Science has grown colossally, especially over the last few years. It has managed to eradicate a number of diseases and make our lives easier. However, as they say- there is always room for improvement.

1. DNA Computer

The DNA molecules in our body are programmed to store massive volumes of genetic information on a long-term basis. One milligram can store anything and everything that has ever been printed since the beginning of time. One can only imagine how much information a DNA computer will be able to save.

2. A Colonized Moon

When a great mind somewhere in the world realized that it would be possible to colonize objects and room in space, he also figured out that the Moon could get colonized. When man walked across this object, the dream almost became a reality but not quite. NASA has not been able to achieve this objective just yet but hopefully, they will in the near future.

3. Head Transplant

The mere thought of such a transplant is bizarre and maybe that is why the surgery has not become commonplace today. For a head transplant to take place, the patient would need to get decapitated voluntarily and then have his head replaced with that of a donor’s. The main reason why the world needs this technological advancement is that it will help get rid of such diseases that effect the body, but not the head directly.

4. Clean Energy

Fossil fuels are depleting as we speak and according to studies, there will be no oil left in the world in about 55 years. This is why we need to develop or look for additional sources of clean energy. They are eco-friendly and just what the world needs.

5. Cure for Cancer

In many ways, this deadly disease is like the common cold because even though it is possible to treat it, there is no definite cure for it. Cancer kills about 7 million people every year which is why a cure should be found as soon as possible.

6. Travel to Mars

When man walked across the moon in 1969, the idea of walking on Mars became feasible as well. If the technology required for such a mission can be developed, scientists will be able to under the dynamics of space further.

7. Space Elevator

A space elevator would be massive, to say the least. It would be thousand times taller than any skyscraper in the world but it would make space travel extremely simple. Interestingly, creating this structure is not all that difficult because its centre will be in orbit. So then why don’t they do it?

8. Theory of Everything

Scientists have always believed that each and every happening in the universe is kicked into motion by one single force. The Theory of Everything attempts to prove this belief and amalgamate every force that has been recognized till date.

9. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology can be revolutionized to change the very foundation of modern medicine. If it is perfected, doctors will be able to use certain molecules to destroy the very being of cancer cells.

10. Reach the Core of the Earth

In the past, people believed that it would be quite easy to reach the core of the Earth. They were wrong mainly because the weight and pressure at the core is enormous. If somebody is strong enough to make the journey, we will be able to find various other sources of energy and extend our time on the planet.

Popularity: 3% [?]

There are certain stories that are covered by the media which have the ability to either make or break lives. The following media stories shook people up and some made their lives simpler.

1. The Recession

When the media announced that the United States of America was suffering from an economic meltdown and that several measures would be taken to combat the problem, people were left speechless all over the world. Certain rules regarding credit cards and credit card companies practically stopped their lives and forced them to look for other options.

2. Michael Jackson’s Death

As far as pop culture is concerned, the media did not cover a bigger story than the death of this music legend. This singer was idolized by people all over the world and when he died, people were not only shocked, they were devastated. Many adults ended their lives because they felt that they had no reason to go on without Michael Jackson. His music changed the industry and his death changed the world.

3. Barack Obama

When Barack Obama won the election, lives were definitely changed across the world. The fact that an African American had been chosen by the people was enough to break large racial barriers and bring people closer.

4. Facebook

When Facebook was launched a few years back, people were sucked into the magical world of social networking. They found that with the help of this website, it was much easier to communicate with their loved ones and have fun at the same time.

5. Same-sex Marriages

Gay marriages or same-sex marriages were legalized in three states. It is now authorized in 5 out of 50 states in the United States, one federal districts and one Indian Tribe. A bill has been passed in India as well.

6. Twitter

Twitter is a website which recognized how popular the ‘status’ on Facebook was. They saw that people would comment on it and start conversations and would therefore, stay on the website for a long period of time. Twitter has brought about a revolution because it allows people to stay up to date with certain news events as the website lets its users know about them as and when they occur.

7. President Bush’s Regret

President Bush admitted in 2008 that he regretted waging the war. He was upset that people believed that he was anxious to fight a war which is when he released this statement. He said that the country had been divided because of the war and that troubled him. This made ripples across the world because they felt that the man was human.

8. Faster Internet

The media recently told its users about Grid computing and that it had the ability to increase the rate at which the internet works. This made people realize that technology never stops developing and that they will always be on receiving end of the best of the best.

