fact of the day

WTF Fun Fact 13679 – Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

by

There’s a way of turning peanut butter into diamonds. Yep – your go-to sandwich spread can actually be turned into one of the most coveted gemstones on Earth.

So, why isn’t everyone making diamonds in their kitchen?

The Science of Sparkle

At the heart of this astonishing fact is the basic science of how diamonds are formed. Diamonds are made of carbon, arranged in a crystal structure under extreme heat and pressure. This process typically occurs naturally over billions of years, deep within the Earth’s mantle. This is where conditions are just right for carbon atoms to bond in a way that creates diamonds.

Peanut butter, believe it or not, is also rich in carbon. When subjected to intense pressures and temperatures similar to those found deep within the Earth, the carbon within peanut butter can theoretically rearrange into diamond structures. Scientists achieve this through a process called high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis. This uses specialized equipment to mimic the extreme conditions necessary for diamond formation.

Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

Before you start eyeing your jar of peanut butter as a potential gold mine, it’s crucial to understand that creating diamonds from peanut butter is not a simple or efficient process. The transformation requires sophisticated machinery capable of generating pressures over a million times the atmospheric pressure at Earth’s surface, along with temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius (about 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit).

The process starts by placing a source of carbon—in this case, peanut butter—into the core of a press designed specifically for HPHT synthesis. The peanut butter is then subjected to these extreme conditions, where the carbon atoms begin to break down and reassemble into the crystalline structure of a diamond.

Why Peanut Butter?

You might wonder, with many sources of carbon available, why choose peanut butter? The answer lies partly in the novelty and the proof of concept. Scientists have experimented with various carbon sources. They’ve tried to demonstrate the versatility of the HPHT process and its ability to create diamonds from unexpected materials.

Peanut butter, as a common household item rich in carbon, is just one fascinating example. It’s amazing how ordinary elements can be transformed into extraordinary substances under the right conditions.

Moreover, the process highlights the fundamental principle that diamonds are, at their core, just a form of carbon. Whether derived from the depths of the Earth, a lab, or a jar of peanut butter, the end product is a testament to the remarkable adaptability and transformational capabilities of carbon atoms.

Good Luck Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

Turning peanut butter into diamonds is more of a scientific curiosity than a practical diamond-producing method. It does offer a glimpse into the future possibilities of synthetic diamond production. As technology advances, the ability to create diamonds from various carbon sources could have implications for industries ranging from jewelry to manufacturing to technology.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Geophysicists Are Turning Peanut Butter Into Diamond Gemstones” — Popular Science

WTF Fun Fact 13678 – Hippos Make Their Own Sunscreen

by

Hippos make their own sunscreen. And it’s all natural!

Sunny Hippos

Hippos spend a significant amount of time submerged in water to keep cool under the hot African sun. However, they can’t stay underwater forever. When they emerge, they’re exposed to the same UV radiation that has us humans slathering on sunscreen. But nature has equipped hippos with a remarkable solution.

Hippos secrete a reddish fluid from their skin, often referred to as “blood sweat.” But don’t be alarmed; it’s neither blood nor sweat. This secretion is unique to hippos and serves multiple purposes, including acting as a potent sunscreen. This natural sunscreen is crucial for their survival, protecting their sensitive skin from sunburn and possibly even skin infections.

The Science of “Blood Sweat”

What makes this “blood sweat” so special? It’s a combination of two distinct pigments: one red (hipposudoric acid) and one orange (norhipposudoric acid). These pigments absorb ultraviolet light, preventing damaging rays from penetrating the hippo’s skin. Moreover, this secretion is both antibacterial and antifungal, providing an all-around protective barrier for the hippo’s skin.

Researchers have studied these pigments, hoping to unlock their secrets for potential applications in human sunscreens. The idea of a sunscreen that not only protects from UV radiation but also offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits is certainly appealing.

How Hippos Make their Own Sunscreen

The hippo’s “blood sweat” isn’t just about sun protection. This secretion also helps to regulate their body temperature. As the liquid evaporates, it cools the skin, much like sweating does for humans. This is vital for an animal that spends time in both the scorching heat and the water.

This multifaceted secretion underscores the complexity of nature’s adaptations. Hippos, with their massive size and seemingly leisurely lifestyle, might not strike us as the pinnacle of evolutionary innovation. Yet, they carry within them a biochemical marvel that scientists are only beginning to understand fully.

