Mind-Blowing Facts You Won't Believe Are True (But Are!)
Get ready to have your world rocked! We've dug up 23 seriously wild facts that are so obscure, you'd be forgiven for thinking they're complete fabrications. But trust us, these are real – and they're guaranteed to make you question everything you thought you knew. From the surprising origins of Skittles colours to the unsettling reality of your toothbrush, prepare for a mind-blowing journey into the bizarre corners of our world.
1. Skittles' Scarlet Secret: Until 2015, the vibrant red colouring in Australian and UK Skittles wasn't derived from artificial dyes. It came from carmine, a pigment extracted from the crushed bodies of female cochineal beetles! Yep, you read that right. It's a natural dye, but a rather creepy one when you think about it.
2. Your Toothbrush: A Fecal Home? Brace yourself for this one. Studies suggest there's an 80% chance your toothbrush harbours traces of fecal matter. Even if you meticulously store it in a closed container, microscopic particles can still find their way onto the bristles. Think about that next time you brush!
3. Cleopatra Lived Closer to the Invention of the iPhone Than to the Building of the Pyramids: This one puts things into perspective. The pyramids were built around 2560 BC, while Cleopatra lived from 69 BC to 30 BC. The iPhone, a symbol of modern technology, was released in 2007. The gap between Cleopatra and the pyramids is significantly larger than the gap between Cleopatra and the iPhone.
4. Octopuses Have Three Hearts: These fascinating creatures have a unique circulatory system. Two hearts pump blood through the gills, while the third circulates blood to the rest of the body. It's just one of the many reasons octopuses are considered some of the most intelligent invertebrates.
5. Honey Never Spoils: Thanks to its unique chemical composition – low water content, high acidity, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide – honey is incredibly resistant to spoilage. Archaeologists have found pots of edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, proving its remarkable longevity.
6. Bananas Are Berries, Strawberries Aren't: Botanical classifications can be surprisingly counterintuitive. Bananas fit the definition of a berry (developed from a single ovary), while strawberries don't. It's all about the plant's reproductive structure!
7. There's a Planet Made of Diamond: Located 55 light-years away, the exoplanet 55 Cancri e is believed to be largely composed of pure, crystallized diamond. It's twice the size of Earth and eight times its mass – and incredibly valuable!
8. A Group of Owls is Called a Parliament: Who came up with these names? A group of owls is affectionately known as a parliament, evoking images of wise and contemplative birds.
9. The Eiffel Tower Can Grow Taller in the Summer: Due to thermal expansion, the iron structure of the Eiffel Tower can expand by as much as 15 centimetres (6 inches) during hot summer months.
...and 14 more equally bizarre and fascinating facts! (We've only scratched the surface – there are plenty more mind-boggling truths waiting to be discovered. Scroll down to uncover the rest!)
Ready to be amazed? Keep reading to uncover the remaining 14 wild facts that will challenge your perception of reality!
