The world is full of infinite wonders—but how many of them have you actually observed? From a town that's been on fire for 50 years to beavers the size of human adults, all of these curious phenomenons are very, very real. Sometimes, reality really is stranger than fiction.
Only 85% of the Population Has This Muscle
Some people can wiggle their ears. Others can lick their elbow. Weird, evolutionary developments have stuck with certain humans longer than others, and that includes the palmaris longus muscle. Want to check? Hold out your arm and touch your thumb and your pinky together. If you see a raised tendon in the middle of your wrist, you're among the 85% of people who have a palmaris longus.
Natural Selection
For those who have it, the visible tendon connects to the palmaris longus. There isn't any real reason that the muscle exists—research notes that its presence in our forearm has no bearing on arm or grip strength. In fact, it's so useless that surgeons will often remove the muscle and repurpose it for reconstructive or plastic surgery operations. The palmaris longus is one of many strange, ancient relics that remained a part of our bodies because it was too inconsequential to have totally disappeared.
Alien Abduction Insurance Policy
You've heard of house insurance, life insurance, and car insurance—but wait, there's more! If you consider yourself the kind of person who wants to be prepared for anything and everything, one specific company has got you covered. For only $19.95, you can purchase alien abduction insurance from the Saint Lawrence Agency in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
"Our policy is not so much about the money," quipped owner Mike St. Lawrence. "It's peace of mind."
Do You Qualify?
According to the Miami Herald, over 6,000 policies have been sold to date, which amounts to $10 million worth of coverage. An extra $24.95 will afford the policyholder a printed certificate "suitable for framing."
Unfortunately, you won't be able to qualify for a claim unless you return safely to earth. Not only that, but you'll also need to secure the signature of an "authorized, on-board alien." Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
This Cloud in Space Smells Just Like Rum
Sagittarius B2 is a gargantuan dust cloud that spans 150 lightyears, located around 390 lightyears from the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This particular cloud is so fascinating because it is primarily composed of ethyl formate, which imparts the scent of raspberries and rum.
Party Time
In fact, this celestial beast of a cloud contains enough ethyl alcohol to fill up 400 trillion pints of beer. To drink that much alcohol, every single person on earth would have to down a minimum of 300,000 beers a day every single day for one billion years. No college kegger could ever come close.
Wholphins
It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's a... wholphin? In 1985, a bottlenose dolphin gave birth to a miraculous creature. The world's first "wholphin," named Kekaimalu, is the only living hybrid of a bottlenose dolphin and a false killer whale. Before Kekaimalu, it was assumed that the two species were unable to mate—but Punahele, a 6-foot dolphin, and I'anui, a 14-foot false killer whale, somehow managed to defy the odds.
Blend of the Ocean
Kekaimalu, which means "from the sheltered ocean," gave birth to three offspring, but only one survived. Kawili Kai, or "blend of the ocean," is three-quarters dolphin and one-quarter killer whale. Throughout Kawili Kai's first four months, veterinary and training staff at Sea Life Park spent long hours collecting data to ensure that both mommy and baby were receiving adequate care around the clock.
Professional Face Feelers
If you're a professional face feeler, you better not mind getting up close and personal with strangers. Face feelers, also referred to as "sensory scientists," make quite an unconventional living. From facial cleansers to sharp-edged razors, professional face feelers use their tactile senses to test personal care products. What does this mean? Well, they touch the faces of consumers who are testing a product, which allows them to determine the product's effectiveness.
Sensory Scientists
"Sensory scientists are trained experts who are able to form an objective opinion about a product, "says Judy Heylmun, a sensory scientist who has worked in the field for over 35 years. Heylmun also serves as the president of Fore Sense + One, a company that focuses on product sensory research. Sensory research candidates undergo acuity screening to gauge their tactile sensitivity and their ability to perceive minuscule differences in the skin.
"When you’re screening, you ask [candidates] questions like, 'Are you available? Do you have hands?'" said Heylmun. "You obviously need to make sure they have fingers and hands."
