Saliva is more than just a convenient way to moisten our food – it plays a major role in how we taste and perceive what we eat. Scientists have found that saliva interacts with food, influencing the flavors and even our enjoyment of it. In some cases, it can even change how we experience an aroma or texture. For example, it can affect the intensity of a wine flavour and it creates a layer on the surface of the mouth to mask astringency. It can also shape our food preferences, as proteins in saliva can cause us to become more tolerant of bitter flavours. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
