You'll Die Smarter
If you ever wanted to know why you should drink before telling a lie, why Disney characters wear white gloves, or what is the ideal vacation length, then look no further. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 28, 2022
How does Champagne participate in the environmental transition?
The Champagne industry has been committed to an environmental transition since 2000. Champagne was the first wine industry to carry out a carbon assessment and take ambitious measures to reduce its emissions. One of these actions was adopting a new, lighter standard bottle. Since then, major research and development has been carried out in collaboration with glassmakers to find the best possible compromise to reduce the weight of the bottle while still preserving the mechanical properties. Because the bottle must withstand large quantities of handling and pressure, and task has been a real technological challenge! As a result, after 5 years of experimentation, Champagne has adopted a bottle that weighs 853 grams instead of the previous 900 grams, a 7% reduction. This figure that may seem anecdotal, but it actually allows a reduction of 8,000 tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of the emissions of 4000 vehicles. But the bottle weight reduction is actually only one part of a broader action plan initiated in the early 2000s. Concerned about preserving their terroir and the typicality of their wines, the winemakers and Champagne Houses have been meeting for more than twenty years to discuss both the climate challenge and the changing societal expectations for champagne. The industry has set up an action program in three parts: Carbon Footprint (the bottle weight reduction falls under this part), Water Footprint, and Biodiversity Footprint. So, the sector is acting with three priorities: product excellence, respect for the terroir and the environment, and industry sustainability. Significant results have already been obtained: 50% less of phytosanitary products, 90% of industrial waste treated and recovered, 100% of wine waste treated and recycled, and 100% of by-products recovered. A 20% reduction in the carbon footprint of each bottle and the creation of the “Viticulture Durable” in Champagne reference system To continue its momentum, the sector has set new ambitious targets: by 2025, the use of herbicides will be abandoned entirely, and, by 2050, the carbon footprint per bottle will have been reduced by 75%. Also, by 2030, 100% of the vineyards will be environmentally certified. Environmental preservation is a constant process, and while is an obvious path in the face of climate change, it is not always an easy one. Champagne’s permanent quest to improve their environmental footprint is a long-term process. The challenges for these goals are twofold because natural cycles cannot be controlled, and traditional business model transformation takes years, even when the business does not need to take ecological cycles into account. But Champagne is constantly innovating and leading the collective approach of continuous progress with goals to preserve its unique terroir. The Champagne vineyard is already suffering from the effects of climate
Sat, March 19, 2022
Where do the bubbles in champagne come from?
This question seems to be on many people's minds if we believe the Google searches. It is indeed one of the most frequent searches about champagne. To answer this question, you must first know that the wines of champagne, which have been produced since at least the 5th century, have not always had bubbles. The technique of sparkling champagne was not mastered until the end of the 17th century! Legend has it that Dom Pierre Pérignon, a cellarer monk at Hautvillers Abbey from 1668 until he died in 1715, invented champagne as we know it today. In reality, this is not the case (pun intended). But he did invent the art of selecting specific grapes from different origins before pressing them. This results in better-balanced wines. Sparkling Champagne is a happy byproduct from the desire to understand and master a natural phenomenon. Champagne is a northern vineyard with a harsh climate for the vine. In the 17th century, the grape harvest took place quite late, in October. For this reason, the yeasts of the grape did not have time to finish fermenting when the winter cold came, blocking their action. But in the spring, when the wine was bottled, they came back to life. The carbonic gas could not escape during this second fermentation, so the bubbles appeared. In fact, the wine fizzing was so extreme the bottles initially could explode from the pressure. For a long time, the limited scientific understanding of fermentation was not possible. Thanks to the work of François, Maumené, Chaptal, and Pasteur, we finally understood the importance of yeasts and the contribution of sugar dosage during bottling. They also learned to measure the pressure inside the bottles. To these pioneers, we owe the Champagne method, which is now famous today for its rigor and excellence. So, as you can see, the bottles themselves are a fundamental tool for creating the iconic bubbles. Let's take a closer look. Alcoholic fermentation occurs when the yeast consumes sugar and releases carbon dioxide as a result of the reaction. Other compounds are also released, creating a wine's aroma. Now, based on how the wine is fermented, there are two possible results. If the wine is aged in vats or barrels, the gas escapes, creating still wines. If the wine is bottled, the carbonic gas from the fermentation remains trapped in the bottle. This is known as foam grip. In order for carbonic gas to be released inside the bottle, it is vital that the bottle can withstand the pressure. You will notice that the glass of champagne bottles is much thicker than that of still wine bottles. This is to withstand the pressure, which is from 5 to 6 kilograms per square centimeter. The glass is also important because of its shape and the presence of micro-apertures, which allow the formation of bubbles. Micro-apertures retain micro-bubbles that gradually grow and detach to form a train of bubbles that move to the surface
Wed, December 22, 2021
How to match food with Champagne ?
