One hundred seventy years ago, tuberculosis was a lethal disease. This illness posed a significant threat to humanity, resulting in an estimated 1 billion deaths between 1700 and 1900. Notably, traces of tuberculosis have been found in the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings. In the late 1840s, German botanist Hermann Brehmer, confronted with the fatality of tuberculosis, relocated to the Himalayas in search of fresh air. Remarkably, he survived and is believed to have successfully fought off Mycobacterium tuberculosis in that less favorable environment for bacterial growth. As a result, numerous nursing homes emerged across Europe and the United States, including specialized facilities for tuberculosis care and luxury accommodations for the affluent. However, by the 1940s, many of these nursing homes began closing due to the emergence of antibiotics, which drastically changed their economic viability. Throughout history, it seems that economic value often proves transient. - Joseph’s “j...
Human blood is a liquid that maintains a pH between 7.3 and 7.4. A change of just 0.2 in pH can be fatal. The substance responsible for regulating blood pH is carbonic acid. When carbonic acid dissolves in the blood, it creates a cooling sensation, contributing to the appeal of drinking soda. Humans convert food into glucose through digestion for energy, and this glucose combines with oxygen in a process called breathing to generate carbon dioxide, water, and ATP, which are essential for energy production. A significant amount of carbon dioxide is produced in this process. To meet a daily energy requirement of 2,560 calories, one needs to burn 640 grams of glucose with oxygen, resulting in the production of 938 grams or 552 liters of carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, which circulates in the bloodstream and exits the body through the lungs. While some argue that soda is unhealthy, especially for individuals with specific conditions, it is es...