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TIL that researchers are studying fireflies to increase LED output. The study of the glowing mechanism of fireflies has helped increase LED output by 55% so far.

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aw1Zy TIL: There's a tiny chunk of Russia located two countries west of Russia. Like East Germany, it's land the Red Army conquered in the last year of WWII. Unlike East Germany, the Russians are still in control of the ex-Prussian/ex-German area of Königsberg --called since WWII the Kaliningrad Oblast.
LBJr TIL Chris Pratt worked as a coupon salesman and a daytime stripper before becoming homeless in Maui. Of the experience, Pratt said, “It’s a pretty awesome place to be homeless. We just drank and smoked weed and worked minimal hours, just enough to cover gas, food, and fishing supplies.”
5VAZp TIL that the American Rock Band ‘The Postal Service’ was sent a cease and desist letter by the United States Postal Service for trademark infringement of their name. After negotiations, the USPS allowed the band to use their name in exchange for playing a free show at their national conference.
Vwok TIL that Mother Teresa’s supposed “miracle cure” of a woman’s abdominal tumor was not a miracle at all. The patient’s doctors and husband said she was cured because she took medicine for 9-12 months. “My wife was cured by the doctors and not by any miracle.”
BgdDx TIL Archduchess Mathilde of Austria accidentally set her dress alight and immolated herself while trying to hide a cigarette from her father