/oss/taxonomy/term/1986/all en /oss/article/health-and-nutrition-you-asked/what-are-adjuvants-vaccines <p>In 1926, Alexander Thomas Glenny, a British immunologist, discovered that noted that vaccinated guinea pigs had a better response when the jab caused a local inflammation at the site of the injection. He then had the idea of adding substances to the vaccine to cause such an inflammation and found aluminum salts to be particularly effective.</p> Fri, 11 Mar 2022 22:51:33 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9050 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know/sharks-and-vaginas-both-produce-squalene <p>Yes, they do have something in common. Squalene, a compound found in the vagina, is a natural lubricant. When a woman is aroused, squalene is secreted allowing the clitoris and labia to swell up and prepare the body for sex. In sharks, however, squalene is far less sexy. The compound is found in the livers of sharks and is believed by some cultures to have miraculous effects. The local people on the Japanese peninsula of Izu, for example, refer to the substance as “Samedawa” or a cure-all, believing it can heal a variety of diseases, ranging from constipation to cancer.</p> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 16:26:54 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1513 at /oss