If someone told you 20 years ago that we’d be gaining new information through mini-computers in our pockets, you would probably think they’d lost their mind. Yet, here we are, doing exactly that, through Instagram pages like Unseen Facts Only.
The profile bio says it all: “Your No. 1 Community for History & Facts Lovers.” And there’s no exaggeration here. The account currently has 1.7 million followers (and counting), all of whom share a fascination with random yet incredibly compelling information.
If you’re socially anxious or hate making small talk at parties, these bits of trivia can help spark up interesting conversations.
#1
For over a year and a half, a massive volunteer effort transformed a notorious Mumbai landfill back into a sandy shore. This incredible cleanup of Versova Beach, led by environmentalist Afroz Shah, shows how dedicated community action can directly reverse environmental damage. The stunning result? After decades of absence, hundreds of thousands of olive ridley sea turtles have returned to nest on the restored beach. This cascade of life proves that healing our ecosystems can have immediate and profound rewards for wildlife.
Report
50points
#2
In a remarkable underwater encounter, a diver experienced an unexpected assistant: a curious octopus. The intelligent cephalopod calmly retrieved and returned dropped tools, demonstrating not just problem-solving skills but a seemingly deliberate willingness to help. This behavior challenges our understanding of octopus intelligence, suggesting a capacity for complex, goal-oriented interaction that goes beyond simple curiosity. Such encounters highlight the sophisticated social awareness possible in marine life, reminding us of the profound connections that can form across species.
Report
47points
#3
In 2015, Gravity Payments CEO Dan Price made international headlines when he announced a dramatic change to his company's pay structure. After learning that one of his employees was struggling financially despite working full time, and after reading research suggesting that happiness increases significantly at an income of around $70,000 per year, Price decided to take action. He reduced his own salary from roughly $1.1 million to $70,000 and raised the minimum salary for all 120 employees to the same amount. The decision was met with both praise and skepticism.
Many business experts predicted the company would struggle financially, arguing that the plan was unrealistic and unsustainable. Some clients even took their business elsewhere, believing the move was more about publicity than sound business strategy. Despite the criticism, Price remained committed to the idea that financial security could help employees perform better and lead more stable lives.
In the years that followed, Gravity Payments experienced surprising results. The company reported increases in productivity and profits, while employee turnover and absenteeism declined. Many workers said they felt less stressed about their finances and more invested in the success of the company. The higher wages also allowed some employees to buy homes, pay off debt, and start families. Price's decision became a widely discussed example of corporate empathy and wage reform. While opinions remain divided on whether the model can be applied everywhere, the experiment sparked important conversations about executive compensation, fair pay, and the factors that truly motivate employees. His story continues to be cited in debates about income inequality and the role businesses can play in improving workers' quality of life.
Many business experts predicted the company would struggle financially, arguing that the plan was unrealistic and unsustainable. Some clients even took their business elsewhere, believing the move was more about publicity than sound business strategy. Despite the criticism, Price remained committed to the idea that financial security could help employees perform better and lead more stable lives.
In the years that followed, Gravity Payments experienced surprising results. The company reported increases in productivity and profits, while employee turnover and absenteeism declined. Many workers said they felt less stressed about their finances and more invested in the success of the company. The higher wages also allowed some employees to buy homes, pay off debt, and start families. Price's decision became a widely discussed example of corporate empathy and wage reform. While opinions remain divided on whether the model can be applied everywhere, the experiment sparked important conversations about executive compensation, fair pay, and the factors that truly motivate employees. His story continues to be cited in debates about income inequality and the role businesses can play in improving workers' quality of life.
Report
46points
Many people tend to rely on social media as a trusted source of information. According to a 2023 survey by Pew Research Center, 20% of respondents want the convenience of having news pieces readily available as they scroll through their preferred platforms.
Meanwhile, 6% of respondents say they prefer getting their news on social media because they can interact with others.
#4
Some rural communities in South Korea have found an innovative way to keep their small schools alive as local birth rates decline. Rather than closing, a few schools have opened their doors to older women who never had the opportunity to learn basic reading or writing earlier in life. These students, many of them grandmothers, sit in classes alongside local children and continue their education. Bangrim Primary School in Gangwon Province is one example. Once home to nearly 700 students, it now serves only a few dozen. To remain open, the school welcomed older residents like 72-year-old Park Go-ee, who attends daily lessons to gain the skills she missed in her youth. Her participation, along with that of other seniors, keeps the school vibrant while providing a supportive environment for learning. This approach benefits the entire community. Schools stay open in areas facing population decline, and seniors gain opportunities to study, socialize, and feel more included. Research shows that literacy programs for older adults in rural South Korea can boost confidence and mental well-being. As the nation confronts ongoing population challenges, could this creative solution redefine what a school community really looks like?
Report
45points
#5
In 2015, Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi, an Aboriginal elder from Elcho Island in northeast Arnhem Land, undertook an extraordinary journey to attend his granddaughter Sasha Mulungunhawuy Yumbulul’s Year 10 graduation. Traveling nearly 3,000 kilometres (about 1,900 miles) to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, Victoria, his attendance was a profound expression of love, commitment, and family pride.
Although Gali was unwell on the day of the ceremony, he was determined to take part in a special moment with his granddaughter. Together, they performed the traditional Yolngu Lunggurrma dance, a ceremony representing the north wind and featuring the Banumbirr, or morning star pole. The performance was deeply moving, marking a powerful intersection of cultural tradition and academic achievement. Gali spoke only limited English, with his wife Jane Garrutju translating his words. He shared his deep pride in his grandchildren and spoke passionately about the importance of education. The occasion went beyond celebrating Sasha’s achievement, standing as a testament to enduring family bonds and the transmission of cultural heritage across generations.
Although Gali was unwell on the day of the ceremony, he was determined to take part in a special moment with his granddaughter. Together, they performed the traditional Yolngu Lunggurrma dance, a ceremony representing the north wind and featuring the Banumbirr, or morning star pole. The performance was deeply moving, marking a powerful intersection of cultural tradition and academic achievement. Gali spoke only limited English, with his wife Jane Garrutju translating his words. He shared his deep pride in his grandchildren and spoke passionately about the importance of education. The occasion went beyond celebrating Sasha’s achievement, standing as a testament to enduring family bonds and the transmission of cultural heritage across generations.
Report
42points
#6
Scientists discovered that the intricate, geometric "crop circles" on the ocean floor near Japan are not alien creations, but the elaborate work of a single, tiny pufferfish. The artist, a male white-spotted pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus), uses only his fins to sculpt these stunning sand formations over days of relentless labor. This behavior, first documented in 1995 but not explained until 2013, represents one of the most complex examples of animal architecture known to science. Researchers found that every ridge and groove serves a purpose. The male creates the central pattern to attract a female, who will lay her eggs in the carefully crafted central circle. The outer ridges and valleys may help minimize ocean currents at the nest site, protecting the precious eggs. This pufferfish courtship ritual transforms the seabed into a temporary gallery of natural art, a fleeting masterpiece washed away by the tides. What other astonishing animal behaviors are hidden in plain sight, waiting for us to understand their true purpose?
Report
42points
However, the flip side of having news pieces conveniently available on social platforms is the rise of inaccurate information. 40% of survey respondents believe that the content they encounter is inaccurate, 11% believe it is biased or too political, and 10% believe it is low quality.
#7
In one of the strangest border defense stories in recent memory, Sweden took an unexpected approach to discouraging suspected foreign submarines from entering its waters. Instead of relying solely on traditional military warnings, officials unveiled an underwater sign aimed directly at intruding vessels. The sign, written in Russian, read “This way if you are gay” and featured an animated LED image of a sailor moving his hips. It also included the line, “Welcome to Sweden, gay since 1944.” Designed as a provocative and humorous deterrent, the installation doubled as a political statement, reinforcing Sweden’s long standing support for LGBTQ+ rights while sending a clear message that unauthorized submarines were not welcome. It was bold, unconventional, and undeniably attention grabbing. But was it clever psychological warfare or a step too far?
Report
41points
#8
Narnia is a striking cat famous for his remarkable two toned face, divided almost perfectly down the middle into gray and black halves. This rare appearance has made him one of the most recognizable cats on social media and is believed to be the result of chimerism, a condition in which an animal has two genetically distinct cell lines within the same body. Chimerism is thought to occur when two embryos fuse early in development, creating a single individual with cells from both. In cats, this can produce dramatic differences in coat color, as seen in Narnia's perfectly split facial pattern. Narnia later became the father of two kittens, Phoenix and Prada. Rather than inheriting his distinctive half and half face, each kitten displayed the coloring of one side of their father's face, with one resembling the gray half and the other the black half. Although Narnia's appearance is extraordinary, it also highlights the fascinating ways genetics can shape the natural world. His unique look has captured the attention of cat lovers worldwide, making him a celebrated example of nature's remarkable diversity.
