The best facts aren’t necessarily complicated or useful, but they are strange enough to stick in our heads and provide a little bit of curiosity and whimsey to our otherwise boring lives. History, science, animals, language, food, and everyday objects are full of details that pique our interest. Some of these facts might change the way you look at familiar things, while others are simply excellent pieces of trivia to have sitting around in your brain. Either way, there is a decent chance at least one will surprise you.
The Inventor of the Pringles Can Had His Ashes Buried in One
When Pringles co inventor Fredric Baur died in 2008, part of his ashes was buried inside a Pringles can at his family’s request.
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A Cloud Can Travel Faster Than You Think
Some clouds can move across the sky at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour when carried by strong upper level winds.
The Dot Over an “i” Has a Name
That tiny mark is called a tittle, a term that has been used for centuries to describe the small distinguishing mark found above letters.
Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztec Empire
Teaching was taking place at Oxford by the late 11th century, while the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was founded centuries later, in 1325.
Some Turtles Can Breathe Through Their Butts
Certain freshwater turtles can absorb oxygen through specialized tissues near the rear of their bodies, allowing them to remain underwater for long periods.
There Is a Sea Slug That Can Photosynthesize
The sea slug Elysia chlorotica can retain chloroplasts from the algae it eats and use them to capture energy from sunlight.
Your Stomach Gets a New Lining Regularly
The cells lining your stomach are continually replaced because the organ produces powerful digestive acids that could otherwise damage its own tissue.
The Shortest War in History Lasted Less Than an Hour
The Anglo Zanzibar War of 1896 lasted roughly 38 to 45 minutes, making it the shortest recorded war in history.
Some Cats Are Allergic to Humans
Cats can develop allergies to substances such as pollen, dust, and certain foods, and in rare cases they can even react to compounds associated with humans.
There Is a Jellyfish That Can Reverse Its Life Cycle
Turritopsis dohrnii, often called the immortal jellyfish, can revert its adult cells to an earlier developmental stage under certain conditions.
The First Recorded Vending Machine Sold Holy Water
An ancient device described by Hero of Alexandria dispensed measured amounts of holy water when a coin was inserted.
Crows Can Recognize Human Faces
Studies have found that crows can remember individual human faces and may respond differently to people they associate with threatening experiences.
The Moon Has Moonquakes
Scientists have detected seismic activity on the Moon, including shallow moonquakes and tremors caused by tidal forces and temperature changes.
A Group of Porcupines Is Called a Prickle
“Prickle” is one of the traditional collective nouns used for a group of porcupines.
Some Fish Can Change Gender
Certain fish species are capable of changing Gender during their lives, with clownfish being one of the best known examples.
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