Forums

Can a lobster live forever?
Although they are still susceptible to death by disease or attacks, lobsters can theoretically live forever because getting older does not raise their chance of dying. An enzyme known as telomerase prevents the DNA in lobsters' cells from being damaged as they are replicated, scientist Simon Watt reports in The Sun.

How many trees are cut down in a minute?
This corresponds to a loss of approximately 100 acres or 2,000 trees per minute. An estimated 140 species of rainforest plants and animals go extinct every day.

What makes a wave break?
As the water begins to get shallower, water movement is slowed by friction against the bottom. The waves are slowed down and pushed together. That makes each wave steeper, especially on its front side. As the water gets shallower, the waves get steeper and steeper until they fall over and break on the front side.

Why do countries have stan at the end?
There are seven countries in Central Asia with the suffix "-stan": Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The suffix comes from the Persian root istan, or "land"—hence the "land of the Uzbeks," "land of the Kazakhs," and so forth.

Which planet has the lowest and highest temperature?
Venus, the second closest plant to the Sun, has the highest average temperatures of any planet in our Solar System, regularly reaching temperatures over 460°C. Venus is so hot because of its proximity to the Sun and its thick atmosphere.

What causes red hair?
About 1 to 2 percent of the human population has red hair. Redheads have genes to thank for their tresses. Research shows red hair usually results from a mutation in a gene called MC1R, which codes for the melanocortin-1 receptor. The pigment found in redhair that makes it red is called pheomelanin.

Is Iceland a continent?
Iceland is closer to continental Europe than to mainland North America; thus, the island is generally included in Europe for historical, political, cultural, and practical reasons. Geologically the island includes parts of both continental plates.

Why do we rub our eyes when we are tired?
Tired eyes get dry, and rubbing stimulates the lacrimal glands to produce more fluid. Tiredness also closes your eyes, so you may rub to keep them open. Finally, there's a connection between the muscles that move your eyes around and your heart. When these muscles are stimulated, a reflex slows the heart.