1971
How locusts control yaw
“Like an airplane, insects can roll around their longitudinal axis, pitch around a horizontal axis, or yaw around a vertical axis. Locusts seem to have two different yaw correction strategies: (1) Controlled by wind-sensitive hairs on their heads. Wing twists, rapid changes in the position of the abdomen and legs, and (2) the slower and more subtle movements of the same general are induced by cervical receptors. It seems to indicate that the wind angle changes of yaw are integrated in the locust central nervous system Somewhere, and then independent movement instructions for wings, legs, abdomen and head.”
1921
Delicious radio
“Two engineers recently conducted experiments to determine the feasibility of receiving radio signals through taste. Electrodes are placed under the tongue to induce taste [electrical] The potential is related to them. Tests were performed using low-potential direct current and 60-cycle alternating current to determine the energy and potential required for taste reception. Try to receive the actual signal from the antenna. Found it impossible, [even with] The four stages of amplification. The results show that although from an electrical point of view, radio signals can be received through taste, it is far inferior to hearing or even vision. “
Orange tree never give up
“In a grove in Avon Park, Florida, a horticulturist found a kind of immortal orange tree that citrus fruit growers thought was destined to revolutionize the orange industry. To protect the specimen, its purchaser placed a 20-foot tall tree around it. The tree’s heavy barbed wire fences are deployed day and night. The tree has been growing continuously for eight years, but until recently, its existence was not known to the owner and a few neighbors. According to citrus experts, they did not realize its value. Just treat it as a freak of nature. A group has been formed to spread this tree so that a large number of trees can be planted in the woods in 1923.”
In 1871
Early fake leather
“Enameled cloth has many uses as a substitute for leather. Its most important use is to cover the top of carriages, travel bags and suitcases, and it is often made into rain jackets and trousers. The base is cotton cloth, which slowly passes through the machine. Iron barrel. It is first coated with a black, unsightly substance consisting of oil, soot, resin and other ingredients, and boiled together until the tar melts. Then the cloth is wrapped around a huge wooden frame, and then placed in it Dry it in the heater. Then put it on a long table. Workers sprinkle water and rub it with pumice stone until the whole surface is very smooth. The fabric is thoroughly painted and passes through the heater again. It is now a cloth with a layer on it A thick, shiny black coat, very like patent leather.”
The miracle of chloroform
“Chloroform is the most famous solvent for camphor, resin and sealing wax; it also dissolves plant alkaloids. As a solvent, it can remove oil stains on various fabrics, but its main use is as an anesthetic. There are several others with similar properties. Of volatile organisms, but none of them will cause complete unconsciousness and muscle relaxation after inhaling chloroform.”