Ripley Entertainment Inc.'s Blog, page 36
March 24, 2023
A Florida Professor Is Living Underwater For 100 Days
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
University of South Florida (USF) associate professor Joseph Dituri, also known as “Dr. Deepsea,” is in the middle of spending 100 days underwater while conducting research and teaching a biomedical engineering class. The 55-year-old hopes to break the record for spending the longest stint underwater, surpassing the 73-day record set by two people in 2014.
Under The SeaDituri’s habitat is 30 feet below the surface. He is living in a 100-square-foot structure located in Key Largo at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, according to a university press release. He will spend part of his time recording his body’s long-term exposure to extreme pressure. He explained on Instagram that he is experiencing about 1.6 times the pressure people encounter on the earth’s surface!
Medical personnel have been monitoring Dituri’s health, which includes blood panels, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and stem cell tests. He also undergoes psychosocial and psychological tests. Since he will be confined underwater in isolation for such a prolonged period (conditions similar to space travel), a psychologist and psychiatrist are on hand to assess his health.
A previous study concluded that exposing the body to increased pressure for five days may increase longevity and prevent age-related diseases. Dituri’s research will expand on this data, and he thinks he may emerge from the sea as “super-human.” “This study will examine every way this journey impacts my body, but my null hypothesis is that there will be improvements to my health due to the increased pressure,” Dituri believes.
Looking For AnswersDituri, a former U.S. Navy saturation diving officer, earned his doctoral degree at USF in order to study traumatic brain injuries, which have affected many servicemen and servicewomen in our country. “I knew well that hyperbaric pressure could increase cerebral blood flow and hypothesized it could be used to treat traumatic brain injuries,” he noted. “I hypothesize that applying the known mechanisms of action for hyperbaric medicine could be used to treat a broad spectrum of diseases.”
Ditrusi is also fielding questions from teachers and their students about life underwater as part of his STEM outreach. When asked how he showers and if he feels like his body is being squeezed from the pressure, he explained that he uses fresh water piped down from the surface, and “as far as the squeezing, the body is mostly made of water which is incompressible so I really don’t feel anything different.” When asked how the habitat stays anchored, Dituri explained that it contains “about 80,000 lbs of positive buoyancy in this facility….it weighs more than that.”
He also makes time for fun, such as playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with a group of divers that stopped by (outside his porthole) for a visit.
More Than Meets The EyeDituri has many projects to keep him occupied. For example, he is testing an artificial intelligence tool aimed at screening a body for illness and choosing appropriate treatments. Other scientists have also visited the habitat.
If you have a hankering to spend some time underwater and you are a certified scuba diver, you too can stay overnight at Jules’ Undersea Lodge and explore the marine environment. Just be prepared to pay $1,687.50 per couple for one night. The accommodations include a pizza delivery and plenty of other snacks.
That’s not all though, there is also another way you can tap into underwater abilities. If you’re a musician and are interested in playing songs while submerged, the Denmark-based band AquaSonic is seeking a new drummer. The group’s concerts, dubbed “submerged musical performances,” feature five performers in glass tanks playing instruments and singing completely underwater. The music is described as “eerily melodic and powerfully resonant.” Qualifications for the position include having a “nerd-gene” and “nerding drumming technique.” You must also be physically strong, tolerant of spending long periods working in water, and be able to hold your breath for extended periods.
By Noelle Talmon, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: A Florida Professor Is Living Underwater For 100 Days
March 23, 2023
Could ‘The Last Of Us’ Fungus Apocalypse Happen In Real Life?
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Whether you’re a video game lover or just discovered the horrors of a fungal apocalypse through HBO’s The Last of Us television series, the idea of zombie-like creatures roaming the Earth is still a terrifying thought.
And while the story of a world overrun by hordes of humans infected by a mutated strain of fungus is horrific enough, you have to wonder – could a fungal pandemic really be the end of it all?
Meet the real-life, zombie-making fungusCordyceps (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis), the fungus that almost wipes out humanity in The Last of Us, is real. It’s even known as the “zombie fungus” in the scientific community — though in the real world, it only impacts insects. What it does to insects, however, is eerily similar to what video game players and television audiences can see happening to people in The Last of Us.
