12 Trivia Tidbits for Monday, August 12, 2024
Robots Can Feel Wet Now
Scientists have developed a “bionic e-skin” that mimics the feeling of water droplets on skin, perfect for futuristic war androids (or humans with prosthetic limbs).
Humane’s Wearable A.I. Pin Is Getting Returned More Than It’s Getting Bought
The universally panned Humane A.I. Pin was expected to sell 100,000 units by now, but over the past four months, returns have outpaced sales.
Perfume for Dogs
Dolce & Gabbana has announced a dog perfume for the low, low price of $108.
Google and Meta’s Secret Backroom Deal to Target Minors
Google broke its own rules when it struck a recently revealed top-secret deal with Meta to advertise Instagram to teenagers.
Mayonnaise May Help Scientists Perfect Nuclear Fusion
Lehigh University mechanical engineers have found that Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise changes states under extreme pressure and heat, similar to plasma, which is helping them study the process of inertial confinement fusion.
Doctors Are Finally Required to Warn Patients That IUDs Freaking Hurt
Many doctors have traditionally maintained that there are no nerve endings up in there, and yet lots of women report a pain worse than childbirth when an IUD is inserted. The CDC has finally set federal guidelines requiring doctors to warn patients that they might feel a bit more than “a slight pinch.”
The Higgs Boson Broadway Musical
A Broadway show is in development based on the 2013 documentary Particle Fever, about the discovery of the elusive Higgs boson particle.
China Says Simmer Down
Chinese state media has warned its “aggressive fans” at the Paris Olympics to chill out, as their rowdy behavior interferes with athletes’ performance — and more to the point, breaks Chinese anti-celebrity worship norms.
State Farm Stadium’s Cotton Candy Burrito
The Arizona Cardinals have announced they'll be selling a uniquely American delicacy at their stadium this year: a huge wad of ice cream and candy, wrapped in a thick layer of cotton candy.
Your Microwave’s Microbiome
“Extremophile” is the term for organisms that thrive in preternaturally harsh environments, like microwaves and lab equipment.
The Hardest-Working Countries on the Planet
A study has found that Chilean workers put in the third-most working hours per person per year at 1,953, followed by Costa Rica at 2,171 and Mexico at 2,207. America ranks ninth, at 1,799.
Kevin Durant Coined the 21st Century’s ‘E Pluribus Unum’
After Team USA’s dramatic comeback win over Serbia in the Olympics, Durant dropped the most patriotic phrase in centuries: “A lot of bullshit happens in our country. But a lot of great things happen, to.” Put it on every coin.