I get it. You see the word "science" and you automatically shut it out because it's lame and not worthy of your time. But it never did anything to deserve your hate. It is the reason we have made so many technological advances through the years. But beyond all of that, science is one of the weirdest and coolest subjects to exist, and here are some random facts to prove that.
1. Most oranges aren't actually orange.
Yes, you have been living a lie your entire life. Oranges grown in tropical climates are actually green on the outside, even when they're ripe because they retain their chlorophyll. So why are they called oranges? Well, most oranges are actually grown in temperate climates rather than tropical climates. So when the weather cools down, the chlorophyll breaks down, making them turn orange, much like leaves do during the fall. Oranges grown in tropical climates are treated with ethylene gas or other methods to turn them orange, so don't let them fool you!
2. All of the planets within our solar system can fit between Earth and the moon.
That includes Pluto. Don't believe me? The distance between Earth and the moon is 238,900 miles. The diameters of Mercury (3,032 miles), Venus (7,520.8 miles), Mars (4,212 miles), Jupiter (86,881.4 miles), Saturn (72,367.4 miles), Uranus (31,518 miles), Neptune (30,599) and Pluto (1,474 miles) add up to 237,604.6 miles. So there's even room for another tiny planet!
Since we're on the topic of space...
3. Russia is bigger than Pluto.
The surface area of Russia is approximately 6.602 million square miles, while the surface area of Pluto is approximately 6.428 million square miles. That means Russia can be wrapped around Pluto...with room to spare!
4. You are more bacteria than human.
If you're a germaphobe, skip this one. The human body has 10 times more bacteria than human cells, and these bacteria are essential for your survival. A good thing to think about the next time you wash your hands after using the restroom (but please, do continue to wash your hands as necessary).
5. You actually have very little control over your emotions.
The limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions, has very few connections to the cortex of the brain, which is responsible for consciousness. Essentially, this means that you don't have conscious control over your emotions on a physiological basis. So the next time someone tells you to calm down when you're angry, you can punch him in the face and blame it on the structure of your brain.
6. You have a painkiller in your saliva that is stronger than morphine.
Called opiorphin, this compound can be isolated from human saliva and has an effect that is about six times stronger than morphine. You could possibly sedate a lion with your own saliva if you accumulate enough of it.
7. Females have more taste buds than men.
Why does this matter, you ask? Well, thank you for asking. Females have more taste buds than men to protect potential offspring. These extra taste buds are an attempt to prevent the mother from consuming something that may be harmful to either her or the baby. As if your mother doesn't already do enough for you.
8. Roaches can live up to at least one week without their heads.
This is because roaches breathe through holes on various parts of their body and they do not need their head or nose to breathe.
Yeah...nope.
9. Most dinosaurs were actually human-sized.
The reason that scientists mainly uncover the larger skeletons is because the larger bones of the dinosaurs were easier to fossilize. They don't seem quite as impressive now, do they?
And speaking of dinosaurs,
10. Crocodiles have remained unchanged since the time of dinosaurs.
Their biological composition and structure have remained unchanged for millions of years. If you've ever seen a crocodile, you saw the same thing that dinosaurs saw all those years ago. Crazy.
11. Human bones are stronger than steel or concrete.
Bones are made up of collagen, which makes them flexible, and calcium phosphate, which contributes to the strength and hardness of the bones. So why do they break? With the right amount of force at the right angle, anything can be broken. Remember the time the Flash had to go at supersonic speed to make a dent in Girder and defeat him? No, just me? Well, it happened. Supersonic punch baby!
12. You're exposed to more radiation when you live with someone.
We all have a small amount of radioactive elements in us. They undergo radioactive decay, which emits radiation in the process. Therefore, if you're married or living with someone, you will be exposed to this small amount of radiation. You may be aware of the fact that radiation can possibly lead to cancer. Before you commit to a life of solitude, you should know that on average, married men tend to live three years longer than unmarried men because their wives take such good care of them. Studies have also shown that women, however, do not get the same benefit.
Bonus round:
13. Marsupial (kangaroos, koalas, etc.) reproductive systems are something else.
Male marsupials have two penises. That's right. Two. So in order to account for the male's two penises, the females have two lateral vaginas to carry the sperm.
But wait, there's more!
The females also have a third vagina, which is actually used for giving birth. I'm glad I could provide more about the marsupial reproductive system than you could ever possibly want to know.
