associated with growth are utterly discouraging.
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Splitting the entire roadmap of mastering something into achievable steps and focusing on learning the fundamentals will help you sustain an invigorating spirit until the end. A good grip on the fundamentals will allow you to improvise and walk down the rest of the roadmap with a personalized strategy.
Meditate and Exercise
A 15-minute meditation session in the morning, a brisk walk, or a casual bike ride can massively impact your brain, enabling it to rewire its neural network and grow new neurons. Cognitive scientists have attested to the capacity of regular meditation and exercises to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF can enhance learnability and memory, making a firm ground for curiosity to thrive.
Conclusion
Curiosity shouldn’t be mistaken for a fleeting interest. People with strong, curious minds excel at learning, memorizing, and engaging with their work and people. By putting in a personal effort, facing obstacles, embracing changes, and cultivating an open mind, anyone can inspire their curiosity.
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10 days ago
Valentine’s Day 2025: Best Deals, Discounts, and Offers in Bangladesh
With Valentine's Day 2025 just around the corner, businesses across Bangladesh are unveiling exciting deals to help couples celebrate in style. From romantic dining experiences to luxury getaways and exclusive shopping discounts, here’s a roundup of the best offers to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
Best Deals to Celebrate Valentine Day in Bangladesh in 2025
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Couple Dinners
BRAC Bank is offering Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) dinner offers at top hotels and restaurants including Amari Dhaka, The Westin Dhaka, InterContinental Dhaka, and Le Méridien Dhaka.
Besides this, popular hotels like Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, Sheraton Dhaka, and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan offer curated Valentine’s menus and live music in a romantic setting with a cozy ambiance. In Chattogram, premium hotels also provide fine dining experiences.
Hotel Sarina in Banani, Dhaka, offers a buffet dinner starting from BDT 5,000, with lunch and breakfast at BDT 4,000 and BDT 3,500, respectively. Their "Lovers Nest – Poolside Private Canopy" features a seven-course dinner for BDT 20,000 per couple. The "Swim & Feast" package, starting at BDT 1,581++, includes pool access and a gourmet meal. With themed décor in red, white, and pink, Hotel Sarina promises a romantic celebration.
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Day/ Nightcation
For an extended celebration, Hotel 71 in Dhaka offers luxury stays at discounted rates. Couples can book a Deluxe Double Room for BDT 4,500 (original price BDT 7,200) or a Royal Suite for BDT 5,000 (original price BDT 12,000), saving up to 59%. Direct bookings include complimentary buffet breakfast, evening high tea, early check-in, and late checkout.
Exclusive Valentine’s stay packages include one-night and two-night stay options. A one-night stay in a Premium Room costs BDT 23,500, while an Executive Room is BDT 21,000. These include breakfast, special lunch and dinner, a Valentine’s cake, a movie by the infinity pool, access to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room, plus a 30-minute full-body massage. Two-night packages cost BDT 41,500 for a Premium Room and BDT 36,000 for an Executive Room with the same benefits.
13 days ago
Showcasing tradition, creative brilliance, Dhaka Makers 2025 underway at Aloki
With a commitment to reviving traditional crafts and fostering creative innovation, the third edition of Dhaka Makers is currently underway at Aloki in the capital.
Kicked off on January 30, the five-day event has drawn attention with its unique zoned layout, vibrant activities, and engaging displays.
Building on the success of its previous editions, the festival offers a platform for fresh ideas, innovative showcases, and a deeper connection between creators and the community, according to its organizers.
The opening ceremony was held on Thursday night, joined by Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer of City Bank; and Susan Vize, Country Representative of UNESCO. In their remarks, the speakers praised the initiative and its contributions and artistic tributes to the country’s creative and cultural landscape.
While the formal opening marked a significant start, the real charm of the festival lies in its marketplaces, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits, according to the organizers.
15 days ago