WTF • Fun • Fact    ( /dʌb(ə)lˌju/  /ti/   /ef/ • /fʌn/ • /fækt/ )

     1. noun  A random, interesting, and overall fun fact that makes you scratch your head and think what the...

WTF Fun Fact 13581 – Saguaro Cactus

In the American Southwest, the saguaro cactus stands tall. It’s not just a plant; it’s a symbol of survival, adaptation, and the wonders of the natural world.

The Growth of the Saguaro Cactus

Saguaros are the gentle giants of the desert landscape. When they start their journey as a seedling, it’s hard to imagine that they’d eventually dominate the skyline. But they do – given time. Lots of it. A saguaro can stick around for up to 200 years. It might take anywhere from 50 to 70 years for the cactus to sprout its first arm. To put that in perspective, its first arm might be a sight that only your grandchildren will witness.

You might think that in a place as dry as the desert, everything would be in a constant rush to get water. But not saguaros. They’ve cracked the code on how to thrive here. When the infrequent desert rain does come, the saguaro is all in.

With shallow but wide-spread roots, the trees gulp down as much water as they can. This stored water nourishes the cactus through the harsh, dry months, ensuring it not only survives but thrives.

More Than Just a Plant

The saguaro is a hub of activity. Birds like the Gila woodpecker carve out homes in its thick flesh, and when they move on, other creatures take up residence. And when the cactus produces its nutritious fruits, it’s a full-on feast for the desert animals. In their quest for this delicious treat, these animals also help spread saguaro seeds, ensuring the next generation takes root.

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Source: “Plant Fact Sheet: Saguaro Cactus” — Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

WTF Fun Fact 13580 – Deadliest Heart Attacks on Monday

Heart attacks on Monday seem to be a recurring theme. Recent findings suggest that, for some reason, people are more likely to face life-threatening heart issues as the new week kicks off. Let’s dive into what the research says and why this might be happening.

The Monday Mystery

A big conference in Manchester brought some surprising news to the table. Medical experts from Belfast and Ireland checked out hospital data for over 10,000 patients from 2013 to 2018. They found that a very serious type of heart attack, called STEMI, was more common on Mondays. Basically, STEMI is when a main blood vessel to the heart gets fully blocked. If doctors don’t treat it fast, it can be deadly.

Now, every year, around 30,000 people in the UK end up in the hospital because of STEMI. They get a quick check and usually undergo a procedure to unblock the vessel and get blood pumping properly again. What’s odd is that this research found Mondays had a 13% higher chance of people coming in with this problem. Even Sundays had a bit of a bump.

But why Mondays? Well, that’s the big question. Some older studies think our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle might play a role. But the full picture isn’t clear yet.

Doctors Weigh in on Heart Attacks on Monday

Dr. Jack Laffan, who headed the study, admits that this Monday trend is curious. He thinks several factors might be at play. One idea is our body’s natural clock. Our sleep patterns, wake-up times, and daily habits could influence when heart attacks happen.

Meanwhile, another expert, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, stresses the importance of these findings. Heart attacks are always a medical emergency, no matter the day. He believes that the more we learn about the “Monday effect”, the better doctors can prepare and save more lives.

In the end, while Mondays might have a higher rate of heart attacks, every day is important when it comes to heart health. Whether it’s stress from starting a new work week or something else entirely, the research continues. The goal is always to protect our hearts and understand what might put them at risk.

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Source: “Why are serious heart attacks more likely on a Monday?” — British Heart Foundation

WTF Fun Fact 13579 – The Amazing, Changing Octopus Brain

The octopus brain is unlike anything we know. Octopuses rank among Earth’s most intelligent creatures. They boast a neuron count similar to dogs. But, over half of these neurons reside in their eight arms, not in a central brain. This neural setup sets them apart.

Now, researchers have discovered something even more peculiar. Octopuses can rewrite their RNA in reaction to temperature shifts. This action is akin to humans adjusting outfits according to the weather.

By editing their RNA, octopuses change how their cells produce proteins. This flexibility may help them cope with seasonal temperature shifts. Joshua Rosenthal, a lead biologist, calls this ability “extraordinary.”

RNA Editing: A Temporary Genetic Makeover

Humans undergo RNA editing, but it’s limited. It affects protein production in fewer than 3% of our genes. In contrast, advanced cephalopods can adjust most neural proteins through RNA editing. Motivated by this disparity, scientists sought the driving forces behind cephalopod RNA editing. They prioritized temperature, given its frequent fluctuations.

