March 24, 2016

Did you know that the shark has a fishy fan club? Remoras are fish with dorsal fins that have evolved to become like suction cups. The remora attaches itself to the belly of a shark, eating any scraps of prey the shark leaves behind and parasites that grown on the shark's skin. Some sharks are aware of the benefits and they purposely swim slower to allow remoras to attach. However not all sharks are willing to risk their survival by having extra baggage. Some species of sharks purposely swim away or turn to avoid having a remora attach to them. Others just eat their annoying little fans.

March 23, 2016

Did you know that the ring of pink flesh for smoked meat is a sign of good barbecued meat? Myoglobin is an oxygen binding protein that makes the color of meat red. When you cook the meat, the meat usually turns brown because the myoglobin becomes denatured. When you smoke meat in a barbecue, the gas produced (nitrogen dioxide) is absorbed and produces nitric oxide. This binds with the myoglobin and locks in the pink color, preventing the meat from turning brown. 

March 16, 2016

Did you know that melons can cost about hundred dollars each? The Yubari melon (夕張メロン ) is a type of cantaloupe hybrid grown in Yubari, Hokkaido. It's prized for both its sweetness and its beautiful proportions. These melons are usually purchased in pairs. In fact one pair was sold for $23,500! Because they are so expensive, farmers give them little hats to protect them from the sun.

March 15, 2016

Did you know that hens only have one ovary? Well they have two, but only the left ovary and left oviduct fully develop. Like in humans, when the ovum is about to be released it ruptures from the ovary. However in a hen's case, it is surrounded with yolk. As it travels through the oviduct, the egg white develops around it. Eventually the egg enters the shell gland which is where the egg shell forms. Hens use about 8 to 10% of their own calcium (from their bones) to form the shell. All of this happens in a little over a day! 

March 9, 2016

Did you know that some people can end up developing allergic reactions to fruits as they get older? This is known as oral allergy syndrome. The reaction is caused by allergens in the pollen and raw fruit. Individuals with oral allergy syndrome are usually allergic to birch, grass, and ragweed pollen. However just because you have a pollen allergy doesn't mean you'll end up not being able to eat raw fruits. And if you can't eat the raw version, you always have the processed or cooked version.

March 3, 2016

Did you know there are fish that can eat the Man-of-War? The Nomeus gronovii fish, or man-of-war fish, is about 3 inches long and can usually be found swimming among the tentacles of the Portuguese Man-of-War. Some have even found the fish nibbling on the tentacles. Although the fish is not completely resistant to the toxin (only ten times as much as a normal fish :P), it's agility helps it to avoid the stings. So why not swim around with a giant jellyfish that will protect and feed you?