There’s a reason for that similarity too – the game’s co-creators, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, were inspired by BBC’s Planet Earth documentary discussing how cordyceps turn ants (and also some spiders) into zombie-like creatures.
Cordyceps attack the body of ants by taking over their motor functions first, draining their bodies of nutrients while “injecting” it with fungal spores that grow and reproduce as the virus spreads.
As the fungus takes over, the ants experience extreme confusion and erratic behavior, which is why scientists refer to cordyceps as having “mind control capabilities.” The confusion has a purpose, however – it causes the ants to climb onto higher ground, where they are exposed to higher temperatures and more sunlight, two conditions that help the fungus spread even quicker.
Once the infected ant dies, the fungus “breaks out” from the ant’s head, releasing spores in the process and infecting any insects that just happen to be nearby.
Luckily for humans, the similarities end thereIn both the game and show, infected people mutate into zombie-like creatures that look less human and more fungus-like as the disease progresses. They are often aggressive, salivating for their next bite (the way by which they spread the infection), and often move using echolocation rather than sight.
Crazy ants bent on attacking and biting everything around them sounds scary enough, but in the animal world, cordyceps don’t turn insects into violent killing machines. So there’s no reason to think it would cause that effect in humans either. University professor and fungi expert Charissa de Bekker says the game’s violent symptoms are more similar to what you would see in mammals infected with rabies, rather than a fungal infection.
So could we really be at risk at all?The closest answer scientists can give us about a potential fungus pandemic is “no, but…”
Technically speaking, cordyceps are very much species-exclusive. Although the fungus has been around for millions of years, it still continues to infect mostly ants and has never crossed into other animals, including mammals. It also would be basically impossible for a fungus to manipulate the human brain, which is not only much more complex than the brain of an insect, but also vastly different biologically.
Fungal infections do affect (and kill) people, just not in a zombie-like manner. In fact, over 300 million people suffer from fungal infections every year, and over 1.5 million of those infected die. The problem with fungal infections, according to scientists, is that they’re not easy to treat.
This is mainly because “fungi are more closely related to humans than they are to viruses or bacteria,” which means it’s tricky to get rid of them without killing ourselves in the process. There’s also little research in place to try to understand them and even less research done on how to cure them, so doctors aren’t yet well-equipped enough to deal with it.
While scientists aren’t too worried about a cordyceps apocalypse happening anytime soon, some do believe climate change and warming temperatures could result in more frequent and more aggressive fungal infections.
One of the reasons for that is that fungi thrive in environmental temperatures lower than the average temperature of the human body. But as the planet warms up, humans might, at some point, become a better hosting place for fungi than the planet itself. According to infectious diseases expert Ilan Schwartz, “it’s not outlandish … that global warming has increased the thermal tolerance of a fungi.”
The possible factors operating on the emergence of Candida auris. Credit: Arturo Casadevall, Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis, Vincent Robert Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
We are actually seeing the effect of global warming on fungus growth already. In 2009, scientists identified the multi-drug-resistant fungus Candida auris in over 30 countries around the world. For the first time ever, the World Health Organization (WHO) now has a list of fungal priority pathogens and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified Candida auris as “a serious global health threat.”
So while a Hollywood-like fungal pandemic might not be in the books for us anytime soon, we probably should still start paying attention to other fungal threats coming our way.
By Diana Bocco, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: Could ‘The Last Of Us’ Fungus Apocalypse Happen In Real Life?
March 22, 2023
Who Is the Hat Man? A Nightmare Shared by Dreamers Around the World
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
You may not have heard of the Hat Man, but there’s a chance he’s found his way into your dreams once or twice. A spooky, shadowy figure often described as wearing a dark coat and a hat, the Hat Man is reported to appear in bedrooms when people are falling asleep or first waking up.
The Hat Man has officially become sleep paralysis lore and has been reported as being seen in that not-awake, not-asleep state all around the world, a note that has left many scientists scratching their heads.
Monsters, Demons, and Jinn — Oh, My!Sleep paralysis has baffled scientists for centuries. The earliest clinical account of sleep paralysis dates back to 1664, when a Dutch physician described it as the “Incubus or the Night-Mare”affecting one of his patients.
Throughout the years, sleep paralysis has also been explained as the result of a black magic curse, mythical monsters, or even demons. Egyptians used to believe a jinn (“genie”) was behind sleep paralysis, while Indigenous people in South Africa believed it was caused by Tokoloshe (a dwarf-like water spirit). Likewise, the Turkish believed the Karabasan (spirit-like creatures) were behind the phenomenon.
Jinn, recognizable by their characteristic hooves, gather to battle with Faramarz. Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
The Science of Sleep ParalysisIt wasn’t until the 20th century that scientists and physicians started to move away from the mythological explanations and looked into a physical explanation for the phenomenon. Although it remains poorly understood, sleep paralysis is now believed to be caused by a brain glitch that disrupts an important signal.
During REM sleep, your body is paralyzed to prevent you from falling off the bed or acting out dreams that could result in you hurting yourself or others. This paralysis automatically switches off as you come out of REM sleep and start to wake up — but not in the case of sleep paralysis. Because of a glitch in your brain, your body remains in a paralyzed state as you wake, and refuses to move at all. It’s a strange, terrifying experience — and it often comes paired with hallucinations and the “appearance” of imaginary creatures, like the Hat Man.
Hats Off to Hat ManThe Hat Man is unique in one way, though. While different civilizations around the world once had their own version of a sleep-paralysis monster, Hat Man seems to pop up in many different places.
Even more intriguing, the description varies only slightly from one culture to another — he’s sometimes 6 feet tall and other times 10; his eyes might be bright red or deep pools of darkness; some people claim he carries a golden pocket watch or is “mist-like” rather than a solid figure. But everybody insists he’s wearing a trench coat–like jacket and wearing a very noticeable hat.
In most accounts, he’s also eerily quiet. He doesn’t touch you, try to attack you, or sit on your chest like other sleep paralysis “demons” are known to do. He often just stands in a corner of the room, watching you. Sometimes he hovers over your chest, examining you closely.
Who or What is the Hat Man?Many consider the Hat Man to be a form of “shadow people,” dark humanoid figures that ufologists believe could be visitors from another planet. In an interview with Psychology Today, paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley points out that shadow people could potentially “wear hats and cowls to cover up imperfect heads.”
If you’re looking for a more scientific explanation, the Hat Man and other visual hallucinations connected to sleep paralysis are simple nightmares slipping into the waking world for a few seconds. For the majority of people, the break between REM sleep (where nightmares happen) and being awake is a very clear line. For those suffering from sleep paralysis, however, the line becomes blurry, and for a few seconds, you’re both in REM sleep and partially conscious — the perfect combination for nightmares to become just a bit too real.
Just in case, though, you might want to leave a light on tonight.
By Diana Bocco, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: Who Is the Hat Man? A Nightmare Shared by Dreamers Around the World
March 21, 2023
Move Over Labs: French Bulldogs Are America’s Top Dog Now
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
As 1963’s The Incredible Journey and 2008’s Marley & Me attest, the Labrador retriever has long been a beloved staple of American pop culture. Officially recognized as a breed in 1917, the lovable dogs originated in Newfoundland rather than Labrador. Despite the naming glitch, labs soon stood apart for their incredible temperaments and happy-go-lucky energy. Nevertheless, it took time for them to catch on, only hitting the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Top Ten in the 1970s.
By the 1980s, Labrador retrievers rose to No. 3, continuing to gain momentum until they clinched top dog in 1991. The reign of this incredible breed continued uninterrupted for 31 years, making the AKC’s 2023 announcement that French bulldogs have become America’s new most popular breed a total shakeup. So, how did a diminutive, flat-faced lap dog dethrone fun-loving labs?
Keep reading for everything you need to know about America’s new favorite best friend and what AKC’s announcement may say about changing U.S. lifestyles.
The Unlikely Origin of French BulldogsFrench bulldogs have long existed as beloved companion animals. Despite its moniker, the breed originated in England. Descended from the iconic British bulldog, the smaller version was initially favored by English lacemakers as lap warmers while they worked away in their cottages.
Via Wikimedia Commons.
After the lacemaking cottage industry relocated to Northern France, these artisans brought their best friends with them. As British lacemakers established themselves across the English Channel, their diminutive pooches bred with local terriers. Over time, this amalgamation earned the title bouledogues français or French bulldogs.
Contemporary technology helped the breed along. As Frenchie proportions became increasingly unusual and unique, this caused reproductive problems. For starters, males and females found it difficult to breed, leading to the need for artificial insemination. Today, most Frenchies are created this way. Moreover, females typically undergo C-sections due to their strange proportions. Cutting-edge inventions like televisions and computers may have also contributed to the rise in popularity of this breed in other ways.
The Contender That Came Out of NowhereUnlike Labrador retrievers’ slow rise to prominence over the 20th century, French bulldogs skyrocketed onto the scene. Just 25 years ago, they weren’t even included in the top-75 dog breeds. In other words, labs never saw this contender coming.
What helped the little guys climb in popularity? Patty Sosa, a spokesperson for the French Bull Dog Club of America, argues it has everything to do with their personality. She explains, “They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs. They offer a lot in a small package.” Hollywood celebrity endorsements have no doubt helped the breed gain in popularity, too. Everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Leonardo diCaprio, Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion, and Hugh Jackman have them.
But A-Lister canine endorsements don’t explain the trend in its entirety. The unprecedented rise in popularity of French bulldogs may have more to do with transforming American behaviors and shifting populations. After all, French bulldogs have low-maintenance exercise needs, and they thrive in urban environments. These two factors complement social demographic shifts happening nationwide.
Changing American Behaviors and the Rise of Lap DogsAmericans have become more sedentary over the years. In 2019, researchers discovered that the average American spends at least two hours daily in front of a screen. And COVID-19 only exacerbated things. One study showed reduced physical activity in the U.S. by as much as 32 percent during the pandemic.
Coupled with more than 80 percent of North Americans now living in urban areas and you’ve got the perfect storm for French bulldog popularity. In light of this furry friend disruption, the question remains: Will French bulldogs maintain their first-place finish over the long haul? Only time will tell.
But many researchers studying the increase in sedentary habits among Americans don’t see these changes going away soon. Some have declared the effects of the pandemic on exercise as “long-lasting.” The same goes for living in metropolises over rural areas. With more time spent on the couch in big cities, the ultimate lap dog doesn’t appear to be going anywhere as AKC figures show.
Trend-Setting PoochesNot everyone agrees that the Frenchie revolution is a good thing, though. In recent years, the British Veterinary Association has discouraged people from buying flat-faced breeds, like Frenchies. And the Dutch have gone further, prohibiting breeding these pooches altogether. Why the pushback? Besides reproductive problems, short-faced canines often face other health concerns, including breathing issues.
Unscrupulous breeding to make a fast buck only exacerbates these issues. Some fear the AKC announcement portends a bigger health crisis for these lap dogs and their sedentary owners. Currently, there are 21,000 more French bulldogs than Labrador retrievers in America. In other words, one in every seven purebred dogs in the U.S. are Frenchies. That said, inclusion on the AKC’s registry of nearly 716,500 pooches remains voluntary, which leaves room for error and skewed figures.
If Frenchie owners are glued to their computer screens, it stands to reason they might be more inclined to register puppies online than the owners of nature-loving, exercise-craving labs. The digital revolution — like the invention of artificial insemination and C-sections — may be throwing lap-loving French bulldogs an extra bone. Where this goes, nobody knows. But one thing’s for sure: Getting more active is beneficial for Americans and their flat-nosed companions… just remember to let the Frenchie set the pace.
By Engrid Barnett, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: Move Over Labs: French Bulldogs Are America’s Top Dog Now
March 20, 2023
March 19, 2023
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