Nature

WTF Fun Fact 13360 – Plant Machete Robot

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“Plant machete robot” are three words we never expected to hear together. And yet here we are.

That’s because David Bowen, a renowned kinetic artist, is pushing the boundaries of the relationship between technology and art. His latest exhibition, “Plant Machete” showcases his unique ability to fuse nature with machines. The result is a portrayal of plant life that is truly mesmerizing – and a bit dangerous.

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A machete-wielding plant robot

Bowen described the piece on his website:

“Plant machete has a control system that reads and utilizes the electrical noises found in a live philodendron. The system uses an open source micro-controller connected to the plant to read varying resistance signals across the plant’s leaves. Using custom software, these signals are mapped in real-time to the movements of the joints of the industrial robot holding a machete. In this way, the movements of the machete are determined based on input from the plant. Essentially the plant is the brain of the robot controlling the machete determining how it swings, jabs, slices and interacts in space.“

Art meets tech

“Plant Machete” prompts viewers to question the boundaries between the organic and the mechanical. Bowen’s robotic machete, while purely mechanical, seems to breathe with life as it mimics the internal signals of the. It’s a testament to Bowen’s genius that he can draw such lifelike behavior from an inanimate object.

Bowen’s work sparks conversations about the interplay between nature and technology. As a result, we get a reminder of the connection between these worlds. The robotic machete brings the unseen world of plants to the surface. It also provides a unique perspective on the intricate dances of nature.

According to his website, Bowen “is a two-time recipient of a McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship and has received awards such as Grand Prize, Japan Media Arts Festival; Honorary Mention, Ars Electronica; and Third Prize, Vida Art and Artificial Life international competition. Bowen has been an artist in residence at Autodesk Pier 9, The Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art, The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and The Arctic Circle.”

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Watch a Living Plant Wield a Machete With a Robot Arm” — My Modern Met

WTF Fun Fact 13348 – May Dew

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Do you know about the mystical powers of “May Dew”?

In Europe (particularly Ireland and Scotland), people believed that the dew that adorned grass and plants during May mornings possessed extraordinary powers.

Spring rituals

According to folklore, the magical moisture had the power to enhance beauty and preserve youthfulness. It was said that washing one’s face with this dew would give a person radiant, youthful skin. This belief was deeply rooted in countries like Ireland, Scotland, and England, where May Day rituals and celebrations were an integral part of the cultural fabric.

The all has its roots in ancient customs and nature reverence. On the first day of May, people celebrate May Day, which signifies the transition into the vibrant season of spring. As a result, they view the gathering of dew as a means to harness the life-giving energy of nature.

The ancient ties of morning moisture possessing magical properties stem from its association with purity and renewal across many cultures. The arrival of May, considered a time of abundant growth and fertility, intensifies the potency of the dew collected during this period.

May dew rituals

The rituals are often carried out before sunrise on May Day. People would venture into meadows and gardens, carefully collecting the dew that glistened upon leaves and petals. Some would simply wash their faces with it, believing it would bless them with a radiant complexion. Others would capture the precious liquid in containers, creating potions and cosmetics said to possess healing and beautifying qualities.

While the belief in May Dew has waned in modern times, it continues to leave a lingering trace in cultural folklore. The allure of this tradition lies in its connection to nature’s bountiful energy and the desire to harness its magic. It serves as a reminder of the ancient customs that shaped our relationship with the natural world.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Weatherwatch: The magic of May dew” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13345 – The Australian Emu War

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You may have learned about quite a few deadly conflicts in school, but have you ever heard about the Australian Emu War? Also called the Great Emu War in Western Australia, it was exactly what it sounds like – a war against emus. As in the animals.

The origins of the Australian Emu War

The Great Emu War occurred in Western Australia in 1932. It was a conflict between Australian farmers and a large population of emus. Emus are flightless birds native to Australia, in case you didn’t know.

This war was no joke. An uncontrolled emu population began to encroach on farmlands, damaging crops, and creating economic problems for the farmers. In response, the farmers requested military assistance to deal with the emu infestation.

According to Atlas Obscura (cited below):

“Western Australian farmers had been facing hard times with their crops following the Great Depression, and their difficulties increased tenfold with the arrival of some 20,000 emus migrating inland during their breeding season. The birds had been protected as a native species until 1922, but now that they were classified as ‘vermin,’ all bets were off.”

