On June 1, 1937, Amelia Earhart flew in her Lockheed 10-E Electra plane with the intention to become the first woman to fly around the world. But during her flight path, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished somewhere between New Guinea and their destination, Howland Island, in the Pacific. The bodies and plane were...
Hügelkultur (pronounced hoo-gul-culture) is a traditional method of gardening that involves organic raised beds. It’s becoming popular for people interested in frugal, sustainable, and self-sufficient farming. Typical raised garden beds usually consist of a freestanding box filled with fresh soil. They usually have no bottom so plants can access the nutrients in the ground below....
Nature is full of weird specimens. Animals have developed strange, almost supernatural, abilities to hunt and survive. For example, the star-nosed mole can smell underwater. There are species of flying snakes that glide through the air to catch prey. Platypuses are the only mammals that lay eggs. Then there are those with strange appearances, like...
Gone are the days of wires. Earbuds, phones, computers, clocks, and even lamps don’t need to be constantly plugged in anymore. Instead, they are charged then moved around at leisure. This is so convenient, especially when outlets are placed in awkward locations. Still, outlets are often inadvertently designated for specific functions. For instance, the outlet...
Food poisoning is never a welcome experience. The symptoms range from unpleasant to life-threatening in rare cases. They typically involve digestive upset, fever, cramps, and headaches Therefore, health experts advise people to avoid foods that can spread these diseases. Remember, food poisoning can occur 20 minutes to 6 days after the contaminated meal. While most...
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because, unfortunately, it comes with no signs. Usually, the only way to catch it is with a medical device, which is why about 46% of adults with it are unaware, according to the World Health Organization. In rare cases, symptoms appear when the levels are very high....
Many spy thrillers depict the inner workings of national intelligence agencies, such as the CIA. National security is commonly depicted as a slick and hardcore profession with flashy suits, shiny guns, backflips, and explosions. But real life is not like a James Bond or Jason Bourne film where people seem to be born with super...
One morning, a four-year-old girl woke up dazed and unable to walk. Her mother rushed her to a local hospital where the doctors struggled to find the source of the symptoms, which were getting worse. She went from crawling to being unable to sit up or move her hands. Finally, a neurologist found the source...
Scientists analyzed “Neanderthal” human remains and discovered it doesn’t fit into any known species classification. Uncovered in China in 1958, the 300,000-year-old fossil included a skull and a few facial bones. Despite the specimen being incomplete, researchers realized its features don’t fit perfectly into any primate catagory such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. The skull also...
It’s never too late to change careers and pursue your dreams. Carl Allamby was a car mechanic before he went back to college at 38 to become a doctor. He had originally planned to get his business degree but part of the curriculum included a biology course that “reminded me a lot of the childhood...
Salt may be the most routine ingredient in the world. It would be difficult to find a kitchen without it in some form. Table salt is the most common, and it comes from extracted salt from underground deposits. The raw salt is then refined to remove impurities, mixed with additives like iodine and agents to...
Bunions are a common foot disorder that affects approximately one-third of adults in the United States. They occur when the big toe joint is misaligned. It leans too much toward the second toe, so the joint protrudes on the side of the foot and stretches it uncomfortably. They worsen over time and can cause pain,...
