› added 1 year ago

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TIL DNA transfer does not only occur "vertically", that is, from parent to progeny. There is also a form of DNA transfer known as horizontal or intracellular DNA transfer, which consists in a piece of DNA being transferred from the genome of one cell to that of another—including between species.

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ADj57 TIL all seagulls have a set of glands above the eyes that filter out the salt ions from their bloodstream, allowing them to drink saltwater.
PYymn TIL Traudl Junge worked as Adolf Hitler's last private secretary, from 1942 to 1945, typing out his last will and testament the day before his suicide. At 22, she was the youngest of his private secretaries, and years later said she felt guilty for, "liking the greatest criminal ever to have lived."
dYr7 TIL James Franco, a non-smoker, took up smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, learned to ride a motorcycle and play guitar, and cut himself off from his loved ones, all to prepare for his role as James Dean.
J5l4 TIL there’s a genetic disease that causes people to stop sleeping and eventually die
NOvN TIL in 2015 an EVE Online player known as “Non Erata” stole 600 Billion ISK (in game currency) - equal to $13000 USD in reality. This was accomplished by working his way up the ranks for over 6 real months in an in game corporation and stealing everything while the leadership was offline