› added 3 weeks ago

9

TIL isoprene gas released by the trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia reacts with chemicals in the air to create their characteristic blue haze

Read more pnnl.gov

via reddit.com

4NOa TIL That Lewis and Clark’s sexual relations while traveling often lead to syphilis. The two would treat themselves with mercury to curb the disease, leading to archeologists being able to pinpoint the location of Travelers Rest (campsite) due to the mercury in the soil.
8ejL TIL that in ancient Japan, buddhist monks mummified themselves by following a strict diet and drinking poisonous tea over a 10 year period. This was seen as the ultimate act of self denial.
GAvl5 TIL: Abraham Lincoln’s dog Fido was also assassinated/murdered in 1865.
9pZ6 TIL men in switzerland are required to keep the firearms they are issued during military service at home after they leave the military so as to prevent home break ins and have the countries men ready to mobilize in the event of a threat.
vPEVD TIL that planthoppers are the first animals found to possess a biological form of mechanical gears, used for precise jumping. Found only in nymphs, these interlocking gears synchronize their hind legs, allowing for straight jumps at an acceleration of nearly 400g in two milliseconds.