fun fact

WTF Fun Fact 13506 – Human Hair Can Hold Two Elephants

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When considered collectively (by the head), human hair can hold two elephants! That’s right, it can support the weight of two giant creatures.

Let’s explain.

The Anatomy of a Hair Strand

To truly grasp the astonishing strength of human hair, we must first delve into its structure. Each strand is composed of keratin, a type of protein. This protein is arranged in coiled coils, a configuration that provides both flexibility and strength to the hair.

The innermost layer, known as the medulla, is surrounded by the cortex, which in turn is encased by the outermost layer, the cuticle. Each of these layers contributes to the hair’s overall resilience.

One individual hair strand, despite its tensile strength, is unlikely to impress anyone with its ability to support weight. However, the collective strength of hair is where the true marvel lies.

The average human head has approximately 100,000 to 150,000 hair strands. When working in tandem, these hairs can exhibit strength that belies their delicate appearance.

Why Human Hair Can Hold Two Elephants

So, how do we arrive at the claim that human hair can hold two elephants? Let’s break it down:

  • An average strand of hair can support about 100 grams in weight. This might not seem like much, but when multiplied by the average number of hairs on a human head (let’s take the midpoint of 125,000 strands), we get a total weight of approximately 12.5 tons.
  • An average adult elephant weighs about 6 tons. So, theoretically, the combined strength of the hair on a human head could support two elephants, amounting to 12 tons!

The capacity of hair to support immense weight is just one facet of its remarkable nature. Hair can stretch up to 30% of its original length without breaking when wet. This elasticity is yet another testament to its durability.

But beyond its tensile strength and elasticity, hair also serves as an indicator of our health, reacts to emotional stimuli (like standing on end when we’re frightened), and plays a vital role in regulating body temperature.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Secrets of human hair unlocked at Natural History Museum in London” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13505 – The Town of Suloszowa

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In Suloszowa, Poland, all 6000 residents live on the same street!

Living in ‘Little Tuscany’

Imagine a town where everyone shares the same street, where houses unfurl along a singular pathway, dotted with fields of varying colors and purposes. Welcome to Sułoszowa in southern Poland, a village often dubbed “Little Tuscany” for its unique landscape.

Sułoszowa is not your everyday town. Stretching 9 kilometers, this single street houses all of its nearly 6,000 residents. But what captures one’s attention is not just the uncommon layout but the vibrant strips of land accompanying each residence.

While one plot boasts golden grains swaying in the breeze, another shimmers with the bright yellow of rapeseed. Every household has its patch, varying in hues, purposes, and stories. Whether to cultivate, rear animals, or just let nature take its course, each strip adds a unique flavor to the Sułoszowa tapestry.

While deeply rooted in tradition, Sułoszowa hasn’t remained untouched by modernity. Contemporary amenities dot the historic street, blending the old with the new. However, the challenges of the 21st century, like urban migration and technological advancements, pose questions about the town’s future layout.

Suloszowa Pride

The village’s beauty has not gone unnoticed. A snapshot capturing the essence of Sułoszowa went viral on social media platforms like Reddit, where users couldn’t help but marvel at the charming layout.

Each house, with its own plot of land, has left a visual impact on many, leading to comments about the town’s tranquillity compared to bustling city lives.

With an aerial view, Sułoszowa paints a mesmerizing picture. The houses, lined neatly, complemented by strips of varying colors, present a mosaic of life. These vibrant hues represent the different activities of its residents.

From bustling marketplaces to quaint local businesses, the street has witnessed generations of merchants and craftsmen ply their trade.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A Look At The Polish Town Where All 6,000 Residents Live On The Same Street” — News 18

WTF Fun Fact 13504 – The Dots on Strawberries

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What are the dots on strawberries? You might believe they’re seeds, but you’d be wrong.

It’s not just the layperson who’s been fooled. Even certain educational platforms have, over the years, inadvertently misinformed generations into believing that strawberries carry their seeds on the outside. The truth, however, is far more intriguing.

The small dotted entities on strawberries are known as “drupelets.” But these do contain seeds.

Strawberry Drupelets

Now, the concept of a drupelet can be somewhat counter-intuitive. Each of these tiny fruits contains an actual seed. So, when you look at a strawberry, you’re essentially looking at a collective of multiple fruits.

The evolutionary strategy that led strawberries to develop this unique external fruit-bearing method is fascinating.

