Only 12,000 years ago there was a species closely related to modern humans called Homo floresiensis that had been living on an Indonesian Island. They used fire and rather advanced tools, yet were only about 3 feet tall and weighed around 25kg.
15
At 15 years old, Jack Andraka invented a method of diagnosing pancreatic cancer, thus helping to save the lives of millions of people around the world. It is 168 times faster, 26,000 times cheaper, 400 times more sensitive, and has a 99% success rate.
15
For every gallon of sea water, you get more than a quarter pound of salt.
45
The left ear is more responsive to words of love and emotion whispered into it than the right.
40
The idea of left brain (logical) and right brain (creative) has no basis in neuroscience and is in fact a myth.
16
Brass doorknobs automatically disinfect themselves in about 8 hours.
18
Optical illusions occur when what the eyes see conflicts with what the brain expects.
75
The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a plant distress call.
31