› added 4 years ago

207

TIL that lightning is created by water droplets and ice crystals bumping together in a could causing static electricity and then released from the cloud in the form of lightning. I am 30 years old and apparently didn't listen at school.

Read more nasa.gov

via reddit.com

PYL5O TIL that owls survive turning their heads so quickly because they have blood pooling systems to keep blood circulating to and from the brain when their neck movement cuts off circulation, as well as air-cushioned vessel casings so they don't rupture a blood vessel.
X049r TIL that the colony of Eider Ducks on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, England were the subject of one of the first ever bird protection laws, established by Saint Cuthbert in the year 676.
nWmGG TIL the word “cereal” comes from the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture, Ceres.
KbE TIL that in the first 10 years of the Tour de France,(1904-1914) many of the cyclists cheated by taking buses and trains instead of cycling the race.
nejm9 TIL marathon runners routinely lose their toenails due to bruising and friction. The constant rubbing and bruising on your toes can eventually cause the nails to dislodge and fall off. Doctors refer to it as "runner's toe" and it is a common annoyance for marathon runners.