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Pee
Just how much urine is there in a swimming pool? Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a method of finding out, making use of a common artificial sweetener. Concentrations of this substance are up to 570 times stronger in swimming pools than in clean water. This is equivalent to one litre of pee in a small pool of four by four by one metre. What about a paddling pool, then?
Saddle
Children who ride horses are smarter. That is to say: they are better at doing certain behavioural tests. The results comes from research at the Agricultural University of Tokyo. The researchers suspect that the learning effect is due to the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by the three-dimensional movement of the horse.
Pupil
If people are doubtful about a decision they’ve made, their pupils enlarge, shows research by the University of Amsterdam. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about this. It is an effect caused by neurotransmitters in the brain. But what makes pupils narrow is strong light. So switch on the light next time you are feeling unsure of yourself.