What is Venus made of? Venus and Earth are probably similar. Though it has no oceans it has a hard, rocky crust. Venus is very hot so water cannot remain as a liquid. Under the crust is a mantle of heavier rock. There is a...
What is Esperanto? Esperanto is a planned or constructed language that was invented during the period, 1877-1885. It was invented by a Polish doctor called L.L. Zamenhof. The language was intended for use between people who speak different native languages like French, English, German, Russian,...
What are antibodies? Harmful bacteria produce toxins or poisons when they enter our bodies. These toxins cause deadly diseases. To counter these toxins, our body produces certain substances. These are called antibodies. They can nullify the harmful effects of the toxins. Antibodies are specific for...
Why do hot air balloons rise up? Hot air balloons are filled with helium. Air inside the balloons are heated with gas burners. This hot air is lighter than the surrounding air and helps the balloons rise. The balloons land when the hot air is...
What is caffeine? Caffeine is a substance found in coffee beans. It is a stimulant and in its chemical properties it has a close relation to uric acid. Caffeine does not exist in a free state. It is always combined with acids. Adding milk to...
What is amnesia? Amnesia is a condition in which people forget things. It is usually a reaction to emotional stress and pain. The person who suffers from amnesia forgets not only the cause of his anxiety but also many other things. Sometimes the amnesiac will...
What is radiotherapy? Radiation can be dangerous if one is exposed to it for too long. But it has its uses too especially in the treatment of the dreaded disease, cancer. In radiotherapy, ionizing radiation is used to control or kill malignant cells. It works...
Did sea reptiles lay eggs? Many of the sea reptiles used to come to the land to lay eggs very much like the modern-day turtles. But Ichthyosaurus was a notable exception. It gave birth to its young like the dolphins of today which are sea...
Why is Mars called the ‘red planet’? It is Mars’ red colour that has given it the name, ‘red planet’. The surface of Mars is reddish-orange and is caused by the iron minerals present in the surface rocks and soil. Mars resembles Earth more than...
How did restaurants originate? The cook shops of London in the 12th century were among the precursors of the restaurant. Before that there were taverns where people gathered to drink, talk and eat. In the 15th century, taverns provided meals at certain hours. In 1650...