They gathered California two-spot octopuses, familiarizing them with varying water temperatures. Weeks later, they probed 60,000 RNA editing sites in the octopus genomes. A third of these sites showed changes occurring astonishingly fast, from mere hours to a few days. Eli Eisenberg, another lead researcher, found the widespread changes unexpected.

Most of these changes manifested in cold conditions. They influenced proteins crucial for cell membrane health, neuron signal transmission, controlled cell death, and neuron calcium binding. Although these protein variants arise from RNA editing, Eisenberg admits that the complete adaptive benefits remain elusive.

Wild octopuses from both summer and winter displayed similar RNA changes. This solidified the belief in temperature as a major influencer in RNA editing for octopuses.

Protective RNA Editing for the Octopus Brain

Octopuses can’t control their body temperature like mammals can. Thus, scientists theorize that RNA editing acts as a protective mechanism against temperature shifts. Eisenberg elaborates that octopuses might opt for protein versions optimal for prevailing conditions. Such adaptive behavior is absent in mammals.

Heather Hundley, an external biologist, praised this groundbreaking study. She highlighted its potential in reshaping our understanding of RNA editing as a dynamic regulatory process in response to environmental changes.

The future beckons more investigations. The team plans to examine other potential RNA editing triggers in the octopus brain. Factors like pH, oxygen levels, or even social interactions might hold further insights. With each revelation, the octopus brain continues to astound the scientific community.

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Source: “Octopuses Redesign Their Own Brain When They Get Chilly”‘ — Scientific American

WTF Fun Fact 13578 – Presidential DNA in Space

What happens to a deceased person’s DNA in space? We don’t yet know, but one company is finding out.

In an unprecedented melding of history, space exploration, and pop culture, DNA samples of four iconic American Presidents are set to take an out-of-this-world journey. In a move that combines reverence for national leadership and a nod to entertainment legends, Texas-based space burial company, Celestis, is gearing up to launch an astonishing payload.

Sending Founding Fathers’ DNA in Space

Determined to make history, Celestis has chosen the DNA samples of four of the most recognized U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. These samples will be part of Celestis’ deep space remembrance Enterprise Flight. This flight’s announcement fittingly occurred on Presidents’ Day, honoring some of the nation’s foremost leaders. The mission is groundbreaking, marking the first instance any U.S. president is symbolically dispatched to space.

Joining Trekkies on an Epic Journey

These presidential DNA samples are not traveling alone. Sharing their celestial voyage are the remains and DNA samples of some of the most beloved names from the “Star Trek” franchise. Among them are Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley, and the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, along with his wife, Majel Barrett Roddenberry.

The list doesn’t end there. James “Scotty” Doohan, renowned for his role as the “Star Trek” engineer, and Douglas Trumbull, the visual effects genius behind classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, will also join the journey.

Interestingly, the hair samples, which are the DNA sources for these presidents, are from the collection of Louis Mushro. A global celebrity in the realm of hair collection and appraisal, Mushro’s reputation is unparalleled. Before his demise in 2014, he ensured these samples were stored meticulously in a climate-controlled facility. They now embark on a mission of historic significance, thanks to an anonymous donor who gifted these samples to Celestis.

DNA in Space, Beyond the Earth-Moon System

According to Charles M. Chafer, Co-Founder & CEO of Celestis, Inc., their “Enterprise Flight is historic by any standard.” Celestis envisions an ambitious future: assisting human expansion throughout the solar system. By sending the DNA of such significant figures into space, they aim to pave the way for future human missions.

This Enterprise Flight will transcend the Earth-moon system, traveling between 93 to 186 million miles into deep space. It will carry over 200 flight capsules, each loaded with cremated ash remains, DNA, personal messages, and greetings from global clients.

The journey of these capsules isn’t just about remembrance. The Vulcan Centaur rocket, responsible for transporting these capsules, has a primary mission: aiding the Pittsburgh aerospace company Astrobotic. This assistance involves directing their Peregrine lunar lander toward the moon’s surface. Following this, the Vulcan Centaur’s upper stage will delve deeper into space. Its destination? An orbit around the sun, where it will establish humanity’s furthest outpost, the Enterprise Station.

