wtf fact

WTF Fun Fact 13489 – Most Orangutans are Left Handed

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If you’re a lefty, you have more in common with an orangutan than just 97% of your DNA since most orangutans are left-handed too. One neuroscientist, Bill Hopkins, said his research showed around 66% of orangutans to be lefties.

Studying Handedness in Orangutans

Curiosity sparked the investigation into orangutan handedness. Scientists found themselves wondering – do these creatures prefer one hand over the other, like us humans? It’s something we’ve all thought about, right? No? Ok, well anyway.

Researchers observed orangutans in their natural and semi-natural habitats. Hopkins appears to be the only one who suggested the specific 66% number. But plenty of other research has found that while some primates like chimpanzees and bonobos (our closest relatives) tend to be right-hand dominant, gorillas and orangutans are not.

What Does it Mean that Most Orangutans are Left-Handed?

Just like in humans, an orangutan’s hand preference comes from the brain. We call it “cerebral lateralization” – a fancy term for one side of the brain being bossier than the other.

The left hemisphere controls right-handedness, and the right hemisphere oversees left-handedness. Both genes and environment play a part in this.

But a mystery remains. Why do orangutans tend to be left-handed more often when compared to humans and other great apes?

Out in the wild, being left-handed doesn’t make the orangutans any less skillful. They foraged for food, made comfy nests, and swung from tree to tree with aplomb. Whether peeling fruit or brachiating through the forest, left-handed orangutans showed no signs of struggle.

Now here’s an intriguing question. We humans share 97% of our DNA with orangutans, so why aren’t more of us left-handed? Researchers are keen on finding an answer. They hope to understand how and why hand preference might have shifted during human evolution.

Orangutans, like us, are social animals. They have a rich array of communication methods at their disposal. This research is igniting interest in the connection between left-handedness and communication. Also, it has made scientists curious about the potential link between hand preference and cognitive abilities.

A Curious Conclusion

The higher percentage of left-handedness in orangutans adds an exciting twist to our understanding of these creatures. It opens up a new avenue for exploration: Why this hand preference? How does it affect their survival, adaptation, and mental prowess?

Researchers are now actively trying to link left-handedness to the species’ behavior and neural traits. They’re also excited to understand how this discovery could shape our understanding of human evolution.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Do Other Animals Show Handedness?” — Science Friday

WTF Fun Fact 13485 – People Who Read Live Longer

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In 2016, Yale researcher first published a study that found a connection between longevity and reading – in other words, people who read live longer. It’s a correlation, but there’s no clear causation (that is, there’s no proof that reading is precisely what adds years to your life). Still, it felt validating for those of us who love the written word. And even better, it’s a free activity (if you have access to a library) that’s available to lots of people!

So, Do People Who Read Live Longer?

In an increasingly digitized world, it might be easy to dismiss reading as a leisurely pastime of bygone eras. Yet, plenty of people still do it. So, researchers from Yale University’s School of Public Health decided to expore the benefits of reading to try and understand whether engaging in this mental exercise could have real, tangible effects on longevity.

The study analyzed data from 3,635 individuals aged 50 and above. It divided them into three groups.
1) those who didn’t read books
2) those who read for up to three and a half hours a week,
3) and those who read more than that.

The results? Book readers, regardless of gender, wealth, education, or health, had a 20% reduction in risk of mortality over a 12-year period compared to non-book readers!

Even reading less than 3.5 hours per week benefitted. Reading came with a significant survival advantage over those who didn’t read at all.

Why Does Reading Enhance Longevity?

The exact mechanisms that would explain why people who read live longer are still being explored. But the hypothesis is as fascinating as the result itself.

Reading books, particularly those with complex narratives, demands cognitive engagement and promotes empathetic understanding and emotional intelligence. This intellectual stimulation boosts brain power, much like how physical exercise strengthens the body.

Reading can also provide a healthy form of escapism, reducing stress, and promoting better mental health. This “workout” for the mind might increase resilience against age-related cognitive decline and diseases, leading to an overall longer lifespan.