The ideal drink during Christmas Time and year’s end celebrations is of course Champagne. But, are you sure to know exactly how to match food with this exceptional wine ? Before answering precisely to this question, here’s a little reminder: Champagne is THE special drink of the celebration and that is nothing new since Champagne wines were served during French kings’ coronations that used to happen in Reims since the baptism of Clovis, on Christmas Day in 496. If the question of matching food with Champagnes wines arises, it is because of the great diversity of those wines. Beyond the choice of vinification (barrel ageing, ageing time, ...), the diversity of Champagne wines is coming specifically from the art of blending. Blending is selecting and combining several fermented wines between them until getting the precise style that we want to give to its Champagne. First of all, the crus: soil, subsoil, exposure and climate give each village (or cru) different characteristics. Then, the grape varieties: for Champagne, the majority are chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier. And finally the dosage, which depends on the style of wine desired: "extra brut, brut, sec or sweet". You get the picture, factors that I have just listed allow the production of the different types of Champagnes. It’s among them that you would be able to choose in order to go with your dishes. First there is the Champagne without year: it is the most symbolic in terms of brands’ style and know-how, as they work to ensure its consistency from year to year. It is therefore the standard of the brands and is their pride and joy. Then there is the vintage Champagne. It corresponds to the case where the winemaker chooses to blend wines from a single year because it has exceptional characteristics. These wines must then be aged in the cellar for a minimum of 3 years and are characterised by their power, maturity and balance. Then we find the Blanc de blancs. These are Champagnes made from 100% white grapes. They are lively, airy and have a fresh aroma. Next, the Blanc de Noirs Champagne. These champagnes are made from 100% black grapes (pinot noir and meunier) and can be defined as greedy, powerful and complex. Finally, there is Rosé Champagne. It can be made from a "saignée" or a blend of white and red champagne wines. Delicate to make, it is fruity and structured. Which ones should you choose ? I use plural because if you wish to surprise your guests for the special occasion like New Year’s Eve, you can serve Champagne wines at unexpected moments (or even throughout the meal, it is totally possible for an extraordinary night!) To conclude, at dessert time: if it is sweet, it is recommended to opt for a Sec or demi-sec champagne champagne, which will not distort the flavours of your pastries and cakes. However, citrus-based desserts can be combined ver
Mon, December 13, 2021
How is the title Champagne protected?
As you probably know, Champagne is the name of a particular type of wine, but it is, more importantly, the name of a particular region in France – a region proud of its vineyards and its people who have preserved and developed the region through such a unique product, the very name has become synonymous with class and refinement. So, as you’ll soon learn, this region and it’s wine are so intimately linked, that in modern times, only Champagne can produce Champagne. Before talking about the means in which the Champenois protect this name, let's underline that the title of ‘Champagne’ was not made in one day. The history of the wine itself is several centuries old and rich with multiple key events. You may recall much of this from a previous episode, but let’s do a quick recap. Between the 1st and 4th centuries, the Champagne vineyards were formed with monks heading the precise selecting and mixing of grapes. Soon the wines were particularly noted for their effervescent nature, and shortly thereafter, Champagne became the drink of the elite, notably the favorite wine of Louis XIV and many more French and foreign royalty to follow. Here’s where things begin to get a little interesting. From the 19th century, wines from other regions began using the name “champagne” for their own wines, making the most of the prestige association with the title. The first lawsuits to defend the name took place in 1844. The Champenois were urgent to protect it legally. To begin with, the Champenois demanded the strict delimitation of the production area. Then they set rigorous vineyard management methods and required rules of elaboration, which in 1936, finally led to the recognition of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, the AOC, or in English, “The Controlled Label of Origin.” The AOC is an official sign of quality that identifies and protects a product whose production stages are carried out in the same geographical area and according to recognized know-how. Champagne’s AOC covers 34,000 hectares and the aforementioned specifications of production. Because of this AOC the only wines legally recognized as "Champagne" are specifically from the region of Champagne and are produces to the correct standards. Obtaining this AOC for the wine of Champagne was an essential step in its protection, but it was not the only one. Indeed, the winegrowers and wine houses had to – and still have to – fight to prevent the title from being used illegally, especially abroad. United within the framework of the Champagne Committee, the winegrowers and wine houses continue to reinforce this heritage, preserving their prestigious name. These efforts have allowed the recognition of the Champagne name by greater than 120 countries as the continue to fight effectively against frauds and counterfeits, especially since the latter are often of poor quality. The "Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne" (the Champagne Hillsides, Ho
Trailer · Mon, November 22, 2021
What is the origin of Champagne?
Associated with a specific region in France, champagne is a wine not quite like any other. While the world's elite has appreciated it since the Middle Ages, the technique of making sparkling champagne was not mastered until the end of the 17th century. But first, let’s take a look back. Between the 1st and 4th centuries, the Champagne vineyards began to form. Like in other wine-producing regions, vinification was mainly the job of abbeys and monasteries. Wine is indeed a central element of the Christian liturgy. The mixing was practiced by monks, who pressed together grapes of different varieties delivered by the winegrowers as their form of tithe, a regular giving to the church. Some cellarer monks, such as the famous Dom Pierre Pérignon from the abbey of Hautvillers, transformed the process of mixing into a precise craft. He carefully and intentionally selected grapes from different regions to obtain better-balanced wines. Some wines, such as the wine of Aÿ or Sillery, already had an excellent reputation. These wines were noted and praised for their effervescence, despite a lack of understanding in how the bubbles were produced. Only at the end of the 17th century did this collection of bubbly wines begin to be dubbed as the “wines of Champagne,” later shortened to “champagne.” From it’s conception, champagne was a luxury for the elites, definitely not for more common folk. Since the baptism of King Clovis the First in the 5th century, the coronation of French kings has taken place in Reims, in Champagne, where the wine of the region could be served with prominence. Centuries after Clovis, champagne was the favorite wine of Louis XIV, and then Louis XV and the court of Versailles. This royal favor contributed to the drink’s fame, leading it to quickly becoming the wine for celebrations and important events across Europe. In 1717, Tsar Peter the Great, visiting Fontainebleau, liked it so much that he asked for four extra bottles to be brought to his suite after dinner. Philip V of Spain said he drank only this wine. Frederick II of Prussia was passionate about its production, and Casanova used it to seduce his Venetian conquests. Thanks to figures like these, champagne became the most famous wine among the upper class. For a long time, the wine of Champagne was reserved for a thin fringe of society. The delicate conditions of production and the relative smallness of the vineyards explain the exclusivity of its consumption. Little by little, however, it is becoming less elitist and more common a drink, allowing people to celebrate a variety of events alongside the bubbles. If christenings, weddings, and graduations can be celebrated with champagne, then the drink can give a special touch to those other more mundane but equally special moments - a get-together, a romantic meal, a tasting, or even some “personal time.” Whether with family, friends, or
Thu, April 22, 2021
How heavy are the clouds?