Adding to the mission’s allure is its partnership with Amazon. The 2023 Enterprise Flight will carry two prototype satellites, set to be part of Amazon’s internet constellation, Project Kuiper. As space exploration moves forward, collaborations like these symbolize the fusion of commerce, innovation, and remembrance.

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Source: “DNA from 4 American presidents will launch to deep space” — Space.com

WTF Fun Fact 13577 – Man Wins Lottery 20 Times

You might marvel at the luck of the gentleman behind those “man wins lottery 20 times” headlines. But it’s a little trickier than it sounds.

A Leap of Faith on Lucky Numbers

Fekru Hirpo’s choice of numbers, 2-5-2-7, wasn’t a common strategy. Usually, the top prize for the Pick 4 game in Virginia is $5,000. However, in a unique twist of events, Hirpo didn’t simply play his numbers on a single ticket. He purchased 20 identical lottery tickets, all bearing the same four numbers. By doing so, he exponentially increased his chances of multiplying his potential jackpot.

When the draw took place on April 5, Hirpo’s gamble paid off handsomely. The seemingly innocuous numbers were declared the winners, turning what would have been a $5,000 win on a single ticket to an impressive haul of $100,000 for Hirpo. But what made him adopt this unprecedented strategy?

According to a news release, Hirpo himself confessed to lottery officials that he doesn’t usually buy multiple tickets with the same numbers. This time, however, intuition nudged him in that direction. “Something just told him to do it,” the release stated.

A Glimpse at the Odds

For those wondering about the odds, the Virginia Lottery sheds some light. The chances of Hirpo’s specific number combination emerging victorious stood at a staggering one in 10,000. So, despite the long odds, Hirpo’s trust in his numbers and the unique strategy of buying 20 identical tickets was nothing short of a masterstroke.

He purchased his tickets from a Four Mile Run Shell in Arlington, which will likely now gain some attention from other lottery hopefuls.

Fekru Hirpo isn’t the first individual to harness the power of repeating numbers in a lottery game. Not too long ago, a woman from Boca Raton, Florida, employed a similar strategy. She decided to play the same numbers on two Mega Millions tickets. As luck would have it, both her tickets matched all five white balls, resulting in a win. While she didn’t get the Mega Ball, her dual wins netted her a whopping total of $4 million.

The Future with His Fortune as Man Wins Lottery 20 Times

As for Hirpo’s plans for his newfound wealth? He remains tight-lipped. He’s indicated no immediate plans for his winnings. Whether he decides to invest, indulge in a luxury, or maybe just buy more lottery tickets, one thing is clear: his faith in his numbers and his audacious strategy will be talked about for a long time.

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Source: “Virginia man wins $100,000 after playing same numbers on 20 lottery tickets” — FOX 5 San Diego

WTF Fun Fact 13576 – Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

There’s a strange fact about Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet that most people don’t know.

In 1835, as Halley’s Comet graced the Earth’s skies, an event occurred that would link it forever with a literary legend. On November 30th of that year, Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born. This bright comet, which visits Earth roughly every 76 years, unknowingly set a cosmic appointment with Twain.

Halley’s Comet: A Brief Overview

Edmond Halley, an 18th-century astronomer, earned the honor of having this comet bear his name after he predicted its return in 1758. Ancient civilizations, from the Chinese to the Babylonians, had recorded their appearances for millennia. Its consistent visits have made it one of the most recognized celestial bodies in human history.

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet: A Remarkable Prediction

As Twain aged and learned of the comet’s appearance during his birth year, he made a statement that would echo in the annals of literary history. In 1909, he declared, “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it.” Whether he said it in jest or with genuine foresight, the world would soon find out.

Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910. On the previous day, Halley’s Comet had made its closest approach to Earth. The comet, consistent with its 76-year schedule, had kept its appointment. So had Twain, aligning his exit from this world with the celestial body’s visit.

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

The periodic appearance and retreat of Halley’s Comet mirrors the fleeting nature of human life. In the comet’s brief brilliance, we can perhaps see a metaphor for our own transient existence. Twain, a master of insight and wit, often explored mortality and the impermanence of life in his works. The comet served as a grand, celestial parallel to these themes.

Beyond the Stars: Twain’s Enduring Legacy

Twain’s stories and societal critiques have left an indelible mark on American literature. Titles like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” continue to challenge and entertain readers, highlighting issues such as racial inequality. While the comet’s timing added a layer of mystique to his narrative, Twain’s true impact lies in his enduring words.

