Counterfeit mushrooms? That’s nothing to sniff at. This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Italian alba white truffles are a fungal delicacy. Connoisseurs love their distinct aroma and taste. So much so, that their going rate is about three thousand dollars per pound! Unfortunately, the aroma
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Popping Pollination
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble… or not? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Aaahhh…who doesn’t love a long bubble bath?… But can soap be MORE than relaxing? Can we put those bubbles to work? Enter Xi Yang and Eijiro Miyako, from the Advanced Institute of
Continue readingOutdated Scientist
Who can play. . . “Spot the scientist”? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Identifying the “scientist” in a movie is like playing “Where’s Waldo?!” The classic? Back To the Future! Wacky Christopher Lloyd, wild white hair, lab coat, souped up DeLorean. But. . .
Continue readingJuggling Otters
What has four paws and juggles? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science saying…. Otters! These furry creatures juggle rocks like they’re auditioning for the circus. But, what motivates this OTTERLY adorable behavior? Mari-Lisa Allison and colleagues from the University of Exeter wondered! Otters are the
Continue readingSmart Smell
Lime, lemon, … Cinnamon. One of these things is not like the others! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Familiar aromas can bring back childhood memories — OR send a chill up your spine! But why do things get personal for the brain when it
Continue readingDrip Drop
The sound of insomnia: cue the LEAKY FAUCET! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, on the most annoying sound ever. What causes that DRIP DRIP of a leaky bathtub? It’s not what you think! Anurag Agarwal at the University of Cambridge discovered the cause —
Continue readingPain Pal
Need a PAIN pal? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. When you got your first shot, did you squeeze Mom’s hand? Studies have shown that EMOTIONAL TOUCH, like hugging or holding hands, reduces pain. But if you find yourself ALONE at the doctor’s – who
Continue readingRhino’s Angels
A good BFF knows when to LISTEN! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. When it comes to avoiding poachers and predators, animals have different methods. Antelopes run crazy fast! But what about the chubby endangered black rhinoceros? Roan Plotz from Victoria University of Melbourne wondered.
Continue readingEating Mediterranean
I am what I… YUM? Except for the carbs. This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. There are SO many diets. Choosing one is like finding the perfect avocado: HARD! Currently, the Mediterranean diet is in vogue! Veggies, fruit, legumes and olive oil. Toss in some
Continue readingBumblebee Gardening 101
What’s black and yellow and has a green thumb? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying… Bumblebee gardeners!? We know bees buzz around gardens, collecting pollen from flowers. But climate change is altering WHEN flowers bloom. Until the flowers show up, there’s no pollen for
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