Music Sounds Different To Different People

Researchers placed auditory implants in ferrets and each ferret responded differently to the same sound because neurons reacted differently each time, an effect applicable to humans. So, human brains process sounds depending on how our ears deliver that sound. This means different people may hear the same sound differently.

Still, this is music no matter what anyone says.

Superfluidity

Superfluidity occurs when certain liquids are cooled to near absolute zero ... becoming frictionless and defying gravity. As such, they actually move up and out of a container without any external force acting upon them.

Watch the clip.

Superconductivity

Discovered in the early 1900s, superconductivity is the mind bending occurrence of zero resistance to electric flow.

Resistance to electrical flow decreases as temperature cools but conductors generally have a limit to which they can allow electric flow. Superconductivity occurs when the material is cooled below its critical temperature. Placing 2 like pole magnets next to each other an electrical current is induced, causing the repulsion we are so familiar with. If we have a magnetic rail and place a magnetic puck cooled to superconductive levels, the magnetic field repels the puck along the magnetic rail - the puck moving along without physically touching the rail. This continues until the puck warms up.

Watch the clip.

Tidbits on Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds can hover because they move their wings in a figure-8 motion, gaining lift from both sides

Aside from insects, they are the only animal that can fly upside down

They wings can move up to a speed of 200 strokes/sec

Hummingbirds enter a state of "torpor" at night - almost shutting down their heat (cut body temperature in half) and metabolic systems to compensate for not eating

Here's a PBS clip, with the link to the entire documentary on hummingbirds as well.

Chill Out Pre-Workout

50 athletes were placed into a cooling chamber at -120 degrees for 2.5 minutes. They then ran at 90% of their max. After six months, the cooled athletes showed much better results and an increased oxygen carrying capacity.

Scientists think the chilling 1) slows the rise of body temperate, which harms performance; 2) conserves body fluids, because athletes sweat less.

Workers Who Help Are Happy

One study reveals that for a satisfying career and happy life, do something that helps others.

Price Affects Taste

20 subjects were given 5 wines and rated the same wine better when told it was more expensive. Really, there were only 3 wines - 2 offered twice, at a "low" and "high" price. MRI showed no change in taste centers, but there was increased activity in the brain's pleasure centers.