› added 11 years ago

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TIL that Aerogel, also known as frozen smoke, is the world’s lowest density solid, clocking in anywhere from 95-99% air. If you hold a piece in your hand, it is almost impossible to feel or see, but if you poke it, it is like styrofoam. Also, it can support up to 4,000 times its own weight.

Read more aerogel.org

via reddit.com

OGleg TIL in ancient Rome, being born with a hooked nose was considered a sign of leadership.
W7E1N TIL that the UK used pit ponies (for coal mines) until 1994, then waited until 2011 to propose removing legislation governing pit ponies. And the last four working pit ponies were called Alan, Carl, Tom and Flax.
wXvJ TIL That a Y2K bug caused incorrect Down sydrome test results being sent to pregnant mothers, resulting in two abortions.
Ooeke TIL that immediately after the murder of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, the German chancellor mandated that all participant nations fly their flags at half-mast. Ten Arab nations objected to their flags being lowered to honour murdered Israelis, and so they were restored to full-mast.
l77R5 TIL that the Dodge Stealth and the Mitsubishi 3000GT are essentially the same car. The Dodge Stealth is an example of rebadging or badge engineering: that is, a manufacturer creates a distinct automobile by applying a new badge or trademark to an existing product line.