Not All Reading Is Equal

While all reading is beneficial, the study found that reading books, as opposed to magazines or newspapers, provided a larger survival advantage. This could be because books involve more immersive and cognitive processes, like the use of imagination and critical thinking. They also encourage the reader to make connections between different plot elements spread out over hundreds of pages, creating a greater neural stimulus.

We know what you’re wondering. We’re wondering about it too. What about reading online or on an e-reader? And researchers aren’t sure. But older research found that people who read physical books were more engaged and remembered more plot points. However, we need more research – and those results wouldn’t apply to everyone anyway.

Further research is needed to solidify the connection and understand the exact mechanisms behind why people who read live longer. For instance, how different genres might impact longevity is still an open question. Does a suspense thriller provide the same benefit as a heartfelt romance?

And, of course, as digital reading becomes more popular, future research will need to explore whether reading eBooks – or even listening to audiobooks – provides the same benefits as “traditional reading.”

—WTF fun facts

Source: “People who read live longer than those who don’t, Yale researchers say” — Big Think

WTF Fun Fact 13484 – Robots That Feel

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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 13483 – Lifespan of a Cat Increasing

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The average lifespan of a cat (well, an indoor cat) is around 12 to 15 years, but many cats now can live to be 20. These numbers seem to be trending upward. (Although we have to admit that we haven’t seen this confirmed by researchers anywhere – the evidence appears to be anecdotal).

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of a Cat

Today’s cats appear to be living longer, healthier lives. This is aided by advancements in veterinary medicine and growing awareness about the importance of preventive care.

From lifestyle choices to genetics, every aspect has an influence on how long our fur-buddies can thrive. The following are some of the most significant contributors:

Indoor Versus Outdoor Cats

Like humans, cats’ lifestyles profoundly affect their longevity. It’s no secret that indoor cats tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts. They are shielded from various risks like diseases, accidents, predators, and harsh weather

The protected environment ensures they enjoy a higher average lifespan, usually about 15-20 years. In stark contrast, outdoor cats face myriad threats that can often cut their lifespan to just 2-5 years.

Preventive Care

Preventive care, like routine check-ups, vaccinations, and flea and tick preventatives, plays a key role in cat longevity. Regular veterinary examinations can help detect potential health problems early, improving the odds of successful treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving, especially for chronic conditions like kidney disease, common in cats.

Diet and Weight Management

Another significant factor influencing cat lifespan is diet and weight management. Proper nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being of cats. A balanced diet containing all necessary nutrients contributes to longevity.

On the other hand, obesity is a severe issue that can lead to various health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and heart diseases, reducing a cat’s lifespan.

This is starting to sound a lot like people…or any other living thing, really. Don’t play in the road, eat healthy, get exercise, see a doctor when you’re sick…

Genetics and Breeds

Genetics and specific breed characteristics can influence how long a cat lives.

Some breeds are prone to specific health conditions that can affect their lifespan, while others are generally known for their longevity. For instance, Siamese and Maine Coon cats often live well into their teens, with many reaching their early 20s.

The Lifespan of the Oldest Cat

Now, all of this talk of health might have you thinking that it’s the only way to live a healthy life. But let’s think about humans for a moment. Ever read an interview with someone over 100 who insists the secret is bacon or cigarettes or something? Some of this is just random.

The oldest cat on record, Creme Puff, was well-cared for though. She was an astonishing 38 years and 3 days at her death. Her owner also owned the previous oldest living cat! The secret? Some things you really aren’t supposed to give a cat – like caffeine. The diet fed to these cats was largely commercial cat food with some eggs, turkey bacon, broccoli, coffee with creme, and an eye dropper of ref wine every two days!

