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TIL that in 2013 a novel bat coronavirus was found in a Yunnan cave bat which, unusually, could affect humans; it was extremely similar to the current COVID-19.

Read more nature.com

via reddit.com

Oopy6 TIL early versions of the Thompson submachine gun used a "Blish Lock" to hold the action closed. It was based on a theory that two dissimilar metals would resist movement under extreme pressures. The lock had no useful effect on the action and was eliminated in the WW2 redesign of the SMG.
DQvxD TIL about the Count of St. Germain who was an 18th-century adventurer who achieved prominence in European high society, but nothing is known about him because he kept lying about it. He knew many languages. He was a musical composer and violinist. He knew history, and was an accomplished chemist.
Rd76 TIL that Army officer Hugh Thompson prevented the deaths of hundreds of Vietnamese civilians including women and children, by a group of American soldiers. Thompson, an Army helicopter pilot, landed between the soldiers and the villagers and threatened to open fire if they continued their attacks.
N7P5N TIL in the early years of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the helium balloons were released into the air instead of being deflated. A return address was stitched into the balloon and a $100 reward was offered if they were returned. One landed on a house and one nearly caused a plane crash.
Lk9xd TIL Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States, served all but six weeks of his term without a Vice President. His VP, William King, died of Tuberculosis in Cuba only six weeks after the inauguration.