The Australian government actually deployed soldiers armed with machine guns to combat the emus. , They saw the animals as a threat to agriculture. However, emus are also fast and agile. That makes them difficult to eradicate with weapons.

A war of futility

One might think the mismatch was the result of humans having the advantage of deadly weapons. But it was really the emus who had the upper hand.

To top it off, emus don’t want to fight. So when they hear gunfire, they run. That makes them much harder to target. It also had the effect of separating the battalions into smaller and smaller groups to go after the scattering emus. That’s just bad military planning.

In the end, the army realized that using precision weapons was ineffective and called off the operation. The emus won.

The Emu War has become symbolic of human struggles against the forces of nature and the limitations of technology in dealing with wildlife. It was no doubt a humbling experience for the military.

Eventually, the government turned to other – less violent – measures. They erected fences to protect farmlands from emu intrusion.

So, it turns out violence wasn’t the answer.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “In 1932, Australia Started an ‘Emu War’—And Lost” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13341 – Parrot Video Calls

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Parrots are social animals. That’s why they don’t always make the best solo pets. However, recently, researchers have given pet parrots a new way to thrive after teaching the birds to use technology to make parrot video calls.

Parrot playtime with video calls

Researchers from Northwestern University, MIT, and the University of Glasgow conducted the study. With the help of some parrot parents, the team successfully trained parrots to communicate with each other.

Over several months, participants taught captive African grey parrots to use a custom-built video-calling system. First, researchers trained the birds to use touchscreens mounted inside their enclosures with easy-to-understand symbols and icons representing different contacts. The researchers rewarded their interactions with food treats. As the birds grew more comfortable with the devices, they were gradually introduced to video calls, first with their handlers and later with other parrots.

Parrots embrace technology

The African grey parrots demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn and adapt to the use of the video-calling system. Not only were they able to initiate calls, but they also showed preferences for specific contacts, indicating that they understood the purpose of the technology and were actively seeking social interaction through the calls.

The study found that the parrots were more likely to engage in video calls when they were alone in their enclosures. This suggests that the video-calling system provided social stimulation and companionship, especially in the absence of human interaction. The introduction of video-calling technology in captive settings could potentially improve the quality of life for these intelligent and social animals.

So, it turns out parrots like to video chat with one another just like humans do, and that it makes them feel less lonely. Many birds in the study stayed on the calls for the maximum allotted time and still choose to call their buddies from the research study over a year later.

According to Northwestern University:

“The most popular parrots were also the ones who initiated the most calls, suggesting a reciprocal dynamic similar to human socialization. And while, in large part, the birds seemed to enjoy the activity itself, the human participants played a big part in that. Some parrots relished the extra attention they were getting from their humans, while others formed attachments for the humans on the other side of the screen.”

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13338 – Monkey in the Mirror

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It’s not until we’re around 2 years old that we figure out what the mirror is showing us. And not all animals can recognize their own reflections. But if you train a rhesus monkey in the mirror, it will the first thing it’ll do is check out its genitals.

The monkey in the mirror

A 2015 study found that rhesus monkeys are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors and engaging in self-exploration behaviors, but only after some training. The research helps shed light on the cognitive abilities of non-human primates and their level of self-awareness.

The researchers trained a group of rhesus monkeys to touch a red dot on their faces after seeing it in a mirror. This task is commonly used to test an animal’s ability to recognize itself in a mirror and is considered a measure of self-awareness. It’s called the “standard mark test.”

It took several weeks of training for rhesus monkeys to pass the standard mark test. But, eventually, they were able to recognize themselves in the mirror and understand that the reflection was a representation of their own bodies.

The first thing the monkeys did after that? Umm. Let’s just say they engaged in a range of self-exploration behaviors.” And they started with their own genitals.

Monkey see

The rhesus monkeys didn’t spend all their time “down there” though. They eventually moved on to the nose and mouth, behavior similar to what has been observed in chimpanzees and orangutans.

The act of inspecting their own genitals may seem amusing, but it actually provides insight into the cognitive abilities of non-human primates. The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is considered a measure of self-awareness. And that’s a crucial component of consciousness.

Self-awareness allows animals to engage in complex social behaviors, such as empathy, cooperation, and deception.

Rhesus monkeys’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and engage in self-exploration is significant because it suggests that they have a level of self-awareness that we previously thought unique to humans.

