“I counted erections everyday.” I came across that statement of a researcher a few years ago when I read about an experiment on substances that aroused male mice. And that was not a singular study. Many studies do that. That was when I concluded that science writing was a bottomless pit for bizarre stories (so I want to continue doing it!) and that there is no predicting what scientists will be willing to do to find answers to their questions. This week, I bring you some highlights of researches done on dogs pooping according to the magnetic field and the other, the deep exciting secret of the lotus plant.
In a study published in the Frontiers of Zoology, the researchers concluded that barring any unusual activity in the Earth’s magnetic field, dogs align themselves when pooping along the north-south axis. While it is a remarkable possibility that my dog, Gravity, can act like a compass while pooping, it is no match to the feats of observation that the scientists exercised to come up with these findings. (Gravity has not yet shown he is sensitive to the magnetic field according to limited tests). Their sample included 70 dogs – made up of 37 breeds. In over two years, they have witnessed and recorded 1,893 defecations and 5,582 urinations. Yes, the pun on “s*#@” can now commence. If there is any that would rival the feat of counting male mouse erections, this is a good candidate. I also think that this study will make it to the IgNobel awards this year.
Now, for the secret of the lotus plant. The lotus plant has been the chosen symbol of ancient cultures to represent calm and serenity. Apparently, it is also the botanical muse for resiliency and graceful aging.
Aside from cryptic poetry that mentions the lotus plant, we usually encounter the lotus (its seeds, particularly) as the mighty ingredient in mooncakes.
“Make sure you get the one with lotus inside it.” That is the consistent commandment I get from a good friend whom I call “master” when I tell him I want the best kind of mooncake. I do like mooncake even if it packs the calories that almost equal amount of energy released in the Big Bang that started the universe.
I don’t know yet what it is about lotus seeds that make it ideal to turn into paste and then stuff mooncakes with it but it already earned my respect with that alone. So imagine my wonder when I stumbled upon what scientists have recently discovered about the lotus plant. Apparently, the lotus plant bears the secret to aging gracefully.
A group of scientists from China, Japan, Australia and the US have recently sequenced the genome of the “sacred lotus” (Nelumbo nucifera) and found that this plant is able to turn its genes on and off to cope with very harsh conditions that bring stress. It can cradle its seeds for 1,300 years in a condition where they could still germinate even after all that time. Scientists think that is truly remarkable considering that most seeds last only about 20 years before degrading.
Now before you start eating all the lotus plant parts you can get hold of thinking that it can make you last 1,300 years, remember that eating lotus plants do not transfer their genes to yours. This is often the misplaced reaction of humans when they hear about amazing powers of plants and animals – they think they can get the same powers by eating them. It is why shark fins are sought after – they think it can heal ailments and make men’s compasses point towards “heaven.” These are all myths perpetuated at the expense of the sharks.
In 2009, in a paper published in a physics journal, scientists discovered what made the lotus leaves so water repellant as it is able to keep its composure under a deluge. Its leaves apparently have hair and tiny cavities which could fill with air that keeps water off. However, the scientists were intrigued as to how it can keep moisture off in cases where water condenses within the cavities. In what sounds like a Chinese verse, Dr. Chen, the scientist, who was raised in China, remembered observing lotus leaves swaying and he had the idea that maybe the natural vibrations that the stem makes as it is moved by the wind is the key. So to recreate the vibrations in the lab, he hooked a loudspeaker on to the lotus leaf. He seemed to have gotten the effect he wanted. So much for the calm and serenity that the lotus plant was “enjoying.”
Many of us go about our daily grind with a singular focus on our own lives (or on our own phones). The column this week is just a reminder that there are other lives, remarkable and amazing, we are sharing this planet with which we usually ignore and even salute by ticking Rappler’s “Don’t Care” mood meter.
Maria Isabel Garcia is a science writer. She has written two books, “Science Solitaire” and “Twenty One Grams of Spirit and Seven Ounces of Desire.” Her column appears every Friday and you can reach her at sciencesolitaire@gmail.com.
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