The external drupelets potentially increase the chances of seed dispersion. The strawberry’s vibrant red coloration acts as a visual cue for animals, signaling ripeness and inviting consumption. When animals eat these fruits, the seeds within the drupelets get dispersed in the environment, ensuring the strawberry plant’s survival and proliferation.

We’ve Been Misled about the Dots on Strawberries

The strawberry, despite its unique botanical makeup, has earned its place in various cultures worldwide. Its iconic appearance and misinterpreted “seeds” have inspired art, literature, and even fashion. This misrepresentation, while innocent, makes one ponder how many other natural elements we might have misread or misunderstood.

Modern commercial strawberry production seldom concerns itself with the seeds inside the drupelets, as they propagate strawberries using runners, ensuring consistent fruit quality. However, understanding the strawberry’s unique structure has implications for genetic research and potential breeding programs.

By diving deep into the genetic makeup of the actual seeds, scientists could unlock new strawberry varieties or even develop strains more resistant to pests and diseases.

Beyond Strawberries

Strawberries aren’t the only fruits that challenge our conventional understanding. The raspberry, similar in its external seed presentation, also relies on drupelets. Pineberries, which are a blend between strawberries and pineapples in taste, carry the same deceptive exterior. It’s a testament to nature’s ability to consistently surprise and challenge our knowledge.

As the true nature of strawberry “seeds” becomes more widely known, it becomes imperative to adjust educational materials. This ensures future generations have accurate information. Such discoveries, though seemingly minute, underscore the importance of continuous learning and the revision of established knowledge bases.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “These White Dots On Strawberries Are Not Strawberry Seeds” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13503 – Antarctic Feather Star

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In the dark waters of the Antarctic, an unknown “sea monster” with an astonishing 20 arms recently emerged – the Antarctic feather star. The researchers had this specimen on ice for years after a near-decade-long expedition during which they collected samples. Only in 2023 did they uncover the latest creature from the deep.

The Antarctic Expedition

This journey into the Antarctic waters spanned almost a decade, from 2008 to 2017. Its primary objective was to study elusive or cryptic sea creatures, especially those belonging to the genus Promachocrinus – commonly referred to as Antarctic feather stars.

While Antarctic Feather Stars bear similarities to starfish and sea cucumbers, they possess a distinct otherworldly appearance, notably when swimming. Their movement, combined with their considerable size, sets them apart in the marine world.

These creatures reside in varying depths, from a relatively shallow 65 feet to an astounding 6,500 feet beneath the waves.

Eight unique species were identified during the expeditions, with half being entirely novel to science. Earlier, only Promachocrinus kerguelensis was unmistakably linked to this genus. A combination of DNA analysis and physical morphology studies led to these recent classifications.

The Strawberry Feather Star

Named Promachocrinus fragarius, this particular discovery stands out. Its body, curiously enough, resembles a strawberry and showcases a range of colors from muted purples to rich reds.

Boasting a staggering 20 arms, this “sea monster” is unlike any other in its category.

The vast number of arms, each intricately designed, adds to its otherworldly presence, particularly when the creature is in motion. When swimming, the feather star presents an ethereal dance in the deep sea, making it a sight to behold.

Unlike other invertebrate ocean animals, the Antarctic Strawberry Feather Star stands out both due to its substantial size and its unique appearance, which is reminiscent of the delicate feathers of a bird, but with a marine twist.

Its habitat in the frozen depths of Antarctica makes its discovery particularly fascinating. Antarctica’s waters are among the least explored due to their harsh and inaccessible nature, making every discovery from this region a notable contribution to marine biology.

The Antarctic Strawberry Feather Star offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of our oceans, reminding us of the endless mysteries that lie beneath the waves, waiting to be discovered.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Unknown “Sea Monster” with 20 arms discovered in the dark Antarctic waters” — Earth.com

WTF Fun Fact 13500 – The Career Change of Ruggero Freddi 

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Ruggero Freddi started his career as an adult film actor, primarily under the pseudonym “Carlo Masi.” The Italian native became a prominent figure in the industry, amassing a significant following during his active years.

Ruggero Freddi Shifts to Mathematics

While many knew Freddi for his on-screen persona, few were aware of his underlying passion for mathematics. Before his adult film career, Freddi had graduated with a degree in Mathematics. The allure of the film industry might have taken him away temporarily, but his love for numbers and equations never truly faded.

