Navigating the perils of survival situations can be a tricky business, and there's a good chance that some of your instincts might lead you astray. Imagine being lost in the Amazon Rainforest or stranded in the Sahara Desert without supplies. You might have some preconceived ideas about how to take care of yourself, but many common survival myths could do more harm than good, potentially leaving you as a pile of bones in a ditch somewhere.
Let's debunk some of these myths, starting with the issue of frostbite in cold climates. Contrary to popular belief, rubbing frostbitten skin together can worsen the condition, causing more tissue damage. Open flames are also a no-go, as they can burn sensitive frostbitten skin. The ideal approach involves gently submerging affected areas in warm water and drinking warm liquids. Shelter is crucial to prevent refreezing, ensuring a safer recovery.
Now, picture yourself in the scorching desert, desperately seeking water. Contrary to what old Western movies might suggest, drinking fluids from a cactus is a terrible idea. Most cacti contain noxious fluids that induce vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. However, the prickly pear cactus provides a safe alternative if you remove the spines. Choosing the right survival option can make all the difference in a harsh environment.
Bees and wasps can be relentless when disturbed, and the suggestion to jump into water to escape them is another misguided myth. These stinging insects won't be deterred by a dip; they'll patiently wait for you to resurface. Instead, seek shelter on dry land to escape their aggression, or better yet, avoid provoking them in the first place.
Fire is often glorified in survival scenarios, but prioritizing shelter over building a fire makes more sense. Fires can be extinguished by rain or strong winds, and maintaining them requires precious energy. A simple bed off the ground and a makeshift roof should be priorities for a safe and warm night's sleep in the wilderness.
Quicksand, often portrayed dramatically in movies, requires a different approach than what pop culture suggests. Contrary to the common belief of staying still, the correct strategy involves making slow back-and-forth movements to loosen the sand's grip. This method, though time-consuming, increases the chances of escaping unscathed.
In the realm of foraging for food, it's essential to dispel the myth that anything animals eat is safe for humans. The universal edibility test, involving a series of steps to check for adverse reactions, is a more reliable method for determining if a plant is safe to eat. Mimicking animal diets can lead to lethal consequences.
Surviving without water is a critical challenge, but drinking melted snow might not be the solution. The body expends considerable energy to heat and melt snow, potentially exacerbating dehydration. Filtering water before boiling is crucial, as boiling alone might not eliminate dangerous chemicals or sediments.
The belief that following birds in flight can lead you to water is another misguided notion. Birds fly for various reasons, and their movement doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of water. Instead, keep an eye on ground-dwelling animals, which are more likely to lead you to water sources.
Jellyfish stings are painful, and the idea of relieving the pain by urinating on the sting is a persistent myth. In reality, urine can activate the stinging cells, making the pain worse. The recommended approach is to remove any barbs and wash the affected area thoroughly with salt water.
In cold environments, wearing layers of clothing is a more effective way to stay warm than relying on alcohol for warmth. Alcohol might provide a temporary feeling of warmth, but it can contribute to faster heat loss and dehydration. Proper clothing acts as a barrier against the cold and prevents excessive heat loss.
Taking refuge in a cave during a survival situation might seem like a good idea, but starting a fire inside can be dangerous. The heat generated can cause rocks to expand, potentially leading to a cave collapse. Instead, build fires outside the cave to avoid such risks.
Injury care in the wild often involves improvisation, but pouring alcohol on wounds for disinfection is a risky move. While it can disinfect the wound, alcohol may also damage healthy cells, delaying the healing process. Applying pressure and cleaning with clean water are safer alternatives.
If faced with a snakebite, the instinct to suck out the venom is a pervasive myth. Sucking out venom is impractical and can introduce bacteria from the mouth into the wound. In reality, the best course of action is to seek medical attention promptly for proper anti-venom treatment.
As the myths surrounding survival are debunked, it becomes clear that practical, evidence-based approaches are essential. Whether navigating extreme climates or encountering wildlife, making informed decisions based on real survival knowledge is crucial. The next time you find yourself in a survival situation, remember to separate fact from fiction to increase your chances of making it out unscathed
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World is interesting place. Scary, but worth living.
Nature is full of surprises and people are... well, people are something else.
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Microbiota, microbiome or microflora: how to speak correctly and why it is for health.
You've probably heard the phrase, "We are what we eat." But modern science says more precisely: we are also those who live in us. Until 2016, it was believed that there are many times more bacteria in our body than our own cells. The latest calculations by mathematicians show that we divide the body with our microorganisms by about 50/50: about 30 trillion of our cells versus 38 trillion bacterial ones.
