interesting facts

WTF Fun Fact 13578 – Presidential DNA in Space

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What happens to a deceased person’s DNA in space? We don’t yet know, but one company is finding out.

In an unprecedented melding of history, space exploration, and pop culture, DNA samples of four iconic American Presidents are set to take an out-of-this-world journey. In a move that combines reverence for national leadership and a nod to entertainment legends, Texas-based space burial company, Celestis, is gearing up to launch an astonishing payload.

Sending Founding Fathers’ DNA in Space

Determined to make history, Celestis has chosen the DNA samples of four of the most recognized U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. These samples will be part of Celestis’ deep space remembrance Enterprise Flight. This flight’s announcement fittingly occurred on Presidents’ Day, honoring some of the nation’s foremost leaders. The mission is groundbreaking, marking the first instance any U.S. president is symbolically dispatched to space.

Joining Trekkies on an Epic Journey

These presidential DNA samples are not traveling alone. Sharing their celestial voyage are the remains and DNA samples of some of the most beloved names from the “Star Trek” franchise. Among them are Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley, and the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, along with his wife, Majel Barrett Roddenberry.

The list doesn’t end there. James “Scotty” Doohan, renowned for his role as the “Star Trek” engineer, and Douglas Trumbull, the visual effects genius behind classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, will also join the journey.

Interestingly, the hair samples, which are the DNA sources for these presidents, are from the collection of Louis Mushro. A global celebrity in the realm of hair collection and appraisal, Mushro’s reputation is unparalleled. Before his demise in 2014, he ensured these samples were stored meticulously in a climate-controlled facility. They now embark on a mission of historic significance, thanks to an anonymous donor who gifted these samples to Celestis.

DNA in Space, Beyond the Earth-Moon System

According to Charles M. Chafer, Co-Founder & CEO of Celestis, Inc., their “Enterprise Flight is historic by any standard.” Celestis envisions an ambitious future: assisting human expansion throughout the solar system. By sending the DNA of such significant figures into space, they aim to pave the way for future human missions.

This Enterprise Flight will transcend the Earth-moon system, traveling between 93 to 186 million miles into deep space. It will carry over 200 flight capsules, each loaded with cremated ash remains, DNA, personal messages, and greetings from global clients.

The journey of these capsules isn’t just about remembrance. The Vulcan Centaur rocket, responsible for transporting these capsules, has a primary mission: aiding the Pittsburgh aerospace company Astrobotic. This assistance involves directing their Peregrine lunar lander toward the moon’s surface. Following this, the Vulcan Centaur’s upper stage will delve deeper into space. Its destination? An orbit around the sun, where it will establish humanity’s furthest outpost, the Enterprise Station.

Adding to the mission’s allure is its partnership with Amazon. The 2023 Enterprise Flight will carry two prototype satellites, set to be part of Amazon’s internet constellation, Project Kuiper. As space exploration moves forward, collaborations like these symbolize the fusion of commerce, innovation, and remembrance.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “DNA from 4 American presidents will launch to deep space” — Space.com

WTF Fun Fact 13577 – Man Wins Lottery 20 Times

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You might marvel at the luck of the gentleman behind those “man wins lottery 20 times” headlines. But it’s a little trickier than it sounds.

A Leap of Faith on Lucky Numbers

Fekru Hirpo’s choice of numbers, 2-5-2-7, wasn’t a common strategy. Usually, the top prize for the Pick 4 game in Virginia is $5,000. However, in a unique twist of events, Hirpo didn’t simply play his numbers on a single ticket. He purchased 20 identical lottery tickets, all bearing the same four numbers. By doing so, he exponentially increased his chances of multiplying his potential jackpot.

When the draw took place on April 5, Hirpo’s gamble paid off handsomely. The seemingly innocuous numbers were declared the winners, turning what would have been a $5,000 win on a single ticket to an impressive haul of $100,000 for Hirpo. But what made him adopt this unprecedented strategy?

According to a news release, Hirpo himself confessed to lottery officials that he doesn’t usually buy multiple tickets with the same numbers. This time, however, intuition nudged him in that direction. “Something just told him to do it,” the release stated.

