December 31, 2015

Did you know clams can see? Well...not exactly with eyes. Bivalves in general do not have highly evolved sensory organs. However the clam has iridophores decorated on its flesh. These spots have lenses that direct light into the mantle, which allows the clam to detect any shadows overhead and close their shells before a predator can attack.

December 30, 2015

Did you know that there is a kangaroo mouse? They actually exist. The pygmy jerboa is a desert mammal with a tail that can grown longer than the body. During the summer, it digs burrows and creates a hole plug to keep out the hot air. It can't be kept as a pet since the pygmy jeroba is a endangered animal, but you can watch cute videos of it on youtube. ^.^

December 29, 2015

Did you know a skin gun has been developed? Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Extreme injuries, like burns, to it can lead to serious infections. So the SkinGun was made. It uses a patient's own skin cells and sprays them onto the damaged area. Within just days, new skin forms. Although synthetic skin also has been developed, it can take weeks to be completed and is usually fragile. So hooray for the SkinGun!

December 27, 2015

Did you know a moray eel has two sets of jaws? One is for grasping the prey and the another is for pulling it down the throat. Whelp...can't exactly escape from that...

December 26, 2015

Did you know that an octopus has three hearts, nine brains (ok maybe not brains like the way we think of a brain but ganglions), and blue blood? Two of the hearts are branchial hearts, which pump blood through the gills. The third heart is the systemic heart, which pumps blood through the body. There is a central brain and eight ganglions (large bundles of nerve cells). Each ganglion is located at the base of an arm. Their purpose is to control movement. The blue blood is caused by red blood cells using copper instead of iron to bind oxygen molecules. So while mammals use hemoglobin, the octopus uses hemocyanin. (Another example of an animal with blue blood is the horseshoe crab.)

December 25, 2015

Happy Holidays everyone! To celebrate the holidays, the ending of this year, AND the end of finals...I have two facts!

1) Did you know there is a toad who carries eggs IN her back? The female surinam toad carries the fertilized eggs on her back. They fuse into her skin forming little pockets, where the tadpoles then hatch and mature in. When the little guys finally develop into toads, they swim out of their mother's back. Some people find this a little creepy, but I think it's cool.

2)Did you know that newborns aren't bathed as soon as they're born? When a baby is born, there is this white coating called vernix. This layer forms during pregnancy and provides a barrier against the fluids in the uterus. After birth, it acts as antioxidant, skin cleanser, moisturizer, temperature regulator, and safe antimicrobial for the baby. Washing it off not only causing the baby's skin to dry, but it also allows for microorganisms to immediately begin colonizing...and some we don't want.

December 24, 2015

Did you know that Koreans celebrate the Winter Solstice (Dongji) with red bean porridge? Dongji (동지) is a celebration of the longest night of the year. After this day, the hours of daylight will begin to increase. A sign that spring is coming! So they make patjuk(팥죽), which is made of red beans and rice flour dumplings called saealshim (새알심). Oooo! I want to try some!

December 23, 2015

Did you know slugs can eat the Portuguese Man of War? The sea swallow (also known as Glaucus atlanticus) is a small sea slug that feeds on the colony. The sea swallow consumes the venomous tentacles and stores the poison in sacs on the tips of its cerata (finger-like projections). Because of that, the venom becomes concentrated allowing the slug to deliver an even more painful sting than the Man of War. Ouch!

December 22, 2015

Did you know that male gentoo penguins can propose to females using stones? These penguins actually build their nests from a large circular pile of rocks. The rocks are carefully guarded and disputes over good ones are quite common. (Unfortunately I don't think we can use engagement rings to build houses...though we could use them to buy houses. :P)

December 21, 2015

Did you know that some people with two different colored eyes may have Waardenburg syndrome? This condition is the result of a genetic mutation. It is autosomal dominant. Individuals with the syndrome may have hearing loss in one or both ears. They also may pale blue eyes or two different colored eyes. Another common trait is a patch of white or gray hair. However these traits vary from individual to individual. Thanks to Stef Sanjati, a Youtuber, for her video.

December 20, 2015

Did you know that you could make a desert out of pandan leaves? (In Bangladesh, pandan is called ketaki.) The pandan plant looks more or less like grass. However it is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking as flavoring. In fact, it can be used for rice dishes, cakes, and drinks. What do I want to try? Thai pandan custard! This lovely green custard is made from pandan leaves, coconut milk, cream, sweetener, and eggs. However until I can find a place that serves the custard, I'll settle for some pandan ice cream. I've been putting off my trip to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory...

