What If You Drank From Lake Natron?

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Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is notorious for killing and preserving dead animals. If you died in its waters, its high levels of sodium carbonate would mummify your body. But instead of taking a swim, what would happen if you took a sip? Would your insides become mummified? Is there any way you could survive? And why could other animals drink this mummifying water, but not you? Why can a flamingo drink the water, but not you? What's the pH level of Lake Natron?

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What If is a mini-documentary web series that takes you on an epic journey through hypothetical worlds and possibilities. Join us on an imaginary adventure through time, space and chance while we (hopefully) boil down complex subjects in a fun and entertaining way.

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#WhatIf #Natron #SodiumCarbonate #Flamingo #Cyanobacteria