WEIRD FACTS
We’re safeguarding the world’s seeds in the Arctic, why not our most precious data? – Image source: Hans-Jurgen Mager/Everyday basics/Unsplash/Big Think – By Robby Berman, 2020 Jul 23 – Buried underground near the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the Arctic World Archive …
A man who did not want his name released found the chest and Fenn says he promised the finder that he wouldn’t reveal who found it or where. This undated photo provided by Forrest Fenn shows an estimated $2 million dollars of gold …
With no permanent residents and millions of animals, South Georgia island is one of the world’s most biodiverse places. Yet, few Brits have ever heard of it. A far-flung British territory (Credit: Bella Falk) – By Bella Falk 2020 Jul 21 – Marooned …
An artist’s rendering of a supernova kicking a white dwarf star into high speed, rather than destroying it. University of Warwick/Mark Garlick – By Michael Irving 2020 Jul 14 – A supernova may seem like a pretty final fate, but now astronomers have discovered …
BSIP/UIG/Collection Mix: Subjects/Getty Images – By William Petri 2020 Jun 24 – With over 2 million cases in the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic began in late December, there are now many people who have recovered from COVID-19. At the same time, there …
Lobsters, birds and some primates use quarantine to ward off infections. Credit: Nick Kilner – In Brief – Despite how unnatural social distancing may feel to people, it is very much a part of the natural world, practiced by mammals, fishes, insects and …
The landmark ruling upholds the sanctity of treaties between the United States and American Indians—to a certain point. The Supreme Court building in Washington, DC (Xinhua / Liu Jie via Getty Images) – By Nora McGreevy, SmithsonianMag.Com 2020 Jul 10 – On Thursday, …
Highway-speed electric kick scoots going flat knacker around a racetrack? You’re damned right we’d like to see that! eSkootr Championship – By Loz Blain 2020 Jul 09 – Leather-clad riders eyeing each other off at the starting line. Fifteen-inch weeny tires chirping as …
A group of scientists recommend three measures to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus in enclosed public spaces. erika8213/Depositphotos – By Rich Haridy 2020 Jul 06 – A new commentary published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, and …
Possible outbreaks in China and Mongolia have brought bans on hunting and eating the rodents, which can carry the disease. Marmots in western China. Authorities in Mongolia have warned the animals may be carrying bubonic plague. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters – Reuters, last modified …