Category: Science

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Did You Get Mystery Seeds From China in the Mail? Here’s What You Should Do.

Getting an unexpected delivery in the mail can be exciting, but for Virginia residents, a recent string of strange packages has caused more controversy than smiles.

Several people have received packages of seeds in the mail without even ordering them.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Suspected to originate from China, the seeds shouldn’t be planted, at least according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

“The types of seeds in the packages are unknown at this time and may be invasive plant species.

The packages were sent by mail and may have Chinese writing on them.”

According to the VDACS, invasive species wreak havoc on the environment by displacing or destroying native plants and insects and severely damaging crops.

Photo Credit: Twitter

The best way to avoid future problems is by simply not planting the unsolicited seeds. Failure to comply could result in invasive species infestations that can be quite costly to control and eliminate.

Anyone who receives a package containing these strange seeds should contact the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS) by calling 804-786-3515. You can also file a report via email at ReportAPest@vdacs.virginia.gov.

While nobody knows exactly where the seeds originate, the Better Business Bureau does have an idea. The BBB believes that the packages could be part of a customer review scam.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Many companies ship cheap items to people in order to write a fake review on behalf of the resident.

The problem has also made its way to Utah. Jane Rupp, president of the state’s BBB chapter, offered some helpful advice to anyone who receives some unsolicited seeds in the mail:

“The first thing to do is Google your address and see what’s out there.

Numerous things will come up when you Google your address. It’s kind of scary sometimes.”

So if you happen to receive a strange package that you didn’t order, it’s best to file a report and follow the advice of the experts.

Photo Credit: Twitter

The last thing we need right now is a plant pandemic.

Have you ever received something you didn’t order in the mail? Has a company tried to pull a quick one on you?

Tell us your experience in the comments below!

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This TikTok Video Shows That Whatever Word You Read, You Will Also Hear

Brainteasers are a fun way to pass the time, especially for those of us who are stuck at home.

Do you remember the Yanni/Laurel and black/gold dress controversies from a few years back? Well, there’s a new audio illusion in town and a simple explanation as to how your brain deciphers messages along with it.

First, give it a try. It’s easy to do—just read one of the words you see in the video posted by @emilysophie.m, and that’s the word you’ll hear every time.

So, what makes this happen? According to science, something called the McGurk Effect. It’s a phenomenon of perception that demonstrates how your hearing, vision, and speech interact with each other. It occurs when what you hear is paired with what you see, leading to the perception of a sound that only exists as you read the word.

In other words, your visual informs what you hear. In this case, both words are being said at the same time at different frequencies, and your brain is filling in the blanks.

Of course, like Yanni/Laurel and the black or gold dress, this illusion also went viral across social media, with people from all walks of life weighing in. While most people came out on one side or the other, some didn’t hear anything.

And some only heard one word, no matter what they read.


And, well…

To be fair, the McGurk Effect doesn’t work for everyone. This can be chalked up to having different hearing abilities or brain processes.

Which word did you hear? Let us know in the comments below!

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Great Facts That We Think Will Impress You

It can be hard to sort through the endless information out there on social media and the Internet.

Where’s the good stuff? The interesting stuff? Heck, where’s the REAL stuff?

Well, look no further, because we consistently bring you great fact sets that will pique your curiosity and, most importantly, IMPRESS YOU.

Hey, it’s what we do!

Here are 10 more facts that we know will impress you.

Enjoy and feel free to share these with your friends and family!

1. That’s pretty wild!

All from the “mother tree”.

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2. I think we might need to bring these back…

For kids and adults! We all need to lose weight!

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3. Keep this in mind.

A lot of psychos out there.

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4. She ruled as a king.

What a life story.

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5. More than friends?

It sure seems like it…

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6. Yikes. That looks horrible.

No wood in there.

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7. Which type are you?

I think I might be the Hemingway.

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8. Watch it in slow-motion.

It’s always fun!

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9. The Sea Peoples.

Who were they?

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10. The Angel’s Glow.

It saved their lives.

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Now we want to hear from you!

Have you seen anything online lately that has really impressed you?

Facts? Stories? Charts? Great photos?

Please share them with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!

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10 Interesting Facts for You to Enjoy Today

We all need a break…a FACT break, that is!

And we think we have some damn good ones lined up for you to look at that will make you think about the world in a new and interesting way.

Hey, it’s what we do…and we LOVE doing it!

So dive into this set of facts and feel free to share it with your family and friends.

Enjoy!

1. That is horrifying.

Can you imagine these creatures roaming around?

Photo Credit: did you know?

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2. A true story.

And a tragic one.

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3. That should get them to talk.

Let’s start from the beginning…

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4. That’s kind of crazy to think about.

Did you know about this?

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5. Mayday! Mayday!

Make sure you use it the correct way.

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6. Women are survivors.

And they always have been.

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7. I wish they lived to be 80…

But, such is life…

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8. I love this idea!

Let’s bring it over here!

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9. Stop and smell the roses.

It’s good for you.

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10. And they never forgot this…

They’re still kind of worshipped, aren’t they?

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How about you?

Have you seen any facts or interesting stories lately that have really caught your eye?