In wrapping up this exploration into the hippo’s sunscreen, it’s clear that nature often holds the most sophisticated solutions to life’s challenges. The hippo’s ability to produce its sunscreen is a testament to the ingenuity of evolutionary adaptations, providing protection against the sun, bacterial and fungal infections, and helping regulate body temperature.

This unique adaptation not only highlights the importance of sun protection across the animal kingdom but also opens doors for scientific research. The potential applications of mimicking or harnessing the properties of the hippo’s “blood sweat” could revolutionize how we approach sunscreen and skin protection in the future.

In essence, the hippopotamus, with its hefty frame and aquatic lifestyle, is a walking, basking example of nature’s ability to find creative solutions for survival. So, the next time you reach for your bottle of sunscreen, spare a thought for the hippos, who have been basking under the African sun with their own built-in UV protection for millennia.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How Do Some Animals Make Their Own Sunscreen?” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13676 – We Can’t Burp in Space

by

People can’t burp in space.

Now, you might wonder, why on Earth (or rather, off Earth) can’t astronauts do something as simple as burping? It boils down to gravity, or the lack thereof.

Why We Can’t Burp in Space

Here on Earth, gravity does a lot of work for us without us even noticing. When you eat or drink, gravity helps separate the liquid and gas in your stomach. The solids and liquids stay at the bottom, while the gas, being lighter, floats to the top. When there’s enough gas, your body naturally expels it as a burp. Simple, right?

But, take gravity out of the equation, and things get a bit more complicated. In space, there’s no up or down like here on Earth. This means that in an astronaut’s stomach, gas doesn’t rise above the liquid and solid. Instead, everything floats around in a mixed-up blob.

If an astronaut tries to burp, they’re not just going to expel the gas. No, they might bring up some of the liquid and solid matter too. Not exactly pleasant, and definitely something you’d want to avoid.

NASA Burp Training

NASA, being aware of this, actually trains astronauts on how to eat and drink in a way that minimizes the chances of needing to burp. They choose foods that are less likely to produce gas. Also, space food is designed to reduce crumbs and loose particles, which can be a nuisance in microgravity. Even with these precautions, though, the human body can still produce gas, thanks to the digestion process.

So, what happens to all that gas if it can’t come out as a burp? Well, it has to go somewhere. The body adapts in interesting ways. The gas might get absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the lungs. Or it might travel through the digestive tract and leave the body as flatulence. Yes, astronauts can still fart in space, which, without gravity to direct the flow, might be a bit more… interesting.

This isn’t just a quirky fact about space travel; it has real implications for astronaut health and comfort. Gas build-up can cause discomfort, bloating, and even pain. In the confined, zero-gravity environment of a spacecraft, managing these bodily functions becomes crucial for maintaining the well-being and harmony of the crew.

Bodies in Space

It’s funny to think about, but this no-burp scenario highlights a broader point about space travel. Living in space requires us to relearn and adapt basic bodily functions. Everything from sleeping to eating to going to the bathroom is different up there. Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for these challenges, learning how to live in a world without gravity’s guiding hand.

In the grand scheme of things, the inability to burp is just one small part of the vast array of adjustments humans must make to thrive in space. It serves as a reminder of how finely tuned our bodies are to life on Earth, and how much we take for granted the invisible forces that shape our everyday experiences.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Ask an Explainer” — Smithsonian Institution

WTF Fun Fact 13675 – Boeing’s In-Flight Wifi Test

by

When Boeing set out to improve in-flight WiFi, they needed a solution to simulate how human passengers would affect signal strength and distribution. Enter the humble potato.

Yes, you read that correctly. Boeing used sacks of potatoes as stand-ins for passengers. This innovative approach, dubbed “Project SPUDS” (Synthetic Personnel Using Dielectric Substitution), played a crucial role in enhancing wireless connectivity on aircraft.

Boeing’s Use of Potatoes as Human Substitutes

So, why potatoes? The reason is scientific. Potatoes, due to their water content and chemical makeup, absorb and reflect radio and wireless signals similarly to the human body. This makes them ideal subjects for testing the in-flight wireless network, as engineers sought to ensure strong and consistent WiFi signals across all seats.

Boeing filled airplane seats with sacks of potatoes to mimic a fully booked flight. This setup allowed them to measure the WiFi signals’ behavior accurately. Engineers could then adjust the placement of WiFi transmitters and receivers in the cabin to optimize signal strength and distribution, ensuring passengers could enjoy stable and fast internet access.

