Science

WTF Fun Fact 13336 – Oceans with More Plastic Than Fish

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

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

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 13333 – Dead Bird Drones

In a somewhat morbid turn of events, scientists are reportedly making dead bird drones. Researchers at the University of New Mexico are using taxidermy techniques to preserve dead birds in order to outfit them with drone components, such as motors, propellers, and sensors.

Why dead bird drones?

Drones have long been modeled on birds and their flight mechanics. In this sense, it’s no surprise that engineers would try to improve drone design using birds so their machines can navigate through difficult terrain and adapt to changing conditions with ease. But the zombie bird thing gives us pause.

However, the project is still in its early stages. the researchers are experimenting with different types of birds to see which ones make the best drones. So far, they have tested the concept using quails and doves.

They’ve found that bird drones can fly and maneuver in ways that traditional drones cannot. For example, bird drones are able to fly close to the ground and through narrow gaps. This could eventually be useful for tasks such as search and rescue or inspecting infrastructure.

Isn’t this morbid?

While the concept of turning dead birds into drones may seem macabre, the researchers behind the project believe that it could have important implications for the future of drone technology. For example, bird-like drones are more energy-efficient than traditional drones.

“If we learn how these birds manage … energy between themselves, we can apply (that) into the future aviation industry to save more energy and save more fuel,” said Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, a mechanical engineering professor who is leading the project at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro.

Bird drones can also be less obtrusive than traditional drones, which may be noisy and disruptive. Since they’re quieter, bird drones could even be used for wildlife monitoring or scientific research without disturbing the animals being studied.

Of course, there are still many challenges to overcome, including the ethical considerations of taking an animal (even a dead one) and turning it into a tool.

Right now, the taxidermied prototype the engineers have built can only fly for 20 minutes.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Scientists Turned Dead Birds Into Zombie Drones to Spy on Humans” — Popular Mechanics

WTF Fun Fact 13331 – The Midlife Slump

Some people tend to feel a sense of existential dread, sadness, or disappointment in life in their 40s or 50s. But this “midlife slump” is perfectly normal. Just don’t confuse it with the caricature of the midlife crisis where everyone runs out and buys red sports cars or has affairs.

Studying the midlife slump

According to research, people in “middle age” often experience a dip in happiness and life satisfaction between the ages of 40 and 50. One study even pinpointed the most miserable age – 47.2. Of course, that’s just an average, so don’t plan for it. The good news is this dip is usually temporary. In fact, after the slump is over, people tend to become happier as they age.

The midlife dip in happiness is caused by a combination of factors. The reality of an aging body, financial pressure, having to take care of both children and elders and the plain old realization that your life is half over (if you’re lucky). It seems to be all downhill from there.

Bouncing back

However, studies also find that people tend to rebound from the midlife slump with gusto. And they become happier as they age. In fact, one study found that people tend to be happiest in their 70s and 80s! Apparently, a sore body is no match for the satisfaction brought by wisdom. With age comes greater contentment and well-being!

So if you’re feeling a bit blue about hitting the big 4-0 or 5-0, take heart in the fact that the midlife slump is a normal part of the aging process. You can even make it a time for self-reflection and growth rather than drowning in your own misery. Some people use this time to make positive changes in their lives. You might start a new career, pursue a lifelong dream, take stock of your priorities, and begin to surround yourself with the people who matter.

Is a midlife crisis different?

The term “midlife crisis” was first coined in 1965 by psychologist Elliot Jaques. He used it to describe a period of self-doubt and reflection. But it only applied to his male patients. It wasn’t until many decades later that people realized women at this age were also struggling – they just deal with it differently and were more likely to seek help.

The classic “midlife crisis” isn’t a given. But it can be triggered by major life events that typically happen in one’s 40s or 50s. This can include the death of loved ones, divorces, job losses, and a general sense of unfulfillment. People find themselves asking “Is this it”? It’s a bit different from the midlife slump, which is a measure of happiness. And happiness is something internal.

Whatever kind of midlife rut you might find yourself in, take heart in the fact that it may be an opportunity for positive change.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Your happiness is more likely to hit rock bottom at age 47.2—but there’s an upside, says new research” — CNBC

WTF Fun Fact 13229 – Wild Spring Weather

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

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 13320 – The Fear of Other People’s Opinions

Allodoxaphobia is the name for fear of other people’s opinions. It’s a relatively uncommon phobia, but it can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. People with allodoxaphobia can experience intense anxiety and distress when confronted with opinions that differ from their own. They may also fear being asked to share their own opinions.

Fearing other people’s opinions

The word “Allodoxaphobia” comes from the Greek words “allo” (meaning “other”), “doxa” “meaning “opinion”), and “phobia” (meaning “fear”). Researchers typically associate this phobia with social anxiety rather than just rejecting other people’s opinions. In fact, it can have a significant negative impact on an individual’s personal and professional life (then again, so can rejecting other people’s opinions).

Symptoms of allodoxaphobia can vary widely and will depend on the severity of the phobia. Some allodoxaphobics have physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, and nausea. Others may have emotional symptoms like intense fear, panic, and avoidance of situations where opinions are likely to be expressed.

How does a person develop allodoxophobia?

The causes of allodoxaphobia are not fully understood. Like many phobias, it’s likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some researchers suggest that individuals with a history of anxiety or other mental health conditions may be more likely to develop allodoxaphobia.

Treatment for allodoxaphobia typically involves therapy. But in severe cases, anti-anxiety medication may be in order, especially for someone with a severe phobia that they are trying to overcome through exposure therapy.

Therapists often recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy and different types of psychotherapy along with lifestyle changes like relaxation techniques.

Are we afraid of opinions that don’t match our own?

This phobia is very rare. People who get upset by competing opinions are not necessarily phobic.

People who have irrational reactions to conflicting opinions aren’t necessarily allodoxaphobic. Rather, they may simply lack emotional maturity, the vocabulary to explain their opinion (which can lead to frustration, or be concerned that their opinion will reveal a lack of knowledge on the topic that would embarrass them. These are not the same things as a phobia, which is a medical diagnosis.

However, anger or fear towards the opinions of others can be addressed through self-help techniques or with the help of a qualified mental health professional if they interfere with a person’s life.

In some cases, allodoxaphobia appears to be related to a fear of change or a fear of being wrong. These people may also feel a strong need for certainty and control, which can make it difficult for them to accept differing opinions or beliefs.

While it is normal and healthy to have personal opinions and beliefs, it’s important to remember that everyone has the right to their own thoughts and feelings. By learning to be open-minded and respectful of differing opinions allodoxaphobic people can overcome their fear of other people’s opinions and lead more fulfilling lives. But it can help all of us cope with everyday life in the 21st century.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Allodoxaphobia (A complete guide)” — Optimist Minds

WTF Fun Fact 13319 – Solar Panel Production

As nations throughout the world work to decrease their carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy, solar panel production has increased significantly in recent years. China is one of the major players in the solar panel business thanks to its extensive production and inexpensive prices. Yet, the U.S. is making efforts to catch up and reclaim its position as a global leader in the manufacture of solar panels.

Dominance in solar panel production

China controls 80% of the global solar panel market and is now able to sell solar panels for far less than businesses in other nations. However, there has been increasing concern about China’s use of forced labor, particularly of the Uyghur population, in the production of their solar panels.

While it’s not clear how many solar panels produced in China use forced labor, given the scale of the industry and the reports of human rights abuses in the region, there have been calls for the solar industry to ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor and other human rights abuses.

U.S. attempts to corner the solar supply chain

The United States is gradually catching up to China’s solar industry thanks to rules and incentives put in place to encourage domestic production and consumer uptake. For example, the US Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL) has set aside money for the procurement of raw materials, manufacturing, and utility-level adoption.

Additionally, American businesses are funding emerging technologies that might transform the manufacturing of solar panels so it no longer needs to rely on China for raw materials, such as polysilicon. Thin-film solar panels, for instance, which are being tested by some businesses and could bring down the price of solar panels and increase consumer access to them.

In 2021, the United States installed over 20 gigawatts of solar capacity (bringing the total installed capacity to 142.3 gigawatts), which accounted for 50% of new electricity.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Solar Panels Made in USA vs China: What’s Better?” — Go Green Solar