WTF Fun Fact 13574 – Katalin Karikó

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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.

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13573 – Blackbird Violin

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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.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Blackbird” — Lars Widenfalk

WTF Fun Fact 13572 – Reproduction in Space

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SpaceBorn United, a Netherlands-based startup, is rocketing into the next frontier of space exploration: human reproduction in space.

While recent advancements have made space travel more tangible, the challenge of ensuring human reproduction in foreign environments remains largely unaddressed. Natural conception in space poses multiple risks. Factors such as space radiation and potential changes in embryonic development in microgravity environments call for an innovative approach.

IVF: The Compact Solution

To meet this challenge head-on, SpaceBorn United has pioneered the development of a miniaturized in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo incubator. This device, resembling a CD-ROM in size, uses advanced microfluidic technologies to condense the extensive apparatus required for IVF. The disc, beyond being programmable, spins to simulate the effects of Earth-like gravity, hosting distinct chambers for sperm fluids and female eggs, enabling a controlled conception process.

SpaceBorn’s initiative not only targets the mysteries of space reproduction but also aims to enhance IVF treatments on Earth. Conducting IVF in space’s varying gravity levels might yield insights, potentially refining IVF procedures on our home planet.

Regulatory and Ethical Hurdles

The path SpaceBorn United treads is strewn with challenges. International guidelines tightly regulate human embryo research. These standards, which limit the cultivation of human embryos to a mere 14 days, present a formidable obstacle for the company. Their planned ARTIS missions, set to embark into space in the forthcoming years, will initially involve mouse cells. Transitioning to human cells hinges on both successful results and regulatory approvals.

The Future of Space Reproduction

Despite the intricacies involved, SpaceBorn United’s ambition transcends mere conception in space. Should embryos gain the required approvals, they envision the subsequent stages of pregnancy and birth taking place on Earth, ensuring safety and optimal conditions.

The recent surge in the space tourism industry, backed by heavy investments, paints a future where common individuals, not just astronauts, venture into space or even other planets. Yet, amid these grand visions, the elemental aspect of long-term human survival and propagation in alien environments is often overlooked. SpaceBorn United’s mission accentuates this crucial element, reminding the world that space exploration is not solely about setting foot on new territories but ensuring life flourishes there.

As space exploration narratives continue to captivate global attention, initiatives like SpaceBorn United’s push the boundaries of what’s possible. Their work underscores the holistic challenges of becoming an interplanetary species, spotlighting the importance of life itself in the vastness of space.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “STARTUP PLANNING TO LAUNCH IVF AND EMBRYO INCUBATOR INTO SPACE” — Futurism

WTF Fun Fact 13571 – Pythagorean Theorem Before Pythagoras

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Did you know there was a”Pythagorean” Theorem before Pythagoras?

When one hears the term “Pythagorean Theorem,” the image of the Greek mathematician Pythagoras often comes to mind. And while this mathematical statement holds a significant place in geometry, its origins might surprise many. Contrary to popular belief, evidence suggests the theorem’s knowledge existed 1,000 years before Pythagoras’s birth, with the Babylonians as its early proponents.

Pythagoras: The Man Behind the Name

Pythagoras’s reputation extends far beyond the realm of mathematics. His name adorns many geometry textbooks, and the theorem itself exists under several monikers like Pythagoras’ Theorem and notably Euclid I 47. With over 371 proofs attributed to this theorem, eminent figures, including a young Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and even US President James A. Garfield, have delved into its intricacies.

But for a man with such a renowned theorem attached to his name, little concrete information exists about Pythagoras. Most details that historians possess come from sources written centuries after his time, many of which paint him in an almost divine light, leading to debates about their historical accuracy.

Historical accounts align on a few aspects: Pythagoras was born around 569 BC in Samos, Ionia, and established a unique school in present-day Crotone, Italy. This institution, named the Semicircle of Pythagoras, was a blend of religious and scientific study. While it delved deep into subjects like philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy, it also treaded mystical terrains where numbers held divine significance.

Interestingly, much of what the Pythagoreans discovered was attributed directly to Pythagoras, making it a challenge to distinguish between the man’s actual contributions and those of his followers.

The True Pioneers of the Theorem Before Pythagoras

Long before Pythagoras established his school, the Babylonian civilization flourished in Mesopotamia, an area corresponding to modern-day Iraq. Nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this civilization left behind a wealth of knowledge inscribed on clay tablets.

These tablets revealed a society that maintained meticulous records, especially in astronomy, arts, and literature. And among these records lies concrete evidence that Babylonian mathematicians had discovered and even proven the Pythagorean Theorem a millennium before Pythagoras was born.