9. Global Warming

When the media declared that global warming was rampant and that the environment was under serious threat, people all over the world were greatly saddened. However, they got over this grief fast enough and even though media stories are printed every day about the same topic, they do not stop the use of plastic bags or smoking or deodorants.

10. Pepsi and Pesticides

The media declared a few years back the dark colored drinks like Coke and Pepsi are laced with those pesticides that are used to kill insects that thrive in bathrooms. This has greatly damaged the growth rate of these companies.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Earthquakes are the most horrifying natural calamities to hit earth. Most damages happen due to the non-predictability of earthquakes. In history, there have been some earthquakes which were more deadly than others and here are the top 10.

1. Shaanxi, China: 1556

This is the most deadly earthquake ever recorded in the history of earth and it happened in Shaanxi province in China. This earthquake measured 8.0 and more than 820,000 feared dead. The factor that contributed to this quake is yaodongs, the artificial dugouts. It is also said that this deadly quake razed the mountains, ignited fires all over for days together and changed the course of various rivers.

2. Indian Ocean: 2004

In our lifetime, this is the horrible earthquake ever happened. This quake had its epicenter ‘off the west coast of Indonesia’ and this quake created tsunami and hit the regions alongside the Indian Ocean and this quake even triggered earthquake as far as Alaska as well. This quake took 280,000 lives and caused environmental and humanitarian concerns. The quake recorded 9.1 on Richter scale.

3. Haiyuan and Tansghan China: 1976 and 1920

A severe earthquake struck Tansghan region of China in 1976. It is a deadly quake and took around 240,000 lives and in 1920, the quake took around 770,000 lives. It is important to note that both the communist leader Tse-tung and prime minister Zhou Enlai died the same year and most of the people think that it is a omen that has come to end an era.

4. Aleppo, Syria: 1138

The total number of casualties in this quake is about 230,000. It was the first quake between 1138 and 1339 to hit that area. In the 12^th Century, the region was witnessing many crusades and this earthquake brought down the citadels of both Muslim and Christian armies.

5. Ardabil and Damghan, Iran: 893 and 856

In 856, Damghan, Iran was hit by a massive earthquake tolling the casualties around 150,000 and 40 years later quake hit another city o Iran called Ardabil and death toll was more than 137,000. Again, Iran was struck by an earthquake in 1996 cost lives 960 people.

6. Hokkaido, Japan: 1730

Seismically, Hokkaido is an active place just like many other parts of Japan. When the earthquake hit Hokkaido in 1730, 137,000 lives were lost and again in 1993 due to tsunami 200 lives were lost.

7. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: 1948

When the city of Ashgabat in Turkey was hit by the earthquake, the communist leaders of USSR denied much higher casualties and that time the entire city lost its contact with rest of the world. Today, it is very much believed that this earthquake took 110,000 lives and to keep this earthquake alive, a monument is built.

8. Great Kanto, Japan: 1923

The city of Great Kanto, Japan was struck by an earthquake in 1923 and the total death toll was about 100,000. It is said that the 93-ton statue of great Buddha slid forward by tow feet. The cause for the casualties was fire, which occurred due to typhoons.

9. Messina, Italy: 1908

When the earthquake hit the town of Messina, Italy, the neighboring coastal cities was hit by tsunami waves, which were about forty feet in height and the total death toll was about 100,000.

10. Lisbon, Portugal: 1755

This quake is called as great Lisbon earthquake. The earthquake hit Lisbon and most of the people died due to tsunami, fires and thus the total death toll was about 100,000.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The following are some of the most awe-inspiring and amazing geological oddities found around the world. These fantastic spots, most of which are purely natural phenomena, are all quite certainly worth a visit

1. The Moving Rocks of Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California, is a place where rocks can be found to move on their own. Surrounding the racetrack are pebbles and boulders strewn all about. Strangely, some of the rocks really do move, though others stay completely still. While some people are of the view that the movement of the rocks is caused by magnetic forces, others feel that the phenomenon is caused by prevailing winds.

2. The Richat Structure or “Eye of the Sahara”

This impressive sight can be seen in Mauritania, at the southwestern tip of the Sahara desert. This land formation is so large, with a diameter of 30 miles, that it can in fact be seen from outer space. Originally, this structure was believed to have been formed by a meteorite impact. However, geologists now feel that it is the result of uplifting and erosion.

3. The Driest Place on Earth, the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert receives less than 1mm of rain per year and is considered to be the driest place on the planet. The desert is the product of the Andes rain-shadow. The trade winds which move east along South America begin to lose all moisture when they hit the steep slopes of the Andes Mountains. The Atacama Desert is located against the western slopes of the mountain range and therefore receives very little precipitation.

