Following on from our extremely popular top 20 amazing science facts, we have produced another list of facts that are entertaining and educational. These are all facts that are (hopefully) not especially well known to the average person.
1. Fingernails grow four times faster than toenails
2. Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people
3. If you rub an onion on your foot – within 30 – 60 minutes you will be able to taste it – this is because it travels through the blood stream
4. You can’t kill yourself by holding your breath (if you hold it until you go unconscious, you begin to breath normally as soon as you do)
5. On one square inch of human skin there are 20 million microscopic creatures
6. Armadillos are the only creatures apart from men that can catch leprosy – there are known cases of armadillo to human transfers of the disease
7. A snail can sleep for 3 – 4 years – during which period it does not need food
8. Giraffes can live longer without water than camels
9. The songs of humpback whales can change dramatically from year to year, yet each whale in an oceanwide population always sings the same song as the others [Source]
10. The forces required to remove a foot from quicksand at a speed of one centimeter per second would require the same amount of force as “that needed to lift a medium-sized car.”
11. To test if a pearl is real, you can rub vinegar on it – the composition of the pearl will cause it to bubble furiously
12. Goldfish kept in a dark room turn much paler – and if it wasn’t for the color in the food they eat, they would turn completely white
13. Unlike normal bees, the Queen bee’s stinger is not barbed and can be used repeatedly without harming her
14. Quicksand doesn’t directly kill humans as it is usually not very deep at all – it is the fact that it can be incredibly difficult to remove yourself from quicksand that causes death by the environment – such as exposure.
15. Oysters can change between being female or male
16. Men are over 30% stronger than women on average, especially in the upper body, and men’s brains are heavier than women’s [Source, Source]
I really have enjoyed reading these amazing facts.
Thanks a lot =)
#1: I’m a man who discovered the wheel and built the Eiffel Tower out of metal and brawn. That’s what kind of man I am. You’re just a woman with a small brain. With a brain a third the size of us. It’s science.
@dirtyrockerbarbie (123): Amazing! Neither scientific nor factual, but amazing that someone could believe such a coq’n'bull story in this day and age.
Tells me that dirtyrockerbarbie is either pulling our collective leg, or has an IQ equal to his/her/it’s age. I fear to guess which, but hope it’s the first.
@segues (124): i take it you don’t get out much. that quote is from “anchorman” with will ferrell. and yes, it was completely ironic.
@dirtyrockerbarbie (125): The other regulars around here will tell you that no, I don’t get out much. For several reasons; the least of which is that I live in a village in the woods, on the central coast of California with a permanent population of of fewer than 5000 (but only if you count all of the out-lying farms and vineyards). Then there’s my health issues, booorrrrrring.
But you’re right, the quote went speeding right over my head, about the speed of mach 5, I’m still hearing the ringing in my ears.
really cool list,the onion thing was very interesting…will try it out with my friends..4 sure..!
I love dropping these facts randomly into conversations, it makes me seems really smart. Unfortunately, most of the time people think I’m making them up.
You can check to see if pearls are real by just rubbing them on your teeth. If they are, they’ll feel gritty, where fake plastic ones feel smooth.
Oh, I just read that someone already beat me to this facts. My bad
Males have bigger brains than women. Its science
@Penlag (131): You have bigger penises, too. What’s your point?
@segues (132): sometimes my brain is in my penis, but that’s another issue…
@segues (132):
Woo segue! I’m going to print that out and frame it
Ahhh, guys! It was just begging to be said, I just got there first. And @Maggot (133): that is true of everyman, which is why we love you so.
weird… Thats so cool i love science as long as its not a class:)
I nocited #16 established the male ***** as both more physically superior and although they haven’t yet found a link between brain weight and intelligence, probably more mentally superior. food for thought. We must all accept that women will never be treated equal to men in this society. Not until the female homo sapien has evolved to match the male homo sapien’s fitness.
Men can pee standing up. That’s why we are better. No further comments necessary
@Kalmah (137): Males and females evolved to perform different physical functions; hence the females wider pelvic bone structure and her ability to suckle young. Not to mention the females higher pain tolerance.
Males have greater upper body strength, and a longer stride.
Neither is superior to the other, they are suited for different functions.
As far as intelligence is concerned, posts like yours keep it plain that the female is intellectually superior to the male now and always.
Males are fitter than females. Now it does not have to be directly linked to anthropology. In this society, men make more money than women, and on average have a higher chance to get further academically and in the workforce. This is a direct result of their size back when our common ancestors first established social groups.
@ segues (139): I also must add that you’re quite ignorant to assume females are more intelligent to males just because you don’t agree with one male’s opinion on a website. Read up on facts before you make such bold statements buddy
@Kalmah (137):
I’m a female so be patient because according to you I’m too stupid to get these things the first time around. According to your comment, physically stronger means more intelligent means equal treatment in society. You’re comparing apples to oranges to nerf supersoakers here, buddy.
There’s no disputing physical differences. Males as a whole have larger muscle mass and bigger, denser bones to withstand greater physical demands. There are some Miss Universes who’ve attained physical attributes comparative to their muscular colleagues and at far greater health risks than their male weight-lifting counterparts but in general, woman can’t go toe to toe physically with men. But to say this (and a heavier brain) is why men are more intelligent is ludicrous. From a biological view, you’re equating two vastly different areas of the body (i.e. the muscular system and the nervous system). They function differently or else…gasp, shock, and awe… they would be within the same system. From a psychological point of view, you have no proof of brain density equaling intelligence. Just look through the sources provided or the comments on this board and you’ll see no one has reached a scientifically sound conclusion – you included.
on average have a higher chance to get further academically
Only because of an ‘affirmative action’-like stance aiming towards gender equality at the university level. USA Today reports that the gender gap in higher education has widened to a 57% majority favoring women. The UK’s Higher Education Policy has found that females are outranking their male classmates in every single academic field. So yes, males have a slightly better chance at getting into higher education but do they take advantage of the academic opportunities presented? Some do, some don’t. At least I am realistic enough to know that academic achievements are based on the effort put into the work while you are basing it solely on what junk is in the trunk.
In this society, men make more money than women, and on average have a higher chance to get further…in the workforce.
No denying this, but how is physical prowess in any way relevant to MODERN society’s gender roles aside from being antiquated views that can (and should) be obsolete?
Not until the female homo sapien has evolved to match the male homo sapien’s fitness.
What are you on? crack? Again, antiquated societal rules and you’re saying the only way to bypass that is to “evolve” physically to be equal to men. Well, physically, I know guys with biceps bigger than their gigantic heads (which I assume hold gigantic brains) but that still doesn’t mean they can change a flat tire better than I can. Again, physical abilities should not have the final say in societal rules. We’ve changed our environment to the point that these rules are outdated. The fact that you’re using that as a reason is further spreading the stereotype of the inferiority of women to men.
although they haven’t yet found a link between brain weight and intelligence, probably more mentally superior
In science, there are no probablies. There are hypothetical statements that are not credible unless supported by evidence. Show some actual proof that goes along the lines of your statement or you’re simply spewing rubbish.
segue, carry on… At the moment, I am under rant restriction and limited to comments fit for the two finger typist because both arms are in splints…or were before this rant and will be once again after submitting. I’m not even a fan of the modern feminist movement and yet this thing’s obtusely *****ist remarks has got my balls-kicking leg ready for action.
@Kalmah (141): If you read my post again you’ll note that the male who’s intelligence I was questioning was yours.
You have now confirmed your lack of intelligence, though the site is chockablock full with intelligent men.
@gabi319 (142): covered most of the salient points I would have covered myself if it hadn’t been almost 2 a.m.
How you can confuse physical prowess with intelligence is beyond the pale, and to make matters worse you confuse a societal error of reimbursing men, who perform exactly the same job as a woman, at a higher rate as a source “fitness” shows, again, a lack of intelligence on your part.
You are confused. You are deeply and sadly confused. I’d be angry but I honestly believe you to be too stupid, or too ignorant, to be blamed for your lack of knowledge.
@segues (139): Males and females evolved to perform different physical functions; hence the females wider pelvic bone structure and her ability to suckle young. Not to mention the females higher pain tolerance.
Males have greater upper body strength, and a longer stride.
Neither is superior to the other, they are suited for different functions.
Whereas Kalmah has evolved a large ass and a smaller head so as to facilitate the function of easier insertion of the latter into the former, where it apparently predominantly resides.
@gabi319 (142): both arms are in splints
Wtf? Another tree?
I’m not even a fan of the modern feminist movement and yet this thing’s obtusely *****ist remarks has got my balls-kicking leg ready for action.
Note to self: wear protective cup when being obtusely *****ist in gabi’s presence.
i would totally take a giraffe into the desert more storage space
@Maggot (144): Maggot, you wonderful Maggot you! I’d wanted to say something esactly like that, but somehow the exact phrasing just wouldn’t come to me at the right time…yet I was sure one of my friends would do so for me. You often make the correct call.
Thank you, my dear.
I’m sure his pointy little head is appropriately inserted into the proper receptacle even as we type.
@Maggot (145):
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Sure, I’m laughing now but you do realize that I’ve been attacked by three trees in the past five years? It’s no coincidence. They’re conspiring against me.
