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When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.
In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.
For about 100 years, scientists thought that peptic ulcers were caused by stress, spicy food, and alcohol. Later, researchers added stomach acid to the list of causes and began treating ulcers with antacids. Now it is known that peptic ulcers are predominantly caused by Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that normally exist in the stomach.
There are more sensory neurons in the tongue than in any other part of the body.
Certain chemicals, after ingestion, can be converted by the body into cyanide. Most of these chemicals have been removed from the market, but some old nail polish remover, solvents, and plastics manufacturing solutions can contain these substances.