1. Babies have around 100 more bones than adults: This fact may surprise you, but it’s true. When babies are born, they have around 300 bones in their bodies, compared to the approximately 206 bones that adults have. As babies grow, some of these bones fuse together, resulting in a decrease in the overall number.
2. The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer: Due to the expansion of metal when exposed to heat, the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris can actually increase in height during the summer months. The iron structure expands, causing the tower to grow about 15 centimeters taller.
3. 20% of Earth’s oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest: The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” and for a good reason. This vast tropical forest is responsible for producing approximately 20% of the world’s oxygen, playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate and air quality.
4. Some metals are so reactive that they explode on contact with water: Certain metals, such as sodium and potassium, are highly reactive and can react violently when they come into contact with water. These reactions can result in explosions or the release of flammable hydrogen gas.
5. The speed of light is about 299,792 kilometers per second: The speed of light is an astonishingly fast constant in physics. It travels at approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second) in a vacuum, making it the ultimate speed limit in the universe.
6. The human brain is more active at night than during the day: Contrary to popular belief, the human brain doesn’t shut down when we sleep. In fact, research has shown that our brains are more active during certain stages of sleep, particularly during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is associated with dreaming.
7. The average person produces about 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime: Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion, helping to break down food and facilitate swallowing. Over the course of a lifetime, the average person produces approximately 25,000 quarts (or 23,658 liters) of saliva, which is enough to fill two swimming pools!
8. The Earth’s core is hotter than the surface of the Sun: While the Sun is a blazing ball of fire, its surface temperature is actually lower than the Earth’s core. The temperature at the Earth’s core is estimated to be around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit), whereas the surface of the Sun is around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit).
9. Honey never spoils: Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Due to its low water content and acidic pH, honey is a natural preservative and can essentially last forever without spoiling.
10. The world’s oldest living organism is estimated to be over 80,000 years old: Located in the White Mountains of California, there is a grove of ancient bristlecone pine trees known as the Methuselah Grove. One particular tree, named Methuselah, is estimated to be over 4,800 years old, making it the oldest known living organism on Earth. However, there are other organisms, such as certain types of bacteria, that are estimated to be even older, with some dating back over 80,000 years.
These are just a few fascinating scientific facts that showcase the incredible wonders of our world. Science continues to amaze us with its discoveries and insights into the mysteries of the universe.