4. The Naica Mine, Cave of Crystals, Mexico

These caves, found in a mine in Chihuahua Mexico, have some of the biggest crystals ever discovered and are a spectacular sight. Made of Gypsum, the crystals were allowed to grow unimpeded and hence are worth a mention among the world’s top-most geological oddities.

5. The Curtain of Fire, Hawaii

During the initial stage of the Puu Oo eruption in January, 1983, these amazing lava fountains erupted first. They later formed a wall of magma 100-160 feet high along the Eastern Rift of Mount Kilauea following a fissure.

6. Sinkholes

Clearly, it can be really scary to see the earth literally opening up and swallowing your entire home. However, truth is often stranger than fiction, and this is a frightening reality that has occurred in some places such as the southeastern United States. Sinkholes are a rare geographical phenomenon found in areas of Karst Topography, where caverns appear as a result of erosion by groundwater of pockets of loose sedimentary rock found under the surface.

7. Stone Forest, Southwest China

The Shilin or ‘stone forest’ is an apt example of karst topography. The limestone rock formations there were formed as a result of water penetrating the ground’s surface and eroding away everything but the pillars.

8. Hell’s Gate in Uzbekistan

This site is truly worth a visit and it has an amazing story as well. While geologists were drilling for gas, 35 years ago, outside the small town of Darvaz, Uzbekistan, the drilling equipment unexpectedly hit a pocket and the entire thing caved in. The gas which the geologists were searching for began to permeate the ground. The geologists lit the gas on fire to prevent potential harm to anyone in that area. Amazingly, this area has been burning ever since.

9. The Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Bay of Fundy is another geological marvel, or oddity, worth a mention. One thing unique about the Bay of Fundy is that although there are huge and unpredictable tides, people still run boats on them even. Half way through the day, it is common for any given boat can be suddenly grounded.

10. Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

This huge rock rises majestically over its otherwise barren surroundings. The hexagonal shape of Devil’s Tower was caused by the cooling of magma which also cracks and a unique pattern which is called ‘Jointing’.

Popularity: 7% [?]

These fantasy worlds have been created in books and movies and allow fans to leave the real world behind- it gives them a change to delve into the mysterious and magical.

1. The Wizarding World

Everybody is familiar with the famous wizard Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The books, created by J.K.Rowling have been immensely successful and have been made into films as well. Harry’s battle against the evil Lord Voldemort forms the crux of the plot. Packed with action, humor and interesting spells, this fantasy world will make you wish that you had received a letter from Hogwarts at 11 too!

2. Wonderland

Based on the book, “Alice in Wonderland” written by Lewiss Carroll, this fantasy world revolves around Alice who follows a rabbit and accidentally falls down a rabbit hole. The world she enters consists of anthropomorphic and extremely strange creatures. The reason why this fantasy world is popular is because it challenges certain well-accepted notion and logical theories.

3. Narnia

This fantasy world was introduced in the books and movie “The Chronicles of Narnia which talk about children that leave ‘our world’ and find themselves in Narnia. This fantasy world has been created by C.S.Lewis and is extremely popular amongst adults and children alike. In Narnia, magic is common-place, animals are able to communicate like us and mythical beasts can be seen everywhere.

4. Oz

This wonderful fantasy world was introduced in “The Wizard of Oz” and talks about Dorothy Gale who wishes to get away from her boring town. She faints during a tornado and finds herself in Oz with the dog Toto. Here she meets Glinda-The Good Witch of the North, a Tin Man, a Cowardly Lion and a Scarecrow.

5. Dreamlands

Dreamlands is a fantasy world created by H.P. Lovecraft in “Dream Cycle”. This world is gigantic and one can enter it only through one’s subconscious mind while dreaming. This alternate world consists of such dreamers that visit Dreamland often and are said to become permanent residents after they pass away.

6. Neverland

Neverland is a fantasy world created by J.M Barrie and is also known as Never Never Land. Well-known characters like the Lost Boys, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell reside her. Peter Pan is a boy who wishes to remain his age and never grow up because of which this world is associated with those who believe in immortality.

7. Arda

In Legendarium, created by J.R.R Tolkein, prehistory Earth is referred to as Arda. Those regions and locations that find mention in Lord of the Rings are found in this world which also includes a number of water bodies as well as islands that are unnamed.

8. The Four Lands

This fictional fantasy world has been created by Terry Brook. The Four Lands are found in parts of Canada and United States. The landscape so described has come into form after a holocaust that will take place in the future. Important landmarks still exist but have been altered considerably.

