15 Intriguing Facts That Went Unnoticed
The human brain and the natural world are replete with fascinating details that often go unnoticed. Here are some of the most intriguing facts that highlight the wonders of nature, history, and science!
Nature and Natural Phenomena
1. Octopus Hearts
An octopus has three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. Interestingly, the heart that delivers blood to the body stops beating when the octopus swims, which is why they prefer to crawl.
2. Tardigrades in Space
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny creatures that can survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. They can endure high radiation levels, extreme temperatures, and even years without water.
3. Honey Never Spoils
Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey’s low moisture content and acidic pH create a hostile environment for bacteria and mold.
Human History and Science
4. Longest Place Name
The longest place name in the world is 85 letters long: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, a hill in New Zealand. The name is in the Māori language and translates to a tale about a man named Tamatea.
5. Shark Linage
Sharks are more closely related to humans than they are to trees. Both humans and sharks are part of the same evolutionary lineage called Deuterostomia, while trees belong to a different lineage.
Human Body and Brain
6. Human Brain Complexity
The human brain contains more than 100 billion neurons and can perform more than 2 trillion calculations per second. It generates about 12-25 watts of electricity, enough to power a low-wattage LED light bulb.
7. Alcohol and Memory Loss
Alcohol doesn't make you forget things. When you get blackout drunk, the brain temporarily loses the ability to create memories.
8. Dehydration and Brain Function
About 75% of the brain is made up of water. Even slight dehydration can negatively affect brain function.
9. Brain Surgery while Awake
Brain surgery can be performed while the patient is awake with no pain or discomfort. The brain has no pain receptors and feels no pain.
10. Brain Memory and Functions
Brain functions include 250,000 gigabytes, which can store a vast amount of information. The brain grows three times its size in the first year of life and continues to grow until about 18 years old.
11. Brain Functions and Processes
Headaches are caused by a chemical reaction in the brain, combined with the muscles and nerves of the neck and head. Information can pass through the brain at approximately 260 mph.
12. Brain Myths and Reality
A common myth is that humans only use 10% of their brain. In reality, we use all of it. We are even using more than 10% when we sleep.
13. Awake Brain Surgery
Brain surgery can be performed while the patient is awake. This is possible because the brain has no pain receptors.
14. Brain Dedication to Functions
Dreams are believed to be a combination of imagination, psychological factors, and neurological factors. They prove that your brain is working even when you are sleeping.
15. Phone Number Length
Telephone numbers in the United States are seven digits long because our working memory, which stores ideas just long enough for us to understand them, can hold on average a maximum of seven digits.
Conclusion
These facts remind us of the untold wonders of the world, from the complexity of the human body and the natural world to the mysteries of the mind and the beauty of history. They are a testament to the incredible intricacies of life and the universe.