Topic

Medicine, Psychology & Health

A collection of 157 issues

Invisible Cloud: The Secret Cold War Experiment That Sprayed a Chemical Across America

During the Cold War, the U.S. Army's Operation LAC secretly released microscopic zinc cadmium sulfide particles across North America. The goal was to simulate the spread of a biological weapon, testing dispersal patterns on an unknowing public and raising lasting ethical concerns.

History Wars, Conflict & Heroes Medicine, Psychology & Health

The Impossible Case of Phineas Gage: The Man Who Survived a Hole in His Head

In 1848, railroad foreman Phineas Gage miraculously survived a 13-pound iron rod blasting through his skull. While he physically recovered, his personality changed drastically, providing the first major evidence linking the brain's frontal lobes to personality and social behavior.

Medicine, Psychology & Health Biography & Personal Stories Science & Nature

The Four Extra Teeth That Powered a Legend: Freddie Mercury's Vocal Secret

Freddie Mercury had four extra teeth, causing a severe overbite he was self-conscious of. He refused to have them fixed, believing the unique space they created in his mouth was the secret to his incredible four-octave vocal range and fearing any change would destroy his gift.

Music Biography & Personal Stories Medicine, Psychology & Health

Escolar: The Delicious 'White Tuna' With an Oily, Unforgettable Secret

Escolar, a fish often mislabeled as 'white tuna,' is known for its buttery taste. However, its high content of indigestible wax esters can cause keriorrhea—a sudden, oily, orange anal discharge. While not dangerous, the effects are notoriously unpleasant and embarrassing for the unaware.

Science & Nature Medicine, Psychology & Health Food & Lifestyle

The Mount Fuji Sign: When a Landmark on a Brain Scan Becomes a Neurosurgical Emergency

The "Mount Fuji sign" on a brain CT scan is a classic radiological indicator of tension pneumocephalus. This neurosurgical emergency involves trapped air in the skull, compressing the frontal lobes and requiring immediate, life-saving intervention to prevent catastrophic brain damage.

Medicine, Psychology & Health Science & Nature

Go Bananas: The Radioactive Truth Hiding in Your Favorite Fruit

Your everyday banana is naturally radioactive due to the isotope potassium-40. Scientists created the 'banana equivalent dose' (BED) as an informal unit to contextualize minuscule amounts of radiation from everyday life. Don't worry, it's perfectly safe and delicious!

Science & Nature Food & Lifestyle Medicine, Psychology & Health

Your Brain's Secret Night Shift: Why Sleep Is More Work Than You Think

Contrary to popular belief, your brain doesn't rest during sleep. Many regions become even more active than when you're awake, working hard to consolidate memories, process emotions, and clean out toxins. This intense neural activity is why dreaming can be surprisingly exhausting work.

Science & Nature Medicine, Psychology & Health

The Beetroot Blush: Why Your Urine Turns Pink and What It Might Reveal About Your Health

Ever eat beets and panic at the sight of pink urine? You've experienced beeturia! This harmless phenomenon is caused by beet pigments passing through your system and can sometimes be linked to your body's iron levels. Discover the fascinating science behind this colorful surprise.

Medicine, Psychology & Health Science & Nature Food & Lifestyle

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