Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

A friend and I are doing a science experiment for our Independent Study Unit(ISU) but our problem is trying to research it. We have researched many different elements, and have followed the advice on this website but still are un able to find a lot of information. What we are trying to research is how the effect of activities throughout the day effects your height by the end of it. It is said that when you wake up in the morning you are a little bit taller then you would be by the end of the day. At night our spine expands and stretches which increases our height, but stress on our spine throughout the day shrinks it. We would like some help with maybe where to find additional research such as why this happens. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi,

I found a website with a very elementary explanation of why you 'shrink' during the day: http://www.teeterhangups.com/aboutback/gravity.html .

Here's a slightly more complicated explanation: http://lepraza.wordpress.com/2008/01/26 ... fallacies/ .

Also try searching for "spondylosis". It's the name of the degenerative condition where the discs in your spine degenerate and disappear.

Let us know if you need anything else!

oh my goodness, thank you sooo much!
i was a little worried i would not get an answer back.
Luckily our project research date was moved to wednesday
but you have given me some great information!
If i have any other questions, i will be sure to ask.

Thank you so so so much!