Raccoon Dogs
Yes, you read that correctly. It's the best of both worlds... well, sort of. This adorable-looking creature is a wild dog that looks more like a raccoon than a pooch. They actually have no discernible ancestral link to raccoons. Instead, the raccoon dog is mostly related to foxes and wolves. You can technically adopt one at the animal market in Clitheroe, Lancashire for only £60—but the RSPCA really would prefer if you abstained.
Exotic Pet
They may look cute and fluffy, but raccoon dogs are responsible for wiping out native species like frogs and toads. They also can carry potentially fatal parasites, like hookworms, flatworms, and a deadly fox tapeworm. During the winter, raccoon dogs go into a type of hibernation. They don't particularly enjoy being kept in cages or houses. This means that when owners grow sick of their new exotic pet, the raccoon dogs are often released into the countryside—where, as a result of rapid breeding, total destruction of the surrounding wildlife may occur.
The Vertical Forest
It may look like a futuristic art installation, but Milan's Obsco Verticale is absolutely real. Built in 2014, these twin highrises contain almost 500 medium and large trees, 300 small trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 plants—but that's not all. If you feel like getting some fresh air, the Obsco Verticale, or vertical forest, includes over 100 residential apartments.
Good for the Environment
Designed by Milanese architect Stefano Boeri, the towers transform 44,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into oxygen each year. They hold over 3 hectares (20,000 square miles) of forest. "I've always dreamed how to combine buildings and living natures," says Boeri. "Urban forestry is not simply planting trees, it's a new approach to the urban condition.
Cotton Candy Lakes
For all intents and purposes, water is usually assumed to be blue. Right? Wrong. Australia is famous for serving as the home of all things bizarre and unusual, but its pink lakes defied scientific explanation for years. One of Australia's most famous pink lakes is Lake Hillier. In 2015, a team of researchers analyzed a water sample to determine what caused the lake's pink hue...
Think Pink
Several species of salt-loving bacteria and Dunaliella algae were found in the water, but scientists learned that a single species of bacterium called Salinibacter ruber made up 33% of the collected DNA. It is believed that this bacteria is responsible for the color of these pink lakes instead of microalgae. Fortunately, Lake Hillier is also safe for swimming. Imagine the photo ops in this milky, strawberry-colored body of water!
A New York City Block Could Fit in This Cave
Would you believe that this cave could house an entire block of 40-story New York City buildings? The Hang Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is the largest cave in the world—and its proportions are no joke. Although the cave was technically founded in 1991 by a local man named Ho Khanh, Khanh lost his the cave spans 2.5 miles long, containing passages over 600 feet tall and 300 feet wide.
New Discovery
Hang Son Doong translates from Vietnamese as "cave of the mountain river" or "cave of mountains behind the Doong [village]." If you're interested in exploring its depth, adventure tour company Oxalis operates an expedition to the cave that lasts over the course of five days with a maximum of 10 customers per departure. But beware: the journey is not for the faint of heart.
12-Course Meal in a Can
If you don't have the time to indulge in a 12-course meal, look no further than "All in One." Designer Christopher Godfrey puréed each course in a blender with gelatin and then layered the concoction in a can. Godfrey's intention was "to show how a sales gimmick can go so far that it ruins a product's core experience."
Layers on Layers on Layers
The canned monstrosity consists of the following: cheese with sourdough bread, pickled Kobe beef with charred strawberry, ricotta ravioli with a soft egg yolk, shiitake mushroom topped with stuffed peppers, halibut poached in trufle butter within a coconut crepe, risotto foraged ramps, prosciutto, and fresh parmesan; french onion soup with thyme and gruyere; roast pork belly with celeriac root purée; pear ginger juice to cleanse the palate; ribeye steak with grilled mustard greens; crack pie with milk ice cream on a vanilla tuile; and, finally, French canele with a malt barley.
A Plant That Lives for Thousands of Years
The Welwitschia mirabilis, also known as the tree tumbo, has been informally referred to as a "living fossil." It is composed of two leaves, a stem, and roots. According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, this plant has one extremely unique feature that distinguishes it from other living organisms.
Outliving Generations
"Carbon dating tells us that on average, welwitschias are 500 to 600 years old, although some of the larger specimens are thought to be 2,000 years old," the Institute writes. "Their estimated lifespan is 400 to 1,500 years. Growth occurs annually during the summer months."
This Town Has Been on Fire for 50 Years
Very few residents remain in Centralia, Pennsylvania. Why? Well, for starters, the once-bustling mining town has been on fire for over five decades. In 1962, the Centralia city council proposed an idea to clean up a local landfill in time for Memorial Day festivities.
Deserted and Burning
The coal seam beneath Centralia was set ablaze, and the inferno spread to mine tunnels beneath the streets. Due to unsafe carbon monoxide levels, the local mines shut down. There were multiple failed attempts to put the fire out. In 1992, nearly abandoned, the town was condemned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It's likely that Centralia will be on fire for at least 250 more years.
Get Snuggly With a Professional Cuddler
"My goal is to change the world one hug at a time," says Samantha Hess, a 34-year-old professional cuddler.
There is a laundry list of mental and physical benefits associated with human touch—so it makes perfect sense that people have made a career out of cuddling on a professional level.
Understanding Boundaries
Cuddle Up To Me, a business in Portland, Oregon, charges up to $80 an hour for cuddling sessions, which usually last between 90 minutes and 3 hours. Professional cuddlers know how to provide physical comfort without crossing the line.
"I come here when I want to feel loved," says Paul, a returning customer. "I've been in love a number of times, but there hasn't been a lot of safety in that love."
The Discovery of a New Organ
As of late 2016, a new human organ has been classified. It's been hiding in plain sight this whole time, too! The mesentery—which attaches your intestine to your abdomen—was once thought to be a series of fragmented structures, but research showed that it's actually one single organ.
New Field of Medical Science
Leonardo da Vinci depicted the mesentery as one continuous organ, but Sir Frederick Treves refuted this claim in 1885. It turns out that da Vinci had the right idea. Although the discovery of this organ doesn't alter the anatomy of the human body, the reclassification may help to establish new scientific functions and prevent more abdominal diseases.
Tunnel of Love
If you're running out of date ideas, the Klevan train tunnel in Klevan, Ukraine is one of the most romantic places in the world. Sometimes referred to as "The Tunnel of Love," the pathway follows a railroad track, and the passing train modeled the trees' unique formation to form a tunnel.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
The train is still in operation today, but it runs much less frequently—meaning that tourists are free to stroll through the tunnel and absorb the beauty of nature. The tunnel runs three to five kilometers in length. It's a perfect day out for a pair of lovebirds.
Professional Apologizers
If you're good at saying sorry, this might be a new career path for you to consider. Professional apologizers are hired by companies like Southwest Airlines to soothe angry customers and listen to their complaints—they get paid to apologize on behalf of the corporation.
Turn That Frown Upside-Down
A hiring manager told WalletPop, "You have to be able to assess the circumstance, understand what the issue is, what led to the issue, and turn it around to a response that the customer can relate to."
Trees With Sap That Looks Like Blood
It may sound like something out of a horror novel, but Dragon's Blood Trees are very real. These trees can be found on the island of Socotra in Yemen. They may appear ordinary from the outside, but Dragon's Blood Trees contains red resin known as "emzoloh" that looks just like blood. Emzoloh, or cinnabar, is known to the Socotris for having a range of medicinal uses.
Changing Landscape
Unfortunately, due to climate change, Socotra is going through a drought. The island was once subject to regular monsoons, but the weather has become increasingly irregular. By 2080, Dragon's Blood Trees will lose 45% of their habitat.
Professional Mattress Jumping
Everyone knows that a good mattress is integral for a good night's sleep—which is why companies hire professional mattress jumpers in order to test their wares. You might be surprised to find that the final step in hand-making a mattress is to jump on it, which helps to compress the cotton batting.
Serious Profession
It may seem like an enjoyable way to make a living, but professional mattress jumper Reuben Reynoso says it's not all fun and games. Reynoso, who jumps on three mattresses as a day, takes his job seriously. "It's work. It's not for everybody," he told SFGate. "There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. This is not a game. Not to me."
