Q&A with Experts: Quantum Physics, Evolution Theory, and more

Summary

In this Q&A article, we gather some of the most frequently asked questions from Twitter and answer them with the help of experts from various fields such as quantum physics, evolution theory, and medicine. Questions range from the possibility of punching oneself in the brain to whether a tractor beam is possible in real life.

How to differentiate between stomach flu and hangover?
What happens to organs in space?
Can we punch ourselves in the brain to forget memories?
What is a tractor beam?
Why are there still monkeys if we evolved from them?
Why is my eye twitching?
Is the absence of a pinky toenail evolution?
Why can’t we find the Higgs boson in our front room?

Introduction

In this day and age, social media platforms have become a space for people to ask experts questions regarding their fields of expertise. Twitter, in particular, has facilitated such interactions between individuals and experts from various disciplines. In this article, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions on Twitter and sought the help of experts to provide insightful answers.

How to differentiate between stomach flu and hangover?

It is a question often asked by many individuals who experience discomfort in their stomach or vomit after consuming alcoholic beverages. In response, the expert suggests that it is important to analyze if one had consumed alcohol or food the previous night to differentiate between a stomach flu or a hangover. The expert reminds the audience that the internet is not a home for stupidity but for smart and established doctors.

What happens to organs in space?

The absence of gravity in space affects our body organs, which begin to float, including the gut. This can create discomfort, especially when going to the restrooms. Our body reacts to gravity, which helps in the direction to push stuff, making the process challenging. Therefore, the absence of gravity creates challenges for individuals trying to use the restroom in space.

Can we punch ourselves in the brain to forget memories?

Some people might wish to forget certain memories, but it is not possible to do so by punching oneself in the brain. Forgetting is adaptive and beneficial, and sometimes people with exceptionally good memories might face difficulties. Certain current experiments with mice have shown that it is possible to eliminate specific memories, but it is a long way from application in humans.

What is a tractor beam?

While explaining the concept of a tractor beam, the expert highlighted that it is a technology that science does not have yet. It is a mythical technology that would enable us to grab something from a distance using an invisible force and pull it to oneself. However, flex pinning (a phenomenon where a Meissner effect occurs when a powerful magnetic field and type two superconductor interact), can perform a similar function on a short distance.

Why are there still monkeys if we evolved from them?

The audience wants to know why humans still have close relatives, such as monkeys, despite evolving from them. The expert emphasizes that humans did not descend from monkeys, but had a common ancestor with them. The family tree of hominids is not a straight line of organisms evolving into others, but a bus-shaped structure, with many branches on the bus where humans and monkeys ended up on.

Why is my eye twitching?

The audience asks about the possible reasons for eye twitching, and the expert recommends getting more sleep, reducing caffeine intake and using fewer slangs. The expert also suggests seeking professional medical help if it persists.

Is the absence of a pinky toenail evolution?

The audience member poses a question regarding the absence of their pinky toenail, wondering if it is an evolutionary change. The expert stresses that there is no need to be any better than an individual already is, and evolution is not directed towards superpowers such as X-ray vision, among others. Therefore, toe nails are not necessary for carrying out daily functions such as wearing shoes, running or dancing.

Why can’t we find the Higgs boson in our front room?

An inquisitive user asks why the Higgs boson can’t be seen, felt, touched, or tasted, and whether it plays a role in reality. The expert explains that sensory systems might not decode reality, and science tools are for finding ways to decode those aspects of reality that the senses cannot perceive. Scientists work to remove sensory bias and obtain reliable results. In doing so, they attempt to decode the reality that transcends the sensory system.

Conclusion

The variety of questions presented in this Q&A article highlights the importance of social media platforms in connecting individuals with experts from various fields. The answers provided by the experts dispel myths and misconceptions while validating individuals’ queries. The insights provided by these experts aid individuals in understanding complex concepts in a simplified manner.