As years passed, Freddi started feeling the pull of his academic roots. He decided to leave the adult entertainment industry and return to his original passion.

Freddi took up a position at Rome’s prestigious La Sapienza University, teaching advanced mathematics. He was excited about this new chapter, ready to contribute to the academic community with the same dedication he’d shown in his previous career. But when his past as a gay porn actor came to the forefront, it triggered a wave of controversy.

Termination and Lawsuit

Several parents of students at the university were not thrilled about Freddi’s past and questioned whether he should be allowed to teach. This culminated in the termination of his contract, an act that Freddi believed was solely due to his past in the adult film industry.

Freddi decided to take legal action. He sued the university for wrongful termination, citing discrimination based on his past career in the gay adult film industry. The lawsuit emphasized the importance of assessing an individual’s professional competencies rather than focusing on unrelated past endeavors.

The public reaction was mixed. While many rallied behind Freddi, recognizing his right to move on from past career choices. But others were more judgmental. This incident opened up broader discussions in Italy about stigmatization, privacy, and the rights of individuals to evolve beyond their past.

Freddi’s case highlighted the lingering biases and prejudices present in certain segments of society and underscored the need for greater acceptance and understanding.

While Freddi won his lawsuit, he got just a few thousand dollars in compensation, and his future in academia remains unclear.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “I Went From Being A Porn Star to University Lecturer” — VICE

WTF Fun Fact 13497 – “Weightless,” The Most Relaxing Song

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Every so often, a song stands out for its ability to profoundly affect listeners. One such track is “Weightless” by Marconi Union. This is widely known as the most relaxing song ever. But what makes it so uniquely tranquilizing?

The Creation of “Weightless”

The British ambient music trio Marconi Union collaborated with sound therapists when composing “Weightless.” Their objective was straightforward: to create a song that would induce a tangible state of relaxation in listeners. The track wasn’t just randomly composed; every element was intentionally selected to produce a calming effect.

The Science of Stress Reduction and the Most Relaxing Song

Research has shown that music has a direct effect on our physiological and emotional states. Fast beats can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Slower, more mellow rhythms typically induce relaxation.

In a unique study, neuroscientists wanted to determine the most relaxing songs and how they influence stress markers. Among the tracks tested, “Weightless” stood out, reducing anxiety levels by up to 65%.

Sonic Components of “Weightless”

So, what components of “Weightless” make it an aural sedative? Here are a few:

  • Rhythm: The track begins at a tempo of 60 beats per minute and gradually decreases to around 50. As listeners sync with this rhythm, their heart rate and blood pressure drop, inducing a state of calm.
  • Tonal Arrangement: Harmonious patterns and lack of sudden tonal changes mean the brain doesn’t need to predict or process any jarring shifts in the music. This reduces the brain’s cognitive load, leading to relaxation.
  • Bass Frequencies: Deep, resonating undertones create a soothing atmosphere.

The Most Relaxing Song is Not Good Driving Music

The effects of “Weightless” were so potent that some participants in studies reported feeling drowsy. As a result, people were advised not to listen to the song while driving. This speaks volumes about the song’s relaxation capabilities; it can be likened to the effects of certain medicinal interventions.

The original track spans over eight minutes, a deliberate choice. This extended playtime allows listeners to sink deeper into relaxation as they become more immersed in the soundscapes. The ebb and flow of its harmonies gives listeners time to truly disengage from any immediate stresses and focus solely on the music.

“Weightless” also incorporates the gentle sounds of nature. The distant chirping of birds and the soft murmuring of water both contribute to a soundscape that recalls tranquil natural settings, further promoting relaxation.

The Power of Expectation

There’s also a psychological element to consider. As “Weightless” gained fame as the most relaxing track, listeners approached it with an expectation of calm. This priming can enhance the song’s effects. If you believe something will relax you, it’s more likely to do so.

Want to see what effect is has on you? Have a listen:

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Weightless by Marconi Union: ‘World’s most relaxing song’ used to calm patients before surgery” — The Independent

WTF Fun Fact 13496 – Parachuting Beavers

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Conservation strategies can take on a wide variety of shapes and forms – sometimes they’re scientific breakthroughs or well-planned reintroduction programs; and other times, they are, well, parachuting beavers.

Yes, you read that right.

During the 1950s, in one of the most peculiar conservation efforts, beavers in Idaho were parachuted from planes to aid in repopulation efforts. Here’s the fascinating story.

