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Bald Eagle Strikes Donald Trump During Photoshoot

In a surprising turn of events during a photoshoot for TIME magazine, presidential candidate Donald Trump found himself on the receiving end of an unexpected attack from a bald eagle named Uncle Sam. The incident occurred when Trump reached for aspirin on his desk, prompting the 27-year-old eagle to lash out. The photoshoot, conceptualized by award-winning photographer Martin Schoeller, aimed to capture Trump's rising popularity amid his presidential campaign. The resulting images were featured in a TIME article highlighting Trump's candidacy. However, the incident has raised concerns among critics, particularly given Trump's controversial views on science and climate change, which he has previously claimed is a fabrication by the Chinese. The video of the encounter has since garnered attention, showcasing a unique and somewhat chaotic moment in the campaign trail. sources

Published:
Mar 29 2025, 7 am IST

Finnish Soldier Steals Troop's Meth and Escapes on Skis

In a remarkable tale from World War II, Finnish soldier Aimo Koivunen found himself in a perilous situation on March 18, 1944, when his ski patrol troop was ambushed behind enemy lines by Russian forces. As they fled, Koivunen, feeling exhausted, consumed the entire supply of Pervitin (methamphetamine) intended for his troop, inadvertently taking a dose 30 times greater than recommended. This drastic measure initially boosted his energy, allowing him to lead his comrades through the snow, but soon led to severe side effects, including distorted vision and loss of consciousness. When he regained awareness, he was alone, having skied 100 kilometers away from his squad. Surviving on pine buds and a small bird, he eventually traveled 400 kilometers before being rescued, albeit in a weakened state. Koivunen's heart rate was alarmingly high at 200 beats per minute, yet he survived to tell the tale, living until the age of 72. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 12 am IST

Innovative Ocean Mapping Techniques Aim to Map Entire Seafloor

A global initiative, Seabed 2030, aims to map the entire ocean floor by the end of this decade, addressing the vast knowledge gap about the underwater world, which covers 71% of the Earth. Recent efforts led by the Greenwater Foundation, supported by Victor Vescovo's Caladan Oceanic, have successfully mapped 217,560 square kilometers across 14 countries, including the Solomon Islands, using innovative satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) techniques. This method significantly reduces costs, allowing mapping at approximately $2 per square kilometer, with aspirations to lower it to $1. Vescovo, known for his deep-sea exploration records, emphasizes the importance of this mapping for navigation, climate modeling, and environmental understanding. He is also developing a semi-autonomous ship equipped with advanced sonar to further enhance mapping efficiency in deeper waters. While the goal remains ambitious, advancements in technology may soon bring the first comprehensive global map of the ocean floor within reach. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 12 am IST

The Risks of Fully Draining Your Phone Battery

A recent study has revealed that lithium-ion batteries, particularly those with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes, experience a previously unknown form of degradation when run very low on charge. Led by Professor Jihyun Hong from Pohang University of Science and Technology, the research identified a "quasi-conversion reaction" that occurs when oxygen escapes from the cathode, forming lithium oxide that reacts with electrolytes to produce harmful gases. This degradation is especially pronounced in high-nickel batteries, which are increasingly used due to the high costs and ethical concerns surrounding cobalt mining. The findings suggest that while avoiding overcharging has been the focus for battery longevity, preventing deep discharges is equally crucial. Batteries that were not allowed to fully discharge retained significantly more capacity over time compared to those that were. The study emphasizes the importance of proper charging habits for extending battery life and reducing environmental impact. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 3 am IST

"Meat Tax: Can It Save the Planet?"

