fact

WTF Fun Fact 13338 – Monkey in the Mirror

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

The monkey in the mirror

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

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

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

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

Monkey see

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

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

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

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

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

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

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13337 – Light Pollution

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

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

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

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

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

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

A waste of energy

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

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

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

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

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

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Light pollution” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13335 – Fast Fashion Pollution

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

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

Fast fashion pollution

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

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

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

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

How to make it stop

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

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

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

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

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13333 – Dead Bird Drones

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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 13332 – The Cost of Cybercrime

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The global cost of cybercrime in 2022 was $8.44 TRILLION! That cost is only expected to rise, reaching $10.5 trillion by 2025. Studies predict that the costs will skyrocket because cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and more information than ever is stored online.

What is cybercrime?

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities like hacking, phishing, identity theft, and the spread of malware or viruses. Cybercriminals use these tactics to steal private data. That might be financial information, private company data, or personal data. The goal is typically either to profit or to cause physical or reputational damage to organizations and their networks (or all of these).

Cybercrime is a growing problem since more of our personal and professional lives happen online.

Why is the cost of cybercrime so high?

A major factor driving the rise of cybercrime is the increasing interconnectedness of devices and systems. This has created what’s called a larger “attack surface” for cybercriminals to exploit. Once they get into a system, they can move into different parts of a network and gain access to everything from customer information to intellectual property.

Another factor contributing to the rise of cybercrime is the growing use of cryptocurrencies. When criminals demand ransoms in crypto, it’s easier for them to launder and stay anonymous.

The cost of cybercrime is not just financial. Cyberattacks can also result in lost productivity and legal and regulatory costs.

Responding to the next-gen crime wave

To combat the growing threat of cybercrime, organizations continue to invest in security measures like firewalls, encryption, and employee training programs. That last piece of the puzzle may actually be the most important since a lot of cybercrime starts with one employee accidentally or intentionally giving up security credentials.

That’s because cybercriminals use social engineering tactics, like phishing emails, to trick employees into divulging sensitive information or clicking on links that install malware on their devices. If an employee isn’t trained in cybersecurity best practices, they’re far more likely to fall for these schemes. And the result is putting their organization’s data and systems at risk.

Employees also unintentionally compromise security through simple mistakes. These include seemingly innocent things like using weak passwords, leaving their devices unlocked or unattended, or failing to install security updates.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Cybercrime Expected To Skyrocket in Coming Years” — Statista

WTF Fun Fact 13331 – The Midlife Slump

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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 13330 – Kamikatsu Recycling

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

How did the strict Kamikatsu recycling program begin?

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

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

Some of the categories include:

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

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

What are the challenges of this type of program?

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

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

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

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

Meeting goals

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

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

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

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

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13229 – Wild Spring Weather

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

Why is spring weather so wild?

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

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

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

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

Here comes the sun

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

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

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

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

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13328 – Juice Jacking

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Have you ever been out and about, only to find that your smartphone’s battery is running dangerously low? You might have felt relieved to spot a public USB charging station, ready to juice up your device. But did you know that these seemingly innocent charging points could put your personal data at risk? Juice jacking is a cyberattack that uses public charging stations to steal data and install malware on devices. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about this growing threat, which you can read more about in this Snopes article.

What is juice jacking?

Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where criminals modify public USB charging stations, allowing them to access and steal data from devices that are connected to these stations. The attackers can also install malware on your device, which could allow them to remotely control your phone or access your sensitive information.

USB charging ports carry both power and data. When you plug your device into a charging port, you may unknowingly create a connection that allows for the transfer of data. Cybercriminals exploit this connection by installing hardware or software in the charging port that can intercept the data transfer between your device and the charger. This could include personal information such as photos, passwords, or banking information.

The risks associated with juice jacking

The risks associated with juice jacking can be severe, especially if your device contains sensitive information. Some potential consequences of a juice jacking attack include:

  1. Identity Theft: Cybercriminals may steal personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, or banking details. This data can be used to open accounts in your name or commit other fraudulent activities.
  2. Financial Loss: If your banking or credit card information is compromised, criminals can make unauthorized transactions, emptying your accounts or racking up charges on your credit cards.
  3. Data Loss: Attackers can wipe your device, resulting in the loss of important data such as contacts, messages, and photos.
  4. Malware Infection: Malware installed on your device during a juice jacking attack could give criminals remote access to your device, allowing them to track your movements, eavesdrop on your conversations, or access sensitive information.

How to protect yourself

To reduce the risk of falling victim to a juice jacking attack, consider the following safety tips:

  1. Carry a Portable Charger: Invest in a portable charger or power bank that you can carry with you, ensuring that you always have a reliable and safe source of power for your device.
  2. Use AC Power Outlets: When possible, opt for traditional AC power outlets instead of USB charging stations. By using your own charger, you minimize the risk of connecting your device to a compromised port.
  3. Use a USB Data Blocker: Also known as a “USB condom,” a data blocker is a small device that you can plug into a USB port before connecting your charging cable. It allows power to pass through while blocking data transfer, protecting your device from potential attacks.
  4. Keep Your Devices Updated: Regularly update your devices with the latest security patches and software updates to minimize the risk of malware infections.

While public USB charging stations can be a convenient solution when your device is running low on power, they may also pose a significant risk to your personal data. By being aware of the threat of juice jacking and following the tips outlined above, you can protect yourself and your devices from this growing cybersecurity menace.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How Serious Is the Security Threat of ‘Juice-Jacking’?” — Snopes