December 8, 2015

Did you know that the material in an atheroma is mostly macrophages (white blood cells)? When a person consumes a high amount of cholesterol, it can trigger an inflammatory response within the intima, the inner wall of an artery. White blood cells attempt to digest the cholesterol and become foam cells. The foam cells then die and release their contents along the artery wall, forming the atheroma (deposits along an artery's wall). The material hardens into a plaque, leading to a narrower lumen and higher blood pressure.

December 7, 2015

Did you know that there are sea animals that gaze at stars? It only looks that way because the eyes of a whitemargin stargazer are located on the top of its head. This fish buries itself underneath the sand and silt on the ocean floor, waiting to ambush its prey. The eyes and mouth are not covered. Did anyone ever watch the Spongebob Squarepants movie? There was a fish, like the stargazer, that used a lure in its mouth to attract prey. So you're swimming around and then see this tasty little treat. Just as you are about to take a bite, these beady eyes in the sand are staring right at you. Before you know it, you're inside a mouth.

December 4, 2015

Did you know that an aortic aneurysm is not the same as an aortic dissection? An aneurysm is the bulging of a blood vessel. You can think of it as weakened portion of a garden hose. The weaker the walls of the hose, the bigger the bulge, and the more likely it will burst. A dissection is when layers of the blood vessel tear. The blood then begins to separate the layers from one another. Although an aneurysm and a dissection are two separate conditions, they can be related. One condition can lead to the other.

November 29, 2015

Did you know that there is an island full of cats in Japan? Aoshima, also called Cat Island (キャット島), is an island in the Ehime prefecture where cats outnumber humans 6:1. The cats were originally raised on boats to get rid of mice. However after World War II, many of Aoshima's human residents left the island for employment in the mainland. Now these kitties make use of abandoned houses and schools...and with very little predators, these guys are multiplying. But Aoshima is not the only cat island. There are 10 others.

November 23, 2015

Did you know that goosebumps were inherited from our more hairy ancestors? Whenever we feel a chill, the muscles around our hair follicles contract and cause the hairs to stand up. This is also called the pilomotor reflex. In animals, this creates an extra layer of air that can be used for insulation. The thicker the layer of hair/fur, the more heat retained. Maybe if I had that, I wouldn't had complained so much about the South Bend chills.

November 19, 2015

Did you know that there is wine ice cream? That's right! This lovely dessert isn't wine-flavored ice cream...it contains the real deal. It is 5% alcohol by volume. A little lower than the usual bottle, but I don't mind having my dessert and drink in one. Oh! This also means you can't buy the ice cream unless you're 21 and over.

November 17, 2015

Did you know that the diaphragm is the one usually behind hiccups? The diaphragm is a muscle located below the lungs. It contracts when you breathe in and relaxes when you breathe out. But sometimes it can get irritated like when you eat too fast. It causes the muscle to contract in a jerky way and the air rushing in becomes blocked by the closing of the epiglottis (located by the vocal cords). So you end up making a hic sound. :P

November 1, 2015

Did you know that a day after a baby is born, the baby is screened for PKU? PKU stands for phenylketonuria. It is a genetic disorder that results in the buildup of phenylalanine because of a dysfunctional enzyme. Leaving the condition untreated can cause developmental problems in children. PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder. For those of you who didn't take genetics, it means you need two parents to each contribute a copy of the mutated gene. Now how does one go about treating this disorder? You have to avoid foods high in protein. For babies, it means limiting the amount of breast milk and formula milk. However a dietician and physician will help plan out your diet, and recommend formulas and supplements.

October 28, 2015

Did you know that there is a fish with teeth in its throat? The Atlantic wolfish has 4 to 6 large, conical teeth located on both the upper and lower jaws. Behind those front teeth on the upper jaw are rows of crushing teeth, some of which are molars. Now you might be wondering "why so many teeth?" These guys feed primarily on hard shelled mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. In fact, they help keep crab and urchin populations in check. Oh! Did I mention that they can grow to 5 feet long? Not to worry. They don't attack unless provoked.

October 27, 2015

Did you know that cream is less dense than milk? The fat in cream allows it to float on the surface of unhomogenized milk. That is why skim milk is the most dense. Why did I look this up? Here is a picture of my tea. You can see the water portion and cream portion thanks to the difference in density. (Different substances and different temperatures)

October 22, 2015

Did you know that Pluto is almost the same size of Russia? We all know Pluto is very tiny. But how small is it? Pluto's surface area is about 1.67 x 10^7 square kilometers. That's about 3.3% of the surface area of the Earth, which is about the size of Russia.

October 21, 2015

Did you know there's a spider that lives underwater? The water spider doesn't have gills. Instead it spins a web near the surface of the water and collects air bubbles. It then drags its bubble of air around, using it like an oxygen tank. The spider also mates and lays its eggs in this web.

