Joseph Guillotin, namesake of the guillotine, opposed capital punishment but promoted the device as a more humane alternative to the brutal execution methods of his time when abolition proved impossible.

Studies show that chewing gum boosts cerebral blood flow and brain activity, improving reaction times, memory, alertness, productivity, and even math test scores compared to a control group.

A Boeing 747 burns approximately 4 liters (0.9 gallons) of fuel every second while in flight.

In Brazil, jails reduce prisoners' sentences by 4 days (up to 48 days a year) for every book they read and report on.

Tennis player Andre Agassi won 10 of 11 matches after noticing a 'tick' in Boris Becker's serve. Agassi could predict Becker's serve based on the position of his tongue. He revealed this to Becker over a beer - after they'd both retired.

Two thousand years ago, a Greek engineer named Hero invented early versions of the steam engine, wind turbine, and vending machine, showcasing remarkable ingenuity that foreshadowed modern technology.

A South Korean study found that playing classical music to rice crops triggered gene expressions that enhanced growth. This suggests plants can "respond" to sound​.