NATURAL SCIENCE

                                  

                              MOST  ENCOUNTERED PHOBIA

These are the  most common phobias across the world. So do not worry if you have been afflicted with more than one of these – chances are that almost everyone you meet may have experienced a minimum of one of such fears.

We probably all suffer from a minor phobia or two, but some people’s lives are virtually debilitated by their fears. This list looks at   the most unusual phobias that afflict people in modern days. 

If you suffer from any of these phobias, be sure to tell us about it in the comments.

Agoraphobia 

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxiety in situations where the sufferer perceives certain environments as dangerous or uncomfortable, often due to the environment's vast openness or crowdedness. 

These situations include, but are not limited to, wide-open spaces, as well as uncontrollable social situations s

uch as may be met in shopping malls, airports, and on bridges.

The sufferer may go to great lengths to avoid those situations, in severe cases becoming unable to leave their home  .

Of course, makes it very difficult to live comfortably in a city.

Arachnophobia

It is a anxiety about spiders. It’s so common; they’ve even created a movie of the identical name. 

Despite the fact that most spiders are not dangerous, we seem to have a collective anxiety about them, maybe because a few are poisonous and we’ve survived by staying away from them regardless.

The reactions of arachnophobics are often irrational (though not all arachnophobics acknowledge this irrationality). It is one of the most common specific phobias,  and some statistics show that 50% of women and 10% of men show symptoms.

If you have arachnophobia, you will probably go out of your way to ensure that you do not come in to contact with a spider.

 If you find a spider in your home, you may react in one of two ways: either screaming and running away or freezing in place. You may be unable to kill or trap the spider yourself, relying on a friend or family member to rescue you from the situation. If you are alone, you may actually leave the house rather than deal with the spider.

Eventually you may find yourself limiting your activities in an effort to avoid spiders. Hiking and camping trips may be difficult or impossible for you. You may even dread visiting the zoo or participating in sports that involve being outside in a field.

Experts are still uncertain what causes arachnophobia. There a few theories, though. One of the most common theories was put forth by evolutionary psychologists.

 This view suggests that arachnophobia was a survival technique for our ancestors. Since most spiders are venomous, although most do not pose a threat to humans, a fear of spiders may have made humans more likely to survive and reproduce.

ACROPHOBIA.

 The medical definition for the fear of heights is “acrophobia.” So what exactly is acrophobia? It is an abnormal and persistent fear of heights.   Acrophobia, the fear of heights, is a natural fear. 

To a certain extent, there is nothing wrong with having a fear of heights. It is a healthy God given defense against doing things like walking off a cliff. The problem is when the natural healthy instinct becomes a morbid (unsound or even paranoia) fear. This type of unhealthy fear, acrophobia, is usually overwhelming and debilitating (it will freeze you in your tracks). 

If you suffer from a fear of heights, don't think that you are alone. Thousands of people suffer from acrophobia including some famous people such as Isaac Asimov, John Madden, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Many psychologists think that the fear of heights enters your life at some point in your past. There was probably an event that happened to you that linked heights or high levels with some type of emotional trauma. They think that the original event may have been a real-life scare of some kind that you no longer consciously remember.  

Eisoptrophobia -  Fear of Mirrors

Generally, an individual that deals with Spectrophobia has been traumatized in an event where they believe they have seen or heard apparitions or ghosts. The individual could also become traumatized by horror films, television shows, or by nightmares. 

 This fear could be the result of a trauma involving mirrors. It could also be the result of the person’s superstitious fear of being watched through the mirror. 

Movies relating the supernatural world with mirrors could be the cause of this fear in younger children especially

There are two different ways in which this fear can manifest. One, when people become ill-unkempt because they refuse to deal with insecurities and fears about looking good. 

Another is being vain, by spending too much time fixing the superficial aspect of oneself, thus becoming paranoid about self-image. Avoiding mirrors may be the only way to give some sense of relief, or a way to escape from this type of fear. This fear should be examined in-depth.

Fearing the mirror is simply fearing oneself. Loving one’s self is one way of dealing with such insecurities. 

Now, I only gave a brief idea of the few every day items a person encounters without really taking into affect the impact these items may have on someone with Eisoptrophobia. There are countless items out there that would, could, and do cause people afflicted with this phobia amazing amounts of strife on an every day basis.

Demonophobia- Fear of Demons

Demonophobia is the fear of demons (evil spirits). The origin of the word demon is Greek (meaning demon) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). 

People who believe that evil supernatural beings exist and roam on earth may have abnormal and persistent fears of demons. 

