Art multi-tasker: In Rotterdam, Netherlands, Rajacenna van Dam is turning heads by creating hyper-realistic portraits using all four of her limbs at once. Mastering a skill she developed to stay productive, she simultaneously draws intricate works with her hands and feet, completing up to six pieces at a time. Her inspirations often come from well-known public figures, from pop stars to royalty. Creating each work of art is a meticulous process, sometimes requiring over 40 hours to perfect. She attributes her ability to an unusually connected brain, enabling her to seamlessly switch focus between pieces. This technical artistry transforms multitasking into a captivating spectacle. Who says masterpieces need just one pair of hands?
Oil survivor: In the La Brea Tar Pits near Los Angeles, California USA, the petroleum fly has adapted to thrive in a place that traps and kills countless other creatures. These tiny flies are the only species to develop in toxic petroleum, calling this natural asphalt home. The larvae feed on trapped insects and arthropods, all while consuming petroleum without harm. Their translucent bodies reveal ingested oil passing harmlessly through. Even extreme conditions, like high temperatures or chemical exposure, fail to faze them. The asphalt doubles as a moisturiser, protecting their bodies from drying out in the sun. These resilient insects prove that life can thrive in the most unexpected places.
Quake resilience: In earthquake-prone Japan, skyscrapers are engineered to move with the earth, making them exceptionally safe. Built along the Pacific Ring of Fire, these high-rises withstand frequent quakes without sustaining damage or collapsing. During rare, extreme events like the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, their design prioritizes protecting lives over structural perfection. Flexible engineering allows the buildings to sway rather than resist, minimizing the risk of catastrophe. The striking skyscrapers of Tokyo and Osaka may seem immovable, but their hidden adaptability is their ability not just to stand firm, but to be flexible when necessary.
Storm bringer: Tlaloc, an influential deity in Mesoamerican mythology, embodies the dual power of water. As the Aztec god of rain, lakes, fertility, and agriculture, he controlled life-sustaining rains while wielding deadly thunder and hail when angered. Farmers revered him for nourishing crops, and his domain extended to overseeing the Third Sun, a water-dominated world in Aztec cosmology. Tlaloc's origins predate the Aztecs; earlier cultures like the Maya and Zapotec worshipped Chaac and Cocijo, their versions of him. His image, often depicted with goggle eyes, fanged teeth, and vivid symbolism, reflected water's vital yet unpredictable role in survival.