Don’t try that at home, but maybe do take the owner’s advice to play with your cat as much as possible if you want them to live a long and active life.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “These Are The Signs That Your Cat Will Probably Live a Long Life” — ScienceAlert

WTF Fun Fact 13482 – GPT-3 Reasoning Skills

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Research from UCLA psychologists has discovered a surprising new contender in our analogical reasoning battles – the artificial intelligence language model, GPT-3. Apparently, it holds its own against college undergraduates on reasoning problems typical of intelligence tests and the SAT.

But it fails to answer a key question: Is GPT-3 merely parroting human reasoning, or has it stumbled onto a brand-new cognitive process? (And, does this research say more about technology, college students, or intelligence tests?!)

Humans vs GPT-3

OpenAI holds GPT-3’s secrets under tight wraps, so they aren’t going to be much help in figuring out how the algorithm works its “magic.” Despite the mystery, the UCLA researchers found that GPT-3 outperformed their expectations on some tasks. Yet, other tasks saw it crash and burn.

Despite its ability to embarrass some college students, the study’s first author, Taylor Webb, emphasized GPT-3’s limitations. While it excels at analogical reasoning, it fails spectacularly at tasks simple for humans, like using tools to solve physical problems.

Webb and his colleagues tested GPT-3 on problems inspired by Raven’s Progressive Matrices. They translated the visual problems into text and gave the same problems to 40 UCLA undergraduate students.

Not only did GPT-3 perform as well as humans, but it also made similar mistakes.

What the Study Results Mean

GPT-3 solved 80% of the problems correctly, while the human average score was below 60%. The team then tested GPT-3 with SAT analogy questions they believed had never been on the internet (which would mean they weren’t part of the GPT training data). Again, GPT-3 outperformed the average college applicant’s score (then again, we know these tests aren’t really a measure of intelligence).

However, when the researchers tested the program against student volunteers on analogy problems based on short stories, GPT-3 struggled.

And tasks that require understanding physical space continue to baffle the so-called “artificial intelligence.”

“No matter how impressive our results, it’s important to emphasize that this system has major limitations,” said Taylor Webb, the study’s first author. “It can do analogical reasoning, but it can’t do things that are very easy for people, such as using tools to solve a physical task. When we gave it those sorts of problems — some of which children can solve quickly — the things it suggested were nonsensical.”

—WTF fun facts

Source: “GPT-3 can reason about as well as a college student, psychologists report” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13481 – Shanidar 1

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Shanidar 1, affectionately known as “Nandy” to some, lived approximately 45,000 to 35,000 years ago. His Neanderthal remains, found in Iraq’s Shanidar Cave, provide researchers with a wealth of information about Neanderthal life and society. These findings challenge our preconceptions and encourage a fresh understanding of our ancient relatives.

The Life of Shanidar 1

American archaeologist Ralph Solecki and his team discovered Shanidar 1 during excavations from 1957 to 1961. The cave, located in the Zagros Mountains, held a plethora of archaeological treasures. The team unearthed remains of eight adult and two infant Neanderthals, identifying Shanidar 1 first.

Shanidar 1’s remains reveal a life of hardship and resilience. He was an older adult, likely around 40-50 years old when he died, an advanced age for a Neanderthal. Remarkably, Shanidar 1 suffered several injuries and health issues. His right arm withered, likely due to nerve damage, and he probably lost the use of it several years before his death. He also had a damaged left eye that might have caused blindness. Signs of a significant blow to his face suggest that he lived with considerable pain.

Shanidar 1’s traumas and his survival into adulthood suggest that Neanderthal societies likely provided social care. His disabilities would have made self-care and hunting difficult, so it’s plausible that his group cared for him. This observation challenges previous notions of Neanderthals as primitive beings and suggests a society with empathy and cooperative care.

Understanding Neanderthal Health

Shanidar 1’s remains also offer insights into Neanderthal health. He displayed significant wear and tear, such as degenerative joint disease, likely common in Neanderthal populations due to a physically demanding lifestyle. His dental health, with several lost and worn teeth, hints at the Neanderthal diet, which was probably abrasive and tough.

