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TIL farmers in Africa use beehives to protect their crops from the largest and arguably most destructive crop pest in Africa: the elephant. Bees can’t sting through their thick hides but they can sting sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and inner trunk - they hear the hive buzzing and flee.

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E10YX TIL Many “Vampire killing kits”, allegedly from the 19th century, are sold in auction houses such as Sotheby’s, for upwards of $12,000. However, their authenticity is debatable as they contain materials that place them as being made in the 1930s or later. There is also no historical basis for them.
QJMbe TIL one of the first science fiction stories, ‘Description of a New World, Called a Blazing World,’ was written in 1666 by the Duchess Margaret Cavendish. She helped popularize scientific advancements, like the telescope and microscope, and was considered the first female philosopher of her time.
R5dO7 TIL uncomplicated cases of appendicitis can be cured with antibiotics
ADoen TIL Thursday Island, Queensland, was first sighted on a Friday, and nearby Friday Island was first sighted on a Thursday. Their names were swapped after their discovery so it would look better on maps.
wPN6 TIL: Eddie Murphy earned the Razzie Award for both worst actor and worst actress for his roles in “Norbit”.