Wild science

Could dinosaurs have built computers? 12 crazy theories say maybe

Image: Raghav Modi

All great scientific breakthroughs begin as wild—albeit informed—guesses. While not all theories hold up against the evidence, many still offer fascinating insights into the strange nature of our world and the workings of science itself. From multiverses to simulations, there’s no shortage of weirdness in the scientific community. Before you shrug them off, consider this: these strange theories may sound outlandish, but many are supported by real data and serious research. For now, the jury’s still out—so why not explore them for yourself?

Image: Daniele Levis Pelusi

Yes, that—but not the kind of hologram you're probably thinking of. It's actually much weirder. Some physicists, like Juan Maldacena and Leonard Susskind, propose that everything we experience—space, time, matter, even gravity—might just be a 3D projection of information stored on a distant 2D surface.

The idea comes from black hole physics. Scientists discovered that all the information about what falls into a black hole might be encoded on its outer surface, not within. This strange result led to a profound question: What if our entire universe works the same way? While we’re far from proving it, the holographic principle has become a powerful tool in theoretical physics.

Image: Elijah Hiett

Some physicists argue that time might not be real—at least not in the way we typically experience it. In physics, especially in general relativity and quantum mechanics, time doesn’t behave like a universal ticking clock. Instead, it's often considered a human-constructed framework for organizing events. In fact, many fundamental equations that describe the universe don’t even include time as a necessary component.

Image: Kind and Curious

The multiverse theory suggests that our universe might be just one of many. In fact, there could be an infinite number of universes—each with different laws of physics, unique histories, or even alternate versions of you. This idea isn’t just science fiction; it’s taken seriously by many physicists, especially in fields like quantum mechanics and cosmology. While we can’t observe other universes (yet), the mathematics behind some of these theories remains consistent and compelling.

Image: Danie Franco

The Zoo Hypothesis is one of the many possible answers to the Fermi Paradox—if aliens exist, why haven’t we seen them? This theory suggests that intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations are out there, but they’re deliberately avoiding contact with us. Think of it as a cosmic version of a wildlife preserve or zoo: they might be observing us from a distance but choose not to interfere, allowing us to evolve naturally.

Image: Dan Cristian Pădureț

Some scientists argue the universe isn’t just described by math—it is math. Physicist Max Tegmark believes that everything we experience—matter, energy, space, even consciousness—is ultimately a mathematical structure. If he’s right, reality itself is made entirely of numbers and equations. Suddenly, paying attention in math class sounds like a survival skill.

Image: NASA Hubble Space Telescope

The Big Bounce theory challenges the idea that the universe began with a single Big Bang. Instead, it suggests that the universe goes through endless cycles of expansion and contraction—like a cosmic heartbeat. In this view, the Big Bang wasn’t the beginning of everything, but just the latest in a series of "bounces." If true, our cosmos might be much older than we think—and part of an eternal rhythm.

Image: Dasha Yukhymyuk

While we barely understand what consciousness is—or how it came to be—modern physics hints that it might be able to influence the material world, at least on the tiniest scales (quantum scales). A key notion at the heart of quantum physics is that some particles behave differently when observed. Although the exact relationship between consciousness and these phenomena is hotly debated, many experiments strongly suggest that consciousness may not be the passive observer we’ve long assumed.

Image: NASA Hubble Space Telescope

Some scientists believe black holes might not just destroy—they could also lead somewhere else. According to general relativity, the intense gravity of a black hole warps space and time to an extreme degree. Some have proposed that this could create a tunnel—called a wormhole—linking distant parts of the universe, or even other universes entirely. No empirical evidence exists yet, but new telescopic imaging of black holes may one day reveal clues.

Image: N C

What if everything you experience is just...code? The Simulation Hypothesis suggests that our entire universe might be an artificial simulation, like a super-advanced video game, created by a higher intelligence. Supporters argue that if future civilizations can simulate consciousness, it's statistically more likely that we're living in one of those simulations than in the original "real" world. Some even point to oddities in physics, like pixel-like limits in space and energy, or quantum unpredictability, as possible clues.

Image: Nicolas Lobos

Some scientists believe Earth might not be the birthplace of life—it could be Mars. This idea, related to panspermia, suggests that life may have first emerged on Mars when the planet was warmer and wetter, then hitched a ride to Earth via meteorites blasted off the Martian surface. Mars has the necessary ingredients for life, including water, organic molecules, and certain minerals that may have been more abundant there than on early Earth. While the theory remains unproven, it is taken seriously in the emerging field of astrobiology.

Image: Mizanur Rahman

It sounds impossible, but some physicists think future events might somehow influence past ones. Like many of the strangest ideas in science, this comes from certain interpretations of quantum mechanics. In some experiments, particles seem to "decide" how to behave based on measurements made after they’ve already taken action. While this doesn’t mean we can change the past at will, it challenges the idea that time only moves forward.

Image: Fausto García-Menéndez

What if some dinosaurs were on track to become intelligent beings? Paleontologist Dale Russell proposed that if the small, brainy Troodon hadn’t been wiped out by the asteroid, it could have evolved into a highly intelligent, human-like creature—something he called a "dinosauroid." This idea stems from the fact that the bird-like Troodon had one of the highest brain-to-body ratios among dinosaurs, suggesting it may have already possessed complex behaviors and problem-solving abilities.

Tidy up!

