› added 7 years ago

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TIL Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, the CIA released nearly 12 million documents. One set of documents revealed research of possibility that “insane” people may be experiencing multiple “levels of reality” and their brains can’t process this information, leading to mental instability [PDF]

Read more cia.gov

via ift.tt

4kK7a TIL: Sweden conducted the Vipeholm experiment on the intellectual disabled in the 1950s, where they fed them a large amount of sweets to see how it affects the formation of cavities. It was sponsored by the sugar industry and dentists. It sound experiment, but deemed unethical years after.
Ooa6X TIL After the filming of Rush Hour 2, the prop money was so accurate that movie extras tried to pass it off as real on the Strip. The Secret Service then had to confiscate $100 Million worth of prop money and accused the prop money manufacturer - Independent Studio Services - of counterfeiting.
9YyJG TIL that if the Yellowstone Supervolcano erupted it would blanket the entirety of the U.S in a layer of ash, as well as most of North America. What would ensue is a potential decade or so of 'Volcanic Winter', where the global temperature would drop significantly, among other issues.
Z8KbY TIL of compass plants which tend to align their leaf blades on a North-South axis. This is the optimal alignment for minimal sunlight exposure.
oADA TIL toddlers in China wear ‘split pants’ or 'crotchless pants’ so they can urinate and defecate in public places with ease.