October 20, 2015

Did you know that cute fuzzy caterpillars can be venomous? The puss caterpillar has spines covering its body and each is connected to a gland that secretes venom. With each molt, it becomes even more hairy. If you decide to pet one of these guys, you might end up with spines embedded into your skin. The venom can cause headaches, nausea, muscle spasms, and even convulsions. As difficult as it is for me to accept, cuddling with these guys can send you to the hospital so resist the urge!

October 19, 2015

Did you know that paper wasps secrete a liquid that makes ants stay away from their nest? Paper wasps build an umbrella-shaped nest that is attached to a surface by a single stalk. In order to protect the eggs and larvae from becoming ant food, workers spread a chemical around the base to ward off the intruders.

October 14, 2015

Did you know children getting the flu vaccine for the first time get 2 doses? The first dose prepares the immune system while the second one provides the immunity. The second dose should be given about 28 days after the first. Luckily for healthy children over the age of two, they can get the nasal spray. Yay no needles!

October 13, 2015

Did you know there was a couple in Korea who let their baby die because of their gaming addiction? The couple would put their child to sleep before leaving for 10 hours gaming sessions at an internet cafe. However this neglect lead to the child dying of malnutrition. Oddly enough, their gaming sessions were spent raising a virtual child.

October 9, 2015

Did you know that baby flying foxes use pacifiers like human babies? In the wild, a baby flying fox latches onto its mother's nipple. Volunteers found that using bottle nipples can help calm the baby bats. One caretaker saw that her baby bat would continually drop its pacifier so someone could pick it up. Kind of like a human baby. No?

October 8, 2015

Did you know that in 2008, three hundred baby grey headed flying foxes were rescued? Young orphans usually end up in rescue centers after falling off their mothers during flight. In many cases, older orphans are brought in because their mothers died from either power line electrocution or barb wire entanglement. Because the grey headed flying tends to only have one young each year and the population has been declining, volunteers give up months to raise the little guys. Keep up the good work guys!

October 4, 2015

Did you know it's illegal to collect rainwater in several states? (In all states, it's illegal to collect and distribute rainwater as drinking water without treating it.) However since many of these laws apply to areas where water is scarce, they're actually starting to loosen these restrictions. They hope that this would encourage people to use rainwater instead of tap for things like watering plants.

September 30, 2015

Did you know that the gritty stuff in exfoliators is bad for the environment? These tiny balls of plastic, microbeads, are used in many personal care products. However did you ever wonder about what happens after you wash the exfoliator off? The beads go down the drain, past through our filtration system, and eventually end up in the ocean. Microbeads aren't biodegradable. Marine animals will take them into their bodies and the plastic will travel up the food chain, possibly ending up in humans too. The good news is that cosmetic companies are removing microbeads. Some have switched over to biodegradable alternatives. I recommend a homemade treatment of honey, lemon juice, and sugar.
*Special thanks to a friend for the suggestion. I definitely enjoyed looking this topic up!*

September 29, 2015

Did you know that nail polish can be quite harmful? Researchers have labeled three of the ingredients (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate) as the "toxic trio." Not all three are always found in a single bottle. This has caused some concern because of the potential health risks to nail salon workers. Shops do not always have proper ventilation and so these employees have prolonged exposure to nail polish. What if you like painting your nails? Try some toxic free brands like Piggy Paint and Zoya.

September 28, 2015

Did you know that today is the birthday of Jodie Williams? She's a British sprinter who has won many recognitions. In 2009, she competed in the World Youth Championships and won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m dash. This made her the first girl to win both races in a single competition.

September 27, 2015

Did you know a spider only has flexor muscles to pull its legs inward? Instead it depends on a spike in blood pressure to extend its legs outward. When the poor guy dies, the lack of heartbeat causes the hydraulic system to shut down. The flexor muscles then go back into their relaxed state. Thus the legs stay permanently curled in. Now you know why spiders curl up when they die.

September 26, 2015

Did you know Ban Lan Gen, a Chinese herb, can be used to treat the common cold and other upper respiratory infections? Ban Lan Gen, also known as Isatis root, is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In animal tests, it has been shown to reduce inflammation and fever. It is believed that the herb stimulates the immune system to kill pathogens. However more research needs to be done on its effect on humans. Funny thing is that this same plant is used in indigo dye.

September 25, 2015

Did you know that only one Hercules baboon spider has ever been found? Believed to be one of the biggest spiders in the world, this specimen was collected about a hundred years ago. Either it's super rare or the poor guy went extinct already. But some pet stores try to pass the king baboon spider off as the Hercules. So for anyone looking for a giant pet spider, don't be fooled!

