Factoids Part 4
More amazing facts about color. You'll find unusual snippets of information from the world of nature, vision, psychology, business, and even the food we eat.
Burple? According to poetry experts, nothing rhymes with either of the words "orange" or "purple." You are welcome to prove them wrong. |
 Pink Fish
Fish in the North Sea have sunburned skin and blistering as a result of the thinning ozone layer. British researchers report that young fish are the most affected due to their lack of scales that would otherwise deflect the sun's harmful rays. Ian McFadzen, a research ecotoxicologist with England's Plymouth Marine Laboratory said the fish have no protection against the rays and that they have not needed to evolve one until man influenced the atmosphere. |
Golden rice could save children's lives
In 2005 a new variety called Golden Rice 2 was announced which produces up to 23 times more beta-carotene than the original variety of golden rice. Neither variety is currently available for human consumption. Although golden rice was developed as a humanitarian tool, it has met with significant opposition from environmental and anti-globalization activists. |
Scientists in Switzerland have created a genetically engineered strain of rice that could save millions of children's lives. Unlike white rice, golden rice produces beta carotene, an important source of Vitamin A, which is crucial for resistance to disease and healthy vision. Approximately 124 million children in the world don't get enough Vitamin A. Of these, about a half a million go blind and 1-2 million die due to lack of Vitamin A. Note: Dr. Ingo Potrykus, the German is the inventor of the golden rice.
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The next time you're in pain, don't pop a pill. Look at a plant instead. Another benefit: |
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Research conducted at Washington State University and published in the journal Horttechology (correct spelling) suggests that people in rooms with a lot of greenery can tolerate more physical pain that those in surroundings without any plants. 200 people were tested for how long they could keep their hands submerged in ice water. The findings reinforce previous studies that found that people work more efficiently when they can see houseplants, and patients recover more quickly from surgery and use fewer drugs when they are in a room with a green view.
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In 2010, another white elephant was captured in Burma. *** Most white elephants are only nominally white - they often look reddish-brown in the sun, and light pink when wet. |
The color of peace, stability and prosperity - A white omen
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The American Flag |
Although there is no official record of the meaning of the colors of the U.S. flag, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
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Tint your tongue blue! How did they do that?
How did they do it? It's a water-soluble "FDA approved" additive that activates your saliva, which in turn changes the color of your tongue. |
Frito-Lay's "Mystery Colorz Snack" is a new breed of Cheetos, (the crunchy neon orange American snack food). They change from neon-orange in your hand, to blue or green in your mouth. Instead of ending up with greasy orange lips, you get a bright blue or green tongue.