The Babylonians recorded intricate problems and solutions on clay tablets. Among the myriad of tablets, the Plimpton 322 stands out. Dated to around 1800 BC, this tablet lists Pythagorean triplets—sets of three integers that fit the theorem we often attribute to Pythagoras. These inscriptions show that the Babylonians knew the relationship between the sides of a right triangle a millennium before Pythagoras.

For the Babylonians, mathematics wasn’t just theoretical. They saw and used its practical applications. Pythagorean triplets, for example, found use in land measurements, construction, and even astronomy. Their buildings and their celestial predictions show a deep understanding and application of their mathematical discoveries.

How did this profound understanding travel through time? Some historians believe that the mathematical concepts of the Babylonians might have reached neighboring civilizations through trade routes. While the exact path remains unclear, the Greeks, including Pythagoras, could have indirectly absorbed this knowledge.

While the Pythagorean Theorem remains a Greek mathematical cornerstone, its roots delve deep into Babylonian soil. As students and scholars alike marvel at this theorem, they should remember and honor the Babylonians, the original pioneers who first saw the harmony in a right triangle’s sides.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Pythagoras: Everyone knows his famous theorem, but not who discovered it 1000 years before him” — Journal of Targeting, Measurement and Analysis for Marketing

WTF Fun Fact 13570 – Weird Laws in Kentucky

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Usually when you see “weird” or “dumb” laws online, they’re made up – but one of the weird laws in Kentucky that’s floating around happens to be true.

Kentucky forbids people from dyeing fowl or rabbits a different color.

Weird Laws in Kentucky Regarding Dyeing Fowl and Rabbits

First, let’s lay out the specifics. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes 436.600:

  • No person can sell, exchange, display, or even possess living baby chicks, ducklings, or other fowl (or rabbits) that have a dyed or colored appearance.
  • Nobody can dye or color baby chicks, ducklings, or other fowl (or rabbits).
  • One cannot sell, exchange, or give away baby chicks, ducklings, or other fowl under two months of age in a quantity less than six. However, a caveat exists: anyone can sell a rabbit weighing three pounds or more at just six weeks of age.

Violating this quirky law will set you back anywhere from $100 to $500 in fines.

Historical Context: Why Such a Law?

So, the million-dollar question: Why does this law exist? While the statute doesn’t lay out its origins, we can make some educated guesses based on its stipulations. One possibility involves protecting young animals. By setting a minimum quantity for sale and age restrictions, Kentucky may aim to ensure these creatures get adequate care, aren’t separated too early from their siblings, and aren’t used as mere novelties.

The dyeing provision particularly points to the novelty issue. Brightly colored chicks might appeal as unique Easter gifts. However, after the festive season, the novelty wears off, leaving many dyed animals abandoned or mistreated. Such a law, then, seeks to prevent impulsive purchases that lead to animal neglect.

In the age of Instagram and TikTok, unique pets can become instant sensations. Imagine the number of likes and shares a blue duckling might garner! But this is exactly where the danger lies. Social media trends can fuel impulsive decisions, leading people to obtain pets they aren’t prepared to care for in the long term. Kentucky’s law, although enacted long before the digital age, remains relevant today.

The Larger Implication of the Weird Laws in Kentucky

While this law may seem quirky on the surface, it underlines a broader issue: animal welfare. Kentucky isn’t alone in this endeavor. Many states have regulations to prevent the mistreatment of animals, especially those bought and sold as pets. These laws often aim to balance personal freedoms with the ethical treatment of animals.

By preventing the dyeing of animals and setting stipulations for their sale, Kentucky sends a clear message about the importance of treating animals with respect and care.

Ducklings & Beyond

While our focus here is primarily on blue ducklings, the law’s scope is broader, covering chicks, other fowl, and rabbits. The inclusion of various animals in this legislation underscores the state’s commitment to protecting a range of creatures from potential misuse and abuse.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “2022 Kentucky Revised Statutes; Chapter 436 – Offenses against morality; 436.600 Dyeing or selling dyed baby fowl or rabbits” — Justia

WTF Fun Fact 13569 – Bermuda Fast Food Law

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The Foreign Restaurants Act of 1977 is a Bermuda fast food law that restricts chain restaurants in the country. So don’t expect to find a McDonald’s if you take a vacation there. However, you will find a KFC.

The Foreign Restaurants Act of 1977

In the early 1970s, the global surge of fast food chains reshaped the way people dined. Companies, eyeing every potential market, began to cast their gaze on picturesque Bermuda. As this global trend started influencing the local food scene, the Bermudian government decided to take a proactive stance.

Enter the Foreign Restaurants Act of 1977. This significant piece of legislation sought to preserve Bermuda’s unique culinary identity, local businesses, and the health of its citizens. Under this act, international fast food chains received a clear message: Bermuda was off-limits.

