A Lichen is Both a Fungus and an Algae Fact
A lichen isn’t. a plant, it is a dual organism that is both a fungus and algae. The term symbiosis was even coined to describe this phenomenon.
Facts
A Fact is a thing that is indisputably the case and is typically proven through evidence. If science, logic, and citation can prove something is true, then it gets labeled fact. If one or more parts of a statement are false, then it should be categorized a myth (all half-truths are myths). Some truth has grey areas, others like “Lincoln was a Republican” are a matter of record. You’ll find both types below, and when we use philosophical arguments that employ logic and reason, it will be noted.
Below is a list of factoids we have rated as “facts”. If you think you can prove any of the facts below to not be true, please let us know in the comments. All input will be considered. See our list of myths here. Learn more about what is a fact?
Vanilla Flavoring is Made From Beaver Butt Goo Fact
Beavers secrete a goo from their butts called castoreum. Castoreum has a vanilla scent and is sometimes used as an artificial flavoring in foods.
An Aspirin a Day Reduces the Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes Fact
Studies show that taking a low dose of aspirin a day can help prevent cardiovascular events like a heart attack or stroke and have other benefits. However, other studies have shown aspirin to increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans are Free Fact
Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium, so they are free in that sense. However, all $0 premium plans have other costs like Part B premiums, coinsurance, and copayments.
You Can Overdose on Licorice Fact
You can overdose on black licorice. This is due to the way a compound derived from licorice root can cause potassium levels to fall to dangerous levels.
Vincent van Gogh Cut off His Ear Fact
Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear after a fight with his friend and flatmate Paul Gauguin and then gave his ear to a maid at a brothel.
There is a Difference Between Chaos and Randomness Fact
There is a difference between chaos and randomness, and it can be proved with mathematics. Chaos is deterministic, while true randomness is non-deterministic.
Convalescent Plasma Can Be Used to Treat COVID-19 Fact
According to the FDA, plasma from people who recovered from Coronavirus can be used to treat COVID-19.
Mountain Lions, Pumas, Cougars, and Panthers are All the Same Kind of Cat Fact
What is the difference between a Mountain lion, puma, cougar, and panther? There isn’t any. By any name, this “cat of many names” is the same type of cat.
Elephants Are Afraid of Mice Fact
Elephants are essentially afraid of mice, but not for the reasons you might think. Like other mammals elephants, are hardwired to be startled by things that move fast, including mice.