The study also has implications for our understanding of animal welfare. Animals that are self-aware are more likely to experience emotions, including pain, fear, and stress. This means that they may be more susceptible to negative welfare impacts, such as confinement and isolation.

If we understand the cognitive abilities of non-human primates, we can work towards improving their welfare.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Monkeys Learn to Recognize Themselves in a Mirror – And Promptly Check Out Their Butts” — Discover Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13337 – Light Pollution

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Usually, when we think about pollution, we’re worried about smelling it or ingesting it somehow. Simply seeing it isn’t thought of as dangerous. But did you know light itself could be a sort of “pollutant”? Light pollution is a growing problem that is affecting us and our planet in many ways.

What is light pollution, and how does it hurt us?

Light pollution is the use of artificial light that is excessively bright or misdirected. For example, when streetlights or buildings shine light upwards into the sky. Sure, we need a lot of our street lights to keep us safe on roads and sidewalks, but so many lights and lights that are shining so broadly or brightly can really mess up our sleep and our ecosystem.

For starters, excess and misdirected light has serious consequences for nocturnal animals. It can disrupt their migration patterns, feeding habits, and breeding cycles. And as we know, everything on earth is interconnected in some way.

But light pollution also has a direct negative effect on human health. Our exposure to artificial light at night can interfere with our circadian rhythms. So think about how much light you can still see in your room when you shut off your light fixtures. Can you still see lights from streetlamps? Billboard? Store signs? Neighbors’ holiday decorations?

Exposure to light can lead to a range of health problems, including sleep disorders, obesity, and depression. It can also disrupt our hormones.

A waste of energy

Light pollution also requires energy consumption. And as we know, this can produce greenhouse gas emissions. So by reducing light pollution, we can help our ecosystem, ourselves, and reduce the energy consumption that negatively impacts our future.

What can we do to address the problem of light pollution? One solution is “dark-sky friendly” lighting. This means using lighting fixtures that are designed to minimize the pollution. It wouldn’t involve installing all new light fixtures. Rather, it involves the use of shields or hoods that would direct light downwards (which is where we need it to see roads and sidewalks anyway) instead of upwards. Using these fixtures can reduce the amount of excess and misdirected light while keeping us safe.

Most people don’t even know about light pollution and how it affects them. But once they do, they generally take steps to reduce their own contributions to it. (And we bet the neighbors are grateful!)

Reducing your light output might mean turning off unnecessary lights at night, using lower-wattage bulbs, and making sure outdoor lights only shine downwards.

If you’re seeking some darkness in order to see the stars at night, check out the International Dark-Sky Association. It’s a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and protect the night sky, and it has designated more than 100 Dark Sky Places around the world, including parks, cities, and communities that are committed to reducing light pollution and preserving the beauty of the night sky.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Light pollution” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13336 – Oceans with More Plastic Than Fish

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Imagine a world where the oceans have more plastic in them than fish (by weight). Well, if you’re still around in 15 years, you might not have to imagine it.

Do our oceans have more plastic than fish?

According to the WWF (cited below):

“Whilst plastic has revolutionized our way of life since it was invented in the 1950s, the problem is that most of the plastic ever made still exists. The amount of plastic in the ocean is expected to double in the next 15 years, and by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea (by weight).

There are giant plastic islands floating on the ocean surface, and beaches around the world are increasingly littered with plastic rubbish even in the Arctic. It may come as a shock to know that most of the plastic in the ocean is out of sight, either underwater or on the ocean floor….90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs and half of marine turtles have eaten plastic. Sea life chokes on plastic rubbish or gets tangled in it, often causing a painful slow death. And plastic pollution is contributing to the breakdown of coral reefs.”

Wow, that’s depressing.

What’s the problem with plastics?

The problem with plastic is that it doesn’t biodegrade like other materials. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, called microplastics, which stick around for centuries. Microplastics enter the food chain and accumulate in the bodies of land animals and marine life. This obviously effects humans eventually too.

Our plastics end up affecting over 700 species of marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. These animals can become entangled in plastic debris or mistake plastic for food, leading to starvation or blockages in their digestive systems.

Plastic disrupts the entire ecosystem. For example, plastic debris can alter the flow of water, which can affect the movement and distribution of plankton, the base of the marine food chain. This can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem, ultimately impacting human populations that rely on the ocean for food and income.

How did we get to this point?