A Glimpse at the Odds

For those wondering about the odds, the Virginia Lottery sheds some light. The chances of Hirpo’s specific number combination emerging victorious stood at a staggering one in 10,000. So, despite the long odds, Hirpo’s trust in his numbers and the unique strategy of buying 20 identical tickets was nothing short of a masterstroke.

He purchased his tickets from a Four Mile Run Shell in Arlington, which will likely now gain some attention from other lottery hopefuls.

Fekru Hirpo isn’t the first individual to harness the power of repeating numbers in a lottery game. Not too long ago, a woman from Boca Raton, Florida, employed a similar strategy. She decided to play the same numbers on two Mega Millions tickets. As luck would have it, both her tickets matched all five white balls, resulting in a win. While she didn’t get the Mega Ball, her dual wins netted her a whopping total of $4 million.

The Future with His Fortune as Man Wins Lottery 20 Times

As for Hirpo’s plans for his newfound wealth? He remains tight-lipped. He’s indicated no immediate plans for his winnings. Whether he decides to invest, indulge in a luxury, or maybe just buy more lottery tickets, one thing is clear: his faith in his numbers and his audacious strategy will be talked about for a long time.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Virginia man wins $100,000 after playing same numbers on 20 lottery tickets” — FOX 5 San Diego

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.

— WTF fun facts

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.

—WTF fun facts

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

WTF Fun Fact 13571 – Pythagorean Theorem Before Pythagoras

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Did you know there was a”Pythagorean” Theorem before Pythagoras?

When one hears the term “Pythagorean Theorem,” the image of the Greek mathematician Pythagoras often comes to mind. And while this mathematical statement holds a significant place in geometry, its origins might surprise many. Contrary to popular belief, evidence suggests the theorem’s knowledge existed 1,000 years before Pythagoras’s birth, with the Babylonians as its early proponents.

Pythagoras: The Man Behind the Name

Pythagoras’s reputation extends far beyond the realm of mathematics. His name adorns many geometry textbooks, and the theorem itself exists under several monikers like Pythagoras’ Theorem and notably Euclid I 47. With over 371 proofs attributed to this theorem, eminent figures, including a young Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and even US President James A. Garfield, have delved into its intricacies.

But for a man with such a renowned theorem attached to his name, little concrete information exists about Pythagoras. Most details that historians possess come from sources written centuries after his time, many of which paint him in an almost divine light, leading to debates about their historical accuracy.

Historical accounts align on a few aspects: Pythagoras was born around 569 BC in Samos, Ionia, and established a unique school in present-day Crotone, Italy. This institution, named the Semicircle of Pythagoras, was a blend of religious and scientific study. While it delved deep into subjects like philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy, it also treaded mystical terrains where numbers held divine significance.

Interestingly, much of what the Pythagoreans discovered was attributed directly to Pythagoras, making it a challenge to distinguish between the man’s actual contributions and those of his followers.

The True Pioneers of the Theorem Before Pythagoras

Long before Pythagoras established his school, the Babylonian civilization flourished in Mesopotamia, an area corresponding to modern-day Iraq. Nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this civilization left behind a wealth of knowledge inscribed on clay tablets.

These tablets revealed a society that maintained meticulous records, especially in astronomy, arts, and literature. And among these records lies concrete evidence that Babylonian mathematicians had discovered and even proven the Pythagorean Theorem a millennium before Pythagoras was born.

The Babylonians recorded intricate problems and solutions on clay tablets. Among the myriad of tablets, the Plimpton 322 stands out. Dated to around 1800 BC, this tablet lists Pythagorean triplets—sets of three integers that fit the theorem we often attribute to Pythagoras. These inscriptions show that the Babylonians knew the relationship between the sides of a right triangle a millennium before Pythagoras.

For the Babylonians, mathematics wasn’t just theoretical. They saw and used its practical applications. Pythagorean triplets, for example, found use in land measurements, construction, and even astronomy. Their buildings and their celestial predictions show a deep understanding and application of their mathematical discoveries.

