› added 8 years ago

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TIL there are Pacific Islanders with black skin and blond hair who’s DNA is the only type in the world to show more of a link to Denisovans than Neanderthals.

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QJlbk TIL MIT has genetically modified trees to glow in the dark in the hopes of creating a literally green source of light for the future.
rRe8y TIL Colored gems (e.g. rubies and sapphires) at Tiffany & Co. are a massive ripoff because they do not clearly disclose fracture filling treatments. Infused with "colorless substances to improve color and clarity" is the difference between a $100/carat ruby and a $10000/carat ruby.
R7Pr6 TIL of the Piccirilli Brothers, who carved the Lincoln statue (DC), the NY Public Library lions, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (DC), the NY Stock Exchange, and the Washington Square Arch.
NXpxM TIL Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson saved over 80% of the $48 million he made while playing in the NFL.
RpkQ TIL that Mars soil can create fluorocarbons, a greenhouse gas. This can be used to heat the cold planet up, one of the first steps of terraforming.