facts

WTF Fun Fact 13576 – Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

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There’s a strange fact about Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet that most people don’t know.

In 1835, as Halley’s Comet graced the Earth’s skies, an event occurred that would link it forever with a literary legend. On November 30th of that year, Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born. This bright comet, which visits Earth roughly every 76 years, unknowingly set a cosmic appointment with Twain.

Halley’s Comet: A Brief Overview

Edmond Halley, an 18th-century astronomer, earned the honor of having this comet bear his name after he predicted its return in 1758. Ancient civilizations, from the Chinese to the Babylonians, had recorded their appearances for millennia. Its consistent visits have made it one of the most recognized celestial bodies in human history.

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet: A Remarkable Prediction

As Twain aged and learned of the comet’s appearance during his birth year, he made a statement that would echo in the annals of literary history. In 1909, he declared, “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it.” Whether he said it in jest or with genuine foresight, the world would soon find out.

Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910. On the previous day, Halley’s Comet had made its closest approach to Earth. The comet, consistent with its 76-year schedule, had kept its appointment. So had Twain, aligning his exit from this world with the celestial body’s visit.

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

The periodic appearance and retreat of Halley’s Comet mirrors the fleeting nature of human life. In the comet’s brief brilliance, we can perhaps see a metaphor for our own transient existence. Twain, a master of insight and wit, often explored mortality and the impermanence of life in his works. The comet served as a grand, celestial parallel to these themes.

Beyond the Stars: Twain’s Enduring Legacy

Twain’s stories and societal critiques have left an indelible mark on American literature. Titles like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” continue to challenge and entertain readers, highlighting issues such as racial inequality. While the comet’s timing added a layer of mystique to his narrative, Twain’s true impact lies in his enduring words.

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Source: “Halley’s Comet – The fascinating connection between Mark Twain and Davy Crockett” — Brian A. Crandall

WTF Fun Fact 13575 – Animals During a Solar Eclipse

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Eclipses are fascinating astronomical phenomena, in part because of the behavior of animals during a solar eclipse.

Understanding the Event

A total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, occurs in the same location only about once every 375 years. This rarity means that animals encounter the phenomenon only once in many generations, rendering each occurrence an unusual and potentially disruptive event for them.

Categories of Behavioral Responses of Animals During a Solar Eclipse

Based on numerous observations, animal reactions to solar eclipses can be broadly classified into four categories:

  1. Evening Behaviors: Animals adopt routines typically seen at dusk or nighttime.
  2. Apparent Anxiety: Behaviors indicating stress or fear in response to the sudden darkness.
  3. Novel Responses: Uncharacteristic behaviors not seen during normal or evening routines.
  4. No Observable Change: Some animals appear unaffected and continue their regular activities.

Observations from the Riverbanks Zoo

In a comprehensive study at Riverbanks Zoo, 17 different species, spanning mammals, birds, and reptiles, were observed during the 2017 solar eclipse. The findings were as follows:

  • A significant majority of animals, about 75%, showed behavioral changes in response to the eclipse.
  • Most of these animals (8 out of 13 that showed changes) began engaging in evening or nighttime routines. This aligns with historical observations where animals mistook the temporary darkness of an eclipse for the onset of night. Such behaviors include returning to nests, starting evening vocalizations, or becoming more active, especially for crepuscular or nocturnal species.
  • Anxiety was the next common response. For instance, baboons, gorillas, giraffes, flamingos, and lorikeets showed signs of stress.
  • Only reptiles, specifically the Galapagos tortoise and the Komodo dragon, displayed novel behaviors. These were marked by a surge in activities compared to their usually sedentary state.

Historical Accounts and Varied Responses of Animals to a Solar Eclipse

Historical records, though sporadic, offer intriguing glimpses into animal behavior during eclipses:

  • The 1932 New England eclipse saw diverse species, from insects to large mammals, exhibiting nighttime behaviors.
  • In contrast, some animals show signs of anxiety. For instance, during various eclipses, domestic dogs remained silent, horses exhibited restless behaviors, and several bird species stopped flying, staying quiet.
  • Primates have exhibited unique reactions. Rhesus macaques in India fragmented into smaller groups to sleep during an eclipse, while captive chimpanzees in Georgia during the 1984 eclipse climbed high structures, seemingly observing the sky during the entirety of the event.
  • However, not all animals respond noticeably. Some reports from eclipses in India and Zimbabwe observed several species, from rodents to lions, showing no perceptible change in behavior during the event.

