For millennia, humanity has been extracting and harnessing the power of lead. As far back as 6500 BCE in Anatolia, the first known lead mine began operations. Yet, our ancestors in places like Greece recognized its detrimental effects on our health long before modern science caught up. The illustrious Greek […]
The Flushing Law With Singapore’s Toilet Legacy
For decades, the gleaming streets and spotless public facilities of Singapore have been the pride of the city-state, earning it the nickname of the “cleanest city in the world.” This exceptional cleanliness is not merely an outcome of cultural norms but the result of a meticulously orchestrated transformation spearheaded by […]
What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
The dark circles around your eyes aren’t just because you binged on your favorite show last night or took that overtime at work. Periorbital dark circles, those ominous-looking shadows, tell a tale more than just your exhaustion. They’re a complex interplay of genetics, skin physiology, and sometimes, our daily habits. […]
The Story Behind Bed Bugs And Sleeping Tight
As a child, few things chilled my spine like the caution, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Discovering the reality of these elusive creatures lurking in my bed was genuinely unnerving. How did this phrase come about, and when did bed bugs first start feasting on human blood? The […]
South Africa’s Vaping Tax Unlikely to Curb Youth Smoking
Governments levy excise taxes on items like alcohol and tobacco throughout the world to curb their consumption. For the same reason, the government of South Africa has imposed a tax on vaping items. There is mounting evidence that vaping products are harmful, so efforts to curb demand are warranted. Both […]
Men vs. Women In The Battle of the Snores
When nestled in the embrace of sleep, the relaxation of the throat muscles can lead to a narrow airway, the stage where the symphony of snores begins. The soft tissues that can block the airway, like the soft palate or the base of the tongue, vibrate under the increased air […]
The Timeless Appeal of Tattoo Artistry
Tattoos have become a significant part of modern self-expression, with a substantial percentage of people in both the United States and the United Kingdom proudly sporting their chosen designs. Despite the skin’s constant renewal, tattoos have a remarkable ability to endure, leaving many to wonder about the science behind their […]
Over or Under? The Definitive Toilet Paper Showdown
Esther Pauline Lederer, the renowned columnist who went by the pseudonym “Ann Landers,” sparked a colossal debate in 1977. She openly shared her preference for hanging toilet paper “under” as opposed to the “over” method. To her surprise, this revelation led to an influx of nearly 15,000 letters, showcasing the […]
Why Adolescents Hit Those Unexpected High Notes
The peculiarities of those adolescent voice cracks just clicked for me, and it’s fascinating! The human voice is a marvel of biology. It all starts when we inhale deeply. The way we control the air from our lungs to our mouths gives us diverse sound outcomes. If you’ve chosen to […]