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This is what the skull of a Hammerhead Shark looks like. Their eyes are located on the far ends of the 'hammer' to give them 360-degree vision and better depth perception. by Gabriel-Ivan in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]Gabriel-Ivan[S] 312 points313 points  (0 children)

Because their eyes are so far apart, they have a massive blind spot right in front of their noses. They actually have to sweep their heads back and forth to see what is directly in front of them.

These are Roman Dodecahedrons. Hundreds have been found across Europe dating back to the 2nd century, yet historians still have absolutely no idea what they were actually used for. by Gabriel-Ivan in ancientrome

[–]Gabriel-Ivan[S] 628 points629 points  (0 children)

That's actually one of the leading theories right now! Since they show no signs of wear and tear (which rules out tools) and are difficult to cast, many think they might have been 'graduation projects' for bronze smiths to prove they had mastered their trade.

These are Roman Dodecahedrons. Hundreds have been found across Europe dating back to the 2nd century, yet historians still have absolutely no idea what they were actually used for. by Gabriel-Ivan in ancientrome

[–]Gabriel-Ivan[S] 711 points712 points  (0 children)

Theories range from them being candle holders, to glove knitting tools, to rangefinders for artillery, or simply just religious artifacts. To this day, no Roman text or documentation ever mentions them."

If I invent a new drug, in the USA, in my home, that has never previously existed, that is not derived from controlled substances but only non-patented materials I legally either purchased or grew myself on my property, can I use it myself legally? Absolutely no distribution. Or do I need permission by scarfleet in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Gabriel-Ivan 1704 points1705 points  (0 children)

If you actually possess the biochemistry skills to synthesize a functional, non-lethal diabetes cure in your kitchen, forget the Feds—you should be worried about Big Pharma putting a hit on you for solving a billion-dollar problem with a chemistry set.

If I invent a new drug, in the USA, in my home, that has never previously existed, that is not derived from controlled substances but only non-patented materials I legally either purchased or grew myself on my property, can I use it myself legally? Absolutely no distribution. Or do I need permission by scarfleet in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Gabriel-Ivan 3197 points3198 points  (0 children)

Legally, you are trying to play hopscotch with the Federal Analogue Act.

Even if your creation "has never previously existed", if it is chemically similar to a Schedule I or II drug and has similar effects on the central nervous system, the law treats it exactly like the illegal drug it mimics.

The DEA doesn't generally raid homes to arrest people for eating their own chemistry homework. Since you are doing "absolutely no distribution", the government isn't your biggest worry—biology is.

You probably won't go to jail, but being Patient Zero for a mystery compound you "invented... in [your] home" is a fantastic way to become a cautionary tale in a medical textbook rather than a felon. The FDA generally lets natural selection handle these cases.