A Spectrum of Reactions

The behavioral responses of animals during solar eclipses indeed span a spectrum, from pronounced to subtle or even non-existent.

The varied reactions underline the complexity of understanding animal behaviors in the face of rare environmental changes. While some patterns emerge, such as the onset of evening routines, many responses remain unpredictable.

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Source: “Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse” — Animals (journal)

WTF Fun Fact 13574 – Katalin Karikó

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Katalin Karikó’s journey to Nobel glory is one of resilience and steadfast dedication. A biochemist, Karikó had always been keen on exploring the therapeutic potentials of mRNA.

She obtained her PhD from Hungary’s esteemed Szeged University in 1982 and secured a tenure-track professor position at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. But her research into RNA faced numerous challenges.

Funding eluded her, and her experiments saw little success. The 1990s brought more trials. This included a cancer diagnosis, the choice to abandon her research or accept a demotion, and a pay cut. She chose the latter, demonstrating her unyielding commitment to mRNA’s potential.

Katalin Karikó”s Partnership with Weissman

1997 marked a turning point. Immunologist Drew Weissman joined the University of Pennsylvania and partnered with Karikó. His interest lay in developing an HIV vaccine. The goal was to prime immune responses with dendritic cells, known for training T cells against foreign antigens. Their collaboration led to the discovery that synthetic, unmodified mRNA provoked dendritic cells into activating inflammatory responses.

The duo’s realization that mammalian cell RNA was frequently chemically modified (while bacterial DNA and RNA often weren’t) changed the course of their research. Another significant insight was that toll-like receptors (TLRs) specifically detected DNA and RNA modifications to trigger inflammation. Their 2005 research paper unveiled that synthetic RNA activated several TLRs, causing inflammatory responses. But adding specific modifications to the synthetic mRNA’s bases curtailed these responses and even enhanced protein production.

mRNA Shaping Modern Vaccine Production

This groundbreaking work ushered in the era of mRNA therapeutics. It catalyzed the inception of Moderna and BioNTech, the companies that later formulated the lifesaving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A testament to Karikó and Weissman’s work is the modified base m1 Ψ, now integral to Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine production.

Recognition Overlooked Despite the promise and subsequent success of her research, Karikó’s contributions remained largely overshadowed. The scientific community’s initial apathy was evident: post their 2005 revelation, Karikó revealed a lack of interest from peers and major biopharma companies. By 2013, this disregard culminated in her departure from the University of Pennsylvania. Yet, adversity wasn’t new to her. Rather than be deterred, she associated with BioNTech, ascending from hands-on benchwork to senior vice presidency. In 2021, she returned to academia, serving at Szeged University and as adjunct faculty at UPenn. Meanwhile, Weissman continued at UPenn, helming the Penn Institute for RNA Innovations.

Katalin Karikó and Nobel Acclaim

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Karikó and Weissman celebrates their persistent, pioneering work on mRNA technology. This research directly paved the way for the creation of the frontrunner COVID-19 vaccines. It’s a fitting tribute to Karikó, who faced professional setbacks and health challenges, yet never deviated from her belief in mRNA’s potential. For her, the Nobel isn’t just an award—it’s validation of decades of unwavering commitment.

The story of Katalin Karikó story serves as an inspiring lesson on perseverance. Her Nobel win, alongside Drew Weissman, underscores the importance of dedication to scientific exploration, even in the face of skepticism and adversity. Their work expanded our understanding of mRNA and provided the foundation for life-saving vaccines during a global pandemic.

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

WTF Fun Fact 13573 – Blackbird Violin

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Have you heard of the Blackbird Violin? It’s quite a specimen!

This instrument is not crafted from traditional wood. The Blackbird Violin is made of stone. And it challenges preconceptions about what materials are suitable for creating musical instruments.

The Blackbird Violin: Transcending Material Boundaries

Violins, with their delicate curves and polished surfaces, have been honed by centuries of craftsmanship. The Blackbird, however, has rewritten the narrative.

The stone violin – made of black diabase – raises questions about tonal qualities and sound production. But also showcases the adaptability of human craftsmanship. A seemingly rigid and unyielding material has been transformed into a delicate instrument capable of producing beautiful melodies.

Crafting a violin from stone presents myriad challenges. The density and weight of stone are inherently different from wood. Traditional violins rely on the natural resonance of wood to amplify and project sound. Stone, being denser, doesn’t possess the same natural acoustics.

