› added 5 years ago

89

TIL that the Vietnamese word for the country of Italy is simply the letter "Ý".

Read more vi.wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

5VMLR TIL about the RNA world hypothesis, according to which the many key roles of RNA in protein synthesis, such as the ribozyme nature of the peptidyl transferase activity of the ribosome, suggest that RNA evolved as an informational biopolymer before proteins and even before DNA.
Ke66 TIL some ancient Greek statues were erected with money from fines of Olympic athletes who violated the rules of the games. They were intended to shame cheating athletes by including an inscription of the offender’s name.
lodxK TIL that there is an actual metal pole that marks the south pole. Aside from the ceremonial pole, there is a much smaller pole that must be replaced regularly to account for changing conditions.
vPmBj TIL Brazilians make more than 1% of Ireland's population
X05Xk TIL During the end of WW2, a German army soldier deserted, impersonated a Luftwaffe captain, and orchestrated the execution of 200 German army deserters held at prison camp