wtf fact

WTF Fun Fact 13568 – Smoking Math

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Smoking math? No, it’s not a typo. Researchers at Ohio State University found a surprising correlation during a research study in 2020. Smokers with better math skills are more inclined to quit smoking.

Crunching the Numbers on Smoking Math

To kick things off, researchers gauged the mathematical abilities of 696 adult smokers using a standardized test. After this assessment, participants encountered eight diverse cigarette warning labels, each paired with risk statistics. For instance, one of the statistics presented was, “75.4 percent of smokers will die before the age of 85, compared to 53.7 percent of non-smokers.”

Brittany Shoots-Reinhard, the study’s lead author, shared a crucial observation: individuals with heightened math skills retained more of the risk statistics. This increased retention directly influenced their perception of smoking dangers and their intentions to quit.

Math, Memory, and Momentum

While all participants saw the same warning labels, memory retention varied. High-emotion labels, like images of diseased lungs, seemed less memorable initially compared to low-emotion ones, such as cartoon gravestones.

However, a follow-up after six weeks revealed the high-emotion warnings stayed more vivid in participants’ minds over time.

The Role of Numeracy in Smoking Math

A pivotal revelation from the data was the role of numeracy. Smokers with higher math abilities remembered smoking-related risks better, which in turn elevated their intentions to quit.

Shoots-Reinhard emphasized the need to re-evaluate how we present risk data to smokers, especially those who may struggle with understanding numerical information. Simplified communication strategies, like infographics, might bridge the comprehension gap for the less numerate.

The Road Ahead

This research shines a spotlight on the importance of effective risk communication. As Shoots-Reinhard asserts, understanding risk equips smokers to make informed decisions. The ultimate aim? To empower more smokers with the knowledge and resolve to quit.

In a nutshell, Ohio State University’s research reveals a profound insight: the road to quitting smoking intertwines not just with understanding health risks but also with one’s ability to comprehend numbers. For many smokers, the motivation to quit might well be a matter of math.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Smokers good at math are more likely to want to quit” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13567 – Many Adults Rely on Parents

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Do you still rely on your parents for material support even though you’re technically an adult? Well, you’re certainly not alone!

While society has traditionally regarded financial self-sufficiency as the yardstick for adulthood, the reality for many Americans seems to diverge from this ideal. A study from North Carolina State University dispels some age-old myths. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, a mere one-third of adults can claim to be fully independent from their parents in the financial and residential realms from their late teens through their early 40s.

The Intricacies of Parental Support

Anna Manzoni, associate professor of sociology and a key researcher in the study, emphasized that our current age might need a broader definition of adulthood. This study, which encompassed a vast participant pool of 14,675 adults between ages 18 and 43, revealed a spectrum of intergenerational financial and residential dynamics.

No longer can adulthood be confined to a one-dimensional view of independence. Rather, it appears to manifest in multiple forms:

  • Early achievers who chart their independent course soon and stick to it.
  • Those who mostly tread the independence path but occasionally lean on parents during transitional life moments.
  • Some who take their time to detach from the family home, gradually achieving financial self-sufficiency.
  • Individuals who remain at home into their late twenties, receiving considerable financial help, which then dwindles over time.
  • A segment that remains at home for more extended periods, fostering a two-way street of financial support with their parents.
  • And, the “boomerang” adults, who after a taste of early independence, circle back home before venturing out again.

Demographics and Education Keys to Relying on Parents

The study goes beyond just identifying patterns. It also dives the underlying causes of who tends to rely on parents into adulthood. Racial background, for instance, plays a significant role. White families are often at the forefront of the “Complete Independence” trend, while “Extended Interdependence” sees a higher representation from Hispanic families.

The influence of education, particularly parental education, stands out starkly. There’s a clear correlation between parents’ educational achievements and the pathways their children tread. The study notes that adults from families where parents have a robust educational background lean towards achieving independence more rapidly than their counterparts.

Most Adults Still Rely on Parents

One can infer from the study that personal growth and journeys to independence are significantly influenced by the starting point: the privileges or disadvantages one inherits. Adulthood, then, shouldn’t just be seen in the light of personal choices but must also factor in societal structures and access to resources.

