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Based on data from January 1 to November 25, there are a few random things that people have been using Microsoft’s search engine to find out about…
“Penis size” is in there. And also, perhaps unsurprisingly, “bacon causes cancer” – seeing as everyone was freaking out about that a couple of months back.
Here are the top 10 searches covering the world of science.
1. Megalodon discovery
Well, it was the most ferocious fish that ever lived and makes Jaws look like a minnow. Just so you know – it’s now an extinct species but it was 7 metres long, three times the size of a present day great white, and had teeth more than 15 cm long.
We’re not 100% sure why people were searching for it – it might have been down to a film of a shark so big it looked like a Megalodon, because of an extremely large Megalodon tooth found in Croatia, or one of the Discovery Channel’s notorious Shark Week programmes.
Or maybe people just love Megalodons.
2. Water on Mars.
Scientists said this year that they believe flowing liquid water is almost certainly responsible for mysterious features on Mars, which change with the seasons.
3. Skinny jeans health warning.
Squatting in skinny jeans for a long period of time has been linked to damage of the muscles and nerve fibres in the legs, apparently. Thanks health experts for ruining our fashion choices.
4. Homo naledi discovery.
People got searching after scientists say they discovered a new member of the human family tree.
Huge numbers of the previously unknown creature’s bones were discovered in a remote cave in South Africa, that can only be accessed through a “chute” seven inches wide.
5. Average penis size.
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A study this year found that the average is just over five inches – not as big as previously thought. And that’s all we’ve got to say about that.
6. Bacon causes cancer.
It was a stressful day for meat-lovers everywhere, as global health experts found that processed meat such as bacon, ham and sausages can contribute to bowel cancer. Cue lots of people searching how many bacon baps they’re advised to eat.
7. Alien Megastructure discovery.
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It seems people are often wondering if faraway stars or comets are actually giant alien civilisations.
8. Discovery of Teixobactin.
Apparently teixobactin promises hope against antibiotic resistance.
9. Supermassive black hole.
Yep, this year, scientists revealed they discovered a monster black hole powering “the brightest lighthouse in the distant universe” – oh, and it’s 12 billion times more massive than the sun.
10. Male birth control pill.
It’s not here yet, but it seems we’re keen to learn about how research is progressing to discover contraception like the pill, for men around the world.
