WHY do people say "to take English leave"?
In the 18th century, this was the name given to those who left the ball without saying goodbye to their hosts. Although the English themselves attribute the roots of this bad habit to the French, and they "turn the tables" on the Germans. Suffice it to say that the English say "to take French leave" and the French "filer à l'anglaise" (to take English leave).
According to another version, the idiom appeared during the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, where the English fought the French. As usual, the enemies liked to reproach each other for cowardice, so the deserters were called "to take French leave" or "to take English leave".
In the 18th century, this was the name given to those who left the ball without saying goodbye to their hosts. Although the English themselves attribute the roots of this bad habit to the French, and they "turn the tables" on the Germans. Suffice it to say that the English say "to take French leave" and the French "filer à l'anglaise" (to take English leave).
According to another version, the idiom appeared during the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, where the English fought the French. As usual, the enemies liked to reproach each other for cowardice, so the deserters were called "to take French leave" or "to take English leave".
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WHY do people perceive air and water at the same temperature in different ways?
It's all about the heat capacity difference. Due to the fact that water is 800 times denser than air, its heat capacity, even in terms of the same mass, is also higher, takes heat from the body much more efficiently.
One can imagine that each square centimeter of body surface should heat 1 degree, 1 cubic centimeter of air which is in contact with it - or 1 cubic centimeter of water. In the latter case, heat will have to be given off several thousand times more.
It's all about the heat capacity difference. Due to the fact that water is 800 times denser than air, its heat capacity, even in terms of the same mass, is also higher, takes heat from the body much more efficiently.
One can imagine that each square centimeter of body surface should heat 1 degree, 1 cubic centimeter of air which is in contact with it - or 1 cubic centimeter of water. In the latter case, heat will have to be given off several thousand times more.
WHY the cloth on the billiard table is green?
The traditional green light for making billiard cloth was chosen as a result of the fact that at first the game was played on the lawns - the whole history of billiards was emphasized by it.
Yet another version exists - it is believed that the green color was chosen because of its wide use in other gambling games. However, today is proven: the green color has a beneficial effect on the eyesight, the eyes rest while playing on a table with a green cloth.
The traditional green light for making billiard cloth was chosen as a result of the fact that at first the game was played on the lawns - the whole history of billiards was emphasized by it.
Yet another version exists - it is believed that the green color was chosen because of its wide use in other gambling games. However, today is proven: the green color has a beneficial effect on the eyesight, the eyes rest while playing on a table with a green cloth.
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WHY did the restorers of the ceiling of New York's Grand Central Station leave a soiled area near the image of a crawfish?
In the 1990s, the ceiling of New York's Grand Central Station, featuring the starry sky and the zodiacal constellations, was restored. The ceiling was returned to its original green color, and an examination of the removed dirt layer revealed that most of it was formed by smoking products.
The restorers left a small piece of dirt, symbolically near one of the claws of the Cancer constellation.
In the 1990s, the ceiling of New York's Grand Central Station, featuring the starry sky and the zodiacal constellations, was restored. The ceiling was returned to its original green color, and an examination of the removed dirt layer revealed that most of it was formed by smoking products.
The restorers left a small piece of dirt, symbolically near one of the claws of the Cancer constellation.
WHY are cars called Toyota, although the company founder's last name is spelled Toyoda?
Sakichi Toyoda, who invented the automatic loom and founded the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, is considered the "father" of the Japanese industrial revolution. In 1933, under the leadership of his son Kiichiro Toyoda, car production was initiated. At first they were sold under the Toyoda brand, but then it was decided to change the penultimate sound.
The word Toyota in Japanese alphabet requires eight brush strokes instead of ten for the word Toyoda, and the number 8 is traditionally considered lucky in East Asian countries.
Another argument in favor of the renaming was to distance itself from associations with agriculture, since the literal meaning of Toyoda is "harvesting rice fields".
Sakichi Toyoda, who invented the automatic loom and founded the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, is considered the "father" of the Japanese industrial revolution. In 1933, under the leadership of his son Kiichiro Toyoda, car production was initiated. At first they were sold under the Toyoda brand, but then it was decided to change the penultimate sound.
The word Toyota in Japanese alphabet requires eight brush strokes instead of ten for the word Toyoda, and the number 8 is traditionally considered lucky in East Asian countries.
Another argument in favor of the renaming was to distance itself from associations with agriculture, since the literal meaning of Toyoda is "harvesting rice fields".
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WHY you shouldn't drink water with hot pepper?
The alkaloid capsaicin adds spice to peppers. It is insoluble in water. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to "put out" a fire in the mouth with water.
Although it dissolves well in spirits and fats. Meanwhile, alcohol, milk, sour cream, and even ice cream may help.
The alkaloid capsaicin adds spice to peppers. It is insoluble in water. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to "put out" a fire in the mouth with water.
Although it dissolves well in spirits and fats. Meanwhile, alcohol, milk, sour cream, and even ice cream may help.
WHY is the inscription on the ambulance backwards?
If these words were written as ordinary, they would become unreadable in mirrors, so they are initially applied mirrored.
When driving, with an ambulance behind you, the inscription on the hood will no longer be reversed for you, but mirrored in your rearview mirror.
If these words were written as ordinary, they would become unreadable in mirrors, so they are initially applied mirrored.
When driving, with an ambulance behind you, the inscription on the hood will no longer be reversed for you, but mirrored in your rearview mirror.
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WHY do men have nipples?
Body structures are shaped by chemical signals. In particular, sex hormones control the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
However, at the time of mammary glands in embryos there are no sex glands, so the ratio of male and female sex hormones in embryos of both sexes is the same and is determined by the hormonal background of the mother.
Body structures are shaped by chemical signals. In particular, sex hormones control the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
However, at the time of mammary glands in embryos there are no sex glands, so the ratio of male and female sex hormones in embryos of both sexes is the same and is determined by the hormonal background of the mother.
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WHY is hugging beneficial for your health?
Researches have found that physical contact, including hugs, reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol.
High levels of stress hormones can cause a number of health problems such as sleep disorders, unhealthy skin, obesity, reduced immunity and more.
Researches have found that physical contact, including hugs, reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol.
High levels of stress hormones can cause a number of health problems such as sleep disorders, unhealthy skin, obesity, reduced immunity and more.
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WHY does a wet dog start to stink?
This smell varies in intensity from breed to breed depending on the type of coat, but all dogs do smell significantly more "fragrant" when wet. The reason is quite simple: water evaporating from the coat saturates the air with molecules of substances each dog's hair is covered with.
And since a dog's liquid sweat only comes out on its paw pads and the tips of the nose, sweating is not a thermoregulatory function, much of that role is taken over by salivation. Nevertheless, every hair of a dog's coat is associated with a sebaceous gland and a sweat gland.
This smell varies in intensity from breed to breed depending on the type of coat, but all dogs do smell significantly more "fragrant" when wet. The reason is quite simple: water evaporating from the coat saturates the air with molecules of substances each dog's hair is covered with.
And since a dog's liquid sweat only comes out on its paw pads and the tips of the nose, sweating is not a thermoregulatory function, much of that role is taken over by salivation. Nevertheless, every hair of a dog's coat is associated with a sebaceous gland and a sweat gland.
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WHY are there many drugs against bacterial infections and few against viral ones?
A bacterium is an integral single-celled organism which biochemistry is quite different from that of humans. Therefore, it is possible to find drugs that block the enzymes vital for bacteria or destroy their cell wall, while being harmless or minimally toxic for humans.
A virus, on the other hand, is much simpler, and after infecting the target cell, it has nothing of its own except for the genome. Genome duplication and synthesis of viral proteins are performed by the same molecular mechanisms of the infected cell that ensure the vital activity of healthy cells.
A bacterium is an integral single-celled organism which biochemistry is quite different from that of humans. Therefore, it is possible to find drugs that block the enzymes vital for bacteria or destroy their cell wall, while being harmless or minimally toxic for humans.
A virus, on the other hand, is much simpler, and after infecting the target cell, it has nothing of its own except for the genome. Genome duplication and synthesis of viral proteins are performed by the same molecular mechanisms of the infected cell that ensure the vital activity of healthy cells.
