Wild Insides
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Why Shopping Carts Lock Up At The Parking Lot Edge
Some shopping carts have a hidden brake in one wheel.
Short. Strange. True.The real science
onion · why onions make you cry · onion tear gas · plant defence · chemistry explained · food science
The real science
An onion keeps two chemicals stored apart inside its cells. When a knife bursts those cells, the chemicals mix and a second enzyme turns the result into a gas that stings your eyes until they water. It's a defence the onion only switches on when something bites into it.
Don’t try anything shown in this video.
Follow the facts
- Nature: An onion enzyme that makes the eyes water
- ACS: Dissecting the Stereocontrolled Conversion of Sulfenic Acid by LFS
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Why A Snapped Elevator Cable Won't Drop You
Almost everyone has wondered what happens if an elevator's cable snaps.
Short. Strange. True.The real science
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How Pill Bottle Caps Outsmart Most Toddlers
Child-resistant medicine caps hide a two-part lock that only opens when you push down and turn at the same time.
Short. Strange. True.The real science