WHY doesn't ice sink?

The only water crystal modification existing under the conditions of our planet is the hexagonal syngony.

❗This chemical structure has a lower density than water as a liquid.

It only occurs under natural conditions. Scientists have already found out that ice has 5 amorphous varieties and 17 crystalline modifications.

WHY do the Germans read numbers backwards?

By the end of the 15th century, Arabic numerals became common in written German. They were recommended to be read from left to right. But when numbers didn't exist, the Germans always wrote units first (one dash for 1, two dashes for 2) and only then - tens (X - 10).

As an example, the notation IXX used to read "one and twenty".

The Germans still have such a peculiarity. Previously, writers and mathematicians were constantly pointing out the problem of the distorted transmission of numbers. But all their attempts to do anything about it were suppressed from above.

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.

WHY does the filament in a light bulb not burn out?

Thin metal wire gets so heated by the electric current that it glows. And yet, the wire may last for several years and not burn out.

The reason is that there is no oxygen inside the bulb needed for it to burn. In addition, the bulb is filled with a gas that quenches the flame.

WHY is yawning contagious?

Experts have conducted plenty of studies on this subject and concluded that the most common response to yawning is a sign of sympathy for a person.

As it turns out, the contagiousness of yawning has psychological reasons. It is easier to catch yawning a person who is more prone to making connections with others. Otherwise, the more sociable a person is, the more often he yawns "for the ride".

📌 By the way, indomitable yawning is the most frequent cause of jaw dislocation.

WHY are snails dangerous?

Nearly 10,000 people per year die from interactions with them😱

Ordinary freshwater snails are carriers of schistosomiasis. Such a disease is caused by worms. What's more, it can result in death.

WHY do we like specific smells?

In most cases, the emotions of specific smells (gasoline, paint, solvent, glue) are influenced by our positive memories and associations.

Yet, some chemicals, such as the aromatic hydrocarbons found in gasoline, may cause euphoria when inhaled in small quantities.

WHY cannot you wear sunscreen in Hawaii?

Just imagine, 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean each year❗

That amount of sunscreen causes significant damage to coral reefs in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

The Haereticus Environmental Lab investigated Trunk Bay Beach and found that about 2000-5000 people per year visited the beach and left about 240 kg of sunscreen on the reef. Meanwhile, about 160 kg of sunscreen is settled on the Hanaum Bay reef daily.

WHY does warm milk act as a sleeping pill?

One glass of milk (250 ml) closes the body's need for tryptophan by 50%. The body converts tryptophan (an amino acid) into serotonin, which helps control mood and sleep.

Besides, milk serves as an excellent source of calcium, which regulates the production of melatonin.

📌If you can't fall asleep, drink a glass of milk with a teaspoon of honey. It's a great way to shorten your falling asleep time and improve the quality of your sleep.

WHY do turtles live so long?

On average, turtles live over 200 years😮 Many people assume it is due to their slow movements and rhythm of life; turtles have a slow metabolism and thus they don't age.

In fact, they have unique internal organs that do not wear out.

Their organs, even in old age, remain as functional as they were in their youth.

WHY do the clock hands go from left to right?

📌 The sundial was invented in ancient Egypt nearly five thousand years ago.

The sun on the sundial moved from east to west, so the pointer in the center of the dial moves in a circle from left to right.

WHY does it smell so good after the rain?

Scholars have really given this scent its own name: petrichor.

Some plants secrete oils absorbed by the soil. When it rains, the oil escapes from the soil along with the waste products of actinobacteria. As a result, a distinctive aroma emerges.

WHY does black absorb more heat than other colors?

According to the physical laws, the color of any object is a spectrum of reflected light. Any object absorbs all waves, but reflects only those of a certain wavelength.

Only black reflects nothing. It represents the absence of light. Thus, all the light and thermal energy that enters it, remains inside of it.

WHY do we feel sleepy after a meal?

After eating, glucose levels rise sharply. High glucose levels suppress activity of orexin, a neuropeptide that controls energy balance in the body.

📌Orexin keeps us energized throughout the day.

WHY does the amount of hair affect a person's intelligence?

An American psychologist took up this question and found out that the amount of body hair affects intelligence: the more of it, the smarter you are.

Back in 1996, Dr. Aikarakudi Alias stated that chest hair is more common among doctors and highly educated people.

WHY do ants move in a chain after each other?

When a scout ant is looking for food, it follows a specific path. And as it returns to the anthill for help, it marks the path with its secretions.

After that, all ants head off to get food, following the trail of the previous scout ant. As a result, the insects follow each other.

WHY do geomagnetic storms affect well-being?

One hypothesis exists, according to which magnetite nanocrystals (Fe3O4) can be found in the human brain structures. Human ancestors used them as an "internal compass".

Magnetic storms act on these particles and irritate receptors, causing human stress.

Another hypothesis is based on the fact that electric currents are involved (from the physical point of view) in nerve impulse transmission. These currents, in turn, interact with the magnetic field of Earth.

WHY are there two straws added to cocktails?

Numerous speculations on this subject. The three most plausible theories are:

1️⃣ To make it convenient to drink multi-layered cocktails without mixing the layers. That's why one straw is slightly longer (it sinks to the bottom of the alcohol), while the other is slightly shorter.

2️⃣ A couple of straws are added to make the drink easier to stir.

3️⃣ Two people can drink the cocktail through the straws, and it looks quite romantic.

WHY do paper cups not get wet?

Almost all paper cups consist of a special plastic film on the inside. Thus, it makes them impossible to recycle.

📌 In some coffee shops, the owners give a discount to customers who bring their own cups. That's how they contribute to the environmen

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.

WHY do different countries have different outlets?

Back in the days when the electrical system was invented and homes were electrified, inventors came up with different configurations of outlets, and appliance manufacturers adapted to them.

Meanwhile, during the technological revolution, states categorically rejected the inventions of foreign citizens so they had to come up with new shapes of outlets.

📌 In all countries, outlets have different voltages, and plugs allow you to adjust the current supply. That's why various standards were introduced for certain countries.