Fact Bank, Gurgaon, Gurugram (2025)

19/09/2025

Salamanders are fascinating amphibians known for their smooth, moist skin and their quiet, secretive lives in damp forests, wetlands, and under logs or stones. While many people see them as solitary creatures, salamanders often gather in groups, especially during breeding seasons or when they seek shelter in moist environments. Interestingly, a group of salamanders is called a congress.

The use of this term likely comes from their habit of assembling in hidden, damp places, where they share space and resources without drawing much attention. Unlike many animals that compete aggressively, salamanders often display a surprisingly social nature, coexisting peacefully in close quarters. Their gatherings may help them conserve moisture and protect themselves from environmental stress, making their congress an adaptation that supports survival.

This curious collective noun reflects the way humans have long observed and described the natural world, sometimes blending scientific observation with imaginative language. Just as a flock describes birds and a pride describes lions, a congress of salamanders captures both their secret gatherings and their cooperative way of life.

19/09/2025

Some birds display one of the rarest natural conditions known as bilateral gynandromorphism, where their bodies are split between male and female characteristics. This condition happens very early in development when s*x chromosomes do not divide evenly during cell division, resulting in a bird that is literally half male and half female.

The rose breasted grosbeak in the image is an example of this extraordinary phenomenon. On one side of its body, it carries the vibrant colors and features of a male, while the other side shows the more muted and subtle tones of a female. This striking contrast is not just about appearance but also extends to the bird’s internal biology. In some cases, even the reproductive organs can reflect this division, with one side being male and the other female.

Such birds are extremely rare, and when spotted, they give scientists a remarkable opportunity to study how s*x and genetics influence not only appearance but also behavior, song, and mating patterns. These unique creatures remind us of the complexity of life and how nature sometimes creates exceptions that defy normal patterns.

19/09/2025

Sea sq**rts are fascinating marine creatures that go through one of the strangest transformations in the animal kingdom. In their early stage, they live a free swimming life, moving through the water much like tadpoles. During this time, they possess a small but functional brain that helps them navigate and find a safe place to attach themselves.

Once they find a secure spot, usually on rocks, coral, or other surfaces, their lifestyle changes completely. They no longer need to move, and with that, their brain becomes unnecessary. In a remarkable process of biological efficiency, they actually digest and recycle their own brain along with parts of their nervous system. From then on, the sea sq**rt spends its life as a filter feeder, drawing water in and expelling it to extract nutrients, surviving without the need for thought or movement.

This strange adaptation shows how nature often prioritizes survival and energy conservation over complexity. By eliminating organs they no longer need, sea sq**rts become highly efficient, reminding us that evolution shapes creatures in surprising and sometimes unsettling ways.

18/09/2025

In Japan, farmers have adopted an innovative and eco friendly method to protect their crops from pests without relying on harmful chemicals. They use brightly colored nets arranged in rainbow patterns and place them over fields. These nets are not just visually striking but serve a scientific purpose. The different colors create a confusing visual environment for insects, making it difficult for them to locate the crops beneath. As a result, the chances of pest infestations are reduced naturally.

This technique is part of a growing movement in sustainable agriculture where farmers are finding creative ways to work with nature instead of against it. By avoiding chemical pesticides, the crops remain healthier, the soil retains its natural balance, and the surrounding ecosystem is protected. Such methods are especially important in countries like Japan where innovation and respect for the environment often go hand in hand.

Apart from protecting crops, the rainbow nets add a vibrant and eye catching touch to the landscape, transforming ordinary farmland into fields of color against the scenic backdrop of mountains and greenery.

18/09/2025

This remarkable sighting took place in Kenya where one of the world’s rarest zebras was spotted. Unlike the familiar black and white striped pattern that zebras are known for, this young foal has a completely unique coat marked with white polka dots on a dark brown background. The unusual pattern is a result of a rare genetic condition that affects pigmentation, making this zebra stand out from the rest of its herd. Such occurrences are extremely uncommon in the wild, which is why this discovery drew worldwide attention.

The foal was seen alongside its mother and appeared healthy and well adjusted to its environment. Despite its rare appearance, it still shares the same behavior, instincts, and social bonds as other zebras in the savannah. Wildlife experts believe this rare pattern does not change its survival traits significantly, though it may affect camouflage in the wild.

This unusual sight has fascinated wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservationists across the globe. It also highlights the incredible diversity and wonder of nature, showing that even within familiar species, rare and extraordinary variations can occur.

18/09/2025

The finger monkey, scientifically known as the pygmy marmoset, is considered the smallest monkey in the world. Measuring only about six inches in length, these tiny primates are so small that they can comfortably cling to a human finger, which is why they are popularly called finger monkeys. Despite their miniature size, they are full of energy, curiosity, and agility, making them fascinating creatures of the animal kingdom.

Finger monkeys are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. They live high in the forest canopy where they spend most of their time leaping from branch to branch. Their diet mainly consists of tree sap, gum, insects, and small fruits, which they skillfully extract using their sharp teeth.

Social by nature, finger monkeys usually live in small groups where they communicate through a variety of high-pitched sounds and gestures. Their tiny bodies and expressive faces often capture the hearts of people, but in the wild, they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping trees release sap and by controlling insect populations.

