WTF Fun Fact 13747 – Humans Warm up to Tweezer Hands

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Apparently, tweezer hands can feel more like part of one’s body than an actual hand.

According to recent research, when it comes to bionic prosthetics, simpler might just be better. A study reveals that people can feel as connected to tweezer-like tools as they do to prosthetic hands that mimic human anatomy—and sometimes even more so.

Rethinking Prosthetics: Function Over Form

At Sapienza University of Rome, cognitive neuroscientist Ottavia Maddaluno and her team are using virtual reality to explore how humans relate to different kinds of prosthetic tools. Their findings may turn some heads—or at least twist some wrists.

The researchers equipped participants with two types of virtual appendages: a realistic human hand and a bionic tool resembling a large pair of tweezers. Through a series of virtual reality tests, they assessed how well subjects could adapt to using these tools in a simulated environment.

Pop Goes the Bubble: Testing Tweezer Hands

Participants engaged in a seemingly simple task: popping virtual bubbles of specific colors. It turned out that those using the tweezer hands completed the task faster and with greater accuracy than those using the virtual human hands. This initial test suggested that the tweezer hands were not only embraced by the participants’ brains but were potentially more effective for certain tasks.

To probe deeper into the subconscious acceptance of these tools, the team employed the cross-modal congruency task. This involved simultaneous tactile vibrations on participants’ fingertips and visual stimuli on the virtual reality screen. The goal was to see how distracted participants were by visual stimuli that did or did not align with the tactile input.

The results were enlightening. Participants generally performed better when the tactile and visual stimuli matched, indicating a strong sense of embodiment for both the tweezer and human hands. However, the tweezer hands showed a more pronounced difference between matched and mismatched trials, suggesting a potentially deeper sense of embodiment.

Simplicity Wins: Why Tweezer Hands Triumph

Maddaluno hypothesizes that the simplicity of the tweezer hands might make it easier for the brain to integrate as part of the body. Unlike the more complex human hand, the straightforward function and design of the tweezers could reduce cognitive load, allowing for quicker acceptance and utilization.

This theory ties into the uncanny valley hypothesis, where things that are eerily similar to human beings but not quite perfect can cause discomfort or unease. The too-real virtual hands might have fallen into this unsettling category, while the clearly non-human tweezers did not.

Practical Applications: The Future of Prosthetics

These insights are not just academic. They have practical implications for the design of prosthetics and robotic tools. If simpler, non-human-like tools can be more readily integrated into a person’s sense of self; they might offer a more effective and acceptable solution for those in need of prosthetic limbs.

Maddaluno’s team is now looking to apply these findings to real-world scenarios, particularly for individuals who have lost limbs. The ultimate goal is to develop prosthetic solutions that are not only functional but also seamlessly integrated into the user’s body image and sense of self.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “People feel more connected to ‘tweezer-like’ bionic tools that don’t resemble human hands” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13746 – More Parking Lots Than Housing

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Oddly enough, some cities have gone to such great lengths to accommodate cars that they now have more parking lots than housing!

The city landscape across America reveals a startling fact: in many places, there’s more room for cars than for people. From Seattle to Des Moines, the concrete sprawl of these lots often surpasses the space set aside for housing. This phenomenon isn’t just an urban planner’s nightmare; it’s a real puzzle for anyone trying to find a vibrant city life amidst the vast concrete expanses.

A Concrete Jungle Where There’s More Parking Than Housing

Imagine a city where cars have more room to rest than people do to live. This isn’t a futuristic dystopia; it’s the reality in several U.S. cities where parking lots devour city centers. It turns out we have not only sacrificed urban vitality at the altar of convenience but also transformed downtowns into mere waypoints rather than destinations.

In cities like Seattle, the ratio of parking spaces to housing units is staggering. Seattle boasts about 30 spaces for every acre, overwhelming the number of residential units five to one. Down in Des Moines, the scenario gets more dire with a parking-to-housing ratio of 20 to 1 per acre. These cities, famed for their ever-rising skyscrapers, surprisingly cater more to vehicles than to residents.

