Licking it for Science: Surprising Discoveries Made by Scientists

👅Scientists have accidentally discovered artificial sweeteners by tasting chemicals in the lab.

🐦The hooded pitohui bird in New Guinea is poisonous, and scientists found out by licking its feathers.

🌍Geologists use the 'lick test' to distinguish fossils from rocks and identify ancient water samples.

🧪Chemists like Carl Wilhelm Scheele tasted substances to discover their properties, resulting in important scientific findings.

💡Licking substances can lead to accidental discoveries, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns.

How did scientists discover artificial sweeteners?

—Scientists accidentally discovered artificial sweeteners by tasting chemicals in the lab, including saccharin, sodium cyclamate, and aspartame.

Are all sweeteners safe for consumption?

—While some sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame are widely used and considered safe, others like sodium cyclamate have been banned due to potential health risks.

Why is the hooded pitohui bird poisonous?

—The hooded pitohui bird in New Guinea contains homobatrachotoxin, a poisonous compound similar to that found in Colombian poison-dart frogs.

How do geologists use the 'lick test'?

—Geologists use the 'lick test' to identify fossils from rocks, as the porous structure of fossils causes the tongue to stick slightly.

Why is it not recommended to lick substances in a lab?

—Licking substances in a lab can be dangerous and potentially lead to poisoning. It's important to follow safety procedures and avoid direct contact with substances.

00:10Scientists have made surprising discoveries by licking substances in the lab.

00:42Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, sodium cyclamate, and aspartame were accidentally discovered by scientists who tasted chemicals.

05:09The hooded pitohui bird in New Guinea is poisonous, and researchers found out by licking its feathers.

09:38Geologists use the 'lick test' to distinguish fossils from rocks and identify ancient water samples.

09:45Chemists like Carl Wilhelm Scheele tasted substances to discover their properties, resulting in important scientific findings.

11:28It is not recommended to lick substances in a lab due to safety concerns and the potential for poisoning.