Plastic is cheap and convenient and people don’t like to be inconvenienced or have their minds changed. The use of plastic has become ubiquitous and we show no signs of giving it up (soggy paper straws aren’t going to solve the whole problem).

Another problem is that we don’t properly dispose of or recycle plastic. Researchers estimate that we’ve only recycled around 9% of all plastic ever produced, and we send the majority to landfills. So now it’s accumulating.

Addressing industries will be a big step. For example, the clothing manufacturing, carpet, and soft drink industries use huge amounts of plastic. Of course we can reduce our use of single-use plastics, but curtailing the use of plastics in manufacturing is going to have a much bigger effect than banishing your plastic baggies. You can help by supporting policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.

Another important step is to properly dispose of plastic waste can prevent it from entering the environment and ultimately ending up in our oceans. That’s another job primarily for industries, but we can do our part as individuals as well.

Want to do something immediately to support conservation efforts to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean? You can participate in beach cleanup if you live nearby a body of water. Otherwise, an email or phone call to the politicians you vote for is a good start.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Will there be more plastic than fish in the sea?” — WWF

WTF Fun Fact 13335 – Fast Fashion Pollution

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Cheap clothing is convenient, and changing out our wardrobes every season might make us feel more fashionable, but fast fashion pollution is a bigger problem than we imagined.

The United Nations named the fashion industry the second most polluting industry in the world. It produces 8% of all carbon emissions, 20% of all global wastewater, and uses about 93 billion cubic meters of water annually. The fashion industry is responsible for more carbon emissions than international flights and global shipping combined.

Fast fashion pollution

According to a study published in the journal Water (cited below), the fast fashion industry is a major contributor to water pollution since these brands produce large quantities of clothing at a rapid pace. This leads to excessive water usage as well as the release of harmful chemicals into our waterways.

The study found that fast fashion brands use up to 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt. This excessive water usage can lead to the depletion of water resources in areas where water is already scarce.

The industry also contributes to water pollution through the use of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process. Many brands use synthetic dyes and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health.

The disposal of fast fashion clothing also contributes to water pollution. Many fast fashion items are made from synthetic materials that do not biodegrade, leading to them ending up in landfills or incinerators. The disposal of these items can release harmful chemicals into the air and leach into nearby waterways.

How to make it stop

Well, money talks. You can always invest in clothing that lasts or repair the clothing you have.

To address the water pollution associated with fast fashion, companies do try to implement more sustainable manufacturing practices. But it’s unclear to what extent this really works if they’re still selling so many garments.

Some fast fashion brands are incorporating recycled materials into their products, reducing the amount of virgin materials needed and the associated water usage. Others are implementing closed-loop systems, which recycle water and chemicals used in the production process.

But in the end, consumers may play the biggest role in reducing the water pollution associated with fast fashion. Choosing to buy clothing made from sustainable materials and produced using sustainable manufacturing practices is an option. But a better one is reducing clothing waste by donating or recycling clothing to keep textiles out of landfills and reduce the pollution associated with textile disposal.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion on Water Quality: A Systematic Review” — Water (Journal)

WTF Fun Fact 13334 – Getting Electricity from Mud

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How can you get electricity from mud? Well, it turns out there’s a bacteria for that.

In a fascinating development that could have huge implications for the future of energy production, scientists have discovered a species of bacteria called Geobacter sulfurreducens produce tiny wires called pili that allow them to transfer electrons from mud to metals or other conductive materials.

Pulling electricity from mud

Geobacter sulfurreducens belongs to a group of organisms called electrogenic bacteria. They’re unique in that they are able to transfer electrons from organic matter to metals or other conductive materials. This process is known as extracellular electron transfer. It allows the bacteria to generate electricity using devices called microbial fuel cells (MFC).

Generating electricity from mud could be useful for powering small devices in remote areas where traditional power sources aren’t available. Since the bacteria can be easily cultivated in large quantities, the equipment needed to generate electricity from mud is relatively simple and inexpensive. That can also make it a good option for developing countries or areas where traditional power sources are unreliable.

The bacteria could also be used for environmental cleanup. It’s even an environmentally friendly technology since the bacteria consume organic waste and produce electricity as a byproduct.

A broader trend

While this may all seem beyond belief, scientists have actually been using bacteria to generate electricity for a while. They have experimented with wastewater, food waste, and even human urine. The hope is that these bacterial technologies can eventually help us address climate change, energy security, and environmental degradation.