Report
39points
#9
Norway has turned to Sherpas from Nepal to construct and repair stone trails on some of its most heavily trafficked mountain routes. The work demands extreme stamina and meticulous craftsmanship, skills the Sherpas have refined over generations in the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas. While Norway’s mountains are rugged and often isolated, these workers are uniquely equipped to navigate and shape the terrain with speed and accuracy. The financial impact of the job is profound. One summer season in Norway can bring in the equivalent of more than a decade of earnings in Nepal. Beyond the wages, the partnership represents a rare intersection of cultures, where traditional mountain-building techniques are valued and applied thousands of miles from their origin.
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39points
Before the age of readily available information, people relied on memory to answer questions. If they needed more comprehensive data, encyclopedias were the go-to resources.
But since Google became ubiquitous in the early 2000s, people have relied on the platform to instantly pull up any piece of info they need. Researchers referred to this as the “Google Effect” or “digital insomnia,” which they believe has affected our memory.
#10
Sometimes, trees grow so close that their trunks or branches slowly fuse into one living structure. This process allows them to connect internally and exchange resources, essentially forming a natural graft without any human intervention. While it often happens between trees of the same species, it can occur between different ones as well. This rare union is known as inosculation, a word derived from Latin that means “to kiss,” a fitting name for the way the trees meet, merge, and sustain one another over time.
Report
36points
#11
Meet the 'sea wolves' that call Vancouver Island's coastal waters in British Columbia, Canada, home. With their unique adaptation to a marine lifestyle, these wolves swim between islands and display distinct genetics. Their diet consists mainly of seafood (70%-90%), and they can swim for hours to hunt sea animals. Genetic research confirms their DNA is distinct, reflecting their specialized adaptation to a marine ecosystem. Salmon constitutes a significant portion of their diet, along with other marine resources, such as barnacles, clams, herring eggs, and even scavenge seals, river otters, and whale carcasses.
Report
36points
#12
In Ghana, particularly among the Ga people, funerals are often marked by a unique artistic tradition involving elaborate "fantasy coffins." Known locally as *abebuu adekai*, or "proverb boxes," these custom-made coffins are designed to reflect the life, personality, achievements, or profession of the deceased.
Rather than using a standard coffin, families may choose a design that symbolizes what was most important to the person during their lifetime. The creativity behind these coffins is remarkable. A fisherman might be buried in a coffin shaped like a fish, while a pilot's coffin could take the form of an airplane.
Teachers, farmers, business owners, and community leaders may all have coffins crafted to represent their work or passions. Each design serves as a visual tribute, celebrating the individual's identity and accomplishments.
This tradition is most commonly found in Ghana's Greater Accra region, where skilled artisans spend weeks or even months creating these highly detailed pieces. The coffins are often brightly colored and carefully constructed, transforming what might otherwise be a simple burial container into a meaningful work of art.
Their craftsmanship has attracted attention from museums, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts around the world. Beyond their striking appearance, fantasy coffins carry deep cultural significance. They reflect the belief that a person's legacy should be honored and remembered in a way that captures who they were in life. For many families, these unique creations are not just part of a funeral ceremony but a lasting symbol of remembrance, identity, and respect for the deceased.
Rather than using a standard coffin, families may choose a design that symbolizes what was most important to the person during their lifetime. The creativity behind these coffins is remarkable. A fisherman might be buried in a coffin shaped like a fish, while a pilot's coffin could take the form of an airplane.
Teachers, farmers, business owners, and community leaders may all have coffins crafted to represent their work or passions. Each design serves as a visual tribute, celebrating the individual's identity and accomplishments.
This tradition is most commonly found in Ghana's Greater Accra region, where skilled artisans spend weeks or even months creating these highly detailed pieces. The coffins are often brightly colored and carefully constructed, transforming what might otherwise be a simple burial container into a meaningful work of art.
Their craftsmanship has attracted attention from museums, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts around the world. Beyond their striking appearance, fantasy coffins carry deep cultural significance. They reflect the belief that a person's legacy should be honored and remembered in a way that captures who they were in life. For many families, these unique creations are not just part of a funeral ceremony but a lasting symbol of remembrance, identity, and respect for the deceased.
Report
33points
Back then, many experts feared that Google could be making humans stupid. Those concerns have seemed to intensify as artificial intelligence has gradually become a widely used tool in recent years.