Share them with us in the comments.

Please and thank you!

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Fascinating Facts That’ll Make You Think

Ready to put your thinking cap on?

I know I sure am!

In that case, we’re happy to present you with another set of great facts that will stimulate your brain and make you ponder all kinds of facets of life.

What else could you ask for, really?!?!

Are you ready to get your learnin’ on?

Let’s do it together!

1. Let’s see how rich you are…

Let me see your pineapple, sir.

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2. It happens to even the most famous people.

All throughout history…

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3. This makes a lot of sense.

Kids need their fathers.

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4. Monkeys using money.

They’re pretty sharp, aren’t they?

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5. Well, that’s a relief.

Forgetfulness is okay!

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6. Mind your business.

He was a smart man.

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7. This guy! Right here!

I’m very thankful for this invention.

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8. Is this obscene?

No, but this is hilarious.

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9. I did not know that!

Very interesting stuff!

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10. An offer he couldn’t refuse.

That sounds like a very loud cat!

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Now we want to hear from you.

Have you seen any really interesting facts or articles lately?

If so, please share them with us in the comments.

Thanks in advance!

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These Insects Preserved in Amber Are Still Glowing Nearly 100 Million Years Later

Scientists can learn so much from studying fossils. But these precious pieces of preserved life still leave us those science sleuths with many unanswered questions.

For example, scientists can’t tell what color an animal was based on just a fossil. Luckily, though, there are exceptional cases that do allow scientists to glean more information than what happens in most cases.

Photo Credit: NIGPAS

Recently, a team of researchers at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology published a paper in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. And in doing so, the group successfully identified the true colors of three ancient insects that have been preserved in amber.

Incredibly, the insects have been on Earth for quite some time—99 million years to be exact (kind of). By staying preserved in amber, scientists have been able to see their true color, which certainly represents a rarity in the field of fossils.

James Lamsdell, a University of West Virginia paleobiologist who was not involved in the research, said…

“The way that the color is preserved in these things is really remarkable.

There have been reports of color in the fossil record before, but often what we’re looking at is not the true color, because it’s been changed by the fossilization process.”

Though in some cases finding the true color proved difficult, Lamsdell explained that scientists can gather clues from the cellular structure of the exoskeleton and extrapolate what the color most likely was.

Photo Credit: NIGPAS

However, in this case, after polishing the amber off the specimens, scientists could see blue, green, and purple colors when viewing the insects.

While the discovery certainly deserves attention, it also brought up a potential downside. Because amber comes from the sap produced by trees in Myanmar’s Kachin state, that means harvesting amber has become a lucrative business that can have a negative effect on the environment.

Photo Credit: NIGPAS

Perhaps in showcasing these awe-inspiring insects, scientists have also shed light on the potential dangers of amber harvesting.

Have you ever taken a look at fossils back in science class or at a museum? What interests you in learning about ancient animals? Tell us more in the comments below!

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8 Ways to Stay Cool, Even Without an Air Conditioner

In the peak of summer, going outside can feel like stepping straight into a sauna. Five minutes of the oppressive rays and heat are enough to make even the hardiest person wilt.

If you don’t have an air conditioned space to retreat to – or you need to stay outside for some reason – here are 8 ways to beat the heat.

8. Utilize your pulse points.

Image Credit: Pexels

Your pulse points are where you can feel your pulse, because the blood vessels there are positioned close to the surface.

If you apply ice or a cold cloth there, your body will get cooler faster – check your neck, wrists, the insides of your elbows and knees, the tops of your feet, the insides of your ankles, your inner thighs, and in front of your ears.

7. Close the curtains.

Image Credit: Pexels

Some people estimate that around 30% of unwanted heat comes in through the windows, so if your house is feeling overly warm, make it as dark as possible.

6. Exercise near a lake.

Image Credit: Pexels

Summer is no excuse for not being healthy, but you can stay at least a little cooler by running next to a lake, river, or ocean, since bodies of water cool the surrounding area at least a few degrees.

5. Create a wind tunnel.

Image Credit: Pexels

If you don’t have an attic fan, you can still do this – open windows on the opposite sides of your house or apartment, then place a fan inward on one side, outward on the opposite.

4. Hang a damp sheet in front of an open window.

Image Credit: Pexels

Double your money by hanging a damp sheet in front of your incoming wind tunnel window – the air stream traveling through your house will be even cooler.

3. Check your fans.

Image Credit: Pexels

Your ceiling fans should spin counter-clockwise, helping to create a downward breeze.

In winter, they should go the opposite way, which forces air upward so warmer air can circulate.

2. Menthol is your friend.

Image Credit: Imgur

No, not cigarettes – those aren’t your friends – but the menthol in things like peppermint trick our bodies into feeling cool.

If you brew some peppermint tea, cool it, then spray it on your skin from a bottle, you’ll feel relief!

1. Repurpose your hot water bottle.

Image Credit: Pexels

If you can’t sleep, fill your hot water bottle with ice water and place it under your ankles and/or knees. It will cool your body and help you crash for the night.

I’m definitely going to keep these in my back pocket!

What are your tips for staying cool in the middle of summer? Share them with us in the comments!