9. Terabithia

Terabithia is a fantasy world created by Katherine Paterson in her book “Bridge to Terabithia”. It revolves around two children who are lonely and happen to walk into an enchanted and mysterious forest kingdom.

10. Forks

Even though Forks exists in Washington, the one created in Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight is far from being real. The book talks about Isabella Swan who falls in love with a 100 year old vampire. Her best friend is a werewolf and the baby she eventually gives birth to is half human and half vampire.

Popularity: 3% [?]

These Island countries have some of the richest biodiversities and five are among the 17 UN declared Mega-diverse countries.

1. Republic of Indonesia

The country consists of 17,508 of which about 6,000 are inhabited. It covers an area of 1,919,440 km sq. (735,355 sq miles) and is the 16^th largest country in the world. It is also the 4^th most populous nation with around 230 million people. It has more than 150 active volcanoes, including the infamous Krakatoa and Tambora.

2. Republic of Madagascar

Situated in the Indian Ocean near Southeast Africa, the country covers a region of 587,041 km sq (226,597 sq miles). It has very rich bio-diversity with more than 5% of the world’s plant and animal species which includes the famous lemur.

3. Independent State of Papua New Guinea

The country has a total area of 462,840 km sq (178,703 sq miles). It has over 850 indigenous languages and is one of the most rural nations in the world. It is a realm of the royal family of England and the Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of Papua New Guinea.

4. Japan

The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is made up of four large islands accounting for 97% of its land area and 6,848 other smaller islands. It covers an area of 377,944 km sq (145,925 sq miles). It is a major economic power and home to the beautiful dormant volcano, Mount Fuji. It is the 10^th most populous country with more than 127 million people.

5. Malaysia

The country has a total landmass of 329,845 km sq (127,354 sq miles). After gaining independence in 1957, the country has seen a tumultuous history. The country is a famous tourist destination and very rich in natural resources. It is one of the top producers of natural rubber and oil.

6. Republic of the Philippines

The country is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. Its landmass is 299,764 km sq (115,831 sq miles). It is the 12^th most populous country in the world with around 92 million inhabitants. The country derives its name from King Phillip II of Spain. Situated along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, it is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes. Philippines is the 2^nd largest producer of geothermal energy behind USA.

7. New Zealand

It has a total land area of 268,021 km sq (103,483 sq miles). It is one of the most isolated countries in the world and among the most liveable. Its isolation led to its fauna and flora to evolve in a manner dominated by birds such as the extinct ‘Moa’ and the flightless ‘Kiwi’. It has a rich marine life being just east of the Great Barrier Reef.

8. Republic of Cuba

The total landmass of the country is 110,861 km sq (42,803 sq miles). Famous for its revolutionaries and cigars, it is one of the last remaining bastions of communism. Situated in the Caribbean Sea, the island is prone to hurricanes.

9. Iceland

With a total landmass of 103,001 km sq (39,770 sq miles) and a population of only about 320,000, it is regarded as one of the most peaceful nations on earth. It has no standing army. It relies totally on renewable resources for its electricity needs. Its fauna is rich in seabirds and the volcanic nature of the island prevents from much flora to evolve.

10. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Situated south of India, it covers an area of 65,610 km sq (25,332 sq miles). Formerly known as Ceylon, it was a point of hot contention for the colonial powers because of its strategic location between the Far East and Europe. It also witnessed the end of a 30-year long civil war last year.

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Have you ever wondered about the lakes in this world? Ever tried to find out which ones are the largest lakes? Well if you are curious to know about the largest lakes then this list can be your best guide. In this list of the Top 10 Largest Lakes in the world we will tell you about each lake in detail and inform you why the lake is given the position it holds.

1. Caspian Sea

The name topping the list is the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan in Iran. It is 152,239 sq. miles in area, 745 miles in length and is 3,104 feet deep. An interesting fact is that the Romans named the Caspian Sea as Mare Caspium, a sea, as they found it salty. It is both magnificent and beautiful.

2. Lake Superior

The next in the list is Lake Superior. It is situated in U.S.-Canada. It is 31,820 sq. miles in area. It is also 383 miles in length and 1,333 feet in depth. Lake Superior is a stunning picnic spot and should be visited at least once in your whole life-time.

3. Lake Victoria

After Lake Superior is Lake Victoria. It is located in Tanzania-Uganda. There is a lot of difference in dimensions between Lake Superior and Lake Victoria. It covers an area of 26,828 sq. miles, is 200 miles in length and 270 feet in depth.

