Category: Article of the Day

Althaea officinalis, or the Marsh Mallow, flourishes on riverbanks and in salt marshes. Its velvety leaves, pale pink flowers, and mucilaginous root all have medicinal properties. When the plant flowers, its leaves are collected and used to treat pulmonary and urinary diseases. The root, which is harvested in late autumn, is generally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions. What part of the Marsh Mallow is used to make marshmallow candy treats? Discuss

An allergy is an abnormally high sensitivity to an otherwise harmless foreign substance, or allergen, that leads to an exaggerated response of the natural immune defense mechanism. Allergens can be airborne substances, infectious agents, foods, contactants, or physical agents; and reactions can range from the relatively benign runny nose to severe inflammation, anaphylactic shock, and even death. Why do some scientists believe that children with no siblings are more prone to allergies? Discuss

Many cultures consider dragonflies sinister creatures, and a number of the common, vernacular names for the flying insects, such as “devil’s needle” and “ear cutter,” link them with evil or injury. In truth, dragonflies generally do not attack humans and are valued for their predatory control of harmful insect populations. Dragonflies lay eggs in or near water, and most of the dragonfly’s life is spent underwater in larval form. In what country are dragonflies considered a delicacy? Discuss

As jets began flying higher and faster, the US Air Force became increasingly worried about the safety of its flight crew. Project Excelsior was initiated in 1958 to design a multi-stage parachute system that would allow a safe, controlled descent after a high-altitude ejection. In 1959 and 1960, Captain Joseph Kittinger made a series of high-altitude parachute jumps to test the new parachute system, setting three world records in the process. Who broke one of these records in 2012? Discuss

The Geghard monastery is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Armenia. The unique architectural structure is surrounded by towering cliffs, and part of the monastery, known as “the Monastery of the Cave,” was actually carved out of the mountainside. Gregory the Illuminator founded the complex in the 4th century at the site of a sacred spring, and in the centuries that followed, the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt. What religious relics were housed at Geghard? Discuss

The Soviet built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 bomber and interceptor aircraft entered into service in 1970. With a top speed of Mach 3.2, powerful radar, and 4 air-to-air missiles, the MiG-25 was a formidable opponent. Before entering operational service, 4 MiG-25Rs were flown over Israel roughly 20 times. Israeli intelligence knew when these flights were scheduled but was unable to intercept the planes. The MiG-25s used during these bold missions were temporarily in the service of whose air force? Discuss

The boomerang is a sickle-shaped throwing stick used mainly by the Aborigines of Australia. Its arms are slightly curved, and when it is thrown, the boomerang generally follows an arc-shaped trajectory. Recreational boomerangs often travel along a circular path and return to the thrower, but other, larger versions do not return and are used in hunting and warfare. What famous king owned a collection of boomerangs more than 3,000 years ago? Discuss

Tardigrades, commonly known as moss piglets or water bears, can be found living in water, damp moss, flower petals, and sand all around the world. The minute invertebrates are usually 1 mm (0.04 inches) or smaller in size and have a head, four fused body segments, and eight claw-ended legs. Tardigrades are able to resist extremely low temperature, pressure, and humidity, and go into dormant states for months or even years. How many years can a moss piglet survive without water? Discuss

The Islamic Revolution’s Guards (IRG) is the largest branch of Iran’s military. It is separate from, and parallel to, the other arm of the Iran’s military and is equipped with its own ground forces, navy, air force, intelligence, and special forces. The IRG’s stated role is to maintain national security, yet the force is also rumored to have ties with terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. The IRG also controls the Basij force, which has a potential strength of how many million volunteers? Discuss

Antivenin is a biological material used to neutralize the venom of poisonous creatures like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and other insects. The antitoxins are created by injecting a small amount of venom into a serum-producing animal such as a horse, sheep, goat, or rabbit. The subject animal then suffers an immune response to the venom and produces antibodies which can be harvested from its blood and used to treat envenomation in others. What is mithridatism, and why is it so named? Discuss