The Parking Lot Takeover

The sprawl gets absurd when you head to places like Arlington, Texas, or Detroit, Michigan—cities where the car is king and the pedestrian is a pauper. Arlington’s city center dedicates a whopping 39% of its land to parking. Detroit, the famed Motor City, isn’t far behind, dedicating about a third of its downtown to car spaces. These areas have become so optimized for cars that finding anything else to do can feel like a scavenger hunt.

What’s the big deal, you might ask? Beyond the obvious urban blight, this sea of parking has profound implications. City centers that prioritize parking over accessibility tend to lack the density that makes urban areas vibrant and walkable. The result? Cities that are easy to drive to but not worth staying in. Moreover, this excess of concrete slabs drives up real estate prices, making urban housing scarcer and more expensive.

A Shift Toward More Livable Cities

Despite these challenges, not all cities have succumbed to the parking plague. Washington, D.C., and San Francisco are leading by example, with only 4% and 3% of their downtown areas devoted to public parking, respectively. New York City tops the list with a mere 0.4% of midtown Manhattan given over to parking spaces.

This trend hints at a future where cities reclaim space from cars for people. As more Americans opt out of driving—thanks to the rise of ride-sharing, public transit improvements, and perhaps soon, autonomous vehicles—the demand for vast parking lots is set to decrease. This shift presents a golden opportunity for cities to transform car lots into parks, housing, and vibrant public spaces that foster community rather than car storage.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “These U.S. Cities Have More Parking Lots Than Housing” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13745 – Can Music Make Food Taste Better?

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Can music make your food taste better?

Imagine savoring a plate of spaghetti while Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” plays softly in the background. Now, could Vivaldi be doing more than just setting the mood? Could it actually make your spaghetti taste better?

Research and some intriguing culinary experiments suggest music might just be the unexpected seasoning we’ve overlooked.

Sonic Seasoning

It’s no secret that a good playlist can enhance a party or a workout, but recent studies show that what you listen to while eating can influence how you perceive flavors. This concept, known as “sonic seasoning,” explores how different sounds can complement or enhance the taste of food. For instance, high pitches might make desserts taste sweeter, while deeper tones could make your steak seem richer.

Back in 2010, a groundbreaking study at Oxford University mapped tastes to musical elements. Researchers found that sweet and sour tastes were often associated with higher pitches, while umami and bitter tastes matched lower ones. Not only that, but certain instruments seemed to evoke specific flavors—brass instruments brought out bitterness, whereas pianos highlighted sweetness.

Culinary Scores to Make Food Taste Better

The idea of combining music with eating isn’t new. Medieval banquets sometimes featured live music alongside feasts, enhancing the sensory experience of dining. Fast forward to the 20th century, the Italian Futurists infused their meals with both music and bizarre theatrics, like their “polyrhythmic salad,” which was eaten while music played from a box turned by a crank.

Even the zany minds behind The Muppet Christmas Carol joked about the notion of “singing food,” a nod to dishes that literally perform as you eat them. And while it sounds like a punchline from a Muppet, the concept has its roots in real historical dining practices where food and entertainment were often intertwined.

Do Beats Bring Out the Flavors?

To see if there’s truth to the science, some food companies are already experimenting with sonic pairings. Barilla, for instance, teamed up with composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer to create the “Al Bronzo Soundtrack Experience.” This is aimed at enhancing the dining experience of specific pasta dishes through tailored musical tracks.

Imagine this: you’re about to fork into some rigatoni. According to Barilla, if you’re listening to twinkling bells and vocal accents, it might just make the cherry tomatoes in your dish taste sweeter and the bacon smokier. It’s a bold claim but one that invites foodies and skeptics alike to put it to the test.

The link between sound and taste might also tie into synesthesia. This is where the stimulation of one sense leads to involuntary experiences in another. Some synesthetes report tasting flavors when they hear certain sounds—a phenomenon that could explain why sonic seasoning might work.

Could it be that we all have a touch of synesthesia that allows us to experience more flavorful meals through the right playlist?

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Can Music Make Your Food Taste Better?” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13744 – The Capture of Antioch

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In the annals of ancient military campaigns, few are as audacious as Khosrow I’s capture of Antioch in 540 AD. Khosrow, the formidable ruler of the Sasanian Empire, didn’t just lead battles; he orchestrated them with the precision of a chess master.

His strategic acumen came to the forefront during the siege and subsequent capture of Antioch, one of the most significant cities of the Byzantine Empire at the time.

Setting the Stage for the Siege of Antioch

Antioch was not just any city. Located on the Orontes River, it was a jewel of the Byzantine Empire, a bustling metropolis known for its grandeur and as a hub of commerce and culture. The idea of capturing such a city was audacious, but Khosrow was not one to shy away from a challenge.

The Sasanian king kicked off his campaign with a well-planned series of maneuvers that caught the Byzantines off guard. His approach was not just about brute force; it was about making a statement. Khosrow wanted to showcase his empire’s might and his capability as a leader.

The Siege That Shook an Empire

When Khosrow’s troops laid siege to Antioch, it was more than just a military blockade. They encircled the city, cutting off all supply lines, and employed a variety of siege tactics that were advanced for the time. The Sasanians used siege towers and battering rams, but also psychological warfare, sowing fear among the city’s defenders.

Despite the city’s strong walls and determined defenders, the relentless siege tactics and the promise of no mercy should resistance continue led to a weakening of the city’s resolve. After a short, albeit intense siege, Antioch fell into Khosrow’s hands. It was a stunning victory that echoed across continents.

Antioch Aftermath

Khosrow’s capture of Antioch was not merely about expanding territory. After taking the city, Khosrow did something unusual: he relocated its population to a new city near his capital of Ctesiphon, which he named Weh Antiok Khosrow, meaning “Khasrow’s Better Antioch.”

This new settlement was a replica of Antioch, complete with similar architectural styles and city planning. This act was a clear message to both his allies and enemies about his power and capability to not just conquer but also to rebuild and repopulate.

Strategic Brilliance and Its Long-term Impact

The capture of Antioch had far-reaching effects. It significantly weakened Byzantine influence in the region and demonstrated the Sasanian capability to strike at the heart of a powerful empire.

The relocation of Antioch’s citizens was a masterstroke in cultural strategy, as it helped to assimilate different peoples into the Sasanian culture, fostering loyalty to Khosrow.

Moreover, this victory and the subsequent treatment of the captured city had long-lasting implications for Byzantine-Sasanian relations. It set the stage for further conflicts but also for periods of peace when mutual respect dictated diplomacy.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Khosrow I” — Wikipedia

WTF Fun Fact 13743 – Parachuting Beavers

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Nope – it’s not a juvenile joke – there really is a story about parachuting beavers. 76 of them, to be exact.

More than seven decades ago, Idaho found itself with a peculiar problem involving beavers too accustomed to urban life. These beavers, having become a nuisance in the growing residential areas, needed new homes. The solution? Parachute them into the wilderness. Yes, you read that correctly: parachuting beavers.

Elmo Heter: The Man with the Plan

Elmo Heter, an officer with Idaho Fish and Game, faced the challenge of relocating beavers from populated areas like McCall, near Payette Lake, to the remote Chamberlain Basin. His ingenious plan involved some old parachutes left over from World War II and a healthy dose of innovation.

Heter knew that transporting beavers by land was fraught with challenges. Horses and mules tended to get spooked by the critters, and driving them through rugged terrain was costly and complex. So, he looked to the skies for an answer.

