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This article tells the story of Kashima, a god in Edo, Japan, who is tasked with keeping Namazu, a catfish, from causing earthquakes. Kashima is unable to move from his shrine, as any movement could cause Namazu to wreak havoc. However, when a farmer asks for help with a giant pumpkin that threatens his house, Kashima decides to temporarily leave his post. As Kashima cuts the pumpkin loose, an earthquake occurs, and Namazu starts to move. Kashima manages to stop Namazu by pressing the pumpkin onto its head. The article explains that in Japanese mythology, earthquakes were believed to be caused by creatures like Namazu, and the story of Kashima and Namazu became popular after a devastating earthquake in Edo in 1855. [Extracted from the article] more...

The China Fashion Week 2025 Spring/Summer Collection took place in Beijing from September 3 to 13, with over 400 designers from six countries participating. The fashion week showcased a blend of Eastern aesthetics and contemporary features, incorporating traditional Chinese culture into unique Chinese-style clothing. Some notable highlights included designer Wang Yutao's fulu-themed show, which featured gourd-shaped stage elements, Bian Huizhong's haute couture designs using Song Dynasty brocade, Qu Degang's use of batik and tie dyeing methods for indigo fabrics, and Song Zuyao's inspiration from traditional culture in Anhui Province. [Extracted from the article] more...

Research conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in India focused on the traditional pandal agriculture of cucurbit vegetables using a relay intercropping approach with perennial castor plants. The study found that the perennial castor + cucumber relay intercropping system had the highest productivity, profitability, and economic efficiency among all the cucurbits. Additionally, the relay intercropping of perennial castor with ridge gourd and bitter gourd showed the highest benefit-cost ratio. Financial support for the research came from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. [Extracted from the article] more...

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology in India conducted a study on black cumin seeds to develop value-added products by incorporating black cumin paste and powder. The study included sensory evaluations of the products and found that 1% black cumin paste in coriander chutney, 1% black cumin powder in bottle gourd Ready To Serve (RTS), and 2% black cumin powder in biscuits were the best selected value-added products. The research concluded that black cumin seeds are a rich source of phytochemicals, and consuming black cumin incorporated products may reduce the risk of various diseases. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent report from Saveetha University in Tamil Nadu, India, explores the potential of a novel herbal gel formulation using Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd) fortified with honey as a treatment for oral ulcers. The gel was tested against three bacterial strains and demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibition observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cytotoxicity was assessed and showed minimal adverse effects at lower concentrations. The study suggests that the Lagenaria siceraria and honey gel could be a promising, natural alternative for managing oral ulcers, combining efficacy with low cytotoxicity. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the potential for clinical application. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent study conducted by the College of Pharmacy in Babylon, Iraq, investigated the hepatoprotective efficacy of Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil (LSS) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced toxicity. The experiment involved 20 rats divided into four groups, with each group receiving different treatments. The results showed that LSS oil exhibited antioxidant activity and had a hepatoprotective effect against CCl-induced toxicity. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatments for liver damage caused by toxic chemicals. [Extracted from the article] more...

Scallion bunches) b B 1 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic (from 3 medium garlic cloves) b B 1 Tbsp. finely chopped peeled fresh ginger b B 2 cups chopped tomatoes (from 2 [7-oz.] Plum tomatoes) b B 1 tsp. chaat masala (such as MDH) b B 1 small fresh serrano chile (about ½ oz.), seeded and finely chopped (about 1½ Tbsp.) b B Potato chips, for serving (optional) b B 1. CHEF VISHWESH BHATT OFFERS NEW WAYS TO SHOWCASE MELONS, CUCUMBERS, AND SUMMER SQUASH IN BOLD RECIPES INSPIRED BY THE FLAVORS OF INDIA AND THE AMERICAN SOUTH. Squash) b B 1½ Tbsp. ras el hanout b B 1½ Tbsp. chopped preserved lemon rind b B 2 tsp. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article explores Calabash bowls are part of the cultures of Hawaii. They have been made for centuries, and many Hawaiians have examples that have been handed down for generations. Historically, wood calabash bowls were intended for royalty while common people used ones made from calabash gourds. Because of their royal connection, Hawaiian wood bowls have always exhibited superb craftsmanship. more...

