How do parrots say human words without lips?
How do parrots say human words without lips? SARAH PHELPS, VIA EMAIL My friend’s African Grey parrot speaks so convincingly, she can order herself treats via the family’s smart assistant. No lips, no vocal cords, just sheer opportunism. She does this by using her syrinx, a hollow, Y-shaped structure unique to birds, that sits between […]
Why do we never forget how to ride a bike?
Why do we never forget how to ride a bike? LUCY HANNIGAN, SUNDERLAND Life experiences and facts are one type of memory. Riding a bike is another: it’s a skill, or a learned pattern of movement that neurologists refer to as ‘procedural memory’, more commonly known as ‘muscle memory’. There are, of course, lots of […]
Why is my brain buzzing at 3am but comatose at 3pm?
Why is my brain buzzing at 3am but comatose at 3pm? HENRY PARR, FROME You’re not alone if you spend much of the night ruminating about daily stressors, checking the time and worrying about how tired you’ll be in the morning. Then spending the next day struggling to think straight and keep your eyes open. […]
Could anything really make Rudolph’s nose glow red?
Could anything really make Rudolph’s nose glow red? BONNIE GREEN, VIA EMAIL Scientists have already transferred bioluminescent genes from jellyfish and corals into many other organisms, including bacteria, fungi, fish and mammals. The setup can be designed so the genes are only active in certain tissue types, such as the epithelial cells that line the […]
Astronomy for beginners
How to see Orion
How does the internet actually work?
How does the internet actually work? BLAIR BENSON, VIA EMAIL The internet is a collaboration between computers all over the world (although some countries restrict access). When you type in a URL (uniform resource locator, or web address) such as https://www.sciencefocus.com, your computer first has to figure out which computer to talk to… 1. Every […]
My in-laws are here for the holidays. What’s the quickest and easiest way to reduce my stress levels?
My in-laws are here for the holidays. What’s the quickest and easiest way to reduce my stress levels? CHRIS PAGE, KESWICK Any situation where you feel you can’t cope or you’re not in control is likely to make you feel stressed, so plan ahead to minimise these feelings. For instance, schedule ‘escapes’ for yourself during […]
Why don’t bees get sticky when they make honey?
Why don’t bees get sticky when they make honey? SOFIE KEARNS (AGED 6), VIA EMAIL Honey, which is made by the eight species of honeybee, is a viscous mixture of sugars and water. It’s stored inside honeycomb cells, which are sealed with wax until the energy-rich liquid is required to feed larvae or help adult […]
How can HRT help women?
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