This possibility was explored in a 2025 MIT study, which found that large language models like ChatGPT encourage low brain engagement, pointing to decreased brain activity over time.
#13
Tigers are unlike many smaller cats in that they cannot purr. Instead of using vocal sounds to express contentment, they rely more on subtle body language to communicate how they feel. One of the clearest signs of a tiger feeling happy or relaxed is when it squints or gently closes its eyes. This behavior may seem simple, but it carries important meaning in the wild. Closing their eyes reduces a tiger’s ability to see potential threats, which makes them more vulnerable. Because of this, they only allow themselves to do it when they feel completely safe and comfortable in their environment. This quiet expression of trust shows how even powerful predators have delicate ways of signaling emotion, reminding us that animal behavior often carries deeper layers of meaning than it first appears.
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31points
#14
When most people think of bees, they picture fuzzy yellow-and-black stripes. The northern blue-banded bee shatters that image completely. With its striking metallic blue bands and sleek body, this native species looks more like a creature from a science fiction film than a pollinator buzzing through gardens and wildflowers. Found primarily in Australia, the northern blue-banded bee is a powerful and efficient pollinator. Unlike honeybees, it lives a largely solitary life and is known for its unique “buzz pollination” technique. By vibrating its body at a specific frequency, the bee shakes pollen loose from flowers that other insects cannot access, making it especially important for certain plants. Despite its bold appearance, this bee is not aggressive and rarely stings. Its vivid coloring is a natural reminder that pollinators come in many unexpected forms, each playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The northern blue-banded bee is proof that nature often hides its most extraordinary designs in plain sight. Have you ever seen a bee this color before, or what’s the most unusual insect you’ve come across?
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30points
#15
Verona, Italy, is a city built upon centuries of history. Beneath its modern streets lie extensive Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century BC, when the settlement was an important part of the Roman world and was known as Augusta Verona. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a remarkable range of ancient structures, including mosaics, homes, bath complexes, roads, and sections of the original city walls. These remains provide a glimpse into daily life in Roman Verona and reveal how much of the ancient city still survives beneath the modern landscape. The scene shown in the photo is one of the excavated areas where visitors can look down into the preserved ruins. Modern walkways have been constructed above the archaeological site, allowing people to move through present day Verona while viewing layers of history below. This unique blend of past and present makes Verona a fascinating destination. As residents and tourists walk the city's streets, they are quite literally passing over the remains of a civilization that flourished more than two thousand years ago.
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29points
Given technology’s current trajectory, it appears we are headed towards an AI-driven world where it could be more difficult to distinguish real information from fake. It’s why experts are encouraging more critical thinking and less reliance on machines for answers.
“We have to be careful not to think AI is going to solve our problems,” Harvard School of Engineering senior lecturer Fawwaz Habbal told The Harvard Gazette. “Human challenges are complex and can be solved only by humans.”
#16
The enchanting mangrove trees of Sumba stand like natural sculptures, their twisted roots and elegant silhouettes dancing with the tides. Unlike typical mangroves, these rare formations exist only in this unique corner of the world, making them a true wonder of nature. As vital guardians of coastal ecosystems, mangroves serve as the lungs of our planet, providing shelter for marine life and protecting shorelines from erosion. Sadly, some of these trees are already gone due to human impact. If you visit, remember to admire them from a distance and help preserve this fragile paradise for future generations.
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27points
#17
The Museum of Broken Relationships is a one of a kind museum located in Zagreb, Croatia. It was founded by artists Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić as a place where personal stories of love, loss, and healing could be shared through meaningful objects left behind after relationships ended. The museum invites people from around the world to donate items connected to former partners. Each object is accompanied by a written description from the donor, explaining its personal significance and the story behind the relationship.
Together, these everyday items become powerful reminders of human emotions and experiences. Rather than focusing on celebrity romances or famous historical events, the museum celebrates ordinary people's stories. Its collection includes everything from letters and photographs to clothing, toys, and other keepsakes, each offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and moving forward. The museum has earned international acclaim for its original concept and emotional impact.
In 2011, it received the Kenneth Hudson Award, recognizing it as Europe's most innovative museum. Today, it continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to reflect on the universal experiences of connection, loss, and healing.
Together, these everyday items become powerful reminders of human emotions and experiences. Rather than focusing on celebrity romances or famous historical events, the museum celebrates ordinary people's stories. Its collection includes everything from letters and photographs to clothing, toys, and other keepsakes, each offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and moving forward. The museum has earned international acclaim for its original concept and emotional impact.