Of course, there are some serious challenges to face before we can implement this kind of tech. For example, it requires massive amounts of bacteria to generate a decent amount of electricity. So there are valid concerns about the scalability of this technology. Then there are the obvious ethical concerns people have about using living organisms to help clean up messes humans have made.

Despite all this, the potential of bacteria-based electricity generation may play an important role in shaping our future.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Mud power: how bacteria can turn waste into electricity” — The Conversation

WTF Fun Fact 13330 – Kamikatsu Recycling

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Kamikatsu recycling is intense. Citizens are expected to separate their recycling into 45 different categories! Kamikatsu is a small town located in Tokushima prefecture in Japan. It has become a paragon of innovation in waste management and, more specifically, recycling.

How did the strict Kamikatsu recycling program begin?

They began their journey to zero waste began in 2003 when the government mandated a policy to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The town stepped up in a big way, making its unique zero-waste initiative become a model for sustainability.

Kamikatsu’s strict recycling program requires residents to sort their waste into 45 different categories. The program is designed to maximize the amount of waste that can be recycled or reused and minimize the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

Some of the categories include:

  • Paper (including newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and packaging)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Aluminum cans and foil
  • Steel cans
  • Plastic containers (sorted by type)
  • PET bottles (sorted by color)
  • Tetra Pak packaging (such as juice boxes)
  • Food waste (to be composted)
  • Textiles (such as clothing and fabric)
  • Appliances and electronics
  • Batteries
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Bulky waste (such as furniture and mattresses)
  • Construction waste

Residents are even required to wash their waste before placing it into the correct bins.

What are the challenges of this type of program?

The town’s recycling facility has separate areas for each category of waste, and staff members carefully sort the materials. Of course, this comes with challenges. One is the cost of transportation – the town is in a remote location.

The second challenge is one all towns and cities face – the need to change the mindset and behavior of residents. The town has implemented a variety of programs to educate residents about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, including workshops, events, and campaigns.

However, changing deeply ingrained habits and attitudes takes time and persistence. As you might imagine, the town’s strict recycling requirements have been met with mixed reactions from residents. Some find the requirements to be burdensome and time-consuming.

Nevertheless, Kamikatsu has become a model for sustainable waste management and has earned international recognition for its sustainability project.

Meeting goals

Originally, the goal was for Kamikatsu to become a zero-waste town by 2020. While the town did not exactly happen, it has made significant progress in reducing its waste output.

By 2020, over 80% of its waste was being recycled, composted, or reused. The town has also taken steps towards becoming carbon-neutral, building a solar power plant and financing a project to turn food waste into biogas.

In 2016, the town opened its Zero Waste Academy to educate visitors about its recycling program.

Kamikatsu’s journey towards zero waste and carbon neutrality is a glimpse into a sustainable future and an inspiration to individuals and communities around the world.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “‘No-waste’ Japanese village is a peek into carbon-neutral future” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13229 – Wild Spring Weather

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Spring weather is known for its unpredictability. Some days are warm and sunny and make you look forward to summer. Other days are full of chilly rain and even snow. Spring is a transitional period, and understanding the factors that contribute to spring weather’s wackiness can help us prepare for its unpredictable nature.

Why is spring weather so wild?

One of the main factors that contribute to the unpredictability of spring weather is the balance of cold and warm air. The atmosphere is trying to balance the cold air left over from winter with the warm air that starts to move in from the southern hemisphere (which just had its summer). This creates unstable weather patterns that fluctuate wildly from day to day.

Another significant contributor to spring weather’s unpredictability is the jet stream. The jet stream is a high-altitude wind current that flows from west to east, and it’s the most active during the spring season. Its presence can cause disturbances in the atmosphere and lead to changes in air pressure, temperature, and precipitation.

The jet stream can create a wave-like pattern in the atmosphere. This can cause pockets of cold and warm air to mix together, leading to dramatic temperature changes. It also creates a barrier between these warm and cold air masses. This leads to severe weather like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and even blizzards.

The jet stream can also affect the timing and severity of tornadoes and hurricanes.

Here comes the sun

The changing angle of the sun is another factor that impacts spring weather. As the sun gets higher in the sky and the days get longer, the amount of energy the Earth receives increases. This can lead to unstable air masses and subsequent thunderstorms.