This reframing of independence and adulthood requires us to reconsider the benchmarks of maturity and acknowledge the diverse ways individuals tackle the challenges of modern adulthood. Economic, societal, and educational landscapes play large roles in these dynamics.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Most people rely on parents for material support into adulthood” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13566 – Can You Forget a Language?

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Can you forget a language? Can your brain really unlearn it?

If you took a high school Spanish or French class in which you spent the period reciting verbs and learning to ask for directions to the nearest beach, you may have no problem believing that it’s possible to forget an entire language.

But when it comes to our mother tongue, can it truly fade from our minds?

Can You Really “Forget” Your Native Language?

“Language attrition” is the phenomenon in which language proficiency slowly erodes from our brains over time. Professor Monika S. Schmid, a linguistic expert from the University of York, studies this, noting that an individual may experience bouts of hesitation, mix up expressions, or entirely forget specific terms sometimes.

While aging adults may find that certain words or phrases become elusive, they’re unlikely to completely lose grip on a language they once mastered. On the contrary, youngsters might experience a profound shift.

Kids can learn languages more rapidly than adults. But they can also lose it entirely if they aren’t continuously exposed to the language. For instance, a young Russian girl adopted by an American family demonstrated a rapid decline in her Russian vocabulary as she embraced English words.

The Brain’s Role in Language Retention

A lot revolves around the brain’s architecture. Interestingly, birds and their songs, especially those from the biological order Passeriformes, offer us a clue about retaining language.

These creatures are equipped with a dual-circuit system in their brains, first learning their song and then reproducing it later. A similar framework seems to exist in humans, particularly during early developmental stages.

In essence, by early adolescence, our first language gets imprinted in our brains. While we may overlook certain terms or expressions, the core structure remains intact. This also underscores why many struggle to shed their native accent, even after mastering multiple languages.

But most importantly, it suggests that we can’t entirely unlearn a language.

Avoiding Language Attrition

Contrary to what many might believe, staying connected with speakers of one’s native language isn’t always the antidote to attrition. An intriguing observation among Cuban immigrants in Miami highlighted this. Even while in a predominantly Spanish-speaking environment, they experienced a dilution in their native linguistic structures, largely due to their interaction with diverse Spanish dialects.

But that’s not a loss of language – it’s an evolution. And it’s pivotal to recognize that language change isn’t necessarily negative.

So, Can You Forget a Language?

Witnessing one’s primary language slip away can stir deep emotions, especially when one’s linguistic roots are linked to personal history and identity.

But here’s the silver lining: research continually reinforces the notion that our foundational language remains with us. While accents, dialects, and specific terms may evolve, the foundational structure remains.

So, while languages might fade, shift, or transform, they’re never truly forgotten.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Can You Unlearn A Language?” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13563 – Boosting Math Learning

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A study from the Universities of Surrey and Oxford, Loughborough University, and Radboud University in The Netherlands suggests that electrical noise stimulation might be a tool to enhance math learning, especially for those who typically struggle with the subject.

What’s Neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation, a non-invasive technique that involves exciting specific brain regions, has the potential to enhance learning. However, we’ve long been limited in our understanding of the physiological transformations it induces in the brain – and the extent of subsequent learning outcomes.

The researchers aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating how electrical noise stimulation, when applied to the frontal part of the brain, might affect mathematical learning.

We’re not sure if that sounds better or worse than just studying harder. (Though this method typically involves applying a small electrical current to the scalp to influence the brain’s neuronal activity, and it doesn’t hurt.)

The Study

The study enlisted 102 participants. Their mathematical prowess was evaluated using a set of multiplication problems. Subsequently, the researchers divided them into four groups:

  1. A learning group exposed to high-frequency random electrical noise stimulation.
  2. An overlearning group that practiced multiplication problems, even beyond mastery, with the same high-frequency stimulation.
  3. Two placebo groups: both a learning and an overlearning group, where participants experienced similar conditions to real stimulation but without significant electrical currents.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were essential in this study as they provided a window into the brain’s activity both before and after the stimulation.

Stimulating the Brain for Math Learning

The study discovered a fascinating link between brain excitation levels and the impact of electrical noise stimulation.

Specifically, individuals who exhibited lower brain excitation when initially assessed on mathematical problems seemed to benefit from the stimulation by demonstrating improved mathematical abilities.

On the contrary, those with naturally higher brain excitability and those in placebo groups did not show notable improvements after the experiment.

Not everyone’s brain responds in the same way to external stimuli. The research indicated that individuals whose brains were less excited by mathematics before the stimulation showed improvement in mathematical abilities after the electrical noise stimulation. Those with already high levels of excitation did not show the same benefits.

This differential response suggests that the stimulation may have a sort of “ceiling effect” where it’s only effective up to a certain level of natural brain excitability.

The Implications of the Experiment

It may be the case that those with inherently lower brain excitability might be prime candidates for such stimulation, potentially experiencing a jump in learning outcomes. However, individuals with high brain excitability might not find the same benefit.

Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh reflected on the broader significance of the findings. He highlighted the profound nature of learning in human life, from mundane daily tasks like driving to intricate skills like coding. This research, according to him, gives a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and conditions under which neurostimulation could be effective.

The Future of Learning Math

The findings from this study hold the promise of reshaping approaches to learning. By understanding when and how to apply neurostimulation, tailored learning strategies could be developed.

Of course, everyone will form their own opinion about whether tinkering with the brain is worth the outcome.

While this study offers exciting insights, it’s part of an ongoing scientific conversation to see if the results are repeatable.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Electrical noise stimulation applied to the brain could be key to boosting math learning” — ScienceDaily

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.

—WTF fun facts

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.”

—WTF fun facts

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

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 13555 – Spiderman Wedding

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1987 marked a special year in the annals of comic book history – A SpiderMan wedding.

Marvel Comics decided not just to entwine the destinies of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and Mary Jane Watson in the illustrations of a comic book but to bring this union to life.

SpiderMan’s Wedding IRL

The matrimony of the characters was scripted for “The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21.” But in a bold move, Marvel Comics announced that Spider-Man and Mary Jane would exchange vows in a live-action wedding ceremony.

The location? Shea Stadium in New York. The attendees? Thousands of enthusiastic fans, media reporters, and a unique blend of the real and fictional worlds.

Marvel ensured a grand event by inviting a ton of celebrities and ensuring that actors were present, clad in full superhero regalia, representing some of Marvel’s iconic figures.

The Fantastic Four, Captain America, and even the Hulk graced the occasion, interacting with fans and providing a tangible connection to the Marvel Universe.

A Bride, A Groom, and A Legendary Designer

Mary Jan donned an elegant wedding dress, but this wasn’t just any gown. It was designed by none other than Willi Smith, a renowned fashion designer of that era.

Peter Parker, or Spider-Man, however, chose to walk down the aisle in his signature red and blue superhero suit, representing the duality of his life as both a superhero and a regular man in love.

Fans cheered as the couple exchanged vows. The lines between fiction and reality blurred as spectators felt the weight of Peter’s commitment, not only to his bride but to the city he vowed to protect. The cheers reached a crescendo when Spider-Man lifted his mask just enough to seal the union with a kiss.

The Impact and Legacy of the Spiderman Wedding

Marvel’s decision to host a live wedding was more than a promotional gimmick. It showcased the power of stories and their ability to influence, connect, and resonate with audiences. This event was a testament to Spider-Man’s popularity and the place he held in readers’ hearts.

For many fans, attending the wedding wasn’t just about witnessing two characters tie the knot; it was a celebration of being part of a larger community that shared their passion. The palpable excitement in Shea Stadium that day reflected the impact of comic books on popular culture.

The live-action wedding set a precedent for how media companies could interact with their audiences. It’s a testament to how narratives, when presented innovatively, can forge stronger connections with fans.

The Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson wedding was more than an event. It was a celebration of storytelling, fandom, and the unyielding bond between characters and their audiences.

Marvel Comics, through this event, illustrated that the world of comics isn’t confined to printed pages or drawn panels. It’s a universe that thrives in the hearts of its fans, occasionally spilling out into the real world in the most magical ways imaginable.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Marvel’s Weirdest Wedding Ever Saw Spider-Man & MJ Marry In Real Life” — ScreenRant

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