No matter how intelligent you are, there are bound to be a lot of things you just don’t know about.
After all, the world is a fascinating place, and there are so many little facts about life, history, and the universe that our brains have never encountered before. Here are a few interesting facts you may or may not already know — add them to your vault of random knowledge because you never know when they might come in handy!
1. Honey never spoils, making it a food of the ages.
Believe it or not, honey is one of the few foods that don’t go off. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. The secret lies in its unique chemical composition — low moisture content and high acidity create an environment where bacteria and microorganisms can’t survive. Next time you find an old jar of honey at the back of your cupboard, it’s probably still good to eat!
2. The Eiffel Tower can grow up to 15 cm taller in summer.
This iconic Parisian landmark is more dynamic than you might think. When the temperature rises, the iron structure expands, causing the tower to grow taller. Conversely, it shrinks a bit in colder weather. This change isn’t noticeable to visitors, but it’s a testament to the incredible engineering behind this 19th-century masterpiece. It’s a reminder that even seemingly immovable structures are constantly changing in subtle ways.
3. Octopuses have three hearts, adding to their alien-like qualities.
These fascinating sea creatures never cease to amaze. Two of their hearts work exclusively to move blood beyond their gills, while the third keeps circulation flowing for the organs. If that wasn’t strange enough, their blood is blue due to a copper-based protein called haemocyanin that carries oxygen in their blood. It’s no wonder octopuses often seem like they’re from another world!
4. A day on Venus is longer than its year.
Venus rotates on its axis so slowly that it takes longer to complete one rotation (a day) than it does to complete an orbit of the Sun (a year). A day on Venus lasts about 243 Earth days, while its year is only about 225 Earth days. Imagine having a birthday every day! This peculiarity is due to Venus rotating in the opposite direction to most other planets in our solar system.
5. The world’s oldest known living tree has survived for over 5,000 years.
A Great Basin Bristlecone Pine named Methuselah, growing high in the White Mountains of Inyo County in eastern California, is thought to be over 4,853 years old. It was already a century old when the first pyramid was built in Egypt. The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it from vandalism. It’s a humbling thought that a single organism has witnessed so much of human history.
6. Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas.
Source: Unsplash While it might sound bananas, it’s true! This doesn’t mean we’re half banana, but rather that we share about 50% of our genetic makeup with these yellow fruits. This similarity is largely due to the basic cellular functions that all living things share. It’s a reminder of how interconnected all life on Earth really is, from the simplest plants to complex animals like ourselves.
7. The longest hiccuping spree lasted for 68 years.
Charles Osborne, an American man, started hiccuping in 1922 while attempting to weigh a hog before slaughtering it. His hiccups continued for an astonishing 68 years, finally stopping in 1990. Doctors believe a small part of his brain stem may have been damaged, destroying his ability to inhibit the hiccup response. Thankfully, most cases of hiccups resolve much more quickly!
8. Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn.
While unicorns might be mythical, that hasn’t stopped Scotland from claiming this magical beast as its national animal. The unicorn has been a Scottish heraldic symbol since the 12th century, chosen because it was seen as a proud and haughty beast that would rather die than be captured, much like how Scots saw themselves. It appears on many Scottish symbols, including the Royal Arms of Scotland.
9. The inventor of the Frisbee was turned into one after death.
Walter Morrison, who invented the Frisbee, requested that his ashes be moulded into limited-edition Frisbees after his death. His wish was granted, and some of these special discs were given to family and close friends. It’s certainly an unusual way to be remembered, but quite fitting for someone whose invention has brought joy to so many people in parks and beaches around the world.
10. Cows have best friends and can become stressed when separated.
These gentle giants are more socially complex than many people realise. Studies have shown that cows form close bonds with particular herd mates, often grooming and licking each other. When separated from their bovine buddies, cows can become noticeably stressed, showing increased heart rates and cortisol levels. It’s a reminder that animals, even those we might not typically associate with complex emotions, can form meaningful social connections.