The reasoning behind this choice varied. On one hand, Bermuda’s local entrepreneurs needed protection against the financial might of global chains. This act ensured that they could thrive without the overpowering competition. On the other hand, there were concerns about the potential health implications of the fast food industry and the desire to maintain the island’s distinct culinary flavor for residents and tourists alike.

KFC: The Exception to the Bermuda Fast Food Law

While the Foreign Restaurants Act drew a clear boundary, one particular establishment found itself in a unique position. A KFC outlet, which had set up shop in Bermuda before the act’s introduction, continued its operations. The reason? This franchise received a ‘grandfathered’ status, meaning that due to its existence prior to the law, it was allowed to continue its operations unaffected.

Many often wonder how this single KFC managed to secure such a unique place in Bermudian culinary history. When global fast food chains began targeting Bermuda, KFC was one of the first movers. Its timely establishment on the island ensured that when the Foreign Restaurants Act came into force, the KFC was already a part of the local dining landscape.

Bermuda, with its ban on global fast food chains, carved a unique niche for itself in the world of gastronomy. Travelers to Bermuda won’t find the golden arches of McDonald’s or the regal visage of Burger King. Instead, they’ll discover a plethora of local eateries, each offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Local restaurants, cafes, and food stalls thrive, presenting dishes that merge British influences with flavors from the Caribbean, Portuguese cuisine, and other global tastes. From fish chowder spiced with sherry pepper sauce to the delectable Hoppin’ John, a dish made with rice, peas, and thyme, Bermuda offers a rich palette of flavors.

And what about the residents? Without the ubiquitous presence of global fast food, many Bermudians enjoy a diet deeply connected to their environment. Fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables play starring roles, reinforcing a strong bond with local produce and seafood.

Bermuda’s KFC: More than Just Fast Food

Interestingly, Bermuda’s lone KFC holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. It’s not just another fast food joint but a testament to the island’s unique approach to global trends. While it serves the same crispy chicken as any other KFC worldwide, this outlet represents Bermuda’s balanced stance between global influences and local preservation.

Moreover, for many Bermudians, this KFC offers a taste of global culture without diluting their island’s distinct identity. It’s a symbol of Bermuda’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global change.

Bermuda’s decision to restrict international fast food chains, while allowing one to remain, paints a fascinating picture of a nation’s attempt to protect its heritage while acknowledging the unstoppable force of globalization.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “From the grandfathered KFC to pink sand beaches, Bermuda is artwork” — Franchise Times

WTF Fun Fact 13568 – Smoking Math

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Smoking math? No, it’s not a typo. Researchers at Ohio State University found a surprising correlation during a research study in 2020. Smokers with better math skills are more inclined to quit smoking.

Crunching the Numbers on Smoking Math

To kick things off, researchers gauged the mathematical abilities of 696 adult smokers using a standardized test. After this assessment, participants encountered eight diverse cigarette warning labels, each paired with risk statistics. For instance, one of the statistics presented was, “75.4 percent of smokers will die before the age of 85, compared to 53.7 percent of non-smokers.”

Brittany Shoots-Reinhard, the study’s lead author, shared a crucial observation: individuals with heightened math skills retained more of the risk statistics. This increased retention directly influenced their perception of smoking dangers and their intentions to quit.

Math, Memory, and Momentum

While all participants saw the same warning labels, memory retention varied. High-emotion labels, like images of diseased lungs, seemed less memorable initially compared to low-emotion ones, such as cartoon gravestones.

However, a follow-up after six weeks revealed the high-emotion warnings stayed more vivid in participants’ minds over time.

The Role of Numeracy in Smoking Math

A pivotal revelation from the data was the role of numeracy. Smokers with higher math abilities remembered smoking-related risks better, which in turn elevated their intentions to quit.

Shoots-Reinhard emphasized the need to re-evaluate how we present risk data to smokers, especially those who may struggle with understanding numerical information. Simplified communication strategies, like infographics, might bridge the comprehension gap for the less numerate.

The Road Ahead

This research shines a spotlight on the importance of effective risk communication. As Shoots-Reinhard asserts, understanding risk equips smokers to make informed decisions. The ultimate aim? To empower more smokers with the knowledge and resolve to quit.

In a nutshell, Ohio State University’s research reveals a profound insight: the road to quitting smoking intertwines not just with understanding health risks but also with one’s ability to comprehend numbers. For many smokers, the motivation to quit might well be a matter of math.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Smokers good at math are more likely to want to quit” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13567 – Many Adults Rely on Parents

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Do you still rely on your parents for material support even though you’re technically an adult? Well, you’re certainly not alone!

