› added 9 years ago

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TIL African giant pouched rats are trained to detect tuberculosis, which is the world’s second most fatal infectious disease. Although they currently are not an accepted standalone diagnostic tool, one rat can evaluate more samples in 10 minutes than a lab technician can evaluate in 1 day.

Read more news.nationalgeographic.com

via reddit.com

O5V7 TIL theaters used to have “cry rooms”: soundproof rooms at the back of theaters so mothers wouldn’t disturb others with their children
aXLy TIL that the yellow “sweat” stains commonly found on shirts in the armpit region are actually caused by a reaction with deodorants rather than sweat.
ADNAn TIL that Tom Hanks was signed on to play Mario in the Super Mario Bros. film, and Arnold Schwarzenegger was approached to play King Koopa (Bowser).
PYnRe TIL Seattle, Washington's North Transfer Station waste collection plant has a viewing room and playground on its premises
OGxL TIL Israel is approximately the 20th most atheist/agnostic nation on Earth