Category: What You Didn’t Know

We will dive into the numerous varieties that exist within this vital fluid. Blood is an intricate mixture housing various cell types and an array of chemicals that nourish and sustain our bodies. Two primary cellular components found in blood are red blood cells and white blood cells. It’s essential to understand where they originate. Virtually all the substances that eventually find their way into your bloodstream originate from three key sources: the digestive system, the lungs, and the bone marrow. The digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, functions as a self-contained ecosystem responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food and beverages we consume. This system serves as the primary pathway through which the majority […]

In the annals of medical history, there exists an extraordinary tale of an unsung heroine whose immortal cells have silently revolutionized the world of science and medicine. Henrietta Lacks, a woman of humble origins, unwittingly gifted humanity with a remarkable treasure—her immortal cells, known as HeLa cells. These tiny wonders have been instrumental in conquering some of humanity’s most challenging medical mysteries, from polio to cancer and beyond. In this deep dive into the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, we’ll uncover the astonishing story behind her immortal cells and their profound impact on modern medicine. The Immortal HeLa Cells Imagine cells that defy the natural order of life and death, cells that can replicate indefinitely, surviving outside the human […]

The intricate balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide is vital for our well-being, regulated by the brain’s respiratory center and chemoreceptors. These components, though nuanced, collaborate seamlessly to maintain optimal respiratory function. The Medulla Oblongata and Pons in the brain house the respiratory center, influenced by both voluntary and involuntary signals. Understanding this interplay sheds light on how our breathing adjusts under various conditions. Chemoreceptors, both peripheral and central, play a pivotal role in monitoring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. These receptors, composed of glomus cells, ensure the body’s homeostasis and modulate breathing responses accordingly. Within the body’s intricate chemical processes, enzymes regulate various physiological functions, showcasing sensitivity to environmental changes. Deviations in these factors can disrupt enzymatic processes, […]

The Medieval Period, often depicted as a time of poor hygiene, actually tells a different story when it comes to dental care. Contrary to popular belief, medieval people had a keen understanding of dental hygiene, with practices that laid the foundation for routines we still use today. In the Eastern Medieval world, teeth brushing was popularized using a tool called a “mistake.” This practice of cleaning teeth with natural materials quickly spread to Western Europe. People used various items like cloth, fingers, or leaves for teeth cleaning, indicating a widespread awareness of oral hygiene across different social classes. It’s a misconception that sugar was a Renaissance introduction to Europe. It was first recorded in England in 1069, brought over through […]

The Myth: Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation correctly requires continuous mouth-to-mouth breathing. The American Heart Association (AHA) 2010 recommendations advise against breathing on someone while administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—not because it’s bad for you, but because it reduces the odds of survival for the individual having a cardiac arrest. The old standard of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—15 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths—may be familiar to you if you received your training many years ago. You are probably already familiar with the 30-press-two-breathe method if you used the 2005 recommendations. You ought to toss things out the window in both instances. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) concluded in 2010 after reviewing a large body of research that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) patients […]

Magnets, which got their name from the Greek island of Magnesia, are now indispensable in our contemporary society. The human body includes iron, as any observer of a specific wicked mutant with superhuman strength may attest. The iron carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body through the bloodstream, among its many other functions. Given that we come into constant contact with magnets and that magnets attract iron, we must ask: Is it possible that a very powerful magnet or a particular mutant possessing a magnetic personality may eliminate the iron in your blood? No matter what the answer is, could someone possibly create a magnet powerful enough to instantly kill you? Also, how might this take […]

Numerous websites suggest egg whites as a burn remedy, but let’s cut to the chase: it’s not true. Egg whites can worsen burn situations. As a detail-oriented paramedic, I owe you a comprehensive explanation. So, let’s dissect why egg whites aren’t suitable for treating burns. Egg whites are primarily water (90%) and proteins (10%), like albumin and globulins. We know water helps soothe minor burns, and egg whites, often cooler than the burn site, seem beneficial. However, let’s dive deeper into burns and evaluate if proteins in egg whites offer any advantage over plain water. Understanding Burns and Their Types Burns vary, including chemical, electrical, friction, radiation, and thermal (hot and cold). Regardless of the cause, burns can severely damage […]

Benjamin Franklin once noted that asparagus gives urine a “disagreeable odor.” This phenomenon, often a topic of both curiosity and humor, is attributed to asparagusic acid in asparagus. When this acid is digested, it breaks down into compounds like methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide, contributing to that unique smell. However, Robert H. White from the University of California suggests an alternative source: s-methyl thioesters, specifically s-methyl thioacrylate and s-methyl thiopropionate. Both theories agree on one thing: it’s the chemical breakdown of asparagus that leads to the odor change. Not everyone experiences or notices the infamous asparagus urine smell. Studies suggest that while most people’s urine contains these compounds after eating asparagus, not everyone can detect the smell. This variance is possibly […]

The human body, irrespective of gender, possesses the anatomical structures necessary for lactation. While it’s relatively uncommon for males to lactate, certain species, like the Dayak fruit bat, exhibit this behavior. Among men, lactation is hindered primarily due to lower levels of a particular hormone, despite having the essential physical components, notably nipples. Lactation’s primary driver is the hormone prolactin, predominantly secreted by the pituitary gland. Women typically have higher prolactin levels compared to men, particularly during pregnancy and post-delivery. However, the question arises: How do men manage lactation without substantial increases in prolactin levels seen in childbirth? The liver plays a significant role in regulating hormone concentration, including prolactin. Instances in history, such as malnourished POWs during WWII, showed […]