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TIL Humans are still evolving. One fast-evolving gene is human accelerated region 1 (HAR1), which is needed during brain development. In Tibet, a rapid surge in frequency of a mutated gene that increases blood oxygen content gives locals a survival advantage in higher altitudes.

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epaNJ TIL “Avocado” is a modification of the Spanish word aguacate, which derives from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word āhuacatl, which means “testicle.”
wpLY TIL In 1911 a colony of Adélie penguins was discovered to have homosexual and necrophilic behaviors. It was at the time considered too indecent for publication. The findings were finally published in 2012.
wrQE TIL Before the Holocaust, Hitler gave the U.S., Great Britain, and many other nations a chance to take in Jewish refugees. They refused.
KDAG TIL that when smoking tobacco, taking short quick puffs has a stimulating effect, while deep puffs induce sedation.
Zd8a TIL The church of Scientology’s sued a former member for “hate campaigning” when she offered a helpline for people negatively affected by their organization