All posts by Scott »
How Things Become Petrified
Today I found out how things become petrified, rather than just decaying normally. Petrifaction (also known as petrification) is a type of fossilization which leaves living organisms preserved as a type of stone. In
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“Avocado” Derives from a Word Meaning “Testicle”
Today I found out that “Avocado” derives from a word meaning “testicle”. The word Avocado comes from a Nahuatl Indian (Aztec) word “ahuácatl” meaning testicle. It is thought that the reference is either due
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Why Beans Give You Gas
Today I found out why beans give you gas. Beans contain a sugar molecule called ‘Oligosaccharides’. These types of sugars cannot be digested by the stomach or small intestine. They get passed on to
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What Causes Hiccups
Today I found out what causes hiccups. In medical terms, a hiccup can be called a hiccough, a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, or singlutus. Hiccups are classified into three categories: normal, protracted or persistent, and
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A 17 Year Old Girl Survived a 2 Mile Fall Without a Parachute, then Trekked Alone 10 Days Through the Peruvian Rainforest
Today I found out that a 17 year old girl survived a 2 mile fall from a plane without a parachute, then trekked alone 10 days through the Peruvian rainforest. On Christmas Eve, 1971,
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How a Smoke Alarm Works
Today I found out how a smoke alarm works. At their core, smoke alarms are very simple devices that need only two functions: a way of detecting smoke and a way of alerting people
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The Inventor of the Pringles Can was Buried in One
Today I found out that the inventor of the Pringles can was buried in one (part of him, anyway). Upon his death in 2008, just 20 days shy of his 90th birthday, the inventor
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Apple Seeds Contain Cyanide
Today I found out apple seeds contain cyanide. The seeds of apples, also known as “pips”, contain a sugar/cyanide compound called “amygdalin”, which turns into hydrogen cyanide when it is metabolized in your body.
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There Was Once a One Man Invasion Attempt of the Island Nation of Sark
Today I found out there was once a one man invasion attempt of the island of Sark. Andre Gardes was an unemployed nuclear physicist from France. Mr. Gardes believed himself the rightful heir and
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The Origin of the Green, Yellow, and Red Color Scheme for Traffic Lights
Today I found out the origin of the green, yellow, and red color scheme for traffic lights. This color scheme derives from a system used by the railroad industry since the 1830s. At this
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