15 things you’re forgetting to clean (but really should)

Image: Tima Miroshnichenko

Our home is our refuge, the place where we should be able to feel safe. And to make it a pleasant and cozy place, we must work hard. Vacuuming, mopping the floors, cleaning the bathrooms or the kitchen are probably part of your regular cleaning routine. However, there are certain places or objects that we all usually neglect and can become a source of filth and germs. In this article, we have selected 15 "corners of shame" that you are probably forgetting to clean but should pay more attention to. Be honest, how many of the items on this list do you really keep spotless?

Image: Joseph Gonzalez

Surely, whenever you do a quick cleaning of your house, you forget about the baseboards. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! This simple strip of wood that helps protect your walls can end up building up a lot of dust. Clean them every two or three weeks with a damp cloth to prevent allergies and respiratory problems.

Image: feey

Plants, natural or artificial, especially those with large leaves, collect a lot of dirt that can harm them. You can spray your plants with water regularly and gently clean them from time to time with a cloth. For natural clay pots, wipe with a damp rag periodically, and for plastic pots, wipe with soap and water.

Image: Linus Belanger

Who even bothers to clean light switches, you ask? Well, we know it's a chore, but you should consider starting to do it from now on. Your hands are in constant contact with all sorts of dirty objects and can harbor lots of bacteria, so when you touch the switches at home with your grimy fingers, they become a hotbed of germs.

Image: Phillip Goldsberry

Coins, crumbs, tiny toys, popcorn, animal hair, TV remotes... There is a wide variety of objects that can be found between the cracks of the sofa. It is advisable to vacuum regularly through all the nooks and crannies to prevent dirt from accumulating and sticking to the fabric, making it impossible to remove afterwards.

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Even if you don't see it, after each use, small drops of water mixed with toothpaste residue end up at the bottom of your toothbrush holder, causing grime. At least once every two weeks, rinse it and put it in the dishwasher for better cleaning and disinfection. Pro tip: Be sure to store it in a place in your bathroom away from the toilet to avoid getting bacteria on it.

Image: David Lezcano

Have you ever thought that every day you take your shoes in and out of the closet without paying the slightest attention, even though the soles are covered with all the dirt they pick up on the street? Yes, we're probably adding a new concern you didn't want to have, but trust us, it's better for your overall health to clean your shoe rack once in a while.

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Did you know showerheads should be cleaned at least six times a year? It is recommended to wash it periodically to ensure proper water flow and avoid the accumulation of residues like scale that then fall onto your body. And you don't even need to resort to toxic cleaning products. White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner and disinfectant that will leave your shower looking like new. You can thank us later!

Image: Onur Burak Akın

If only we had self-cleaning refrigerators by now, but we're not there yet. For the time being, it's up to us to clean them. Fridge drawers tend to accumulate leftover food and other debris, generating dirt and bad odors that can affect the rest of your food. As mentioned above, you can use vinegar to avoid intoxication. Oh, and don't forget the freezer!

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When cleaning the bathroom, we often forget about the smallest and most inaccessible corners. Let's be honest, we live busy, fast-paced lives. But the truth is that spots like behind the toilet build up a lot of dirt and bacteria. It's a tedious task, don't think we don't know that, but it would be a good idea to start incorporating the cleaning of this area in your weekly routine.

Image: Kimberley Alpuerto

We recommend washing the curtains about twice a year. To remove dust regularly, you can vacuum them or use a lint roller. While cleaning the curtains, don't forget the curtain rods. Although not visible to the naked eye, they get quite dusty from daily contact with sunlight and air from open windows. They can be cleaned with a feather duster or the extendable brush of your vacuum cleaner. Much better than cleaning the bathroom!

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You probably already have the habit of sweeping and vacuuming your rugs and carpets regularly. But the truth is, sometimes this is not enough. It is advisable to disinfect them from time to time. To do this, you can sprinkle them with baking soda, leave for an hour, and then remove with a vacuum cleaner. Your allergic relatives and friends will be grateful!

Image: Daniel Galíndez M.

This is very important and most people don't know it: you shouldn’t let dust and dirt build up inside your air conditioner because it can ruin it. In addition, clean equipment improves air quality, optimizes system performance, avoids breakdowns, and reduces energy consumption. You can clean it easily with the help of a vacuum cleaner!

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Because they are difficult to access, ceiling lamps tend to accumulate much more dust —and spider webs!— than any other part of your house. It’s true, you probably need a ladder to do it, but we recommend that you clean them frequently to avoid respiratory problems. Being careful not to break the bulbs, you can clean them with an extendable duster.

Image: cottonbro studio

We all love to collect precious objects, memorabilia, and, above all, books. But the truth is, they accumulate a lot of dust. At least twice a year, take out your book collection and give it a duster; yes, one by one. Before putting them back, clean the shelves with a cloth. Use this thorough cleanup as an opportunity to get rid of the books you no longer need!

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Cleaning a mattress can be an exhausting and expensive task. But you should know that the accumulation of dirt, dust mites, and other germs can affect your allergies or even trigger new ones.

The good news is that you can follow these simple steps to avoid having to do a deep cleaning too often: When you get up, don't make the bed immediately; leave it unmade so it can air out. Take advantage of the weekly bedsheet change to ventilate your mattress, dust it off, and vacuum it. As mentioned above, you can also use baking soda to disinfect and eliminate bad smells.