General Knowledge : 35 Interesting Topics To Know

By Michel Deschamps

In an ever-changing world, the imperative to stay informed and educated on a wide array of subjects has never been more critical. General knowledge is not merely a display of erudition at social gatherings; rather, it serves as the foundation for a nuanced and profound understanding of the world around us. It empowers us to make informed decisions, cultivate critical thinking, and most importantly, evolve into more responsible and aware global citizens.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michel Deschamps
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223727286

Book preview

Introduction

In an ever-changing world, the imperative to stay informed and educated on a wide array of subjects has never been more critical. General knowledge is not merely a display of erudition at social gatherings; rather, it serves as the foundation for a nuanced and profound understanding of the world around us. It empowers us to make informed decisions, cultivate critical thinking, and most importantly, evolve into more responsible and aware global citizens.

This book aspires to enlighten you on a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from science and technology to history and current sociopolitical issues. Here are some of the intriguing points we will delve into:

Déjà-vu: A Precursor to Premonition?

The Efficacy of Sunscreen: Fact or Fiction?

The Art of Perfume Making: From Flower to Bottle

Private Browsing: How Private Is It?

Sharks: Serial Killers of the Sea?

The Significance of Physical Exercise

The Greatest Scams in History

Memory Lapses: How to Retrieve Lost Information

Dark Mode: A Good Idea?

The Enchanting World of the Aurora Borealis

Projected Global Population in 2100

Is the Earth Round? An Exploration of Evidence

The World's Most Dangerous Animals

Five Animals with Superpowers

The Bermuda Triangle

Microwaves: A Health Hazard?

Extending the Lifespan of Your Phone Battery

Honey & Gingerbread

The Effects of a 14-Day Sugar Detox on Your Body

The Dopamine Myth

The Best Brain Food

Is Olive Oil Healthy?

The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Salt Consumption

The Surprising Effects of a Month Without Caffeine

The Overlooked Source of Heart Attacks You Never Considered

The Truth About Fasting: What Really Happens in Your Body?

Why Is the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Involved in Numerous Unethical Acts?

Financial Mismanagement in the Arab World

What If the United States Collapsed?

How the Wealthy Stay Wealthy

The Day Pepsi Became the Sixth Largest Naval Power

No, We Are Not Running Out of Drinking Water!

Visualization: The Secret to Success?

The Importance of Espionage

Why IQ Is a Sham ?

Each of these topics is a universe unto itself, dense and rich with subtleties. Through the pages of this book, we aim to explore these realms, dissect them, and make the information accessible to all. Whether you are an expert in a specific field or a generalist looking to broaden your horizons, there is something here for everyone. Prepare yourself for a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of knowledge.

Déjà-vu: A Precursor to Premonition?

The experience of déjà-vu is a well-known yet enigmatic psychological phenomenon characterized by the sensation that one has previously lived through a situation or event that is, in fact, unfolding for the first time. This concept was formally named for the first time by French philosopher Émile Boirac in 1876 in his work L'avenir des sciences psychiques. The term déjà-vu has been widely accepted within the scientific community, including among Anglophone researchers.

The phenomenon is also referred to as paramnesia, a term derived from the Greek words para, meaning beside, and mnésie, referring to memory. In other words, déjà-vu would be an experience beside memory. Historically, some interpretations have considered this phenomenon as an echo of a past life or some form of metaphysical reminiscence, although these theories are not substantiated by scientific evidence.

In terms of neural mechanisms, several hypotheses have been advanced to explain this phenomenon. The human brain is a complex network of billions of neurons that interact to create our conscious experience. Memories traverse specific neural circuits that span various regions of the brain. The hippocampus, a brain structure crucial for memory storage and retrieval, has been particularly studied in relation to déjà-vu.

