A list of curious facts
One: Forget RT-PCR tests. Here’s something way more exotic: Did you know that scientists are using masks coated with ostrich antibodies to detect if you are infected?
“In a small study, test subjects wore the masks, and after eight hours the filters were removed and sprayed with a chemical that glows under ultraviolet light if the virus is present. The filters worn by people infected with Covid glowed around the nose and mouth.”
Two: Here’s some bad news for someone who believes in astrology. A new study has found that narcissism is the strongest predictor of people who believe in it—and their IQ levels tend to be lower. Read the original report here and the summary here.
Three: Irish startup Volograms has created a free iPhone app called Volu that turns 2D video into 3D—“the app uses artificial intelligence to estimate the 3D shape and texture of a person in areas that the camera does not see.” Here’s how you create a ‘vologram’. (CNN)
Four: Forget sci-fi flicks! If you want to experience something truly otherworldly, try Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia—which is the world’s largest salt flat, formed when several prehistoric lakes dried up 25,000 to 10,000 years ago. What is more amazing: “When nearby lakes overflow, or the area gets rain, a thin layer of water covers the expanse, transforming it into a massive reflective mirror that makes for jaw-dropping, dreamlike photos.” Like so. (AFAR)