Today I Learned (TIL)

You learn something new every day; what did you learn today?

TIL scientists have successfully created a process to genetically modify pigs to produce human-transplantable organs. The method edits the genetics of pig DNA to prevent our bodies from rejecting their organs. It would end transplant lists overnight. Human trials are starting.

| Category: Learned

Straightening a pig’s tail

Genetically Engineering Pigs to Grow Organs for People

Scientists announce the birth of 37 pigs gene-edited to be better for human transplant.

TIL that instead of selling 6 shares for 610,000 yen, a trader sold 610,000 shares for 6 yen, which resulted in a $100M loss for his company

| Category: Learned

Trading places

TIL four-legged animals like horses and dogs don’t have backwards knees. Those joints are actually their ankles, which bend in the same direction as our ankles do.

| Category: Learned

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TIL that the Mythbusters once tested a combination of common materials that made an extremely powerful explosive. They deleted the tapes and swore to never release the information, then contacted DARPA and warned them about the possibility of misuse from the combination.

| Category: Learned

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TIL Cindy Stowell had a lifelong dream to be a Jeopardy! contestant. In 2016 she made the show and in spite of the fact that she had Stage 4 cancer during the filming she became a six-time champion. She died shortly before her episodes aired and donated her $103K winnings to cancer organizations.

| Category: Learned