The Man Who Lost His Sense Of Touch

The article discusses the case of Ian Waterman, who was diagnosed with a rare form of deafferentation, a neurological condition that caused him to lose all sensation and movement from the neck down. Despite this, Waterman was able to regain control of his body by using sight to judge the distance of his limbs from other objects. The article emphasizes the importance of touch and the somatosensory system in movement, and highlights the consequences of losing sensations.

A Day In The Life Of A Teenager In Medieval Baghdad

The article follows the journey of siblings Hisham and Asma as they prepare for the hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, in 791 CE. Despite a last-minute mishap with a sick camel, they are able to find a solution and make their final preparations for the journey, which holds personal hopes for both of them.

Puke, Poop, And Tiny Cockroaches – How The Leafcutter Ant Queen Runs Her Farm

The article discusses the intricate relationship between four species in South Texas: leafcutter ants, fungus, tiny cockroaches, and a parasitic micro-fungus called Escovopsis. The leafcutter ants cultivate fungus as a food source, while the cockroaches feed opportunistically off the fungus. However, the ants have to defend against the parasitic fungus Escovopsis, which can destroy their fungal gardens and the entire ecosystem that depends on it.

This One Weird Trick Will Get You Infinite Gold

The article tells a story about a person who made a deal with a magical man to triple the gold coins in the king’s treasury in exchange for their first-born child. When the time comes to fulfill the deal, the magical man presents a new challenge involving a bag that increases the number of coins placed inside it. Through logical deduction, the person is able to determine the number of coins in the magical man’s hand and successfully solves the challenge.

How Stretching Actually Changes Your Muscles

The article discusses the importance of stretching for athletes to prevent injuries such as muscle strains and tears. It explains the different types of stretching and how muscles change under the stress of being stretched. The benefits of stretching include improved flexibility and a better range of motion, but it is important to maintain a regular stretching regimen to see long-term improvements.

The Most Important Century In Human History

The 21st century is argued to be the most important century in human history due to rapid technological growth and the potential for transformative technologies like artificial intelligence. However, this century also brings unprecedented levels of existential risk, including the possibility of nuclear winter, climate change, and pandemics. The emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) poses further risks, as the values and impact of AGIs on humanity are uncertain and could lead to value lock-in, constraining moral growth. The future is highly uncertain, but the decisions made in this century could have a major impact on humanity’s future.

How Does This All-Female Species Reproduce

The article discusses the birth of a smoothhound shark named Ispera, who was born without a father after her mother had been living solely with other females for a decade. This event highlights the concept of parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction, and its occurrence in various species. The article also explores the evolutionary benefits of parthenogenesis, as well as the potential long-term consequences and ways that some species may circumvent them.

The Hawaiian Story Of The Wind Keepers

The article tells the story of La’amaomao, the Hawaiian wind goddess, and her grandson Paka’a. Paka’a, who possessed the sacred gourd that housed the winds, was betrayed by two jealous navigators and stripped of his privileges. With the help of his son Kuapaka’a, Paka’a eventually avenged himself and regained his rightful place beside the king.

The Surprising Secret To A Healthier Gut

The article discusses the practice of fecal microbial transplantation, which involves introducing a new batch of microorganisms into the intestines to reset the gut microbiome. This treatment is currently used experimentally to combat antibiotic-resistant gut infections, but promising research suggests that fecal transplants could have potential applications in treating other conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, and depression. However, there is still much to learn about the optimal composition of the gut microbiome and the most effective use of fecal transplants.

Why Do We Eat Popcorn At The Movies

The article explains the origin and science behind popcorn making. It discusses how popcorn kernels pop due to the moisture and starch sealed within the kernel, and how popcorn cultivation and popularity grew over time. The article also highlights the significant role of popcorn in the movie industry and its continued popularity today.