1 All are made of salt water mixed with oils, antibodies, and enzymes, but they each also contain different molecules. Emotional tears, for example, carry protein-based hormones, including leucine-enkephalin, a natural painkiller released when the body is under stress.
2 onion tears are obviously of the reflex variety—but what’s the irritant? It turns out onions secrete a compound to deter predators—aka some hungry human wielding a blade— called lacrimatory factor. To cut down on its release, refrigerate the onion before slicing, then use a sharp knife to reduce the damage to the onion and the release of the compound.
3 The Latin word for a tear, lacrima, is at the root of scientific tear-minology. Tears are generated in the lacrimal gland, which sits above the eye just under the eyebrow. And the word lachrymist is used to describe someone who tears up a lot (also known by the unscientific term crybaby).
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