 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
   
|
|||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 tasty morsels from the world of science. And its all completely, totally, 100% true! January Sci-Facts |
Science Page January 2008Putting on the Squeeze Physical manifestations of your Personality Whenever I go to the dentist, she always remarks upon the fact that I have more spit than a snake. Now, I consider this a very good thing, as saliva is part of the mouth's defence system against tooth decay – which is why non-sugary chewing gum can be good for your teeth. However, lots of saliva is supposed to be an indication of an introverted personality type. I find this a rather quirky relationship between your personality type and your physical body, particularly as I am most definitely an extrovert (though writing is often considered a profession for introverts). The boffins now think an introvert will have increased activity in their Reticular Activating System (RAS), which is part of the brain that produces more saliva when stimulated. Introverts have a higher level of activity on average to extroverts. Apparently you can test this phenomenon, by stimulated the taste buds with a drop of lemon juice, and an introvert should be able to produce more saliva than their extroverted buddies. Does this mean that introverts have better teeth than extroverts? Are better able to digest their food? Are able to seal more envelopes? You can read more about this in The Human Mind: And How to Make the Most of It by Robert Winston Revive Fruit and vegetable juices are a great way to perk up when your feeling dehydrated, by the summer heat or by too much partying. Here is a short list of some highly recommended pick-me-ups: |
| *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: Hard Currency Looking for more scientific oddities? Have you checked out Dr Steven Juan's website? He is, quite literally, the wizard of odds! |
Home | Books | Authors | Community | News | Contact us | FAQ | Sitemap Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2003 HarperCollinsPublishers Australia. All rights reserved. |