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WTF Fun Fact 13444 – Sense of Smell Strongest at Night

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Our sense of smell is strongest at night. So if you feel like your pets seem extra smelly, or your bubble bath is a bit too fragrant in the evening hours, you’re not just imagining things. You’re picking up on scents that are somewhat dampened during the day.

Why is smell important?

Smell influences everything from taste perception to memory formation. However, what you may not know is that our ability to detect and discern scents fluctuates throughout the day, peaking during the late hours. This might seem trivial or even surprising, but it is a fascinating aspect of our biology. And it’s linked to our circadian rhythms.

The circadian rhythm is an internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. It repeats roughly every 24 hours and impacts many physiological processes, including hormone release, body temperature, and various neural functions. Interestingly, this includes our olfactory sensitivity – our ability to perceive smells.

During the daytime, our brains process a multitude of sensory inputs. The sights, sounds, and tactile sensations we encounter are processed and analyzed, taking up significant neural resources. Consequently, our sensitivity to smells is somewhat overshadowed by this barrage of information.

Why is our sense of smell strongest at night?

However, the scenario changes at night. As the environmental stimuli decrease and our focus shifts inward, our sensitivity to smells becomes more pronounced. This shift is likely due to changes in body temperature and brain activity that occur during our sleep-wake transition.

The nocturnal enhancement of olfaction has implications beyond being a mere biological curiosity. For one, it directly influences our sleep quality. We are more susceptible to disturbances from unpleasant or potent odors at night. Therefore, the significance of maintaining a fresh and pleasant sleeping environment becomes clear for a good night’s sleep.

Moreover, this increased olfactory sensitivity might have roots in our evolutionary history. Our ancestors needed to be alert to dangers like predators or fires, especially during the night. A heightened sense of smell would have been advantageous in such scenarios, leading to better survival and reproductive success.

On a practical level, this knowledge can be advantageous to various industries, especially those involved in perfume and scent manufacturing. By understanding our olfactory system’s functioning, businesses can tailor their products for maximum impact during the evening hours.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How Smell Affects Your Sleep” — The Sleep Foundation

WTF Fun Fact 13443 – Dead Fruit Flies

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When fruit flies see or smell their dead comrades, their own lives are cut short. Talk about putting a damper on your day!

Fruit flies stress after seeing other dead fruit flies

If you’re a fruit fly, seeing one of your fallen is not just unsettling. It’s downright harmful to your health. Despite their diminutive size, experience stress and negative health effects when they witness the remains of their kin.

Neuroscientists have found that when fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) see their deceased fellow flies, specific brain cells are triggered.

And these aren’t just any brain cells. They are neurons that respond to visual stimuli, known as visual projection neurons (VPNs). These cells relay information from the flies’ eyes to their brains, helping them interpret and react to what they see.

What’s going on in a fruit fly’s brain?

But let’s add a pinch of intrigue to the mix. These neuroscientists didn’t stop at merely identifying the type of neurons involved. They zeroed in on the specific group of neurons that reacts to the sight of dead flies. The neurons in question are part of a cluster known as the “globus pallidus.” This is an area associated with movement and learning.

These scientists have discovered the precise neighborhood in the fruit fly’s brain where the “dead fly sighting stress response” takes place.

So, what happens when these neurons fire? In short, they trigger a series of stress responses that have a tangible impact on the fruit flies’ health and lifespan. As the sight of a dead fellow fly becomes ingrained in the fly’s brain, it alters the expression of stress-related genes, tipping the physiological balance and leading to a shorter lifespan.

This discovery has raised intriguing questions about the evolution of empathy and social responses in insects. While fruit flies may not experience empathy in the way humans do, their stress response to seeing dead comrades suggests a level of social awareness. This raises the question: why would such a response evolve? One possibility is that the sight of death serves as a warning signal, indicating the presence of potential threats or diseases, thus prompting the fly to modify its behavior.

However, this remarkable finding does more than just throw light on fruit flies’ stress responses. It could also contribute to our understanding of how human brains process stress and trauma. Humans, like fruit flies, have neurons that respond to visual stimuli. Therefore, these findings could lead to a better understanding of how our brains respond to stressful visual experiences, and potentially inform treatments for stress-related disorders.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Seeing dead fruit flies is bad for the health of fruit flies – and neuroscientists have identified the exact brain cells responsible” — The Conversation

WTF Fun Fact 13442 – We Have More Bacterial Cells Than Human

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The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. Weird, right?

The majority of the cells that constitute “you” are, in fact, not human. They are microscopic organisms that are hitching a ride, making a living off your body. It might sound like science fiction, but this is a confirmed scientific fact. The human body contains ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.

How can we contain more bacterial cells than human cells?

Now, before we allow our imagination to scare us into a frenzy, let’s unpack this a bit.