Dropping Beavers by Plane

Heter devised a method using surplus military parachutes to air-drop beavers into their new wilderness homes. The first task was creating a safe container for the beavers. Initial attempts with woven willow boxes were scrapped when it became apparent that the beavers might chew their way out mid-flight or cause havoc on the plane.

Thus, Heter designed a wooden box that would open upon impact with the ground. To test this innovative container, he chose a plucky male beaver named Geronimo as his first test pilot. Geronimo endured multiple drops to ensure the safety and efficacy of this method.

The Pioneer Parachuting Beaver

Heter dropped Geronimo repeatedly to test the resilience of the box and the beaver’s tolerance. Remarkably, Geronimo adapted well to his role. After numerous trials, he seemed almost eager to get back into his box for another drop. Heter’s plan was proving viable, and soon, it was time to scale up.

Geronimo’s final test flight included a one-way ticket to the Chamberlain Basin, where he joined three female beavers, establishing a new colony in what would become a thriving ecosystem. This land is now part of the protected Frank Church Wilderness.

The Legacy of the Parachuting Beavers

In total, 76 beavers were air-dropped into the wilderness. All but one survived the journey, and they quickly set about doing what beavers do best: building dams and creating habitats that benefit the entire ecosystem. This area is now part of the largest protected roadless forest in the lower 48 states.

The operation, initially seen as a quirky solution, turned out to be a remarkable success, showing that sometimes unconventional problems require unconventional solutions. The savings in manpower and reduction in beaver mortality proved that sometimes, the sky really is the limit.

Why You Won’t See Parachuting Beavers Today

Despite its success, the days of parachuting beavers have passed. Nowadays, the approach to problematic beavers is more about coexistence and less about relocation. The pioneering days of the 1940s, when men like Elmo Heter looked to parachutes to solve ecological challenges, are long gone. Yet, the descendants of those aerial adventurers likely still live on in the Frank Church Wilderness, a testament to one of the most unusual wildlife management efforts ever undertaken.

So, next time you spot a beaver in Idaho, remember that it might just be the descendant of a brave pioneer who once took an unexpected flight into history.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Parachuting beavers into Idaho’s wilderness? Yes, it really happened” — Boise State Public Radio

WTF Fun Fact 13742 – Humming While Holding Your Nose

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Ever tried humming while holding your nose? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work, and here’s why.

The Mechanics of Humming While Holding Your Nose

Humming involves sound produced by vocal fold vibrations in your throat. Normally, when you hum, the sound exits through your nose. Yes, your nose is more than just a place to hang glasses or catch a cold; it’s a vital part of your vocal instrument.

When you hum, your mouth stays closed, so the only exit route for the air is through your nasal passages. This airflow through the nose helps to amplify and modify the sound, creating that familiar humming tone.

What Happens When Try Humming While Holding Your Nose

So, what goes down when you clamp shut your nostrils? Simply put, you block the only air escape route. When your nose is pinched shut, the air that vibrates in your vocal cords can’t escape your body easily. This disruption stops the sound from developing into a hum.

Trying to hum with your nose closed might make you feel a bit silly as you realize no sound comes out. Instead, you might just hear a muffled, nasal sound or nothing at all. It turns out that your body can’t outsmart the basics of sound physics, no matter how hard you try.

A Dive into the Science of Sound

Humming is a demonstration of sound waves being carried through air. When these waves have a clear path to travel, you hear the hum loud and clear. Block that path, and the sound waves get stifled. This is basic physics in action, showing how sound transmission needs a medium (like air) to travel effectively.

When you hold your nose and attempt to hum, you’re essentially trapping the sound waves in your head. Since they can’t escape or be properly projected, the humming just doesn’t happen.

Fun Experiments and Party Tricks

Next time you’re at a party and run out of small talk, why not pull out the “try to hum with your nose pinched” challenge? It’s a fun, quirky trick that can break the ice and spark a conversation about the weird and wonderful ways our bodies work.

