The world’s first sample of metallic hydrogen, a form of the element that scientists have long chased only to come up empty handed, mysteriously vanished from the Harvard University lab where it was created last month as researchers sought to conduct further … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This battle was an unparalleled victory for Allied air power in WWII. During the engagement, Allied planes attacked and nearly obliterated a Japanese convoy transporting thousands of troops to New Guinea. The Japanese loss of critical reinforcements and supplies changed the course of the Pacific War. The Allies were later criticized for strafing Japanese survivors, reportedly in retaliation for Japanese actions earlier in the battle. What new bombing technique did the Allies use in the battle? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Ethiopia is an African country that successfully shook off European domination for centuries. One pivotal moment of resistance was the Ethiopian army’s historic victory, led by Emperor Menelik II, over invading Italian troops in the Battle of Adwa, a two-day battle that ended on March 2. Festivities take place on its anniversary throughout the country, with official ceremonies in the capital, Addis Ababa, and Adwa, the market town located near the battle site. People will also leave wreaths at the Menelik Monument, which commemorates the victory led by the Ethiopian emperor. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Freeze-drying is a dehydration process typically used to preserve perishable material or make it more convenient to transport. The process involves freezing a substance, reducing the surrounding pressure, and adding enough heat to allow the frozen water in the material to sublimate, or change directly from the solid to gas state. Properly sealed freeze-dried substances can be stored at room temperature for years without spoiling. How is freeze-drying often used by pharmaceutical companies? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Having very short or rudimentary wings, as certain insects.
Synonyms: short-winged.
Usage: Some brachypterous insects evade predators by jumping short distances.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A priceless bag of moon dust collected during the Apollo 11 mission has been returned to a Chicago-area woman after she won a landmark legal victory against NASA. NASA officials handed over the lunar dust bag — the only known one of its kind — at the … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Before Ferdinand Hayden’s extensive geological exploration of the Yellowstone area in 1871, many doubted the stories of prior European explorers describing a remarkable landscape dotted with geysers and boiling springs. Paintings and photographs from Hayden’s expedition helped convince Congress to make Yellowstone the US’s first national park, and it now draws millions of visitors each year. Why do park officials refrain from extinguishing wildfires that pose no immediate threat to human life? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Every year on March 1, people in Bulgaria present each other with martenitzas—two joined tassels of red-and-white woolen thread symbolizing health and happiness. In some regions, women dress completely in red on this day. In northeastern Bulgaria, the lady of the house traditionally tosses a red cloth over a fruit tree, or spreads a red woolen cloth on the fields for fertility. In stock-breeding areas, a red-and-white thread is tied to the cattle. Bulgaria is the only country where this particular fertility custom seems to have survived. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Miller was an American jazz trombonist and bandleader. He worked as a freelance musician in New York City before forming his own big band in 1938. It soon became one of swing’s most popular groups, known for hits such as “In the Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade.” During WWII, he joined the military and led the US Air Force band. In 1944, while flying from England to Paris, his plane disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and Miller was never found. What are the theories about what happened? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary