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TIL many large fruits are considered “ghosts”, because large animals like the giant sloth that used to disperse them have gone extinct

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mody TIL Mistletoe is a parasite infecting hundreds of species of trees and shrubs. Once growing, it steals the nutrients and water of the host, killing the portion of the branch it’s on. Heavy infestation may kill off the entire host plant.
oBZ5o TIL Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his life in order to warn an incoming train of an imminent explosion. His telegraph said "Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys." He saved 300 lives.
8rKX TIL that Albinos genitals and bones are used in witchcraft rituals and a complete albino skeleton is worth as much as $75,000, according to the Red Cross
BgpAb TIL that train rails are transported in bundles of 1/4mile long pieces that are so long they must bend with their freight train around corners.
7P9Z TIL Surgeon John Liston amputated a leg in under 21⁄2 minutes. He also cut off the fingers of his assistant; both died from gangrene. He also slashed the coat tails of a spectator, who was so scared the knife had pierced his vitals he died from fright. The only operation with a 300% mortality rate.