WHY is maple syrup hard to obtain?
The tradition of maple sap harvesting, borrowed by Canadians from the Indians, took shape in their favorite and annually held in March, the national holiday of the inhabitants of Southern Quebec and Ontario. It is possible to get 20-25 liters of the most valuable sap from one tree only from sugar maple (Acer saccharinum).
These trees, which reach 30 m in height, grow in the south-east of Canada. To collect the sap, an incision is made on the trunk, approximately 20-30 cm above the ground, into which tubes are inserted leading to vessels where the sap, called passoka, flows. To obtain a sweet maple syrup or sugar, which instead of sucrose contains more useful dektrose and trace elements, the juice is thickened by evaporation. It takes 40 liters of juice to make 1 liter of syrup.
Maple syrup is an essential ingredient in many Canadian dishes. It is used in ice cream, soufflés, porridges and even some meat dishes.
The tradition of maple sap harvesting, borrowed by Canadians from the Indians, took shape in their favorite and annually held in March, the national holiday of the inhabitants of Southern Quebec and Ontario. It is possible to get 20-25 liters of the most valuable sap from one tree only from sugar maple (Acer saccharinum).
These trees, which reach 30 m in height, grow in the south-east of Canada. To collect the sap, an incision is made on the trunk, approximately 20-30 cm above the ground, into which tubes are inserted leading to vessels where the sap, called passoka, flows. To obtain a sweet maple syrup or sugar, which instead of sucrose contains more useful dektrose and trace elements, the juice is thickened by evaporation. It takes 40 liters of juice to make 1 liter of syrup.
Maple syrup is an essential ingredient in many Canadian dishes. It is used in ice cream, soufflés, porridges and even some meat dishes.
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WHY is it dangerous for cats and dogs to go extinct?
Many cats and dogs, especially ornamental breeds, are almost incapable of making their own food in the wild. Even urban stray dogs and cats live mostly off people - intentional feeding and food scraps.
Furthermore, even completely feral dogs tend to lose competition to wild dogs like wolves, coyotes, etc. Living in the same territory as them, without human support, willing or unwilling, they quickly become extinct. However, in the absence of wild competitors, some dogs and cats are quite capable of mastering an independent life.
The most famous example is the Australian dingo, the feral descendant of domestic dogs, now the largest predator in the Australian fauna. In Australia, as well as in a number of other places, there are stable populations of feral domestic cats.
Many cats and dogs, especially ornamental breeds, are almost incapable of making their own food in the wild. Even urban stray dogs and cats live mostly off people - intentional feeding and food scraps.
Furthermore, even completely feral dogs tend to lose competition to wild dogs like wolves, coyotes, etc. Living in the same territory as them, without human support, willing or unwilling, they quickly become extinct. However, in the absence of wild competitors, some dogs and cats are quite capable of mastering an independent life.
The most famous example is the Australian dingo, the feral descendant of domestic dogs, now the largest predator in the Australian fauna. In Australia, as well as in a number of other places, there are stable populations of feral domestic cats.
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WHY does the water jet narrow toward the bottom?
Slow and calm - laminar, as physicists say - the jet from a circular faucet first has a cross-section equal to the inner diameter of the pipe. Under the action of gravity, the flow accelerates, and since the flow of water doesn't change, the jet should narrow.
One can take a different look at it. Among two drops, that came out of the pipe with a small time gap, the first one starts accelerating earlier, and its detachment from the second one is constantly growing. Thus, gravity stretches the jet vertically. Since the volume of water between the drops remains the same, the jet is thinning.
At that, it is compressed by surface tension forces, and when the jet becomes quite thin - 2-3 mm - they also crush it into separate drops.
Slow and calm - laminar, as physicists say - the jet from a circular faucet first has a cross-section equal to the inner diameter of the pipe. Under the action of gravity, the flow accelerates, and since the flow of water doesn't change, the jet should narrow.
One can take a different look at it. Among two drops, that came out of the pipe with a small time gap, the first one starts accelerating earlier, and its detachment from the second one is constantly growing. Thus, gravity stretches the jet vertically. Since the volume of water between the drops remains the same, the jet is thinning.