How did this profound understanding travel through time? Some historians believe that the mathematical concepts of the Babylonians might have reached neighboring civilizations through trade routes. While the exact path remains unclear, the Greeks, including Pythagoras, could have indirectly absorbed this knowledge.

While the Pythagorean Theorem remains a Greek mathematical cornerstone, its roots delve deep into Babylonian soil. As students and scholars alike marvel at this theorem, they should remember and honor the Babylonians, the original pioneers who first saw the harmony in a right triangle’s sides.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Pythagoras: Everyone knows his famous theorem, but not who discovered it 1000 years before him” — Journal of Targeting, Measurement and Analysis for Marketing

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

WTF Fun Fact 13556 – New Indo-European Language

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Archaeologists may have discovered a new Indo-European language related to Hittite.

In the heart of north-central Turkey lies Boğazköy-Hattusha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the advanced urban architecture and artistry of the bygone Hittite Empire. These remnants of history not only provide a glimpse into an ancient civilization but its linguistic gems.

A Surprising Discovery

The Late Bronze Age, spanning from 1650 to 1200 BCE, saw the rise of the Hittite Empire as a dominant force in Anatolia. Beyond their prowess in warfare, the Hittites had a keen inclination towards documentation. From chronicling their monumental battles to codifying laws, they left no stone unturned. The medium? Clay tablets.

To date, researchers have discovered over 30,000 of these in Boğazköy-Hattusha, with most inscribed in the Hittite language.

A New Indo-European Language Related to Hittite

Among the vast array of Hittite tablets, researchers stumbled upon an anomaly: tablets inscribed in an unknown language.

Preliminary investigations suggest this language belonged to the people of Kalašma, near the north-western fringe of the Hittite heartland. The language’s nuances hint at similarities with Luwian, another tongue from the Hittite era.

Initial studies of the tablets indicate that they might detail ancient cultic rituals specific to Kalašma. Professor Daniel Schwemer from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg emphasizes the Hittites’ unique interest in foreign languages, especially when associated with rituals.

The mystery language, while distinct, showcases clear ties to the Indo-European family of languages.

This linguistic family spans across vast territories, enveloping languages like Hindi, Persian, Russian, and English. In Europe, apart from the unique Basque spoken in the Basque Country, most languages trace their origins back to the Indo-European lineage.

Ongoing Investigations

While the discovery of this new language has piqued the interest of linguists worldwide, much remains to be understood. Researchers are working tirelessly to decode the Kalasmaic text, which remains largely elusive.

The excavation in Boğazköy-Hattusha, spearheaded by the German Archaeological Institute, has garnered support from various organizations including the Thyssen Foundation, the GRH Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This collaborative effort brings together experts from different universities to interpret the vast wealth of information these tablets offer.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A New Language Has Been Unearthed From Ancient Ruins In Turkey” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13554 – The Most Dangerous Jobs

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When we think of the most dangerous jobs, our minds often drift to high-action roles, like police officers or firefighters. However, statistical data paints a different, more nuanced picture.

It’s not uncommon to hear discussions about the perils of patrolling the streets. However, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sheds light on the occupations that statistically face higher risks daily, and they might not be the ones you’re thinking of.

The Real Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Various blue-collar roles often go unnoticed in their level of peril.

For example, mechanics – both supervisors and those specializing in heavy vehicles – face significant challenges in their workplaces. Heavy vehicle mechanics, dealing with substantial machinery like bulldozers and tractors, confront transportation incidents frequently, with many hazards stemming from the machines they’re entrusted to service.

It’s not just the machinery-oriented jobs that bear these dangers. Those who maintain our public and private spaces, grounds maintenance workers, also navigate risks. Their tasks might appear benign – manicuring lawns, trimming trees, and tending to parks – but their fatal injury rate is on par with heavy vehicle mechanics. Surprisingly, transportation incidents are their predominant threat.

Moreover, general maintenance workers and construction laborers experience considerable hazards. Accidental contact with objects, equipment malfunctions, and falls from significant heights are everyday threats they navigate, often without the same public acknowledgment of their risks.

