Weird History: Boston Molasses Disaster

July 14, 2009

The Boston Molasses Disaster, also known as the Great Molasses Flood and the Great Boston Molasses Tragedy, occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. A large molasses tank burst, and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150. The event has entered local folklore, and residents claim that on hot summer days, the area still smells of molasses.

More here; via AskMeFi.


Breathing liquid

July 14, 2009

You could breathe liquid, if it was the right liquid. Kind of mindblowing.

In order for any fluid to work for human respiration, it has to perform two main functions very well: delivering oxygen to the lungs and removing carbon dioxide. Air obviously does both quite well; so do some other combinations of gases (such as those used in diving). But it’s reasonable to think some liquids may be able to do the same thing

More here. Via AskMeFi.