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TIL that the chainsaw was originally invented as a "tool" to aid childbirth. It was in an operation known as a symphysiotomy, a risky and grossly outdated surgical procedure to widen the pelvis and make the childbirth process a bit more likely to occur.

Read more science.howstuffworks.com

via reddit.com

8eeab TIL one of the original dwarves in Disney’s Snow White was named “Deafy” whose primary trait was misunderstanding others. This idea was later jettisoned in favor of “Sneezy”.
p8LVQ TIL spiders tune their webs like guitar strings, tightening and loosening strands so they can read the different frequencies caused by intruders and determine where/how big the intruders are, if they are predator or prey, or if they’re just a potential mate flirtatiously strumming their strings.
jNVav TIL The Queen of England has someone who breaks in her shoes for her before she wears them ,”...the shoes have to be immediately comfortable and to achieve this, a member of staff with the same size feet will trot up and down palatial corridors for her until they are suitably broken in.”
LkZwv TIL Noninvasive spinal stimulation enables paralyzed people to regain use of hands. A team of scientists reports that six people with severe spinal cord injuries — three of them completely paralyzed — have regained use of their hands and fingers
j6VyM TIL Mugger crocodiles & American alligators use tools: they collect sticks, partially submerge themselves, balance the sticks on their head, & when a bird approaches to take a stick for its nest, they spring their trap. This strategy is the first known case of a predator using an object as a lure.