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TIL that the Australian government failed to act on HTLV-1, a retrovirus that affects over 40% of the population of some indigenous communities in Central Australia. Between 5% and 10% of those with the virus will develop a rapidly fatal form of leukaemia.

Read more theguardian.com

via reddit.com

a8OoZ TIL a brinicle is formed when sea ice cracks and leaks saline water to the open ocean. The heavier-than-water brine sinks to the ocean floor while freezing the fresh water it comes in contact with, growing downward. A brinicle reaching the sea floor can catch creatures like sea urchins and starfish
a8vkN TIL that, on 16 November, 1949, students in Ghent (Belgium) stormed the medieval castle, lowered the portcullis and threw fruit from the walls at the police to protest a new tax on beer. The event is still commemorated yearly by the city as the greatest student prank in its history.
dmPZ TIL that no matter the evidence, if a jury feels a law is unjust, it is permitted to “nullify” the law rather than finding someone guilty
Eg1wX TIL After Apollo astronaut Al Worden left NASA, he moved to San Francisco, grew out his hair, and became a quasi-hippie. Worden was also a frequent guest on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, telling children what it was like to be an astronaut
BrMYd TIL that in 2003, after Kenneth Maxwell called 911 to report a fire he saw while driving home, his voice cut off, and when emergency personnel arrived on the scene he was found shot to death in his car. The fire was set to disguise a double homicide, and the killer saw Kenneth make the call.