4. Lake Huron

The next in the list is Lake Huron. It covers an area of 23,010 sq. miles. But in length and depth it is bigger than Lake Victoria. It has a length of 247 miles and a depth of 750 feet which is considerably larger than Lake Victoria. It is situated in U.S.-Canada.

5. Lake Michigan

The next lake is Lake Michigan in USA. It is 22,400 sq. miles in area. This lake is 321 miles long and 923 feet deep. This lake is even deeper than Lake Huron.

6. Lake Aral

Lake Michigan is followed by Lake Aral. It is located in Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan. It is 13,000 sq. miles in area 266 miles in length and 233 feet in depth. It is much smaller in all its dimensions compared to its predecessors.

7. Lake Tanganyika

The next lake is Lake Tanganyika. It is 12,700 sq. miles in area. It has an amazing depth of 4,708 feet and a length of 420 miles. It is situated in Tanzania in Congo.

8. Lake Baikal

After Lake Tanganyika comes Lake Baikal. It is situated in Russia. It is the deepest lake in the entire world with a depth of 5712 feet. It is 12,162 sq. miles in area and is 395 miles long. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

9. Lake Great Bear

This next lake is true to its name and is really great. Lake Great Bear is in Canada. It covers an area of 12,000 sq. miles and is 232 miles long and 270 feet deep. It is truly a sight to behold.

10. Lake Nyasa

This is the last lake in the list. Lake Nyasa is situated in Malawi-Mozambique-Tanzania. It covers an area 11,600 sq. miles. It is 360 miles in length and 2,316 feet in depth. This lake though last in the list is not at all the least and it is highly recommended that you go to see it.

Popularity: 2% [?]

While very few monarchies exist in the world today, there are certain small states who have a king or a queen as their leader. A majority of the richest royal rulers reside in the Middle East – home to all the main oil producing countries of the world.

1. Hajji Hassand Bolkiah

Hajji Hassand Bolkiah is the richest royal ruler in the world today. He is the 29^th Sultan of Brunei and his fortunes have been estimated at 22 billion dollars. This total expands every day and since he is only 61 years old, he will enjoy this money for several years to come.

2. Sheikh Kalifaskin Zayed Al Nahyan

The individual who rules the United Arab Emirates goes by the name of Sheikh Kalifaskin Zayed Al Nahyan. His is 59 years old and is worth over 20 billion dollars today. Sheikh Kalifaskin Zayed Al Nahyan maintains and controls one-tenth of the oil reserves world-wide.

3. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz

This royal ruler is Saudi Arabia’s king and his fortunes have been estimated at 19 billion dollars. King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz is 83 years old and is getting richer as we speak!

4. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum rules Dubai and is fondly called the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai as well. At 57 years of age, his fortunes have been estimated at 16 billion dollars.

5. King Bhumibal Adulyadej

King Bhumibal Adulyadej rules over Thailand and he is worth 5 billion dollars. He is an American citizen and is 79 years old.

6. Hans-Adam II von Liechtenstein

Hans-Adam II von Liechtenstein rules over Liechtenstein. He is 62 years old and will soon inherit a rich dynasty that is 900 years old. Even though the country he rules over is not too large, he is worth over 4.3 billion dollars. He spends his time collecting art and also manages the several business empires set up by his family.

7. King Mohammed IV

King Mohammed IV rules over Morocco and at 44, is said to be the youngest royal billionaire in the world. He fortune has been estimated at 2 billion dollars.

8. Prince Albert Monarch

Prince Albert Monarch is the royal ruler of Monaco. At 49 years old, his fortunes have been estimated at 1.2 billion dollars. He has not married yet and is quite happy as a bachelor.

9. Sheikh Hamed Bin Khalifa Al Thani

Sheikh Hamed Bin Khalifa Al Thani is the Emir of Qatar and his fortunes have been estimated at 1 billion dollars. His is 55 years old and is known world-wide for overthrowing his father over 10 years ago in order to rule over the tiny nation that has very rich oil reserves.

10. Prince Karin Al Husseini

Prince Karin Al Husseini is the Aga Khan which is a title given to the Imam of the Nizari Muslims of the Shia faith. His fortunes have been estimated at 1 billion dollars. This figure is growing every day and this 70 year old rules over at least 15 million Muslims. In addition to that, he also looks after several businesses overseas.

This list would be incomplete without the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth the II. At 81 years of age, she is worth over 600 million dollars.

Popularity: 6% [?]