All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Kisan know AI device

Kisan Know Device Costing Rs. 85 Help Farmers To Detect Crop Disease In Advance

An invention that detects diseases in plants in advance is helping farmers to save their crops and livelihood! Developed by Odisha innovator Rishikesh Amit Nayak and his teammates from VIT‑Chennai, Kisan Know is an AI-powered loT device costing just ₹85 (~US $1) that detects and even predicts crop diseases up to 12 days in advance.

How does Kisan Know works? It uses a thermal sensor plus AI to spot subtle heat changes in plant leaves—signaling microbial infection before visible damage appears. All microbes and pests have thermal traces. Infected leaves also exhibit heat traces due stress created by hormonal and water. This thermal data captured by satellite imagery and scan is taken by field workers every 12 hours. AI helps in analyzing data and detecting diseases, identifying pests, and offering precise solutions.

What made Nayak invent Farmer Know?

Together with his college mates Niharika Haridas and Gideon Jacob, Nayak created Kishan Know. It is an AI-based intelligence system that helps farmers combat microbial and pest attacks.

Nayak is a student from VIT Chennai. His personal experience of growing up in Repur Patna, a farming village on the banks of the Mahanadi in Odisha made him work on this invention. Rishikesh Nayak’s grandfather was a farmer and Nayak saw him depressed every time there was a crop failure. This made him delve deeper into understanding the reasons behind crop failures.

How do farmers use Kisan know? Simple and straightforward steps!

  • Farmers carry the device to fields.
  • Thermal and environmental data collected by field workers every 12 hours.
  • AI analyzes patterns and flags problem areas—pinpointing which crops, where, and why.
  • Alerts are given early enough for timely treatment.

Farmer know is a revolutionary device because-

  • Ultra‑low cost ₹85-    Accessible to small‑scale farmers
  • Early detection-Up to 12 days before symptoms show.
  • AI-driven- Accurate identification of disease or stress causes
  • Scalable-Over 3,000 farmers already use Farmer know.

Impact and validation:

  • Prompting action before crop failure means significant yield protection.
  • Device developed by Nayak in response to local tragedies: After losing four fellow farmers to suicide, Rishikesh Nayak built Kisan Know.
  • Earned recognition through Intel’s OpenVINO festival and media coverage by platforms like The Better India, LinkedIn, and more.

How can farmers access this device?

Since it is early-stage and community-driven: Farmers can connect with local agriculture extension cells or cooperatives in Odisha. Meanwhile, watch for pilots or NGO-supported local rollouts. Follow updates from developers -Rishikesh’s university or Intel partnerships -on broader availability.

Do you know there are other AgriTech tools that help farmers in diverse ways?

  • Nano Ganesh: Enables remote control of irrigation via mobile phone.
  • Kisan e‑Mitra: An AI voice‑chatbot assisting farmers with scheme details in 11 regional languages.
  • Other AI models helping farmers are: E‑NAM, PM‑KUSUM, Fasal Bima, etc., supporting markets, solar pumps, and crop insurance.

Kisan Know demonstrates how cutting‑edge tech—thermal imaging, satellite data, AI—can become affordable and lifesaving. It empowers small and marginal farmers to act early, reduce crop loss, and potentially save livelihoods.

References:

  1. https://www.instagram.com/thebetterindia (and image credit)
  2. https://yourstory.com/2021/12/student-team-help-farmers-combat-microbial-pest-attacks-ai (and image credit)
  3. https://swarajyamag.com/ideas/on-kisan-divas-tracking-a-new-trend-in-agriculture-rise-of-the-techno-farmer
  4. https://www.greyb.com/blog
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 9, 2025
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Blood clot relief

What Is Blood Clot Thrombosis? Reasons And Prevention

Do you sit for prolonged time? Do you travel a lot or do you move less and leading a sedentary life? Then you must also be aware of blood clot in your blood vessels that could be fatal. A blood clot is a gel-like mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding. This is a normal, life-saving process when you are injured. But when clots form inappropriately inside blood vessels, they can be dangerous or even life-threatening.

What is the blood clot condition?

