#256 What is the Richter scale?
I learned this today. The Richter scale is a way of measuring the strength of an earthquake by looking at the height […]
#255 Why is the surface tension of water so high?
I learned this today. The surface tension of water is higher than almost all other liquids because it contains so much hydrogen. […]
#254 Who burned down the Library of Alexandria?
I learned this today. Julius Caesar is supposed to have burned the library of Alexandria down in 48 BC, but it appears […]
#253 How does G-force kill people?
I learned this today. Sustained G-force of 6 G are generally considered to be fatal because they squash our organs and starve […]
#252 Why do some planets have rings?
I learned this today. Some planets have rings because they have captured debris, but that debris is too close to the planet […]
#251 What is insulin?
I learned this today. Insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. How […]
#250 Was Nero as bad as people say?
I learned this today. It is impossible to know if the emperor Nero was as bad as people say because all of […]
#249 When did people start using coal?
I learned this today. There is some evidence that paleolithic people were the first to use coal. Humans have been using fire […]
#248 How does a touchscreen work?
I learned this today. A touchscreen works because a tiny electric current is sent to your finger, which allows the device to […]
#247 When was the expression “mayday” first used?
I learned this today. The expression “mayday” was first used in February 1923. Mayday is used when a plane or a ship […]