From Spuds to Solutions

The use of potatoes went beyond mere convenience. It offered a cost-effective and efficient method to test and refine in-flight WiFi systems. Traditional methods of using human volunteers for such tests were not only time-consuming but also less reliable due to the variability in human behavior and positioning. Potatoes, on the other hand, provided a consistent and controlled environment for testing.

Project SPUDS showcased how thinking outside the box—or the sack, in this case—can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems. Boeing’s engineers demonstrated that sometimes, the most unconventional tools can offer the best answers.

Impacts on In-Flight WiFi

The research and adjustments made possible by Project SPUDS significantly improved the quality of in-flight WiFi services. Passengers now enjoy better connectivity, with fewer dead zones and stronger signals throughout the cabin. This improvement enhances the overall travel experience, allowing pa

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Boeing engineers use spuds to improve in-air Wi-Fi” — Phys.org

WTF Fun Fact 13674 – Sloth Facts

by

Everybody loves weird animal facts, but we were surprised at how much fun we had learning about these sloth facts.

Sloths, those slow-moving creatures often seen hanging from the trees of Central and South America, captivate many with their laid-back lifestyle and seemingly permanent smiles. But there’s more to these creatures than meets the eye.

Masters of the Slow Lane

First and foremost, sloths are known for their exceptionally slow movement. This deliberate pace is not just a quirk; it’s a survival strategy. By moving slowly, sloths become difficult to detect by predators such as eagles and jaguars. Their slow metabolism, suited to digesting leaves with low nutritional value, necessitates this leisurely pace.

One cool sloth fact: A sloth can take up to a month to digest a single meal!

Aquatic Sloth Facts

One of the most surprising sloth facts is their proficiency in water. Despite their arboreal lifestyle, sloths are excellent swimmers. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 40 minutes, an ability that surpasses that of many aquatic animals.

This skill is facilitated by their ability to slow their heart rates, conserving oxygen while submerged. Swimming is also the only time sloths move swiftly, using their long arms to propel themselves through water.

Furry Sloth Facts

Sloth fur is a mini-ecosystem. The greenish tint of their coats comes from algae that grow in their fur. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties: the algae gain a place to live, and the sloths receive camouflage, blending in with the greenery of the forest.

Furthermore, the fur hosts a variety of insects and microorganisms, some of which are found nowhere else.

Sky-High Bathroom Breaks

Sloths descend from their tree-top homes about once a week to relieve themselves on the forest floor. This behavior puzzles scientists since it puts the sloth at risk of predation. One theory suggests this ritual helps maintain the ecosystem in their fur, fertilizing the algae they host. Another idea is that it aids in reproduction, allowing sloths to leave their scent on the ground for potential mates.

Built-in Umbrella

Sloths have adapted to their rainy environment in remarkable ways. Their fur grows in the opposite direction of most mammals, from their stomach to their back. This unique growth pattern allows water to run off more efficiently during rainstorms, essentially providing a built-in umbrella. This adaptation ensures sloths stay as dry as possible in their damp forest habitats.

Solitary Sloth Facts

Sloths are solitary creatures. They spend the majority of their lives alone, coming together only to mate. Even then, interactions are brief. Their solitary nature is reflected in their territorial behavior, with individual sloths having their own preferred trees and branches. Despite their isolation, sloths are not completely antisocial. Mothers are nurturing, caring for their young for months, teaching them which leaves are best to eat and how to navigate the treetops.

Night Owls of the Forest

Contrary to what one might expect, sloths are not always sleeping. Though they can sleep up to 20 hours a day, sloths are primarily nocturnal and become more active at night.

During the day, they rest in the safety of the treetops, conserving energy for their nightly activities. This nocturnal lifestyle helps sloths avoid diurnal predators and find food with less competition.

Pretty cool, right? Who knew?!

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A Sloth Can Hold Its Breath for 40 Minutes Underwater — and 6 Other Facts For International Sloth Day” — Travel + Leisure

WTF Fun Fact 13673 – Clouds Are Heavy

by

Did you know that clouds are heavy?

Yep, those fluffy, floating fixtures in the sky, hold a heavy secret. It’s a surprising fact that the seemingly weightless clouds drifting above us actually carry an immense amount of water, making them far heavier than they appear.

How Heavy Are Clouds?

A single cumulus cloud, the type that looks like a giant cotton ball in the sky, can weigh as much as 1.1 million pounds. That’s equivalent to the weight of about 200 elephants. How can something so heavy float? The answer lies in the density and distribution of the cloud’s water droplets or ice crystals and the air surrounding them.