If you live near a large lake or an ocean, you’ll probably notice that the weather is even more unpredictable. That’s partly because water takes longer to warm up than land, so the mixture of cold and warm air creates unstable air masses that cause things like thunderstorms.

While spring weather’s unpredictability can make it challenging to forecast accurately, there are some patterns that can help us prepare for what’s to come. For example, in North America, the eastern part of the continent tends to experience more significant temperature swings than the western part. In the western part of the continent, spring tends to be a more stable season. Of course, with global climate change, who knows how predictable anything will be in the long or short term?

Some research suggests that as the planet warms, we may start to see even more extreme weather events in the spring, including more severe storms and rainfall.

—WTF fun facts

Source: 5 Reasons Spring Is the Most Dynamic Weather Season — The Weather Channel

WTF Fun Fact 13325 – Spring Daylight

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In spring daylight increases each day by 2-3 minutes. This helps the world awakens from its winter slumber. As the days get longer and the sun begins to shine brighter, it’s a reminder that winter is behind us and summer is just around the corner.

How does spring daylight increase?

The increase in daylight during the spring season is a result of the Earth’s axial tilt and position in its orbit around the sun. During the spring equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in equal amounts of light and darkness. After the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt more toward the sun. This is what leads to longer days and shorter nights.

Gaining light

Throughout the spring season, the amount of daylight increases by approximately 2-3 minutes each day. This adds up to a significant increase in total daylight hours by the end of the season. By the time the summer solstice rolls around in late June, some places in the Northern Hemisphere can experience as much as 17 hours of daylight.

This increase in daylight has an impact on both the natural world and human behavior. For plants, the longer days provide more opportunities for photosynthesis. For humans, they provide more opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. This increase in activity can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to boost mood and energy levels.

Despite the many benefits of longer daylight hours in the spring, one notable challenge is the loss of sleep that can occur when the clocks “spring forward” for daylight saving time. But in the end, most people agree that springtime gives them a feeling of renewal.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How Much Daylight Do We Gain After the Winter Solstice?” — Old Farmer’s Almanac

WTF Fun Fact 13324 – History of Peonies

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PeonieshavealonghistorythatcanbetracedbacktoancientChinaandJapan,wheretheywerefirstgrownfortheirmedicalbenefitsbeforebeingprizedfortheirbeauty.

Early peony history

The peony was first cultivated in China more than 2,000 years ago, and because of its beauty and scarcity, it swiftly came to represent riches and grandeur. 

In fact, the peony used to be cherished so highly that it was regarded as more valuable than gold. As a result, it was occasionally used as money.

TheChineseemployedthepeonyasaremedyforanumberofillnesses,includingepilepsy,headaches, anddigestiveissues.

Because they believed the flower had a relaxing effect on the body and psyche, it was also used in religious festivals.

The peony eventually received its own “Peony Festival” in China because of its increasing popularity. In Luoyang, China, this continues to be a holiday today. Thousands of peonies are on exhibit during the event in full bloom.

The history of peonies in Japan

The peony was also prized for its therapeutic benefits and for its purported ability to fend off evil spirits in Japan.

The flower was also admired by the Japanese for its grace and beauty, and it quickly became popular with the aristocracy. It was so revered in Japan that it was frequently depicted as a motif in literature and appeared on Japanese banknotes.

The peony remains a prominent motif in contemporary Japanese art. It is often used to symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and beauty.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, the peony has a special place in Chinese and Japanese mythology. According to legend, it sprung from the blood of a beautiful nymph killed by the gods out of jealousy. The peony was said to have been the nymph’s favorite flower and was believed to be imbued with her beauty.

Today, the peony is still a popular flower for Mother’s Day and other special events, such as weddings. Peonies come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. They are easy to care for since they can be grown in a variety of climates.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The History Of The Peony Flower” — Appleyard London

WTF Fun Fact 13323 – Helicopter Tree Trimming

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Helicopter tree trimming involves the use of a helicopter equipped with a circular saw to trim tree branches. Skilled pilots and experienced arborists execute the carefully planned process of helicopter tree trimming, which can be dangerous and risky.

The wild world of helicopter tree trimming

The use of helicopters for tree trimming has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its efficiency and effectiveness. And it’s not just for giant trees. In fact, traditional methods of tree trimming, such as using cherry pickers or bucket trucks, can sometimes be too time-consuming or require crews to shut down roads and neighborhoods. With helicopter tree trimming, a team of arborists can trim several trees in a single day while minimizing disruption to the community.