One hypothesis suggests that the hippocampus may occasionally malfunction, to use contemporary parlance, and create a sensation of familiarity in the absence of any actual memory. This sensation would be attributable to a null memory, a memory experience devoid of specific content. In this case, the hippocampus would process an ongoing situation as if it were a memory, even though it is not an actual memory. When individuals are queried about the specific details of their déjà-vu experience, they are often unable to provide them, as the memory in question never actually existed.

Another hypothesis, advanced in 2016, implicates the frontal cortex, a brain region important for decision-making. This theory posits that déjà-vu might result from a memory conflict, wherein a person's new experience clashes with an experience they believe they have already had. The frontal cortex would then engage in resolving this conflict, generating the peculiar sensation of déjà-vu.

In the realm of cognitive neuroscience, the déjà-vu phenomenon elicits significant curiosity. This strange experience, in which an individual feels as though they have already lived through a present moment, involves a complex interplay of neurological processes. The frontal cortex, a region of the brain essential for complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, decision-making, and memory, plays a particular role in these moments. It scrutinizes memories to determine whether the sensation of familiarity is justified or not. Déjà-vu can thus be considered an indicator that the brain is validating the proper functioning of memory.

Although this sensation may be disconcerting, it is generally benign and should not provoke undue concern. However, it is important to note that déjà-vu is a relatively common symptom among individuals with epilepsy, a neurological condition characterized by sudden surges of neural activity in the brain. For these patients, déjà-vu can sometimes precede an epileptic seizure. Research indicates that the rhinal region, located just below the hippocampus, may be involved in these specific occurrences of déjà-vu among epileptics.

Is Sunscreen Truly Effective?

Exposure to sunlight is both a pleasurable and risky experience, potentially leading to adverse skin consequences such as sunburn. While a certain amount of sunlight is beneficial for health, particularly for vitamin D production and the regulation of the circadian rhythm, excessive exposure can result in cellular damage. The sun emits not only visible light but also ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be harmful. Specifically, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the Earth's ozone layer and reach its surface. These radiations have the capability to infiltrate human skin, particularly UVB rays that reach the epidermis, the skin's superficial layer. They can extend to the basal layer, where stem cells responsible for skin renewal are located. Once UVB rays reach the core of these cells, they can alter DNA, leading to impaired cellular function and potentially to degeneration. The body responds by increasing blood flow to the affected area, causing inflammation, dilation of blood vessels, and consequently, redness and a sensation of heat.

It is worth noting that not all individuals exhibit the same sensitivity to solar rays. This phenomenon can be explained by the skin's natural defense mechanisms against UVB. The stratum corneum, for example, is a layer of dead skin cells that acts as a protective film. The more one is exposed to the sun, the thicker this layer becomes, offering increased protection. Additionally, the use of sunscreens can add an extra layer of protection. The indices on sunscreen bottles indicate the level of protection offered and can assist individuals in choosing a product suitable for their skin type and exposure conditions.

Melanin is a crucial biological pigment that plays a protective role in the skin's response to sun exposure. This substance is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes and varies in quantity depending on skin color. Melanin acts as a natural shield against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays by absorbing them. Increased exposure to the sun triggers melanin production by melanocytes, a process that takes approximately 48 hours to initiate. Therefore, it is advisable to expose oneself gradually to the sun to allow the skin to adapt and produce sufficient melanin.

However, the protection offered by melanin is limited. In addition to UVB, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays also reach the Earth's surface, penetrating deeply into the skin's second layer, the dermis. They are responsible for damaging the skin's structure and contribute in the long term to skin aging and the development of skin cancers. Consequently, regardless of skin pigmentation, additional sun protection is essential.

Modern sunscreens emerged in the early 20th century, and their usage has seen increasing popularity since the introduction of paid vacations in 1936. These creams are formulated with chemical or mineral filters to absorb or reflect UV rays. The efficacy of a sunscreen is indicated by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which measures the product's ability to delay the onset of sunburn. However, it is important to note that efficacy tests are conducted under laboratory conditions and do not account for factors such as sweating, friction, or swimming.

Furthermore, the use of sunscreens also