The clouds we see in the sky seem rather light, almost like absorbent cotton. However, being filled with water and ice, these gigantic suspended masses weigh - in reality - up to several tons. Don't be fooled by appearances, the clouds that float above your heads are more like anvils in suspension. Indeed, being made of billions of water and ice droplets, these vaporous masses can weigh far more than you may expect. With a water density of about 0.5 grams per cubed meter, a cloud of 100 kilometers cubed can reach the mass of 500 000 tons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, April 21, 2021
What is the Rowbotham experiment?
Long before Magellan completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, in the 16th century, ancient Greek scientists had demonstrated, by simple observation, that the Earth was round, or rather spherical. Of course, this did not prevent some people from believing that our planet was flat. To be fair, even some individuals don’t believe it now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, April 20, 2021
Why is biting foil unpleasant?
As you may have already noticed, if you bite aluminum foil, the strange sensation of heat or pain in your teeth is quite unpleasant. This is due to the contact between the aluminum and the metals that make up the fillings in some teeth. If you feel a tingling sensation when biting aluminum foil, it is because some of your teeth have been provided with fillings. In this case, the connection between the aluminum and the elements of the filling causes a reaction similar to that of a battery. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, April 19, 2021
Why are Bermuda shorts a military garment?
You all know the Bermuda shorts: those shorts that come down to the knee, unlike the classic shorts that only cover part of the thighs. You may be more familiar with the name “dad shorts.” While today it is considered as a vacation or a summer outfit for older generations, its origin is quite different. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, April 18, 2021
Why do many Vietnamese have "Nguyen" in their name?
According to some estimates, the surname "Nguyen" is used by around 40% of the population in Vietnam. This country is home to 95 million people, so there are nearly 38 million Mr. or Mrs. Nguyen. This makes Nguyen the 4th most popular name in the world, just behind Lee, Zhang and Wang, all Chinese names. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, April 15, 2021
What are the 10 most surprising objects launched into space?
Mankind doesn't just send rockets or space probes into space. In fact, many unexpected objects have been launched into space, all for the sake of science. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, April 14, 2021
Why are ancient Egyptian depictions of humans drawn in profile?
On the walls of the Egyptian pyramids, human depictions, and especially depictions of nobility, are often represented in profile. The reason they are designed this way is primarily religious. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the ancient Egyptian characters are not entirely represented in profile. Only the face, the legs and the arms are painted in this way. The bust and torse is represented from the front. And actually the singular eye on the profile face is depicted as if being viewed from the front, rather asynchronous to the rest of the face. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, April 13, 2021
Why does spaghetti never break in half?
Have you noticed this before? Try this little experiment: Try to break a raw spaghetti noodle in half with your fingers by bending it until it breaks. If you give it a go, the noodle will most likely break, but not into two pieces. There's no need to feel sorry for yourself if you failed – your skills are not at fault. Raw spaghetti breaks into 3, 4, 5 or more pieces, but almost never in two. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so. This is the "mystery of the broken spaghetti". It may seem trivial, but it has interested many great scientists, including Richard Feynman, the famous American physicist of the 20th century. He was primarily known for reformulating quantum mechanics. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, April 12, 2021
Why was the paper clip a sign of resistance?
The paper clip was indeed a symbol of unity and resistance of a particular nation in the face of the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. And this nation is Norway. It is hard to imagine that such a mundane object, primarily used to hold sheets of paper together, could have had such a great and noble meaning. Yet, history and Norway prove us otherwise. At the turn of the 20th century, a Norwegian by the name of Johan Vaaler patented the first paper clip model, close to the one we use today. But it was not exactly the same. His model lacked the two complete loops and resembled a rectangle. This design was not as easy to insert sheets of paper. As a result, his invention was never produced. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, April 11, 2021
Why are planes slower than they used to be?
It's a fact that the more aviation savvy among you may have already observed: on the whole, airliners fly slower than they used to. If we take a random flight, for example from New York to Denver, it takes 19 minutes longer today than in 1983 to connect the two cities. This seems to go against the grain of technological progress, so what are the factors that explain this? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, April 08, 2021
Why does the Sphinx of Giza have a broken nose?
The Sphinx of Giza is a monumental statue consisting of two distinct parts: a human face (that of a pharaoh wearing the nemes, the emblematic pharaonic headdress) and the elongated body of a lion. This Sphinx stands in front of the pyramids of the site of Giza, upstream of the Nile Delta in Egypt, near the modern city of Cairo. The Sphinx of Giza is 73 meters long, 20 meters high, and 14 meters wide. It is the largest monolithic monumental sculpture in the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, April 07, 2021
In which subject are left-handed people better than right-handed people?
Before we begin, you should know that there are approximately 930 million left-handed people in the world. But can dominant sides lead people to be better (or worse) in specific subjects? Actually yes. Left-handed individuals are better at mathematics. To reach this conclusion, researchers from the University of Liverpool and Milan conducted a study of 2,300 Italian students aged 6 to 17 years old. These students were given a mathematics test consisting of easy questions such as addition and subtraction, and also more complex problems. Then each student was tested to determine the percentage See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, April 06, 2021
Why is it said that babies are born in cabbages?