They become unduly anxious when discussing demons, when venturing alone into woods or a dark house, or when watching films about demonic possession and exorcism.

Often, religious beliefs can play a role in phobias. For instance if someone believes the Bible is the literal word of God, they may have real trepidation about failing to ascend to Heaven upon their death. 

Sin, guilt, and bad deeds may play on the phobia person’s mind as they contemplate an eternity of punishment, surrounded by licking flames and grinning demons.

Mysophobia

  It is a fear of germs. It may be associated with obsessive compulsive disorder. Mysophobia is usually accompanied by repeated hand washing and an avoidance of something that is viewed as dirty.

At its most basic, mysophobia is the fear of germs, dirt, or of being contaminated by something harmful.  It usually results in compulsive cleansing, often of the hands, but at other times, of the entire body.  

It’s strongly associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but doesn’t have to be.  The condition has gained notoriety due to some prominent celebrities being reported as suffering from it, such as Cameron Diaz, Joan Crawford, and maybe most notably, Howie Mandell.

Alright, so you don’t like to be dirty and you wash your hands a lot…that doesn’t sound so bad…

As I’m sure you know, it’s much more than that.  Of course nobody wants to be contaminated with germs, and everyone should wash their hands, but it’s the pathological NEED to avoid germs, even under what are considered normal circumstances that distinguishes mysophobia from ordinary everyday good hygiene.

  It’s the compulsion to wash your hands, the anxiety about touching the doorknob, the great lengths that you’ll go to in order to avoid germs that makes it a problem that can severely effect your quality of life.

Aquaphobia

People suffer aquaphobia in many ways and may experience it even though they realize the water in an ocean, a river, or even a bathtub poses no imminent threat. They may avoid such activities as boating and swimming, or they may avoid swimming in the deep ocean despite having mastered basic swimming skills. 

 This anxiety commonly extends to getting wet or splashed with water when it is unexpected, or being pushed or thrown into a body of water.

He most common cause of aquaphobia is a previous negative experience. If you have been through a near-drowning, shipwreck or other scary occurrence in the water, you are more likely to develop a phobia of water. Learning to swim is a rite of passage for many children, and frightening experiences are common. The way that these situations are handled plays a major role in determining whether a phobia will occur.

The negative experience need not have happened to you specifically. After the film Jaws was released in 1975, reports of water phobia, as well as shark phobia, increased dramatically. In addition, if your parents are afraid of water, you are at a higher risk of sharing their fear.

                                     MOST DEADLIEST SNAKES

No Doubt, Snakes Are The Deadliest, Venomous Creatures, Yet Are The Most Beautiful Creation Of Mother Nature. Snakes As Always Are Wonderful Species Of Our Eco System. As Like Other Wild Creatures, Their Existence Too Is Indeed Important To Maintain Nature's Ecological Balance.

 Snakes Never Attack Humans Willingly Else They Get Aggressive Only When Are Hurt Or Disturbed Without Warning. It's Their Natural Wild Instinct Of Self-Defense That Force Any Venomous Snake To Strike.

Deadly Snakebite Is Always A Worst Hazardous Accident. Lack Of Proper Medical Treatment On Time Can Cause A Major Physical Damage To An Injured, May Even Prove Fatal. 

Good Knowledge, Smart Approach And Scientific Understanding Of Top Venomous Serpents Can Help Us Clarify Many Misconceptions About These Wonderful Wild Species.

Following Snake Article Provides You Brief Info On World's Top 10 Most Dangerous / Venomous / Toxic Snakes And Also Essential Tips On, How To Avoid A Deadly Snakebite? Enjoy Reading This Informative Snake Article.

the Data Below Is Compiled By Author Of This Blog. The Information Below Is Shared Merely For Educational Or Entertainment Purpose. After Referring Data Below, Please Do Verify Its Correctness On Your Own From Other Valid And Authentic Resources, If Possible Do Consult Experts E.G. A Herpetologist.

Top 10 Deadliest Snakes Rankings Are Based On An Aggregate Study And Comparison Of Individual Snake's Toxicity (LD50 Test Values Used), Its Personality, Body Size, Recorded Human Deaths, Maximum Capacity To Inject A Venom (Volume), Type Of Venom, Symptoms Of Bite, Victims' Medical Studies, New Research Information, Etc. Following List Is An Outcome Of A Global Survey.

10.RATTLE SNAKE

The only snake from the Americas on the list, the Rattlesnake is easily identifiable by the tell tale rattle on the end of its tail. They are actually a part of the Pit Viper family, and are capable of striking at up to 2/3rd their body length. 