The medical term for abnormal or dangerous blood clotting is thrombosis. This can occur in:

  • Veins -Venous thrombosis
    • Most commonly: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a clot usually in the legs.
  • Arteries-Arterial thrombosis
    • It can lead to heart attacks or strokes if blood flow is blocked.

What happens if a clot breaks off and travels in body? This can lead to

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE) – when a clot lodges in the lungs.
  • Stroke – when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
  • Heart attack – when a clot blocks a coronary artery.

Why do blood clots form abnormally?

Clots form due to a combination of three main factors (called Virchow’s Triad):

  1. Stasis (slowed or reduced blood flow)
  2. Endothelial Injury (damage to the blood vessel lining)
    • From trauma, surgery, smoking, or chronic inflammation.
  3. Hypercoagulability (increased tendency of blood to clot)
    • Due to genetics, dehydration, age, hormonal changes (like birth control or pregnancy), cancer, or certain medications.

Symptoms of a blood clot

In the legs (DVT):

  • Swelling (usually one leg)
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Red or discolored skin
  • Warmth over the area

In the lungs (PE):

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain (worse with deep breaths)
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Coughing (possibly with blood)

In the brain (stroke):

  • Sudden numbness, weakness (especially on one side)
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Vision problems
  • Severe headache

Health tips to reduce the risk of blood clots:

1. Stay well hydrated: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water daily. Limit sugary and caffeinated drinks that may dehydrate.

2. Move regularly: Take breaks to stretch and walk every hour, especially on flights or long car rides. Daily moderate exercise (like walking or yoga) promotes good circulation.

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet: Include-

  • Leafy greens (kale, Amaranthus, fenugreek, spinach – but monitor if on blood thinners).
  • Omega-3 rich foods (flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds).
  • Berries and citrus fruits – rich in antioxidants.
  • Garlic and turmeric – natural blood-thinners.

 4. Avoid smoking: Seek help to quit if needed. Smoking damages blood vessels and thicken blood.

5. Manage stress: Chronic stress can elevate clotting risk. Try meditation, deep breathing, or journaling.

 6. Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces strain on your circulatory system.

 7. Regular health checkups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. If you have a condition like AFib, DVT, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s plan closely.

8. Be aware of medications: If taking hormone therapy, birth control, or certain cancer drugs, discuss clotting risks with your doctor.

9. Prevent travel-related clots: Wear compression stockings on long trips. Stay active and hydrated.

Why is it important to act fast? Blood clots can block blood flow to vital organs, causing permanent damage or death if not treated quickly.

Image credit: www.cdc.gov https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/media/images/Testing_and_Diagnosis.jpg

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 4, 2025
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Foods interfere with sleep

These Foods Interfere With Sleep

Sometimes we develop a habit of consuming certain specific foods during supper or dinner or just before going to bed. Or we might consume these foods at party or restaurants. There are several such foods that can interfere our sleep for various reasons. As we know sleep is an important “activity” that our body needs. If we don’t sleep well it will have adverse effect on our health.  

