The science of things
Comments (3)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | 01:31 PM ET
In his latest book Dr. Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society, tackles the science behind our daily lives.
As a long-time magician, Schwarcz knows a lot about mystification and Brain Fuel: 199 Mind-expanding Inquiries into the Science of Everyday Life attempts to demystify and enlighten its readers.
Do lima beans cure cancer? Might some fish play a role in diabetes? Can chewing gum boost your bust? And should you worry about bisphenol A?
Dr. Joe Schwarcz
Dr. Joe Schwarcz took you questions on the wacky and not-so-wacky science of things.
Read his answers below.
This discussion is now Open. Submit your questions.
Chat Questions (3)
Marie-Aline
Ottawa
Most mammals have two eyes for stereo vision, and two ears for stereo hearing. We have two nostrils and two corresponding olfactory bulbs in the brain. Drawings I have seen show that human olfactory bulbs are about the size of toothpicks. In university I elected to dissect a cow's brain, and was struck by the size of the olfactory bulbs, which were as big as my thumbs.
I have long wondered: does this mean we have "stereo smell"? Can animals tell which direction a scent originates because more of it enters one nostril than the other? Can humans too, to a lesser extent?
Joe Schwarcz: Yes, it seems humans do have “stereo smell.” Here is a good discussion:
http://www.smm.org/buzz/blog/stereo_smell_study_shows_two_nostrils_are_better_than_one
Frederic Hore
Soapmaking has been around since 2,800BC.
In a recent trend, many consumers are shunning commercial soap which are loaded with synthetic additives and petroleum by-products for varieties made of natural products.
Recently I visited a store in Knowlton Quebec that makes its own soap using animal fat.
What is the process to make soap, and how does the fat from hogs, remove the dirt from human skin?
Thankyou
Joe Schwarcz: All soaps work the same way. One end of the molecule is fat soluble, the other oil soluble. Dirt is usually oily, so the soap anchors an end in the dirt which is then lifted away when rinsed with water. The traditional way of making soap is to cook animal fat with lye (sodium hydroxide). It works but any residue of sodium hydroxide can be very irritating. Modern soaps are purified to remove such residue. Homemade soaps are more risky. There is nothing about commercial soaps that is worrisome, except perhaps for the scent that some people may react to. But unscented soaps are available.
Anonymous
Canada
Why does most of the world have low cost medicine and the USA had one of the most expensive systems on earth? If private enterprise was so effective, it would've been much cheaper than computer tech at the moment.
Joe Schwarcz: The U.S. does indeed have a bizarre medical system. I can’t explain it.