The concept of a "meat tax" is gaining traction as a potential measure to combat climate change and improve public health, despite facing significant opposition from meat lovers and industry stakeholders. Research indicates that livestock farming contributes 11-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is linked to health risks such as heart disease and cancer. A proposed levy on meat consumption could reduce intake, similar to successful sugar taxes in places like Berkeley, California, which saw a 9.6% drop in sugary drink sales. Studies suggest a meat tax could prevent over 220,000 deaths globally and save $40 billion in healthcare costs, while also cutting carbon emissions by up to 1.1 billion tons annually. Although concerns about economic impact and consumer rights persist, experts argue that a well-designed tax could alleviate burdens on low-income families and that public support may grow with effective communication about its benefits. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 8 pm IST

New Critically Endangered "Fairy Lantern" Plant Found in Malaysia

A new plant species, _Thismia aliasii_, has been discovered in eastern Peninsular Malaysia, and researchers have classified it as critically endangered. This unique addition to the _Thismia_ genus, known for its non-photosynthetic, mycoheterotrophic nature, was first identified by co-author Mohamad Alias Shakri during a 2019 expedition in Terengganu’s Chemerong Forest Eco Park. The plant, characterized by its striking light to dark orange flowers, relies on fungi for nutrients and is typically pollinated by small insects. Despite extensive surveys, only five specimens were found at two locations, prompting concerns over habitat degradation from increased hiking in the area. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of Terengganu, already recognized as a hotspot for _Thismia_ species. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal PhytoKeys. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 10 pm IST

Guess the Object in These Microscopic Images!

A new interactive quiz on Playbuzz challenges participants to identify various objects as seen through a microscope, highlighting the often bizarre and unfamiliar nature of the microscopic world. The quiz invites users to engage with images that may be difficult to recognize due to their minute scale, prompting a fun exploration of everyday items that appear drastically different under magnification. This engaging activity not only tests one’s observational skills but also serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the intricate details of objects that are typically overlooked in daily life. As the fascination with microscopic phenomena continues to grow, this quiz offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with science in an entertaining way. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 11 pm IST

"Strange Effects on Mice After 37 Days in ISS"

Prolonged exposure to microgravity poses significant challenges to human physiology, particularly in bone density and muscle mass. NASA estimates that weight-bearing bones lose at least 1% of their density for every month spent in space, while muscle mass can decrease by 20% in less than two weeks. Recent research involving female mice aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for 37 days has shed light on the specific sites of bone loss, revealing that weight-loaded bones like the femur experience greater deterioration compared to others, such as the spine. This study, published in PLOS One, indicates that microgravity, rather than radiation, drives these changes, as osteoclasts—cells that break down bone—are more active in space. Interestingly, some bones, including cranial and mandible bones, may even become denser, potentially due to increased blood pressure in the upper body during the initial days of orbit. Understanding these effects is crucial for future long-duration space missions. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 8 pm IST

Fish Use Tools Widely, But Only in One Family

Scuba divers have provided scientists with 13 film clips and three detailed descriptions of coral reef fish, particularly the black spot tusk fish, using rocks as anvils to crack open hard-shelled prey. This groundbreaking study, led by Professor Culum Brown of Macquarie University, challenges the long-held belief that fish lack the intelligence to use tools. The research reveals that tool use among fish is more widespread than previously thought, with five species documented, three of which are new to science. Lead author Dr. Juliette Tariel-Adam emphasized that this behavior indicates fish possess greater cognitive abilities than recognized. The study raises questions about whether this tool use is innate or learned, with ongoing research exploring the social learning aspects among wrasse. The findings, published in *Coral Reefs*, invite further contributions from the public to expand understanding of fish intelligence and tool use. sources

Published:
Mar 31 2025, 9 pm IST

China Discovers 100 Million Tons of Oil in South China Sea

China has announced a significant oil discovery in the South China Sea, with the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) revealing that the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield contains over 100 million tons of proven reserves. Located approximately 170 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen, the site was drilled to a depth of 5,415 meters, yielding 413 barrels of crude oil and 2.41 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from its test well. This discovery comes amid ongoing territorial disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea, where multiple nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, assert competing claims. While the find bolsters China's energy security, it raises environmental concerns regarding the risks of deep-sea drilling and its implications for global climate commitments, as the country aims for carbon neutrality by 2060. The impact of this discovery on regional tensions and energy stability remains to be seen. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 8 pm IST