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TIL Counterfeit detector pens used in grocery stores contain an iodine solution that reacts with the starch in wood-based paper to create a black stain. When the solution is applied to the fiber-based paper used in real bills, no discoloration occurs.

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BgWKr TIL in 1790, George Washington checked out (and never returned) two books from the New York Society Library, one of which was finally replaced, in 2010, by representatives of his estate at Mount Vernon
rREyx TIL: Petunias were believed to ward off evil spirits. They also symbolize both being comfortable with someone as well as resentment/anger. This makes it an extremely appropriate name for Harry Potter's aunt.
V4eG TIL a Soviet all-female aviation regiment nicknamed the “night witches” would fly thousands of feet up, cut their engines and drop almost to the ground to bomb German forces undetected.
B4OW TIL a US Army pack mule that was shipped to Asia during WWII was captured by Americans six years later during the Korean War. The mule likely served in three different wars (WWII, Chinese Civil War, Korean War) and for three different armies (US, Nat. Chinese, Communist Chinese).
Ypp1B TIL that Ruth Coker Burks took care of more than 1000 people infected with HIV/AIDs during the height of the epidemic