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Can Air Conditioners Make You Catch Coronavirus?

Only two more months left for 2020 to end, a challenging year. In fact, this year will go down in history for the coronavirus outbreak, which affected the entire world. However, it’s clear that in the absence of an effective vaccine, we all just have to learn to live with coronavirus. As a consequence, it’s important to get familiarized with the virus, and understand how we can help lower its propagation. For that reason, and since cooling/heating systems are indispensable, what are the chances for air conditioners to make you catch coronavirus?

Two Types Of Transmission

Experts broke down what they know about air conditioners aiding the propagation of covid-19. They explain that there are two types of transmission that can infection. First, droplet transmission occurs when the virus-filled droplets come in contact with air through a cough, sneeze or just talking. Scientists argue that these droplets spread to other people much faster, if encountered in a closed setting with an air conditioner, and no mask.

The second type of transmission (usually the most common) is referred to as aerosol transmission. When a coronavirus infected person releases ” microscopic infectious particles so tiny that they linger in the air and spread from person to person in air currents.” Of course, with the existence of a high air-current, (air conditioners for example) in a closed space, you are more likely to catch coronavirus!  

Can Air Conditioners Make You Spread Coronavirus?

That being said, there is no hard evidence that air conditioners have previously helped the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, scientific research done on other SARS type viruses showed a correlation between closed space conditioned currents, and the likelihood of catching the virus. As experts explain: ”other infectious diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, chickenpox, influenza, smallpox and SARS have all been shown to spread through heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.”

What Can You Do To Keep Yourself Safe?

Unfortunately, there is other way to protect yourself except taking the recommended safety guidelines seriously! it’s important to care for your hygiene, respect the 2m security distance and lower your social contacts. At the end of the day, we all need to learn to ”live” with this pandemic, be aware of how the virus circulates, and avoid ” risky places” as much a you can!

Photos: Freepik.

Where Are You More Likely To Catch Coronavirus?

We are just 3 months away from saying goodbye to 2020, a challenging year. Since the coronavirus outbreak last January, thousands of cases are recorded everyday. However, despite all the information circulating about the virus, we all still have some unanswered questions. In fact, as we go on with our lives, we can’t deny that we have some fear and doubts concerning the probability of catching coronavirus. So, here is an answer about the odds for you to catch coronavirus in public spaces!

Low Risk Places

Places that are identified as ”low risk” are where you are less likely to catch coronavirus. According to experts, the risk is particularly low because these activities ”do not usually exceed two minutes, and/or the safety distance between people is respected.”

For example, checking your mail, grocery shopping, playing Tennis, going camping or even going to the movies are all activities that are considered ”safe” during coronavirus pandemic.

Intermediate Risk to Catch Coronavirus

Moreover, the longer you spend at a certain closed space, the more likely you are to get the virus. Even walking with another person has an intermediate-low risk. On the other hand, taking your kids to school, eating in a restaurant and visiting a shared public space are considered intermediate with a relatively high risk of infection.
That being said, applying the recommended safety measures anywhere you go can and will help lower your chances of exposure, even when you find yourself in a situation in which the risk to catch covid-19 is extremely high.

Places With The Highest Risk

Unfortunately, as individuals we think that if we didn’t have a ”close” contact with someone, than the risk is not there, right? However, studies prove that having a friend over for dinner without a mask or security distance, is one of the highest risk activities. Yes, you don’t need to share utensils or have saliva contact to be infected. In fact, getting a drink in a bar (despite the fact that you are not touching other people) is probably the riskiest place to catch the virus.

Photos: Freepik.

5 Weird Smells That We All Secretly Love

We all enjoy certain guilty pleasures without telling anyone. Weird smells for example, is something we all love but never confess to it. However, it’s more common than you thought. These 5 weird smells we all secretly love, even if we don’t necessarily brag about them.

Wet Cement

After a rainy night, the smell of the ground the next morning is so refreshing. Now imagine walking by a construction site, and smelling wet cement. Yes, this is a smell that we all share liking it, but only a few of us admit the truth.

Gasoline

We are not ashamed, gasoline smells amazing! Wether your are the one pumping gas or relaxing in the back seat, you enjoy those few minutes at the gas station. Gasoline is in fact one of weirdest smells that most people love. Furthermore, according to experts, the reason behind the ”nice” smell of gasoline, is the chemical hydrocarbon called benzene. Although too much benzene can kill you, the smell of it can be euphoric sometimes.

Glue

First of all, although the smell of glue is tempting, it’s a very dangerous substance. Glue may have one of the weirdest smells, yet we secretly love it. Moreover, some people can get ”high” or a temporary euphoria, which make them become addicted to sniffing toxic chemicals!

Fresh Paint

A freshly painted room is heaven for weird smells lovers! In fact, there is a logical explanation behind it. Paint includes hydrogen and carbon, which contain compounds that are very similar to sugar. So if you find yourself attracted to the smell of fresh paint, it’s most likely because you are a fan of ” alcoholic spirits” also.

Our Own Farts

Have you ever wondered why we hate smelling other people’s farts, yet we love our own? Science explains this weird phenomenon through brain psychology. In fact, as it’s a part of our bodies, we unconsciously get used to the smell of our own farts. Hence, we secretly love to smell them!

