When we think of facts, we often think of interesting or enlightening things. But what about facts that are just plain weird? The world is full of strange phenomena that can leave us fascinated and unsettled. Here are 17 weird facts that will creep you out.
Brain-eating Amoeba Exists!
While you may think that brain-eating amoebas only exist in horror movies, they are real. This terrifying organism is known as Naegleria fowleri and can be found in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Once it enters the body through the nose, it travels to the brain and causes a deadly infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
4,000 Weeks Until You Die
Life is short, and this fact puts it into perspective. A person lives for about 80 years or roughly 4,000 weeks. This time may sound like a lot, but it doesn’t seem much when you break it down into weeks. It’s a reminder to make the most of every moment and not take our time on this earth for granted.
The Infamous Corpse Flower
The corpse flower is a rare plant that lives up to its name. It’s also known as the titan arum and is native to Sumatra, Indonesia. This unique plant only blooms every few years, emitting a putrid smell similar to rotting flesh, hence the name “corpse flower.”
Humans Are Bacteria-Based Life Forms
We often think of ourselves as separate beings from bacteria, but the truth is that our bodies are made up of more bacterial cells than human cells. It’s estimated that we have ten times more bacterial cells in our body than human cells. So essentially, we are walking and talking clusters of bacteria.
A Single Strain of Wheat Stem Rust Could Kill Billions
In 1999, scientists discovered a new strain of wheat stem rust called Ug99 that could cause a catastrophic famine. This strain is resistant to most forms of wheat and can destroy entire crops in weeks. If left uncontrolled, it has the potential to kill billions of people who rely on wheat as their primary food source.
Dead Bodies Can Explode
When a human body decomposes, it releases gases that can cause the internal organs to rupture and the body to explode literally. This phenomenon is known as “corpse explosion” and has been documented in various cases, including bodies found in water or buried underground. It’s not a pleasant thought but a natural occurrence during decomposition.
The Deadly Beauty of Lake Natron
Lake Natron in Tanzania is known for its stunning and eerie beauty, blood-red color, and crusty salt formations. But what makes this lake truly morbid is that it has a pH level of 10.5, which can kill most animals that come into contact with it. However, it’s a breeding ground for a unique species of flamingo that has adapted to survive in this harsh environment.
Fruit Flies Have Already Laid Eggs on Your Fruit
You may think that washing your fruits and vegetables will eliminate all the bacteria and germs, but you might be wrong. Fruit flies have most likely already laid their eggs on your produce before it even reaches the store. While the eggs are not harmful to ingest, knowing they’ve been there is still unsettling.
60 Grams of Botulinum Toxin Can Kill Every Living Person
Botulinum toxin, produced by Clostridium botulinum, is known to be one of the most lethal substances on earth. Just 60 grams of this toxin could potentially kill every person on the planet. It’s not surprising that it’s used in small doses for medical and cosmetic purposes, as it can paralyze muscles and lead to respiratory failure.
The Deadliest Substance Known to Man
You may think that botulinum toxin is the deadliest substance, but there’s another contender. Tetrodotoxin, found in pufferfish, is 1,200 times more potent than cyanide and has no known antidote. It causes paralysis and eventually death by asphyxiation. Despite its toxicity, pufferfish is considered a delicacy in some cultures.
What Prions Can Do to Your Brain
Prions are abnormally folded proteins that can cause severe brain diseases in humans and animals, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Unlike viruses or bacteria, prions do not contain any genetic material and cannot be treated with antibiotics. They are incredibly resilient and can withstand extremely high temperatures, making them a constant threat to our health.
Apple Seeds Contain Cyanide
While apples are a healthy snack, their seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin, which, when metabolized by the body, turns into hydrogen cyanide. The good news is that you would need to eat a huge number of apple seeds for it to be toxic. But still, it’s best not to eat them at all.
Serial Killer Estimates per State
It’s a disturbing fact, but there are an estimated 25-50 active serial killers in the United States at any given time. According to the FBI, California has had the highest number of serial killer victims within the past decade. This information may make you think twice about walking alone at night or trusting strangers.
World’s Most Dangerous Roads
Road accidents are a leading cause of death worldwide, but some roads are more dangerous than others. The North Yungas Road in Bolivia is known as the “Death Road” due to its narrow, winding paths with steep drops of up to 600 meters. It’s estimated that over 300 people lose their lives on this road every year.
Cockroaches Can Survive a Nuclear Explosion
As if cockroaches weren’t already creepy enough, they also have a reputation for surviving almost anything, including nuclear explosions. While it’s unlikely that a cockroach would survive the blast, their ability to withstand high radiation makes them one of the hardiest creatures on earth.
The Black Death Is Still Around
The Plague, also known as the Black Death, wiped out a third of Europe’s population in the 14th century. It may seem like an ancient epidemic, but it is still around today. In fact, there are roughly 2,000 cases reported every year worldwide. Thankfully, modern medicine has made it much more manageable than it was in the past.
The Earth Has More Dead People Than Living
It’s estimated that over 107 billion people have ever lived on this planet, and only about 7.9 billion are currently living. This fact means that there are roughly 13 dead people for every living person. It’s a sobering thought that we are surrounded by the remains of those who came before us.