Researchers at Cairo University have conducted a study to enhance the wound healing potential of Lagenaria siceraria seed oil (SO) through the preparation of SO-loaded binary nanoethosomal (SO-BNE) gels. The study found that the SO-BNE gels showed improved skin permeability and promoted the normal appearance of skin architecture and dermis structure in a rat model. The gels were also found to suppress oxidative stress and stimulate skin regeneration biomarkers. The researchers concluded that the Lagenaria siceraria SO-loaded BNE gels have promising potential for wound healing with enhanced release and bioavailability. [Extracted from the article] more...

A 62-year-old man experienced lack of efficacy during treatment for hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrest. He presented to the hospital with severe vomiting and loose stools and was started on IV norepinephrine. Despite receiving various medications, including epinephrine, calcium gluconate, and vasopressin, the man did not show significant signs of improvement and ultimately passed away. This case highlights the lack of efficacy of these drugs in this particular situation. [Extracted from the article] more...

The main character's feeling of excitement and action - in this case in her thoughts - are set in the scene which includes a reference to the weather. The character Bianca is an aspiring artist in a man's world, but on this day, she will have the opportunity to meet a leading artist, Caravaggio: Bianca stepped out on the little balcony that overlooked the villa's courtyard. Characters often point out their surroundings and tell their reactions to them, but characters can sometimes reveal details of a setting in their conversation about what they are doing. Character's Observation Some scenes, however, can happen in a character's thoughts, which also need to occur in time and place. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent study conducted by researchers at North-West University in South Africa examined the phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The study found that the fruits contained five isoprenoids, including 1-Dodecene, 2,3-Dimethyldodecane, E-15-Heptadecenal, Eicosane, and Tridecane, 6-propyl. The researchers also identified terpenoids as the prominent phytochemicals present in the fruits. This study is considered the most comprehensive examination of the fruit's phytochemical constituents to date. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent study conducted at Sichuan University in Chengdu, People's Republic of China, has provided new insights into posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms. These aneurysms are typically fusiform and do not usually enlarge to mimic a tumor in the posterior fossa on radiology. The study describes the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with tremor and dizziness, and was found to have an aneurysm in the right cerebellum hemisphere. The aneurysm was successfully treated through surgery, and the patient experienced a resolution of symptoms with no further neurological deficits at a 2-year follow-up. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article focuses on Kisima Ngeda Camp in Tanzania, Africa which has become a symbol of resilience and community strength after being rebuilt by local villagers following devastating forest fires in late 2023. more...

A recent study conducted by the Department of Chemistry focused on the hypolipidemic effect of the chloroform extract of Lagenaria siceraria. The study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and hypolipidemic activity of the extract in hyperlipidemic rats. The results showed that the extract effectively lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C levels. Additionally, molecular docking and simulation studies revealed that the extract had potential inhibitory activity against HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme involved in lipid metabolism. This research suggests that Lagenaria siceraria extract could be a promising natural alternative for managing hyperlipidemia. [Extracted from the article] more...