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WHY does water recede from the coast before a tsunami hits?
In particular, a wave is formed that differs from an ordinary wind-driven wave in that it is enormously long. While ordinary wind-driven waves are 100-200 meters long, tsunamis can be tens or hundreds of kilometers long.
The most significant metamorphosis occurs with a tsunami wave when it "bumps" into shallow water, closer to shore. Its speed, which in the open ocean was comparable to the speed of a jetliner (800 km/h), decreases, but its height sharply increases. However, we should bear in mind that in addition to the high crest of the wave rushing towards the coast there is the "sole", that is, the lowest point below the level of calm water. If the "sole" attacks the shore first, the coastal water level drops, exposing meters or even kilometers of the bottom.
In particular, a wave is formed that differs from an ordinary wind-driven wave in that it is enormously long. While ordinary wind-driven waves are 100-200 meters long, tsunamis can be tens or hundreds of kilometers long.
The most significant metamorphosis occurs with a tsunami wave when it "bumps" into shallow water, closer to shore. Its speed, which in the open ocean was comparable to the speed of a jetliner (800 km/h), decreases, but its height sharply increases. However, we should bear in mind that in addition to the high crest of the wave rushing towards the coast there is the "sole", that is, the lowest point below the level of calm water. If the "sole" attacks the shore first, the coastal water level drops, exposing meters or even kilometers of the bottom.
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WHY can we carry no more than 100 ml of liquids in a hand luggage?
It turns out that the "100 ml" rule has been in effect at European airports for more than 12 years.
This rule first appeared in Europe after an incident at a British airport — police arrested a group of criminals with liquid bombs.
It was then that it was considered liquids in containers of up to 100 ml and a total volume of up to 1 l do not pose a threat — roughly speaking, with that volume of flammable liquid on board, a dangerous ignition is unlikely.
It turns out that the "100 ml" rule has been in effect at European airports for more than 12 years.
This rule first appeared in Europe after an incident at a British airport — police arrested a group of criminals with liquid bombs.
It was then that it was considered liquids in containers of up to 100 ml and a total volume of up to 1 l do not pose a threat — roughly speaking, with that volume of flammable liquid on board, a dangerous ignition is unlikely.
WHY do people actually want to settle on Mars but not in Antarctica?
Mars is a challenge and a prospect on a different scale
False to think that other planets will save us from overpopulation. Neither Mars nor Antarctica will help unless population growth stops.
Living in Antarctica is already possible: 1000 to 4000 people permanently stay at scientific stations there. However, everything keeps on supplying from the Big Earth.
On Mars, the habitat should be relatively autonomous, requiring almost no Earth support. This is a colossal technological challenge, the acceptance of which could trigger technological progress.
Mars is a challenge and a prospect on a different scale
False to think that other planets will save us from overpopulation. Neither Mars nor Antarctica will help unless population growth stops.
Living in Antarctica is already possible: 1000 to 4000 people permanently stay at scientific stations there. However, everything keeps on supplying from the Big Earth.
On Mars, the habitat should be relatively autonomous, requiring almost no Earth support. This is a colossal technological challenge, the acceptance of which could trigger technological progress.
WHY are movies shot against a green background?
The green background is used in films in order to replace it with computer-generated visual effects: a single-color green canvas transforms into a panorama of the city, for instance, during the post-production phase.
Technically, the background color can be anything - gray, white, black or purple, but films are shot against a green background, as this color stands out the most (that is, it is easier to highlight and replace it with another color or image later on).
The green background is used in films in order to replace it with computer-generated visual effects: a single-color green canvas transforms into a panorama of the city, for instance, during the post-production phase.
Technically, the background color can be anything - gray, white, black or purple, but films are shot against a green background, as this color stands out the most (that is, it is easier to highlight and replace it with another color or image later on).
WHY do people grab their earlobe when their finger is burned?
The earlobe is the coldest part of the body (available), and it is normal to look for something colder when burned.
Moreover, the lobe has many different receptors, so they are projected to certain internal organs of our body and warming the burned fingers on the earlobe helps to reduce the pain.
