April 20th, 2004

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Science Questions and Answers

Mary-Ev writes to offer this page of scientific arcana from the New Scientist. There’s a veritable treasure trove of concepts explained, mysteries solved and enigmas unenigmized here. For example, there’s that peculiar phenomenon that one experiences after eating asparagus:

A number of different sulphurous compounds have been implicated, though one of the most thorough investigations indicates that the effect may be caused by a cocktail which includes methanethiol, dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide, bis(methylthio)methane, dimethyl sulphoxide and dimethyl sulphone.

Thank goodness that’s cleared up (I can hear my biochemist sister typing up an explanation already).

Comments: One Response so far

Mary-Ev
April 21st, 2004
12:47 am

Hey, hey, HEY! I most definitely did not point out the physiological affects of consuming asparagus. My sensibilities are much more refined! (nose in the air, pinky out)
Actually, I was more intrigued by questions such as, Are there any green mammals?
http://www.newscientist.com/lastword/article.jsp?id=lw59
And: If I had to save myself by surfing down a molten lava flow, what would I be able to stand on that wouldn’t melt from the heat of the lava? Three different scientists offer speculative solutions to this prospect.
And especially, Why do men have nipples? Titled Pointless, the answer ventures from suggesting that they may be present as a safety feature–to warn men how far out from the beach they can safely wade–to embryology and ultimately to female sexual response (not directly to the features in question!).
http://www.newscientist.com/lastword/article.jsp?id=lw194
There are 24 topics at http://www.newscientist.com/lastword/categories.jsp
Many of the 500 Q&As are wry gems. Fun!
Mary-Ev

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