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100 Interesting Facts We Learned in 2020

458.9K views
•
December 16, 2020
by
Mental Floss
YouTube video player
100 Interesting Facts We Learned in 2020

TL;DR

Uncover interesting insights from animal research, scientific breakthroughs, cultural moments, and royal controversies in 2020.

Transcript

did you know that penguin poop can produce laughing gas researchers based in denmark and china were studying the effects of king penguins on the environment when they began to feel loopy it turned out they had been breathing nitrous oxide that formed from penguin guano breaking down in the environment as professor beau elberling said quote after no... Read More

Key Insights

  • 😄 Animal excrement can have unexpected properties, like penguin guano producing laughing gas.
  • 🔬 Breakthroughs in science like CRISPR technology advancements and studying the two distinct processes in memory consolidation were noteworthy in 2020.
  • 🧑‍⚕️ Surprising cultural revelations included royal family controversies, impactful health trends, and fascinating historical and archaeological discoveries.
  • 👱 Innovative technological advancements like Sony’s wearable air conditioner and the virtual visor from Bosch caught attention in 2020.
  • 😮 2020 brought notable social changes, from recognizing the importance of safe dining environments to the rise in UFO sightings during lockdowns.
  • 🥺 The impact of COVID-19 reshaped industries, from healthcare to entertainment, and led to behavioral changes like nature-seeking instincts due to gut microbiome influences.
  • 🌐 A mix of scientific, cultural, and technological advancements defined the year, showcasing resilience, adaptation, and innovation amid global challenges.

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Questions & Answers

Q: What are some unique animal behaviors discovered in 2020?

Some interesting animal behaviors unveiled in 2020 include wolf puppies playing fetch, cows pooping intact corn kernels, and biofluorescence in amphibians under specific light conditions, like nature's psychedelic posters.

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact various industries and practices in 2020?

The pandemic led to significant shifts like the surplus of popcorn due to mass theater closures, remote learning, innovative inventions such as wearables to combat physical fatigue, and the rise of blue and green shade naming trends.

Q: What notable scientific advancements were witnessed in 2020?

Scientists in 2020 achieved multiple milestones, including the Nobel Prize for chemistry awarded to the CRISPR gene-editing tool creators, significant insights into memory consolidation processes, and identifying the best time to drink coffee for optimal health.

Q: How did 2020 influence cultural phenomena like royal family affairs and entertainment?

The year saw Harry and Meghan stepping back from royal duties, potential shifts in history interpretation concerning monuments, novel Star Wars cameos, and noteworthy Downton Abbey discoveries in unexpected places like Harvard University's archives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Researchers stumbled upon the psychoactive potential of penguin poop that produced laughing gas, surprising them.

  • Scientists made intriguing discoveries about animal behaviors like wolf puppies engaging in fetch and cows pooping whole corn kernels.

  • The year also brought forth significant advances in science, such as resolving a 90-year-old geometry problem and the development of innovative technologies like the Sony ReonPocket air conditioner.


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