Your home for quirky, engaging articles about the natural world, human history, biology, and everything in between. Prepare to head down the rabbit hole and learn some fascinating new things along the way.
Why Forty Percent of People Never Get Wisdom Teeth
Not everyone gets wisdom teeth. In fact, a whopping forty percent of people never develop wisdom teeth at all. This isn’t just a quirky fact about human biology. The story of wisdom teeth reveals a fascinating tale of human evolution. It illustrates genetic diversity and the mysterious nature of our pearly whites.
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Did Nero Fiddle While Rome Burned? Unraveling the Myth
The image of the Roman emperor playing music while his city goes up in flames is powerful. But is there any truth to it? Did Nero fiddle while Rome burned? This powerful imagery is widely used around the world in songs, comics, and books. At this point in time, the image of Nero fiddling while Rome burned is part of our zeitgeist. Yet, the actual history is a bit more complicated.
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What Are Phages? And Why Are They So Incredibly Important?
Little microscopic heroes known as phages exist in all parts of nature. They’re so small you can’t see them, but they play a massive role in keeping our planet healthy and balanced. You may have heard of them recently as they gain more attention among scientists and researchers. But what are phages exactly? And why is everyone excited about them?
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Pigeons vs Doves: Are They Really Different?
Pigeons and doves are often said to be the same thing, but is this true? The pigeons vs doves naming has long been confusing for many. These birds both belong to the Columbidae family, so that is the same. They also share many similarities in appearance and behavior. This leads to the common question: Are pigeons and doves actually the same?
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The Science of Pyramid Construction: Weighing the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid of Giza is an awe-inspiring example of ancient Egyptian ingenuity with pyramid construction. It was built around 2560 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu. And, it is the oldest and biggest of the three pyramids which make up the Giza pyramid complex. This colossal structure held the record as the world’s tallest human-made structure for over 3,800 years. This changed in 2010, when the UAE built the Burj Khalifa. The Great Pyramid’s precise construction uses an estimated 2.3 million limestone blocks and continues to baffle modern engineers and archaeologists. What they can all agree on, though, is that it is incredible.
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Spider Ballooning: How Spiders Fly
Have you ever seen tiny spiders floating through the air on silken threads? This phenomenon is called spider ballooning, and it is the unique way some spiders fly to the skies. These spiders are excellent paragliders! Ballooning lets spiders travel long distances and find new homes. Spider ballooning isn’t just cool to watch – it plays a big role in how spider populations spread and thrive.
Inside the Largest Cave in the World: Hang Son Doong
Did you know that the largest cave in the world is so huge it could fit an entire New York City block inside? Welcome to Hang Son Doong, a jaw-dropping wonder hidden in the depths of Vietnam. This underground offers a glimpse into a world that seems almost alien in its beauty and scale.
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The Link Between Squirrels and Power Outages
Did you know that tiny, furry creatures can cause big power problems? Squirrels and power outages go hand in hand. In fact, in some areas they cause more power outages than any other source, other animals, and natural disasters combined. These bushy-tailed troublemakers have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t, often with shocking results (literally!). Squirrels have caused outages in 49 of the 50 US states — the only state missing is Hawaii, and that’s because there are no squirrels there.
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Do Elephants Worship the Moon? Fact or Fiction
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen enthusiastic creators talk about how elephants worship the moon. But is this, in fact, true, or a ploy for followers? It’s a question that has sparked curiosity and debate. Elephants are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors and have also long been the subject of myths and legends. This article dives into the world of elephant intelligence and explores the truth behind the moon worship theory.
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The Smallest Camelid: All About The Vicuña
Meet the vicuña, a petite and graceful creature roaming South America’s high Andes mountains. With its soft golden-brown coat and delicate features, this pint-sized camelid might just be the most adorable animal you’ve never heard of. It also has some of the best eyelashes! This smallest member of the camel family isn’t much bigger than a large dog, just with longer legs.
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