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WTF Fun Fact 13599 – The Florida Man Games

Pete Melfi, inspired by a decade of zany “Florida Man” headlines during his tenure in radio and podcasting, wanted to recreate the spirit of those escapades. The unique challenge? Giving participants the thrilling experience of a “Florida Man” adventure, but without the threat of arrest. Enter the “Florida Man Games,” an athletic showdown promising wild fun with zero jail time.

First Responders Join the Florida Man Fun

Melfi’s rapport with St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick turned out to be a game-changer. Not only did Hardwick find the concept hilarious, but he also brought along a team of volunteers from the sheriff’s office. Their mission? To chase down participants in one of the event’s highlight challenges: the “Evading Arrest Obstacle Course.” This race sees competitors dodging police officers as they leap fences and dart through backyards.

More Than Just Evading Arrest

The Florida Man Games, set for February 24, 2024, in St. Augustine, isn’t just about dodging the cops. The event roster includes the Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel, where teams battle it out in a colossal above-ground pool. There’s also the “Beer Belly Florida Sumo” contest, a mullet competition, and the amusingly titled “Florida Ma’am” contest. One of the most anticipated showdowns is the “Brawl of the Badges,” where police officers and firefighters exchange blows in a friendly boxing match.

Calling All Teams: Enter the Colosseum

Sixteen select teams will experience the mayhem firsthand in the “colosseum,” as Melfi playfully dubs the venue. With a projected crowd of 10,000, including both competitors and ticket-holders, the atmosphere promises electric energy. Prospective teams need to act fast, as the entry deadline looms on November 15. By the month’s end, the final teams will lock in their spots, as announced on The Florida Man Games’ official website.

The Essence of The Florida Man Games

Beyond the chaos and laughter, what is Melfi’s true aspiration for the games? He’s after genuine, side-splitting hilarity. “Just as with the headlines, our primary goal is to induce laughter,” Melfi shares. To him, laughter is the most precious gift one can offer, and the games are his way of spreading joy.

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Source: “‘Evading Arrest’ Among Events at Florida Man Games — and Founder Says ‘a Ton’ of Cops Volunteered as Chasers” — People

WTF Fun Fact 13592 – Participating in Genetic Research

Have you ever wondered why certain individuals are drawn to participating in genetic research studies? The University of Oxford’s groundbreaking research suggests the inclination may be embedded in our genes. Their study indicates that individuals who opt for genetic research have a genetic predisposition to do so, creating discernible patterns in genetic datasets.

Tackling Ascertainment Bias

Stefania Benonisdottir, the study’s lead researcher from Oxford’s Big Data Institute, clarifies the predicament researchers face. The majority of genetic investigations rely on extensive genetic databases. Some individuals, however, are overrepresented in these databases. This overrepresentation leads to ‘ascertainment bias,’ implying the genetic information gathered isn’t an accurate representation of the broader population.

To delve deeper, the team utilized the UK Biobank, one of the globe’s most comprehensive biomedical databases. Through their analysis, the researchers pinpointed a distinct genetic factor influencing a person’s likelihood to partake in studies. This revelation in Nature Genetics signifies that the act of participation might be a crucial human trait, previously overlooked. The research also presents a statistical model that promises enhanced accuracy in genetic data interpretation.

Participating in Genetic Research and the Creation of Bias

Professor Augustine Kong, a distinguished researcher from the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and the Big Data Institute, emphasizes the complexity of ascertainment bias. In today’s age of expansive data, these biases can skew results. Adjusting for these biases depends on recognizing distinctions between participants and those who abstain. By uncovering the genetic patterns of participation bias, researchers can fine-tune their methods, leading to more accurate studies that encompass both participating and non-participating demographics.

Genome-wide association studies are paramount in understanding the genetic factors influencing human health and ailments. However, biases, such as non-representative samples, can hamper the results. Recognizing the genetic inclination for participation equips scientists to gauge the authenticity of their study cohorts.

Drawing from the genetic data of over 30,000 related participants of white British origin from the UK Biobank, the research team discovered a unique genetic element influencing participation. This element is distinct yet related to the genetic factors of characteristics like educational achievements and body mass index. The genetic propensity to participate isn’t merely a byproduct of these other traits, shedding light on the nuanced nature of genetic study participation.

A Family Affair and the Future of Genetic Research

The genetic tendency to participate in studies isn’t an isolated trait. It gets passed down through generations and might influence an individual’s involvement in diverse studies throughout their life. This discovery underscores the potential biases in genetic research and the importance of accommodating such biases during both study design and analysis.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Melinda Mills, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, acknowledges the long journey ahead in achieving diversity in genome-wide association studies. Yet, this novel statistical approach offers a ray of hope. By counteracting the risks of imprecise data interpretation, this methodology ensures that the benefits of genetic research reach every individual.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Participating in genetic studies is in your genes” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13582 – Microplastics in Clouds

In a world where plastic pollution has become the modern equivalent of a lurking monster, scientists are now finding microplastics in clouds!

Microplastics have long been known to plague our oceans and icebergs, but they’ve recently shown up hovering over two iconic Japanese mountains.

A High Altitude Revelation of Microplastics in Clouds

Researchers were taken aback when they found that clouds enveloping Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama weren’t just made of the usual water vapor. Embedded within were minute plastic particles, further underscoring the alarming extent of plastic’s grip on the planet. Picture this: the pristine beauty of these mountainous landscapes, tainted by the very pollution we’ve been battling on the ground. The troubling implication? Our world’s crops and water sources could face contamination from a new form of precipitation: “plastic rainfall.”

The concentration of microplastics in these clouds is not just a passive observer. Scientists believe the tiny plastic bits play an active role in the formation of these clouds while concurrently releasing greenhouse gases.

Hiroshi Okochi, the leading voice of the study and a professor at Waseda University, offers a dire perspective on the findings, emphasizing the grave environmental risks that “plastic air pollution” could usher in if left unchecked.

Unraveling the Source of Airborne Plastics

So, what exactly are these microplastics? Essentially, they’re tiny plastic fragments, less than five millimeters in size. Some of these particles break away from larger plastic objects over time, while others might be deliberately added to products or originate from industrial discharge. And here’s another surprise: our everyday tires and personal care products containing plastic beads are among the chief culprits.

The repercussions for human health are just as ominous. These minute invaders are finding their way into our systems. Evidence of microplastics has turned up in human lungs, brains, blood, and even placentas. While the full scope of their toxicity remains a subject of ongoing research, early signs are far from reassuring. Connections to behavioral alterations in mice and potential links to serious health conditions, such as cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, have surfaced.

Implications of Microplastics for the Climate and Ecosystem

Drawing samples from various altitudes, Waseda researchers identified a mix of polymers and rubber types in the clouds. Particularly alarming was the discovery of a large portion of “water-loving” microplastics, hinting at their significant role in swift cloud creation. This suggests that these particles could inadvertently be influencing our overall climate.

Why? Because when these microplastics are exposed to ultraviolet light in the upper atmosphere, they degrade faster. This degradation process emits greenhouse gases. This has far-reaching implications, especially in fragile ecosystems like polar regions, where the balance is already precarious.

The agility and mobility of microplastics further add to the complexity of the issue. They don’t just remain confined to one location. Airborne plastics can embark on extensive journeys, traveling vast distances through our environment. While the oceans, with their crashing waves and bursting bubbles, might be a primary source, the everyday dust from our roads and cars can be just as culpable.

Looking Ahead

The realization that our skies, previously thought to be untouched, are now tainted with microplastics serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s footprint. It reinforces the urgency to address the plastic crisis at its roots and rethink our relationship with this ubiquitous material. For in the dance of nature and human progression, ensuring that our steps are in harmony has never been more crucial.

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Source:

WTF Fun Fact 13561 – Flamingos in Wisconsin

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 13550 – Grocery Store Apples

It turns out the “fresh” apple you buy at the store might not be as fresh as you think – grocery store apples can be a year old, and you’d never know it.

How Apples Stay Fresh for Months

We often assume the fresh produce we buy from the grocery store was harvested just days or weeks prior to our purchase. However, someone might have picked your apple over a year ago.

So how do stores manage to provide these fresh-looking and crisp-tasting apples throughout the year?

Controlled Atmosphere Storage

Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage is an innovation that has revolutionized the way we store apples and other produce. By regulating the temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels within storage units, apples’ ripening process slows significantly. The low temperature is particularly crucial, often set just above freezing. Additionally, reducing the oxygen levels from the 21% found in the air we breathe to a mere 1-2% and increasing carbon dioxide levels keeps the apples in a state of dormancy.

This storage method doesn’t just slow down the ripening process but can also help in preserving the apple’s flavor, color, texture, and vital nutrients. In essence, CA storage puts the apples to “sleep.” That way, we can store them for extended periods without significant deterioration.

The Journey of Grocery Stores Apples

Let’s follow the journey of an apple. It gets harvested during the apple-picking season, which typically runs from late summer to early fall. After a brief initial inspection and cleaning, instead of heading straight to the grocery shelves, many of these apples make their way into CA storage facilities. They might remain there for several months or even over a year, depending on the demand and variety of the apple.

When the market needs replenishment outside of the apple season, food purveyors get out their stored apples, wash them, and sometimes wax them to enhance their shine. After they undergo quality checks, companies pack and ship to grocery stores nationwide.

A common question arises: do these “aged” apples differ nutritionally from their fresher counterparts? The good news is that the CA storage process retains most of the apples’ nutrients. While there might be slight decreases in some vitamin levels, such as vitamin C, over extended periods, the overall nutritional profile remains largely intact.

Embracing the Benefits of Preserved Grocery Store Apples

Understanding the age of grocery store apples isn’t meant to deter individuals from purchasing them. In fact, CA storage has many benefits. It reduces food waste by allowing us to store apples longer, ensuring they don’t spoil before reaching consumers. It also ensures apples remain available year-round, not just during the harvest season.

However, for those who prioritize consuming fruits at their freshest, this information might influence purchasing decisions. Buying apples during their natural harvesting season or directly from local farmers’ markets can often guarantee a more recent harvest. Moreover, it’s always a good practice to ask store representatives about the sourcing and storage practices for their produce.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “That apple you just bought might be a year old – but does it matter?” — TODAY

WTF Fun Fact 13546 – Women Couldn’t Open Bank Accounts

When women couldn’t open bank accounts in the U.S., their financial autonomy was severely restricted, hindering their progress toward economic independence and equality.

It wasn’t until 1974 that women in the U.S. were allowed to open a bank account on their own.

A Time When Women Couldn’t Open Bank Accounts

Women’s Financial Independence in the U.S. saw its roots in a long history of legal restrictions. Historically, women in America operated under coverture, a legal doctrine derived from English common law. This principle dictated that a woman’s legal rights and economic identity were covered or absorbed by her husband upon marriage. Consequently, women couldn’t possess property, sign contracts, or maintain their wages if they worked.

Shift in Dynamics Post-WWII

The period following World War II marked significant changes for women in the workforce. With a large number of men deployed overseas, women took on roles traditionally held by their male counterparts. They began earning and managing money, thereby getting an initial experience of financial independence. However, the post-war era saw a push to restore conventional gender roles, making the drive for financial autonomy even more critical.

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed an intensified push for equal rights. The pinnacle moment for women’s financial independence came with the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) in 1974. This act made it unlawful for creditors to discriminate against any applicant based on sex or marital status. Following this, women could independently open bank accounts, secure credit cards, and obtain loans without a male co-signer.

Impact of the ECOA

Post-ECOA, women had the capacity to establish individual credit histories, which were essential for various financial endeavors ranging from home buying to starting a business. However, this newfound freedom was just one step. Many women continued to navigate challenges, including wage gaps and limited representation in high-ranking professional roles.

The ability for women to open bank accounts without male intervention was more than just a legislative change; it was a significant milestone in the broader context of women’s rights in the U.S. While challenges remained, the legal recognition of a woman’s right to financial independence marked an essential shift in the journey toward gender equality in the country.

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Source: “A Bank of Her Own” — JSTOR

WTF Fun Fact 13526 – Hercules Beetle

The Hercules beetle is a wonder in the world of insects, renowned for its colossal size and unique morphology. Originating from the rainforests of Central and South America, this beetle has a horn that can even surpass its own body length, making it a subject of intrigue for both scientists and insect enthusiasts.

Physical Characteristics of the Hercules Beetle

Notably, male Hercules beetles are the ones that sport elongated horns, which they primarily use for battling rivals when competing for mates. These horns boast a unique inner structure, built much like a honeycomb. This internal design enhances the horn’s durability while keeping it lightweight. The beetle’s strength-to-weight ratio is astounding; it has the capability to lift an astonishing 850 times its body weight. This herculean feat is what lends the beetle its mythological name, Hercules.

The life cycle of a Hercules beetle comprises four key stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Among these, the larval stage stretches the longest, often up to two years. During this period, the larvae sustain themselves on decaying wood, hidden away from predators.

Interestingly, the diet of the Hercules beetle is mostly plant-based. The larvae feed on rotting wood, aiding in forest decomposition. Adults prefer sugary foods like fruit, but also consume tree sap. This diet provides both nourishment and hydration, necessary for their survival in the wild.

The horn plays a pivotal role in the beetle’s mating rituals. Males engage in combative duels using their horns, tossing rivals off logs and branches to win the favor of a female. The horn, therefore, is not just for show but a tool for survival and propagation.

Human Engagement

Due to their unique appearance and relatively low maintenance, Hercules beetles have become popular pets. Beyond this, the scientific community is profoundly interested in these beetles. Studies often focus on the properties of the beetle’s exoskeleton, which could inspire advances in materials science.

Currently, it is not categorized as an endangered species. However, looming threats like habitat loss due to rampant deforestation put their population at risk. Environmental agencies emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect this fascinating species.

Cultural Relevance

The Hercules beetle has permeated cultural consciousness in several ways. In Japan, children engage in beetle sumo wrestling as a form of entertainment. Additionally, the Hercules beetle appears in folklore and art, where it symbolizes traits like strength and bravery, much like its namesake.

The Hercules beetle captivates our imagination with its sheer size, unparalleled strength, and unique anatomical features. It serves as a vital subject in both scientific research and cultural narratives. Although it might not possess the divine attributes of its namesake, the Greek demigod Hercules, this remarkable beetle holds its own as a force in the natural world.

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Source: “Hercules Beetle” — AZ Animals

WTF Fun Fact 13524 – Lobsters Don’t Age

Lobsters don’t age.

This sea-dwelling crustacean defies the conventional understanding of aging by not showing signs of age-related decline. Here’s why lobsters have intrigued scientists and could potentially reshape our understanding of aging.

Biochemical Wizardry and Lobster Age

The secret behind a lobster’s seemingly eternal youthfulness lies in its biochemistry. Lobsters produce a substance called telomerase. This enzyme plays a role in maintaining the length of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of DNA strands.

In most organisms, including humans, telomeres shorten as they age, leading to cellular degeneration and eventually death. Lobsters, however, keep pumping out telomerase throughout their lives, maintaining their telomere length and, consequently, their cellular integrity.

Lobsters Don’t Age – Or Become Less Fertile

Another fascinating feature is that lobsters don’t experience a decline in fertility with age. In many species, reproductive capabilities wane over time. Not so for the lobster. Older females produce even more eggs than their younger counterparts. This aspect has led some researchers to speculate that lobsters may follow a different, if not unique, aging trajectory compared to other animals.

