› added 10 years ago

160

TIL that when snakes slither, they’re actually lifting parts of their body off the ground a tiny amount, and are effectively “walking” on their coils. Even accounting for this, mathematical models of snake movement can only account for ~90% of their top speed, the final ~10% being a mystery

Read more nsf.gov

via reddit.com

OG7Xg TIL that in 1540, King Henry VIII entered into an arranged marriage with his 4th wife, Anne of Cleves. Dissatisfied with her appearance, he never consummated the marriage, leading to its annulment. The architect of the union, Thomas Cromwell, fell from favor and was executed in 1541.
VM5r0 TIL A government of a country could prosecute someone that results in the loss of civil rights. It is usually inflicted on persons convicted of crimes against the state. This civil death often led to actual death, since anyone could kill and injure a felon with impunity.
9ye6 TIL In 2011, the Governor of Tennessee passed a law making it illegal to use someone else’s Netflix account, punishable by a year in jail and a $2500 fine.
aw1gL TIL during the 900 day siege of Leningrad by the Nazi's during WW2 (which caused unimaginable suffering and even cannibalism) the Russians built a railway into the city over a temporarily frozen lake. They transported food, medicine, fuel etc and evacuated children and the sick. The "Road of Life"
n7QG TIL In music a combination of notes exists known as “The Devil’s Interval”, and it was banned in the 1100’s for evoking sexual feelings and being the direct work of the devil.