1

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Why are bugs attracted to light?

« on: 27/09/2007 15:57:23 »

I was on the Naked Scientist show a few weeks ago, and asked the question of, "Why are bugs attracted to light?"

I was pleased with the answer you all gave me, but was looking to see if anyone else had some more potential answers, leads, or conclusions they could provide. I am still searching to find a definate answer and this question has intrigued me for years. Why is it that not just moths, but a majority of insects are constantly drawn to hang around light sources in the evenings. When walking outside at night, it is unavoidably seen that every street lamp, or flood light is almost covered entirely in insects. So, why is this?

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

2

That CAN'T be true! / Using a charging cell phone

« on: 27/09/2007 15:53:25 »

I agree that this story was myth, and that poor guy may ahve had other factors involved. I myself use my cell phone while it is charging, but figured I'd bring this question to you all anyhow.

cheers,

Jeff

3

That CAN'T be true! / Using a charging cell phone

« on: 24/09/2007 20:25:09 »

I was forwarded multiple e-mails, and have heard stories in person of horrible things happening while someone is using their cell phone while they have it hooked up to the wall charging. One report was that a man here in the US had hooked up his cell phone to his charger, and received a call shortly after, and proceeded to use the phone while still attached to the charger. He then was struck with a surge of electricty and was unconcious with burns on his hand. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

Has anyone heard any truth to this? I myself have used my cell phone while it is charging and the only thing I have ever noticed is that it will get very hot. I assume from the charging and the use that it is getting warm to the touch. Other than that, I don't know what to think.

Could this case I mentioned be a unique instance where there was faulty wiring in the electrical outlet he had his phone charger plugged into that could have caused the surge?

What do you all think?

-Jeff

4

Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / A straw through a potatoe, how does it work?

« on: 13/09/2007 19:27:28 »

If you take a straw and hit most any object that is somewhat soft, or not completely solid, you can the straw to go into it. The idea is that you will be hitting the object at the correct angle that the straw itself will be perfectly aligned to be incredibly strong. If you hit it at an angle other than exactly straight the straw will bend and become relatively weak. Sorry fi that sounded unprofessional but it makes sense.

I remember when i was growing up in the midwest of the United States, where tornados are very previlent, that after a storm had blown through the town I lived in, someone came across a straw stuck about an inch into the side of a tree. I found it unbelievable, but you can imagine with such strong force and the correct angle it was easy for the straw to penetrate the tree.



The picture isn't very clear, but it proves my point

5

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Can cucumbers really lower body temperature?

« on: 22/08/2007 15:17:45 »

In my research it seems cucumbers contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which both aid in the prevention of water retention. Would not retaining water help someone stay cool? or would it simply just aid people in lowering swelling(as in using cucumbers on your eyes for cosmetic reasons)?

6

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Can cucumbers really lower body temperature?

« on: 16/08/2007 16:26:53 »

To further explain, my friend said she started eating cucumbers to feel cooler because she was told by a glass blower that is always around high heat furnaces, and that he eats cucmbers to combat the heat/feeling warm. I seriously think this is a mental thing. Although, most women I know have some sort of cucumber or melon type lotions they use that say they give a cooling feeling.

I guess I am more curious as to where this whole 'cooling' and cucumber thing started. I'd like to find a botanist or someone who knows a lot about vegatables/plants to tackle this one.

-Jeff

7

Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Can cucumbers really lower body temperature?

« on: 15/08/2007 20:14:51 »

I was told by a friend that he she eats cucumbers and it makes her feel body feel cooler. I became quite curious and did some research online and couldn't find any conclusive scientific explination as to why cucumbers would lower body temperature. Is it a mental thing? or is there something inside them that will chemically react to aid in lowering your body temperature?

Thank You!

-Jeff