› added 1 year ago

52

TIL that migratory birds may use quantum mechanics to navigate via magnetic fields

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GY7Rg TIL of the Peshtigo fire. It burned over a million acres while claiming at least 1500 lives. It occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire and has largely been forgotten.
b6QLN TIL that astronauts can grow up to 2 inches taller in space because their spinal discs expand in microgravity.
KYJm9 TIL about Guy Gabaldon, the Pied Piper of Saipan. Of Mexican descent, having learned street Japanese as a child growing up in Los Angeles. During WW2 convinced over 1,000 Japanese to surrender during the battle of Saipan. Was awarded the Silver Star, later upgraded to the Navy Cross.
9Yxe6 TIL THC, the most psychoactive part of cannabis, is believed to be involved in the plant's self-defense against insect predation, ultraviolet light, and environmental stress. But humans use it to get high.
W7e5L TIL that a piece of a transplanted liver can grow into a full-sized, fully functional liver in the recipient in about six weeks. At the same time, the donor's liver regenerates to replace the missing section.