TIL when insects are electrocuted by bug zappers, it can spread a mist containing insect parts up to about 2 metres from the device. The air around the bug zapper can become contaminated by bacteria and viruses that can be inhaled by people or settle on food.
TIL that the liquid from canned chickpeas (and only chickpeas, not other beans) is called aquafaba and can be whipped into a stiff, fluffy foam. Aquafaba can be used instead of egg whites in baking and can even be used to make egg-free merengue.
TIL that the element Cobalt gets its name from a trickster goblin of German folklore, the kobold, because when medieval miners discovered it and tried to smelt it thinking it was silver, it released toxic gasses they believed to be the goblin playing a trick on them.
TIL in 1986 all game designers working for Konami were forbidden to attach their actual name to any project. Instead, they were required to create a fake name to be listed in the game’s credits. This was to prevent them from asking for raises, and keep rival companies from stealing their talent.
TIL Mel Brooks was a producer on the movie The Elephant Man, but his name was intentionally uncredited as to not lead audiences to believe the film was a comedy
TIL Killer bees were created in an attempt to breed tamer and more manageable bees. This was done by crossing a European honey bee and an African bee, but instead the offspring became more aggressive and highly defensive bees that have escaped into the wild.
TIL Detroit holds the record for the city with the most rejected bids to host the Olympics.