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1161

TIL modern chewing gum is made from plastic and rubber

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yQbxJ TIL that hippos produce a natural antibacterial sunblock. The ‘sweat’ is made of a red pigment, which contains an antibiotic, and an orange pigment, which absorbs UV rays. These two pigments work together to protect the hippos from both bacterial infections and sun damage.
R7aO9 TIL that Pakistan was accused of forging documents in a corruption case dated from 2006 because they used the font Calibri, a font that wasn't available until 2007. It was referred to as "Fontgate"
d8wdd TIL In 1891, a stallion nicknamed "Clever Hans" wowed Germany by tapping out correct answers to simple math problems, including basic square roots. It was later discovered that he was deducing answers by reading the subtle, unintentional body language cues of the asker (the "Clever Hans Effect").
5YmGQ TIL that "Letterlocking" was a technique used widely from the 13-18th centuries to fold and secure correspondence in such a way to prevent tampering during transit. A letterlocked paper, sealed with wax, becomes its own envelope. Video link is an example by MIT prof who has researched the practice.
MeZD0 TIL that rock legend Elvis Presley liked to play racquetball. He liked it so much that he spent $200,000 to build a court in his home. After he died, his glove was sold at an auction for $5,000.