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Rewriting the main part:
In reality, science is far from convenient compared to the simple experiments we do in school. The study of nature and the cosmos requires immense patience as their mysteries unfold over long periods of time. Some scientific experiments even span multiple generations, lasting for decades or even centuries.
One such experiment is the pitch-drop experiment, conducted by Professor Thomas Parnell at the University of Queensland in 1927. Contrary to what it may sound like, this experiment has nothing to do with the deep voice of a singer. It focuses on pitch, a substance similar to tar or asphalt. While asphalt appears solid, it is actually an extremely viscous liquid. Parnell’s experiment involved heating up pitch, pouring it into a sealed funnel, and waiting for it to settle for three years. After removing the funnel’s bottom, the pitch slowly started to drip, proving its high viscosity. Drops continue to fall from the funnel every few years since then.
Another long-term study is the Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 in Framingham, Massachusetts. This ongoing study investigates the causes and risk factors for heart disease, a condition that takes time to develop. The initial group studied consisted of two-thirds of Framingham’s population, aged between 30 and 62. Every two years, participants would undergo tests and surveys about their lifestyle choices. Today, the study continues with subsequent generations of participants, including the original cohort’s children and grandchildren. This multi-generational monitoring has provided valuable insights for doctors to better understand patients’ habits and provide more accurate advice.
In 1897, William James Beal initiated the Germination Experiment to determine if seeds could remain viable indefinitely or if they would lose their ability to sprout after long periods of dormancy. Beal filled bottles with sand and a mix of seeds, burying them underground with the pointed end facing down to prevent water from entering. Every five years (later changed to every 20 years), one bottle would be dug up, and its contents planted. The most recent excavation occurred in 2020, with only 2 out of 21 seeds successfully sprouting. The experiment is scheduled to conclude in the year 2100.
The Grant Study, which began in 1938, aimed to understand the factors that contribute to happiness and how it affects health. The study initially included 268 young men, and it has continued with their descendants. Since long-term fulfillment and its impact on life require a lifetime of observation, only 19 of the original subjects are still alive today. However, the study has provided valuable insights into the link between relationships and physical health. The results have shown that satisfaction in personal relationships at age 50 is a better predictor of future health than cholesterol levels.
When it comes to the average penis size, despite its seemingly straightforward nature, scientists and the general population cannot seem to agree on a specific figure. Numerous studies have been conducted over the years, producing varying results. The need for separate studies done in 1996, 2000, 2007, 2013, and 2015 reflects the ongoing debate on this topic. Despite the numerous studies, it seems that there hasn’t been a significant change in average penis size over time.