At that, it is compressed by surface tension forces, and when the jet becomes quite thin - 2-3 mm - they also crush it into separate drops.
WHY do people like the smell after it rains?
The smell of rain has a term: petrichor.
When rain falls on the ground, water enters microcracks and pores. The air in them forms bubbles on the wet surface, which, when they burst, release many microdroplets into the air.
These tiny particles, containing oils of plant origin, are picked up by air currents and are spread around, creating that unique and beloved by many fragrance.
For the same reason, by the way, when it rains, a huge number of soil bacteria end up in the air. So when you say you smell wet soil, it is actually a molecule produced by a certain type of bacteria. This molecule, geosmin, is created by Streptomyces bacteria.
The smell of rain has a term: petrichor.
When rain falls on the ground, water enters microcracks and pores. The air in them forms bubbles on the wet surface, which, when they burst, release many microdroplets into the air.
These tiny particles, containing oils of plant origin, are picked up by air currents and are spread around, creating that unique and beloved by many fragrance.
For the same reason, by the way, when it rains, a huge number of soil bacteria end up in the air. So when you say you smell wet soil, it is actually a molecule produced by a certain type of bacteria. This molecule, geosmin, is created by Streptomyces bacteria.
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WHY do museums keep some paintings under glass while others don't?
Traditionally, oil paintings are exhibited without glass. The painting is normally coated with a transparent varnish, which makes it resistant to exposure and allows for wet cleaning. Graphics are usually displayed under glass, as pencil, watercolor, ink and pastel are easily damaged and almost impossible to clean.
In some cases, oil paintings are also protected by glass. For example, against fading due to ultraviolet light or when cracks in the paint prevent wet cleaning, as well as in cases of special value and threats of vandalism.
Traditionally, oil paintings are exhibited without glass. The painting is normally coated with a transparent varnish, which makes it resistant to exposure and allows for wet cleaning. Graphics are usually displayed under glass, as pencil, watercolor, ink and pastel are easily damaged and almost impossible to clean.
In some cases, oil paintings are also protected by glass. For example, against fading due to ultraviolet light or when cracks in the paint prevent wet cleaning, as well as in cases of special value and threats of vandalism.
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WHY can't a koala be a family pet?
Recently, the thought of a koala pet has been visiting animal lovers more and more often. After all, looking at this charming fluffy animal, similar to a plush toy, you just uncontrollably want to cuddle and pet it.
However, keeping a koala in captivity is not easy. Mainly because of nutrition. After all, the koala eats only eucalyptus leaves of certain species. And nothing else can replace this "delicacy". Also, koalas prefer to eat at night and drink no water at all, except when they are sick.
Recently, the thought of a koala pet has been visiting animal lovers more and more often. After all, looking at this charming fluffy animal, similar to a plush toy, you just uncontrollably want to cuddle and pet it.
However, keeping a koala in captivity is not easy. Mainly because of nutrition. After all, the koala eats only eucalyptus leaves of certain species. And nothing else can replace this "delicacy". Also, koalas prefer to eat at night and drink no water at all, except when they are sick.
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WHY do domestic hens lay unfertilized eggs?
A mature hen's egg leaves the oviduct to be fertilized. There it develops into an egg, whether or not fertilization occurs.
In the wild, a hen's egg maturation is triggered only under certain conditions, one of which is regular visual contact with the rooster. As a result, the hen usually lays fertilized eggs. After laying a sufficient number of them, the maturation of eggs is blocked, and the bird proceeds to incubation.
Domestic hens have been selected for continuous egg laying, and their reproductive system has undergone changes. Egg maturation is no longer dependent on the presence of the rooster.
A mature hen's egg leaves the oviduct to be fertilized. There it develops into an egg, whether or not fertilization occurs.
In the wild, a hen's egg maturation is triggered only under certain conditions, one of which is regular visual contact with the rooster. As a result, the hen usually lays fertilized eggs. After laying a sufficient number of them, the maturation of eggs is blocked, and the bird proceeds to incubation.
