Physicist Andre Geim demonstrated the diamagnetic levitation of water and live animals, including a frog, using a strong magnetic field. He won the Ig Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 and later the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 for his research on graphene. The levitating frog image caused confusion as many thought it was […]
US elections were previously held on different days in different states, leading to corruption and multiple voting. In 1845, Congress declared the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November to be election day due to agricultural and travel considerations. Tuesday was chosen as it allowed farmers to travel and return for market day. Congressional […]
The Boston Tea Party was a rebellion against British taxation without representation in the American colonies. Samuel Adams planned for a ship to unload tea and return to England duty-free, but the governor refused. Tea smugglers and Boston merchants dressed as Indians and dumped the tea overboard. The act was used by Adams to further […]
Lettuce is commonly recalled due to the presence of E. coli or salmonella, which can be introduced through contaminated water sources. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe complications, and the FDA samples lettuce to ensure it is free of contaminants. Consumers are advised to wash lettuce before eating. Lettuce is remembered when it is […]
Beef recalls in the US happen when beef fails to meet FDA or USDA standards, or when there is a risk of disease. Reasons include E. coli or salmonella contamination, and BSE. Non-compliance with standards or meat contamination can cause recalls, with E. coli being the biggest threat. Regulations are in place to protect consumer […]
Despite evidence, some believe the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing was a hoax. An Oxford scientist calculated over 400,000 people would have to keep quiet for it to be true. The scientist also tested other hoaxes and found they would be discovered in less than four years. He hopes to build public trust and bring […]
Solar eclipses happen 2-5 times a year when the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun during a new moon. 5 in a year is rare, last occurring in 1935 and not expected again until 2206. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Moon and Sun, and there are four types of eclipses: […]
Ipso facto means something occurs naturally or as a direct consequence of an action, while ipso jure means according to the law. Legal Latin is no longer widely used, and lawyers prefer plain language. Ipso facto arguments establish facts to show something is true or false. Latin is still used in some formal courts. The […]
Fish evolved 530 million years ago, with the oldest known being Pikaia gracilens. Jawed fish evolved 420 million years ago, with placoderms dominating until the Devonian period. Many modern and extinct forms evolved during this period, including sharks, rays, and lobe-finned fish, which eventually evolved into terrestrial vertebrates. Acanthodians became extinct, while lobe-finned fish became […]
The Pied Piper of Hamelin is based on a real event in 1284 where most of the children of Hamelin disappeared. The exact reason for the disappearance is unknown, but many theories have been suggested, including an epidemic or a military campaign. The Brothers Grimm version of the story is the most well-known, but there […]