Clouds form when water vapor rises into the air and cools, condensing into tiny droplets or ice crystals. Despite their mass, clouds float because these water droplets are spread over a vast area and are less dense than dry air. When you look up at a cloud, you see millions of these tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere.

The Science Behind Why Clouds Are Heavy

The atmosphere is a fluid, and like all fluids, it supports objects less dense than itself. Cloud droplets are tiny, about a hundredth of a millimeter in diameter, allowing them to be kept aloft by rising air currents until they combine with other droplets to form larger ones and eventually fall as precipitation. This process is a fundamental aspect of the water cycle, redistributing water from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back again.

Clouds and Climate

Clouds play a crucial role in the earth’s climate system. They reflect sunlight, helping to cool the earth’s surface, and they trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The balance between these two roles depends on the type, altitude, and thickness of the clouds.

Understanding the weight and composition of clouds is crucial for climate scientists. It helps them model the earth’s climate system and predict changes in weather patterns. With climate change altering the atmosphere’s dynamics, scientists are studying clouds more intensively to understand their impact on global temperatures and weather anomalies.

The Weight of Water

To grasp the true weight of clouds, consider the water cycle. Water evaporates from the earth’s surface, rises up, cools, and condenses into clouds. A cloud’s weight comes from this water content.

The amount of water in a typical cloud is enough to fill 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Yet, this water is so dispersed within the cloud that it doesn’t fall to the ground until it condenses into larger droplets.

A Perspective on Precipitation

When clouds become too heavy, that’s when precipitation occurs. The process of droplets merging to become heavy enough to overcome air resistance and fall to the ground can result in rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This transition from cloud to precipitation illustrates the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our atmosphere.

—WTF fun facts

Source: How Much Does a Cloud Weigh? — U.S. Geological Survey

WTF Fun Fact 13670 – Female Kangaroo Fights with Officer

by

In a bizarre turn of events, a female kangaroo recently found herself the protagonist of an unexpected adventure in Ontario, Canada.

Born in captivity and accustomed to a life far from the Australian outback, this marsupial made a daring escape during transportation to a new home. She set off a series of events that would leave the local community and police force both baffled and amused.

Kangaroo on the Run

One Thursday evening at the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm, during a routine rest stop, the kangaroo seized an opportunity. She hopped over her handlers, darting into the wild unknown of Oshawa, a town located about 37 miles east of Toronto.

The news of a kangaroo on the loose quickly spread, capturing the attention of residents and media alike. Videos of the marsupial sprinting along roads surfaced on social media, painting an almost surreal picture against the Canadian backdrop.

Female Kangaroo vs Police Officer

The search for the runaway kangaroo continued into the early hours of Monday. Finally, the officers on patrol spotted her on a rural property. With guidance from the kangaroo’s handlers, the police attempted a capture by grabbing her tail, a technique advised for handling such animals. However, the kangaroo was not ready to surrender her newfound freedom without a fight.

In a surprising act of defiance, she punched one of the officers in the face, adding an unexpected twist to the already unusual situation. Staff Sergeant Chris Boileau remarked that this incident would undoubtedly become a long-remembered story among the force.

Safe Return

Despite the scuffle, the kangaroo was safely captured and received medical treatment to address any potential stress or injuries. The Oshawa Zoo decided to provide her with a few days of rest, ensuring she was in good condition before arriving at the zoo in Quebec.

Kangaroos are naturally curious and energetic animals, traits that might have contributed to this particular individual’s decision to explore beyond her familiar surroundings. In their native habitat of Australia, kangaroos are known for their powerful hind legs. These allow them to leap great distances and reach impressive speeds.

These adaptations, while beneficial in the wild, can lead to unpredictable behavior when the animals are kept in captivity.

In the end, the kangaroo’s brief taste of freedom will go down as a peculiar tale in Canadian history. For the police officers involved, it was an encounter they are unlikely to forget!

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Escaped kangaroo captured after punching Canadian officer” — Reuters

WTF Fun Fact 13669 – Iceland’s Comedian Mayor

by

Have you ever heard of Iceland’s comedian mayor, Jón Gnarr? He had an unexpected and captivating rise to political power when he became the Mayor of Reykjavik, Iceland.