Domestic hens have been selected for continuous egg laying, and their reproductive system has undergone changes. Egg maturation is no longer dependent on the presence of the rooster.
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WHY do animals also need variety?
As observations show, many animals feel frustrated when there is a prolonged lack of new information and access to things to play with. Their behavior resembles that of a bored human.
The ability of animals to be homesick is also evidenced by the fact that even adults spend a lot of time playing and suffer when deprived of this opportunity.
Such behavior is most noticeable in monkeys, raptors, as well as in a number of birds, such as cranes and parrots.
As observations show, many animals feel frustrated when there is a prolonged lack of new information and access to things to play with. Their behavior resembles that of a bored human.
The ability of animals to be homesick is also evidenced by the fact that even adults spend a lot of time playing and suffer when deprived of this opportunity.
Such behavior is most noticeable in monkeys, raptors, as well as in a number of birds, such as cranes and parrots.
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WHY do crows caw?
In order to explain why crows caw, we need to realize that the crow is a remarkably social bird. It is an extraordinarily intelligent creature, on a par with dolphins and monkeys. And thus, it has established a greater contact with its tribesmen.
Specifically, the morning of these birds begins with the convocation of congeners. Specialists assert that several crows can caw in unison for this purpose, so that the summoning would be better heard by others.
Those, who have flown in, generally greet the gathering as well. Then the crows hold a sort of gathering.
The flock, nestled in a tree, decides where to fly, where danger awaits, and other such things. Considering that crows have a rather rich vocabulary, their coddling can be long, noisy, and full of various interesting intonations.
In order to explain why crows caw, we need to realize that the crow is a remarkably social bird. It is an extraordinarily intelligent creature, on a par with dolphins and monkeys. And thus, it has established a greater contact with its tribesmen.
Specifically, the morning of these birds begins with the convocation of congeners. Specialists assert that several crows can caw in unison for this purpose, so that the summoning would be better heard by others.
Those, who have flown in, generally greet the gathering as well. Then the crows hold a sort of gathering.
The flock, nestled in a tree, decides where to fly, where danger awaits, and other such things. Considering that crows have a rather rich vocabulary, their coddling can be long, noisy, and full of various interesting intonations.
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WHY shouldn't we eat hot bread?
Previously, natural sourdough was used to make bread lush. But these days, when artificial yeast is added, people experience adverse effects after eating fresh and hot bread.
The human stomach has difficulty digesting it, and this may lead to the aggravation of gastritis. Besides, freshly baked bread causes fermentation in the intestines, resulting in the formation of excessive gas, colic and intestinal pain.
Previously, natural sourdough was used to make bread lush. But these days, when artificial yeast is added, people experience adverse effects after eating fresh and hot bread.
The human stomach has difficulty digesting it, and this may lead to the aggravation of gastritis. Besides, freshly baked bread causes fermentation in the intestines, resulting in the formation of excessive gas, colic and intestinal pain.
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WHY can gastric juice dissolve razor blades?
The stomach digests food thanks to a caustic hydrochloric acid with a high pH (hydrogen concentration) ranging from 2 to 3.
A famous phenomenon was the French entertainer Michel Lotito, who was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 for his outstanding ability to eat inorganic objects. This man could easily devour rubber, glass and metal.
At his performances, Michel Lotito amazed the audience by swallowing bicycles, supermarket carts, TVs, computers, beds, candelabras, skis, glasses, and his most outstanding "achievement" was eating a Cessna-150, for which he spent two years of his life. Although his main advantage is his thick stomach walls, it would be impossible without the acidity of his gastric juice.
The stomach digests food thanks to a caustic hydrochloric acid with a high pH (hydrogen concentration) ranging from 2 to 3.
A famous phenomenon was the French entertainer Michel Lotito, who was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 for his outstanding ability to eat inorganic objects. This man could easily devour rubber, glass and metal.
At his performances, Michel Lotito amazed the audience by swallowing bicycles, supermarket carts, TVs, computers, beds, candelabras, skis, glasses, and his most outstanding "achievement" was eating a Cessna-150, for which he spent two years of his life. Although his main advantage is his thick stomach walls, it would be impossible without the acidity of his gastric juice.
WHY is it forbidden to flush the toilet in Switzerland in the evening?
The truth is that Swiss people really don't flush after 10 p.m.! But it only applies to private housing. In this peculiar way, the parliament of this small country is fighting against the noise in the evening. Couldn't you do something else, such as changing the pipes in the sewage system? Evidently not.
Incidentally, as of late in Switzerland, you can buy toilets with improved noise isolation. Well, those people who cannot afford to equip their latrines, have to either endure or go out on the street.
The truth is that Swiss people really don't flush after 10 p.m.! But it only applies to private housing. In this peculiar way, the parliament of this small country is fighting against the noise in the evening. Couldn't you do something else, such as changing the pipes in the sewage system? Evidently not.
Incidentally, as of late in Switzerland, you can buy toilets with improved noise isolation. Well, those people who cannot afford to equip their latrines, have to either endure or go out on the street.
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WHY does salting a pineapple make it sweeter?
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
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WHY is it harder to lift the ring finger?
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The human hand boasts a highly complex anatomical structure. The extensor muscle (extensor) extends or straightens the finger when it contracts and the flexor muscle (flexor) bends it.
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With the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger, this process is fairly straightforward because each has its own extensor muscle. However, the middle and ring fingers share a common extensor muscle. When you try to extend the ring finger, the middle finger flexor contracts, as it should, and securely nails the middle finger in place, which then unsuccessfully tries to move the common extensor.
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The human hand boasts a highly complex anatomical structure. The extensor muscle (extensor) extends or straightens the finger when it contracts and the flexor muscle (flexor) bends it.
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With the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger, this process is fairly straightforward because each has its own extensor muscle. However, the middle and ring fingers share a common extensor muscle. When you try to extend the ring finger, the middle finger flexor contracts, as it should, and securely nails the middle finger in place, which then unsuccessfully tries to move the common extensor.
WHY does salting a pineapple make it sweeter?
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
Despite the seeming paradox of this statement, the pineapple does get sweeter if you salt it.
As everyone knows, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, a special enzyme called bromelain (which breaks down proteins), as well as fiber.
The pineapple is a real treasure trove of health benefits for our body, but its spicy taste is not to everyone's liking. Actually, pineapple contains plenty of fruit acids, namely malic and citric acids. But the salt, reacting with the acid, neutralizes it.
Thus, pineapple truly appears sweeter to our taste buds. Simply because after the acid is neutralized, it will be less acidic.
WHY does peppermint relieve nasal congestion?
Peppermint leaves have a unique flavor thanks to the menthol they contain. It is the menthol that gives the mint drink its refreshing taste. Essential oils of menthol relieves breathing and nasal congestion during colds.
Peppermint oil is useful for nasal congestion - it relieves swelling and nasal congestion, restores the patency of the sinuses.
Peppermint leaves have a unique flavor thanks to the menthol they contain. It is the menthol that gives the mint drink its refreshing taste. Essential oils of menthol relieves breathing and nasal congestion during colds.
Peppermint oil is useful for nasal congestion - it relieves swelling and nasal congestion, restores the patency of the sinuses.
WHY are the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? Why not the BEARS?
Well, because these constellations are called Dippers rather than Bears in both Latin and Greek.
European constellation names are normally derived from Greek (and Roman stolen from them) myths.
However, several conflicting myths exist explaining the origins of the two Dippers. Among the most common is that the Big Dipper is the nymph Callisto, and the Little Dipper is her son Arcadus. Yet, Arcadus would really have to be more of a Bear.
An interesting fact: if we meet a bear in the forest, we say bear (no matter what sex it is). And the Greeks, when they meet a Bear or Dipper, say so.
Well, because these constellations are called Dippers rather than Bears in both Latin and Greek.
European constellation names are normally derived from Greek (and Roman stolen from them) myths.
