fun facts
What happens in a dead salmon’s brain when you show it human photos?
Nothing, of course. But some fMRI scans might show things anyway. This study warns researchers to beware of false positives. ~ learn more
Category: fun facts
fun facts
Research says big words make you look dumb.
“The research paper‘s title is apt: ‘Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly.’” ~ learn more
fun facts
How to build the ideal sauna.
It turns out that most saunas in the U.S. have shortcomings. “This thing that people in Finland (and Germany, Sweden, Austria, etc.) call a sauna is all about the specific, unique and quite wonderful bather experience it provides – even […]
fun facts
You cannot photocopy money.
“Not just legally, but also literally. Yes, you cannot copy money using the photocopy machine! If you try to print currency notes using any modern printing or scanning devices, they will refuse to assist you in this criminal endeavor. Some might […]
fun facts
The man who remembered everything and thought it was normal.
This is really interesting because he had synesthesia (multiple senses activate concurrently, i.e. can smell colors). Moreover, his memory was greatly aided by the same technique as the ancients (chronicled in Moonwalking with Einstein), though he seems to have invented it […]
fun facts
Why is it so hard to build an airport?
“Of the 50 largest airports in the US, the average age is 82 years, and only three have been built in the last 50 years. The US has built more commercial nuclear reactors in the past 25 years (two) than […]
fun facts
Most common domesticated animal by county.
Based on USDA Census of Agriculture. Humans, who count as an animal here, win 1,495 counties. Pheasants win 2. ~ learn more
fun facts
Low-background metal.
“One odd consequence of humanity’s 77-year flirtation with atomic weapons is that the steel we produce is now ever-so-slightly radioactive. The radiation isn’t strong enough to pose a health risk, but it does interfere with some sensitive scientific and medical […]
fun facts
The absurd problem of New York City trash.
From this article I learned that the reason NYC doesn’t have alleys is because the architects responsible for the grid system were preoccupied with another project — the Erie Canal. Lots more detailed discussion about the gross garbage problem of […]
fun facts
Arctic ice cools drinks in Dubai bars.
This is pretty opulent. “The company’s website hammers home the point that the ice destined to chill drinks in glitzy watering holes halfway around the world is taken from icebergs already naturally detached from the glacier and floating in Greenland’s […]