14 Scientific Findings We Just Learned
![14 Scientific Findings We Just Learned](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/0/3/8/792038_320x180.jpg)
Findings are the conclusions that scientists draw based on their observations. They use their findings to develop hypotheses, which are testable predictions about how the world works. If a hypothesis is supported by data, it becomes a scientific theory. Theories are explanations for why things happen that are supported by a large body of evidence. Sometimes, scientists’ findings challenge existing theories. In these cases, the evidence may cause scientists to revise their theories or develop new ones. In either case, scientific findings play an essential role in our understanding of the natural world.
Scientific findings are amazing; there's no doubt about it. Every day, we learn something new about the universe, and the more we learn, the more we realize how little we actually know. It's truly humbling to think about all the billions of galaxies out there, each one with billions of stars and each star with its own planets orbiting around it. And we're just one tiny planet orbiting one star in one galaxy! It's mind-boggling to think about, and yet scientific findings show us that this is reality. So the next time you're feeling down about your place in the world, remember that you're just a small part of a much larger picture and that the universe is an amazing place full of mystery and wonder.
![Unfiltered water makes tea taste better CRACKED.COM Researchers discovered that chemical impurities in tap water, especially calcium carbonate, makes tea taste crisper and less bitter.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/7/6/1/791761.jpg)
Source: ScienceFocus
![Butterflies eat live catepillars CRACKED.COM Recently seen for the first time, cannibalistic milkweed butterflies have been spotted clawing and then slurping up the juices of caterpillars.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/7/3/2/791732.jpg)
Source: ScienceFocus
![The connection between our brain and guts is linked to how we feel about our appearance CRACKED.COM New research shows weaker communication between internal organs and the brain (processed at an unconscious level) may result in increased body shame and weight preoccupation.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/7/3/1/791731.jpg)
Source: ScienceFocus
![For happiness, expect bad news before it's delivered CRACKED.COM If you're waiting for news, studies show those who practice preparing the silver linings of bad news were more content while waiting and experienced less negative emotion after the waiting ended. It also doesn't take away from joy if the news turns out to be good.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/7/3/0/791730.jpg)
Source: UC Riverside
![Screen time may have social benefits for kids CRACKED.COM School-aged children who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to have close friends but are slightly more likely to have disturbed sleep, attention disorders, or lower grades.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/7/2/9/791729.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![Researchers are successfully potty-training COWS CRACKED.COM In an experiment to help reduce air pollution in the future, researchers were able to train 11 out of 16 calves to use a latrine.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/5/791675.jpg)
Source: EurekAlert
![Repeated contact makes conversations more engaging CRACKED.COM A researcher explains, Moments of eye contact seem to signal when we have achieved shared understanding and need to contribute our independent voice.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/3/791673.jpg)
Source: EurekAlert
![The oldest known mammal's cavities are 55 million years old CRACKED.COM The cavities were found in the Microsyops latidens, who probably got the cavities from eating fruit.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/4/791674.jpg)
Source: EurekAlert
![Before they're even born, mammals dream about the world they're about to experience GRACKED.COM By imaging the brains of mice after they're born but before they've opened their eyes, scientists have discovered mice have dreams to prepare them to respond immediately to environmental threats.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/0/791670.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![People walk slower and more varied in new environments CRACKED.COM Researchers have discovered what New Yorkers have always known: tourists walk too slow.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/2/791672.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![Office air quality can have significant impact on employees' cognition CRACKED.COM Also, in Boss Speak, indoor air pollution can decrease employees' productivity.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/7/1/791671.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![Too much free time can be bad for your mental health CRACKED.COM Higher levels of free time are associated with higher levels of well-being, but only up to a certain point. Having more than 7 hours of free time in a day can lead to decreased well-being due to feeling unproductive.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/6/9/791669.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![Brain development is influenced by gut bacteria GRACKED.COM Very premature babies are at a high risk for brain damage because of their undeveloped gut microbiome.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/6/8/791668.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily
![Animals have started shapeshifting to adapt to climate change CRACKED.COM Occurring over a shorter timescale than evolution, some species have grown larger beaks, legs, and ears to better regulate their bodies for rising global temperatures.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/6/6/7/791667.jpg)
Source: ScienceDaily