Grafting of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an established production practice that provides resistance to soilborne diseases or tolerance to abiotic stresses. Watermelon may be grafted on several cucurbit species (interspecific grafting); however, little research exists to describe root systems of these diverse rootstocks. A greenhouse study was conducted to compare root system morphology of nine commercially available cucurbit rootstocks, representing four species: pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), squash (Cucurbita pepo), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and an interspecific hybrid squash (C. maxima × C. moschata). Rootstocks were grafted with a triploid watermelon scion ('Exclamation'), and root systems were compared with nongrafted (NG) and self-grafted (SG) 'Exclamation'. Plants were harvested destructively at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transplant (WAT), and data were collected on scion dry weight, total root length (TRL), average root diameter, root surface area, root:shoot dry-weight ratio, root diameter class proportions, and specific root length. For all response variables, the main effect of rootstock and rootstock species was significant (P < 0.05). The main effect of harvest was significant (P < 0.05) for all response variables, with the exception of TRL proportion in diameter class 2. 'Ferro' rootstock produced the largest TRL and root surface area, with observed values 122% and 120% greater than the smallest root system ('Exclamation' SG), respectively. Among rootstock species, pumpkin produced the largest TRL and root surface area, with observed values 100% and 82% greater than those of watermelon, respectively. These results demonstrate that substantial differences exist during the initial 3 WAT in root system morphology of rootstocks and rootstock species available for watermelon grafting and that morphologic differences of root systems can be characterized using image analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Grafting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a common practice in many parts of the world and has recently received increased interest in the United States. The present study was designed to evaluate early season growth, yield, and fruit quality of watermelon in response to grafting and in the absence of known disease pressure in a fumigated system. Field experiments were conducted using standard and mini watermelons (cv. Exclamation and Extazy, respectively) grafted onto 20 commercially available cucurbit rootstocks representing four species: giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), and interspecific hybrid squash [ISH (C. maxima x Cucurbita moschata)]. Nongrafted 'Exclamation' and 'Extazy' were included as controls. To determine early season growth, leaf area was measured at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after transplant (WAT). At 1 WAT, nongrafted 'Exclamation' produced the smallest leaf area; however, at 3 WAT, nongrafted 'Exclamation' produced the largest leaf area in 2015, and no differences were observed in 2016. Leaf area was very similar among rootstocks in the 'Extazy' study, with minimal differences observed. Marketable yield included fruit weighing ≥9 and ≥3 lb for 'Exclamation' and 'Extazy', respectively. In the 'Exclamation' study, highest marketable yields were observed in nongrafted 'Exclamation', and 'Exclamation' grafted to 'Pelops', 'TZ148', and 'Coloso', and lowest marketable yields were observed when using 'Marvel' and 'Kazako' rootstocks, which produced 47% and 32% of nongrafted 'Exclamation' yield, respectively. In the 'Extazy' study, the highest marketable yield was observed in nongrafted 'Extazy', and 'Kazako' produced the lowest yields (48% of nongrafted 'Extazy'). Fruit quality was determined by measuring fruit acidity (pH), soluble solids concentration (SSC), lycopene content, and flesh firmness from a sample of two fruit from each plot from the initial two harvests of each year. Across both studies, rootstock had no effect on SSC or lycopene content. As reported in previous studies, flesh firmness was increased as a result of grafting, and nongrafted 'Exclamation' and 'Extazy' had the lowest flesh firmness among standard and mini watermelons, respectively. The present study evaluated two scions with a selection of 20 cucurbit rootstocks and observed no benefits in early season growth, yield, or phytonutrient content. Only three of 20 rootstocks in each study produced marketable yields similar to the nongrafted treatments, and no grafted treatment produced higher yields than nongrafted 'Exclamation' or 'Extazy'. Because grafted seedlings have an associated increase in cost and do not produce increased yields, grafting in these optimized farming systems and using fumigated soils does not offer an advantage in the absence of soilborne pathogens or other stressors that interfere with watermelon production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Researchers at Tezpur University in Assam, India have conducted a study on the extraction of dietary fiber and encapsulated phytochemicals from bottle gourd peel waste. The researchers found that bottle gourd peels, which are typically discarded as agro-waste, can be utilized as important functional ingredients. They extracted dietary fiber using different methods and found that ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction yielded the best results for thermal, oil, and water holding properties. The researchers also extracted and identified phytochemicals, which were then encapsulated using sodium alginate solution. The study concluded that bottle gourd peel can be used as an inexpensive source of dietary fiber and phytochemicals to prepare functional foods. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent study conducted at Manipal Hospital in Karnataka, India, highlights the case of a 35-year-old man who experienced symptoms of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and giddiness after consuming concentrated bottle gourd juice. The juice, commonly known as "Lauki," is considered a health tonic by practitioners of alternative therapy and nutritionists. The patient was treated with crystalloid fluids, proton-pump inhibitors, and antiemetics, and was discharged after four days of hospitalization. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of bottle gourd toxicity, as there is no specific antidote for this condition. [Extracted from the article] more...