Lobsters continue to grow throughout their lives by molting. This involves shedding their exoskeleton and growing a new one. You might think that this process would become less efficient as the lobster ages, but that’s not the case. Each molt can result in a 14% increase in body size, irrespective of the lobster’s age.

The Age-Energy Paradox

You would assume that continuously growing and molting would require a tremendous amount of energy, and that this might become a constraint as lobsters age. Interestingly, lobsters do not face such limitations. They maintain robust metabolic rates and energy reserves, challenging the notion that energy capacity diminishes with age.

Another marvel lies in the lobster’s immune system. It doesn’t show signs of weakening with age, unlike in humans and other animals. Their robust immune systems add another layer of mystery to their already intriguing biology.

While lobsters don’t weaken with age, they aren’t immortal. Their demise usually comes from external factors like predation or disease. In their natural habitats, they have plenty of predators, including larger lobsters, fish, and even humans. As they grow bigger and older, they also become more susceptible to capture because they make for a more enticing meal.

Lobsters Don’t Age But They Don’t Live Forever

Though their bodies may not betray them, environmental conditions can still impact a lobster’s lifespan. Changes in water temperature, increased pollution, and loss of habitat can affect their longevity. Still, these factors do not trigger the internal mechanisms of decline that aging does in most other organisms.

The study of lobsters has far-reaching implications for understanding aging in other organisms, including humans. Researchers are keen on exploring whether the principles of the lobster’s longevity and resistance to aging can somehow be applied to human medicine. There’s ongoing research into telomerase, and it’s considered a hot topic in anti-aging studies.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Are lobsters immortal?” — Natural History Museum

WTF Fun Fact 13514 – Cuddly Sharks Sleeping

National Geographic gave us a unique look into the little-known habit of “cuddly” sharks sleeping together.

Of course, when one thinks of a shark, the image that often comes to mind is that of a fierce predator. The last thing you’d imagine is a creature with “cuddly sleep habits.” But what if the way sharks rest and sleep is more fascinating than you might believe?

Understanding Sharks Sleeping

Unlike humans, sharks don’t have eyelids, so it’s challenging to determine when they’re asleep or awake by merely observing them. However, that doesn’t mean they’re always on the prowl. Sharks have periods of rest and activity, but their “sleep” is different from what we typically understand.

Most sharks need to keep moving to breathe. Water flows over their gills, providing them with the necessary oxygen. This phenomenon might make it seem like sharks never rest, but that’s not entirely true.

Do Sharks Really Sleep?

The concept of sleep in sharks is intriguing. Some species have been observed to enter a state called “tonic immobility.” This natural state of paralysis, which can last for minutes, isn’t sleep in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s more of a trance-like state where the shark becomes incredibly still and can be handled without reacting. It’s not entirely understood why sharks enter this state, but it’s believed to be a defense mechanism.

While the idea of sharks being “cuddly” is a stretch, some species do exhibit social behaviors that might surprise you. For instance, the Spotted Wobbegong, a type of carpet shark, has been observed resting in groups, often piled atop one another, almost like a group cuddle!

While this behavior is more about conserving energy and space than seeking comfort, it’s an endearing sight that shatters many shark stereotypes.

Adaptable and Ever-Evolving

The world of sharks is vast, with over 400 species, each with its unique habits and idiosyncrasies. Some species have evolved specialized methods to rest while maintaining their oxygen flow. The Spiracle, an organ located just behind the eyes of some sharks, allows them to draw water while being stationary. This adaptation enables species like the Whitetip reef shark to lie on the ocean floor and rest without constantly swimming.

While “cuddly” might be a whimsical way to describe the rest habits of sharks, there’s no doubt that these majestic creatures of the deep have a side to them that’s less understood and more fascinating than their fearsome reputation suggests.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Rare Footage Shows the Cuddly Sleeping Habits of Sharks” — Mental Floss