Category: B

A mysterious natural electrical phenomenon that reportedly occurs in the form of a burst of electrical energy resembling a fireball. The first modern study of ball lightning was written by Russian scientist G. W. Richman, who himself was killed while studying the phenomenon in 1754. Ball lightning is described as a sphere of light that…

A philosophy of science, based on the writings of Francis bacon, rejecting natural philosophy and sensory knowledge in favor of an empirical and inductive approach to understanding the universe and nature. Fighting traditional medieval philosophy and the Renaissance cult of rediscovered classics, Bacon argued that the metaphysical philosophers of his time had made no progress…

A diet that includes a high intake of complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, and grains), which encourages high levels of friendly bifidobacteria in the large intestines.  

The partially damaged part of an organ that is found between tissue that is severely injured by an infarct and nearby tissue that is still well supplied with blood, oxygen, and nutrients.  

A penetrating wound caused by a missile discharged from a firearm. The extent of injury depends on the wound site and the speed and character of the bullet.  

The part of a radiographic tube through which the x-ray photons pass to the outside. Beryllium is commonly used in the fabrication of the windows for X-ray tubes.    

A polymer used to fill defects in damaged body parts and to control bleeding from injured bone, e.g., in orthopedic surgery. Its use is occasionally associated with side effects, including the formation of foreign-body reactions or the development of infections.  

A waveform used by some defibrillators that discharges energy in two phases (first positive, then negative). The shock applied by a biphasic defibrillator uses 30-40% less peak current at the same applied energy level than a monophasic defibrillator and is both less injurious to the heart and more likely to terminate ventricular fibrillation.  

A shock wave produced by a blast or explosion. The wave front consists of air under very high pressure that can cause great damage to people, objects, and structures.  

Vomit containing blood acted on by gastric digestion; seen in digestion conditions where blood collects in the stomach. A medical condition characterized by internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines, leading to the vomiting of blood that has partially digested and turned black.