MacGyver's Ingenious Science Hacks: Duck Tape & Jack's Tricks
Written on
Chapter 1: The Curious Case of Ewoks
To begin, I find myself largely in agreement with Jack. It seems quite plausible that Ewoks might actually consume humans. After all, why would they have placed Luke and Han on those roasting spits? It certainly appears as if they were intended for a feast, which leads one to assume they would be the main course.
Just to give you some background, there was an initial concept for a menacing creature that the Rebels would come to fear and ultimately ally with. Originally, these creatures were intended to be Wookiees. At the start of Episode IV, George Lucas was uncertain whether he would complete the saga, and he had a fondness for Wookiees. Hence, Chewbacca was introduced. This decision left the Ewoks to appear in Episode VI. (See "The Secret History of Star Wars" for more details.)
MRE Hot Sauce Bomb
The so-called "bomb" is essentially a variant of tear gas. MRE stands for "Meal Ready to Eat," and they are far more enjoyable when heated. Typically, MREs come with a chemical heater—a small packet that generates heat upon the addition of water. This reaction not only heats but also produces gas, which is the key to this explosive device. By placing the heater and water into a sealed container, pressure will build up and lead to an explosion.
In MacGyver's adaptation, he incorporates hot sauce. When the water container bursts, the hot sauce is flung everywhere. Indeed, pepper spray can be likened to a very spicy version of hot sauce.
Tire Tool Slingshot
This is one area where the science is rather minimal. MacGyver utilizes bungee cords to propel a tire tool—an instrument used to remove wheel bolts—toward a vehicle. While this method could work, achieving an accurate hit might prove challenging.
Jack’s Heart Pump
The “heart in a box” malfunctions. Instead of substituting the broken pump with a conventional one, MacGyver ingeniously repurposes Jack’s heart as the pump. It's a humorous twist.
Scooter Generator
Generators are fundamentally devices that convert mechanical energy into electricity, often using wind, water, steam, or even gasoline. In this instance, MacGyver cleverly links a scooter to the generator. Voilà! Instant power.
Chapter 2: Creative Solutions in Action
The first video titled "Forensics Expert Explains How to Lift Fingerprints | WIRED" explores innovative techniques for lifting fingerprints, providing insight into forensic science.
The second video, "World's Largest Elephant Toothpaste Experiment," showcases a spectacular demonstration of chemical reactions, illustrating science in a fun and engaging way.
Originally published at http://rhettallain.com on May 26, 2019.