Yet, with meticulous design and precision, the creators of the Blackbird have found ways to ensure that it doesn’t just produce sound, but that its music can rival that of traditional wooden counterparts.

Resonance and Sound Quality: A Stone’s Tale

One might wonder, does the Blackbird produce a sound that is dramatically different from a wooden violin? The answer is multifaceted. Yes, the material does influence the sound quality, but not necessarily in a negative way. The stone, with its unique density and composition, offers a distinct sound profile

. Notes played on the Blackbird have a crispness and clarity that sets them apart. The tones are rich, and the sound can be hauntingly beautiful, offering a fresh acoustic experience for both the player and the listener.

The Origins of the Blackbird Violin

Also called the Black Stone Violin, its construction is based on drawings by Antonio Stradivari (Stradivarius). However, it has some special modifications that allow it to be played. The instrument was designed by the Swedish artist Lars Widenfalk and named “Blackbird” after the bird (and its coloring).

Beyond its sound, the Blackbird is a work of art. Its creator did not just aim to make a functional musical instrument; he sought to craft a masterpiece. The stone, with its natural patterns and textures, gives the violin a unique appearance.

This violin proves that even the most unconventional materials can be transformed into tools for artistry.

Does this mean that we’ll soon see orchestras filled with stone cellos, granite flutes, or marble pianos? Perhaps not immediately, but the Blackbird stands as a testament to human ingenuity, suggesting that the materials we’ve yet to consider might someday find their place in the concert hall.

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Source: “Blackbird” — Lars Widenfalk

WTF Fun Fact 13562 – FOMO a Reason For Having Children

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Societal norms and pressures to conform shape our decisions, including the reason for having children.

According to the Rutgers study, 7% of American parents express regret about having children. This sentiment is even more pronounced in European countries, with 8% in Germany and a startling 13.6% in Poland expressing the same regret. What’s behind these numbers? One primary driver seems to be FOMO.

Is FOMO a Reason For Having Children?

It’s human nature to measure one’s progress against peers, often leading to feelings of envy or the pursuit of societal acceptance. While these feelings typically dictate our consumer choices or lifestyle habits, the profound effect they might have on intimate decisions, like starting a family, has remained relatively unexplored until now.

The research from Rutgers reveals that a notable fraction of parents in the U.S. experience regret about their choice to have children. A significant factor behind these sentiments? The lurking presence of FOMO.

Deciphering Parenthood’s FOMO

Professor Kristina M. Scharp at Rutgers offers insights into the deeper motivations that underpin the choice of parenthood.

For many, societal standards exert considerable influence. In addition, there is a prevailing notion that embracing parenthood equates to unlocking unparalleled love and a sense of purpose.

Contrary to this widely-held belief, her study implies that the fear of being left out of a pivotal life journey might be the driving force for many, This can even overshadow genuine parental aspirations.

Gleaning Insights about the Reasons for Having Childrenfrom Online Conversations

To grasp the underlying sentiments more comprehensively, the researchers explored the discussions on the /r/childfree platform on Reddit. This digital space offers a haven for those who consciously choose to remain without children. So, by examining the discussions, the research team hoped to decode the multifaceted feelings and experiences surrounding the choice of parenthood.

Three distinct perspectives on parenting emerged from their examination: the idyllic view of parenting, the challenging and taxing nature of parenthood, and viewing parenthood as an inevitable path.

A previously uncharted factor weaving through these discussions was FOMO.

This revelation holds significant implications for how individuals approach family planning. Grasping these latent motivations can empower individuals to make decisions that resonate with their true values, rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

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Source: “Family planning and the fear of missing out” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13561 – Flamingos in Wisconsin

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A small group of flamingos in Wisconsin surprised residents and naturalists alike.

On the brink of autumn, they created quite a spectacle on the beaches of Lake Michigan in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Five flamingos were spotted taking a leisurely dip in the waters. It marked the first instance of wild American Flamingos ever seen in the state.

The Mystery of Flamingos in Wisconsin

So, how did these iconic tropical birds find their way to the heart of America’s Dairyland? The answer traces back to an extraordinary twist of nature.

Stanley Temple, a professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, describes the event as a “once in a lifetime occurrence” precipitated by a serendipitous combination of flamingo migration patterns and extreme weather.

Flamingos primarily breed near the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around the Yucatán Peninsula and western Cuba. As Temple explains, during their migration over the Yucatán strait, Hurricane Idalia made her presence felt.