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay.

Study Claims Eating Ice Cream For Breakfast Is Good For You

As a child, you dreamed about your parents letting you have ice cream in the morning for breakfast, admit it! Well, guess what, a study is now claiming that eating ice cream for breakfast can actually be a healthy option for you. In fact, this study is published in a Japanese website, arguing the benefits of eating ice cream in the morning.

Eating Ice Cream For Breakfast Improve Mental Performance

This study was conducted by professor Yoshihiko Koga of Kyorin University in Japan. After data collection and analysis, he argued that eating ice cream can improve alertness and mental performance. According to the website, ”the study compared the brain activity of participants who had ice cream right after waking up with those who did not. Participants who had ice cream had faster reaction times and less mental irritation.”

Ice Cream Is Healthier Than Cheerios

However, this study basically looked at common breakfasts, and compared ice cream to them in terms of calories and sugar intakes. Actually, the study compared the effects of taking a typical Cheerios bowl for breakfast vs. natural ice-cream. In this case, Ice cream is certainly a healthier option. Yet, if talking about a balanced breakfast that contains protein, calcium and fruits/veggies, then it’s obvious that ice cream first thing in the morning is not the best idea.

Is Ice Cream Really The Best Option For Breakfast?

To conclude, the study mainly focused on homemade ice-cream instead of big conventional brands. According to the site, ”Homemade ice cream is made from egg yolks, sugar, whole milk, and heavy cream.” However, the result of this study remains controversial, as it was sponsored by a Japanese ice cream company, which clearly states conflict of interests. That being said, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it fuels the body and gives it the energy it needs. Therefore, a balanced breakfast is what’s really good for you, not sugar.

Photos: Pixabay.

How Come That Oceans Meet But Do Not Mix?

3D Render of a Topographic Map of the Strait Of Gibraltar, between Morocco and Spain.

Sometimes, mother nature just fascinates us. Water is, of course, a simple source of life. Yet, oceans are some of the most undiscovered part of the world. if you ever had the chance to see two oceans meet, then you must’ve asked this question: Why do oceans meet but not mix? Here is a simple answer to you, based on what scientific research says.

This Strange Phenomenon Is Scientifically Explained

Long story short: It’s all about the water density. In fact, when two oceans meet but do not mix, it’s mostly because of the difference of water. According to professor Ken Bruland, ‘‘ the difference in water density, temperature and salinity of the glacial melt water and off shore waters, making it difficult to mix. Moreover, he organized a study cruise in the gulf of Alaska with his University of California-Santa Cruz students to analyze this strange phenomenon.

The Atlantic Meeting The Pacific

During the cruise, and as the photo displays, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans do meet, but do not mix naturally. The melted glacier which is heavy in the zone, carries with it heavy clay and sediment, which eventually becomes iron. Once the oceans meet, the density is so different that causes them to stay separated.

Furthermore, this natural phenomenon occurs in all meeting points between oceans, regardless of the nature of their waters.

Mediterranean Sea And The Atlantic Ocean

That being said, the strait of gibraltar also witnesses a crossing point. in fact, connecting not only two ”oceans”, but also two continents. The passage from Europe to Africa and vice-versa, has a specific area where you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic meeting, but each conserves its side.

However, when seen from space, it seems that the two do mix. According to Live Science, this occurs mainly as ‘‘two currents are formed in the strait. An upper layer of Atlantic water flows eastward into the sea over a lower layer of saltier and heavier Mediterranean water flowing westward into the ocean, known as the Mediterranean Outflow water.”

Photos: Youtube, Pixabay.

Why Do People Twitch In Their Sleep?

Have you ever dreamt that you were falling in your sleep and your entire body shook? Yes, you probably did. Actually, what many people don’t know, is that it’s a normal condition called twitching or hypnic jerks. According to science, over 60% of people twitch when they are falling asleep. They explain that it’s common, yet could be the result of several factors. So, why do people twitch in their sleep? Let’s find out.

What Happens To Your Body When You Are Falling Asleep?

This natural phenomenon is explained through science by being an unconscious response to reality. In fact, it usually occurs between wakefulness and sleep, that’s why it’s called Hypnagogic jerks, in reference to hypnagogic state. Moreover, in most cases, twitching goes unremembered especially if it doesn’t wake you up. However, why do we feel it? Well, several theories explain that the muscle spasms can happen naturally, or can be ”induced by sound, light or other external stimuli”.

Twitching Could Mean Several Things

Furthermore, twitching can be just a response from your nerves when you transition to deep sleep state. However, it can also be related to factors such as anxiety, fatigue, depression or even sleep deprivation. So, according to experts, if you frequently experience hypnic jerks, you may need to pay attention to what you could change about your daily habits.

So, Is It Dangerous?

The big question remains: Is twitching a dangerous thing? Well, usually there is nothing to worry about besides discomfort. However, if you witness that it happens very often, you should consider reducing your physical activity. Research showed that people who changed their physical activity, experienced less hyping jerks. Despite what people say about the possibility of dying due to twitching, it is highly unlikely that you do actually ”die from the fall”, since your muscles’ reflex is faster when your are reaching the deep sleep phase.

Photos: Freepik