30 Surprising Random Facts You Didn’t Know You Needed, Shared On This IG Page

This Bengal tiger received a gold fang after its original tooth was damaged while chewing on bones. Veterinary experts crafted the gold replacement to ensure the tiger's ability to chew and hunt properly was restored without pain. The procedure showcases how innovative dental solutions can enhance the well-being of wildlife, even for apex predators like tigers.

Hugging relieves stress by lowering cortisol awakening response (CAR), a key stress indicator. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that individuals who received more frequent hugs exhibited significantly reduced CAR levels the next morning. Other studies also prove that hugging plays a crucial role in regulating stress.

A University of Florida scientist's cat, Pepper, led to the discovery of a new jeilongvirus in a mouse. The virus, named Gainesville rodent jeilong virus 1, is the first of its kind to be discovered in US. The virus which is found in Africa, Asia, and Europe can infect mammals, birds, fish and can occasionally cause serious illness in humans.

Cymothoa exigua, also known as the tongue-eating louse, is a parasite that enters a fish's gills and replaces its tongue with its own body. The female parasite attaches to the tongue, while the male attaches to the gill arches. The female destroys the tongue and attaches to the stub, leaving the fish with a new, fully functioning tongue. This protandrous hermaphrodite is found in the Gulf of California.

In 2003, the Sun, the Moon, Antarctica, and two photographers all lined up in Antarctica during an unusual total solar eclipse. Even given the extreme location, a group of enthusiastic eclipse chasers ventured near the bottom of the world to experience the surreal momentary disappearance of the Sun behind the Moon.

A liver transplant involves replacing a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor, often due to chronic conditions like cirrhosis or alcoholic liver disease, as seen in the X post where a man's transformation pre and post-transplant is shown. The process includes a detailed pre-transplant evaluation to ensure candidacy, followed by the surgery where the old liver is removed and the new liver is implanted. Post-surgery, patients face a critical recovery period, especially the first three months, requiring close medical oversight, medication management to prevent rejection, and lifestyle adjustments.

To control mosquito population, Australian scientists have tested the "Toxic Male Technique" in a species of mosquito that spreads dengue fever, Zika and other viruses. Scientists said toxic male mosquitoes will poison females with their semen. The method involves genetically engineering males to produce spider and sea anemone venom proteins, which they inject into females during mating.

A 59-year-old woman named Liu is 'mother' and 'father' to two sons in China. Liu married Tang and birthed a boy but got divorced after biological changes turned her into a biological male. Years later, Liu 'fathered' a son with another woman but couldn't marry her as Liu is still a 'woman' on government records and China prohibits homosexual marriage.

The Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta) is a critically endangered lizard native to the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Males are easily distinguished by the prominent bony horns on their snouts, giving them a rhinoceros-like appearance. These horns are used in territorial disputes and mating displays. Despite their intimidating looks, these iguanas are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Unfortunately, habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection have pushed this species to the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent creatures, including captive breeding programs and habitat restoration.

A study in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that Earth's axis has tilted by 31.5 inches (around 80 cm), primarily due to extensive groundwater extraction. Scientists emphasize that this tilt affects Earth's rotation and contributes to rising sea levels. Groundwater extraction, when redistributed to oceans, alters the planet's mass distribution, causing this axis shift.

This fascinating image, taken with a scanning electron microscope, shows a close-up view of human skin after a needle puncture. Under extreme magnification, you can see the individual layers of dead skin cells that form the outermost barrier. The needle puncture creates a hole surrounded by flaky, layered skin, which gives insight into how resilient yet delicate our skin is at a microscopic level. This type of imaging helps scientists study the skin's response to punctures, injuries, or even medical treatments, as well as how it might heal after such an intrusion.

In the 1920s, Dr. Serge Voronoff, a Russian-French surgeon, became well-known for his controversial procedure of transplanting monkey testicle tissue into humans, specifically men, with the belief that it could restore vitality, treat impotence, and even reverse aging. Voronoff believed that the hormones from primate glands could rejuvenate the human body.

