Originally published on our site everydaymonkey.com
The world around us is a fascinating place and no matter how much you think you know, there's always something new and exciting you can learn. While much of our learning comes from school, if you want to know fun facts, the internet is the place to go.
From geography and history to animals and pop culture, these are the most interesting trivia facts
that sound too unbelievable to be true. Get ready to dazzle dinner party guests and impress your
coworkers in no time.
Tell the Truth
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to answering a woman’s questions, it seems. After all, they
do say that men are from Mars, and women are from Venus—so we might just never fully understand the
way each others’ brains work.
There are several theories about why women tend to do this. It might be to test that you’re paying
attention, or even just so that you reaffirm what she was already thinking thanks to a lack of
self-belief. So if you think she’s trying to catch you out, science tells us there’s a good chance
that she is.
Checkmate
Have you ever wondered what complete isolation during the winter can do to a person? The answer is
far more gory than you might expect. Of course, as a scientist in Antarctica there’s not much going
on to stay busy, so what’s the harm in a game of chess?
Well, the two scientists playing at the Vostok Station found out the hard way after the loser
snapped and murdered his opponent. No more chess in Antarctica—and probably for good
reason.
Sounds Seedy
There’s a common childhood myth, that if you swallow watermelon seeds, a watermelon will start
growing inside your stomach. You’ve probably figured out by now that this is absolutely not true
because, in fact, the seeds can actually be beneficial for your health.
We’ll admit that the seeds are far less tasty than the actual fruit, but if you’re looking for a
boost
in nutrients, you could even roast or sprout them to enhance the taste and make them more enjoyable
to
eat.
Girl Power
Back in 2012, the city of Lagos, Nigeria became home to one of the most impressive inventions we’ve
seen
in years, and it’s all thanks to four teenage schoolgirls: Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola,
Faleke
Oluwatoyin, and Bello Eniola.
Their invention prototype provides a fresh outlook on the idea of using human waste as a power
source. It takes the urine, adds it to an electrolytic cell, and then uses the process of urea
electrolysis to generate hydrogen, which is later used to power a generator. Incredibly impressive,
if you ask us.
Plane and Simple
The science behind getting a huge tube of metal to launch thousands of feet into the air is a pretty
fascinating concept. While we’ll admit we hadn’t given the fuel storage systems of commercial
airplanes much thought before, we were today years old when we discovered exactly how they work.
To be specific, the wings themselves do not serve as containers for the fuel, but they house the
fuel tanks. Storing fuel tanks in the wings means a separate tank isn’t needed to be fitted to the
outside of the plane.
Do I Sound Like That?
For most people, hearing their own voice in a recording or video is jarring enough to evoke a
response similar to, “Do I really sound like that?” If listening to yourself speak brings up an
immediate feeling of self-loathing, don’t worry—you’re not the only one.
The uncomfortable feeling can be put down to both physiology and psychology. Thanks to the processes
of internal and air sound conduction, people perceive their voices to be richer and deeper. Recorded
voices, in comparison, sound thinner and higher pitch, which is what most people find
cringe.
Leaders of the Pack
Finding that special someone in your life is a beautiful thing, though when it comes to animals
that’s pretty rare. You might think that wolves are ruthless, deadly pack hunters, but they are one
of just a few species that show that loyalty also exists in the animal kingdom.
Within a wolf pack, there’s a complex social structure, and wolf pairs often form a strong bond with
each other. Ladies, if you’re looking for the man of your dreams, find one who treats you with the
same fierce protectiveness as a male wolf does for his partner.
Serious Pain
Pain is subjective and varies massively between individuals. What might be world-ending,
life-ruining pain for one person, could feel bearable to another. But on the official scale, there’s
one common experience that’s more agonizing than anyone who hasn’t experienced it might not even be
able to fathom.
One undeniable truth remains—mothers deserve not only a standing ovation, but perpetual appreciation
for enduring the second most painful experience imaginable, all to bring us into the world.
Comparing it to literally burning alive only goes to show how strong moms are.
2 Months in the Dark
One of the only constants in life is that the sun will always set and rise again the next day. But
for the residents of this Alaskan town, sunlight is something you can’t always count on.
If you’re the kind of person who needs a good few hours of sunlight on your skin to feel
revitalized, the northernmost town in the U.S., once known as Barrow and now Utqiaġvik, is not for
you. They spend their winters in total darkness!
Depends on the Con-Text
Until extremely recently, we were of the opinion that the three categories of social behavior were
introvert, extrovert, and for the more divergent of us—ambivert. Not anymore!
The way we text says so much about us as people, whether you think so or not. Some people, usually
the more chronically online of us, always have the perfect meme or culturally relevant comeback, but
by the time the conversation goes face-to-face, there’s no hiding their shyness and it’s like a
different person takes over.
Letters in Numbers
It’s not every day that a person would write out the word names for the letters in the English
alphabet. But if you do, it won’t take long to discover that you can spell every number up to 1000
without the letters A, B, or even C!
We only see the letter A for the first time in 1000 (thousand). Letters B and C do not appear
anywhere in the spellings from 1 to 999,999,999, while letter B comes for the first time in
1,000,000,000 (billion).
Bunny Invasion
A baby rabbit is called a kit, but that’s not the only fascinating bunny fact around here.
Australia, a country known for its wildlife, has had a problem with rabbits for more than a century,
and it’s all down to one man: Thomas Austin.
Back in 1859, he received 24 wild and domestic rabbits from England, and thanks to their lack of
natural predators, and readiness to breed, it only took a couple of years to turn into millions of
rabbits. Now, there are an estimated 200 million feral rabbits hopping around Australia.
Keep it Off Socials
Cynical singles will be delighted to know that researchers have confirmed something they’ve
suspected for years—couples who share their lovey-dovey selfies all over social media might not
actually be as happy as they want the world to believe.
There are still mixed reviews about the effects posting on social media has on relationships. Some
think trust issues are causing unhappy couples to post more often to prove something, while others
believe that happy, secure ones just choose to stay offline.
Diaper Decoy
There’s nothing more annoying than ending up on a beach alone, having no one to look after your
valuable possessions while you take a dip in the water. Instead of missing out on swimming, try this
next time.
Any sneaky thieves patrolling the beach are sure to walk right past what appears to be a used
diaper—and
they’re certainly not going to be rummaging through one. Now we can bet that you’ll never go to the
beach without a diaper again.
Strong Charley, Cannibal King
Swedish sailor Carl Emil Pettersson was stranded on an island in Papua New Guinea in 1904 after his
ship
sank on Christmas Day. He was immediately surrounded by the islanders of Tabar Island, who took him
to
their king, and the king’s daughter fell in love with him.
Three years later, he married Princess Singdo, and once his father-in-law passed away, he became the
King of the island. Pettersson was nicknamed “Strong Charley” among locals for his extraordinary
strength, and he is considered the inspiration for Pippi Longstocking’s father Ephraim Longstocking
in the series.
Luck Strikes Twice
Whether you believe in coincidences or divine intervention, something was clearly on Mohammad
Basheer's side as he had a close encounter with death and then got lucky again. Basheer, who might
just be the luckiest man on Earth, was one of 300 passengers on Emirates flight EK521 to Dubai who
had a narrow escape back in 2016.
As if surviving a crash landing wasn’t enough, he found himself celebrating a $1 million win six days
later, from a lottery ticket he’d bought one month before the crash.
On Display
After her request for a private execution was denied, Princess Yoshiko Kawashima, a controversial
figure known for her espionage during the Second Sino-Japanese War, was executed by firing squad on
March 25, 1948.
She had been sentenced to death for treason, and despite her royal lineage, her body was left exposed
for public display as a warning. Some people claim that her execution was a spectacle designed to
tarnish her legacy as both a spy and a symbol of rebellion.
It’s Pretty Dimple
Did you know that the dimples on our backs are called Venus Holes? Named after Venus, the Roman
goddess of beauty, they are often associated with attractiveness and fitness. These dimples are
considered a sign of good circulation and lower body fat.
Genetics play a significant role in whether a person has these dimples, so even people with a higher
body fat percentage might have them, while others who are lean might not.
Close for Comfort
Throughout history, royalty often led lives with unusual and peculiar habits. One example is King
Edward VII’s special chair, which he had commissioned to enhance his leisure time with women of the
era.
This chair was not only a marvel of comfort but also featured some innovative adjustments to cater to
his specific preferences. Supposedly, it was specially designed so that he could, shall we say,
participate in proceedings without carrying the full brunt of his regal physique.
Tricky Brain
Some people say that if you pretend to shake salt into your mouth from a salt shaker, you can really
taste it. We hate to break it to you, but this isn’t exactly science in action. In reality, this
doesn't happen because the brain cannot create taste sensations without actual stimuli.
While the brain is incredibly powerful in linking sensory memories, it needs real sensory input to
produce actual taste. So, while the idea is entertaining and highlights the brain's suggestive
power, it’s just a playful myth.
Don't Drink Expired Water
Ever noticed that bottled water has expiration dates on it? Well, water doesn't actually expire—it's
the bottle itself that has a limited lifespan. The expiration date indicates when the plastic starts
degrading and may leach chemicals into the water. This is usually done to abide by government
regulations, so companies apply expiry dates to water bottles just like they do other beverages.
