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TIL the black soldier fly larva turns most organic substances into nutrient-rich protein and frass, a valuable organic fertilizer. Significant reductions in E. coli and Salmonella were measured in manure after larvae were introduced in it. They can also purify biomass contaminated with heavy metals.

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b96YZ The rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongolian empire was responsible for the annihilation of an estimated 40 million people, but there were clearly more than a few conquests off the battlefield as well. A 2003 study suggests that 1 in 200 men are direct descendants of Genghis Khan. Studies of Y-chromosome data found that almost 8 percent of men living in the former Mongolian empire carry nearly identical Y chromosomes. Researchers believe this is attributed to a unique set of social selection circumstances put into play by the spread of the Mongolian empire. In this week’s "Today I Learned," research scientist Albert Lin elaborates on Genghis Khan as a romantic.
0nQ1 TIL that the body of an astronaut killed in the Columbia disaster was found to have been looted and her wedding ring stolen. Plans by Texas Rangers and her widower to find the thief by informing the public were allegedly suppressed because “…it would not be good publicity for NASA.”
65e8 TIL that the 2022 World Cup final will be played in Lusail, Qatar, a city that does not exist yet.
8a14a TIL As part of a 1991 ocean dumping ban, NYC was allowed to transport their sewage to Sierra Blanca, TX. The train became known as Poo Poo Choo-Choo.
pYJmG TIL that the lyrics of South Africa's national anthem employ the five most widely spoken of their eleven official languages – Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English. The lyrics are sung in these languages regardless of the native language of the singer.