Month: December 2024

What Living Quarters Were Like on Sailing Ships

What Living Quarters Were Like on Sailing Ships

12/31/24

“What were living quarters like on 17th-century ships?”

It’s common for people to go on cruises for vacations, expecting luxury at sea. But in the age of the sail, ship living was anything but easy. People in lower ranks of authority would live in dense, unsanitary cabins, sleeping in hammocks. Vermin infestations were common, stitches were strong, and the diet monotonous (consisting mainly of salted meat and hard sea biscuits). Nevertheless, this was What Living Quarters Were Like on Sailing Ships.

The Science Behind Flaming Cocktails

The Science Behind Flaming Cocktails

12/30/24

“How causes flaming cocktails to happen?”

Flaming cocktails are a gripping encounter. Their intensity and ferocity make for a truly special show. But how does this work? Well, when cocktail liquids have a certain flash point where ignition is possible. This allows for the magic of The Science Behind Flaming Cocktails.

Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/

Flash Point (Materials)

Flash Point (Materials)

12/29/24

“What’s the point where liquid materials catch fire?”

Flaming liquids are a marvel to behold. The juxtaposition of a chaotic physical structure engulfed by a menacing fire produces a fascinating spectacle. But how does this work? Well, all liquids have a vapor pressure associated with them. At a certain set of conditions called the Flash Point, the concentration of the liquid’s vapor in the surrounding atmosphere will suffice for ignition when a combustion source is applied.

Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy

Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy

12/28/24

“Why is American gerontocracy statistically intertwined with white supremacy?”

The US is commonly described as a gerontocracy, a political system structured to privilege people older than the median age over those who are younger. While the median age in the US is 39, only 6% of congress members (as of writing) are under 40, and the incoming President is 78 years old. The housing system is set up to benefit old-time homeowners who bought property when prices were low at the expense of young, first-time homeowners who are locked out of purchasing any properties viable for a strong quality of life. Meanwhile, younger generations are much more diverse than their older counterparts, with non-white people composing over half of Gen Z but only around a quarter of senior citizens. Given these privileging factors, it’s clear to see Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy.

Why Oil is Used in Cooking

Why Oil is Used in Cooking

12/27/24

“Why do people use oil to cook?”

The art and science of cooking involves using heat to warm up food. The more efficiently a medium transfers heat, the more efficiently it will cook. Oils can cook at higher temperatures than water, allowing for faster and more even cooking. Some oils will also impart a delicious flavor to what’s cooked. This is Why Oil is Used in Cooking.

Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology

12/26/24

“How do we create technology that’s appropriate for a local society and environment?”

When people talk about modern technology, many picture items using the latest advances in electronics and sensors. However, that may not be appropriate for communities that live in remote areas or don’t have access to consistent electricity or high-tech supply chains. People may need access to Appropriate Technologies built with the local community and environment in mind. An example of appropriate technology is a machine that washes clothes without electricity using locally repairable parts for off-grid, remote communities.

Image credit: https://lifewater.org/

Cancer Clusters

Cancer Clusters

12/25/24

“What’s special about geographic areas with high numbers of cancer cases?”

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death around the world. Some areas are found to have higher numbers of cancer cases than average over a specific period of time. These Cancer Clusters might result from genetic factors of the local population or nearby pollutive industries. Cancer Alley in Louisana is an example of a cancer cluster.

Toxicology

Toxicology

12/24/24

“What is the academic study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms and the environment?”

Toxic substances can have a wide range of effects on a wide range of organisms. Some may cause only small ain, while others can be threatening. To study these phenomena, scientists look to the field of Toxicology. Toxicology studies how the response of an organism is affected by exposure to a toxin. Toxicology is used in environmental health to understand the effects of pollutants on organisms and the environment.

The Ukrainian Shield (Geology)

The Ukrainian Shield (Geology)

12/23/24

“What is the dominant geological feature of Ukraine?”

Ukraine is a large, beautiful, and diverse country. When people think of the country, they often imagine large landscapes that sweep on as far as the eye can see. But why is that? Well, the dominant geological province of Ukraine is called The Ukrainian Shield, a geological shield that was formed over 2.5 billion years ago.