Perspective on Peril

When juxtaposed with police officers’ fatal injury rate of 14 per 100,000 workers, it becomes evident that several other occupations face equal or even greater threats. The BLS data brings forth an intriguing perspective: while the dangers of law enforcement are well-publicized and recognized, many other workers face similar or heightened risks in relative obscurity.

So the real most dangerous jobs?

  • Logging workers
  • Airline pilot and flight engineers
  • Derrick operators in oil and gas
  • Roofers
  • Garbage collectors
  • Iron workers
  • Delivery drivers
  • Farmers

Even crossing guards rank higher on the deadly jobs list than police officers, which come in at #22. And it’s not that having the 22nd most dangerous job isn’t dangerous – it certainly is. The issue is we don’t often appreciate the extent to which the people who collect our trash or deliver our packages also put their lives on the line every day when they head to work.

Behind the Numbers

The BLS’s Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries is a treasure trove for understanding the nuances of workplace fatalities. This analysis spotlighted 263 professions, each boasting a workforce of at least 50,000 individuals.

To determine the fatal injury rate, fatalities were compared to the number of roles in that occupation. The average from 2014-2018 was then calculated to minimize the influence of yearly variations.

Information regarding the predominant causes of fatal accidents was extracted from this comprehensive census. Simultaneously, salary insights came from the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey.

Recognizing the latent dangers in these professions accentuates the importance of proper safety training and practices. It’s important to acknowledge the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes in our everyday lives.

So, the next time you see a mechanic working under a vehicle, a roofer working on a house, or your local trash collector, take a moment to appreciate their dedication and the risks they take daily.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Top 25 most dangerous jobs in the United States” — Industrial Safety and Hygiene News

WTF Fun Fact 13552 – Blue Whale’s Heartbeat

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A blue whale’s heartbeat can be detected from an astonishing distance of two miles away!

The Mighty Pulse of the Blue Whale

The blue whale, known as Balaenoptera musculus, reigns as the largest creature on our planet. Its size surpasses even the mightiest dinosaurs. One of its awe-inspiring attributes? Under the right conditions, you can detect a blue whale’s heartbeat from an incredible distance of two miles away.

The Heart: Size and Scale

First, consider the immense size of the blue whale’s heart. It weighs around 400 pounds (181 kilograms) and is about as large as a small car. This massive organ pumps blood through a creature that can be up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 200 tons. Each beat sends gallons of blood throughout its enormous body, delivering oxygen to muscles and vital organs.

Mechanics of Each Beat

The rate of the blue whale’s heartbeat also intrigues researchers. When a blue whale surfaces, its heart beats eight to ten times per minute. Yet, during a deep dive, this rate can plummet to a mere two beats per minute. This drop in heartbeat allows the whale to conserve oxygen and stay underwater for durations that can reach 90 minutes.

Each heartbeat exerts tremendous force. As the heart contracts, it generates strong pressure waves. Given the power and size behind each beat, these waves can travel for miles.

Tools of Detection: Hydrophones

Researchers use hydrophones, underwater microphones, to tap into the ocean’s soundscape. These devices pick up a range of sounds, from the melodies of humpback whales to the conversations of dolphins and the distant rumblings of underwater earthquakes. Amid these myriad sounds, the rhythmic thud of the blue whale’s heartbeat offers valuable information.

Water conditions, including temperature, salinity, and depth, affect how sound travels underwater. However, the unique rhythm of the blue whale’s heartbeat stands out, even in this busy sonic environment.

Heartbeat and Conservation

Studying the blue whale’s heartbeat has implications for conservation. Tracking the heart rate can give insights into the health of the species. Human activities, such as shipping or underwater drilling, can stress whales and alter their heart rates. By listening to the ocean’s pulse, scientists can determine the effects of human-caused noise on these marine giants and adjust conservation strategies accordingly.

Additionally, by understanding the blue whale’s heart, we can explore the limits of size in the animal kingdom. This knowledge might explain the maximum potential size of living organisms and provide insights into the evolution of marine giants.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “5 things you never knew about a whale’s heart” — Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum