Rold Latosa
Stories (4/0)
Why can't we drink seawater?
When we observe our planet from space, one color dominates, earning Earth the moniker "the Blue Planet." Approximately three-quarters of our world's surface is covered with water. However, there's a catch: a staggering 96.5 percent of this water is locked in the oceans. And if you recall the first time your parents took you to the seaside, you'll remember that drinking ocean water is a big no-no. So, why is ocean water salty and unsuitable for consumption? There are two primary reasons.
By Rold Latosa8 months ago in FYI
How anesthesia "knocked" you out.
When it comes to the experience of undergoing anesthesia, there are various colloquial expressions like "knocked out," "going under," "sedated," and "put to sleep." But what's the actual mechanism by which anesthesia induces unconsciousness? Anesthesia is one of the most frequently performed medical procedures, with over 60,000 people in the U.S. alone undergoing anesthesia each day. Despite its widespread use, we still don't have a comprehensive understanding of how anesthesia precisely operates in the human body to induce unconsciousness, but we do know that it is effective.
By Rold Latosa8 months ago in Education
How deep does the ocean actually go?
If you were to submerge the highest point on land into the ocean, you'd still have over a mile of water above you before reaching the deepest ocean trench. These underwater depths house an astonishing 99% of Earth's living space and contain enough water to fill a colossal bathtub that stretches 685 miles in every direction. To provide some perspective, here's a human, and here's a blue whale, the largest creature on our planet. Blue whales typically hunt at depths around 330 feet, basking in the well-lit zone of the ocean.
By Rold Latosa8 months ago in Education
Why do planes avoid the "Pacific Ring of Fire"?
While arranging my Asian vacation, I stumbled upon an intriguing detail. My flight appeared to be taking an unexpected detour over Alaska. The question that immediately arose was why my airline was deviating from the typical route across the Pacific Ocean. Was this an error? Did I unwittingly select the caribou route? Initially, one might assume this deviation was motivated by safety concerns. After all, the Pacific Ocean is renowned for its vastness and depth. In the event of an in-flight issue over this seemingly boundless expanse of water, pilots would face significant challenges in identifying a safe landing spot. In contrast, Alaska, while not teeming with international airports, offers a more appealing alternative to the middle of the ocean. Perhaps it could even adopt a humorous tourism slogan like "Alaska: At Least It's Better Than Sinking!" My apologies to Alaska for the jest. Speculating that safety was the primary reason wouldn't be entirely inaccurate. Many pilots prefer routes with a greater number of accessible airports when planning their journeys. Emergencies are relatively rare compared to the multitude of flights daily, but the thought of losing an engine at 30,000 feet over the vast Pacific Ocean is undeniably anxiety-inducing. However, this isn't the primary rationale behind airlines' preference for avoiding direct east-to-west routes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the twin objectives of conserving fuel and time. It's easy to overlook the fact that an airline is, fundamentally, a business. And like any business, its profitability hinges on efficiently and economically transporting passengers between destinations.
By Rold Latosa8 months ago in Earth