While an expired bottle's contents may still be safe, the degraded plastic can make the water
unpalatable or even toxic. So check that water bottle's expiration date—the bottle's days may be
numbered.
Not-So-Funny Bones
While it can often be tempting to spend days at a time in bed, it can actually harm you in the long
run. Laying in bed all day can cause your bones to weaken and lose density. This happens because
bones require regular weight-bearing activity and movement to maintain their strength and density.
Prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to bone resorption, where the body starts to reabsorb
calcium and other minerals from the bones, making them more fragile. Over time, this can increase
the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Engaging in regular physical activity is essential to keep
your bones healthy and strong.
Power of Pinkies
Pinkies seem like the least important finger, right? Well, this unassuming digit plays a crucial
role due to the complex network of tendons and muscles connecting it to the palm and wrist. Studies
show the pinky finger accounts for around 50% of our overall hand strength!
The tendons running along the pinky's length attach to muscles that facilitate a powerful grip when
combined with the ring finger. Who knew this little finger packed such a punch? So next time you
grab something, thank your mighty pinky.
Stay Disconnected
If your phone's Bluetooth is always on, your kids are going to face increased risks of potential
security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit always-on Bluetooth connections to gain unauthorized
access to your device, potentially accessing personal and sensitive information. It's advisable to
turn off Bluetooth when it's not in use to protect against such security threats. Teaching kids
about the importance of digital security can instill good habits that will help keep their devices
and personal information safe from cyber threats.
Stress Sweat's Special Stench
If you've ever had a particularly pungent body odor coincide with anxiety, thank your apocrine
glands.
These specialized sweat glands are distinct from the eccrine glands that produce cooling sweat
during
exercise.
When under stress, apocrine glands secrete a thick, protein-rich sweat that bacteria feast on. As the
bacteria break down the sweat components, they release an unmistakable musky odor—nature's warning
that you're undergoing a fight-or-flight response. So next time someone comments on your BO
mid-presentation, simply blame your body's built-in threat detection system.
Young Science Genius
In 1996, at the age of just nine years old, Emily Rosa conducted a simple yet groundbreaking
experiment to test the validity of Therapeutic Touch (TT), a practice claiming to manipulate the
"human energy field” emanating from our bodies.
Using a cardboard screen with holes for hands and a towel to block their view, she asked the
practitioners to detect her hand's presence. The results, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association in 1998, showed no better-than-chance accuracy, effectively debunking TT claims.
Emily became the youngest person to have a research paper published in a peer-reviewed medical
journal.
Hearing Voices
Hearing your name being called when no one's around isn't necessarily an indicator of mental
illness.
This phenomenon is either "hypnagogic jerk" or "auditory pareidolia". As you transition from
wakefulness
to sleep, your brain sometimes misinterprets internal signals as external stimuli. It can also be
your
brain misinterpreting background noise as something else.
While it may seem bizarre, it's a harmless quirk that shows your brain is actively processing sensory
information. So, the next time you hear your name whispered in an empty room, don't freak out—your
mind is playing tricks on you.
Don't Lie Down in the Car
If you’ve ever felt like taking a nap or reclining in your car, you might want to think twice
because it’s against the law. In some countries, it's illegal to recline your seat too far back
while driving.
In the UK, for example, the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 state that a driver
"shall not drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot have proper
control of the vehicle or have a full view of the road and traffic ahead." This means that reclining
too
far back could be considered dangerous and against the law.
Short Wife, Happy Life
Marriages with a taller husband and shorter wife could be the secret to happy marriages. A 2016
study
surveyed 7,850 women and found a positive correlation between greater height differences in couples
and
the wives' reported happiness levels.
Research suggests this preference for taller mates might have evolutionary roots. While the effect
seemingly diminishes over time, other studies support the idea that height disparities, with the
husband
being taller, contribute to higher marital satisfaction, at least initially. So, if you're a shorter
wife or a taller husband, you might have an advantage.
Sneezing in Our Sleep
Have you ever woken up to sneeze before? The reason we don't sneeze while we're snoozing is actually
quite fascinating. During Rapid Eye Movement sleep, we aren’t aware of the tickling or irritating
sensations that would ordinarily send nerve signals to the brain to induce a sneeze—because those
nerves
are shut off while we sleep.
In the lighter sleep stages, the nerves can be more active. So if you’ve ever felt like you have
sneezed
in your sleep before, it’s likely because you haven’t yet fallen into a deep sleep, or you’re
already
starting to wake up naturally.
Parasite Problems
If you’re a fan of rare meat dishes, be wary of how they’re being made. This is because it’s
possible to
get a parasite named Toxoplasma gondii from eating undercooked meat, especially lamb or pork.
This parasite can also be found in cat feces. It's estimated that about one-third of the world's
population has been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, and it can have a serious effect on the human
body. Always ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of
infection.
Big, Happy Family
If you think you have a big family, take one look at this one and you’ll see you’ve got nothing on
them—their family is so huge, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the population of a small
village.
Ziona Chana of the remote village of Baktawng, who passed away in 2021, was the head of a Christian
sect that practices polygamy. In the remote village of Baktawng, they live in a four-story, 100-room
house, and they’ve won a number of world records for their family’s impressive size.
Mosquitos' Favorite
If you constantly find yourself getting bitten by mosquitos, but the people around you don't, your
blood type may be the reason why. Yes, it's true—mosquitos find some blood types more delicious than
others.
Crying is a natural human response, and those tears contain stress hormones that help relieve the
body of its stress-induced chemicals. When you have a tear-filled meltdown, you're quite literally
shedding stress. No wonder it feels so good to let it out.
There’s Just Norway
University education in the United States is notoriously expensive. So if you’ve ever needed
motivation to consider studying abroad, this might just be it. Norway has an initiative to provide
equal education opportunities, and up until recently, that also included international students.
Most public universities in Norway didn’t charge any tuition fees for domestic and international
students till 2022 as part of their policy. Now, they have introduced tuition fees for international
students, but it’s still far more affordable than studying in many other countries.
Not Your Average Denim
Japan is often at the forefront of innovation, and when it comes to fashion, that’s never been more
true. You’ve heard of animal prints, but have you ever heard of clothes designed by the animals
themselves?
Believe it or not, one of the planets in our solar system is the property of all of humanity as a
whole and not two or three men in Yemen. That’s why it’s not all that surprising that the men didn’t
get very far in their case.
Tragic Princess
The tragic death of Princess Diana shocked the world. People have had curiosity about the events of
the car accident for decades, and while most believed that she passed away in the car accident, the
reality is slightly different.
It turns out that Diana passed away around 5 hours after the accident, due to a tear in her heart’s
pulmonary vein. If she had been wearing her seat belt, she would have had an increased chance of
survival.
Bad Apple
The first name that probably pops into your head when you think of the company Apple is Steve Jobs.
He became the face of the brand, and along with founding partner Steve Wozniak, started a technology
empire.
The lesser-known Ronald Wayne was there from the start, but his tenure was short-lived as his
concerns about financial risks and debt got in the way. Wayne’s decision to sell his stake is now
considered one of the most unfortunate business decisions in history. Think about what could have
been!.
Dino Nugget of Information
Any parent will know that no matter how hard you try, you can’t predict that one thing your child
will develop an obsession with. If your kid loves dinosaurs, in particular, you may have a little
genius on your hands.
Science tells us that dinosaur-obsessed children have enhanced attention spans and more sophisticated
cognitive processing. Don’t be disheartened if your kid is more into cars or Pokemon, though.
Evidence shows that a childhood fascination with any topic shows a sign of heightened
intelligence.
Chewy Study Tip
When it comes to studying, anything helps. Researchers have found that something as simple as
chewing gum might just improve exam performance, but it’s not for the reason you might think. Some
people think that if you chew the same flavor of gum while studying and taking the exam, your recall
floods back to you.
While there’s not much scientific evidence to back that up, chewing gum has been proven to increase
blood
flow to the brain, which can help to improve focus and concentration. So why not give it a
try?
Hidden Universe
People have been crawling through the cavernous mountains of Asia for centuries now. The largest
cave on
Earth remained hidden from humanity, deep inside the forests of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in
Vietnam, until as recently as 1991.
Opened to tourists in 2013, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. The
dimensions of the Son Doong Cave are so huge that it could accommodate an entire Boeing 747
aircraft!
Give Me a Ring
In most cultures, when someone proposes, you wear an engagement ring on your left hand’s ring
finger. So what does it mean to wear a specifically black ring instead, on the ring finger of your
dominant hand?
Many cultures and communities attribute different meanings to this unconventional ring. It could
signify
a committed eternal relationship, and in some areas even signifies that they’re polyamorous or a
swinger. If you spot someone wearing a black ring on this finger, you’ll just have to ask them the
meaning before coming to any sweeping conclusions.
All About Perspective
As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While the phrase usually refers to
peoples’ beauty, we’re here to remind you that perspective really is everything, and it can apply to
all
aspects of life.