Shanidar 1’s discovery in the cave sparked interest in Neanderthal burial practices. Pollen found around his body hinted at the possibility of a burial ritual with flowers, though this interpretation has sparked debate. Despite the controversy, the idea has become popular, creating an image of Neanderthals as “flower-buriers,” capable of symbolic thought and ritualistic behavior.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Older Neanderthal survived with a little help from his friends” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13479 – Taylor Swift Makes Seattle Rumble

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During two Taylor Swift performances in Seattle on July 22 and 23, 2023, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. Swift’s fans, through their sheer enthusiasm and collective dance movements, generated seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake.

The discovery, made by seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, brings new meaning to the power of music and fan engagement.

Taylor Swift vs the “Beast Quake”

The local seismometer detected the activity produced by Swift’s fans, comparing it to the famous 2011 “Beast Quake.” The Beast Quake refers to the seismic activity triggered by ecstatic Seattle Seahawks fans. This occurred after Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown in an NFC wild-card game against the New Orleans Saints.

Swift’s performances didn’t just shake the ground – they also broke records. Swift sold out both nights in Seattle. 72,171 fans attended the Saturday show, surpassing the previous venue record of 70,000 set by U2 in 2011.

Although this incident is extraordinary, it’s not unprecedented. Concerts have sporadically registered seismic activity. Notable instances include a 2011 Foo Fighters concert in New Zealand and a 2022 Garth Brooks concert at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. However, seismic magnitudes from these concerts weren’t reported at the time.

The Power of Music

Caplan-Auerbach, a geology professor at Western Washington University, was first alerted to the Swift comparison through a Pacific north-west earthquake group she moderates. Upon scrutinizing seismic data from both concerts and the 2011 NFL event, she noticed striking similarities. “I grabbed the data from both nights of the concert and quickly noticed they were clearly the same pattern of signals,” she told CNN.

Despite the minor difference between the NFL event and the Swifties dancing, Swift’s fans still managed to outdo the Beast Quake. The seismic activity caused by their continuous cheering and dancing was twice as strong as that of the Beast Quake. Caplan-Auerbach shared that the shaking “absolutely doubled” that of the Beast Quake.

While the ground-shaking cheer after the Seahawks touchdown lasted for just a moment, the energy driven into the ground by the dancing and cheering Swift fans (in addition to the music) generated seismic activity for a more extended period.

Swift’s Seattle concerts exemplify how her fans’ passion and engagement can literally shake the ground. As Swift’s Eras Tour continues, who knows what other records – or seismic readings – her dedicated fanbase will break.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Quake it off: Taylor Swift fans generate seismic activity during Seattle shows” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13478 – Dolphins May Use Parentese Voice

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Do dolphin moms use baby talk, also known as a parentese voice? It’s hard to know for sure, but researchers think this might be the case.

What is a parentese voice?

Just like humans resort to baby talk when interacting with infants, bottlenose dolphins employ similar tactics. Studies indicate that bottlenose dolphin mothers alter their whistle pitches in the presence of their calves. This behavioral adjustment, often termed “parentese,” is thought to enhance calf attention, promoting bonding and facilitating vocal learning.

Every common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) establishes a unique whistle within the initial months of its existence. These distinctive whistles function as names, enabling dolphins to identify and keep track of each other in the vast waters, explains Laela Sayigh (in the article cited below), a marine biologist at the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

However, interestingly, dolphin mothers seem to modify their whistles when interacting with their young ones. These calves typically stay with their mothers for three to six years, allowing ample opportunity for communication.

Sayigh initially noticed this modulation in motherly dolphin tunes during a 2009 study conducted by one of her students. The research didn’t delve deeper into this observation at the time. Recently, Sayigh and her colleagues revisited this phenomenon, analyzing signature whistles from 19 female dolphins, both in the presence and absence of their calves.

This study focused on a wild dolphin population residing near Sarasota Bay, Florida, a community that has been under scientific observation for over five decades. The scientists scrutinized 40 instances of each dolphin’s signature whistle, half of which were vocalized when their calf was nearby.

