Latest Scientific Facts
Science consistently uncovers new facts that challenge previous understandings. Below are some of the most notable discoveries:
The Human Stomach Can Dissolve Razor Blades
Acids are measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where lower pH values indicate stronger acids. The pH of human stomach acid typically ranges from 1.0 to 2.0, signifying an incredibly strong level of acidity. A study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy revealed that the thick backing of single-edge razor blades dissolves after just two hours of immersion in stomach acid.
Lasers Can Become Trapped in Water
A fascinating phenomenon known as “total internal reflection” occurs when a laser beam is directed into flowing water. To demonstrate this, PBS Learning Media released a video showing a laser beam on one side of a clear water tank. As light travels through the water, it slows down due to the dense particles in the water, effectively trapping the laser beam within it. Surprisingly, even as the water flow gradually decreases, the laser remains confined until it eventually disappears when the flow halts completely.
The Earth’s Oxygen Is Produced By Oceans
Marine phytoplankton are responsible for generating much of the fresh air we breathe. According to the National Oceanic Service, phytoplankton, seaweeds, and other photosynthetic organisms produce over half of the world’s oxygen.
Animals Use the Earth’s Magnetic Field for Navigation
While land animals may struggle to find their way home, marine animals possess the ability to navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is evidence that certain species, such as sea turtles and salmon, can sense the magnetic field and utilize it for navigation.
Other Exciting Scientific Facts
Researchers continue to discover new scientific truths daily. Here are some intriguing examples:
A Cloud Can Weigh Approximately One Million Pounds
An average cumulus cloud can weigh around one million pounds. The U.S. Geological Survey states that a fully loaded cloud can weigh the same as the world’s largest airplane when it is filled with cargo and passengers.
Soil is Teeming with Life
Just a single teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than there are humans on Earth. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, millions of species and billions of organisms, including bacteria, algae, microscopic insects, earthworms, beetles, ants, mites, and fungi, represent the highest concentration of biomass found anywhere on the planet.
Rats Laugh When Tickled
These creatures are more dynamic than we often realize, as they have the ability to laugh when tickled. A video from National Geographic shows that rats respond positively to tickling and even engage playfully by chasing the researcher’s hand.
Bananas are Slightly Radioactive
Bananas contain potassium, which decays over time, making this yellow fruit slightly radioactive. However, there’s no need for concern; it would take the consumption of approximately ten million bananas in one sitting to experience radiation poisoning from bananas, as noted by Dr. Joe Schwartz from McGill University.
Hot Water Freezes Faster Than Cold Water
This counterintuitive phenomenon, known as the Mpemba effect, suggests that hot water can freeze more quickly than cold water under certain conditions. Scientists believe this may be due to the unique movement of water molecules at elevated temperatures, which facilitates faster freezing. If confirmed, this finding could have real-world applications, such as cooling electronic devices, according to research from Carlos III University of Madrid.
There Are More Trees on Earth Than Stars in Our Galaxy
NASA estimates that there may be between 100 billion to 400 billion stars in the Milky Way. However, a research paper published in Nature in 2015 estimated that the global tree population far exceeds this number.
Humans Carry Genes from Other Species
The human genome contains up to 145 genes derived from bacteria, fungi, unicellular organisms, and viruses, according to a study published in the scientific journal Genome Biology.