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Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology / Re: Why is the Congo so rich in Cobalt?

« on: 31/08/2023 03:11:25 »

My first thoughts are either the cobalt is part of an iron meteorite (is there substantial nickel and iron associated with it?) or the orogeny of the African plate is in that same area and so some deep ore from the mantle may have been exposed.

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Question of the Week / Re: QotW - 22.08.22 - Why is it recommended to drink coca cola after swimming?

« on: 18/05/2023 03:19:40 »

I've never drank coca cola after a swim, but while running the marathon in Greece in 2018 Coca Cola was available at the drink stations along the route. Feeling curious, I grabbed one and spit it out after a couple of swallows. Definitely not recommended for curing runner's cramps or dehydration!

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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Re: Where would I find King Kong?

« on: 18/05/2023 03:15:48 »

coincidentally, I saw an article about the largest gorilla known to archeology. It was a giant that lived in southern China! So perhaps there may be an undiscovered island near China that is home to this relic from the past? Ha Ha.

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Physiology & Medicine / Re: What are the harmful effects of Vaping?

« on: 10/11/2021 02:14:48 »

Two issues here.
1. the labels on the vaping products are often not truthful. Remember they are often made by people who do not read English.
2. any time you inhale smoke you introduce carbon monoxide to your lungs and into your bloodstream. Bad idea!

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Physiology & Medicine / Re: What are the harmful effects of Vaping?

« on: 10/10/2021 22:45:33 »

Carbon monoxide is also generated in combustion, and that is harmful to one's health in many ways.
I like to comment to vapers that it is an accepted fact that broccoli is a healthy food, but we don't set it on fire and inhale the smoke for its health benefits. Inhalation of soot has no benefits for our health, but perhaps the low levels of oxygen in the smoke will cause the user to feel calm and relaxed.

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Physiology & Medicine / Re: Why do my joints making popping and cracking sounds?

« on: 27/02/2018 01:48:29 »

I am 63 years old and have a popping in my hip joint, where the femur attaches. X-ray shows this noise is made by an irregular bearing surface caused by osteo-arthritis. Probably not the same problem you're experiencing but it adds to the body of answers.

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Physiology & Medicine / Re: Can you grow stem cells from the hair of someone?

« on: 04/10/2017 21:15:57 »

Not from the hair; it is mostly protein. But if there are skin cells hanging onto the bulb of the hair, as it would be if plucked from the head instead of cut from the scalp using scissors, then these could be used.