› added 9 months ago

261

TIL Richard Scolyer, one of the world’s leading skin cancer researchers, was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain cancer, which is said to be terminal, so he used an experimental skin cancer treatment developed by him and his colleagues to treat it. One year later, the cancer still hasn't returned.

OXaY TIL a UK man became paralyzed after a cycling accident and spent 4 years raising £22,000 to pay for pioneering treatment that might help him walk again. However, upon hearing about a disabled boy needing surgery (that stood a better chance of success), he donated all the money to him instead.
4kvK5 TIL that during WWII, the British MI5 used a "double cross system" to turn German spies into double agents, misleading the Germans about the D-Day invasion's location and timing, which contributed significantly to its success.
Yy7P TIL Japan imports rice from the U.S. as required by the World Trade Organization, but almost none of it ever actually reaches Japanese dinner plates. Instead, the imported rice is donated to North Korea, fed to pigs, or left to rot in vast Japanese warehouses, sitting in storage for years.
e0OB4 TIL the British used to call mainland Europe "The Continent." As more continental European tourists travel to England and the Americas, they push for a breakfast of pastry, fruit, and coffee they normally eat. That is why hotels serve a "Continental Breakfast." Also because it's cheap.
WrRX TIL Danielle Radcliffes stunt double for the harry potter films, David Holmes, injured his spine when a stunt went wrong and is now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair