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TIL when insects shed Theo skin, they secrete compounds to protect themselves from infection as their new exoskeleton hardens. Researchers are investigating these compounds as a source of new antibiotics and immune stimulants.

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bkbp TIL A recent study showed 25% of US drivers making a turn failed to use signals correctly. 48% of US lane changers failed to use signals. Such failures are responsible for up to 2M preventable accidents a year.
loe67 TIL that in 1665, the University of Cambridge temporarily closed due to the Bubonic plague. Isaac Newton had to work from home, where he used that time to develop calculus and the theory of gravity.
6axY TIL the Roman Empire typically avoided using slave rowers, instead preferring freemen, because they were more motivated.
v1BY7 TIL that, in 2006, a constitutional amendment came before Florida voters that would require 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution. In a twist of irony, Florida voters approved the amendment, which required all future amendments to get 60% of the vote to pass, with only 57% of the vote.
Dx8Y TIL a mental disorder called Cotard’s Syndrome (also known as the Cotard Delusion, the Nihilistic Delusion, and the Walking Corpse Syndrome) causes sufferers to believe that they are dead and do not exist.