These bacterial cells, collectively known as the human microbiota, live mostly in harmony with our bodies. We provide them with a suitable habitat, and they return the favor by aiding in bodily functions like digestion and immune response. Our gut houses the vast majority of these organisms.

This raises some provocative questions: With our bodies being made up predominantly of non-human cells, what does that imply about our identity? What actually makes us human?

How are we fully human if we contain so many non-human cells?

Biologically speaking, being human is about more than just the number of cells. Human cells, while fewer in number, are much larger and more complex than bacterial cells. So, in terms of volume and genetic material, we are predominantly human.

But the philosophical implications are still fascinating to consider. We ten to link our human identity to our biological makeup. But the massive presence of non-human cells introduces an intriguing paradox.

Science has often categorized organisms based on their cellular composition. However, this fact might prompt us to reconsider such traditional boundaries. We need to acknowledge the complex symbiosis that constitutes our “self.” We are, in essence, a walking, talking microbiome.

Teamwork makes the dream work

These non-human inhabitants of our body have a far-reaching impact on our health and well-being. There’s a dynamic relationship between our human cells and these bacterial cells. When this relationship is in balance, we thrive. But when it’s out of whack, we may face health issues. This fact has driven researchers to explore the potential of microbiota in shaping future treatments for various diseases.

Yet, as we learn more about our microbial inhabitants, we also uncover deeper layers of what it means to be human. Are we individual entities, or are we, as some philosophers might argue, a “superorganism” made up of numerous symbiotic relationships?

Indeed, we might be more ‘alien’ than we ever imagined, yet this very fact underscores our extraordinary complexity as living beings.

So next time you glance at your reflection, remember: You’re not just looking at ‘you.’ You’re seeing an intricate ecosystem.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body” — National Institutes of Health

WTF Fun Fact 13440 – The Independence Day Date

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If some of the U.S.’s founding fathers got their way, Americans the Independence Day date would be the 2nd of July.

Why is the U.S. Independence Day date the 4th of July?

On a blistering summer day in Philadelphia in the year 1776, a group of men in the Second Continental Congress convened. These “founding fathers” were ready to sever the bonds with their British overlords. This day was July 2nd, a date largely forgotten in the grand narrative of American independence.

Two of these influential men, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were sticklers for precision. They believed that July 2nd, not July 4th, should ring be America’s Independence Day. The Congress voted for independence on this day, – kind of a no-brainer, right?

Jefferson and Adams, who would later become presidents, firmly considered July 2nd to the true birth of American freedom.

Voting for Independence

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence from British rule. This momentous decision effectively set the 13 colonies on the path to becoming the United States of America. An event of this magnitude surely deserved to be marked in history.

However, the document Americans now revere as the Declaration of Independence was finalized and formally adopted two days later on July 4th. This date engraved on the top of the document created a longstanding association with the birth of American independence. It was the date that was eventually printed in newspapers, establishing the Fourth of July in the collective consciousness of the public.

Arguing over the Inependence Day date

Jefferson and Adams harbored their beliefs passionately. Adams even went to the extent of reportedly turning down invitations to participate in Fourth of July events as a form of silent protest. He firmly believed that the celebrations were simply on the wrong day.

In a bizarre twist of fate, both Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The coincidence of their deaths on this date further romanticized the idea of July 4th as Independence Day.

Over the years, the debate has lost much of its steam. Americans now celebrate the Fourth of July Independence Day. The story of July 2nd remains a fascinating footnote in the saga of American independence, a testament to the complex and sometimes contentious process that birthed the nation we know today.

Does the Independence Day date really matter?

In the grand scheme of things, whether Independence Day falls on the second or fourth of July might seem trivial. Still, this tale serves as a potent reminder of the spirited debates and diverse perspectives that shaped the foundation of the United States.

And the next time you’re watching fireworks light up the night sky on the Fourth of July, remember the tale of July 2nd.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “When is the real Independence Day: July 2 or July 4?” — National Constitution Center

WTF Fun Fact 13439 – The Dog Days of Summer Explained

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Does the phrase “Dog Days of Summer” conjure images of lethargic canines lazing in the heat? Well, the origins of this term reach far beyond our four-legged friends and into space.

What are the dog days of summer?

Ok, technically, it does have to do with a dog – Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major, and it’s the brightest star in the Earth’s night sky.

The term “Dog Days” stems from the ancients, both Greeks and Romans, who noticed the coincidence of the hottest time of the year with the period when Sirius rose and set with the Sun. They hypothesized that the added radiance of Sirius was the cause of the intensified summer heat. Thus the phrase “Dog Days” in reference to Sirius’s constellation.

But the “Dog Days” are more than just a celestial phenomenon and a synonym for summer swelter. They have cultural and historical significance dating back thousands of years. The Greeks, for instance, saw the period as a time of potential disaster, heralding fever, catastrophe, and even the downfall of empires.

