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TIL: The Capacitor Plague, where capacitors had much higher failure rates between 1999 and 2007, as the formula was miscopied when a scientist stole it through corporate espionage in Japan. They returned to China and gave it to their previous employer, who put the faulty formula into production.

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kjNg TIL In 1980 after a simple miscalculation, a drilling company accidentally punctured the roof of a salt mine on Lake Peigneur, draining 2.5 million gallons in less than 3 hours. The whirlpool was so strong it sucked barges to the bottom and reversed the Gulf of Mexico.
DQJYe TIL a controlled 2002 trial studying the effects of placebo "sham" surgery vs real arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis showed no difference in pain relief or functioning between the placebo group and surgical intervention groups over a 24 month period.
O1wa TIL During the final months of World War II, Japan planned to use plague as a biological weapon against U.S. civilians in San Diego, California, hoping that the plague would spread as much terror to the American population. Japans surrender came only 5 weeks before the plan was to be executed.
KYJBw TIL that the "Gold Leaf," used in art decoration and also food, is made from gold that has been hammered into extremely thin sheets. The process of creating gold leaf dates back to ancient Egypt, and it is used to add a luxurious finish to artworks, frames, and even food.
1avpr TIL despite multiple uses of the word "fuck", the MPAA voted to override their guidelines and give The Martian a PG-13 rating