The hurricane winds acted as a forceful usher, directing these birds northwards. Guided by the tailwinds, the flamingos journeyed across the Ohio Valley and ultimately to Lake Michigan.

A Disputed Sighting in Menasha

Amid the excitement, bird-spotters reported another sighting over the late September weekend of a flamingo near Menasha’s dam. However, this sighting awaits official confirmation.

Ryan Brady, a conservation biologist with the Wisconsin DNR, expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of this report. Although the individual who reported the sighting declined an interview, they allowed the use of the photograph they captured.

Brady highlighted that even if the sighting was genuine, the bird made only a fleeting appearance and hasn’t been spotted since.

What Lies Ahead for the Flamingos?

While the flamingo visitation is undeniably unique, it isn’t the only avian surprise for Wisconsin this year. Earlier in July, birdwatchers were treated to the sight of a roseate spoonbill at the Ken Euers Nature Area in Green Bay.

This particular bird, more commonly found in Florida, Texas, and South America, hadn’t graced Wisconsin with its presence for a staggering 178 years.

According to Brady, the unexpected visit by the roseate spoonbill is attributed to the growing population of spoonbills in Florida and their changing dispersal patterns.

The burning question remains: what’s next for these out-of-place flamingos? Brady offers some insight. He believes that as the temperatures begin to dip, these birds will likely trace their path back to their tropical habitats.

Contrary to popular belief, flamingos have a higher tolerance to cold than most assume. Brady reassures, “Even though they’re tropical birds, we shouldn’t have any immediate concerns over their ability to handle the weather.”

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Source: “Flamingo sighting reported in Menasha after birds drew crowds to Milwaukee area” — FOX 11 News

WTF Fun Fact 13560 – Overconfidence in Scientific Knowledge

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People’s overconfidence in their own scientific knowledge is usually a good sign that they don’t know much. In fact, the more negatively people view science, the more likely they are to be overestimating their scientific knowledge.

A study led by Cristina Fonseca of the Genetics Society and Laurence Hurst of the University of Bath, among other colleagues, recently looked at the intricacies of this phenomenon.

The Perception vs. Reality Gap in Scientific Knowledge

Ever met someone who confidently declared an opinion on a scientific subject only to find that their actual knowledge on the matter was limited? Why do people have varying attitudes towards well-evidenced science?

To unravel this complex relationship between attitude and self-perceived knowledge, over 2,000 UK adults were surveyed. The survey touched on their attitudes towards science and how they gauge their own understanding. Prior studies had indicated that those negative towards science had limited textbook knowledge but high self-belief in their comprehension. Building on this, the team investigated if this high self-belief was a common trait among all strong attitudes.

Focusing specifically on genetic science, the team posed attitudinal questions and queries about individuals’ self-rated understanding of terminologies like DNA. The findings were clear-cut: individuals at both extremes of the attitude spectrum—whether strongly in favor or against science—displayed high self-belief in their own comprehension. Conversely, those with a neutral stance were less confident in their grasp.

The Psychological Implications of Overconfidence

Psychologically, this is a logical pattern. To vehemently hold an opinion, one needs to be profoundly convinced of their understanding of the foundational facts. However, when delving deeper, a clear disparity emerges.

Those with strong negative sentiments, despite their self-belief, lacked extensive textbook knowledge. On the other hand, science proponents not only believed they understood the subject but also performed commendably in factual tests.

Rethinking Science Communication

Traditionally, improving scientific literacy focused on transferring knowledge from experts to the general public. Yet, this method might not always be effective and can sometimes even backfire. This study indicates a more fruitful approach might involve reconciling the gap between actual knowledge and self-perceived understanding.

Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith aptly points out the challenge in this: addressing misconceptions requires dismantling what individuals believe they know about science and instilling a more accurate comprehension.

This revelation implies a re-evaluation of strategies in science communication. Instead of just disseminating facts, there’s a pressing need to address individuals’ self-beliefs and bridge the gap between perception and reality. In doing so, a more informed and receptive audience for science can be fostered.

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Source: “It isn’t what you know, it’s what you think you know” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13559 – Fun Fact About Football Jersey Numbers

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Did you know that some players pick their football jersey numbers based on how slim the number itself might make them look?!

Numbers on a football jersey are more than just identifiers; they may influence our perception of a player’s physique. Recent research from UCLA delves into this intriguing aspect, suggesting that lower jersey numbers might make players appear slimmer.