Wobbling dog days

Fast forward to the present, and the “Dog Days” still persist in our lexicon. However, due to a phenomenon called precession (the slow wobble of Earth’s rotational axis), the dates during which Sirius rises and sets with the Sun have slowly shifted over centuries. Yet, the phrase “Dog Days” remains tethered to the heart of the summer. It’s recognized in the Northern Hemisphere primarily from July 3 to August 11.

The warmest days of summer, those long afternoons that stretch languidly towards the evening, are connected to a distant cosmic spectacle occurring about 8.6 light-years away. That is the beauty of astronomy and the power of human observation, linking us to the stars and the seasons in unexpected ways.

So, next time you’re feeling the heat of summer bearing down, spare a thought for Sirius and its ancient connection to these sultry days. The “Dog Days” are a cosmic link, a reminder that even on the hottest days of summer, we are all under the same sky.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Stars and canines collide in ‘dog days’” — Christian Science Monitor

WTF Fun Fact 13436 – Vertical Forests

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Do you know about the urban jungles called vertical forests? These towers of lush greenery stretch skyward, a testament to man’s ingenuity and nature’s adaptability.

The original vertical forest – Bosco Verticale

Vertical forests stem from the inventive mind of Italian architect Stefano Boeri. His vision for a greener planet led to the creation of Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers in Milan. These living, breathing structures showcase over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 floral plants. The foliage acts as an urban lung, absorbing carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen, offering a breath of fresh air in a bustling metropolis.

Vertical forests in Asia

Hot on Milan’s heels, Nanjing, China, unveiled its vertical forest concept in 2018. Nanjing Green Towers mirror their Italian counterparts, cocooning a hotel, office, museum, school, and a rooftop club in a verdant embrace. Greenery cloaks the buildings, forming a dynamic ecosystem that provides shade, reduces noise pollution, and creates a habitat for birds and insects.

Across the globe in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Vo Trong Nghia Architects has a vision. With the city’s greenspace dwindling, they proposed a series of condominiums swathed in bamboo-filled concrete planters. They’ve named it the “House for Trees,” with each building designed to accommodate a tree on its roof.

A burgeoning trend

But, vertical forests aren’t solely for the concrete giants of the world. Medium-sized cities have jumped on the bandwagon too, with Eindhoven, a quaint city in the Netherlands, unveiling its own verdant vision. Trudo Vertical Forest is an affordable housing project designed to provide low-income families with sustainable homes wrapped in the embrace of 125 mature trees and countless shrubs.

In Quito, Ecuador, the urban jungle takes a different form. The IQON is Latin America’s first vertical forest, with plans to feature over 300 tree species, some of which are in danger of extinction. It’s an ambitious project, and one that aims to reconcile the city with its biodiverse surroundings.

Finally, let’s take a trip to the desert. In the heart of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Stefano Boeri strikes again. He proposes a series of seven vertical forest buildings and three green residential complexes. The design aims to combat desertification while creating a bio-diverse urban ecosystem.

These are just a few examples of the burgeoning trend of vertical forests, a unique solution to urbanization’s challenges. As the world’s cities continue to expand, it’s this kind of innovative, nature-centric architecture that will help keep our urban environments breathable, sustainable, and beautiful.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “9 Vertical Forests Around the World That Look like Jungles in the City” — Interesting Engineering

WTF Fun Fact 13435 – Namibia’s Dead Vlei

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Dead Vlei is a fascinating expanse of parched land that delivers a raw, unfiltered taste of nature’s ironies. Located in the Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia, this peculiar terrain is quite a spectacle to behold.

What is Dead Vlei?

The name “Dead Vlei” evokes mystery, intrigue, and a tinge of the macabre. It means “dead marsh.” But there are no marshy wetlands here, only a bleak and barren desert forest.

Years ago, the scene was different. The Tsauchab River flowed through, nourishing life. Acacia trees rose from the marsh, drinking from the river’s bounty. The dunes blocked the river’s path about 700 years ago, and the life-source dried up. The trees could not survive, their lives snuffed out by the desert’s harsh reality.

A tree cemetery

Today, they stand as skeletal remains, eerily immortalized in the arid expanse. Scorched black by the sun, the 900-year-old trees defy decomposition. They’re trapped in time, providing a stark contrast against the bleached-white clay pan.

Towering over the land are immense sand dunes that stretch towards the sky. These are some of the tallest dunes in the world, reaching dizzying heights of over 300 meters.

Walking into Dead Vlei feels like entering a surreal painting. The arid, cracked earth underfoot, the blackened trees standing as silent sentinels, the rusty-red dunes in the backdrop – it’s a stark yet mesmerizing display of contrasts. It’s the living and the dead, color and monochrome, life’s vitality and death’s silence.