Humming with your nose pinched is one of those things that sounds like it might be possible until you actually try it. It’s a neat demonstration of how interconnected our bodily functions are—even something as simple as humming involves multiple parts of our respiratory and vocal systems.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “WHY IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO HUM WHEN HOLDING YOUR NOSE” — Grunge

WTF Fun Fact 13741 – It’s Official: Tacos are Sandwiches

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An Indiana judge has recently decreed that tacos are sandwiches. And so are burritos. Well, at least they’re “Mexican-style sandwiches.”

This quirky ruling has effectively seasoned the path for a new culinary venture in Fort Wayne, Indiana, sparking both chuckles and relief in the local food scene.

The Case That Stirred the Pot

The story begins with Martin Quintana, a 53-year-old restaurateur eager to open his second location of The Famous Taco. Positioned about 120 miles northeast of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne seemed ripe for a new eatery. However, Quintana’s journey took a detour into the legal world due to a rather specific zoning issue.

His property, slated for development, was restricted by a prior agreement to house only a “sandwich bar-style restaurant” specializing in “made-to-order” or “subway-style” sandwiches. When Quintana proposed his taco and burrito-focused menu, the nearby Covington Creek Association raised eyebrows, suggesting the concept didn’t sandwich into the existing terms.

A Tasty Verdict that Tacos are Sandwiches

Undeterred, Quintana took his case to the Fort Wayne Plan Commission in December 2022, seeking an amendment to explicitly include his Mexican-style offerings under the umbrella of permissible business models. The Plan Commission declined, pushing Quintana to challenge the decision in court.

Enter Judge Craig Bobay of Allen Superior Court, who faced the task of untangling this culinary conundrum. In a decision that might make legal and gastronomic history, Judge Bobay ruled that the Plan Commission was correct in denying the amendment—not because Quintana’s proposal was out of line, but because it was unnecessary. The judge found that tacos and burritos, in their essence, could be considered sandwiches. This interpretation opened the door (or perhaps the serving window) for The Famous Taco to proceed under the original agreement.

A Ruling with Relish

This verdict brings more than just another dining option to Fort Wayne; it highlights the often humorous intersection of law and everyday life. Judge Bobay’s ruling cuts through formalities to embrace a broader, more inclusive definition of what we can serve under a “sandwich bar-style” label.

The decision has been a win not just for Quintana, who can now expand his taco empire, but also for lovers of Mexican cuisine who might appreciate the judicial nod to the versatility of their favorite dishes. It seems that in Indiana, at least, the spirit of the law can accommodate a generous helping of culinary creativity.

What’s Next Now that Tacos are Sandwiches?

With legal hurdles cleared, Quintana is set to spice up Fort Wayne’s food scene. The new location of The Famous Taco promises a menu that blends traditional Mexican flavors with the convenience of a sandwich bar setup. Residents and visitors can look forward to crafting their Mexican-style “sandwiches” with a variety of fresh, made-to-order ingredients.

This case may also set a precedent for how we categorize food businesses, not just in Indiana but potentially elsewhere. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, innovation in business can come down to how broadly one interprets a term—or in this case, a menu item.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Indiana judge opens door for new eatery, finding `tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches’” — AP News

WTF Fun Fact 13740 – The Vatican Regulates the Divine

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The Vatican introduced a new set of guidelines aimed at scrutinizing claims of supernatural phenomena more rigorously. From weeping statues to miraculous healings, the Catholic Church is setting the bar high for what passes as a divine occurrence.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, responsible for promoting and safeguarding doctrine, has crafted these rules. They replace the older guidelines from 1978, marking a significant update in how the Church handles these mysterious claims.

A Call for Rigor and Rationality at the Vatican

At a media briefing last Friday, the Vatican made its stance clear: supernatural claims must undergo a thorough investigation to prevent fraud and exploitation. The Church aims to protect its credibility and unity, steering clear of scandals that could tarnish its image.

