Post * R7NA1 — Curious Curator

› added 5 years ago

171

TIL that a Greek man named Heron Alexandrinus, who was born in 10AD, invented the first steam engine, called an Aeolipile. His design was forgotten and never used until 1577.

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AeYB TIL that on July 1, 2016 volunteers dressed as World War I soldiers appeared across the UK as part of Battle of the Somme commemorations. The ‘soldiers’ silently handed cards to passers by, each bearing the name of a soldier who died at the Somme on 1st July 1916.

kd5B TIL that kids of dry cleaners are 3-½ times more likely to develop schizophrenia, possibly due to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals.

1MZ4 TIL the fanged pitcher plant and the carpenter ant have a mutualistic relationship whereby the plant’s stem provides a home for small colonies of ants who in turn keep the chemistry of the pitcher’s liquid balanced by removing large insects from inside, preventing the liquid from spoiling.

wLlkW TIL large schools of fish can accidentally trap themselves in a small area with no way out while attempting to evade predators. If there are too many in a small or enclosed area they can deplete the water of oxygen and they will asphyxiate by the thousands.

7rlE7 TIL, Vesta Stoudt, who had the idea for duct tape, couldnt get her bosses at a military ordnance plant to take her seriously. So she sent a letter to FDR who recommended it to the War Production Board where it was approved for use on ammo boxes.