  1. Dark chocolate: Made of cocoa dark chocolates tastes good and good for health compared to other sugar loaded chocolates. However, one should not consume dark chocolate at night because it contains more caffeine content that keeps us awake at night. Caffeine acts on our nervous system to be active and this disturbs the sleep.
  2. Wine: Say no to wine before going to bed. Alcohol interferes with sleep and is terrible for sleep. Reason is alcohol metabolizes fast in the system and will interrupt sleep. It also makes snoring worst and can impact your partner!
  3. Coffee: Obviously, caffeine in coffee acts on central nervous system and acts as stimulant. It will keep us up at night. Tolerance for caffeine varies from person to person on the amount  of coffee consumption. Skip drinking coffee evening hours if you don’t know your tolerance level.
  4. Spicy curry: Spices are good for body. However the extreme spices, hot chilis and heavily spiced curries must be avoided at night as it can cause heart burn and acidity and it means no sleep at night. So avoid spicy food at night, instead go for blander dinners.
  5. Cruciferous vegetables: Like broccoli, cauliflower can cause bloating and gas. Yes, they are good vegetables and supply fiber. The insoluble fiber these vegetables supply will take longer hours to digest. Body keeps working while we asleep. It means, if we consume crucifers during dinner, then expect to have a uncomfortable sleep at night.
  6. Soda: Say no to soda otherwise too! Soda does not do any good for body. If you have habit of drinking soda at night, then you know you are consuming sugar that keeps you wide awake and gives restless sleep
  7. Water: Well, water is very essential drink. But drinking too much water before going to bed means interruption with urgency of visiting bathroom. It means you will be awake and has to get out of the bed. Instead, practice hydrating during day and waning water intake couple of hours before going to bed will help you to get good sleep.
  8. Tomato sauce and cheesy topping: If you are planning to have pizza for dinner then consider re-looking at your options. Acidic tomato sauce can cause heart burn and stomach problem. The cheesy topping that comes with pizza also causes heart burn as it is high in fat and takes time to digest. Avoid pizza at night, instead have it as a snack item in the day time.
  9. Orange juice: Because it is acidic, orange juice can be problematic if taken at night. It can cause acid reflux and keeps you awake at night.
  10. Sugary cereals: High amount of refined sugar in cereal can spike the blood sugar level. These carbohydrates will act on nervous system and cells will be hyperactive at night. It means mind is active and no sleep at night.
  11. Garlic: Garlic is one the best medicinal herb that we can find. But it is best avoided during night as it causes not just bad breath but also heartburn and acid reflux. Garlic is known as hot herb and when combined with spicy curries or cheesy food like pizza it will have negative impact on our good night sleep.

Image credit: Photo by Bicanski on Pixnio (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Wonders of science

Ways To Explore Wonders Of Science

Exploring the wonders of science can be a fascinating and enriching experience for kids of all ages. Here are some ideas for how kids can engage with science in fun and interactive ways:

Hands-on experiments: Encourage kids to conduct simple science experiments using household materials. They can create volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar, make slime with glue and borax, or build simple circuits with batteries and wires. Provide step-by-step instructions and safety guidelines, and encourage kids to observe, ask questions, and make predictions.

Nature walks and outdoor exploration: Take kids on nature walks to explore the natural world around them. They can observe plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife, and learn about ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity. Encourage them to keep a nature journal to record their observations, sketches, and discoveries.

Science kits and DIY projects: Invest in science kits or subscription boxes that provide kids with all the materials and instructions they need to conduct experiments and projects at home. Alternatively, encourage kids to create their own DIY science projects using everyday materials, such as building a model rocket, making a solar oven, or constructing a homemade telescope.

Science museums and centers: Visit science museums, planetariums, and science centers in your area to expose kids to hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and live demonstrations. Many science museums offer educational programs, workshops, and special events for children of all ages, providing opportunities for immersive learning experiences.

STEM activities and clubs: Enroll kids in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, clubs, or camps where they can engage in collaborative projects, problem-solving challenges, and hands-on activities. These programs often incorporate robotics, coding, engineering challenges, and other STEM disciplines to inspire curiosity and creativity.

Science books and media: Encourage kids to read science books, magazines, and articles, and watch educational videos, documentaries, and science-themed TV shows. There are many age-appropriate resources available that cover a wide range of scientific topics, from astronomy and biology to chemistry and physics.

Citizen science projects: Get kids involved in citizen science projects where they can contribute to real scientific research and data collection efforts. They can participate in bird counts, monitor weather patterns, track plant growth, or identify animals through online platforms and mobile apps designed for citizen scientists.

Science fairs and competitions: Support kids in participating in science fairs, competitions, and STEM challenges where they can showcase their projects, present their findings, and compete with peers. These events provide opportunities for kids to develop critical thinking skills, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for the scientific process.

By providing kids with opportunities to explore science in diverse and engaging ways, you can inspire their curiosity, ignite their passion for discovery, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/927849 (CC0 for public domain)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 3, 2025
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Healing Environment

A Healing Environment Is A Safeguard For Our Wellbeing

A healing environment refers to a physical or social setting intentionally designed to promote health, well-being, recovery and safeguards us from any mental agony. These environments are present in healthcare facilities, but they can also extend to other settings such as homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

The key elements of a healing environment that promote our wellbeing are;

Physical comfort: A healing environment prioritizes physical comfort through factors such as adequate lighting, comfortable temperatures, noise reduction, and ergonomic furniture. These elements help reduce stress and create a sense of ease for individuals.

