› added 1 year ago

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TIL that sandworms are real, grow several feet long, and even resemble the creatures from Dune (or vice versa)

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via reddit.com

GYGlj TIL the only two surviving species of sloth aren’t closely related at all and most likely developed suspensorial behavior (hanging from trees) independently, an example of convergent evolution.
YWRP TIL: Lettuce was first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians who turned it from a weed, whose seeds were used to produce oil, into a food plant grown for its succulent leaves.
ZpwAQ TIL right after the Manhattan Project's Trinity explosion test was completed, Kenneth Bainbridge, who was the director of the test, remarked to Robert Oppenheimer that "now we are all sons of bitches." Afterwards, he dedicated most of his scientific career to ending the testing of nuclear weapons.
woPvY TIL in the 1920s to 1950s, there were Pretty Ankle competitions in England where women lined up and were judged by their ankles. In 1954, the winner of one competition was awarded £4.
lkRB TIL it has been suggested that full-time jobs are best for young brains whereas working more than 25 hours a week might impair cognitive function for people over 40.