While society has traditionally regarded financial self-sufficiency as the yardstick for adulthood, the reality for many Americans seems to diverge from this ideal. A study from North Carolina State University dispels some age-old myths. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, a mere one-third of adults can claim to be fully independent from their parents in the financial and residential realms from their late teens through their early 40s.

The Intricacies of Parental Support

Anna Manzoni, associate professor of sociology and a key researcher in the study, emphasized that our current age might need a broader definition of adulthood. This study, which encompassed a vast participant pool of 14,675 adults between ages 18 and 43, revealed a spectrum of intergenerational financial and residential dynamics.

No longer can adulthood be confined to a one-dimensional view of independence. Rather, it appears to manifest in multiple forms:

  • Early achievers who chart their independent course soon and stick to it.
  • Those who mostly tread the independence path but occasionally lean on parents during transitional life moments.
  • Some who take their time to detach from the family home, gradually achieving financial self-sufficiency.
  • Individuals who remain at home into their late twenties, receiving considerable financial help, which then dwindles over time.
  • A segment that remains at home for more extended periods, fostering a two-way street of financial support with their parents.
  • And, the “boomerang” adults, who after a taste of early independence, circle back home before venturing out again.

Demographics and Education Keys to Relying on Parents

The study goes beyond just identifying patterns. It also dives the underlying causes of who tends to rely on parents into adulthood. Racial background, for instance, plays a significant role. White families are often at the forefront of the “Complete Independence” trend, while “Extended Interdependence” sees a higher representation from Hispanic families.

The influence of education, particularly parental education, stands out starkly. There’s a clear correlation between parents’ educational achievements and the pathways their children tread. The study notes that adults from families where parents have a robust educational background lean towards achieving independence more rapidly than their counterparts.

Most Adults Still Rely on Parents

One can infer from the study that personal growth and journeys to independence are significantly influenced by the starting point: the privileges or disadvantages one inherits. Adulthood, then, shouldn’t just be seen in the light of personal choices but must also factor in societal structures and access to resources.

This reframing of independence and adulthood requires us to reconsider the benchmarks of maturity and acknowledge the diverse ways individuals tackle the challenges of modern adulthood. Economic, societal, and educational landscapes play large roles in these dynamics.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Most people rely on parents for material support into adulthood” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13566 – Can You Forget a Language?

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Can you forget a language? Can your brain really unlearn it?

If you took a high school Spanish or French class in which you spent the period reciting verbs and learning to ask for directions to the nearest beach, you may have no problem believing that it’s possible to forget an entire language.

But when it comes to our mother tongue, can it truly fade from our minds?

Can You Really “Forget” Your Native Language?

“Language attrition” is the phenomenon in which language proficiency slowly erodes from our brains over time. Professor Monika S. Schmid, a linguistic expert from the University of York, studies this, noting that an individual may experience bouts of hesitation, mix up expressions, or entirely forget specific terms sometimes.

While aging adults may find that certain words or phrases become elusive, they’re unlikely to completely lose grip on a language they once mastered. On the contrary, youngsters might experience a profound shift.

Kids can learn languages more rapidly than adults. But they can also lose it entirely if they aren’t continuously exposed to the language. For instance, a young Russian girl adopted by an American family demonstrated a rapid decline in her Russian vocabulary as she embraced English words.

The Brain’s Role in Language Retention

A lot revolves around the brain’s architecture. Interestingly, birds and their songs, especially those from the biological order Passeriformes, offer us a clue about retaining language.

These creatures are equipped with a dual-circuit system in their brains, first learning their song and then reproducing it later. A similar framework seems to exist in humans, particularly during early developmental stages.

In essence, by early adolescence, our first language gets imprinted in our brains. While we may overlook certain terms or expressions, the core structure remains intact. This also underscores why many struggle to shed their native accent, even after mastering multiple languages.

But most importantly, it suggests that we can’t entirely unlearn a language.

Avoiding Language Attrition

Contrary to what many might believe, staying connected with speakers of one’s native language isn’t always the antidote to attrition. An intriguing observation among Cuban immigrants in Miami highlighted this. Even while in a predominantly Spanish-speaking environment, they experienced a dilution in their native linguistic structures, largely due to their interaction with diverse Spanish dialects.

But that’s not a loss of language – it’s an evolution. And it’s pivotal to recognize that language change isn’t necessarily negative.

So, Can You Forget a Language?

Witnessing one’s primary language slip away can stir deep emotions, especially when one’s linguistic roots are linked to personal history and identity.

But here’s the silver lining: research continually reinforces the notion that our foundational language remains with us. While accents, dialects, and specific terms may evolve, the foundational structure remains.

So, while languages might fade, shift, or transform, they’re never truly forgotten.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Can You Unlearn A Language?” — IFL Science