› added 9 years ago

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TIL that the Pangolin is the most trafficked animal in the world.

neWo9 National Geographic explorer and grantee Gregg Treinish wants everyone to know about the hidden toxic cost of synthetic fabrics. Tiny, invisible microplastics are entering our waterways straight from our washing machines. About 2,000 synthetic particles are released from washing a single polyester fleece jacket. All clothing items—including cotton and wool—shed micro-fibers when washed, but the natural fibers biodegrade. Synthetic particles don't degrade and can absorb toxins while traveling through the waterways. If they're eaten by small organisms, such as fish, they can bioaccumulate and end up on our dinner plates. Read more about how you can minimize microplastics' impact on the environmentMore from Gregg TreinishClick here to read more about microplastics in the ocean
1a1J4 TIL that Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek's Dutch last name translates to "from the creek"
J1OBQ TIL "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb" is a recent and unsourced saying, and nothing indicates it is the true origin of the phrase "blood is thicker than water"
N7J6M TIL of Bruce Edwards Ivins. A microbiologist & employee of US Army, he mailed anonymous letters with Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) to members of Congress and media in September & October 2001, killing 5 persons and injuring 12 others. He committed suicide in 2008 to avoid capture by FBI.
vmAj TIL In exchange for Pepsi products, Russia gave Pepsi 17 submarines, a cruiser, a frigate, and a destroyer. At the time, it was 7th largest submarine fleet in the world.