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Source: “Halley’s Comet – The fascinating connection between Mark Twain and Davy Crockett” — Brian A. Crandall

WTF Fun Fact 13575 – Animals During a Solar Eclipse

Eclipses are fascinating astronomical phenomena, in part because of the behavior of animals during a solar eclipse.

Understanding the Event

A total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, occurs in the same location only about once every 375 years. This rarity means that animals encounter the phenomenon only once in many generations, rendering each occurrence an unusual and potentially disruptive event for them.

Categories of Behavioral Responses of Animals During a Solar Eclipse

Based on numerous observations, animal reactions to solar eclipses can be broadly classified into four categories:

  1. Evening Behaviors: Animals adopt routines typically seen at dusk or nighttime.
  2. Apparent Anxiety: Behaviors indicating stress or fear in response to the sudden darkness.
  3. Novel Responses: Uncharacteristic behaviors not seen during normal or evening routines.
  4. No Observable Change: Some animals appear unaffected and continue their regular activities.

Observations from the Riverbanks Zoo

In a comprehensive study at Riverbanks Zoo, 17 different species, spanning mammals, birds, and reptiles, were observed during the 2017 solar eclipse. The findings were as follows:

  • A significant majority of animals, about 75%, showed behavioral changes in response to the eclipse.
  • Most of these animals (8 out of 13 that showed changes) began engaging in evening or nighttime routines. This aligns with historical observations where animals mistook the temporary darkness of an eclipse for the onset of night. Such behaviors include returning to nests, starting evening vocalizations, or becoming more active, especially for crepuscular or nocturnal species.
  • Anxiety was the next common response. For instance, baboons, gorillas, giraffes, flamingos, and lorikeets showed signs of stress.
  • Only reptiles, specifically the Galapagos tortoise and the Komodo dragon, displayed novel behaviors. These were marked by a surge in activities compared to their usually sedentary state.

Historical Accounts and Varied Responses of Animals to a Solar Eclipse

Historical records, though sporadic, offer intriguing glimpses into animal behavior during eclipses:

  • The 1932 New England eclipse saw diverse species, from insects to large mammals, exhibiting nighttime behaviors.
  • In contrast, some animals show signs of anxiety. For instance, during various eclipses, domestic dogs remained silent, horses exhibited restless behaviors, and several bird species stopped flying, staying quiet.
  • Primates have exhibited unique reactions. Rhesus macaques in India fragmented into smaller groups to sleep during an eclipse, while captive chimpanzees in Georgia during the 1984 eclipse climbed high structures, seemingly observing the sky during the entirety of the event.
  • However, not all animals respond noticeably. Some reports from eclipses in India and Zimbabwe observed several species, from rodents to lions, showing no perceptible change in behavior during the event.

A Spectrum of Reactions

The behavioral responses of animals during solar eclipses indeed span a spectrum, from pronounced to subtle or even non-existent.

The varied reactions underline the complexity of understanding animal behaviors in the face of rare environmental changes. While some patterns emerge, such as the onset of evening routines, many responses remain unpredictable.

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Source: “Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse” — Animals (journal)

WTF Fun Fact 13574 – Katalin Karikó

Katalin Karikó’s journey to Nobel glory is one of resilience and steadfast dedication. A biochemist, Karikó had always been keen on exploring the therapeutic potentials of mRNA.

She obtained her PhD from Hungary’s esteemed Szeged University in 1982 and secured a tenure-track professor position at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. But her research into RNA faced numerous challenges.

Funding eluded her, and her experiments saw little success. The 1990s brought more trials. This included a cancer diagnosis, the choice to abandon her research or accept a demotion, and a pay cut. She chose the latter, demonstrating her unyielding commitment to mRNA’s potential.

Katalin Karikó”s Partnership with Weissman

1997 marked a turning point. Immunologist Drew Weissman joined the University of Pennsylvania and partnered with Karikó. His interest lay in developing an HIV vaccine. The goal was to prime immune responses with dendritic cells, known for training T cells against foreign antigens. Their collaboration led to the discovery that synthetic, unmodified mRNA provoked dendritic cells into activating inflammatory responses.