This curious myth that boys are born in cabbages and little girls in roses has not only one but two claimed origins. Here they are. The first of the two theories, claims that since ancient times, cabbage has been a symbol of fertility. This can probably be explained by its form and composition: its countless superimposed leaves. It is known that in this period, as well as in the Middle Ages, cabbage soup was traditionally served to young couples to increase their chances of having a baby. It was also believed that cabbage helped the development of the foetus and was one of the foods that increased the quality of the sperm. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, April 05, 2021
Why do chip bags look empty?
Maybe you've already asked yourself this question. It's quite natural since there are sometimes very few chips in a bag, especially compared to its size. The reason why chip bags are always half empty is that it is necessary for preservation. In fact, if the chips are exposed to oxygen for too long, they soften and spoil quickly. To keep them edible and crispy, they need to be few in number, and in contact with a particular gas: nitrogen. The absence of oxygen slows down the oxidation of the fatty substances soaking the chips. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, April 04, 2021
Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?
Christmas in Japan is a modern tradition that is constantly growing in importance, although the birth of Jesus Christ is rarely celebrated on the occasion. Only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian, so Christmas primarily revolves around the myth of Santa Claus. In Japan, this holiday is not an occasion for family gatherings, but rather meeting up as a couple or with friends. On New Year's Eve, people will gather for fancy meal, but their Christmas spread is a bit different. The center of attention is not a turkey, but rather chicken. To be more specific, fried chicken, and ideally from the classic KFC chain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, April 01, 2021
Why did Hitler have his iconic moustache?
The "Hitler moustache": this is the familiar term used to refer to the mustache that prior to the end of the Second World War, was actually known as the "toothbrush moustache". Inevitably associated with the figure of the Führer, it has unsurprisingly been unfashionable since the mid-1940s. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 31, 2021
How does loneliness effect the brain?
Loneliness affects between 10 and 20% of the population. It is known that loneliness can promote depression, lower the immune system, and even effect development. In order to measure the effects of loneliness on the brain’s mechanisms, a study was carried out using data from an English database. This database collects, among other things, genetic data and MRI results from approximately 40,000 people. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, March 30, 2021
Why is yawning contagious?
As you have no doubt noticed, yawning is a very contagious reflex. This mimicry, specific to humans and certain other primates, is explained by the activation of specific neurons called "mirror neurons". These neurons are activated when we see a person doing certain actions. If we see a person yawning, the mirror neurons lead us to imitate them. But this reproduction only applies to certain behaviors, such as yawning. In many other cases, the brain prevents this propensity to copy our fellow human beings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 29, 2021
Why do laurels symbolize victory?
The leaves of laurel, a species of evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean basin, are often braided into a crown as a reward or as a symbolism of victory. To understand why, we have to go back to ancient Greece, and more specifically to a particular myth. According to ancient Greek mythology, Eros, the god of Love, decided to punish Apollo, the god of the Sun, for mocking him during an archery session. Both Eros and Apollo were renowned for their archery skills. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, March 28, 2021
How does the Veblen effect make you buy expensive products?
The Veblen effect, more commonly known as the snobbery effect, can easily be summed up as the fact that we, as humans, like or want to buy objects, not because we need them or because we especially like them, but simply because of their price. Yep, because they’re expensive. This effect was highlighted by the economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1899 book The Theory of the Leisure Class. Veblen observes that if we look at the field of luxury goods, or at least those that allow people to identify themselves as belonging to a certain social class, the price decrease of these products results in decreasing interest of their potential buyers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, March 25, 2021
Which room has the most bacteria?
While not all bacteria that lurk in our homes are dangerous, some can transmit viral diseases and various infections, and some of which can be quite serious. These bacteria hide in every room of your home, but they are most prevalent in the kitchen. Yep, you heard it right. Contrary to popular belief, it is the kitchen and not the bathroom that is the most contaminated room in the house. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 24, 2021
Are we less productive in our pajamas?
In these times of health crisis and containment, teleworking is on the rise. At home, some people tend to neglect their dress code. So the question is, does working in pajamas have consequences on the quality of our work? For many people, working at home does not imply the same dress codes. Many of us consider feel is no need to be dressed up to sit at the computer, especially if there are no video-conferences involved. So why not even stay in pajamas? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, March 23, 2021
Why was the Great Wall of China built?
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall of China is the largest construction undertaken by man. Built, for the most part, between the 3rd century BC and the 17th century AD, it was intended to protect a unified China from invasions from the north. According to the latest official estimates, the Chinese Wall extends over 20,000 kilometers. The Great Wall is composed of walls averaging a height of six to seven meters, and also features ditches and natural barriers such as rivers or mountains. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 22, 2021
Does wine protect against Covid-19?
Published in a specialized newspaper, a recent article echoes a Taiwanese study, which claims the consumption of wine would protect against Covid-19. Unfortunately for all our wine drinkers out there, this claim is anything but true. The study insists on the role of two natural components of wine, tannins, a biochemical found in grape skin or seeds, and polyphenols, an organic compound found in many plants. In addition to their antioxidant virtues, polyphenols are believed to disrupt the spread of the virus responsible for Covid-19. As for its part, the tannin would make it more difficult for the virus to penetrate our cells. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, March 21, 2021
What is a zero stroke?
The strange phrase "zero stroke" refers to a mental disorder that seems quite astonishing, earning it’s position in today’s You’ll Die Smarter episode, and not on a health podcast. So what is it all about? Zero stroke is a suspected mental disorder, diagnosed by doctors in Germany during the hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic (between 1921 and 1924). And this disorder was mainly characterized by the urge of patients to write endless rows of zeros. Yes, the number 0. How can this urge be explained? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, March 18, 2021
Why does the "Peace and love" sign look like that?
