/oss/taxonomy/term/2582/all en /oss/article/environment-you-asked/does-weather-really-cause-headaches <p>When the weather forecast foretells a coming storm, some get out not only their umbrella and wellies but also the Advil. The weather has been blamed for ailments from arthritis flare-ups to coughs, but is it culpable when it comes to headaches?</p> Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:59:27 +0000 Ada McVean M.Sc. 9595 at /oss /oss/article/you-asked/what-can-sunset-and-sunrise-tell-us-about-weather <hr /> <p><em>This article was first published in</em> <a href="https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/old-wives-tales-and-truths-2-0/"><em>The Skeptical Inquirer.</em></a></p> Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:46:12 +0000 Ada McVean M.Sc. 9568 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know-health/thunderstorms-cause-asthma-attacks <p>On November 21st, 2016 a thunderstorm swept across Melbourne, Australia. It brought with it the usual flooded basements, wet shoes and ruined picnics, but it also brought <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/storm-thunderstorm-asthma-victoria/">a strange outbreak of asthma</a>. Asthmatics and non-asthmatics alike suddenly found themselves unable to catch their breath, coughing and in extreme cases not being able to breathe at all.</p> Fri, 07 Jul 2017 20:38:50 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2569 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know-technology/lightning-striking-planes <p>Have you ever been in a plane that was struck by lightning? It happens to the average plane about once a year. It’s a terrifying experience to be sure, but the passengers inside are actually completely safe, due to some smart design elements in airplanes. <span>Most planes are made of aluminum and the ones that are not usually still contain metal frames. This metal framing acts as a conductor so that when electricity enters it at any point it spreads across all metal parts.</span></p> Mon, 03 Jul 2017 21:33:15 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2563 at /oss