› added 9 years ago

251

TIL when the Portuguese introduced chili peppers to Japan in the 16th century, rather than being eaten they were commonly put into socks to keep toes warm.

Read more japantimes.co.jp

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MekKW TIL Elephants resist cancer because of a gene called P53 that can either order repair of a damaged cell, or order to kill it. Most of the time P53 chooses the latter. The LIF6 gene carries out the orders to eliminate the cancerous cells.
EgkoV TIL the term "Hollaback Girl" was coined by supermodel Naomi Campbell. Producer Pharrell Williams overhead a conversation Campbell had where she said, "I'm sorry, I have a name. I ain't no Holla Back girl", apparently referencing the women in the music video for "Young'n (Holla Back)" by Fabulous
W0j9 TIL over 80% of the world’s eyewear manufacturer and retailer brands are owned and operated by Luxottica Group, a main reason why glasses are so expensive.
xVyj7 TIL Jesus exists in the DC comics universe. His list of abilities is just: carpentry.
VB1QG TIL that the Beatles almost made a Lord of the rings movie in 1968