The global symbol for "Peace and love" was invented in 1958. It was created at that time by the British graphic designer Gerald Holtom as part of protests against a nuclear weapons factory. This graphic designer, a graduate of the Royal College of Arts in London, was very involved in the movement. Holtom proposed that the protesters carry flags and posters with his logo during a peaceful march. This march had around 5000 people and took the protesters on a walk from Trafalgar Square in London to the town of Aldermaston, home to the famous atomic weapons research plant. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 17, 2021
Who is Tank Man?
The protests in Tiananmen Square were immortalized by a photo that has become iconic. You may have seen this famous photo depicting a man with plastic grocery bags in his hands and standing in front of a line of tanks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, March 16, 2021
Do couples really end up looking like each other?
You may have heard that, over time, couples end up looking alike. It has been said that by living together and sharing common activities, the faces of couples begin to resemble one another. This resemblance of couples who have been living together for a long time is a common statement, and sometimes supported by psychologists. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 15, 2021
Why don’t pilots grow beards?
Have you ever noticed that most male pilots are clean-shaven? Or if they have facial hair it is often a simple moustache? In fact, it is extremely rare to see a male airline pilot with a full beard, and there is a very special reason for this. And it has nothing to do with fashion. Let me explain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, March 14, 2021
Why do big hotels often have revolving doors?
I’m sure you’re familiar with revolving doors. These types of doors that work like a turnstile are often found at the entrance of department stores and large hotels. Consisting of several wings, usually glazed, the user pushes a wing, causing the entire door to turn. By walking with the turning wings, the user then exits the dial on the other side. Interestingly, the direction of rotation doors is usually counter-clockwise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, March 11, 2021
Did the red phone really exist?
Yes it did, but also no, it didn’t. Before we get into specifics, what was the red phone? The red phone was said to be a direct line of communication between the Pentagon and the Kremlin in Russia, set up in August 1963 after the Cuban missile crisis of the previous year. This episode was, as you may know, a kind of paroxysm of the Cold War. The Americans and Russians were never as close to war as they were when Moscow pointed missiles from Cuba at the United States. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 10, 2021
Why is it difficult to speak while looking into someone’s eyes?
You may have noticed that maintaining eye contact while speaking can be difficult, even though verbal processing seems like it should be independent. Still, many people frequently look away from their conversers while chatting. So is there an interference between the two processes? Well actually, yes. There is scientific evidence supporting that it is more difficult for us to look someone directly in the eye when having a conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, March 09, 2021
What is the Bad Line Syndrome?
You may have experienced this feeling: you are stuck in a traffic jam or at the bank, in a line that doesn't move forward. You find yourself thinking that you made the wrong choice, and if you had chosen a different line or lane, it would be moving faster. Two medical researchers in Canada have looked at this phenomenon to see if there is any validity to this feeling. Is there a psychological basis for it, or is it the result of real observation? The result: this thought comes from an illusion of bad luck. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 08, 2021
Why is tea bagged?
Tea bags are by no means new inventions, but their origins may come as a surprise to you. Contrary to what you might expect, we don't owe the invention to the famous tea-loving British Isles, but actually to an American. Tea bags date back to 1908. Technically speaking, it was a little earlier, 5 years prior, that a patent was filed for the first silk tea bag. But these tea bags were initially used for tasting. They were used to present small samples and to preserve the flavor of the tea leaves. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, March 07, 2021
Why is it there's a “Wicked Bible”?
The “Wicked Bible,” also known as the “Sinner’s Bible” is the reprint of the King James' Bible published in 1631, in London, by the royal printers Barker and Lucas. This English translation of the Bible was made at the request of James I of England, and this Bible replaced the previous authorized version at the time, becoming the standard Bible for the Church of England. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, March 04, 2021
Why do we drink champagne from flutes?
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced from 3 grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It benefits from an appellation of controlled origin, which means that it can only be produced in a specific geographical area and according to specific regulations. And to drink it, there are also rules. Not binding, of course, but there are specific ways of drinking it in order to fully appreciate this drink. Among them, and perhaps the most well know, relates to the glass, as champagne is intended to be drunk in flutes, not in classic wine glasses. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 03, 2021
Why are the bottoms of bottles hollow?
This characteristic is very old and actually dates back all the way from the 4th century. During this time is when we first see this distinctive hollowed style on the punt, i.e., the bottom of a bottle. The primary purpose of this hollowed punt is to ensure the stability of the bottle when it is placed upright. Why not just make it flat? Fifteen centuries ago, craftsmen were unable to make bottles with a perfectly flat punt, which caused some difficulty in standing them upright. Craftsmen decided to solve the problem by stabilizing them with a heavier concave base. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, March 02, 2021
Is it more effective to wear two masks?
Today the mask is highly recommended in many public places and often required. It is currently considered the best personal protective wear against the Covid-19 pandemic. However, you may have seen some people wearing two masks. Is this more effective? Actually, yes, it may be. This is what a scientific study shows in any case. According to this study, the superimposition of two masks could offer protection equivalent to that of FFP2 masks, which are to date the most effective device. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, March 01, 2021
What is the safest place on a plane?
Before picking up their tickets, many passengers have probably wondered where the safest seat on the plane was. While there are no unbiased, official statistics about the safest seats on an airplane, there are small selection of studies show that some seats may be safer than others. For example, studies have been conducted for specialized publications that have looked into the question. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, February 28, 2021
How can plants hear?
As far-fetched as it may sound, some plants can actually hear. In fact, it has been scientifically proven by researchers that plants are perfectly capable of setting up defense mechanisms responding to sound. They discovered that when the sound of a specific predators is played near the plant, their defense mechanism to fight against insects are triggered. Let’s look a little closer. These researchers first observed, how plants of the Arabidopsis genus, plants related to mustard and cabbage, reacted when a caterpillar nibbled at their leaves. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, February 25, 2021
Why do we sometimes take pleasure in the misfortune of others?
