Few people understand how remarkable they are... And we humans are pretty remarkable.
If you’re looking for some proof, consider these amazing facts about yourself.
1. You can hear the temperature of water
Yes! Humans have evolved so that they can accurately distinguish between hot and cold water – just by the sound it makes.
If you think about it, it’s a pretty useful survival skill. No one wants to find out the hard way that they’ve jumped into scalding hot water or water so cold that it could lead to hypothermia.
For more info, check out this cool study performed by Condiment Junkie and covered by NPR.
2. You are full of bright ideas
Did you know that the brain generates between 10 and 25 Watts of power via its 100 billion brain cells? Each neuron generates a tiny amount of electricity, but there are so many of them that, collectively, it adds up to a remarkable amount.
So, yes, you could power a light bulb just with the amount of thinking you do!
3. Think fast!
And, you do. The speed at which signals travel down your alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord has been measured at an incredible 431 km/h.
That’s roughly the top speed of a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, and faster than a McLaren F1.
4. You have an eye for colour
Most of us can distinguish about 10 million colours (more than our brain can actually process.) Some of us – tetrachromats – can see as many as 100 million colours. Tetrachromats have an extra fourth cone cell in their eyes, which allows them to see colour on a whole new level. Check this BBC feature for more.
5. You produce visible light
As you sit there reading this, you are glowing. Just a little. But, you are a light source.
Check out this study covered in Live Science for more info.
So, you glow, you produce power, you’re faster than a million dollar super-car… Really, you are a pretty remarkable collection of abilities and specializations.
