› added 12 years ago

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TIL that, contrary to depictions in science fiction, the human body can briefly survive in outer space unprotected, and that the human skin doubles in size, more resembling a body builder than a balloon.

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wLMR6 TIL that if Massachusetts were a country, its students would rank 9th in the world
RJ4a TIL when scientists first realized that American gay men and Africans in France were both suffering from the same disease (AIDS), French researchers sent over a sample to be tested. But a scientist with a grudge against the French institute switched out the sample, setting research back years.
eolb TIL That Chi-Chi, London Zoo’s most famous panda, only ended up in england because she was refused entry to the US on account of being “communist goods”.
Wk5QY TIL: New Mexico was actually named 223 years before the country of Mexico was established.
gMBEy TIL that the Apollo 11 astronauts signed applications to Travelers Insurance Company for space travel accident insurance for their mission to the moon. The policies would insure against accidents but also against "disease endemic to the lunar surface or its environs".