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Letting Spiders Live Can Actually Help Out in Your Home

We’ve all encountered a spider or two in our homes. And in most cases, we kill it as quickly as we found it.

But in actuality, letting those scary-looking creatures live could actually benefit your home. While spiders may send fear down your spine, they play an important part in our indoor ecosystem.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Though most people would like to believe that spiders exist only in nature, they can be found in most homes. Whether accidentally trapped or simply stopping by for an unwelcomed visit, spiders will take up residence in your home.

And while that may seem sinister, it actually is a great thing for your home.

Matt Bertone and his colleagues conducted a visual survey of 50 North Carolina homes to determine just exactly what type of arachnids live under people’s roofs. It turns out that every home had spiders crawling around.

Photo Credit: Pexels

The most common species they found were cobweb spiders and cellar spiders—both of which build webs in order to trap potential prey. Cellar spiders take things a step further by mimicking prey in order to trick their cousins into becoming dinner.

So how does letting spiders live benefit your home?

Well, spiders capture nuisance pests and disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes that could pose a potential problem for you and the rest of the inhabitants in your home.

In fact, there’s even a species of jumping spiders that specifically like to dine on blood-filled mosquitoes.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In most cases, spiders present no real harm to humans. So even if you encounter a spider the next time you’re cleaning out your cluttered closet, consider letting it live so that the natural ecosystem can continue thriving.

And if you really can’t stomach the thought of a spider residing in your home, at least capture and release it outside.

Do you have a fear of spiders? What do you do when you encounter one in your home?

Tell us more in the comments below!

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Dentist Offers a Hack to Keep Your Mask Secure

This worldwide pandemic forces all of us to wear masks to be safe and keep others safe. But what can you do about a mask that doesn’t fit well, particularly for those of us who have smaller faces?

Masks have to fit well in order to be effective. While the general public wears isn’t a custom mask that someone in medicine would wear, it is necessary and does help. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of two wear one when not around people in their household and when social distancing is impossible.

Photo credit: TikTok

One dentist has come up with a solution to your loose mask woes. Dr. Olivia Cui posted her quick and easy hack to Tick Tok, which immediately went viral. It takes about to minute to watch, but we’ll lay the steps out below anyway:

@oliviacuidmd

Highly requested 60s version of my viral mask hack #fyp #doctorsoftiktok #masktutorial #covid19 #viral #maskhack #learnontiktok

♬ original sound – oliviacuidmd

Fold your mask in half, and tie a knot in the ear loops. Make sure to keep the knot as close to the corners of the mask as possible. Reopen the mask—you’ll now see at the sides where you can tuck it in. That’s it—you’re good to go out into the world with a secure mask.

Celebrities and social media influencers shared the hack, which quickly spread across all platforms. Dr. Cuid said that in the absence of an N95 mask, doing this was the best bet.

View this post on Instagram

Hi folx! @katiecouric (via @tt_cui ) shared this great mask trick & I wanted to share with all of you & try it for myself. Masks won’t be a forever thing, but we are still in the middle of a pandemic that affects our bodies & our neighbors’ bodies. Wearing a mask is not an “attack on your rights” nor a government hoax. It’s a simple act of protecting yourself and others from a deadly virus. For me, it’s about being a thoughtful neighbor and putting the collective in front of my own individual comfort so we can beat this thing & return to work, to hugging each other & partying with our grandparents without fearing I or some gd Karen might potentially kill them with their infected breath. No shame in that. ? Stay healthy, stay kind.

A post shared by AnnaSophia Robb (@annasophiarobb) on

Now that you have this great mask hack at your disposal make sure you do one more thing—wash your hands!

What pandemic prevention hacks to you have that you can share? Let us know in the comments below!

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Funny Tweets About the Various Stages of Quarantine We’ve Had to Deal With

We’re in the middle of a global nightmare and it has been anything but funny.

BUT, as we like to do, we want to make you laugh to forget how horrible everything in the world is right now.

And that’s exactly what we’re gonna do for you right now!

So take a load off, kick your feet up, forget about what’s going on outside your front door, and laugh at some hilarious tweets about how messed up the world is right now.

Let’s go!

1. I’m right there with you.

Hey, there’s no shame in it!

2. Things are looking bleak…

Just hang in there, okay?

3. You do you.

Hey, it might look kinda cool. You never know.

4. Oh, boy…this is not good.

Go easy on that counter top!

5. I don’t think you’re alone on this one…

Is it working, though?

6. Time for a road trip?

You might as well…there’s nothing else to do…

7. Wow…sounds intense…

And how do I get in on it?

8. Is it a Cocker Spaniel?

I’ve always thought that was a good look.

9. Isolation is making you petty.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

10. Just dump it onto my plate.

No point in the formalities anymore…

11. We are all this child right now.

She seems very wise to me.

12. Do what you have to…

You need to pass the time somehow…

13. Things are getting spicy.

In the kitchen, that is…

Now we want to hear from all of you!

How is your quarantine going?

Talk to us in the comments and give us an update!

The post Funny Tweets About the Various Stages of Quarantine We’ve Had to Deal With appeared first on UberFacts.