The Eastern Diamondback in considered the most venomous species in North America. Surprisingly, juveniles are considered more dangerous than adults, due to their inability to control the amount of venom injected.

 Most species of rattlesnakes have hemotoxic venom, destroying tissue, degenerating organs and causing coagulopathy (disrupted blood clotting). Some degree of permanent scarring is very likely in the event of a venomous bite, even with prompt, effective treatment, and can lead to the loss of a limb or death. 

Difficulty breathing, paralysis, drooling and massive hemorrhaging are also common symptoms. Thus, a rattlesnake bite is always a potentially fatal injury. Untreated rattlesnake bites, especially from larger species, are very often fatal. However, antivenin, when applied in time, reduces the death rate to less than 4%.

Rattlesnakes consume mice, rats, small birds and other small animals,  playing an important ecological role by limiting the size of rodent populations, which prevents crop damage and stabilizes ecosystems.

Rattlesnakes lie in wait for their prey, or hunt for it in holes.  The prey are killed quickly with a venomous bite as opposed to constricting. If the bitten prey moves away before dying, the rattlesnake can follow it by its scent. When it locates the fallen prey, it checks for signs of life by prodding with its snout, flicking its tongue, and using its sense of smell. 

Once the prey has become incapacitated, the rattlesnake locates its head by odors emitted from the mouth. The prey is then ingested head-first, which allows wings and limbs to fold at the joints in a manner which minimizes the girth of the meal.

 The gastric fluids of rattlesnakes are extremely powerful, allowing for the digestion of bone as well as flesh. Optimal digestion occurs when the snake maintains a body temperature of between 80 and 85°F (25-29°C). If the prey is small, the rattlesnake will often continue hunting. If it was an adequate meal, the snake will find a warm, safe location in which to coil up and rest until the prey is digested. 

9.DEATH ADDER

The Appropriately Named Death Adder Is Found In Australia And New Guinea. They Actually Hunt And Kill Other Snakes, Including Some On This List, Usually Via Ambush. Death Adders Look Quite Similar To Vipers, In That They Have Triangular Shaped Heads And Short, Squat Bodies. 

 An Untreated Death Adder Bite Is One Of The Most Dangerous In The World. The Venom Is A Neurotoxin. A Bite Causes Paralysis And Can Cause Death Within 6 Hours, Due To Respiratory Failure. Symptoms Generally Peak Within 24-48 Hours. 

Antivenin Is Very Successful In Treating A Bite From A Death Adder, Particularly Due To The Relatively Slow Progression Of Symptoms, But Before Its Development.

 With The Quickest Strike In The World, A Death Adder Can Go From Strike Position To Striking And Back Again Within 0.13 Of A Second.

Death adders are very viper-like in appearance, having a short, robust body,triangular shaped heads and small subocular scales. They also have vertical pupils and many small scales on the top of the head.

 Their fangs are also longer and more mobile than for most other elapids, although still far from the size seen in some of the true vipers. Despite their name, they are not related to adders, which are members of the family Viperidae, and their similar appearance is due to convergent evolution.

They normally take 2–3 years to reach adult size. Females are generally slightly larger than the males. They can also be easily distinguished from other Australian snakes because of a small, worm like lure on the end of their tail, which is used to attract prey. 

Experiments have shown these snakes are capable of making decisions on how much venom to inject depending on the circumstances. In all cases, the most important determinant of venom expenditure is generally the size of the snake, with larger specimens being capable of delivering much more venom. 

The species is also important, since some are likely to inject more venom than others, may have more venom available, strike more accurately, or deliver a number of bites in a short time. In predatory bites, factors that influence the amount of venom injected include the size of the prey, the species of prey, and whether the prey item is held or released.

7.Philippine Cobra

Most species of Cobra would not make this list; however the Philippine Cobra is the exception. Drop for drop, its venom is the most deadly of all the Cobra species, and they are capable of spitting it up to 3 metres. The venom is a neurotoxin which affects cardiac and respiratory function, and can cause neurotoxicity, respiratory paralysis and death in thirty minutes. 

The bite causes only minimal tissue damage. The neurotoxins interrupt the transmission of nerve signals by binding to the neuro-muscular junctions near the muscles. The symptoms might include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse and convulsions.