However, several conflicting myths exist explaining the origins of the two Dippers. Among the most common is that the Big Dipper is the nymph Callisto, and the Little Dipper is her son Arcadus. Yet, Arcadus would really have to be more of a Bear.
An interesting fact: if we meet a bear in the forest, we say bear (no matter what sex it is). And the Greeks, when they meet a Bear or Dipper, say so.
WHY is the sky dark at night when the universe is infinite and full of bright stars?
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In 2002, after analyzing the light from 200,000 galaxies collected by Australian scientists as part of the project "Mapping the Galaxy Color-Redshift Relation," American scientists from Johns Hopkins University concluded that the color of the universe is pale green.
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If you take the Dulux color palette as a basis, this color would be somewhere between "Mexican mint", "Cornflower bunch" and "Shangri-La silk".
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Indeed, a few weeks after the report of the American Astronomical Society, scientists had to admit that an unfortunate error had crept into their calculations, and in fact, the color of the universe is rather closer to the dull shades of gray-brown.
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In science, this puzzle is known as the "Olbers photometric paradox," in honor of the German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, who described (but was not the first in history) this mysterious phenomenon in 1826.
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In 2002, after analyzing the light from 200,000 galaxies collected by Australian scientists as part of the project "Mapping the Galaxy Color-Redshift Relation," American scientists from Johns Hopkins University concluded that the color of the universe is pale green.
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If you take the Dulux color palette as a basis, this color would be somewhere between "Mexican mint", "Cornflower bunch" and "Shangri-La silk".
⠀
Indeed, a few weeks after the report of the American Astronomical Society, scientists had to admit that an unfortunate error had crept into their calculations, and in fact, the color of the universe is rather closer to the dull shades of gray-brown.
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In science, this puzzle is known as the "Olbers photometric paradox," in honor of the German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, who described (but was not the first in history) this mysterious phenomenon in 1826.
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WHY aren't the wounded given a drink?
Only those wounded in the stomach or head.
From a punctured stomach or intestine, water with half-digested food can leak into the abdomen, increasing the chance of peritonitis. And with head injuries, a person can choke if he or she loses consciousness while drinking.
Even in case of a large blood loss, drinking is necessary.
Only those wounded in the stomach or head.
From a punctured stomach or intestine, water with half-digested food can leak into the abdomen, increasing the chance of peritonitis. And with head injuries, a person can choke if he or she loses consciousness while drinking.
Even in case of a large blood loss, drinking is necessary.
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WHY is routing called onion?
Onion routing is a method of transferring data in computer networks in which information passes through several network nodes (routers) to ensure anonymity.
In this process, the data is encrypted several times and the routers gradually remove "layers" of encryption to determine the next point of transmission. This multi-layered encryption is why this type of routing gets its name.
Onion routing is a method of transferring data in computer networks in which information passes through several network nodes (routers) to ensure anonymity.
In this process, the data is encrypted several times and the routers gradually remove "layers" of encryption to determine the next point of transmission. This multi-layered encryption is why this type of routing gets its name.
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WHY is it beneficial to take cold showers?
Cold showers are useful for coping with moodiness and decreasing the level of irritability. The thing is that cold water affects the "blue spot" area in the brain, which produces the hormone noradrenaline, responsible for fighting depression.
Since cold water improves the transport of nutrients to the body and oxygenates the cells, you become more alert. You get less tired and can concentrate on a specific task for longer.
A cold shower in the morning is just what you need to wake up more quickly. It activates the cells and circulation. You feel stronger and more energetic to take on important tasks.
Cold showers are useful for coping with moodiness and decreasing the level of irritability. The thing is that cold water affects the "blue spot" area in the brain, which produces the hormone noradrenaline, responsible for fighting depression.
Since cold water improves the transport of nutrients to the body and oxygenates the cells, you become more alert. You get less tired and can concentrate on a specific task for longer.
A cold shower in the morning is just what you need to wake up more quickly. It activates the cells and circulation. You feel stronger and more energetic to take on important tasks.
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