Curiosity Aroused

These days, it’s hard not to conclude Mother Nature is deeply pissed off at humanity. The very elements seem to have declared war on us. Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire routinely converge in ecological catastrophes around the globe, bringing whole populations to their knees as they struggle to catch up to the new normal of a changing climate. Here, we spotlight the intrigues of Fire within the fray. Fire plays an important role in global carbon cycling, putting it on the front lines of climate change wherever it occurs.

Culture. That thing that makes one person’s beloved treat another’s source of botulism. Of course, some cultures are more daring than others when it comes to sampling life’s ’exotic’ side. Learning what shocking culinary traditions people around the world have developed in the fullness of time can help shine a light on the fragility of our own assumptions about what’s good, what’s healthy, and even what’s safe to eat — and under what conditions.

Technically speaking, the most poisonous animal in the world wouldn’t hurt you if it bit you - but it sure would be bad news if you ate it! Although we often use the terms interchangeably, the word ‘poison’ is primarily used for things that we eat or drink. Venom however is a whole other story and is found in a sting or a bite. So, unless you’re sitting down to lunch, it’s the most venomous animals in the world you should be worried about!

Football has been catching a lot of heat lately due to traumatic brain injuries players have received. However, some sports throughout the ages have proven far more hazardous to one’s health-and life. As the weather gets warmer and thrill seekers answer the call of adventure and glory, let’s take a look at the most dangerous sports of modern and ancient times. 12. Freediving Do Hold Your Breath! This risky water activity involves taking a deep breath, diving as deep as you can go, and exploring underwater with just a mask and wetsuit: no air tank, just the oxygen you are holding in your lungs.

Sharks are a fascinating species, and they are notorious for causing fear in humans. Although many different species of sharks are not considered a danger to humans, there are some that are known for aggressive behavior. Of the 370 of shark species, only around 30 are known for attacking humans. In fact, some sharks are so aggressive they are known to eat one another in their mother’s womb before they are born.

Tourism revival threatened by massive sand-mining (c) Tommy Trenchard/IRIN It’s easy to take sand for granted – until it’s gone, that is. It is the second most important natural resource in the world after water, yet beaches are disappearing right from underneath our feet… When most people think of sand, they think cheap, common and abundant. Sandy sediment doesn’t exactly fit the profile of a hot commodity. And yet, sand sustains livelihoods.

Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons While it is customary to assign specific start and end dates to historical events, the reality is always more complex. The Holocaust is a case in point. Though it is associated with World War II, the ideology and infrastructure of the genocidal program were seeded in the preceding decade. The lead-up to war and genocide during the 1930s was an essential precursor to the the Holocaust and must be understood as its foundation.

Photo credit: Popofatticus via Flickr Did you know that the speed of electricity travels at 186,000 miles per second? Just imagine a huge bolt of lightning crashing to the surface in a blink. Now you know why the DC Comics hero, “The Flash,” moves so quickly. Speaking of thunderstorms, lightning is actually one of the most powerful forms of static electricity. If you’re curious about static electricity, here are some random facts on this shocking matter.

Photo by Perspecsys Photos via Flickr In the modern world, warfare is no longer conducted with just weapons. Since everything from planes to smartphones are connected to computers, asymmetrical and non-traditional warfare programs stress the value of cyber security. Although worrying about a cyber attack from a foreign nation is always a threat, an even greater problem comes from hackers and online criminals. With just a simple software program, hackers can steal information, person data and financial details without the victim realizing it.

Photo credit: David Ohmer via Flickr Americans are odd ones. We live in fear of certain kinds of ’terrorism,’ yet many of us remain complacent in the face of ghastly domestic massacres committed by seemingly ordinary citizens with guns. We spend billions fighting terror around the globe annually, but cannot seem to grapple with our own uniquely American brand of terror at home – gun violence – with even the most common-sense reforms on gun control.