The Philippine cobra is a stocky snake of medium length with long cervical ribs capable of expanding, so when threatened, a hood can be formed. The average length of this species is 1.0 metre (3.3 ft). The species can grow to lengths of 1.6 metres (5.2 ft)However, subpopulations of the species, particularly specimens from Mindoro Island, are said to attain lengths of 2 metres (6.6 ft), but these are unconfirmed claims. If true, however, 2 m would be very rare and would be considered the absolute maximum for this species.

7.VIPER

Vipers are found throughout most of the world, but arguably the most venomous is the Saw Scaled Viper and the Chain Viper, found primarily in the Middle East and Central Asia, particularly India, China and South East Asia. 

Vipers are quick tempered and generally nocturnal, often active after rains. They are also very fast. Most of these species have venom that cause symptoms that begin with pain at the site of the bite, immediately followed by swelling of the affected extremity. Bleeding is a common symptom, especially from the gums. There is a drop in blood pressure and the heart rate falls. 

Blistering occurs at the site of the bite, developing along the affected limb in severe cases.  Vomiting and facial swelling occurs in about one-third of all cases. Severe pain may last for 2-4 weeks. 

Often, local swelling peaks within 48-72 hours, involving the affected limb. Discoloration may occur throughout the swollen area as red blood cells and plasma leak into muscle tissue. Death from septicaemia, respiratory or cardiac failure may occur 1 to 14 days post-bite, or even later.

6.Tiger Snake

Tiger Snake are olive to dark brown in colour above with yellowish or olive belly and crossbands. Its subspecies in Tasmania and Victoria are uniformly black.
Found in Australia, the Tiger snake has a very potent neurotoxic venom. Death from a bite can occur within 30 minutes, but usually takes 6-24 hours. Prior to the development of antivenin, the fatality rate from Tiger snakes was 60-70%. 

Symptoms can include localized pain in the foot and neck region, tingling, numbness and sweating, followed by a fairly rapid onset of breathing difficulties and paralysis. The Tiger snake will generally flee if encountered, but can become aggressive when cornered. It strikes with unerring accuracy.

Tiger Snake is a dangerous poisonous snake found in Australia. It is very common and bites many humans in Australia. It has a very potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. When aroused, it is aggressive and attacks any intruder. It flattens its neck making a narrow band. Its venom is produced in large quantities, with an average yield 35mg and a record of 180mg.

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5.Black Mamba

The feared Black Mamba is found throughout many parts of the African continent. They are known to be highly aggressive, and strike with deadly precision. They are also the fastest land snake in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 20km/h. These fearsome snakes can strike up to 12 times in a row.

 A single bite is capable of killing anywhere from 10-25 adults. The venom is a fast acting neurotoxin.  The initial symptom of the bite is local pain in the bite area, although not as severe as snakes with hemotoxins. 

The victim then experiences a tingling sensation in the mouth and extremities, double vision, tunnel vision, severe confusion, fever, excessive salivation (including foaming of the mouth and nose) and pronounced ataxia (lack of muscle control).

 If the victim does not receive medical attention, symptoms rapidly progress to severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, pallor, shock, nephrotoxicity, cardio toxicity and paralysis. Eventually, the victim experiences convulsions, respiratory arrest, coma and then death. Without antivenin, the mortality rate is nearly 100%, among the highest of all venomous snakes. Depending on the nature of the bite, death can result at any time between 15 minutes and 3 hours.

It is named for the black colour of the inside of the mouth rather than the colour of its scales which varies from dull yellowish-green to a gun-metal grey. It is also the fastest snake in the world, capable of moving at 4.32 to 5.4 metres per second (16–20 km/h, 10–12 mph). The black mamba has a reputation for being very aggressive, but it usually attempts to flee from humans like most snakes, unless it is threatened.

 Mamba is not only highly venomous but also aggressive and its victim has very little chance to escape from a bite. Its venom is highly neurotoxic. Hence Black Mamba's bite is always 100% fatal if antivenom is not administered quickly. Despite the name this snake is actually brownish-gray in colour.

 When threatened, it opens its mouth wide and gives the victims a good view of the black internal lining of its mouth. Black Mamba is the fastest land snake in the world, reaching top speeds of 16-19 km/hr in short bursts.

4.Taipan

Another entry from Australia, the venom in a Taipan is strong enough to kill up to 12,000 guinea pigs. The venom clots the victim’s blood, blocking arteries or veins. It is also highly neurotoxic. Before the advent of an antivenin, there are no known survivors of a Taipan bite, and death typically occurs within an hour.

 Even with successful administration of antivenin, most victims will have an extensive stay in intensive care. It has been likened to the African Black Mamba in morphology, ecology and behavior.

