Keiron Allen
Food writer
Recent articles by Keiron Allen
Is there any scientific evidence for dowsing?
There is evidence that dowsing can work but this is neither spooky nor supernatural. It comes down to the dowser, not their tools.
Why are noses always in between eyes?
There is most likely a simple answer to why we have one nose and two eyes on the front of our faces.
What is the ‘twin paradox’?
Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity states that time isn’t the same for everyone - not even for twins.
Is sense of humour quantifiable?
When we say someone has a great sense of humous, we usually mean they find the same things funny, but is there a way we can measure this objectively?
Do galaxies have life cycles?
Stars generally have a defined life cycle, but galaxies are a little more complicated.
Why do we cover our mouths when shocked?
No need to panic.
Why is a green screen green?
Green screens use a technique called chroma keying to allow the background image to be digitally changed - but why choose green?
What would happen if the Earth stopped spinning?
Round and round the planet goes, but when it stops where do oceans flow?
What is the point of goose pimples?
Pimples, bumps, or flesh. Whatever type of goose you get, this may be a residual reaction from when we were covered in hair.
Does light weigh anything?
As light as a feather... or even more so? Just how massive is light?
How fast are the Voyager spacecrafts travelling?
NASA's Voyage probes are speeding their way around the Solar System.
Why does the ground smell after it rains?
The smell is called petrichor, or sometimes geosmin, and is caused by the chemical Dimethyl-9-decalol.
What’s the difference between a supercharger and a turbocharger?
Both superchargers & turbochargers use rapidly spinning rotors to suck extra air into the engine - how these chargers are powered is where they differ.
Does your brain adjust to the 3D-ness of a 3D film?
3D effects are meant to wow us, but by the end of an absorbing film you might forget they're even there.
What's the biggest man-made hole in the world?
There are several contenders for the largest man-made hole, depending on how you measure it, but our money's on a mine.
What makes green lasers more powerful than red ones?
To the human eye, green light appears much brighter and stronger than other colours, but why?
Do white clothes really keep you cool in summer?
No, a white polyester onesie will not keep you cool on the beach.
What is the highest mountain on the ocean bed?
With its overall height putting Mount Everest to shame, Mauna Kea stretches impressively from the ocean floor to the snowy peaks where it gets its name.
Are mammals the only animals that yawn?
We aren't alone in the animal kingdom when it comes to having a good yawn.
Do women become dehydrated quicker than men?
Studies have found that women have less body fluid than men to start with. Does this mean that they're more likely to become thirsty quicker?