From Laughter to Leader

Jon Gnarr wasn’t your typical mayoral candidate. Before venturing into the volatile waves of politics, Gnarr was best known for his work as a comedian and actor. His satirical radio shows and television sketches were beloved in Iceland, making him a household name. But it was in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis that Gnarr found a new stage for his talents.

Iceland was hit hard by the financial meltdown, leading to widespread public distrust in the political establishment. Sensing the public’s yearning for change and perhaps a bit of levity during tough times, Gnarr founded the Best Party in 2009.

It was a satirical political party that started almost as a joke but quickly gained serious momentum.

Gnarr’s campaign was anything but ordinary. Promising a polar bear for the Reykjavik Zoo, free towels at public swimming pools, and a drug-free Parliament by 2020, his platform was a mix of the absurd and the appealing.

The Best Party’s campaign video, set to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best,” became a viral sensation, showcasing the party’s unique blend of humor and honesty.

What set Gnarr apart was not just his comedic background but his transparency and refusal to play by the unwritten rules of political campaigning. He openly admitted that some of his promises were not realistic. This honesty, oddly enough, resonated with a populace tired of the same old political rhetoric.

Becoming Iceland’s Comedian Mayor

To the shock of many, Jón Gnarr won the mayoral election in 2010. His victory was seen as a direct response to the public’s frustration with the traditional political class. But the big question loomed: Could a comedian effectively lead a city?

Gnarr’s tenure as mayor was as unconventional as his campaign. He often appeared at official events dressed in drag or as a Star Wars character, yet behind the humor was a serious commitment to change. He prioritized human rights, welfare, and culture, and while not all his policies were successful, he brought a fresh, more human face to Icelandic politics.

Challenges and Controversies

Leading a city was not all laughs for Gnarr. He faced criticism for his lack of political experience and some of his more unconventional approaches. Moreover, governing in coalition with the traditionally serious Independence Party posed its own set of challenges and compromises.

Yet, throughout his term, Gnarr maintained his unique style and approach, arguing that humor could be a powerful tool to address serious issues.

Jón Gnarr chose not to seek re-election after his term ended in 2014.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The joker: Jón Gnarr, the comedian who became mayor” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13663 – Dog Longevity Drug

by

For dog lovers, the prospect of a dog longevity drug sounds fantastic. Who doesn’t want their furry friends to live longer, healthier lives?

Recent developments from a San Francisco-based biotech company, Loyal, bring this dream closer to reality. They’ve announced an anti-aging drug for dogs that has cleared its first hurdle for FDA approval. This marks a pivotal moment in veterinary medicine, as it’s the first time the FDA has shown openness to endorsing longevity drugs for pets.

Dog Longevity Drug Holds Promise of Longer Lives for Man’s Best Friend

Loyal’s groundbreaking drug, LOY-001, targets a growth and metabolism hormone called IGF-1. This hormone, linked with size, appears in higher levels in larger dogs and lower in smaller ones. Studies on other species suggest inhibiting IGF-1 can increase lifespans. LOY-001 is aimed at healthy dogs over seven years old and weighing more than 40 pounds. Administered every three to six months by a vet, it holds the potential to slow down the aging process in dogs.

Parallel to this, Loyal is developing LOY-003, a daily pill form of the treatment. CEO Celine Halioua emphasizes that they’re not creating immortal dogs. The goal is to slow their rate of aging, thus maintaining a healthier state for a longer period.

As promising as these developments are, they raise significant ethical questions, particularly concerning the quality of extended life for these animals. Veterinarian Kate Creevy, involved in a similar trial for an anti-aging drug called rapamycin, stresses the importance of ensuring that any extended lifespan is accompanied by good health and quality of life.

Moreover, the human manipulation of dogs through selective breeding, which may have contributed to accelerated aging in larger breeds, underlines the ethical complexities in altering canine aging processes.

Trials and the Future of Canine Health

Loyal plans to start a large clinical trial for LOY-001 with around 1,000 large and giant dogs by either 2024 or 2025. The ultimate aim is to have a market-ready product by 2026. This trial not only represents a major step in veterinary medicine but also opens doors to understanding aging in more complex organisms like humans.

The success of Loyal’s drug could potentially revolutionize how we approach canine health and aging. It offers a glimpse into a future where our canine companions can enjoy longer, healthier lives alongside us. However, it’s crucial to balance this scientific advancement with ethical considerations to ensure the well-being of these beloved animals.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A New Drug That Could Extend Dogs’ Lives Inches Closer to Approval” — Smithsonian Magazine