The Problem: Beaver Overpopulation

Post World War II, Idaho faced a conundrum. With the growth of human settlements and the rise in agriculture, the state found that some regions had an overpopulation of beavers.

These industrious animals, known for their dam-building abilities, often clashed with human development. Their dams would flood roads and farmland, creating challenges for the human inhabitants of the area.

At the same time, other remote regions of Idaho suffered from a lack of beavers.

Historically, beavers played a pivotal role in these ecosystems, creating wetlands that benefited various forms of wildlife. Without them, these ecosystems began to degrade.

The Solution: Aerial Beaver Relocation

To address this imbalance, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) devised a novel solution. Why not relocate the beavers to the regions where they were needed?

But there was a hitch. Many of these areas were so remote that traditional methods of transportation were unfeasible.

Enter Geronimo, the beaver that would pave the way for a unique conservation strategy. As a test subject, Geronimo took several flights, gently floating down via parachute to ensure the safety of the process. After repeated tests (and presumed beaver approval), the IDFG decided to move forward with their parachuting beaver operation.

Operation Beaver Drop: Parachuting Beavers into Idaho

The process was relatively straightforward, albeit unorthodox. Beavers were trapped in overpopulated areas, placed inside protective boxes, and attached to parachutes. An airplane would then fly over the designated release area, and these furry engineers would descend to their new homes.

Between 1948 and 1950, this project saw the successful relocation of over 70 beavers. The majority of them adapted quickly to their new environments, immediately setting to work building dams and establishing new colonies.

The parachuting beaver strategy, despite its odd nature, was deemed a significant success. The relocated beavers transformed the landscapes, aiding in the creation of wetlands and benefiting countless other species in the process. Birds, fish, and mammals found better habitats thanks to the beaver’s natural dam-building tendencies.

Other states didn’t adopt the parachuting strategy (due in part to the development of better transportation methods and roads). But it showcased the lengths to which conservationists were willing to go to ensure the survival and prosperity of a species.

Revisiting the Tale of Parachuting Beavers

For many years, the tale of Idaho’s parachuting beavers was considered an exaggerated myth of the West. That was until 2015, when a film from the IDFG archives was rediscovered. This film, titled “Fur for the Future,” documented the entire process, turning local legend into verifiable history.

Suddenly, a story that sounded like a tall tale had evidence to back it up, and it captured the imagination of people worldwide.

Check it out:

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Parachuting Beavers Were A Surprisingly Successful Conservation Strategy In The 1950s” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13495 – Haunted House Carbon Monoxide Theory

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The haunted house carbon monoxide theory takes a little bit of the ghoulishness out of Halloween. But it its place is something much scarier. Those ghosts might be a sign that you’re being poisoned!

Now, we’re not talking about the haunted houses that you go to for Halloween fun. We’re talking about people who actually feel and hear and see ghosts that they think are coming from beyond the grave.

What’s the Haunted House Carbon Monoxide Theory?

There’s a saying: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.” Yet, when it comes to stories of haunted houses, the supernatural often takes precedence over the logical.

Such tales have captivated our imagination for centuries, with eerie apparitions, whispered voices, and otherworldly sensations. But could there be a more down-to-earth explanation for these ghostly experiences?

Enter carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause a wide range of health problems and even death when inhaled in large amounts. It affects the body by preventing oxygen from entering cells and tissues, leading to a condition called hypoxia.

The Unusual Cases of “Hauntings”

There’s been a growing awareness of how carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms eerily similar to those described in paranormal encounters.

Take the example from an American Journal of Ophthalmology report from 1921. A family started seeing apparitions and experiencing a constant sensation of being watched. The children lost interest in play, became ill, and the father even witnessed a mysterious woman in black. The mother, too, had her own harrowing encounters. (This example is cited in IFL Science, cited below).

It wasn’t until the father’s brother suggested a more rational cause that the mystery was solved: carbon monoxide poisoning, originating from a broken furnace.

Writer Carrie Poppy described an unnerving presence in her house, complete with auditory hallucinations and a peculiar pressure on her chest to to NPR (via IFL Science). She felt watched and perceived an ominous “whoosh” sound. To her, this was no mere haunting; she believed a demon occupied her home.