A recent study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina, examined the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in two different types of bottle gourd fruit. The study found that aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols were the most abundant compounds in both types of fruit. The researchers concluded that one of the tested lines, USVL10, showed a high abundance of functionally important VOCs and could be a good candidate for use in agriculture, the healthcare industry, and domestic applications. This research provides valuable information on the chemical composition of bottle gourd fruit and its potential uses. [Extracted from the article] more...

According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "The result of this study revealed that matured bottle gourd seeds can serve as a potential, inexpensive dietary fiber source and phytochemicals, which can further be used to develop functional foods." Keywords: Chemistry; Food Chemistry EN Chemistry Food Chemistry 286 286 1 10/09/23 20231012 NES 231012 2023 OCT 12 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Food Weekly News -- Research findings on food chemistry are discussed in a new report. [Extracted from the article] more...

Keywords: Adrenergic Bronchodilators; Bronchodilators; Cardiology; Cardiotonic; Cardiovascular Agents; Catecholamines; Drugs and Therapies; Ethanolamines; Genetics; Health and Medicine; Isoproterenol; Isoproterenol Therapy; Pharmaceuticals; Respiratory Agents; Risk and Prevention; Sympathomimetic; Vasopressors EN Adrenergic Bronchodilators Bronchodilators Cardiology Cardiotonic Cardiovascular Agents Catecholamines Drugs and Therapies Ethanolamines Genetics Health and Medicine Isoproterenol Isoproterenol Therapy Pharmaceuticals Respiratory Agents Risk and Prevention Sympathomimetic Vasopressors 1001 1001 1 09/11/23 20230915 NES 230915 2023 SEP 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Drug Week -- Investigators publish new report on isoproterenol therapy. According to the news editors, the research concluded: "Our study demonstrated that BG oil and the optimized BG-SDLF provided a cardioprotection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity with better results in groups treated with the optimized BG-SDLF.". [Extracted from the article] more...

Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cucurbitacins, Drugs and Therapies, Health and Medicine, Oncology, Triterpenes, Women's Health Keywords: Breast Cancer; Cancer; Cucurbitacins; Drugs and Therapies; Health and Medicine; Oncology; Triterpenes; Women's Health EN Breast Cancer Cancer Cucurbitacins Drugs and Therapies Health and Medicine Oncology Triterpenes Women's Health 991 991 1 08/28/23 20230829 NES 230829 2023 AUG 29 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Women's Health Weekly -- New research on breast cancer is the subject of a new report. [Extracted from the article] more...

I ($9, i sayweee.com) MOCHI Durian mochi makes for an easy, sweet treat - look for something made from real durian, not essence, such as B Royal Family. b I ($3, i justasianfood.com) Three Ways to Cook With Durian 1 FERMENT IT Goh's family ferments leftover durian to make tempoyak, a funky condiment used to boost the flavor of dips and curries. MUSANG KING "This durian is prized for its buttery flesh that has a special combination of sweet and bitter flavors", says pastry chef Michelle Goh of Mia in Bangkok. 2 FRY IT At Toyo, Navarra has served durian cheese balls - fried dough filled with a mixture of fresh cheese and durian, topped with more grated cheese. [Extracted from the article] more...

Keywords for this news article include: Mettu University, Health and Medicine, Malaria, Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Keywords: Health and Medicine; Malaria; Mosquito-Borne Diseases EN Health and Medicine Malaria Mosquito-Borne Diseases 21 21 1 05/08/23 20230511 NES 230511 2023 MAY 9 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Zika & Mosquito Week -- Fresh data on malaria are presented in a new report. [Extracted from the article] more...

Low-temperature storage is a technique to hold seedlings for a short period of time to adjust the production schedule of young seedlings. Labor-intensive grafting propagation can potentially benefit from the effective use of this technique to minimize peak labor inputs. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedlings are generally chilling sensitive and therefore difficult to store at low temperatures. However, the rootstocks used for watermelon grafting, interspecific squash (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) are known to be chilling tolerant. To examine the influence of rootstocks on storability of watermelon seedlings, young seedlings of 'Tri-X-313' seedless watermelon grafted onto 'Strong Tosa' interspecific squash, 'Emphasis' bottle gourd, and 'Tri-X-313' watermelon as rootstock were placed for 2 or 4 weeks under 12 °C air temperature and 12 μmol·m−2·s−2 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF). Nongrafted watermelon seedlings were also treated in these same conditions. In addition, nonstored (grafted and nongrafted) seedlings were prepared for comparison. Regardless of seedling type (nongrafted or grafted with different rootstocks), all seedlings stored for 2 weeks had lower dry weight, comparable or greater number of leaves and stem length, when compared with their respective nonstored control groups after 2 weeks in the greenhouse. Seedlings stored for 4 weeks had lower number of leaves and stem length after 2 weeks in the greenhouse, except for those grafted onto the interspecific squash rootstock. Nongrafted and grafted watermelon seedlings with the same watermelon cultivar as rootstock showed significantly lower leaf net photosynthetic rates after 2 weeks in the greenhouse after the 2-week storage than those of nonstored control groups. In contrast, when grafted onto interspecific squash and bottle gourd rootstocks, seedlings showed comparable net photosynthetic rate to the control group. For all seedling types, 20% to 35% of seedlings died during 4-week storage or poststorage in the greenhouse, whereas all seedlings survived for the 2-week storage, except when grafted onto watermelon as rootstock. Therefore, chilling-tolerant rootstocks 'Strong Tosa' interspecific squash and 'Emphasis' bottle gourd improved storability of grafted 'Tri-X-313' watermelon seedlings but could not extend the storability beyond 2 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Grafting of seedlings is atechnique used for w atermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production in m any countries. Because of higher costs involved, the use of grafted seedlings can only be recommended if it provides clear biological and economic benefits. Since rootstock performance is influenced by compatibility with the cultivar, the existing disease pressure, and climatic conditions, it is necessary to evaluate rootstocks with current cultivars to appraise possible benefits in a given area. Two experiments were carried out in two consecutive seasons with the objective of evaluating the benefits of grafting under Chilean conditions. The rootstocks used were 'Marathon' (Cucurbita maximax Cucurbita moschata) and 'Macis' (Lagenaria siceraria) with different scions, including some seedless cultivars. In both experiments, grafted plants increased their yield compared with nongrafted plants (136% and 159% in Expts. 1 and 2, respectively). This effect was due to an increased number of fru it per plant (P < 0.01), and the weight gain of the fruit (P < 0.01). Plants presented with fusarium wilt [Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON)] in bo th experiments, which seemed to be the main limitation for nongrafted plant production. In the evaluation of quality attributes [soluble solid concentration (SCC), firmness, color, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and rind thickness], positive effects were observed in the fru it of grafted plants. For the conditions of these experiments, the increase in yield of grafted plants would be associated with an economic benefit that exceeds its additional cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

As growers across California navigate severe drought, supply-chain challenges and rising inflation, reducing inputs has become an existential necessity. In his first trials in partnership with growers in 2019, Wang tested whether they could plant fewer watermelon plants, spaced at greater distances apart, while producing a stable yield of high-quality melons. According to Wang, growers reported that, on average, their successfully grafted fields produced 15% to 25% more watermelons than non-grafted fields per acre, while using 30% fewer plants and the same amount of water and fertilizers. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article focuses on a research conducted by researcher Logan Kistler and colleagues as of July 2014 related to the analysis of origin of bottle gourds or Lagenaria siceraria, vegetable plant, by examining DNA from bottle gourds collected at pre-Colombian archaeological sites in the U.S. more...

The article discusses a study by anthropologist Logan Kistler at Pennsylvania State University, University Park and his team, reported online in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Science" on February 10, 2014 on bottle gourds to have likely floated across Atlantic Sea to Americas. The analysis of chloroplast Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) revealed pre-Columbian bottle gourds in Americas to be more closely related to African gourds, concluding its probable floating to Brazil. more...

In this article, the author focuses on the primitive drinking vessel guampa of biker Josh Bender and he further discusses that bag of yerba mate-and Bender's signature guampa, or drinking gourd.

Presents the recipe Crystal Wax Gourd.

Offers guidelines for creating birdhouses out of bottle gourds. Materials needed; Guidelines for cleaning, drilling holes and finishing; Background information on gourds.