cantilever bridge construction self-supporting outward

Some bridges can build themselves outward over empty space

A cantilever bridge can be built outward from its supports one section at a time. The part already built holds up the next section, so builders often do not need temporary supports rising from the ground or water below.

A snapping shrimp can turn its smaller claw into a new weapon

Snapping shrimp have one oversized claw that closes fast enough to create a powerful underwater shock wave. If they lose it, the smaller claw can transform into a new snapping claw while the missing one regrows as the smaller type. The animal effectively switches which side carries its specialized weapon.

Cheap printed books helped everyday languages replace Latin

Printing made books cheaper and more common, helping more people learn to read. It also made it practical to publish for people who read the languages they spoke every day. These languages gained ground in books that had once been mostly in Latin.

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cantilever bridge construction self-supporting outward

Some bridges can build themselves outward over empty space

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