For many of us, simply bending over to touch our toes can be a difficult. But it's not a problem for the world's bendiest woman Julia Günthel aka Zlata (27). Russian-born Zlata can twist herself like a snake into the most extreme poses imaginable – and has broken numerous world records for her flexibility. The former gymnast, who is 5ft 8in, is so flexible she can cram herself into a 50cm squared box. Photo: Russian-born Zlata is pictured in Fifties style glam while still managing to bend herself in half. (Photo by Barcroft Media)

The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the formula FeS2. This mineral's metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool's gold. The color has also led to the nicknames brass, brazzle, and Brazil, primarily used to refer to pyrite found in coal.
In crystallography, the cubic (or isometric) crystal system is a crystal system where the unit cell is in the shape of a cube. This is one of the most common and simplest shapes found in crystals and minerals.

It’s a bug’s life for these colorful insects – whose natural markings resemble incredible smiling faces. These dazzling insects, with their colorful patterns and markings, look as if they are living a happy bugs life. But they’re also the spitting image of a whole host of stars from stage and screen from a creeping Charlie Chaplin to Elvis Presley. Photo: Pentomid bug. (Photo by Darlyne Murawsk/National Geographic Creative/Caters News)

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia syn. Uncia uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because as of 2003, the size of the global population was estimated at 4,080-6,590 adults, of which fewer than 2,500 individuals may reproduce in the wild.

These amazing photographs of buildings in Hong Kong transform what is actually a concrete jungle into scenes of immense beauty. The optical illusions taken by landscape photographer Peter Stewart, show the city in a totally different, colorful light, despite it being one of the most overcrowded cities in the world. Photo: Colorful block of apartments in Hong Kong at night. (Photo by Peter Stewart/Caters News)

Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini are obsessed with people’s hobbies. The two Swiss artists have spent the past seven years traveling across their native Switzerland photographing gatherings of like-minded people in a myriad array of interests and niche groups.

Model enthusiast Peter Smith poses with his collection of handmade scale model coaches at the “London Model Engineering Exhibition” at Alexander Palace on January 20, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Wanwisa, a Lao Yi Lai Heng Chinese opera performer waits backstage at the Plub Plachai temple on January 25, 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. The traditional Chinese art form involving music, singing, martial arts and acting has a history of more than 500 years. There are about 30 members working with the group doing specials shows all week to celebrate the Chinese New year. The Chinese opera is popular in many parts of China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Macau. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)