What happens to lost body fat when we lose weight?
Our fat is stored as triglycerides. When we need it for energy, enzymes in the blood break it down into fatty acid chains and glycerol. The fatty acids are absorbed by cells and broken down into even smaller molecules and ‘fed’ to our mitochondria (the ‘power plants’ of our cells). The ultimate waste products of this this complex sequence are just CO2 and H2O, which we breathe out. So when you exercise, you are turning fat into puffing and panting.
Do insects sleep?
Yes. They don’t have eyelids, so they don’t close their eyes like we do. Cockroaches, however, will fold down their antennae when they sleep, which has the similar purpose of protecting delicate sensory organs. When asleep, insects aren’t just resting – sleeping praying mantises will droop downwards and sleeping bees are harder to startle than those that are having a rest.
Are public Wi-Fi networks safe?
No Wi-Fi network is completely safe if you have the wrong settings on your device. When you browse http pages, you are transmitting and receiving unencrypted text; this makes it easy to intercept, making your passwords vulnerable. Only https pages are secure. If you have Sharing enabled on your computer, it is possible to access your files or even remotely log on to your system. For these reasons it’s best to keep Sharing switched off, your Firewall turned on, and do not browse sensitive websites on public networks. If you have to do so regularly, you should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Why does garlic give you bad breath?
Garlic contains a chemical called allyl cysteine sulphoxide or ‘alliin'. When a raw garlic clove is crushed or chopped, an enzyme in the garlic cells is released that reacts in a matter of seconds with the alliin to produce a chemical called allicin. This breaks down into lots of other chemicals, most of them stinky. Nearly all of these chemicals are broken down in your stomach and liver, but allyl methyl sulphide is one that survives to be absorbed into the bloodstream intact. This means that it can diffuse out through your lungs into the air you exhale for up to two days. Brushing your teeth has only limited effect because the chemical is still in your blood.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui (“wind” and “water”) refers to a Chinese method of using sites in harmony with nature that will ensure good fortune. It is used for selecting the location and orientation of buildings, houses, and graves. Its principles have influenced the layout of capital cities, including Beijing. Feng shui experts study the topography of a site, including wind flow, water routes, hills, soil condition, and nearby buildings. They often use a special magnetic compass, called a luopan, that provides information on various Chinese concepts of the cosmos.
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