The place is remote, nestled within the expansive Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest. To reach Dead Vlei, one must traverse the salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei, another stunning locale, renowned for its red dunes and vivid landscapes. The journey might be long, but the sight that awaits at the end is worth every step.

Dead Vlei has served as the backdrop for various film and television productions and drawn photographers from around the globe.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Dead Vlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Namibia” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13434 – Tanzania’s Lake Natron

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Tanzania’s Lake Natron is not your average lake. Imagine a vast shimmering pink and red body of water so caustic that it burns your skin and eyes. It’s rumored to turn animals into stone (though that’s not quite true). I’s both beautiful and creepy.

Lake Natron’s eerie characteristics

Lake Natron, nestled in the Great Rift Valley, is a salt lake. It gets its name from natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and around 17% sodium bicarbonate. Add in some salt and mineral impurities, and you have a lake with a pH as high as 10.5. That’s incredibly alkaline.

With these numbers, you might think nothing could survive here. But you’d be wrong. Three species of fish, Alcolapia alcalica, Alcolapia latilabris, and Alcolapia ndalalani, call this caustic lake home. These hardy creatures adapted to Lake Natron’s harsh conditions and live quite happily in its waters.

The myth of Lake Natron

In stark contrast to its resident fishes, the lake has been accused of turning birds and other animals into statues. You heard that right – stone statues. But before you jump to a petrifying conclusion, let’s debunk that myth.

Photographer Nick Brandt published a series of hauntingly beautiful images of calcified animals along Lake Natron’s shores, triggering rumors that its water could turn creatures to stone. But the reality is less fantastical and more scientific.

The animals, likely dead before they touched Natron’s waters, were preserved by its alkalinity. Similar to how ancient Egyptians used natron to mummify bodies, the lake’s water can preserve and give a stony appearance to those unfortunate creatures that end up in its depths. But instant petrification? That’s a myth.

However, that doesn’t mean Lake Natron is all welcoming. With temperatures that can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s inhospitable for many species. Touching the water could cause burns, especially to the eyes and skin of unadapted animals and humans. So while it’s not turning beings to stone, it’s not exactly a friendly dip.

Flamingo’s love it!

Yet, despite its harshness, Lake Natron is the chosen breeding ground for more than 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos. The lake’s extreme conditions keep the flamingos safe from predators, while the algae thriving in the salty water serve as a rich food source.

The juxtaposition between Lake Natron’s beauty and harshness is stark. For this reason, it it’s a magnet for both tourists and scientists alike. Its eeriness, the ghostly images of life arrested in time, is a fascinating aspect of its lure. But there’s more to this lake than meets the eye.

Lake Natron is an excellent reminder of how nature is full of surprises and adaptations. Its unique ecosystem underscores the balance between life and death, showcasing how even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way to not just survive, but thrive.

The truth about Lake Natron is far more interesting than myths.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Lake Natron: Deadly to Most Life, but the Flamingos Love It” — Explorer’s Web

WTF Fun Fact 13433 – The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

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If you crave a journey into the depths of the Earth to experience nature’s wonder, head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in Colombia. This marvel lies 200 meters (over 600 feet) underground in a former salt mine. And it’s an awe-inspiring symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance.

Visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Picture this – you descend into the belly of the Earth. You’re greeted by a long, shadowy tunnel, illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lighting. Now, you’ve reached the start of the “Via Crucis”, the Stations of the Cross. Each one represented through imposing sculptures carved directly from the salt. These artworks in themselves offer a mesmerizing spectacle, adding gravitas to the sacred pilgrimage through the mine.

As you journey deeper, you’re led to an expansive cavern. Here, the salt rocks yield to the Cathedral’s majestic centerpiece – a massive cross stretching up toward the ceiling. This 16-meter-tall monolith of salt illuminated from behind. It casts a mystical aura, offering an awe-inspiring sight that leaves visitors marveling at the artistry and devotion it represents.

An active place of worship

The Cathedral is not just a sight to behold, but also a beacon of local culture. In fact, the salt mine has supported the people of Zipaquirá for centuries, its economic significance evolving into spiritual importance with the construction of the cathedral. Today, it continues to be a vibrant place of worship where faith resonates in every salt-strewn corner.

Further adding to its uniqueness, the Cathedral’s acoustics have also been leveraged for musical performances, its echoes amplifying the harmonious notes and making the music a truly immersive experience. Here, the hymns aren’t just heard but felt, resonating with the spirit of the cathedral.

Despite its spiritual significance, the Cathedral also caters to secular tourists. A light show illuminates the cathedral, and a guided tour offers insights into its geological and architectural aspects, emphasizing its universal appeal. It’s a journey of discovery, an exploration of human ingenuity in harnessing nature, and a celebration of the enduring power of faith.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Colombia’s Salt Cathedral Is A Marvel Of Architecture And A Popular House Of Worship” — NPR