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TIL the Portuguese established a large trade of Japanese sllaves during the 16th century and favored them over Africans

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nWDZB TIL the Svalbard Global Seed Vault on an island in Arctic Norway is the ultimate backup for the earth's food supply, storing several hundred million seeds from thousands of species of agricultural plants from 80 nations, tucked away in metal pouches at -18°C
N7bLJ TIL the heavily-armed US security forces meant to protect Category 1 nuclear material (e.g. plutonium) are employed by private companies
xVe8k TIL that tennis and basketball courts sometimes develop "dead spots" where the ball doesn't bounce
5YnZn TIL Doom in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" was going to be the hunter who killed Bambi's mother but Disney objected
wlYE TIL in the 1960s the FDA mysteriously banned the use of the miracle berry, a fruit which makes sour foods taste sweet and was being developed as a safe alternative to sugar.