A better way to determine if a pearl is fake without ruining it – rub it against your tooth. A real pearl has a grainy texture, plastic is smooth. If you can, look at the pearl under a magnifying glass. Pearls have a fingerprint-like surface, fake pearls have bubbles or matte patterns. Real pearls have depth to their color, fake pearls are one color. Real pearls are cool to the touch, fake pearls are room temperature.
There you go. Now you can tell your pearl is real without ruining it.
@Kalmah (137) – there is no way I am going to admit the superiority of the male brain when you, evidently male because of your *****ist comments, have incorrect grammar in your posts… And incorrect spelling (although I will admit the possibility of typos).
Males tend to be heavier than females. Thus have heavier brains. What does this prove? Nothing. Are you going to claim that because blue whales have heavier brains they are smarter?
Women are not treated equally to women. This is a fact. At present in New Zealand, where I live, women are paid on average 12% less than women. I do not disagree with you on this. We do not, however, have to accept this, seeing as we can change it. All we have to do is – shock horror – pay women as much as men for the same amount of work.
You also stated (141) that men are likely to get farther in the workforce (by the way, I’m not directly quoting because this sentence had one of the grammatical errors I was annoyed about). This is due to subliminal prejudices – whites are likely to get higher jobs than blacks. And tall people are more likely to get high-paying jobs than short people. Does it follow that tall people are more intelligent?
And I’m not sure of your logic behind this statement: “This is a direct result of their size back when our common ancestors first established social groups.” Can you explain?
Actually, not only does the mass of your brain not determine your intelligence, neither does the mass compared to the body mass of the person (or animal). Some great apes have larger brains compared to their body masses than us. What actually matters in intelligence is the numbers of connections between neurons in the brain. And not destroying these by taking drugs. As it happens, in the UK in 2006 70,000 drug offenders where male – and only 10,000 female. Therefore females are more likely to be more intelligent.
@Gabi: Thanks. That was a wonderful summary of my thoughts.
@Anonymous (150): Tis nice to know about how to tell if your pearls are real without destroying them. Thankyou, too.
@Rowena (151):
but really, don’t feel compelled to respond to Kalmah. He’s a troll and not even a very good one.
You’re welcome!
And don’t forget that *****ism is not gender specific. A female can be *****ist towards females or even towards males and still be labelled *****ist.
@Kalmah (149):
THAT was your response!? Awe, come on! If you’re going to troll the Internet, you’ve gotta commit! A little more effort on your part please because frankly, the lack of quality in your responses are becoming more insulting that what’s actually being said. I may find you and kick you in the nuts just for wasting my time with your half-assery.
@gabi319 (153):…I may find you and kick you in the nuts just for wasting my time with your half-assery.
****
gabi, considering you were meaning Kalmah (149), shouldn’t that read “your half-asshattery”?
Just my 2 ¢
@segues (154):
I considered it, segue. I truly did. However, his effort wasn’t worth the extra letters. Why give him my best effort when he won’t give me the same?
Plus my hands haven’t gotten any better
. My whole arms were literally shaking this morning. Didn’t really feel painful but definitely lacked the usual mobility. I for more consistent improvement because being a painter and all, I kinda need my hands…e
Actually, the left-handed people die sooner theory is false.
The study was conducted by noticing that in older populations there are fewer left-handed people.
The actual reason was that lefties were forced to switch, because if you were left-handed, it was thought you were possessed by evil spirits.
SO, because people were less paranoid as time progressed, there are fewer lefties in older generations and more lefties in younger generations.
There may be a higher accident rate among lefties due to the majority of tools and appliances having a right-handed design, but definitely not a shorter lifespan.
@gabi319 (155): So true, gabi, so true! As we are both artists, though of different genres, I can empathize wholeheartedly with you.
Still, what a shame that K will go through life bumbling about, seeing things only through smoked-glass filters, a blight upon everything he touches.
More recent studies show that left handers do not die at nearly such a greater rate: http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100159952
@segues (159): @segues (160): Obviously, I did not post either of these comments, nor probably others I have not yet caught…I have a feeling to whom thanks should be given, but as I am not sure, all I can do is beg Jamie, et al to remove and reject further posts by whomever did post under my name.
****JAMIE****159 & 160 are the work of a troll! Please kick his/her/it’s butt off of LV for time immemorial! Thank you!****
@Kalmah (161): My friends and I got high and decided to ***** you all off. …Well technically my friends inputted too.
Really? No, for real…. Really?? You AND your friends are so socially (and possibly mentally) deficient that you couldn’t find anything of quality to occupy your time? This is so sad that there isn’t enough empathy in the world to pity him properly.