Although adorable, finger monkeys are delicate creatures that thrive best in their natural rainforest environment. Their extraordinary size and unique lifestyle make them a symbol of the incredible diversity of life found in the tropics.

18/09/2025

Pure gold, in its natural form, is one of the softest metals known to humans. Unlike the hard, shiny coins and jewelry we usually see, pure gold is so malleable that it can be pressed, shaped, and molded with very little effort. This softness makes it easy to work with, which is why gold has been treasured and used by civilizations for thousands of years in crafting ornaments, coins, and cultural artifacts.

However, this very softness is also the reason why pure gold is rarely used on its own for jewelry or daily items. To make it more durable, it is often mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, or nickel, creating stronger alloys that can withstand wear and tear. Despite being soft, pure gold is incredibly dense and resistant to corrosion, which explains why it can remain untarnished and beautiful for centuries.

This remarkable balance of softness and resilience has not only made gold valuable for decoration but also highly useful in advanced industries such as electronics, dentistry, and even space technology. Its softness is a reminder of why gold is seen as both a symbol of beauty and a material of great practical importance.

18/09/2025

Researchers have achieved a remarkable milestone by developing a lab grown spinal cord that has the ability to restore lost function. In this breakthrough, the artificial spinal cord successfully reconnected nerves that had been severed, which is one of the most difficult challenges in the field of medicine. The restored nerve connections allowed signals to travel again, bringing back movement and sensation to areas that were once paralyzed.

This advancement represents a huge step forward in regenerative medicine and neurobiology. For years, spinal cord injuries have been considered permanent, with very limited treatment options. Now, the possibility of repairing damaged nerve pathways and reversing paralysis offers hope for millions of people around the world. If this technology continues to advance through testing and clinical application, it could transform the future of spinal cord injury treatment, helping patients regain independence and quality of life.

18/09/2025

The image shares a surprising scientific finding about water pollution in England. According to researchers from King’s College London and the University of Suffolk, traces of co***ne were discovered in every single shrimp tested in several rivers and waterways. The species mentioned is Gammarus pulex, a common freshwater shrimp.

This discovery is part of a broader environmental study looking at how human drug use and waste products enter natural ecosystems. Co***ne and other chemicals can reach rivers through sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and improper disposal. Once in the water, these substances are absorbed by aquatic organisms. The presence of co***ne in shrimp highlights not only the extent of water contamination but also the hidden impact of human activities on wildlife.

Such findings raise concerns about the long-term effects on both aquatic life and the broader environment. While the levels found in shrimp are not likely to affect humans who might come into contact with these rivers, the situation points to the urgent need for better waste management and water treatment solutions to prevent drugs and other pollutants from entering ecosystems.

Caption: Researchers discovered traces of co***ne in every shrimp tested across England’s waterways, revealing the unexpected reach of human drug pollution in natural ecosystems.

18/09/2025

The image highlights an interesting food fact about peanut butter consumption in the United States. Peanut butter has long been considered a staple in American households, enjoyed in sandwiches, baked goods, smoothies, and countless other recipes. The popularity of this spread is so immense that the United States consumes more of it than any other country in the world. Each year, Americans eat an estimated seven hundred million pounds of peanut butter, reflecting its cultural significance and widespread use in daily diets.

This love for peanut butter is tied to history as well, since it was popularized in the early twentieth century as an affordable, protein-rich food. Today, it continues to be a favorite across all age groups, from children who grow up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to adults who use it for quick snacks or in health-focused recipes.

The fact also underscores how certain foods can become symbols of national identity. While many countries consume peanuts in different forms, the United States has made peanut butter a signature part of its food culture.

18/09/2025

The image talks about a major scientific breakthrough involving CRISPR technology. CRISPR is a modern genetic editing tool that allows scientists to precisely target and alter specific parts of DNA. In this case, researchers have explored the possibility of using CRISPR to remove the additional copy of chromosome 21, which is responsible for Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when a person is born with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two, a condition known as trisomy 21.

The idea behind this experiment is that if the extra chromosome can be removed or corrected at the earliest stages of development, it may prevent the condition altogether. While this research is still in its experimental stages and far from being applied in humans, it shows the potential of gene editing technology in addressing genetic disorders that were once thought to be permanent.

This discovery raises not only scientific excitement but also important ethical and social questions about how far humanity should go in altering the human genome. If fully developed, such technology could one day change how we understand and treat genetic conditions.

18/09/2025

Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking advancement by modifying silkworms to produce a material far stronger than their natural silk. For thousands of years, silkworms have been used to create fine silk threads, but with the help of modern genetic engineering, researchers have enhanced their silk to become a super strong fiber. Tests have shown that this new material is six times stronger than Kevlar, the synthetic fiber used in bulletproof vests and other protective gear.

The secret lies in altering the silkworms at a genetic level so they can spin fibers with unique protein structures that increase durability and toughness. Unlike artificial manufacturing processes, silkworms are capable of producing large amounts of this fiber naturally, which makes it more sustainable and efficient. The new silk combines incredible strength with flexibility, opening possibilities for its use in medicine, aerospace, defense, and many other industries.

This achievement not only highlights the potential of biotechnology but also demonstrates how natural organisms can be guided to produce materials that surpass even the strongest man made substances. It could reshape how we think about clothing, armor, and even surgical materials in the near future.

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