The earlobe is the coldest part of the body (available), and it is normal to look for something colder when burned.
Moreover, the lobe has many different receptors, so they are projected to certain internal organs of our body and warming the burned fingers on the earlobe helps to reduce the pain.
WHY do wounds itch when they heal?
The injured tissue releases the neurotransmitter histamine abundantly. Immediately after injury, it triggers an inflammatory response and later prompts tissue stem cells to migrate to the damaged area and repair the tissue.
It turns out that histamine irritates the nerve endings in the skin, causing itching.
The injured tissue releases the neurotransmitter histamine abundantly. Immediately after injury, it triggers an inflammatory response and later prompts tissue stem cells to migrate to the damaged area and repair the tissue.
It turns out that histamine irritates the nerve endings in the skin, causing itching.
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WHY are there wooden planks on F1 cars?
Formula 1 cars have been continuously improved to increase downforce, which has been achieved, among other things, by minimizing ground clearance.
Since 1994, to combat accidents and improve safety, a simple 10mm thick beech wood composite board has been mandatory on the underside of all racing cars. After the race, the boards are always checked, and for wear and tear beyond the allotted limit, the driver's result may be invalidated.
Formula 1 cars have been continuously improved to increase downforce, which has been achieved, among other things, by minimizing ground clearance.
Since 1994, to combat accidents and improve safety, a simple 10mm thick beech wood composite board has been mandatory on the underside of all racing cars. After the race, the boards are always checked, and for wear and tear beyond the allotted limit, the driver's result may be invalidated.
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WHY is dieting incompatible with alcohol?
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It's not even so much that alcohol increases appetite and lowers self-control, but that the brain, having detected the presence of ethyl alcohol in the blood, stops the metabolism, including the process of turning fat into glucose, and concentrates on removing alcohol and its toxic derivatives from the body as quickly as possible.
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Since your body is capable of absorbing no more than 15 to 30 ml of pure alcohol per hour, the process of digesting a can of beer, for example, will stop fat burning for about an hour and a half.
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It's not even so much that alcohol increases appetite and lowers self-control, but that the brain, having detected the presence of ethyl alcohol in the blood, stops the metabolism, including the process of turning fat into glucose, and concentrates on removing alcohol and its toxic derivatives from the body as quickly as possible.
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Since your body is capable of absorbing no more than 15 to 30 ml of pure alcohol per hour, the process of digesting a can of beer, for example, will stop fat burning for about an hour and a half.
WHY are drinks carbonated?
Carbonated beverages are drinks saturated with carbon dioxide, characterized by a peculiar, beloved by many taste, refreshing properties and the so-called sparkling, i.e. intensive and prolonged release of gas bubbles.
In addition to the special taste, the main commercial property of carbon dioxide - preservative (disinfecting, disinfectant, antimicrobial) - is intensively exploited in the production of beverages today.
Carbonated beverages are drinks saturated with carbon dioxide, characterized by a peculiar, beloved by many taste, refreshing properties and the so-called sparkling, i.e. intensive and prolonged release of gas bubbles.
In addition to the special taste, the main commercial property of carbon dioxide - preservative (disinfecting, disinfectant, antimicrobial) - is intensively exploited in the production of beverages today.
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WHY can some fungi turn ants into zombies?
Some parasites are capable of dramatically altering their host's behavior to achieve their goals, turning it into a zombie.
These include the cordyceps lopsided fungus, which penetrates the ant's body and then somehow forces the insect to follow a place optimal for the parasite's development.
The ant seeks out the plant, climbs to a height of 20-30 cm, finds a leaf with a certain temperature and humidity, and bites into the central vein on the underside of the leaf. The ant then dies and the fungus sprouts from its body.
Some parasites are capable of dramatically altering their host's behavior to achieve their goals, turning it into a zombie.
These include the cordyceps lopsided fungus, which penetrates the ant's body and then somehow forces the insect to follow a place optimal for the parasite's development.
The ant seeks out the plant, climbs to a height of 20-30 cm, finds a leaf with a certain temperature and humidity, and bites into the central vein on the underside of the leaf. The ant then dies and the fungus sprouts from its body.
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