Safety and security: Feeling safe and secure is essential for healing. Healing environments prioritize safety measures to prevent accidents, minimize infection risks, and ensure the physical and emotional security of individuals.

Access to nature: Nature has a calming and restorative effect on people’s well-being. Healing environments incorporate elements of nature such as natural light, views of green spaces, indoor plants, and outdoor healing gardens to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood.

Social support: Social connections play a crucial role in healing and recovery. Healing environments foster social support networks by encouraging communication, collaboration, and interaction among individuals, caregivers, families, and peers.

Holistic approach: Healing environments adopt a holistic approach to health and well-being, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of healing. This includes providing access to complementary therapies, mental health support services, spiritual care, and opportunities for self-expression and creativity.

Empowerment and autonomy: Individuals are actively involved in their healing process in a healing environment. This includes providing opportunities for shared decision making, autonomy in care choices, and access to information and resources to support informed decision making.

Cultural sensitivity: Healing environments respect and incorporate diverse cultural beliefs, values, and practices. They provide culturally competent care that is sensitive to the needs, preferences, and traditions of individuals and communities.

Innovation and technology: Healing environments embrace innovation and technology to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes, and optimize the healing experience. This may include incorporating advanced medical technologies, telemedicine, digital health tools, and interactive patient engagement platforms.

Environmental sustainability: Healing environments prioritize environmental sustainability by minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices. This aligns with the concept of planetary health, recognizing the interconnectedness between human health and the health of the environment.

A healing environment recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, social, and environmental factors in promoting health and well-being. By integrating these elements, healing environments create supportive spaces that facilitate healing, recovery, and overall flourishing for individuals and communities.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/868961 (CC0 public domain)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

Eating Gut Friendly Food Supports Vagus Nerve

Gut healthy practices: The gut and vagus nerve are deeply connected, so supporting your digestive system helps.

  • How to do it: Eat fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kimchi) and fiber-rich foods while avoiding processed foods.
  • Why it works: A healthy gut produces neurotransmitters that enhance vagal function.

Mindful eating helps vagus nerve:

  • Eating slowly to support digestion and vagal activity.
  • Try practicing gratitude before meals, as it reduces stress and fosters a deeper connection with food.
  • Eating fresh, local, and nutritious foods for mindfulness benefits the well-being of family and community by keeping vagus nerves positively active.

Suggested routine to keep vagus nerves active

You could create a daily routine like this:

  1. Start your morning with deep breathing (5-10 minutes).
  2. Gargle with water while brushing your teeth.
  3. Practice yoga or tai chi for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Include a gut-friendly meal (like yogurt with berries) for breakfast.
  5. Laugh with a funny podcast or video during the day.
  6. End your evening with a cold-water face splash or a short meditation session.

The vagus nerve is not only a stress-relief powerhouse but also a bridge between physical and mental health.

Image credit: Image by -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 30, 2025
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Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

Laughter, Massage And Guided Imagery Exercises Helps Vagus Nerve

Laughter: Laughing is a natural and enjoyable way to stimulate the vagus nerve.

  • How to do it: Watch a funny movie, spend time with friends who make you laugh, or try laughter yoga.
  • Why it works: Genuine laughter reduces stress hormones and boosts mood.

Massage: Certain types of massage target areas connected to the vagus nerve:

  • How to do it: Try a neck massage, foot reflexology, or abdominal massage for 5-10 minutes.
  • Why it works: Physical touch relaxes the nervous system and enhances vagal activity.

Visualization: Guided imagery or visualization exercises can activate the vagus nerve.

  • How to do it: Close your eyes, imagine a calm scene (like a beach or forest), and focus on the details while breathing deeply.
  • Why it works: Visualization reduces stress and enhances relaxation.

Image credit: Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay (Free for use under the Pixabay Content License)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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