interesting fact

WTF Fun Fact 13484 – Robots That Feel

Robots that feel?! Ok, no. We don’t mean robots that have feelings. We mean robots that have a “sense” of touch. Or at the very least robots programmed not to crush things they pick up. That’s still progress!

The modern robotics field is continuously pushing the boundaries of technology and automation. As a part of this ongoing exploration, scientists from the Queen Mary University of London, alongside their international colleagues from China and USA, have developed an innovative, affordable sensor called the L3 F-TOUCH. This unique invention enhances a robot’s tactile abilities, granting it a human-like sense of touch.

Robots That Feel Thanks to the L3 F-TOUCH Sensor

A principal objective in robotics has been achieving human-level dexterity, specifically during manipulation and grasping tasks. The human hand’s ability to sense factors such as pressure, temperature, texture, and pain, in addition to distinguishing objects based on properties like shape, size, and weight, has set the standard.

Until now, many robot hands or graspers have fallen short, lacking these vital haptic capabilities. As you might imagine, this makes handling objects a complicated task. Robots’ fingers lack the “feel of touch,” resulting in objects slipping away or being unintentionally crushed if fragile. And that’s not something we want if we’re ever going to let them work with people, like the elderly.

Mechanics and Functionality

Leading the groundbreaking study, Professor Kaspar Althoefer of Queen Mary University of London and his team, introduces the L3 F-TOUCH. The name stands for Lightweight, Low-cost, and wireless communication. It’s a high-resolution fingertip sensor that directly measures an object’s geometry and the forces necessary to interact with it.

This sensor sets itself apart from others in its league that estimate interaction forces via camera-acquired tactile information. The L3 F-TOUCH takes a direct approach, achieving a higher measurement accuracy.

Professor Althoefer and his team plan to further enhance the sensor’s capabilities. They aim to add rotational forces such as twists, vital in tasks like screw fastening.

These advancements could extend the sense of touch to more dynamic and agile robots, improving their functionality in manipulation tasks and even in human-robot interaction settings, such as patient rehabilitation or physical support for the elderly.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Researchers develop low-cost sensor to enhance robots’ sense of touch” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13258 – The Role of Gut Bacteria

We don’t yet know all the details of the role of gut bacteria in our minds and bodies. But research keeps suggesting that these bacteria are plentiful and influential on everything from our moods to our cravings.

What is the gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract, particularly in the large intestine. It includes:

  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • fungi
  • other microbes.

These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the digestive system and the body as a whole.

The gut microbiota is estimated to contain over 100 trillion microorganisms. These microorganisms perform a range of important functions. Some break down complex carbohydrates and other nutrients, producing vitamins and other essential compounds. Others help regulate the immune system and protect against harmful pathogens. The composition of the gut microbiota can vary based on diet, age, medication use, and environmental exposures.

Research has linked imbalances in the gut microbiota to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and mental health issues.

The role of gut bacteria in eating?

There is growing evidence to suggest that gut microbiota may influence

  • our brain function and behavior
  • our mood
  • anxiety
  • cognition
  • appetite
  • food cravings and preferences

Gut bacteria are known to produce neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that can affect appetite and food preferences. They can also influence the way that the body processes and stores nutrients.

Some types of gut bacteria have been shown to produce compounds that stimulate the release of hormones like leptin and ghrelin which control appetite. Other types of bacteria can regulate the release of appetite-regulating hormones and promote feelings of fullness and satiety.

Gut microbiota may also affect food preferences and taste perception. For example, people with a high ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes bacteria in their gut often prefer high-fat and high-sugar foods. These, in turn, contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms” — Bioassays (Academic Journal)

WTF Fun Fact 13257 – Snoring and Relationships

Snoring is bad for relationships. The damage is hard to quantify since there are many reasons for poor sleep, and a lack of sleep can lead to everything from health issues to resentment. But it seems clear that if one person snores and keeps the other awake, it frequently leads to trouble. Snoring and relationships are a terrible combination.