Still sounds dangerous, right?

How does this process work?

Before the trimming process begins, arborists carefully examine trees and render a thorough assessment of the surrounding environment. The team obviously needs to take into consideration any obstacles or hazards, such as power lines or buildings (or people!) in the area.

Arborists identify the trees to be trimmed, then the helicopter takes off, and the pilot hovers over the target tree. An arborist then lowers from the helicopter on a line carrying a chainsaw or the pilot lowers a specially designed trimming saw to get the job done. These saws are equipped with a circular blade that can quickly and cleanly cut through thick branches.

Obviously, the arborists are highly skilled and experienced in using the saw. They need to be able to make precise cuts, avoid hitting power lines, and make sure there are no unfortunate accidents. They also need to be able to move quickly move from one branch to another as the helicopter hovers and maneuvers around the tree.

Helicopter tree trimming allows arborists to trim trees in areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. This includes steep slopes, remote areas, and densely forested regions.

It should come as no surprise that this is a risky business. The arborists work at great heights and in challenging weather conditions. They must be constantly aware of the rotor blades and other potential hazards. But with proper safety protocols in place, it is a safe and effective technique.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Aerial Saw Is Boon to Line Trimming” — T&D World

WTF Fun Fact 13318 – The Science of Spring Flower Growth

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Many people eagerly await the first signs of spring. One major clue is the emergence of new plants, including a few colorful flowers. Of course, many plants wait until the ground thaws and the temperature warms up before starting to grow. But the science of spring flower growth is complex. And some flowers have a unique adaptation that allows them to bloom even in the coldest of conditions.

Two flowers you may have seen early in the year are crocuses and snowdrops. These actually have the ability to push through frozen soil and snow to bloom in early spring! It’s all made possible by a special adaptation in their cells that allows them to expand and contract with changes in temperature.

The science of spring flower growth

This adaptation in a few flowers is due to a process called thermoperiodism. This requires a cycle of low and high temperatures in order to help trigger growth.

Here’s how it works: The cells in these flowers contract when the temperatures drop. This causes a vacuum that draws water and nutrients from the soil into the plant. The cells begin to re-expand as the temperatures climb. This expansion and contraction push the flowers through the frozen ground. Pretty cool, right?

Now, these early-blooming flowers depend on this ability to survive. By blooming early, they are able to take advantage of the increased sunlight. They also get early pollinators (like bees and butterflies) that are essential for their reproduction. And they don’t have to compete for these resources.

Crocuses and snowdrops are also popular flowers for their beauty and variety. Crocuses come in a wide range of colors, including purple, white, yellow, and pink. They can be found in both single and multiple petals. Snowdrops, on the other hand, are known for their unique bell-shaped flowers – typically white or pale green.

While crocuses and snowdrops are among the most well-known flowers that can push through frozen soil and snow, they are not the only ones. Other early-blooming flowers include winter aconite, Siberian squill, and hellebore.

—WTF fun facts

Source: Burn through snow – What flowers can do that we wish we could do too!” — The Art of Ecology

WTF Fun Fact 13317 – The History of the Easter Bunny

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The Easter Bunny is a beloved symbol of Easter. But where did this tradition come from? Well, the history of bunnies (or hares) symbolizing spring religious observances can be traced back to pre-Christian times. Ancient civilizations celebrated the spring equinox and the return of fertility and new life and hares played a central role. Of course, that’s not the same as the history of the Easter Bunny.

The importance of the hare

According to Smithsonian Magazine (cited below), the hare was a symbol of new life in ancient Egypt and was associated with the goddess of fertility and motherhood, Eostre. But it may have dated back even further. As the note:

“In European traditions, the Easter bunny is known as the Easter hare. The symbolism of the hare has had many tantalizing ritual and religious roles down through the years.
Hares were given ritual burials alongside humans during the Neolithic age in Europe. Archaeologists have interpreted this as a religious ritual, with hares representing rebirth.
Over a thousand years later, during the Iron Age, ritual burials for hares were common, and in 51 B.C.E., Julius Caesar mentioned that in Britain, hares were not eaten due to their religious significance.”

The veneration of hares is practically prehistoric!

