Do you ever come across facts that seem too strange to be true? From optical illusions and coincidences, to scientific phenomena and curiosity-provoking ideas, this blog post is all about the things that are true but seem false. Let’s explore some of these fascinating facts together!
1. You Can’t Breathe and Swallow at the Same Time
It is true that you can’t breathe and swallow at the same time. This is due to the anatomy of the human body, which dictates that when you swallow, your epiglottis (a flap of tissue in your throat) closes off your trachea (windpipe) to prevent food or liquid from entering your lungs. As a result, you must pause your breathing while you swallow. This phenomenon has fascinated researchers for centuries and it is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation that protects us from accidentally aspirating our food or drink.
2. Beheading Wasn’t Abolished in the UK
Beheading with a sword or axe goes back a very long way in history, because like hanging, it was a cheap and practical method of execution in the United Kingdom. Capital punishment continued to wither across the United Kingdom in 2019, disappearing completely in some regions and significantly eroding since 1977 when France staged its last execution using the guillotine. Despite this, beheading remains one of the most shocking facts that are true but seem false.
3. There Are More Tigers in Captivity in the US than in the Wild Worldwide
Though it might seem false, it is actually true that there are more tigers in captivity in the US than in the wild worldwide. With an estimated 5000 tigers, the US is thought to be home to more captive tigers than those found in the wild. This is a concerning number, as many of these felines don’t exist in the wild and have no conservation value. Furthermore, they often suffer from health problems, including neurological issues and incidents involving captive big cats. This alarming reality highlights why it is crucial to be aware of things that are true but seem false, such as the fact that there are more tigers in captivity in the US than in the wild worldwide.
4. A Chicken Lived Without a Head for 18 Months
Mike The Headless Chicken is an amazing example of a creature that lived without a head for 18 months! On September 10, 1945, Lloyd Olsen was beheading chickens for market on his family farm in Fruita, Colorado, when one of the decapitated birds picked itself up and ran around for several days. Despite the fact that Mike had lost his head, he seemed to be in good health and even managed to live for another 18 months. This miraculous feat made Mike a local celebrity and ensured that his story would go down in history.
5. They Could Smell a Teaspoon of Sugar Inside Two Olympic-Sized Swimming Pools
It is remarkable to think that dogs, with their incredibly sensitive noses, are able to detect the equivalent of a teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools. Dog expert and author Alexandra Horowitz has compared this feat to us being able to detect the same amount of sugar in two Olympic-sized pools. Even more impressive is the cancer alert dog that kept marking to one mole on a woman’s arm, which is an incredible skill that can help reduce civilian casualties due to cancer. It’s amazing to think that our canine friends can possess such incredible powers of smell!
6. A Cancer Alert Dog Kept Marking to One Mole on a Woman’s Arm
The story of the cancer alert dog is remarkable; the canine kept marking one mole on a woman’s arm, leading her to get it examined and discover that it was malignant. This incredible tale highlights the importance of being aware of any changes to your body and the power of animals to detect potentially dangerous health conditions. Although it may seem false, this story is true and serves as an important reminder that we should always be vigilant when it comes to our health.
7. The Gold in Tutankhamun’s Tomb Had Been Stolen from Other Tombs
Tutankhamun’s tomb was filled with gold treasures, which had been plundered from other tombs. It’s incredible to think that the robbers managed to steal such precious items and escape undetected, leaving behind an astonishing legacy for us to marvel at. Even though the robbers succeeded in their mission, Tutankhamun’s mummy and many of his burial goods were fortunately left intact. This is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians in protecting their tombs from theft – even one as grand as Tutankhamun’s – and serves as a reminder that things that are true can sometimes seem impossible.
8. Napoleon Was Not Short
Napoleon Bonaparte was often referred to as ‘Le Petit Caporal’ (The Little Corporal), and despite the popular misconception, he wasn’t actually short. In fact, his height was of an average size for the time period – between 168 and 170 centimeters, or 5’6” – 5’7”. This misconception likely stems from the fact that he is listed as 5 feet 2 inches tall at the time of his death. While Napoleon may not have been short in stature, the term “Napoleon complex” endures today – a reminder that sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a lasting impression.
9. A Whale Shark Had a GPS Device Attached to it for Over Five Years
For over five years, researchers have been tracking the world’s largest fish in eastern Indonesia with the help of satellite transmitters attached to the dorsal fins of whale sharks. Already, the data collected has uncovered some surprising mysteries about these gentle giants, prompting scientists to ask more questions. The new online map allows us to monitor the movements of individual whale sharks over long periods of time—something that was previously impossible. It helps us understand how these unique creatures live and thrive in the wild, and can potentially shed light on their longevity. And thanks to this technology, we now know that whale shark patterns are a permanent tag, allowing us to collect data about single animals for unprecedentedly long durations.
10. The Ancient Egyptians Used to Use Worms to Treat Infections
The Ancient Egyptians were known to be ahead of their time in many ways, especially when it came to their medical practices. They recognized the importance of parasites and worms in treating various infections and illnesses, and utilized them for different treatments for a variety of conditions. One such treatment was the use of cestodes, commonly known as tapeworms, for treating various infections. Treatment methods varied depending on the severity of the infection, but generally included symptomatic management as well as anti-parasitic medications. Other ancient treatments included the use of garlic for circulation issues, parasite infections and “abnormal growths,” as well as flushing water through aqueducts to promote public health. Even today, African trypanosomiasis is caused by parasites of genus Trypanosoma and is endemic in 36 countries, though luckily treatments such as Bupropion have been found effective in managing depression. We know that more than a quadrillion quadrillion individual viruses exist on Earth, but thanks to the ingenuity of the Ancient Egyptians we can recognize just how important proper medical practices are for our health and wellbeing.