The distress became so overwhelming that she found herself in tears nightly. However, a group of skeptical ghost hunters steered her towards a more plausible explanation: carbon monoxide. And sure enough, a gas leak was identified as the root cause.

Haunted Houses and Carbon Monoxide: A Tale Of Ghosts and Gas Lamps?

There’s an intriguing theory that the Victorian era, known for its plethora of ghost stories and an intense fascination with the supernatural, might have had a carbon monoxide connection.

Toxicologist Albert Donnay suggests that carbon monoxide and other toxins could be responsible for a large number of these hauntings.

The Victorians, with their gas lamps and toxic wallpaper, could have inadvertently been subjecting themselves to low doses of poison, leading to hallucinations and the perception of hauntings.

A Logical Explanation in a Paranormal World

While it’s true that not every ghostly encounter can be chalked up to carbon monoxide — some might be hoaxes, products of sleep paralysis, or even crafty hotel managers attempting to boost business — it’s essential to consider the possibility. Often, the answers we seek lie not in the realm of the otherworldly, but in the tangible world around us.

In essence, if you believe you’ve encountered a spectral presence or feel like something’s not quite right in your home, it might not be a ghostly visitor. Instead, it could be a silent and deadly gas.

So, before calling in the paranormal investigators, IFL Science writer Andrew Felton suggests you ring up a technician to inspect your home’s heating system. Your “haunting” might just be a malfunctioning boiler or furnace.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “An Awful Lot Of Hauntings Can Be Attributed To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13494 – John Wilkins’ 17th-Century Moon Mission

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The first “moon mission” was dreamed up in the 17th century by a clergyman named John Wilkins.

Though the technologies of his time were rudimentary, Wilkins’ imagination and theories displayed a unique combination of audacity and scientific curiosity.

Early Life and Philosophical Leanings

John Wilkins was born in 1614. He was an Anglican clergyman and a founding member of the Royal Society, a body dedicated to the promotion of natural science. Wilkins was a polymath with interests ranging from theology to mathematics and cryptography. These varied interests equipped him with a unique perspective when it came to observing and understanding the cosmos.

John Wilkins’ Plurality of Worlds

Central to Wilkins’ astronomical ideas was the belief in a “plurality of worlds.” This concept was embraced by several thinkers of the era. It postulated that planets and celestial bodies, including the moon, were worlds much like Earth.

By this logic, the moon wasn’t just a shining orb in the sky. It was a place with landscapes, atmospheres, and perhaps even inhabitants. This revolutionary idea was radical and contrary to the predominant geocentric worldview upheld by many in the church.

In 1640, Wilkins published “A Discourse Concerning a New World and Another Planet.” In it, he explored the feasibility of humans traveling to the moon and other planets. He argued that if the moon were a world similar to Earth, humans should be able to travel there. Given the technological constraints of the 17th century, this was a bold proposition. His methods, in hindsight, were understandably primitive.

John Wilkins and the Flying Chariot

Wilkins believed that a “flying chariot” could take humans to the moon. This vehicle would be propelled by wings attached to it, a bit like the way birds fly. He theorized that the chariot’s wings would require less flapping the further it got from Earth due to the thinning atmosphere.

Additionally, he speculated on the absence of gravity in space. He noted that as one ascended, the pull of Earth’s gravitational force would diminish, making it easier to move around. Though rudimentary, such thoughts were a precursor to our modern understanding of the vacuum of space and microgravity environments.

Of course, not everyone was taken in by Wilkins’ ideas. His contemporaries raised various objections. Some focused on the theological implications. If there were beings on other planets, how did they fit into the Biblical narrative? Others doubted the physical feasibility. How would one breathe? How could wings work in the vacuum of space?

Wilkins tackled these questions head-on. He hypothesized that space wasn’t entirely devoid of air. Instead, the atmosphere thinned out but never completely disappeared, providing just enough air for breathing.

Legacy and the Dawn of Space Exploration

Though Wilkins’ moon mission ideas were not actualized in his lifetime, his speculations played a pivotal role in sparking interest in interplanetary exploration. His works represented a significant shift from purely observational astronomy to a more practical, exploration-driven approach.

Space exploration took another three centuries to become a reality. However, the philosophical and theoretical foundation was set in Wilkins’ era.

His thoughts, radical as they were, underscore the human spirit’s relentless quest for knowledge and exploration.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The 17​th​-Century Moon Mission That Never Got Off the Ground” — Atlas Obscura