› added 4 months ago

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TIL about the RNA world hypothesis, according to which the many key roles of RNA in protein synthesis, such as the ribozyme nature of the peptidyl transferase activity of the ribosome, suggest that RNA evolved as an informational biopolymer before proteins and even before DNA.

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ZpvOY TIL that the anti-AIDS drug Ritonavir had to be taken off the market after scientists accidentally synthesized a second, medically useless form of the drug. The new form assimilated all the samples it touched, making them equally useless. A microscopic quantity of it was enough to halt production.
NX75b TIL there are thousands of exotic ring-necked parakeets that reside in Greater London and the truth varies as to exactly where they they came from.
1aYND TIL The US Government passed the Stolen Valor Act in 2005. The Act made it illegal to wear or falsely claim to have received any military medal or decoration without authorization, including the Medal of Honor. However, the Act was later ruled unconstitutional by the Ninth Circuit Court.
X0gl6 TIL that BVD (binocular vision dysfunction) is when your eyes can’t properly see the world as a single image. It can lead to headaches, reading issues, light sensitive, and even ADHD.
Oo5ea TIL plant sexuality was denounced by Christianity until the 19th century because the Bible says that plants were created on the 3rd day but "male and female" wasn't mentioned until animals and humans were created on the 6th day. "Deflowered" comes from thinking flowers were sexless things of beauty.