Pinocchio Frog
This tree frog's nose may not grow when it lies, but the northern Pinocchio frog does have a single, fleshy spike right smack dab in the middle of its face. At first, herpetologists thought that the nose was used to attract mates, but there hasn't been any consistent evidence supporting this theory.
Unknown Origin
Another possibility is that the spike helps to differentiate species of frogs in a densely-populated forest. 450 species of frogs have already been categorized, but many more have yet to be discovered.
"I tend to favor the second theory," says herpetologist. "But the truth is, like so much in biology, we really don't know.
Underground Trampoline Park
Settled inside a massive 10,000 square foot cave, there lies a subterranean playground. Bounce Below is the word's largest trampoline park—three huge trampolines are suspended at various levels and connected by slides, walkways, and tunnels.
Unique Experience
The facility also contains an industrial slide the length of a double-decker bus, which is used to access various levels within the park. Once a Victorian Slate mine in Llechwedd Slate Caverns, but this underground playground has now been converted to one of the most surreal experiences on the planet.
This Planet Is on Fire and Also Frozen
Gliese 436 b is a planet the size of Neptune that orbits a red dwarf called Gliese 436. Gliese 436 b isn't like other planets, though. According to NASA, it has over 7,000 times less methane than it's supposed to. It also contains too many carbon monoxide molecules. The strangest thing yet? The planet is covered in an ice-like substance called Ice-x which, somehow remains at a blisteringly hot temperature. Astrologers still haven't figured out what's responsible for this phenomenon.
Wallpaper That You Can Taste
Nobody asked for lickable wallpaper, but we got it anyway. Inspired by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, this lickable wallpaper is FDA approved. If for some unknown reason, you wish to lick the wall that hundreds of others have also licked, you can visit a London elevator papered by McVitie's Jaffa Cakes. Apparently, the delicious decor tastes just like cake.
This Machine "Prints" Brick Roads
To lay a brick road by hand can take weeks upon weeks. Thankfully, the Tiger Stone road-printing machine has offered a much more timely solution. All you have to do is load bricks into the hopper. The machine then arranges them accordingly, laying down the stone in whatever pattern you desire—just like a printer arranges ink on paper.
A Whole Amusement Park Crushed Into a 4-Meter Cube
The latest piece by Australian creative collective The Glue Society is quite a doozy. James Dive has managed to compact an entire fair, including rides, games, and prizes, into a four-meter cube. The sculpture, titled "Once," was on display in Aarhus, Denmark.
"The project is about the finality of a missed moment. Creating [it] was undoubtedly the most violent process I've ever embarked upon," said Dive.
Thousands of Mini Black Holes
Black holes might call to mind a swirling vortex of nothingness, but scientists have developed a new theory about black holes in our solar system. If the "braneworld" theory of gravity isn't wrong, then there are thousands of mini black holes in our solar system, all around the size of an atomic nucleus. These mini black holes are leftover from the Big Bang; they affect space-time differently due to their association with a fifth dimension.
This Flower Weighs 20 Pounds
The Rafflesia has no leaves, no stem, and no roots. Upon its discovery in 1818, Sir Stamford Raffles said, "It is perhaps the largest and most magnificent flower in the world." And, boy, he was right. The Rafflesia weighs twenty pounds and is known to reek of rancid meat. What a lovely addition to your garden.
Lipstick Fish
About the length of burrito, the red-lipped batfish is among one of the weirdest creatures inhabiting the ocean floor. This deepwater fish can be located near the Galapagos islands, sporting one unmistakeably unique feature: it appears to be wearing red lipstick. The Mac counter called... it wants its red-lipped batfish back.
Light-Up GPS Shoes That Can Direct You Back Home
If you're someone who considers themselves directionally challenged, these shoes might be a worthwhile investment for you. Created by designer and artist Dominic Wilcox, the shoes include a sensor in the heel and LED lights on top that point you in the correct direction. Wilcox says he was inspired by how Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz would click her shoes together to go back home.