The Tradition of Football Jersey Numbers

Traditionally, NFL mandated wide receivers to wear numbers between 80 and 89. However, a policy shift in 2004 offered players more flexibility in their choices. Fast forward to 2019, and a significant 80% of wide receivers favored numbers between 10 and 19. Why such a strong shift?

Ladan Shams, a celebrated professor at UCLA in psychology and neuroscience, spearheaded a study to understand this perceptual phenomenon. Published in the PLOS ONE journal, the research comprised two experiments. Observers consistently perceived players donning jerseys numbered 10-19 as slimmer than those in jerseys numbered 80-89, even when the players’ body sizes were identical.

Shams explained, “Numbers written on objects in our daily lives usually represent their magnitude. The higher the number, the bigger the object. Our brains detect and store these statistical associations, which can shape future perception.”

Addressing Skepticism

Considering potential criticisms, the research team conducted a second experiment. There might be a perception that the numeral 8, being wider than 1, could make players appear broader. To counteract this, they used number pairs like 17 and 71, 18 and 81, 19 and 91. The results? Players with higher numbers still appeared huskier, though the effect was slightly muted.

While these perceptions may not directly affect a player’s on-field performance, such biases have wider implications. These biases, often unnoticeable, influence judgments and decisions in everyday life. For instance, implicit biases, rooted in frequently associated negative qualities with a group, can dictate how individuals within that group are treated.

Shams emphasizes the power of representation, “We need to see all kinds of people doing a diverse range of activities. Harnessing the statistical learning ability of our brains can help counteract implicit bias.”

Football, often seen as just a sport, provides a mirror to deeper societal perceptions and biases. While the choice of a jersey number might seem trivial, it offers profound insights into human psychology and perception. As the saying goes, sometimes the details tell the broader story.

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Source: “Lower jersey numbers make football players look thinner” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13558 – Mental Imagery

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Teenagers are often vulnerable to spirals of negative thoughts, but new research suggests a possible solution: mental imagery.

The Study on Mental Imagery for Teens

Oregon State’s Hannah Lawrence, an assistant professor of psychology, spearheaded the study. The results indicated that shifting focus to mental imagery acts is a strong distractor. In fact, it’s more of a distraction than simple verbal thoughts for adolescents trapped in negative ruminations.

Lawrence’s insights shine a light on a significant issue. Drowning in past regrets not only deepens one’s sorrow but also makes emotional regulation a greater challenge.

Introducing brief diversions, especially in the form of mental imagery, offers a momentary break from these cyclic patterns. This could potentially facilitate a bridge to more extensive help through therapy, familial support, or friendships.

Experiment Procedure

Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the research aimed to contrast the impact of verbal thoughts and imagery-based thoughts on the general mood of adolescent participants.

The study encompassed 145 participants, aged 13 to 17, predominantly white, with 62% females. These individuals were from a rural New England area. A striking 39% displayed symptoms consistent with clinical depression.

The mood-setting phase involved an online game, inducing feelings of exclusion among the participants. Subsequently, they were divided into groups, engaging in either rumination or distraction exercises using either verbal or imagery-based prompts.

For rumination, a prompt might be “Imagine the kind of person you think you should be.” For distraction, it could be as mundane as “Think about your grocery list.”

Key Findings on the Power of Mental Imagery

The research found that both forms of rumination (verbal and imagery) affected the participants’ moods similarly. However, mental imagery stood out as a more potent form of distraction.

Lawrence noted, “Using mental imagery seems to help us improve our affect, as well as regulate our nervous system.” The form of negative thoughts, be it verbal or visual, may not matter as much as the relentless focus on distressing matters.

The potency of mental imagery is still not entirely understood. It may be the case that imagery demands more effort and is more immersive. Therefore, it elicits stronger emotional responses, thus serving as a better distraction.

There’s also evidence suggesting that visualizing mental images activates the same brain regions as witnessing those events firsthand.

The Evolution of Rumination

Lawrence has observed that while some adults stick to one form of rumination, most teenagers report employing both verbal thoughts and mental imagery. These patterns might solidify over time, becoming habitual and reinforcing the negative imagery or messages.

Lawrence highlights the crucial nature of her work with teenagers, expressing her hope that early interventions can help these youngsters navigate to adulthood without being tethered to detrimental thought patterns.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns” — Science Daily