Two of the oldest questions in science are, ‘How deep is the ocean?’ and, ‘How much water do the world’s oceans hold?’ Researchers from two top marine-science centers in the United States – the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – set out last year to find the answers. After employing the latest …
True: Hot water can, and frequently does, freeze faster than colder water. This phenomenon has been discussed for centuries; although, it wasn’t until 1969 that a Tanzanian high school student introduced it to the scientific community. For his troubles, the phenomenon was named the “Mpemba Effect” after the student. Why Does Warm Water Freeze faster Than Cold Water? Since then, …
False: There is a persistent belief that the stars in the heavens (which are masked from sight during the day by the light provided by the sun) are easily viewable when seen from the base of a very tall chimney or from the depths of a deep well or shaft. According to lore, this narrowed field of vision serves to …
False: Good news for all you chocoholics: Eating chocolate does not cause pimples. Skin care experts agree that acne is not caused by any specific food, including french fries, candy, soda or potato chips. Probably the biggest myth of all is that eating greasy foods causes your skin to produce more oil. Greasy foods, while not good for your health, …
Like other moles, the star-nosed mole is very powerful in relation to its size. Using its paddle-shaped hands together with a twisting motion of its compact body, it constructs a network of tunnels about 50 cm (1.5 ft.) beneath the surface of the ground, but above the water table. Its nests are made of dried grass and other vegetation. Found …
Is it true or false that Play-Doh was originally invented as a toy? False. The putty-like substance was concocted by 23 year old Noah McVicker for Kutol Products in 1927 to clean soot from walls. But, by the 1950s homes had switched from coal to gas or oil heat, and the newer wallpapers were being made from easier-to-clean vinyl, so …
Originating from Austria and Hungary, the Mangalitsa ‘sheep-pig’ is similar to the native Lincolnshire curly coat breed which died out in Britain 40 years ago. As part of a program to help save the animals from extinction, staff at Tropical Wings in Essex, U.K. are hoping that they can help the breed survive. “At first sight, people think they are …
True or false? False: The most expensive coffee in the world does not come from Jamaica, but instead, from Indonesia. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Is Kopi Luwak Kopi Luwak coffee, also known as Indonesia Palm Civet Coffee, Animal Coffee, or Cat Coffee, comes from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, an area well known for its excellent coffee. Also native …
The Crystal-coated Gas Mask just might be the next fashion accessory of the future. A cutting-edge accessory has left Mexican fashion lovers gasping for breath. Designer Gianfranco Reni unveiled a crystal-coated gas mask at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Mexico City, turning an iconic item from the Cold War era into a haute couture accessory for his military-inspired clothing line, …