12 Very Mind-Blowing Facts That Sound Totally Made Up By The Internet (But Aren’t)
A seemingly innocuous suggestion to use the pound symbol (#) on Twitter in 2007 sparked a dialogue revolution, but that’s just one of many astonishingly true facts that defy belief. From the surprising origins of everyday objects to bizarre past occurrences, the world is full of realities stranger then fiction. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew with these 12 mind-blowing truths.
The internet age has fostered a breeding ground for misinformation, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from fabrication.However,these facts,meticulously documented and verified,demonstrate that reality ofen surpasses the wildest imaginations. Understanding these surprising truths not only expands our knowledge but also highlights the importance of critical thinking and source verification in a world saturated with information.
1. hashtags Were Inspired by IRC: Chris Messina, a product designer, first proposed using the hashtag symbol (#) on Twitter in August 2007 as a way to group topics. He envisioned it as a way to “create an instant channel that anybody can join and participate in.” Messina even pitched the idea to Twitter in person, but it wasn’t initially adopted.
2. Twitter Officially Adopted Hashtags in 2009: Despite initial reluctance, Twitter integrated hashtag hyperlinking in 2009 after seeing organic use during major events like the San Diego wildfires. This ultimately made hashtags standard across all social media platforms.
3. Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Invention of the iPhone Than to the Building of the Great Pyramid of Giza: Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, died in 30 BC. The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BC. This means roughly 2,530 years separate Cleopatra from the pyramid, while only approximately 2,023 years separate her from the iPhone’s 2007 release.
4. Octopuses Have Three Hearts: two hearts pump blood through the gills, while the third circulates blood to the organs. Interestingly, the organ heart stops beating when the octopus swims, which is why they prefer to crawl.
5. Honey Never Spoils: Due to its low water content, high acidity, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide, honey can last for centuries without spoiling. Archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs.
6. There’s a Planet Made of Diamond: 55 Cancri e, twice the size of Earth and eight times its mass, is believed to be composed largely of pure, crystallized diamond. It orbits a sun-like star 40 light-years away.
7. A Group of Owls is Called a Parliament: This collective noun dates back to the 15th century and is thought to reflect the owl’s perceived wisdom and solemnity.
8. The Eiffel Tower Can Grow Taller in the Summer: Due to thermal expansion, the iron in the Eiffel Tower expands in warmer temperatures, causing it to grow up to 6 inches taller during the summer months.
9. Kangaroos Can’t Walk Backwards: Their large feet and powerful tails make backward movement impossible. This is a physical limitation due to their anatomy.
10. The “smell of Rain” Has a Name: Petrichor: This earthy scent is caused by oils secreted by plants, combined with chemicals produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. The smell is particularly noticeable after a long period of dryness.
11. Nutmeg is a Hallucinogen: In large doses (around 2 tablespoons),nutmeg contains myristicin,a chemical that can cause hallucinations,nausea,and dizziness. It’s not a safe or recommended way to experience altered states of consciousness.
12.The inventor of Pringles was buried in a Pringles can: Fredric Baur, the organic chemist who designed the iconic Pringles can, requested that his ashes be buried in one. His children honored his wish in 2008.