This strange feeling, this "sick joy" that we may feel when seeing the misfortune of others, has a name: Schadenfreude. This German word literally means "joy of harm". Having been adopted into the English language, it means "to rejoice in the misfortune of others". At first glance, this feeling may appear dangerously close to sadism. Thankfully, we are not all secret psychopaths, as Schadenfreude has a key difference: it’s purely passive. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 24, 2021
Why should you eat using large forks?
Perhaps should is a strong word. Of course, you can do whatever you want when it comes to eating. Chopsticks, small forks, your hands, whatever. But, if you want to lose weight, the size of your fork just might matter. At least, that's the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Utah. Not unlike many of the questions we answer on You’ll Die Smarter, human psychology is behind this phenomenon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, February 23, 2021
Why isn't the British police armed?
To begin, the title of our podcast is a generalization many of us are familiar with. Some British police officers actually do carry weapons beyond the traditional police baton. So exactly what is the situation? Let’s start with some numbers. In the UK, less than 5% of the police are armed. And these weapons are rarely used. For example, in 2017, out of 15,000 armed police operations, shots were fired only 7 times. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, February 22, 2021
Why are there upper and lower case letters?
To put it briefly, it saved money. But I think that answer is a little short for us. Let’s look a little deeper into the nitty gritty of why that is. To begin with, you should know that writing dates back to approximately 3300 years BC. This is the period from which the first traces of writing have been found in the temples of the cities of Uruk, now in present-day Iraq. At that time, the Sumerians wrote on clay tablets. But this writing was composed of pictograms or symbols representing a word or concept, not like the alphabetic writing we use today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, February 21, 2021
Why are cats afraid of cucumbers?
If you have a cat you may have seen this strange but hilarious reaction. House cats seem to have an irrational fear of the ever-threatening cucumber. When this common vegetable is placed next to a cat or they discover it by happenstance, they’ll often leap in the air in startlement. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, February 18, 2021
Why was the movie Titanic banned?
The RMS Titanic, known as the unsinkable ship, struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912 and sank, causing the deaths of over 1,500 passengers. You are probably familiar with James Cameron’s famous 1997 film depicting this event. But this was not at all the first film devoted to this tragedy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 17, 2021
What is "Venetian blonde"?
You may recognize this hair color from popular media. Sitting between the realms of golden blonde and coppery red, this hair color is also referred to as “strawberry blonde.” But why do some people call it Venetian? How does it relate to city of lovers? Could it be a reference to the color of a Palace at La Serenissima? Or is Venetian a reference to the famous boats that sail the Grand Canal? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, February 16, 2021
Why do some people have a fear of clowns?
The fear of clowns has a name: coulrophobia. While we don’t know the exact origins of the prefix “coulro”, there are some suggestions that it comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning “acrobat on stilts.” But this doesn’t explain the fear, does it? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, February 15, 2021
Where do the 7 deadly sins come from?
Let's start by getting the elephant out of the room: the Bible has nothing to do with this list. The fact that the 7 deadly sins come from Bible is a misconception. The 7 deadly sins, also known as the 7 capital sins, came into existence far after the books of the Bible were written. The most modern portions of the Bible date around 165 BC, but the deadly sin are more recent, finding their beginnings in the 4th century. The first deadly sins were established by Evagra the Pontic, a monk and ascetic theologian living as a hermit in Egypt... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, February 14, 2021
Why are songs getting shorter and shorter?
If you look at the duration of the top 10 best-selling titles in the United States, you'll see that their average duration is 3.5 minutes. It may not sound like much, but in reality, it averages 20 seconds less than songs released merely 5 years ago. And if we go back further to the 1970s it was not uncommon for 7- or 8-minute tracks to come out. For example, Led Zeppelin’s 1971 "Stairway to Heaven" comes out at 8 minutes and 2 seconds. So what happened? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, February 11, 2021
What do eggplant and cigarettes have in common?
Bet you didn’t see this one coming. But actually, they share one very simple trait: nicotine. Yep, both contain it. 100 grams of an eggplant contains 0.01 milligrams of nicotine. That means if you were to eat 10 kilos of eggplants, you consuming the nicotine equivalent to one cigarette. While it is a small amount of nicotine, it is still rather surprising information. This discovery was revealed by a study dating from 1993 entitled "The nicotine content of common vegetables", a study carried out by three doctors from the University of Michigan... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 10, 2021
Where do we get the term “lesbian”?
The word "lesbian" comes from the name of the Greek island of Lesbos, which is the homeland of the poetess Sappho. Sappho is an ancient Greek poetess who lived in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. Because she was inhabitant of the island of Lesbos, she was called a “lesbian”. We know that she was very famous during Antiquity, but unfortunately only fragments of her poetic work remain today... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, February 09, 2021
Why do we shiver from the cold?
To answer rather directly, it's for warmth. And it is a survival reflex. But let’s get into the nitty gritty details, shall we? The thermoregulation mechanism culpable is designed to keep the body at 37 degrees. When it is too cold, and the body detects that its temperature is too low, and it triggers a protective reflex. It provokes repeated muscular contractions that create heat with the aim to raise the body's temperament. These uncontrollable muscular contractions are called tremors and are what shivering and rattling of teeth... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, February 08, 2021
Who is the bravest brother (or sister) in a family?