In an era where viral news can spread falsehoods in an instant, the guidelines stress the importance of careful validation. Reports of supernatural events have surged, propelled by the rapid spread of information online. The new protocol includes issuing a “nihil obstat,” meaning “no obstacle,” for unverified but harmless claims, allowing worship without formal recognition of the supernatural.

The Vatican’s Verdicts

Under the updated rules, bishops can make one of six decisions regarding supernatural claims. These range from outright rejection to prohibiting the worship associated with certain phenomena. To ensure consistency, bishops must seek approval from the Vatican before going public with any supernatural endorsements, with the Pope stepping in for exceptional cases.

This rigorous approach is not about stifling faith but about safeguarding it from the distortions of modern myth-making. The Vatican recognizes the powerful draw of pilgrimage sites, like Lourdes in France and Fatima in Portugal, where millions visit annually, drawn by tales of Marian apparitions and miracles recognized by the Church decades ago.

The Challenge of Modern Miracles

Not all supernatural claims make the cut. Take the 2016 incident in Italy, where a woman claimed regular visions of Jesus and Mary. It took eight years for the Church to investigate and dismiss the claims, which included contentious messages on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. This case underscores the challenges the Church faces in distinguishing genuine spiritual phenomena from well-crafted hoaxes.

The new guidelines aim to streamline this process, ensuring that any claim of a heavenly apparition or miraculous event receives the scrutiny it deserves before being accepted or rejected.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Vatican tightens rules on supernatural phenomena” — BBC News

WTF Fun Fact 13739 – Course des Cafés

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In March 2024, over 200 waiters and waitresses took part in the “Course des Cafés,” a peculiar race that tests the speed and poise of Paris’s finest servers. This event, a revival of a century-old tradition, unfolded over a 1.2-mile loop around City Hall.

They were clad in crisp white shirts, black trousers, and neatly tied aprons. The participants balanced a croissant, a full water glass, and an empty coffee cup on their trays. Their challenge? They had to speed-walk to the finish without running, spilling anything, or using both hands on the tray.

Balance, Speed, and the Course des Cafés

The objective of the race was clear: cross the finish line as quickly as possible while keeping the tray’s contents intact. Judges were strict, docking points for any spillage or mishandling of the tray. Despite the constraints, most competitors completed the course in under 20 minutes. The fastest times recorded were just over 13 minutes.

The winners were Samy Lamrous and Pauline Van Wymeersch. They claimed medals, a night in a luxury hotel, and tickets to the upcoming Olympic opening ceremony. Van Wymeersch, with 18 years in the service industry, expressed her deep connection to the profession despite the sacrifices it entails.

A Tribute to Parisian Café Culture

The “Course des Cafés” isn’t just about the spectacle. It’s a celebration of the deep-rooted café culture in Paris, where the modern restaurant concept originated. According to Maryann Tebben, a French food culture expert, this race underscores the pride that French servers take in their craft. Many spend decades perfecting their skills at the same establishments, embodying a tradition of excellence in service.

The café waiter has been a fixture in Paris since the 17th century. This race highlights their enduring role in the city’s vibrant social scene. The original race dates back to 1914. It was similarly celebrated, with participants showcasing their agility and finesse to the cheers of onlookers.

Revival of a Tradition in a Modern Metropolis

This year’s race comes at a pivotal time, as Paris prepares to host the “greenest” Olympic Games in history. The return of the “Course des Cafés” aligns with broader environmental goals, including initiatives to reduce plastic waste in the city. Eau de Paris, the event’s sponsor, has invested in sustainable practices, providing all race materials and promoting the use of tap water over single-use plastic bottles.

The race’s revival, after a 13-year hiatus due to budget constraints, is more than just a nod to the past. It’s a strategic move to rejuvenate Paris’s café spirit and showcase French innovation and hospitality ahead of the global spotlight the Olympics will bring.

—WTF fun facts

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