The history of the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny as we know it today is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. The first recorded mention of the Easter Bunny was in a book by Georg Franck von Franckenau. He was a physician in Frankfurt who wrote about the Easter Hare bringing eggs for children to find.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, German immigrants brought the Easter Bunny tradition to the United States. The first edible Easter bunnies, made of pastry and sugar, were produced in Germany during the early 19th century. After that, the tradition of giving chocolate bunnies as Easter gifts spread throughout Europe and North America.

Today, the Easter Bunny is a central part of many Easter celebrations. In many countries, people still hold Easter egg hunts where children search for colored eggs that have been hidden around a park or other public space.

The tradition of the Easter Bunny continues to be a fun and beloved part of Easter celebrations around the world.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13315 – The First Easter Eggs

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The history of decorating eggs for spring festivals thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed that the egg symbolized the sun and its rebirth. And the Persians used eggs to celebrate the spring equinox, which marks the beginning of spring. The Romans also had a tradition of giving decorated eggs as gifts during their spring festival known as Hilaria. But when were the first “Easter eggs” decorated?

The first Easter eggs

As Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, the practice of decorating eggs was incorporated into the celebration of Easter. Christians viewed eggs as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. The hard shell of the egg represents the sealed tomb. The new life that emerges from it represents the resurrection.

The custom of decorating eggs for Easter may have originated in medieval Europe. During Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter, Christians were not allowed to eat eggs or any other animal products. However, chickens would continue to lay them during this time, so the extras would be boiled to preserve them for later consumption.

On Easter Sunday, the eggs would be painted and decorated in bright colors to celebrate the end of the fast and the arrival of spring.

In Greece, Russia, and other Orthodox countries, eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the resurrection. Then they’re exchanged as gifts and used in traditional Easter games and activities.

Eggs as art and for fun

In some cultures, eggs are more than just a symbol of spring and rebirth. They are also a form of art. The tradition of decorating eggs with intricate designs and patterns has been passed down through generations of families. As a result, it has become a beloved folk art in many parts of the world.

From the elaborate pysanky eggs of Ukraine to the delicate filigree eggs of Poland, this art is a beautiful and fascinating tradition that continues to thrive today.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Here’s Why Easter Eggs Are a Thing” — Time Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13308 – Smart Slime

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Have you ever heard of “smart slime”?

Physarum polycephalum is a type of slime mold. Fun, right? Well, it’s actually found in many natural areas around the world. If you run across it, throw it a puzzle!

This mold is capable of solving complex mazes and other spatial problems without a brain or nervous system. Ok, not a boxed puzzle.

Despite lacking a brain, this organism has navigated mazes and established efficient routes between food sources. Scientists still don’t know what to think.

How does “smart slime” work?

So how does Physarum polycephalum do it? According to some researchers, the key lies in the way that this slime mold processes and responds to information.

Humans and other animals rely on centralized nervous systems to process and interpret information from the environment. But slime molds are decentralized and they exhibit a more distributed form of intelligence.

One striking example of this distributed intelligence can be seen in the way that slime molds navigate mazes. When placed in a maze with multiple food sources, slime molds are able to explore and test different paths! They gradually identify the most efficient routes between the food sources. This ability has been attributed to the slime mold’s ability to sense and respond to different environmental cues. In other words, they can sense the presence of food, humidity, and light. But it’s a whole extra step to use that information to solve problems!

Some researchers have suggested that the slime mold’s ability to solve spatial problems may be related to its ability to process information in a way that is fundamentally different from known forms of intelligence. For example, one study found that Physarum polycephalum is capable of solving the “shortest path problem.” This involves finding the shortest route between two points in a network.

Humans typically solve this problem by analyzing and comparing different routes. But slime mold is able to accomplish the same task by physically growing and adapting to the network itself. Say what?!

Nature loves a puzzle

Despite its remarkable abilities, Physarum polycephalum is still a subject of ongoing research and debate among scientists. Some researchers believe that the slime mold’s distributed intelligence may hold the key to developing new forms of artificial intelligence. Other people are understandably freaked out by that.

Many scientists are focused on understanding the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying its behavior before they go trying to turn it into a monster.

One thing is clear: the slime mold’s abilities are truly remarkable. As we continue to study and learn from this fascinating organism, we may even discover new insights into the nature of intelligence, adaptation, and evolution itself.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “This Weirdly Smart, Creeping Slime Is Redefining How We Understand Intelligence” — ScienceAlert