September 24, 2015

Did you know there is a Venice...in Japan? Yanagawa is a city located in the Fukuoka prefecture and is well known for the numerous canals that branch out from the main river. These canals have served as defense and transportation. But what if you want to ride a gondola? No worries. You can take the donkobune. Don't forget to check out the beautiful castle.

September 18, 2015

Did you know that getting a vaccine doesn't automatically make you immune? Some people get the vaccines but do not develop the antibodies (or they don't develop an adequate response). They are called non-responders. Such individuals need to be more wary especially when working in the healthcare field.

September 17, 2015

Did you know that puffin is hunted in Iceland and the Faroe Islands? The bird is part of Iceland's national diet. In fact, eating a raw puffin heart is considered a delicacy. Unfortunately the puffin is a threatened species and does not have any legal protection in those areas. This situation reminds me a bit of shark fin soup...except the birds are usually killed humanely. What are your thoughts?

September 16, 2015

Did you know you can eat monkfish liver? The monkfish, also known as the sea devil, is a deep sea creature with a distensible stomach that allows it to eat prey almost as big as itself. Don't be frightened. You can turn it's liver into a tasty Japanese dish called ankimo. All you have to do is take the veins out, rub with salt, soak in sake, and then steam it. Although I want to try ankimo, you catch it using bottom trawling...not exactly good news for seafloor habitats.

September 11, 2015

Did you know there is candy made from a dragon's beard? Just kidding! The dragon's beard candy is a traditional Chinese candy made from corn syrup and glutinous rice flour. You stretch the dough until you have many thin strands and then wrap the strands around a filling so it looks like a cocoon. But not to worry. There are no bugs inside. Instead you would be biting into crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, chocolate, or even coconut. Yum!

September 6, 2015

Did you know you could make okonomiyaki in two different ways? The Osaka style mixes all of the in a batter containing flour, water, eggs, and grated nagaimo (yam). Sometimes it contains meat and shredded cabbage. On the other hand, the Hiroshima style is layered with batter, cabbage, negi (green onion), meat, egg, and sometimes yakisoba! This version actually uses more cabbage because as it cooks on the grill, you push it down. It also uses a very generous amount of that yummy okonomiyaki sauce. I know what's next on my bucket list.

September 5, 2015

Did you know that the first macaron (not macaroon) was made in Italy? Its name comes from the same origin as macaroni..."fine dough". I know what you're thinking. Macarons aren't flat. They actually used to be! Macarons were simple cookies with no flavors or fillings. It wasn't until the 20th century when someone decided to stick two of them together with jam or ganache.

September 4, 2015

Did you know that there are angels in the ocean? The sea angel is a tiny slug found in both cold and warm bodies of water. (Temperature doesn’t seem to bother it.) Its appendages are the equivalent of a land slug’s foot. Now it may look innocent, but it actually eats other mollusks. It especially likes the sea butterfly. Its mouth contains tentacles that pull the poor butterfly from out of its shell. If not, the angel can just scrap the victim out using its radula.

September 3, 2015

Did you know there are tiny little crabs that live in oysters? I didn't know until I found one while eating an oyster. It's called the pea crab, a tiny parasitic crustacean that lives within clams, oysters, and other bivalves. The crab lives within the host's gills, feeding on the food the bivalve filters in. Despite the gill damage, the host does not die. However because the crab gets to eat first, you oyster might not be as plump as it could have been. On the bright side, you can take it out on the crab by eating it. Some people prefer them raw.

August 31, 2015

Did you know that some people use the praying mantis as pest control? That's right! You can buy our own egg cases, hatch about 200 mantids, and unleash them upon the pests in your gardens. Although this seems like a great alternative to using pesticides, these guys aren't picky eaters. They'll eat the pests along with the other beneficial insects in your garden. Careful about the cases you buy too. Many of the mantids we see in the US are exotic species like the Chinese praying mantis. I've heard they're great pets, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to release 200 of them into the open.

August 28, 2015

Did you know that there are ants that look like pandas? Just kidding. The panda ant is actually a wingless wasp. (Technically only the females are wingless.) But don't let its cute patterns fool you. Its sting hurts! Not only that, the female lays her eggs in the nest of another insect and once her young hatch, they feed off the other insect's larvae.

August 27, 2015

Did you know that eating horse meat is pretty common outside of the United States? In fact, the Japanese serve the meat raw with ginger and onions. This is called basashi. They have even turned it into an ice cream flavor. I wonder how basashi ice cream would taste like.

August 26, 2015

Did you know that the opah or moonfish can have a body temperature above its surroundings? This little guy can warm his body by rapidly flapping his fins. The rapid flapping causes the blood returning from its extremities to remain warm and so keeping the core warm. Because of this counter current exchange, the fish is able to raise its metabolic rate and pursue prey. This is a bit usual because other deep sea fish would usually move slowly to conserve energy.