Funeral Mimes
Long ago in ancient Rome, funeral processions had an interesting twist. The body of the deceased would be paraded through the streets, followed by mourners, musicians, and a performer known as an Archimime. The Archimime severed as a kind of jester who imitated the gestures and mannerisms of the dead person as if they were still living. Creepy, right?
World's Happiest Animal
The quokka is one of Australia's most popular tourist attractions. Around the size of a cat, these rat-tailed marsupials are part of the kangaroo and wallaby family. According to National Geographic, quokkas have been dubbed the "happiest animal in the world" due to their bone structure. It looks like they're always smiling!
Rainbow Mountain Range
These rainbow mountains look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Located at Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in northwestern China, this striking mountain range is striped with vivid colors. The rainbow effect is caused by sandstone and minerals being pressed together over the course of over 24 million years and then buckled up by tectonic plates.
Human-Sized Beavers
Run. Run fast.
Just kidding—these gargantuan rodents went extinct toward the end of the last ice age, somewhere around 10,000 years ago. These terrifying creatures weighed over 200 pounds and were roughly the size of a present-day black bear. Scientists have uncovered giant beaver fossils near various lakes and wetlands of North America.
Fruit Shaper
If you've ever wanted a square apple or melon shaped like a heart, now's your chance. You can either buy fruit-shaping molds to grow and shape your unique vegetation, or you can purchase the molded fruit pre-grown. The molds are constructed from non-toxic polycarbonate plastic and run for anywhere from $6 to $30.
Candle Holder That Melts the Wax Into a New Candle
If you find yourself burning through candles at an impressive rate, you might want to consider the Rekindle candle holder. As your candle burns, this regenerating candle holder collects the wax in a transparent base which fills up to create a new candle. The base also contains a wick, which means that as soon as your candle is totally melted, you can open the mold and start using your new candle.
Red Beach
White sand beaches may be beautiful on their own, but this crimson beach in China is uniquely stunning. Panjin Red Beach is named for its terrain; instead of sand, Panjin Red Beach is layered with red Sueda seaweed rather than sand. The seaweed grows during April and May, stays green throughout the summer, and then it turns red in autumn.
A Plant That Looks Like a Sheep
Known as Raoulia, this bizarre-looking "vegetable sheep" is a shrub that produces a dense blanket of small, white leaves. From a distance, the leaves look like fluffy, wool-covered sheep. These plants grow exclusively in alpine areas. Next time you're hiking, keep an eye out!
Umbrella With a Coffee Holder
For coffee addicts everywhere, the biggest pain in the butt is having to juggle hot coffee and a flimsy umbrella during a storm. That's why Jung-Woo Lee designed the Coffee Loving Umbrella. At first, the umbrella appears to be like any other, until you see the handle—which is shaped like a cup-holder. This way, you don't have to compromise between your caffeine fix and staying dry.
Transparent Toaster
Some people know exactly how dark they like their toast, but the strength of a toaster varies per device. Luckily, this genius invention is here to help: the Magimix Vision glass toaster will ensure that you never burn your toast again. Now, you can monitor your precious toast with ease. This 2-slice toaster is insulated on either side with double-layered glass panels to reduce surface temperature.
The Zebroid
This gorgeous animal is called a zebroid, which is the umbrella term of all zebra hybrids. However, when a zebra mates with another equine such as a horse or a donkey, the individual offspring may be referred to as a zorse or a donkra. Zebroids have been bred since the 19th century; Charles Darwin noted these animals in his work.
Spider Crabs with 13-Foot-Long Legs
The Japanese spider crab is the largest crab on the planet. This horrifying sea creature weighs around 40 pounds and its legs can extend up to 13 feet. Perhaps most frighteningly, Japanese spider crabs can live up to 100 years—which is, according to the Smithsonian Institute, the longest known lifespan of any crab on the planet.
Rotting Meat Plant
The pelican flower is a deciduous vine with large leaves and some of the world's largest flowers. The center of the flower is dark-colored, which attracts pollinators with a distinctive odor, but beware—when they bloom, these flowers emit an odor that smells distinctly like rotting meat. The USDA has banned all products containing the plant's byproduct, which contains a carcinogenic toxin.
