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...
The human tongue identifies five distinct tastes. With the exception of sourness, the other tastes alert us to vital nutrients necessary for human survival. So, what is the importance of acidity? The sensation of sourness arises from the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present in water. As the concentration of hydrogen ions rises, the pH level lowers, leading to increased acidity and a stronger sour flavor. Sourness is both the most appreciated and least favored taste among humans. We utilize the scent of decay along with the sour flavor to differentiate between edible and inedible food. When ripening occurs appropriately, it is termed “fermentation,” while excessive ripening is referred to as “rotting.” Fermentation indicates that food is safe to eat, whereas rotting signifies that it should be discarded. In essence, acidity is fundamentally tied to human survival. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”