The procedure gained popularity, especially among wealthy men, and due to the high demand, Voronoff established a monkey farm to provide a steady supply of primates for his experiments. At the time, the concept of hormone therapy was new and not well understood, and his ideas received a lot of media attention. However, as scientific understanding of endocrinology advanced, his methods were discredited, and his reputation declined.

Today, Voronoff’s work is considered pseudoscience, but it was part of the early exploration into hormone therapy, even if it was based on flawed science. His work reflects the fascination with rejuvenation and anti-aging that existed in that era, as well as the lengths some would go to try to achieve it.

In Spain, a man's eyelashes overgrew and curled due to cancer treatment. His eyelashes also curled after undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer. Doctors said that the patient underwent drug-induced trichomegaly which can cause eyelashes to grow by half an inch. Doctors found that the symptoms appear within the initial months of treatment and resolve once the same is discontinued.

New research from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University reveals the heart has a mini-brain, a nervous system controlling heartbeat, with various types of neurons with different functions, based on zebrafish, an animal model similar to human heart rate and cardiac function.

How Common Is Breast Asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry is a natural and common phenomenon among women. About 25% of women have one breast at least one cup size larger than the other, and for roughly 10% of women, the size difference is even more pronounced. This variation often results from factors like hormonal changes, genetics, or even lifestyle. It’s completely normal and rarely a cause for medical concern. In most cases, the asymmetry is subtle, but for some, it can be significant enough to affect their choice of clothing or bras.

A new snake species discovered by a team of researchers in western Himalayas has been named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio in honour of his contribution towards conservation. Named 'Anguiculus dicaprioi', the species was discovered by researchers from India, Germany and the UK in 2020. Researchers classified the species under a new genus called 'Anguiculus', which in Latin means 'small snake'.

Viatina's sale not only showcases her individual value but also demonstrates the potential of her genetic material to improve the quality of the breed, setting a new standard in the global cattle market.

The Orange Locus:

* Located on the X chromosome.
* Two versions (alleles):
* O: Produces pheomelanin (orange pigment)
* o: Produces eumelanin (black pigment)

How it affects coat color:

* Males (XY):
* Only have one X chromosome.
* If they inherit the O allele, they will be orange.
* If they inherit the o allele, they will not be orange.

* Females (XX):
* Have two X chromosomes.
* To be orange, they must inherit the O allele on both X chromosomes.
* If they inherit one O and one o, they will be a tortoiseshell or calico (mix of orange and black).

Why are more orange cats are male:
* Males only need one O allele to be orange.
* Females need two O alleles to be orange, which is less likely.

Box jellyfish are also known as sea wasps and marine stingers. They live in warm coastal waters around the world, but the lethal varieties are found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia.

Box jellyfish have up to 15 tentacles that grow from each corner of their bell and can reach 10 feet in length. Each tentacle has about 5,000 stinging cells that are triggered by the presence of a chemical on the outer layer of its prey.

Not all species of box jellyfish are equally dangerous to humans. Some species have a weaker venom and are less likely to cause serious harm.

16 Psyche is a metal-rich asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt, estimated to be worth a staggering $10 quintillion. This immense value could theoretically make every person on Earth a billionaire. In 2023, NASA launched the Psyche mission to explore this asteroid. Currently in Phase E, the mission involves a cruise phase with a Mars gravity assist, eventual arrival, and orbiting of the asteroid to uncover its secrets.

Grasshoppers infected and consumed by Cordyceps fungus provide a fascinating example of parasitic relationships in nature. The fungus infiltrates the grasshopper's body, eventually taking control of its nervous system, leading to the insect's death. The Cordyceps then emerges from the grasshopper's body and releases spores, continuing its life cycle.

An unusual "alien-like" creature washed ashore at Horseshoe Bay in South Australia.

The discovery was made by Vicki Evans, a local beachcomber, who shared photos of the creature on a community Facebook page. Experts identified it as a colony of goose barnacles, which are considered a culinary delicacy in parts of Europe and North America, and they can cost ₹21,000/kg.