After California college student Luis Ortiz blacked out and was taken to the hospital in 2015, doctors were startled to discover the reason his brain was swelling—a one-centimeter long, wriggling tapeworm living within a ventricle in the middle of his brain.
When a dead body is discovered, finding out when the person died is just as important as finding out how the person died. Determining the time of death has always involved lots of complicated scientific detective work and less-than-reliable methods. However, a study by Nathan H. Lents, a molecular biologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, is the first of its kind to show how microbes colonize a body's ears and nose after death.
What can't coconut oil do? This edible oil, extracted from the copra or meat of a coconut, has done what most other food, beauty, and health trends have not: demonstrated real lasting power. Indeed, the "superfood" continues to make headlines, with its many uses the subject of debate, study, and fervent support. From the obvious (cooking) to the less so (home improvement), there are likely many coconut oil uses you're not yet aware of.
The world of spices can be bewildering. They promise to make your food more flavorful if you know how to make the most of them. Unless you know a couple of essential tricks, however, it just seems like you're adding bits of colored powder to your food.
All fields of study have their own language. For people interested in learning about microbes, the language can sometimes be downright difficult — but it doesn't need to be. From antibiotics to xerophiles, we have you covered in an easy-to-understand glossary.
It’s the cold and flu season – and anyone who has been sidelined by fever, achy joints, swollen nasal passages and sore throats knows first hand the value of prevention. Beat a cold.
If you are susceptible to annoying allergy symptoms during the spring season when pollen count is high, eat raw local honey on a daily basis. Though not scientifically proven, some people believe that by exposing yourself through the local allergens in your regional environment in the form of honey, it helps build your tolerance for the pollen in the air.
LEVOGYRE 65 points (15 points without the bingo) Definition: turning toward the left [adj]
In honor of our recent post on the man behind MacGyver, here's a little advice from the master: "A paperclip can be a wonderous thing. More times than I can remember one of these had gotten me out of a tight spot..."
Is your throat feeling a little sore? Think you may be coming down with a cold? Mix together milk and a teaspoon of turmeric in a pot and heat until it's hot, then pour into a cup to drink. Heated milk and turmeric is a common Indian home remedy for colds, as turmeric contains many anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Body hacks. So simple, so ingenious. They're the shortcuts in life. We love them, the internet loves them. Back in 2008, somebody named Alicia Goh wrote a friendster blog post that has been passed along far and wide. Her tricks of the body include quick solutions for an itchy throat, a stuffy nose, a dire need to pee, and more. My favorites:
