COOL THINGS! (VOL 2.4)
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to the May 2021 issue of Cool Things! Each month, we want to bring you news on scientific discoveries, historical information, and other interesting finds from across the internet. We have a lot to share today, so let's dive in!
Planet T. Rex
Welcome to the May 2021 issue of Cool Things! Each month, we want to bring you news on scientific discoveries, historical information, and other interesting finds from across the internet. We have a lot to share today, so let's dive in!
Planet T. Rex
Above: Anger Issues!
The Tyrannosaurus Rex is a terrifying creature, the king of the Cretaceous with teeth the size of kitchen knives. If that wasn't scary enough, now imagine 2.5 BILLION of them. That's the estimate a new study gives for the total population of the species. That puts about 1 T. Rex for every three people on Earth. Luckily for other dinosaurs, this massive population is due to the T. Rex's longevity as a species. It's likely there were only ever 20,000 rexes living at a time during the millions of years the species roamed the world.
You can read more about the study here and browse our collection of Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens here! If you're looking for something really special, check out this one of a kind T. Rex Tooth necklace.
The one of a kind, 1.1 inch Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth necklace!
The fossil tooth is capped with a gorgeous sterling silver chain and comes from the mouth of a real Tyrannosaurus. We only have one available, so if you like what you see, act fast!
Recipe for an Atmosphere
Recipe for an Atmosphere
Above: Artist's depiction of Kepler-186f, an Earth like exoplanet. Source: JPL-Caltech
The connection between a planet's geologic composition and atmospheric makeup hasn't been well understood, but a new series of experiments is using chondritic meteorites to shed some light on that question. These stony meteorites were formed early in the solar system's history and are composed of the same matter that would eventually become the planets we know today. Some bubbles of ancient atmosphere have actually survived over time, preserved in process that creates fulgurites, or petrified lightning!
You can read more about the study here and check out our new samples of the NWA 869 meteorite to learn more about what makes chondritic meteorites so special!
"We're Gonna Need a Bigger Needle"
Above: Get your shot in the deep blue sea! Credit: AMNH
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is an amazing institution for learning and science and now it's opening its doors as a COVID-19 vaccination site. Patients will be able to get their shot below the iconic 94 foot long blue whale model in the Hall of Ocean Life. It looks like the Cetacean got a jab of its own too, judging from the new bandage over its flipper. Sign us up!
Monkeydactyl: The First Thumbs
Above: The Monkeydactyl grabs a snack... Cute, terrifying, or both? Credit: Chuang Zhao
Monkeydactyl: The First Thumbs
Above: The Monkeydactyl grabs a snack... Cute, terrifying, or both? Credit: Chuang Zhao
What's got two thumbs, a pair of wings, and teeth to boot? Monkeydactyl! This newly discovered animal, known by its official name as Kunpengopterus antipollicatus, was a 160 million year old reptile that stalked the forests of Jurassic China. What sets this creature apart is its clawed, opposable thumbs, which allowed it to climb trees and catch prey. This is the earliest instance of opposable thumbs discovered, making Monkeydactyl the first of its kind. We give it two thumbs up!
Growing Microscopic Salt!
Growing Microscopic Salt!
Above: A salt sheep standing on salt legs. Credit: Science Magazine
As water evaporates, it leaves behind any saturated materials. With salt, this creates tiny crystal structures, which ordinarily aren't a big deal. However, pipes that see a lot of water moving through them can experience a build up that leads to clogging and damage. To solve this, engineers have developed a new material with nanoscopic holes. This material forces the salt crystals to grow upwards in stalks, which makes them less likely to stick to the inside of the pipes, washing them away and preventing build up. A fun side effect of this process means the salt crystals resemble microscopic sheep! Take a look!
❤️🚀 Remembering Michael Collins
Above: U.S. Astronaut Michael Collins, 1969. Source: NASA
As water evaporates, it leaves behind any saturated materials. With salt, this creates tiny crystal structures, which ordinarily aren't a big deal. However, pipes that see a lot of water moving through them can experience a build up that leads to clogging and damage. To solve this, engineers have developed a new material with nanoscopic holes. This material forces the salt crystals to grow upwards in stalks, which makes them less likely to stick to the inside of the pipes, washing them away and preventing build up. A fun side effect of this process means the salt crystals resemble microscopic sheep! Take a look!
❤️🚀 Remembering Michael Collins
Above: U.S. Astronaut Michael Collins, 1969. Source: NASA
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the surface of the Moon, Collins piloted the command module in orbit, making sure the astronauts made a safe trip home. After the Apollo mission, Collins became the first director of the newly named National Air and Space museum and played an instrumental role in expansion of the space wing.
Collins' work at both institutions of science and of learning will always be remembered.
Collins' work at both institutions of science and of learning will always be remembered.
"It’s human nature to stretch, to go, to see, to understand. Exploration is not a choice, really; it’s an imperative.” -Michael Collins
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Latest News
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Nov 01, 2025 Is “Paul is Dead” Dead?: Unpacking One Of Pop Culture’s Most Enduring Conspiracy Theories Read More -
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Sep 19, 2025 The House that Ruth Built: The Story of the Old Yankee Stadium Read More
Cool Things!
Is “Paul is Dead” Dead?: Unpacking One Of Pop Culture’s Most Enduring Conspiracy Theories
Life magazine cover, November 7, 1969
Post Author- Erik Wells
After the Beatles split up in 1970,...
Scientists Discover Hooves and Skin in Preserved Dinosaur "Mummies!"
A dinosaur discovery just in time for Halloween! In a new analysis of a group of fossils from Wyoming, Scientists have determined this group of fossils are dinosaur “mummies,” with preserved skin and even hooves.
Scientists Record a Bat Catching Birds Mid-Flight!
Bats, birds, screeches, oh my! In a reverse-Hitchcock twist, a new study reveals that a species of European bat catches and eats birds mid-flight.
Specimen Deep Dives
The House that Ruth Built: The Story of the Old Yankee Stadium
In the 1920 season, Babe Ruth's home run hits drew 1.3 million fans to see the New York Ya...
The Queen of the Skies: the Story of the Boeing 747
In the years following the Second World War, technological advancements and the rising need for m...
Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy
After the costly Revolutionary War, the young United States was unable to afford to maintain a Co...
Long Form Articles
The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.
Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