An interesting study has just been conducted by a scientist and cognitivist by the name of Frank J. Sulloway. He has studied 700 families, and, to be more precise, 700 siblings. To clarify even further, these siblings all evolved into the world of high-level baseball in the second half of the 20th century. His goal? To try to determine if within siblings, one of them, whether the eldest or youngest, could be designated as the bravest, or at least as the one who takes the most risks... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, February 07, 2021
Why do we make the "V" sign of victory?
You're going to tell me that the answer is in the question. You may say “The V of victory comes from the word Victory, which begins with the letter V.” And you will be right. But which victory is it? And just why was the expression accompanied by the gesture? Here’s a little more explanation. According to the historian Aurélie Luneau in her book "Radio London 1940-1944 Voices of Freedom", it all began at the BBC during the Resistance in the Second World War. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, February 04, 2021
Why first impressions are so important?
You may have already noticed that when you get a first impression of someone or something, it is often difficult to get rid of it afterwards. How can you explain the fact that even when you have examined it through the lens of reason, this impression persists or at least greatly influences your final opinion? I have just read a fascinating article on this subject and I am going to summarize it for you. I'll put the link to the complete article in the description of this podcast if you want to do some of your own research... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 03, 2021
Why shouldn't you drink a hot drink when you're cold?
It is a natural reflex. When it is cold, we want to warm up by drinking a hot drink, tea, coffee or hot chocolate for example. Unfortunately, that's a bad idea. Certainly, in the moment and for a short term, one feels a sensation of warmth, but it is immediately counterbalanced by a counterproductive phenome. When we drink, the hot drink gives the sensors on the mouth and tongue a false information: the body is hot. As a result, the brain reacts immediately by adjusting its internal temperature. To do this, it activates perspiration, which cools the body. This leads to the exact opposite of the desired result... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, February 02, 2021
Why do ice cubes stick to your fingers?
Occasionally when we hold an ice cube or a piece of frozen metal, our fingers can literally stick to it. This physical phenomenon has an easily understandable basis. The heat from our fingers melts the ice on the surface of the ice cube. At this point, the ice turns into water and gets embedded in the small folds of our skin. But a few moments later, if the ice cube is big enough and cold enough, the temperature at the surface of the ice cube is so cold that the water refreezes causing, our fingers to stick... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, February 01, 2021
What is the "Braess paradox”?
The Braess Paradox, highlighted in 1968 by mathematician Dietrich Braess, states that adding a new road to a road network can reduce overall performance when cars choose their route individually. In simpler terms, and without going into the technical details that explain this mathematical paradox, this means that although it may seem counter-intuitive (hence the term "paradox"), when there is a traffic jam, the best way to make traffic flow smoother is not necessarily to add a lane. On the contrary, it is sometimes better to remove one... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, January 31, 2021
Why do camels and dromedaries not have the same number of humps?
A fairly short podcast today to quickly answer this common question! It's something you've known since you were a child: dromedaries have one hump and camels have two. But have you ever wondered why there's a difference? After all, these animals are very close. So why don't they have the same number of humps? First off, you have to know what this part of the body is used for. These bumps are essential because they provide the animal with the energy it needs to survive the extreme conditions of its habitat... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, January 28, 2021
What is the origin of the Rubik's cube?
This popular three-dimensional geometric puzzle is composed of 26 outer cubes of different colors. The Rubik’s cube was invented in 1974 by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture who built the cube for his students to think about its internal mechanism. They had to ask themselves the question: what is the internal mechanism that allows the cubes to rotate on three axes and still remain together. The first prototype, was composed of 26 small cubes and a center, the whole was carved out of wood. Each layer of 9 cubes could rotate, without moving the others... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 27, 2021
Why is it called "Stockholm Syndrome"?
In a situation of Stockholm syndrome, a hostage develops a feeling of empathy and occasionally even friendship with his captor. This syndrome owes its name to a hostage situation that took place in Stockholm in 1973. On August 23rd, a prisoner on parole, Jan Erik Olsson, attempted to rob a bank. He had to retreat into the branch and ended up taking four people hostage. Negotiations were held with the authorities and after 6 days he freed everyone. Having spent almost a week with him, the hostages developed a curious behavior during the arrest, going so far as to stand in front of the policemen who came to arrest him, separating them from Olsson... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, January 26, 2021
What exactly is Paris syndrome?
Paris syndrome is a psychological disorder that some people experience when they are on vacation in Paris. Similar to the Stendhal and Jerusalem syndromes, this disorder mainly affects Japanese people who, distraught by the gap between reality and the idea they had of the city before going there, lose their footing in the face of the cultural gap between the image of Paris depicted in Japan and Paris in reality... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, January 25, 2021
Does love really harm friendship?
You may know the adage "One lost, ten found". Perhaps we should add, "one found, two lost" to our colloquial dictionary. A British study has established that entering into a romantic relationship distances us from our friends. Two of them, to be very precise. Let me explain... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, January 24, 2021
Why is it necessary to reveal the ending of films?
You may be like me and assume that revealing the end of a movie or giving away key plot information in a trailer would have a negative impact on a film’s box office. It’s easy to assume that spoilers would discourage potential viewers. We assume that the public would collectively no longer want to see a movie if we knew the ending or essential elements in advance. But actually, not only is this not the case, but the complete opposite is true. Let me explain... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, January 21, 2021
Was Beethoven really deaf?
You’ve probably heard it. That the great German composer, Beethoven, who lived during the 18th and 19th century was deaf. But is it actually true? Yes, actually, it is. How do we know? In the absence of medical records, we have to refer to his correspondence. When his deafness first developed, Beethoven began to use conversation books to communicate with those around him... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 20, 2021
How many faces can we recognize at most?