Analyzing the Dolphin Parentese Voice

The research unveiled that the mother dolphins employed a broader pitch range when their young ones were around. On average, the highest pitch was slightly higher, and the lowest pitch somewhat lower than when the calves were absent. These changes strikingly mirror the characteristics of human baby talk, claims Sayigh.

A comparison between dolphin whistles in the presence and absence of calves illustrates the pronounced change in pitch. Much like human caregivers, who use real words but distinct inflections while interacting with babies, dolphins too exhibited higher pitches and a broader pitch range.

Studying Dolphin Communication

Despite these intriguing findings, some researchers like Quincy Gibson, director of dolphin research at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, caution that the study’s observations were made during catch-and-release situations. For a comprehensive understanding of dolphin communication, it’s crucial to observe and listen to freely swimming dolphin mothers, she suggests.

Mauricio Cantor, who studies animal behavior at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, points out the speculative nature of attributing similar roles of ‘parentese’ in humans and dolphins. Absolute certainty in this matter is unachievable until we can understand dolphins’ actual intentions behind these actions, he argues.

Nevertheless, Sayigh contends that it’s fascinating to witness potential similarities in how different species communicate with their infants. This study paves the way for further exploration into the intricate world of dolphin communication.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Bottlenose dolphin moms baby talk when their calves are near” — ScienceNews

WTF Fun Fact 13476 – Houska Castle and the “Gateway to Hell”

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The medieval Houska Castle sits in isolation near the German border of the Czech Republic. With no nearby town, trade route, or water source, the castle’s purpose seems obscure. The rumor is that it was not built to guard from external threats but to enclose an internal one. It’s purported to be the entrance to hell.

Houska Castle’s Supernatural Connection

At the beginning of the 13th century, the woods surrounding Houska became the stage for eerie local folklore. Rumors circulated among villagers about a seemingly endless chasm that was purportedly the birthplace of demonic, winged creatures. In response to the escalating fear and uncertainty, the local duke sought to dispel these myths. He conceived a plan to have a young prisoner lowered into the intimidating hole.

This experiment only intensified the villagers’ fears. The convict returned from the ominous pit in a drastically altered state – his youthful countenance had given way to the wrinkles and gray hair of an old man. His mental stability had taken a severe blow, as he seemed to have lost all touch with reality, presumably due to the horrors he had seen in the depths. This chilling transformation stoked the villagers’ belief that they were indeed living atop an entrance to hell.

To counter this growing menace, the duke decided to erect a fortress. The construction of Houska Castle, right over the supposed hellish gateway, was his strategic response. The intention was not merely to build a military stronghold or an imposing mansion, but to seal off the mysterious abyss, curbing the alleged emergence of infernal creatures, and thereby restoring some semblance of normalcy to the terrified community.

The Houska Castle Holy Barrier

The duke erected a chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael, known for leading God’s army against Lucifer’s fallen angels, over the fabled pit. The chapel stands out due to its unusual iconography, including left-handed figures often associated with the devil in that era, implying a connection to the supernatural.

In the 17th century, the castle is rumored to have housed Oronto, a Swedish occult practitioner. Locals feared him so much that two hunters infiltrated the castle to assassinate him. During World War II, the Nazis exhibited a deep fascination for Houska Castle. Reports of mysterious lights emanating from the castle triggered speculations of covert operations.

Supernatural Claims and Modern Times

Houska Castle continues to incite speculation. Visitors recount experiences such as a chorus of screams from the pit beneath the chapel and the sounds of scratching claws. Despite its ominous reputation, Houska Castle continues to draw tourists who are interested in its history and links to the supernatural.

Today, the castle is owned by the family of Josef Šimonek, the former president of carmaker Škoda. It is open to the public, though its remote location makes it a challenge to reach.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Real Truth Behind Houska Castle” — Discovery UK