Recent comments in /f/askscience

Dead_Shaman_ t1_j4vhjbh wrote

I think you mix the two concepts of "the singularity is not physical" (which is true, as it is only a mathematical construct) with "black holes are not physical". We use different mathematical constructs to approximate physics effects. Using the notion of a singularity works if you are beyond the event horizon, but if you are close this would be a different and more complicated affair. Nevertheless, a black hole is real, wether or not we can fully describe it in every regime of space-time.

6

Prak_Argabuthon t1_j4vh8to wrote

Do you want to have your mind blown? Because: actually THERE IS sound in space - really, really, REALLY quiet. Because - deep space is not really a perfect vacuum - there is about 1 atom of hydrogen per cubic centimetre. So, explosions such as a supernova DO create a sound wave - they are very quiet and very slow moving, but they definitely exist.

15

DaylightsStories t1_j4veoey wrote

To poison things. Castor seeds are relatively large and would be a good source of food so there is strong pressure in favor of the plants who have seeds that are fatal to chew up and swallow. I cannot think of anything that ricin does that the plant would benefit from except for saving the lives of other seeds by killing whatever ate the first few.

2