Some people have a high opinion of themselves, but can they match the unique abilities of an octopus? These creatures possess a central brain and an additional mini-brain in each of their eight arms. Unlike humans, about two-thirds of their neurons are found in their arms instead of their heads. This interesting fact is just a small part of what you can learn from an Instagram account named MRU.INK, which shares intriguing and unusual information. The account explores a wide range of topics, from history to archaeology.
One post highlights the Temple of Dendur from ancient Egypt, which dates back to around 15 BCE. Originally, these temple reliefs were painted in bright colors that faded over time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art introduced a project called “Color the Temple,” using light to show how these stone carvings once appeared, including Roman Emperor Augustus making offerings to gods like Isis and Horus.
Another fascinating story involves a fisherman from Palawan Island in the Philippines, who discovered a giant pearl while fishing in 2006. The pearl weighed about 75 pounds and was found inside a giant clam. Unaware of its value, the fisherman kept it as a good luck charm under his bed for ten years. Eventually, it was valued at approximately $100 million.
Additionally, during the Mughal Empire in India, between 1620 and 1660, exquisite spectacles known as the Astaneh-e Ferdaws were created. These glasses had green lenses made from a single Colombian emerald weighing more than 300 carats, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Green held significant meaning in Mughal culture, symbolizing salvation and protection. In 2021, these spectacles were sold at Sotheby’s alongside another pair known as the Halqeh-e Nur.
The fisherman, who initially overlooked the pearl’s true worth, stored it as a good luck charm and would touch it before fishing trips. When he decided to move, he passed the pearl to his aunt, Aileen Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, a local tourism officer. She planned to give it to the mayor to help attract tourists to their city.
DNA serves as a manual that contains genetic information for organisms, guiding cells in the production of RNA and proteins.
What do you think about these unusual facts?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Laura Radavičiūtė