April 17, 2016

Did you know that a rattlesnake's tail is made of the same material in your hair and nails? That's right! The rattle is made up of layers of keratin. The snake contracts special muscles to shake its rattle and the sound is amplified because the segments are hollow. When a rattlesnake is born, its "pre-button" falls off and the "button" is formed. As a rattle snake ages and sheds its skin, new layers are formed over the "button". However the number of layers is not a good indication of the snake's age because the rattle is prone to damage and can even fall off.

April 7, 2016

Did you know that pineapples are good for tenderizing meat? Pineapples contain a protein called bromelain. Bromelain is a protease, meaning it breaks down proteins. So when you eat pineapples, that protein is breaking you down too. :O But bromelain is used for more than just tenderizing meat (and your tongue). It can also be used in reducing inflammation, removing dead tissue, and slowing clotting.

Also recommended by a friend!

April 6, 2016

Did you know that dermestidae beetle larvae are used to clean bones for taxidermy? Most of these crawlers are scavengers, so they feed on decaying material. However they're not very picky. The larvae can be found eating skin, pollen, hair, dead insects, and even natural fibers. While some species are known to cause damage, a good number are used by natural history museums to clean animal bones. They have even been used to clean human skulls. What else do they clean? Cricket colonies! They clear out the dead ones so you can feed your reptilian friends the live ones!

Special thanks to a friend for the fact!

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!