Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Science: Mammalian diving reflex
Mammalian diving reflex: "The mammalian diving reflex is a reflex in mammals which optimizes respiration to allow staying underwater for extended periods of time. It is exhibited strongly in aquatic mammals (seals,[1] otters, dolphins, etc.), but exists in weaker versions in other mammals, including humans, including babies up to 12 months old (see Infant swimming)."
Psychology WotD: Anhedonia
Anhedonia: "In psychology and psychiatry, anhedonia (/ˌænhiˈdoʊniə/ an-hee-doh-nee-ə; Greek: ἀν- an-, "without" and ἡδονή hēdonē, "pleasure") is defined as the inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable, e.g. exercise, hobbies, music, sexual activities or social interactions."
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
History: Sator Square
Sator Square: "The Sator Square (or Rotas Square) is a word square containing a Latin palindrome:
SATOR
AREPO
TENET
OPERA
ROTAS
The five words may be read top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, left-to-right, or right-to-left."
SATOR
AREPO
TENET
OPERA
ROTAS
The five words may be read top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, left-to-right, or right-to-left."
English WotD: halcyon
halcyon:
Adjective
halcyon (comparative more halcyon, superlative most halcyon)
Pertaining to the halcyon or kingfisher
Calm, undisturbed, peaceful, serene.
Adjective
halcyon (comparative more halcyon, superlative most halcyon)
Pertaining to the halcyon or kingfisher
Calm, undisturbed, peaceful, serene.