toxicity

Posts 25429 Featured Image Ergot Fungus Moth Honeydew

Why do ergot fungi produce toxins? Unraveling the evolution of ergot alkaloids from a biological perspective.

Ergot fungi are a type of fungus that infects grasses, including cereals. The ergot alkaloids produced by this fungus are known to be highly toxic substances that have strong physiological effects on humans and livestock. Historically, consuming rye and other plants contaminated with ergot fungi has caused symptoms such as convulsions and gangrene...

2026.10.31

fungi

Posts 25389 Featured Image Flamingo Red One Leg Evolution

Why are flamingos red? Why do they stand on one leg? Scientific papers explain everything from the six species classifications to the reasons for their evolution.

The vibrant pink flamingos you see at zoos. In Kenshi Yonezu's song "Flamingo," their unstable, one-legged stance, their curved beaks, and their striking red color all play a central role, depicting the fleeting relationships of unfulfilled men and women, and the emptiness and patheticness of modern people...

2026.10.24

animal

What are the differences between Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica)? How do they differ from burdock (Phytolacca americana)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Even though it's highly poisonous to humans, birds are unaffected!?

Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea) all belong to the Phytolaccaceae family and genus Phytolacca. Their names come from the fact that their fleshy, thick roots resemble those of burdock (Philadelphia arvensis), and they are characterized by their entirely poisonous nature and dark purple berries. However, the three species are often confused...

2026.07.11

plant

Posts 24088 Featured Image Salmon Red Color Evolution Antioxidant

Why are salmon flesh and salmon roe red (pink)? A scientific explanation of the surprising evolutionary reasons and antioxidant properties!

It's common knowledge that salmon sashimi (meat), fillets, and salmon roe are red or salmon pink. Whether you're at a sushi restaurant, playing Salmon Run in the game Splatoon, or seeing Sanrio's KIRIMI-chan, you accept it without question...

2026.06.18

animal

What are the differences between European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins? European pumpkins are eaten in Japan, and Japanese pumpkins are eaten in the West! Were the fruits eaten by extinct animals!?

European pumpkins, Japanese pumpkins, and pepo pumpkins are all annual vining plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, Cucurbita genus. Originally from the Americas, they are very popular in Japan, playing an important role in both everyday meals and Halloween celebrations. However, the three species are often confused, and their differences...

2026.03.05

plant

Posts 18779 Featured Image Spice Myth Age Of Exploration

Is the theory that spices were used to mask the smell of rotten meat during the Age of Discovery a myth? A thorough explanation of the real reason.

I originally have a science background, but I enjoy reading world history content. I came across something interesting: the idea that spices (spices excluding stems, leaves, and flowers) don't have much antibacterial properties, and that "spices were used to mask the smell of rotten meat"...

2026.02.13

planthistory

Posts 18742 Featured Image Ruminant Stomach Compartments

The differences between the four stomachs of a cow (tripe, honeycomb tripe, omasum, and abomasum) and how to remember them! Why do cows have four stomachs?

When you go to a yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant, you might see four parts of the cow's stomach (fore-stomach) listed as offal: mino, hachinosu, senmai, and giara. Because they have a distinctive taste and are internal organs, people either love them or hate them, but their chewy texture and the fact that they pair well with alcohol make them popular...

2026.01.22

animal

07.0073 Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) - Leaf arrangement

What's the difference between Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) and Japanese star anise (Illicium verum)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Japanese star anise protects graves, while Japanese star anise protects life!?

Both Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) and Japanese star anise (Illicium verum) belong to the genus Illicium in the family Schisandraceae. They are evergreen plants with glossy leaves, and their most distinctive feature is their fruit: a follicle-like fruit consisting of eight follicles arranged radially. Both are considered very important plants both domestically and internationally...

2025.04.14

plant

07.1132.a Siberian poppy, red flower shape

What are the differences between poppies, common poppies, and long-headed poppies? How do they differ from Icelandic poppies? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did humans themselves evolve the "Devil Fruit," which has both significant merits and demerits?

Poppies, including the common poppy, thick-flowered poppy, and long-headed poppy, all belong to the genus Papaver in the family Papaveraceae and are collectively known as poppies. They are very popular as ornamental plants due to their beautiful, large single flowers and are widely cultivated. However, despite being poisonous and prone to naturalization, they are difficult to identify...

2025.02.18

plant

Posts 14424 Featured Image Valorant Ability Name Origins

List of meanings and origins of VALORANT character (agent) ability names

Are any of you playing VALORANT, the FPS game developed and operated by Riot Games? I recently started playing it little by little after a friend invited me. There are a lot of proper nouns in the game, and I've been having trouble remembering them all. I usually don't remember new proper nouns...

2024.11.28

game