In 2011, it received the Kenneth Hudson Award, recognizing it as Europe's most innovative museum. Today, it continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to reflect on the universal experiences of connection, loss, and healing.
Report
27points
#18
In the mist-shrouded hills of Meghalaya, one of the wettest places on Earth, the Khasi people have mastered a slow and profound form of architecture. For centuries, they have guided the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree across rivers and gorges, weaving them into sturdy, living pathways. These are not built, but grown - a testament to patience and a deep understanding of the forest. They represent a perfect harmony between human need and the natural world. A single living bridge can take 15 to 30 years to become fully functional, and they grow stronger with each passing decade, some enduring for over five hundred years. The roots are carefully directed using hollowed-out betel nut trunks, which serve as temporary guides until the roots anchor themselves on the opposite bank.
This generational project requires the care of both grandparents and their grandchildren, a true legacy woven from wood and time. Unlike concrete, these bridges are resilient, self-repairing, and even gain strength during the relentless monsoon rains that would wash away conventional structures. They stand as a powerful symbol of bio-engineering, where the community invests in a future they themselves might not fully use, but which will shelter generations to come. What other ancient or indigenous engineering solutions do you believe modern society could learn from today?
This generational project requires the care of both grandparents and their grandchildren, a true legacy woven from wood and time. Unlike concrete, these bridges are resilient, self-repairing, and even gain strength during the relentless monsoon rains that would wash away conventional structures. They stand as a powerful symbol of bio-engineering, where the community invests in a future they themselves might not fully use, but which will shelter generations to come. What other ancient or indigenous engineering solutions do you believe modern society could learn from today?
Report
27points
#19
Rooted in passive design principles, the Green Screen House by Japanese firm Hideo Kumaki Architect Office sits in Saitama, Japan. The home is defined by a sweeping, curved façade that supports a large living green wall, creating an immediate connection between architecture and nature.
Natural light gently filters through the leaves, dappled across the outdoor space below, while the green screen shades the interior during the hotter summer months. The design draws inspiration from the site’s past, once a productive field and later a rose garden, making nature a central influence throughout the project. A courtyard was carefully formed around the original location of two cheerful trees, helping to visually and spatially link the surrounding areas.
After closely studying local wind patterns, the green wall was placed in an optimal position to encourage healthy plant growth and enable cross-ventilation throughout the house. This environmentally considered feature reduces energy consumption by naturally cooling the interior, removing the need for air-conditioning.
Beyond its environmental role, the green screen also acts as an additional living space. It offers a calm setting for family dining and relaxation, with straight lines intentionally avoided to blur boundaries between zones. The flowing, curving form allows spaces to merge naturally, increasing interaction and creating a home without rigid definitions.
Natural light gently filters through the leaves, dappled across the outdoor space below, while the green screen shades the interior during the hotter summer months. The design draws inspiration from the site’s past, once a productive field and later a rose garden, making nature a central influence throughout the project. A courtyard was carefully formed around the original location of two cheerful trees, helping to visually and spatially link the surrounding areas.
After closely studying local wind patterns, the green wall was placed in an optimal position to encourage healthy plant growth and enable cross-ventilation throughout the house. This environmentally considered feature reduces energy consumption by naturally cooling the interior, removing the need for air-conditioning.
Beyond its environmental role, the green screen also acts as an additional living space. It offers a calm setting for family dining and relaxation, with straight lines intentionally avoided to blur boundaries between zones. The flowing, curving form allows spaces to merge naturally, increasing interaction and creating a home without rigid definitions.
Report
26points
#20
Otto was a six month old octopus living at the Sea Star Aquarium in Coburg, Germany, who became well known for his remarkable and mischievous behavior. His antics regularly surprised aquarium staff and drew attention to the intelligence of octopuses. One of Otto's most famous exploits occurred when he reportedly caused a power outage throughout the aquarium. Annoyed by a bright overhead lamp, he climbed to the edge of his tank and repeatedly sprayed it with jets of water, eventually short circuiting the light and disrupting the electrical system. Staff members also observed a variety of other unusual behaviors. Otto was seen juggling hermit crabs, throwing rocks at the glass walls of his enclosure, and rearranging objects within his tank, often changing the layout of his surroundings. His actions became a memorable example of the curiosity, adaptability, and problem solving abilities that octopuses are known for. Researchers and animal enthusiasts often point to stories like Otto's as evidence of the impressive intelligence found in these fascinating marine animals.
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26points