10 Fascinating Facts About Everyday Science, History, and Travel

Here are 10 interesting and fascinating facts to keep you entertained and informed about everyday science, history, and travel destinations. Let us know in the comments which one you found the most surprising!

1. Mount Fuji: The World’s Most Climbed Mountain

Mount Fuji in Japan is actually the most climbed mountain in the world with over 200,000+ climbers every year. There are 2 reasons for this, and one of them is its natural beauty with a perfect cone shape.

Another is its cultural and spiritual significance to the area. It is considered a spiritual journey to climb the mountain. A test of the hiker’s endurance, a way to do self-reflection and to pursue enlightenment by being one with nature.

Fun fact, it has been reported that Mt. Fuji for the first time has now snow in it last year, but recently it has been reported that it finally got its first snowfall. This marks the latest date for the mountain to have snow in the winter season.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization

2. How Powdered Milk is Made and Why It Lasts So Long

Have you ever made milk using powdered milk? The reality of the process of how it is made is actually both funny and helpful.

During production the milk in liquid form is boiled to trigger evaporation, removing all water content of the milk. Then the concentrated milk will be sprayed into a fine mist to remove further moisture.

So, basically, the water is removed and then added later when the consumers want to drink the milk.

Source: Foodcom

3. Why Milk is Better Than Water for Cooling Spicy Foods

Did you know that milk is better at removing the burning sensation we feel when we eat spicy food? If you already know this, then do you know why this is?

The answer is the milk’s protein molecule, casein can find and bind to the molecule that causes the spiciness which is capsaicin. Then it makes it easier to be washed away as you drink the milk.

While water does not have this functionality, rather it spreads that molecule causing the spiciness to be worse.

Source: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

4. Jericho: One of the Oldest Cities Still Inhabited Today

One of the world’s oldest still inhabited cities, Jericho, dates back to around 9000 BCE. Archeological ruins showcase how the past civilizations lived and developed their agriculture and settlements.

Some examples are that they created tall stone walls and massive stone towers to guard the city and their farmlands. This gives us all the evidence that even almost 11 thousand years ago humans already lived in groups and had a place in which they lived permanently.

Source: Britannica

5. Qatar’s Unique and Highly Selective Citizenship Rules

Unlike many other countries, Qatar is one of the hardest nations to get citizenship. It is because of their strict legal criteria that you must meet, including living in the country for 25 years.

That is justifiable as Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. They have a vast reserve of natural and petroleum gas which gives them massive income and revenue by exporting it to other countries.

Source: Qatar Company Formation

6. Colgate: The World’s Most Popular Toothpaste Brand

If you have ever brushed your teeth, you probably have used or at least heard of Colgate. It is actually the most widely used toothpaste brand in the world, both in the western and eastern countries.

Colgate was founded back in 1820 by William Colgate, who first started it as a soap and candle business. Now it has become one of the largest companies in the world, by being in the oral care business.

Source: Colgate-Palmolive

7. Kangaroo Rats: The Mammals That Never Need to Drink Water

Kangaroo rats are one of the few mammals that can survive without drinking water. This is because they can extract moisture from the seeds they eat. Also, unlike other mammals their urine is very concentrated to minimize loss of fluids as much as possible.

Kangaroo rats evolved this way to adapt to their natural habitat which is in the North American desert. They got their name because of their strong hind legs that allow them to leap up to 9 feet in one jump.

Source: National Park Service

8. Why Airplanes Can’t Fly in Space

Have you ever wondered why can’t we just air planes into space and create a spaceship that way? The answer is simple, it is because there’s no air in space.

Unlike rockets, which have their own propulsion system and massive amounts of oxygen tanks that allow them to move forward, airplanes fly by relying on air for lift and oxygen for their engines.

So, basically, without the air in space, airplanes will not be able to move in it and will just be stuck in the vacuum.

Source: NASA

9. Contrails: The Science Behind Airplane Trails in the Sky

When we see random white lines in the air, we safely assume that a plane has passed by. Those white streaks are actually called contrails. They form when hot exhaust gases are mixed with the cold air in the atmosphere.

This mixture creates ice crystals, which are what make up the white line we see behind the airplanes. You can also observe, that this does not happen every time as it depends on the humidity and temperature of the atmosphere into which the airplane is traveling.

Source: Federal Aviation Administration

10. Dubai Metro: One of the World’s Longest Driverless Train Systems

Did you know that there are already automated driverless vehicles aside from electric cars? The Dubai Metro is one of the world’s longest examples of this, stretching over 75km, it heavily reduces the traffic congestion in the city.

This is a very important invention and investment from the Dubai government especially since their city is rapidly growing.

Source: Wikipedia

Author's Final Thoughts

Have you enjoyed the facts in these articles? Which one surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments, and if you want to share some of your own facts and knowledge, do not hesitate, as several thousands of our audience probably want to learn more.

Related: Did You Know? 10 Incredible Facts That Might Surprise You