Bananas turning black in the fridge might have startled many, leading to misconceptions about them releasing some kind of “poison gas.” Let’s debunk that right away. While the banana peel might look a tad unappetizing after a stint in the fridge, the fruit inside is as delectable as ever. The Science Behind The Darkened...
Three-time defending champions South Africa (now ranked #2 in the world) and underdog Namibia (currently ranked #21) are two of the 20 countries competing across four pools at the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup. How good of a chance do they have, and what is the current status of rugby union in Africa? We...
Off the coast of South Africa, there are a lot of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). But there have been big drops in shark numbers in places where they usually gather along the coast of Western Cape province. Sharks meet in these places for one of three reasons: to eat, to socialise, or to...
Have you ever paused to ponder the story behind the seemingly ordinary ZIP Code? The U.S. Postal Service introduced the “Zone Improvement Plan Code” or ZIP Code on July 1, 1963, to enhance mail delivery speed and precision. This was, however, not their first brush with zone-based mailing. As early as 1943, they’d devised...
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” cautionary label caused quite a stir among music enthusiasts. The appearance of this warning label on records raised some serious questions about who should take responsibility for regulating what we listen to. It might seem surprising, but one particular artist and...
Contrary to popular belief, sushi isn’t solely about uncooked fish. It encompasses a diverse range of dishes, from vinegared rice topped with various ingredients to creative rolls that suit every palate. The concept of sushi has evolved over centuries, intertwining tradition and innovation to create a culinary experience that transcends cultural boundaries. Origins of...
The Origins of “Avocado” The term “avocado” has a fascinating etymology, originating from the Nahuatl Indian (Aztec) word “ahuácatl,” which surprisingly translates to “testicle.” This link to the human anatomy sheds light on the historical perception of this unique fruit and its association with fertility and vitality in ancient Aztec culture. Health Benefits of...
Picture this: Would you ever tempt fate with a culinary version of Russian roulette? While the odds of playing the actual dangerous game are thankfully rare, many in Japan willingly pay a premium for a dish that, if prepared incorrectly, could prove lethal by dessert time. Dive with us into the thrilling and treacherous...
In the annals of medical history, one ailment that has long perplexed and terrified humanity is tetanus. Even Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, documented a horrific case in 380 B.C.E. A ship’s captain injured his right index finger with an anchor, and within days, he experienced a barrage of terrifying symptoms – foul discharges,...