› added 2 years ago

75

TIL that the colony of Eider Ducks on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, England were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676.

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neWo9 National Geographic explorer and grantee Gregg Treinish wants everyone to know about the hidden toxic cost of synthetic fabrics. Tiny, invisible microplastics are entering our waterways straight from our washing machines. About 2,000 synthetic particles are released from washing a single polyester fleece jacket. All clothing items—including cotton and wool—shed micro-fibers when washed, but the natural fibers biodegrade. Synthetic particles don't degrade and can absorb toxins while traveling through the waterways. If they're eaten by small organisms, such as fish, they can bioaccumulate and end up on our dinner plates. Read more about how you can minimize microplastics' impact on the environmentMore from Gregg TreinishClick here to read more about microplastics in the ocean
epvO6 TIL of Janet Parker from the University of Birmingham Medical School. She likely contracted smallpox via air ducts in her office via a lab where researchers kept samples. Within 4 weeks she was dead, her father died of a heart attack visiting her in the hospital and her boss cut his own throat.
4Mkw TIL, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, 50% of Americans couldn’t come up with $2,000 in 30 days, and another 19% would have to pawn or sell some of their possessions to do so.
grPE7 TIL in 1956, the U.S. Air Force attempted but were unable to shoot down a runaway drone in southern California. All their rockets fell, causing large brushfires and damaging homes and vehicles in the city of Palmdale. 1,000 acres (400 ha) were burned. It became known as the "Battle of Palmdale".
wo5X6 TIL of "the Bat man", a married woman's lover kept in her attic for 10 years.