  Taipan is the world's most venomous land snake. Its bite is synonymous with death. Maximum survival time recorded after Taipan's bite is not more than few hours. Without prompt medical assistance its victim has rarest chance of recovery.

 Here Inland Taipan (Fierce snake) is the most toxic specie. Maximum yield recorded from a single bite of Inland Taipan is 110 mg. Just few mg of Inland Taipan's venom is enough to kill over 100 people or 250,000 mice. Australia's Western or Inland Taipan or Fierce Snake is the world's most toxic terrestrial snake.

Many people believe Taipans are very aggressive but the fact is that they are docile creatures. Yes they have an aggressive disposition only when mishandled or disturbed without warning.

 When aroused, Taipan can display a fearsome appearance by flattening its head, raising it off the ground, waving it back and forth, and suddenly striking with such speed that the victim may receive several bites before it retreats. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin, causing respiratory paralysis.

3.Blue Krait

The Malayan or Blue Krait is, by far, the most deadly of this species. Found throughout South East Asia and Indonesia, 50% of bites from the deadly Blue Krait are fatal, even with the administration of antivenin. Kraits hunt and kill other snakes, even cannibalizing other Kraits.

 They are a nocturnal breed, and are more aggressive under the cover of darkness. However, overall they are quite timid and will often attempt to hide rather than fight. The venom is a neurotoxin, 16 times more potent than that of a Cobra. It quickly induces muscle paralysis by preventing the ability of nerve endings to properly release the chemical that sends the message to the next nerve.

 This is followed by a period of massive over excitation , which finally tails off to paralysis. Fortunately, bites from Kraits are rare due to their nocturnal nature. Before the development of antivenin, the fatality rate was a whopping 85%. Even if antivenin is administered in time, you are far from assured survival. Death usually occurs within 6-12 hours of a Krait bite. Even if patients make it to a hospital, permanent coma and even brain death from hypoxia may occur, given potentially long transport times to get medical care.

2.Eastern Brown Snake

Don’t let the innocuous name of this snake fool you, 1/14,000 of an ounce of its venom is enough to kill an adult human. Coming in a variety of species, the Eastern Brown snake is the most venomous. Unfortunately, its preferred habitat is also along the major population centers of Australia. The Brown snake is fast moving, can be aggressive under certain circumstances and has been known to chase aggressors and repeatedly strike at them. Even juveniles can kill a human. The venom contains both neurotoxins and blood coagulants. Fortunately for humans, less than half of bites contain venom and they prefer not to bite if at all possible. They react only to movement, so stand very still if you ever encounter one in the wild. 

Adult eastern brown snakes are highly variable in colour. Whilst usually a uniform shade of brown, they can have various patterns including speckles and bands, and range from a very pale fawn colour through to black, including orange, silver, yellow and grey. Juveniles can be banded and have a black head, with a lighter band behind, a black nape, and numerous red-brown spots on the belly.

This species has an average length of 1.1–1.8 m (3.6–5.9 ft). The maximum recorded size for the species is 2.4 m (7.9 ft), although any specimen of greater than 2 m (6.6 ft) in length would be considered exceptionally large. Large eastern brown snakes are often confused with "king brown" snakes , whose habitat they share in many areas.

1.Inland Taipan

While I did say that I would not include multiple sub-species in this list, the incredible Inland Taipan deserves a spot of its own. It has the most toxic venom of any land snake in the world. 

The maximum yield recorded for one bite is 110mg, enough to kill about 100 humans, or 250,000 mice! With an LD/50 of 0.03mg/kg, it is 10 times as venomous as the Mojave Rattlesnake, and 50 times more than the common Cobra.

 Fortunately, the Inland Taipan is not particularly aggressive and is rarely encountered by humans in the wild. No fatalities have ever been recorded, though it could potentially kill an adult human within 45 minutes.

The inland taipan is dark tan, ranging from a rich, dark hue to a brownish light-green, depending on season. Its back, sides and tail may be different shades of brown and grey, with many scales having a wide blackish edge.

 These dark-marked scales occur in diagonal rows so that the marks align to form broken chevrons of variable length that are inclined backward and downward. The lowermost lateral scales often have an anterior yellow edge. The dorsal scales are smooth and without keels. 

The round-snouted head and neck are usually noticeably darker than the body (glossy black in winter, dark brown in summer), the darker colour allowing the snake to heat itself while only exposing a smaller portion of the body at the burrow entrance. The eye is of average size with a blackish brown iris and without a noticeable coloured rim around the pupil.