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So you're into sci fi? But what about sci fact? Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction... Each month our very own Voyager Science Queen* will bring you interesting, quirky and downright bizarre tid bits from the world of science. And its all completely, totally, 100% true! July Sci-Facts |
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Rachel Carson, in “In the Sea Around Us”, wrote: |
| Sodium & Chloride |
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Salt is in every part of your body. The word ‘salary’ derives from the same word for ‘salt, as salt was once used as a currency in ancient times. It was an important commodity. |
| Calcium |
| Calcium is a major component of your bones, your teeth, and in small amounts regulates parathyroid gland. As well, it plays a part in the transmission of the impulses from your nerves to your muscles. Calcium plays an important role in blood clotting processes. All up, calcium makes up 2% an average, healthy adult. If you are lacking in calcium, you will have weak bones - osteoporosis is one form of this type of disease, and rickets is another – and soft teeth, or you might feel general tiredness, cramps, suffer from arthritis or bleed easily. Out of interest, too much calcium in your muscles also causes painful cramping, called ‘rigour’; this is not a common health problem and it is not caused by consuming too much calcium in your diet, but by problems with the adrenal glands or the kidneys. Calcium is available in all dairy products, and from fish with edible bones like salmon & sardines. It is recommended that you have three or more portion a day. |
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Phosphorus |
| Phosphorus makes up 1% of the human body, mostly as part of your bones. It performs a variety of crucial functions in the chemical processes within your body, such as maintaining the acid-base balance of your system, regulates the mechanism for protein and energy metabolism, and helps in maintaining the structure of cell membranes. Phosphorus plays an important role in the energy storage system within cells. It works very closely with calcium, as your bones are formed from calcium phosphate, and without a correct balance of the calcium and phosphorus you will suffer from osteoporosis and arthritis, at the very least. Phosphorus deficiency results in bone loss and is characterized by weakness, anorexia, a general feeling of malaise, and pain. |
| Iron |
| Iron is found in haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in your red blood cells. It makes up 0.004% of the body. Without enough iron in your system, you will become anaemic; this is a common problem in adult women, who lose iron on a monthly basis due to menstruation. Iron is found in red meat, legumes, nuts, wholegrain cereals and leafy green vegetables. |
| Potassium |
| One of the most important functions of potassium is the control of your muscles, as potassium balances the calcium in your muscles. Too much potassium will cause the total relaxation of the muscle fibres; this is known as potassium inhibition, and will cause your death when your heart fails to beat. As well, potassium is an important electrolyte in the body, one that is intimately associated with sodium metabolism. In the correct ratio, sodium and potassium help regulate the water balance within the body. Together, they regulate the transportation of nutrients into each cell, and regulate the removal of the waste products out of each cell. A deficiency of potassium may lead to nervous disorders, insomnia, constipation, slow irregular heartbeat and muscle damage. In severe potassium deficiency, muscle weakness and paralysis may develop, leading to difficulties in breathing and changes in the heart. One of the richest sources of Potassium is bananas. |
| Zinc |
| Zinc is found in all tissues. Its functions include enhancing the immune system, as it helps in the absorption of Vitamin A and helps regulate the concentration of Vitamin E, and it helps control energy production. It is involved in the maintenance of healthy skin and taste buds. As well, zinc is involved in digestion and metabolism, including those for breakdown of alcohol and phosphorus metabolism. Zinc can prevent toxaemia and protects against birth defects. Signs of dietary zinc deficiency include susceptibility to infections, stress, fatigue, and immunological abnormalities, as well as a loss of appetite. Severe zinc deficiency in children can cause growth retardation (including dwarfism), delayed sexual maturity, and skin changes including acne and stretch marks. In adult men, zinc deficiency can cause prostate disorders. |
| Vitamin-Related Minerals |
Some minerals work in conjunction with vitamins to maintain your health. Magnesium is one, it is essential for the regulation of the normal activity of the heart and is necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism. Selenium is an antioxidant that works closely with Vitamin E. Cobalt is a major component of Vitamin B12. Iodine is required by the human body for the conversion of carotene to Vitamin A. Boron is involved in the synthesis of Vitamin D, as well as aiding in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. Copper is vital to the proper function of Vitamin C within the body, as well as improving the absorption of iron. I covered the effects all the vitamins last month, if you want further details. This is not a complete list of all the mineral requirements of human beings, but I have covered most of the important ones. |
| Heavy Metal Poisoning |
| Not all minerals as beneficial. Lead, Cadmium, Aluminium, Arsenic and Mercury are toxic in even small amounts. Lead is one of the most common environmental poisons, particularly in older houses where lead-based paints may be present causing problems with your bones, liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, brain, and nervous system. A simple blood test will discover if you suffer from heavy metal poisoning. |
| *The Voyager Science Queen is also known as Lynne Green So, who is this woman who attempts to entertain us with Science? Well, I really am a scientist. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Queensland, in Zoology. And, at the moment, I am working in a Pathology laboratory. I have always been intensely curious about every aspect of our universe, from the teeny tiny workings of the gene right up to the mind-bending forces that are twisting and knotting inside a blackhole. So, now I am sharing a brain stuffed full of trivia…and hopefully entertaining people at the same time. As well, I write Fantasy stories and novels. One day, I hope to have a book published, but don't hold your breath. Reading is my other major love, and my favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Isaac Asimov, though I could list hundreds of others. If I had one wish, I ask for more time to write! Read previous Sci-Facts: Hot Topic - Vitamins Looking for more scientific oddities? Have you checked out Dr Steven Juan's website? He is, quite literally, the wizard of odds! |
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