We’re all used to reading things on the internet that are either depressing, anger-inducing, or even a combination of both. Other than the stereotypical cat videos, the news can be depressing, so we’re going to offer an alternative. These are 25 Facts To Make You Smile!
The ice bucket challenge actually helped to find a gene that is linked to ALS.
Source: alsa.orgScientists discovered that gene NEK1 is among the most common genetic contributors to the disease.
All of Mister Roger’s sweaters were knitted by his mother.
Source: fredrogers.org, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org (public domain)The hole in the Ozone layer is getting smaller and may be closed by 2050.
Source: telegraph.co.ukBaby puffins are called pufflings. Also, puffins mate for life.
Source: audubon.orgIn spite of what the media, the President, and your parents say, the United States is experiencing one of the lowest crime rates since the founding of the nation. And it’s only getting better.
Source: theatlantic.comThe world isn’t getting any worse, we just have better access to information.
Source: Ray Kurzweil via geekwire.com, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Cows have best friends.
Source: theguardian.com, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Humans laugh before they speak.
Source: webmd, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Think about it. Pay attention the next time you say, “see you later.” It might just come after a small chuckle.
In the past 20 years, cancer death rates have dropped 20%.
Source: cbsnews.com, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org (public domain)The state of Washington has paired up “death row” cats (due to be put down for various reasons) with inmates. The result is that both the behavior of the cats and the inmates improve.
Source: catster.com, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Penguins “propose” by giving their mate a special pebble that they worked hard to find.
Source: dailymail.co.uk, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Martin Luther King Jr. had a pillow fight in his hotel room on the day he was assassinated. (It was with Andrew Young and Rev. Ralph Abernathy.)
Source: seattletimes.com, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org (public domain)Note: since this could be construed as being negative, we would like to point out that the focus is King having an enjoyable and lighthearted moment during the last few hours of his life.
There is an island in Japan called Okunoshima. It is filled with tame bunnies.
Source: theguardian.comDucks shake their tails when they’re happy.
Source: stanford.eduDolphins have been reported to protect vulnerable surfers from shark attacks.
Source: today.com, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org (public domain)If a vampire bat finds another vampire bat that is starving, it will vomit blood into its mouth to save its life.
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org (public domain: author's life + 70 years)Note: we know, uplifting facts aren’t usually gross!
Seahorses cuddle
Source: weather.comNorway once knighted a penguin named Nils Olav because he was, “in every way qualified to receive the honour and dignity of knighthood." And yes, this means there is a penguin in the Norwegian army.
Source: bbcWhen rabbits are happy, they jump in the air and twist their head and body in different directions. This movement is called a binky.
Source: justrabbits.comIn spite of being forced off their land during the Trail of Tears and having barely any resources of their own, the Choctaw Indian Tribe sent $710 to Ireland in 1847 to help out with the Great Famine. Today in Dublin there is a plaque honoring their contribution.
Source: irishcentral.com, Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)You can tickle a penguin.
Source: dailymail.co.ukThousands of trees grow every year because of squirrels forgetting where they hid their food.
Source: sciencenetlinks.comRegardless of what you messed up today, more than 7 billion people have no idea that it happened.
Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)The voice actors for Mickey and Minnie Mouse were actually married.
Source: todayifoundout.comThe sun comes up every morning, even if you can’t see it.
Image: https://pixabay.com (public domain)Lists Going Viral Right Now
Photos: 25. Chris Rand via wikimedia commons, 23. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via flickr, 22. Richard Bartz via wikimedia commons, 21. nygeographic.com via bluediamondgallery.com, 13. Max Pixel, 12. Acarpentier via wikimedia commons, 9. Florin DUMITRESCU via wikimedia commons, 8. Gil via flickr via wikimedia commons (permission for CC use via wikimedia), 7. EIC via wikimedia commons, 5. Aagii11 via wikimedia commons, 4. Diliff via wikimedia commons, 2. Max Pixel, Featured Image: www.pexels.com (public domain)