Zero-Energy Bio Fridge That Stores Your Food in Gel
Russian designer Yuriy Dmitriev has offered a new and innovative take on the refrigerator. The Bio Robot Refrigerator uses a gel-like substance to suspend and cool food after insertion. It can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or even put on the ceiling. The fridge doesn't have a motor, which means that 90% of the appliance is available for use. The biopolymer gel, which is odorless and not sticky, suspends the food until you want to access it.
Tunnel of Flowers
Located in the city of Kitakyushu, Japan, Kawachi Fuji Garden houses over 150 flowering wisteria plants. Guests can walk through a vivid tunnel filled with stunning floral displays in this fairytale-like wonderland. If you visit during late April or early May, you might be able to witness the "Fuji Matsuri," or "Wisteria Festival," when the tunnel is in full bloom.
Humans With Tails
In the sixth week of human gestation, the embryo forms a tail that includes several vertebrae. Over the next few months, the tail disappears and the vertebrae fuse to form the tailbone. However, on a rare occasion, infants can be born with a vestigial tail. Generally, these tails lack vertebrae and are harmless to the infant, although some can be associated with spina bifida. Human tails can be safely removed in surgery.
Human Tasters for Pet Food
Even if you really love your pet, just how far would you go to make sure they're staying healthy? If you think you'd be willing to try eating their food, you might be able to pursue a career as a pet food taster.
"Generally someone with a doctoral degree, a pet food taster's main job is testing, not tasting—evaluating a given pet food's nutritional value, writing reports, and determining ways to enhance new pet foods currently being developed," explains How Stuff Works. Still, it's noted that there reaches a point where "they have to get down to business: sampling it."
A Word for This Indescribable Feeling
The Welsh word "hiraeth" has no direct English translation. Despite this, it still encapsulates a phenomenon that surpasses language. "Hiraeth" describes the feeling of yearning and nostalgia that one can feel toward somewhere they've never been, no longer exists, or never existed in the first place, like a fictional realm. For instance, how many of you miss Hogwarts?
Secret Priceless Art Storage Facility
No gallery or museum in the world can compare to the Geneva Freeport, a highly secure and covert warehouse in Switzerland. The Geneva Freeport is the oldest and largest freeport facility in the world. It houses work by some of the most famous artists of all time, including almost 1,000 pieces by Picasso. The freeport has been described as the "premier place" to store priceless works of art.
This Plant Has Lips
The psychotria elata, commonly known as hot lips, is a tropical plant native to rainforests in Central and South American countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. The plant earned its name from its vivid petals, which give the appearance of bright red pouty lips. It is capable of adapting to temperate climates.
Find a Forever Friend on This Island Full of Adoptable Dogs
Dog-lovers have found their paradise, and it's an island in Turks & Caicos called Providenciales. Travel & Leisure says this tropical destination is also home to dozens of cute rescue puppy that you can pet, play with, and adopt for free. Book your ticket now. The organization that watches over the puppies, Charity Potcake Place, will deal with all the arrangements to bring your new best friend back home.
3-D Printed Barbie Armor
Fashion icon Barbie has a seemingly infinite number of outfits, but that doesn't mean you can't add a few items to the arsenal. Jim Rodda created the "Faire Play" set, a collection of 3D-printed mini medieval-inspired armor pieces. It looks like Barbie is ready for battle in her fresh fit, which includes armor, shields, and swords!
This 16-Story Tall Vertical Parking Tower
Spanning 16 stories, two silos are used as a vehicle parking lot t Volkswagen's production facility in Wolfsburg, Germany. Designed by HENN Architekten, these 157-foot-tall silos are made of glass and galvanized steel. Each silo fits 400 cars at a time. Visitors can ride in a special glass elevator up the silos to retrieve their car.
Camouflage Golf Balls
Is finding a tiny, little golf ball on an enormous putting green just too easy for you? In that case, you might want to consider buying a few camouflage golf balls. You can even buy them as a fun novelty item or a joke gift. Either way, they're sure to up the ante for a casual game.