A list of curious facts
One: Did you know that it is human nature to ‘add’ rather than ‘subtract’ to fix a problem? Example: when an incoming university president solicited ideas for improvements, only 11% involved getting rid of something. It simply doesn’t occur to us even when it may be simpler or easier! Ars Technica has more on this fascinating study into our basic human impulse.
Two: Did you know that nearly half of all known animals on Earth are parasites—and over a tenth of them are doomed to extinction in the next 50 years. And yet only a handful are on the endangered species list. National Geographic has more on why ignoring these pariahs of the animal world is potentially catastrophic.
Three: Did you know that a main street in Tallinn, Estonia, has been closed for two weeks to allow thousands of frogs to safely migrate to their spring breeding grounds?
Four: Did you know an American woman became pregnant with a second child—when she was already pregnant with the first? It’s a very rare situation described as ‘superfetation’—and there are fewer than 10 such recorded instances in medical history. Washington Post has the whole story, but the good news is that both babies were born healthy.
Five: Last week, we brought you airlifted rhinos, this time it’s horsies! The Swiss military trialled a new method of transporting injured horses to vets using Super Puma helicopters. We’d like you to know that the horses remained calm throughout the trip. Science Focus has more fun photos.
