India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
ContactTrending Science
The widely recognized distress signal "SOS" does not actually stand for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship," but was chosen for its distinctive Morse code sequence of three dots, three dashes, and three dots. Before the adoption of "SOS" as a universal distress signal in 1908, different countries and organizations used various codes, leading to confusion and inefficiency in maritime communication. The first documented use of "SOS" in the US was in 1909, and it gained prominence during the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Despite Morse code no longer being used for marine communication, "SOS" remains a standard distress signal, as demonstrated by three sailors rescued in 2020 after writing a giant SOS message on a remote Pacific island beach. 
A recent study challenges the widely held belief that women in foraging societies are active hunters, arguing that they may be the exception rather than the rule. While previous research suggested that women actively hunt in 79 percent of foraging societies, a new study disputes these claims, citing methodological flaws and selection bias. The researchers contend that gendered divisions of labor are present in all known contemporary hunter-gatherer societies, with men often taking on the role of hunters. Despite some evidence of female hunters in prehistoric cultures, the debate continues on the extent of women's involvement in hunting activities. The study emphasizes the importance of reassessing past assumptions and avoiding projecting Westernized ideas onto foraging societies. The findings are published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior.
If you prefer an evening shower over a morning one, you may have been tempted to go to bed with wet hair to skip the blow-drying process. However, there are various claims about the potential health risks of sleeping with wet hair, including catching a cold, getting a stiff neck or headache, and damaging your hair. While some of these claims are debunked, leaving your hair wet can increase the risk of fungal infections and hair damage. Experts recommend drying your hair as much as possible before bed and using a silk pillowcase to minimize damage. Ultimately, it is advised to go to sleep with dry hair whenever possible to avoid potential health issues.
Air conditioners are essential for cooling indoor spaces, but they come at a cost - increasing disorder outside. Physicists explain this phenomenon through the concept of entropy, which measures the amount of randomness or disorder in a system. The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy in an isolated system cannot decrease, leading to a constant rise in disorder. Despite efforts to create perpetual motion machines and defy this law, the second law of thermodynamics remains undefeated. While some models suggest the possibility of the second law not ruling forever, the most likely outcome for the universe is the "heat death," where entropy overwhelms everything. The battle against disorder continues, with the inevitability of entropy shaping the fate of the universe.
German authorities spent 16 years chasing a serial killer that didn't exist, as DNA from an unknown woman was found at 40 crime scenes across Austria, southern Germany, and France. The case began in 1993 when a woman was found strangled in her home, with DNA as the only clue. The mysterious DNA continued to appear at various crime scenes, leading police to believe they were dealing with a serial killer dubbed "The Phantom of Heilbronn." However, in 2009, it was revealed that the DNA belonged to a woman working in a medical supplies packing center, highlighting a case of DNA contamination. The revelation closed the case, exposing that the most notorious serial killer in Germany's history was a result of a major investigative error.
In a 1994 incident at the Palace of Westminster, UK, stage hypnotism came under scrutiny after a woman died following a hypnosis session at a club. This prompted a Home Office investigation into the practice's safety. While some, like University of Liverpool psychology professor Graham Wagstaff, dismissed hypnosis as a cultural invention, others, like therapist Claire Jack, argue that it remains a widely misunderstood practice. Recent studies have shown changes in brain activity during hypnosis, suggesting it goes beyond mere showmanship. Hypnosis has been found effective in pain relief, surgical interventions, and treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. While some liken hypnosis to the placebo effect, experts believe it may be a powerful tool in shaping perception and behavior. The debate continues, with the latest issue of _CURIOUS_ magazine delving into the mysteries of hypnosis.
Palaeontology is currently in a "golden age" with new dinosaur discoveries being made each year, leading to the question of how many more species are left to find. Estimates suggest that there may have been thousands, if not millions, of different dinosaur species that existed. A study in 2006 estimated around 1,850 non-avian dinosaur genera to have existed, with only 527 discovered at the time, leaving around 71 percent yet to be found. Another study in 2016 estimated around 1,936 different species of dinosaurs, with approximately 900 still left to discover. Fossilization is a key factor in determining what species make it into the record, but predictions suggest that 75 percent of discoverable dinosaur genera will be known within the next 60 to 100 years. Despite uncertainties, the golden age of palaeontology is expected to continue, providing a steady stream of new dinosaur species.
The US Social Security Administration has released its list of the most popular baby names in 2023, revealing that Olivia and Liam continue to dominate as the top choices for girls and boys, respectively. These names have maintained their positions for several years, with Olivia holding the top spot since 2019 and Liam for seven consecutive years. While the top 5 names for both girls and boys remained unchanged from the previous year, there were some notable increases in popularity for names like Kaeli, Alitzel, and Emryn for girls, and Izael, Chozen, and Eiden for boys. The list also highlights the most popular baby names over the last 100 years, with names like Mary and Michael showing remarkable consistency in their rankings. If you're curious about the popularity of your own name over time, the Social Security Administration offers a tool to explore this trend.
Giant predatory worms dating back 518 million years have been unearthed in North Greenland, named Timorebestia, or "terror beasts". These ancient creatures, comparable in threat to sharks and seals in the Cambrian period, provide new insights into a group of predatory worms still existing today. The largest known specimen, Timorebestia koprii, measured almost 30 centimeters, showcasing their dominance in the Early Cambrian water column. Evidence of their predatory prowess was found in fossilized remains of unlucky Isoxys, a common swimming arthropod at the time. The discovery sheds light on the complex food chain of ancient ocean ecosystems, with Timorebestia likely at the top. Researchers are excited about the unique predators found in Sirius Passet and anticipate more exciting findings in the future to understand the earliest animal ecosystems and their evolution.
The debate over whether to shower in the morning or evening has sparked discussions about the benefits of each routine. While morning showers are favored by 42 percent of US adults for waking up and feeling refreshed, evening showers have their own advantages, such as washing away the day's grime and aiding in relaxation before bed. Scientifically, both options have their merits, with morning showers potentially boosting alertness and reducing sick days, while evening showers can improve sleep quality and hygiene. Ultimately, the decision of when to shower comes down to personal preference and individual needs, whether it be for hair care, skin conditions, or simply to feel clean and comfortable. So, whether you're a morning or evening showerer, the key is to find what works best for you and makes you feel your best.