› added 3 years ago

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TIL nuclear physicist Nicholas Kemmer suggested the atomic symbol "Pu" for plutonium deliberately as a joke because it resembled "P.U." (an expression of disgust at a foul smell), yet no one objected, and it made it onto the periodic table.

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oBvLo TIL there is a "Robot Scientist" named Adam - in 2009, "Adam became the first machine in history to have discovered new scientific knowledge independently of its human creators"
7rmpX TIL Kangaroo “boxing”, in a serious fight, is really the kangaroo grappling for an opening to deliver a powerful kick with its sharp-clawed hind legs. Male kangaroos have thick belly skin to protect against this punishment. But it could easily eviscerate a human.
7B1x TIL that 244 shows have come and gone on Fox since The Simpsons first debuted
a8EDJ TIL that rhinoceros beetles are popular pets in many parts of Asia and have been used in gambling fights.
pYY1e TIL Celine Dion once said she got along more with older children and adults while as a child, preferring to not go to school due to being bullied; her brother would eventually introduce 12-year-old Celine to 38-year-old Rene, who would be her career manager and eventual husband.