The duo’s realization that mammalian cell RNA was frequently chemically modified (while bacterial DNA and RNA often weren’t) changed the course of their research. Another significant insight was that toll-like receptors (TLRs) specifically detected DNA and RNA modifications to trigger inflammation. Their 2005 research paper unveiled that synthetic RNA activated several TLRs, causing inflammatory responses. But adding specific modifications to the synthetic mRNA’s bases curtailed these responses and even enhanced protein production.

mRNA Shaping Modern Vaccine Production

This groundbreaking work ushered in the era of mRNA therapeutics. It catalyzed the inception of Moderna and BioNTech, the companies that later formulated the lifesaving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A testament to Karikó and Weissman’s work is the modified base m1 Ψ, now integral to Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine production.

Recognition Overlooked Despite the promise and subsequent success of her research, Karikó’s contributions remained largely overshadowed. The scientific community’s initial apathy was evident: post their 2005 revelation, Karikó revealed a lack of interest from peers and major biopharma companies. By 2013, this disregard culminated in her departure from the University of Pennsylvania. Yet, adversity wasn’t new to her. Rather than be deterred, she associated with BioNTech, ascending from hands-on benchwork to senior vice presidency. In 2021, she returned to academia, serving at Szeged University and as adjunct faculty at UPenn. Meanwhile, Weissman continued at UPenn, helming the Penn Institute for RNA Innovations.

Katalin Karikó and Nobel Acclaim

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Karikó and Weissman celebrates their persistent, pioneering work on mRNA technology. This research directly paved the way for the creation of the frontrunner COVID-19 vaccines. It’s a fitting tribute to Karikó, who faced professional setbacks and health challenges, yet never deviated from her belief in mRNA’s potential. For her, the Nobel isn’t just an award—it’s validation of decades of unwavering commitment.

The story of Katalin Karikó story serves as an inspiring lesson on perseverance. Her Nobel win, alongside Drew Weissman, underscores the importance of dedication to scientific exploration, even in the face of skepticism and adversity. Their work expanded our understanding of mRNA and provided the foundation for life-saving vaccines during a global pandemic.

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Source: “After being demoted and forced to retire, mRNA researcher wins Nobel” — Ars Technica

WTF Fun Fact 13573 – Blackbird Violin

Have you heard of the Blackbird Violin? It’s quite a specimen!

This instrument is not crafted from traditional wood. The Blackbird Violin is made of stone. And it challenges preconceptions about what materials are suitable for creating musical instruments.

The Blackbird Violin: Transcending Material Boundaries

Violins, with their delicate curves and polished surfaces, have been honed by centuries of craftsmanship. The Blackbird, however, has rewritten the narrative.

The stone violin – made of black diabase – raises questions about tonal qualities and sound production. But also showcases the adaptability of human craftsmanship. A seemingly rigid and unyielding material has been transformed into a delicate instrument capable of producing beautiful melodies.

Crafting a violin from stone presents myriad challenges. The density and weight of stone are inherently different from wood. Traditional violins rely on the natural resonance of wood to amplify and project sound. Stone, being denser, doesn’t possess the same natural acoustics.

Yet, with meticulous design and precision, the creators of the Blackbird have found ways to ensure that it doesn’t just produce sound, but that its music can rival that of traditional wooden counterparts.

Resonance and Sound Quality: A Stone’s Tale

One might wonder, does the Blackbird produce a sound that is dramatically different from a wooden violin? The answer is multifaceted. Yes, the material does influence the sound quality, but not necessarily in a negative way. The stone, with its unique density and composition, offers a distinct sound profile

. Notes played on the Blackbird have a crispness and clarity that sets them apart. The tones are rich, and the sound can be hauntingly beautiful, offering a fresh acoustic experience for both the player and the listener.

The Origins of the Blackbird Violin

Also called the Black Stone Violin, its construction is based on drawings by Antonio Stradivari (Stradivarius). However, it has some special modifications that allow it to be played. The instrument was designed by the Swedish artist Lars Widenfalk and named “Blackbird” after the bird (and its coloring).

Beyond its sound, the Blackbird is a work of art. Its creator did not just aim to make a functional musical instrument; he sought to craft a masterpiece. The stone, with its natural patterns and textures, gives the violin a unique appearance.

This violin proves that even the most unconventional materials can be transformed into tools for artistry.

Does this mean that we’ll soon see orchestras filled with stone cellos, granite flutes, or marble pianos? Perhaps not immediately, but the Blackbird stands as a testament to human ingenuity, suggesting that the materials we’ve yet to consider might someday find their place in the concert hall.

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Source: “Blackbird” — Lars Widenfalk