› added 1 year ago

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TIL: Dongfang Shou was a court jester, official, scholar, and fangshi (wizard/alchemist). He was known for being eccentric by frightening court dwarves, claiming to be Venus, keeping an acting/singing troupe and frequently switching from wise court official to a pranking buffoon the next.

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GJJ7 TIL: Grasshopper Mice have adaptation to turn scorpion venom into a pain-killer. They now prey on scorpions.
6NQQ TIL obsidian is one of the earliest materials used for knife blades. 2.6 million years latter surgeons still use obsidian for scalpels as it is sharper than any other material in use and is noted to cut more cleanly so as to not leave a scar.
p8BvZ TIL Vegetarians were found to be twice as likely to suffer from depression than the general population. Among possible causes, diets low in B-12, too much Omega-6 which is linked to mental health issues, and higher amounts of phytoestrogens due to soy based diets.
RNv6 TIL Researchers let 100 paper planes go 23 miles above Germany 2 years ago. Some have since been found in Canada, USA, Australia and South Africa.
YxOv TIL that there is a protein in the human body named after Pikachu. It transmits electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain. (crosspost r/pokemon)