Buddy needs to find new friends.
And possibly get laid.
@gabi319 (162): Gabi, dear. He’s a troll. Inari knows that I want to respond to his rants but you were doing such a good job. Too bad he now resorts to vulgarity.
By the way, have you heard from pinkbiscuits?
Kalmah,
Why don’t you go back to live with your friends in the caves?
A common tactic of the muslim fringe is to use crude comments and insults when their posts fail any kind of logic test.
Actually, this tactic is also used by the liberal fringe, but muslims love to talk about … body parts in graophic ways. Boggles the mind.
Guess Kalmah’s posts just illustrate that everything in the article is a lie.
@Kalmah (163):
We knew what we were saying made no sense.
HAHAHA!! Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait. A. Minute. So first you and your friends of undetermined quantity (I’m guessing one) first took up the time to create an argument AND THEN BACKTRACKED and took the EXTRA effort to make it nonsensical? Oh, your life is more pathetic than I originally thought! Mention any more tearjerkers and we might just have material for a fundraising effort. …”LV community, we bring to your attention the sad, sad social life of Kalmah. With a small donation from each and every one of you good people, we may be able to find this sad, sad fellow a life…”
causes all your discomfort
Nope. No discomfort on my part – ***** or otherwise. You’ve been worth a weak giggle or two at this glimpse into your unenviable life but that’s pretty much all.
gabithe*****:
Now this…this annoys me. I already addressed your poor trolling abilities and requested better quality the next time around and THIS is the best you could come up with?! Now that I know that this is a concerted effort from multiple people this sad tale becomes even SADDER! The pair of you and all your imaginary friends couldn’t think up anything more creative than that?!
Don’t believe me?
Frankly, no. I’m usually skeptical of people I meet on the internet and even more so of those who need to boast about themselves while contributing no statements of real value. You’re obviously not *****ing all the time if you had the chance to respond to me as quickly as you did…with a “stellar” retort like “gabithe*****”. The genius contained in that display literary wit has me in complete awe of your mastery of the English language.
@oouchan (164):
But she said she got pretty tired from the get-go. It only gets more wearisome from there.
No I haven’t
I’ll send her another email and tell her you said hi as well!
I think she’ll get a smile from that…assuming she remembers to check her email. Checking email frequently isn’t exactly her forté, lol.
amg jesus pewp in my car halp
1rst!!!!1
This list is bull***** having scarcely any citations. The comments in here however affirm the old adage, “most people will believe anything.”
@Bo (165): Have you ever considered that if you come here to do some serious research, maybe you should rethink your researching prowess.
The last one is *****ist i like everything on this list except for the last one…
And i think oysters are incredibly sessy…
by the way i like subway and i think its good… but you walk in the store and it smells like aged cheese.. but they dont have any aged cheese..
i think that is weird. i think ….
anyways i like the one about leprosy as well
and you know that tonight im definetly going to try rubbing onion on my toes coz i am jared and im not supposed to eat after 7 pm its in my contract with the subways…
i love you
good bye
Love always
Jared
No really
I like you alot
we should go to subway sometime..
please love me back
And write to me email adress it is
ImTheRealMckinsey@aol.com
i love you good bye
I mean it
really
Im being dead
SERIOUS!
Bwha
♥
A heavier brain just means I got more padding between my intelligence and my skull. Seriously, knocking up against a skull this thick is -not- good for the brain.
i love onions! so tonight i will rub and take onion foot baths! =) awsome list btw, love the wierd sience!
mens brains are 30% bigger than womens…and that’s science
-Ron Burgundy
weird list i love it! and i do recall ron burgundy saying that…good movie by the way
two more to add to the list – when you push your hands together it is not matter pressing against matter that stops them from going through each other – it is similarly charged particles in each hand that repel each other.
the quantity of U235 that converted from matter to energy in the bomb that was dropped over hiroshima was 600 mg. this is less than the weight of a dime.
@apepper + any left hander:
Yes, We don’t live as long. But we are smarter, better multitaskers, superior in sports of almost every kind, more likely to become rich, almost superior in every way except population and age. I hope that makes you feel better.
the most amazement is 10000000subtances in oine blood cell.
Вы не правы. Давайте обсудим это. Пишите мне в PM, поговорим.
Странно как-то получается всё это, сколько людей, столько мнений
i like the scientific fact s its amazing can yo send one to my email.
this is so boring facts but #3 is something i seriously need to try
I find these facts very interesting.
Hell, I’m gonna try the onion thing at home!
http://WWW.GAIAONLINE.COM
The left handed life expectancy study has been proven inaccurate at best.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1099/do-left-handers-die-young
their are 16 not 15 facts.lol