Why snoring is bad for relationships

There are many incorrect statistics out there (like snoring is the third leading cause of divorce – it’s not) due to people misreading scientific research. But plenty of work has been done on the damage one partner’s snoring can do to the other and the relationship overall.

For example, the Sleep Disorders Center at Rush University Medical Center conducted a study on couples in which the husband had sleep apnea that affected the wife’s ability to sleep due to snoring. They found cases in which the wife’s sleep efficiency scores decreased significantly because they were woken up by snoring up to 8 times per hour!

Rosalind Cartwright, Ph.D., founder of the Sleep Disorders Center at Rush, noted:

“Couples who struggle with sleep apnea have a high divorce rate. Our early results are showing that the wife’s sleep is indeed deprived due to the husband’s noisy nights. This is not a mild problem. The lack of sleep for both partners puts a strain on the marriage and creates a hostile and tense situation.”

The good news is that when the sleep apnea was treated, and the snoring ceased to disturb the wife’s sleep, her quality of life went up, her sleepiness went down, and the marital satisfaction score improved.

It’s important to note that while studies suggest a link between snoring and marital conflict, they do not necessarily imply causation. Snoring may be a symptom of an underlying health condition (such as sleep apnea). It’s possible that these factors, rather than the snoring itself, may be contributing to conflict. And, of course, studies may not apply to all couples.

More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between snoring and marital conflict.

The “sleep divorce”

A sleep divorce is a term that refers to the practice of couples sleeping separately to get a better night’s sleep. It can mean sleeping in different beds or different rooms.

This practice is becoming increasingly popular among couples. Some find that snoring, tossing and turning, or different sleep schedules destroy a partner’s sleep. This can lead to a variety of health problems.

There are many reasons why couples may choose to sleep separately. Snoring is among the most common since it can happen frequently and lead to daytime fatigue and irritability.

While the idea of sleeping separately may seem unromantic to some, it can actually have several benefits. Sleeping separately can lead to better sleep quality, improving mood, productivity, and overall health. It can also reduce arguments and conflicts that may arise from sleep disturbances. This can improve the overall quality of the relationship.

Of course, for some, sharing a bed may be an important part of the intimacy and connection in their relationship. Additionally, it’s important for couples to communicate openly about their sleeping arrangements and work together to find a solution that works for both partners.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Can Snoring Ruin A Marriage?” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13256 – Sallie Ann Jarrett

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Sallie Ann Jarrett was one of the most famous American Civil War mascots. She belonged to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army.

After the war, a statue was erected in her honor at the Gettysburg Battlefield.

What’s the story of Sallie Ann Jarrett?

During the American Civil War, animals played an important role in military life. They provided companionship, and morale-boosting in addition to serving as mascots.

Sallie belonged to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. She was adopted by the soldiers as a puppy and became a beloved member of the regiment. Sallie was known for her fierce loyalty to her human companions and her bravery in battle.

Sallie accompanied the regiment on many of its campaigns and was present at some of the most significant battles of the war. This included the Battle of Gettysburg.

At Gettysburg, soldiers reported seeing Sallie standing guard over the bodies of the fallen, refusing to leave their side. Sallie got a leg wound in the battle, but she survived. Afterwards, Sallie continued to serve as their mascot until the end of the war.

Honoring a mascot’s legacy

After the war, the 11th Pennsylvania erected a monument in honor of Sallie at Gettysburg. It’s now a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the role that animals played in the Civil War.

In addition to the statue, there are many stories and legends about Sallie’s exploits during the war. One story claims that she was present at the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse. Storytellers claimed that she barked so loudly that Lee himself heard her. Another story claims that she once saved a Union soldier from drowning by jumping into a river and pulling him to safety.

While some of these stories may be exaggerated or apocryphal, they are a testament to the enduring popularity of Sallie.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Statue of Sallie Ann Jarrett” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13255 – The Unicorn Throne

In the mid-16th century, a German merchant sold what he claimed was a unicorn horn to King Frederick II of Denmark for a large sum of money. The “unicorn horn” was later found to be a narwhal tusk. At the time, the tusk was even used to create a “unicorn throne.” That throne is still on display at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark today.

What’s the story behind the horn?

The story of the Unicorn Throne begins in the mid-16th century when a German merchant sold what he claimed was a unicorn horn to King Frederick II of Denmark. At the time, many people believed that unicorns were real animals and that their horns had magical healing powers.

King Frederick II was so impressed with the “unicorn horn” that he had it mounted in a gold and silver frame and displayed in his cabinet of curiosities. The cabinet was known as the “Kunstkammer,” and it contained a wide variety of objects, including natural specimens, scientific instruments, works of art, and oddities from around the world.

How did the narwhal horn become part of the “unicorn throne”?

Over a century later, King Frederick III commissioned a new throne for the coronation of his son, Christian V. A master craftsman named Bendix Grodtschilling was tasked with creating it. He spent several years working on the throne, which would eventually become known as the “Unicorn Throne.”

The throne is made from 250 kilos of silver and is covered in intricate carvings and symbols. The most striking feature of the throne is the backrest. This is decorated with three life-size silver lions and is topped by a large silver crown. The armrests are adorned with carved figures of the virtues and vices, while the seat is covered in red velvet.

But the most important feature of the Unicorn Throne is the narwhal tusk that runs down the center of the backrest. This tusk is over 2 meters long. It is believed to be the same one that was sold to King Frederick II as a “unicorn horn” over a century earlier. The narwhal tusk is surrounded by silver branches and leaves, with a silver unicorn perched on top of it.

The Unicorn Throne was used for the coronation of King Christian V in 1671. It was last used for a coronation in 1840, during the coronation of King Christian VIII of Denmark.

The Unicorn Throne has also become an important symbol of Danish royal power and prestige. And today, it’s recognized as one of the most impressive pieces of furniture in Europe.

The Unicorn Throne is on display at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Meet the Narwhal, the Long-Toothed Whale that Inspired a Magical Medieval Legend” — The Met Museum

WTF Fun Fact 13252 – The “Paul is Dead” Conspiracy

In 1979, a rumor spread that The Beatles’ Paul McCartney had died and been replaced by a look-alike. The “Paul is dead” rumor claimed that the real Paul had died in a car accident in 1966. It also implied that the other Beatles covered up his death by hiring a look-alike to take his place. The rumor gained widespread attention and even resulted in a number of clues being attributed to the supposed cover-up in Beatles songs and album art.

The rumor was eventually debunked as a hoax, but people still believe in the conspiracy. McCartney has often joked about the rumor, including titling his 1993 live album “Paul Is Live.”

The Paul is dead conspiracy

The “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory was one of the most popular and enduring urban legends of the 1960s and 1970s. The theory originated in 1969, when a man in Michigan called a local radio station. He claimed that he had discovered a series of clues in Beatles songs and album covers that suggested McCartney had been replaced by a look-alike.

The clues cited by Zarski and other proponents of the theory were numerous but obscure. For example, some fans claimed that the Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover was a symbolic funeral procession. John Lennon represented a preacher, Ringo Starr a mourner, and George Harrison a gravedigger. Paul being barefoot and out of step with the others was supposedly a sign that he was dead.

Other clues cited by fans included backward messages in Beatles songs. These allegedly revealed the truth about Paul’s death. Various subtle references to death and mortality in Beatles lyrics were also cited as “proof.”

Despite the lack of evidence to support the theory, it gained widespread attention and became a global phenomenon. The rumor was also fueled by the increasing complexity and experimentation of the Beatles’ music, the band’s decision to stop touring and focus on studio recordings, and Paul McCartney’s own decision to grow a mustache.

Conspiracy theories are alive and well

The rumor about McCartney being replaced by a look-alike is somewhat similar to modern-day conspiracy theories about clones and look-alikes of politicians.

Like modern-day conspiracy theories, the rumor about McCartney’s supposed death and replacement was fueled by wild speculation. In these kinds of cases, there is little or no evidence to support the claims being made. Yet they continue to persist, despite being debunked by experts and researchers.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “‘Paul Is Dead’: The Bizarre Story of Music’s Most Notorious Conspiracy Theory” — Rolling Stone