John Ammerlane
Bio
I love writing about historical figures and events, but also about facts & trivia, geekiness and (weird) sillyness.
Stories (34)
Filter by community
Do Transplanted Organs Age Like Their Donors or Adapt to Their New Bodies?
The concept of an organ transplant is often framed as a "new lease on life," a medical miracle that replaces a failing part with a functional one. But while the surgery might take only a few hours, the biological implications last for decades. One of the most fascinating questions in transplant medicine is whether a donated organ remains "stuck" at the age of the donor or if it eventually adapts to the age of the recipient.
By John Ammerlane3 days ago in FYI
Why Are Gemstones Still Expensive if We Can Grow Them in a Lab?
The world of fine jewelry is currently in the middle of a massive identity crisis. For centuries, the value of a diamond or a ruby was tied directly to its rarity and the immense effort required to pull it from the earth. But today, we live in an era where scientists can grow a perfect, high-quality diamond in a plasma reactor in just a few weeks. These stones are not "fakes." They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to the ones formed under the Earth's crust billions of years ago.
By John Ammerlane6 days ago in FYI
Why Do Humans Need a Varied Diet While Cows Can Survive on Just Grass?
It is a classic question that pops up during long road trips or while staring out at a pasture full of cattle: How is it that a thousand-pound cow can grow so large and stay so healthy just by eating grass, while humans require a complex balance of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains just to keep our hair from falling out?
By John Ammerlane7 days ago in FYI
Daily dose of Trivia
When flamingos gather together in large numbers, a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. This fitting name perfectly captures the vibrant pink spectacle these elegant birds create when they congregate in wetlands and lagoons around the world.
By John Ammerlane4 months ago in FYI
Lagrange points
There are unique places of equilibrium known as Lagrange points in the vast reaches of outer space, where gravitational forces govern the movements of celestial entities. These peculiar locations, which are named after the French-Italian mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, serve as celestial parking lots for spacecraft, providing strategic positions for a variety of missions and research efforts. In this post, we'll look at the intriguing world of Lagrange points, their importance in space exploration, and how they've changed our view of the universe.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in FYI
The invention of the Computer
One of the most transformational and significant milestones in human history is the invention of the computer. It transformed not only how we digest information, but also how we live, work, and communicate. This article follows the amazing history of computer technology, from its humble origins to the age of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in History
The Fibonacci Sequence
Mathematical equations and numbers frequently obscure beautiful patterns. The Fibonacci sequence, which has captivated mathematicians, scientists, and artists for millennia, is one such intriguing sequence. We will delve into the realm of the Fibonacci sequence in this essay, looking at its origins, mathematical features, and astonishing presence throughout nature and art.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in FYI
Who was Queen Victoria of England?
Queen Victoria of England, born Alexandrina Victoria on May 24, 1819, ruled the United Kingdom for over 64 years during the Victorian Era. Her long reign, from 1837 to 1901, saw enormous changes in British society, politics, and culture. In this article, we will look at Queen Victoria's life, accomplishments, and lasting legacy as a monarch who left an unmistakable mark on the nineteenth century.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in History
Russell's Paradox
There are topics in mathematics and philosophy that can push the boundaries of human comprehension. Russell's Paradox is one such concept, posing a baffling and fundamental challenge to set theory, an area of mathematics concerned with collections of objects. This paradox, named after the eminent philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, brought a level of complication that forever changed our knowledge of set theory.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in FYI
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is one of human history's most recognizable and lasting architectural marvels. This pyramid has captivated the world's imagination for millennia as a tribute to the ancient Egyptians' brilliance and craftsmanship. In this essay, we will look at the interesting story of the Great Pyramid's construction, giving insight on the methods, work force, and cultural relevance of this ancient wonder.
By John Ammerlane2 years ago in History