By Yaroslav Gorohov3 days ago in Earth
Chinese EVs Closing In on America After Canadian Tariffs Deal
The electric vehicle race is no longer just about climate goals or consumer choice — it has become a geopolitical contest. And in early 2026, a subtle but powerful move by Canada may have tilted the board. By agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Canada has opened a door that the United States has worked hard to keep shut. While Chinese EVs are still largely barred from the American market, they are now edging closer than ever — not by crossing the border directly, but by entering through Canada. This development raises a pressing question: Are Chinese EVs closing in on America, and what does that mean for the future of North American auto markets? The Deal That Changed the Game Canada’s new agreement with China allows up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles per year to enter the Canadian market at a tariff rate of just over 6%, a dramatic drop from the previous 100% tariff that effectively blocked them. On paper, the quota seems small. In reality, it carries enormous symbolic and strategic weight. For years, both Canada and the United States aligned closely on keeping Chinese EVs out, citing concerns over unfair subsidies, national security, and the protection of domestic auto industries. This new deal marks a clear shift — and a divergence from U.S. policy. Canada didn’t make the decision in isolation. The EV tariff reduction was part of a broader trade reset with China, tied to agricultural exports such as canola and efforts to stabilize a strained economic relationship. Why Chinese EVs Matter So Much China is the undisputed leader of the global electric vehicle industry. Its manufacturers produce EVs at scale, often at prices Western automakers struggle to match. Brands like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng have already expanded aggressively into Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. North America has remained one of the final fortified markets — until now. Chinese EVs are appealing not just because they’re cheaper, but because they’ve rapidly improved in quality, range, and technology. For consumers priced out of North American and European EV models, Chinese vehicles offer something rare: affordability without sacrificing features. Canada’s decision gives Chinese automakers their first legitimate foothold in North America — and footholds tend to grow. Why the U.S. Is Nervous The United States still enforces a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, making them effectively unsellable in the American market. But Canada’s move has triggered concern in Washington. U.S. officials argue that Chinese EVs entering Canada could indirectly pressure American markets, influence supply chains, and weaken Washington’s leverage in future trade negotiations. There’s also a political dimension. Both major U.S. parties have framed Chinese dominance in EVs as a strategic threat — not just to auto jobs, but to technological leadership. Modern EVs collect vast amounts of data, and lawmakers have raised concerns about cybersecurity and foreign data access. While Chinese EVs aren’t rolling onto American roads yet, their presence just across the border changes the conversation. Canada’s Risk — and Opportunity Inside Canada, the reaction has been mixed. Automotive hubs like Ontario worry that opening the market could undermine domestic manufacturing and strain relations with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. Some leaders have called the deal “lopsided,” warning it could cost jobs if American retaliation follows. Others see opportunity. A more competitive EV market could lower prices for Canadian consumers and accelerate EV adoption. It may also attract Chinese investment into Canada itself — including factories, battery plants, and supply chain partnerships. If Chinese automakers choose to build in Canada rather than simply export to it, the country could position itself as a bridge between Chinese EV innovation and North American demand. That balancing act — between economic opportunity and political risk — defines Canada’s strategy. Are Chinese EVs Really ‘Closing In’ on America? For now, the answer is: not directly — but strategically, yes. Chinese EVs sold in Canada won’t automatically flood the U.S. market. Regulations, trade rules, and tariffs still stand in the way. But proximity matters. Supply chains overlap. Consumer awareness spreads. Manufacturing footprints expand. There’s also the possibility of a workaround: Chinese companies could eventually build EVs in North America to bypass tariffs altogether. This idea has already been floated — but it faces fierce resistance from U.S. lawmakers and unions. Still, history shows that once a global industry leader gains regional access, momentum often follows. What This Means for Consumers For Canadian buyers, the impact could be immediate: more choice and lower prices in an EV market that has long been criticized for being expensive and limited. For American consumers, the effect will be indirect — at least at first. But increased competition could eventually pressure U.S. automakers to reduce prices, improve features, and accelerate innovation. The larger question is whether North America wants competition or insulation — and how long insulation can realistically last in a globalized EV economy. The Bigger Picture: A Global EV Power Shift Canada’s tariff deal reflects a broader reality: China’s dominance in electric vehicles is reshaping global trade, whether governments like it or not. Europe is already grappling with an influx of Chinese EVs. Emerging markets are embracing them. And now, North America has its first real crack in the wall. This isn’t just about cars. It’s about who controls the future of clean transportation, supply chains, and industrial policy. Final Thoughts Chinese EVs aren’t driving down American highways yet — but after Canada’s tariff deal, they’re closer than ever. This move doesn’t spell immediate disruption, but it does signal a shift. One country has decided that economic pragmatism outweighs political alignment. And in doing so, Canada may have opened the door to a new phase of EV competition in North America. Whether that door swings wider — or slams shut — will depend on how the U.S., automakers, and consumers respond. One thing is certain: the EV race just entered a new chapter.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in Earth
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