We easily recognize the faces of our loved ones, family and friends, as well as most of the people we interact with on a regular basis. But we don't remember every face we come across and there is a limit to our memory when it comes to facial recognition. To understand it more precisely, a study was conducted in Great Britain that allowed us to calculate for the first time just how many faces we are able to really recognize. The result is rather disappointing. We only remember approximately 5000 faces... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, January 19, 2021
Is toothpaste effective against erectile dysfunction?
On social media, a number of recipes are circulating to cure the most diverse of ailments. One of them praises the virtues of toothpaste to relieve erectile dysfunction. To be specific, they say that coating one's penis with toothpaste will restore normal erections and prevent premature ejaculation. But that's not all - this miraculous remedy can even make the sexual act last longer. It's not so surprising that the video announcing these amazing results has been seen more than a million times... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, January 18, 2021
Why do astronauts sleep near a vent?
The life of astronauts is nothing like that of other humans. In the particular environment where they live, mundane daily activities are vastly different than on Earth. One of these mundane activates that looks a little different in space is sleeping. On board the International Space Station, each astronaut has a small compartment reserved for rest. This small cabin is equipped with all the necessary equipment for sleeping like a sleeping bag, a lamp, and pillow, but these are not the objects of interest to us. Rather we want to discuss the presence of a mandatory air vent that can be found in each resting compartment... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, January 17, 2021
Did chastity belts really exist?
As you may know, a chastity belt was a device allegedly developed to prevent sexual intercourse and masturbation. They are said to have been designed in Europe in the late Middle Ages so that men could ensure the fidelity of their wives when they went to war for long periods of time. But this seems to be a myth. In fact, many historians confirm that these belts never actually existed. How can this be confirmed? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, January 14, 2021
Why do they run 42.195 km in a marathon?
Contrary to what you may have heard, no, this distance does not come from antiquity because it isn’t the distance between Marathon and Athens. The length of 42.195km run in all the marathons in the world comes from the royal family of England. Originally, the marathon appeared at the first modern... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 13, 2021
Why do Greek statues have a small penis?
In his book “Greek Homosexuality,” Professor Kenneth Dover explains that long and thick penises were considered grotesque in the ancient Greek cultural world. Their representations were thus limited to works of satirical art and depictions of ugliness and barbarism. Contrarily, small penises were associated with moderation, a cardinal virtue of the masculine ideal at the time, and, by extension, an artistic aesthetic. The ideal Greek man was rational and intellectual. And this "ideal" man had to be endowed with a small sexual organ... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, January 12, 2021
Are we really descendants of apes?
The idea that man is descended from the ape was popularized in the 19th century by opponents of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Nowadays, paleoanthropologists all agree that the great apes are more like our cousins. By claiming that the human species had evolved over millions of years, Darwin was opposing biblical claims that it took God only one day to create a man that was no different from his 19th century successors... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, January 11, 2021
Why does reading aloud help with memorization?
Recent research suggests that reading aloud allows us to memorize what we read better than any other form of reading. And there is a particular reason why this technique is so effective. A recent study has shown the role played by reading aloud in memorization. It was conducted with the collaboration of students. Researchers presented 20 words to volunteers. For the purposes of the experiment, these volunteers were divided into four groups, each of which had to memorize words using a different technique. Depending on the group, the students either read the words silently, read the words aloud, listened to them through the voice of another speaker, or listened to their own recordings of the words... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, January 10, 2021
Why do we become more irritable when we are hungry?
You may have already noticed this. When it's time to eat, temperaments can get heated and you may feel more irritable than at other times of the day. The phenomena of being "hangry" has been the subject of very serious scientific research. A study was conducted by nutritionist Amanda Salis at the University of Sydney. The conclusion: the culprit is blood sugar levels. Let me explain... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thu, January 07, 2021
Why are solar eclipses doomed to disappear?
The interactions between the Earth and the Moon demonstrate how far away our natural satellite actually is. This phenomenon, as well as the current position of the Sun, explains the diminishing of, then the eventual projected end of total solar eclipses. The Moon is moving away from the Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters, or about 1.5 inches, each year. In 600 million years, the moon will be 23,500 kilometers (or over 14,000 miles) further away than it is today... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 06, 2021
Why are beer bottles sometimes made of dark glass?
To understand the reason for this, we should start by pointing out that during the brewing process, the alpha acids in the hops are transformed into isomerized alpha acids. It sounds complicated, but it’s not. It is these acids that give beer its bitterness. But when the beer is exposed to light, the photons trigger a process that causes some of these acids to react with another substance (riboflavin to be exact, better known as vitamin B2). The result is a compound whose structure is quite similar to … wait for it ... the substances found in skunk secretions. Including the smell that goes with it! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tue, January 05, 2021
Why do we rub our eyes when we are tired?
Sometimes, when we are tired, we may rub our eyes. This reflex is widely shared amongst humans, and in most cases, uncontrollable. But how do we explain it? There is apparently no particular gain in terms of energy spent doing it. Once we rub our eyes, we don’t feel livelier than before we did this, but we do it anyway. So, what is it good for? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mon, January 04, 2021
What is the ideal number of days for a vacation?
Every person asked this question might have a different answer, depending on their personality and their role in society. For example, if we ask an employer what the ideal length of vacation is for their employees, the answer will certainly not be the same as when we ask this same person how many days of vacation they would like to take... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sun, January 03, 2021
Why do main Disney characters wear gloves?
Many of the earliest Disney characters wear white gloves. This means we never see the hands of Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, or Pinocchio. It seems Walt Disney himself was the first to draw white gloves on Mickey Mouse in The Opry House, After that, the emblematic white gloves became the Disney trademark for many years! To be more exact, in 1928, when the first Mickey Mouse cartoon came out, this character still had completely black hands. But by 1929, he started to wear white gloves. There are several explanations to this evolution... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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