Month: June 2019

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear or injury. It triggers a number of bodily responses, including increased blood pressure, heart rate, metabolic rate, and respiratory rate. It also raises glucose levels in the blood for use as fuel when more alertness or greater physical effort is needed. These reactions are known as the fight-or-flight response. Epinephrine is popularly known as what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Royal Ascot

The racecourse on Ascot Heath in Berkshire, England, is the site of a world-famous horse race that was initiated in 1711 by Queen Anne. The Royal Ascot race meeting goes on for four days in June each year and culminates in the event known as the Ascot Gold Cup. A major social and fashion event as well as a sporting one, the Royal Ascot race is usually attended by the British sovereign and receives widespread media coverage. It has even given its name to a type of broad neck-scarf traditionally worn by well-dressed English gentlemen at the races. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Soup

Following the invention of waterproof containers about 9,000 years ago, boiling became a common cooking technique, and soup became a staple food item in many cultures. Soups come in myriad varieties, many of which are specific to certain places, such as the pot-au-feu of France, the borscht of Russia, the mutton broth of Scotland, the minestrone of Italy, the chowders of various coastal regions, and gazpacho, the cold soup of Spain. How is soup related to the etymology of the word “restaurant”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

In 1994 the United Nations established World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17. The date coincides with the June 17, 1994, signing of the Convention to Combat Desertification. Observances draw attention to the need for cooperation between nations in order to stop desertification and respond to drought. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Fossilized Footprints

Known as ichnites or ichnolites, fossilized footprints or tracks of once-living organisms are studied by the branch of paleontology known as ichnology or ichnolithology. As well as providing information about foot structure and stride, ichnites provide important clues about the behavior of the animals that made them. For example, multiple ichnites of a single species found close together may suggest herd or pack behavior. What prehistoric creature is known exclusively by its footprints? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Polychaetes

About 5,400 species of often brightly colored marine worms are included in the annelid class Polychaeta. Worms of this class have a head with short sensory projections and tentacles and a segmented body covered with many setae, or bristles. They range in length from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to approximately 10 ft (3 m) long. Found worldwide, polychaetes perform the important function of turning over sediment on the ocean floor. What is the deepest point at which polychaetes have been observed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary