everyday science

Tickling: The Human Body’s Strangest Defense Mechanism

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Laughter is usually a choice. Tickling is not. A light touch on the ribs, the soles of the feet, or the sides of the neck can trigger uncontrollable laughter, squirming, and a desperate attempt to escape—often even when the sensation isn’t particularly pleasant. It’s one of the few situations where the body reacts before the … Read more

Airplane Fuel Dumping: The Safety Procedure Most Passengers Never Notice

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From the ground, it can look alarming. A plane circling the sky. A faint mist trailing behind its wings. News headlines calling it an “emergency fuel dump.” For passengers and onlookers alike, the sight raises an immediate question: why would an airplane deliberately release fuel into the air? The answer isn’t panic or recklessness. In … Read more