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Tachysensia: Exploring the Mystery of "Fast Feeling"

Tachysensia, a little-known phenomenon characterized by distorted perceptions of time and sound, has gained attention through a Reddit community of over 5,000 members who share their experiences. Described as feeling time speeding up while sounds become amplified or muffled, many individuals report episodes lasting between five to ten minutes, often beginning around puberty. Clinical associate professor Osman Farooq has been researching the condition, suggesting it may be linked to migraine presentations. Some parallels have been drawn between tachysensia and Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS), which also involves altered perceptions, though opinions on their connection vary within the community. Despite the intriguing nature of tachysensia, formal research remains scarce, prompting calls for greater scientific inquiry into this phenomenon, which could offer valuable insights into neurology. As awareness grows, experts hope to uncover more about this enigmatic condition. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 5 am IST

World's Largest Amphibian May Be Nine Distinct Species

A recent study has revealed that the Chinese giant salamander, long considered a single species, may actually comprise up to nine distinct species, prompting renewed calls for enhanced conservation efforts for this critically endangered group. Previously, in 2019, researchers identified three species, with the South China giant salamander recognized as the world's largest amphibian, reaching lengths of up to 1.8 meters. The latest findings, based on genetic analysis, indicate that while these salamanders appear similar, they have genetically diverged into at least seven distinct species, with the possibility of nine. The original species, _Andrias davidianus_, is critically endangered due to overexploitation and habitat loss. Conservation measures currently in place do not automatically extend to the newly identified species, highlighting the urgent need for further research and legislative recognition to prevent the loss of these unique amphibians. The study is published in the *Evolutionary Journal of the Linnean Society*. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 12 am IST

New "Methane-Powered" Sea Spider Species Discovered in Deep Sea

Researchers from Occidental College and the California Institute of Technology have discovered three new species of _Sericosura_ sea spiders off the US coast, which have developed a unique survival strategy in the deep seafloor's dark, cold environment. These spindly creatures cultivate methane-eating bacteria on their exoskeletons, which they consume for nutrition. The team collected specimens from California and Alaska using the submersible _Alvin_, revealing that the spiders utilize chemosynthesis to derive energy from methane gas seeping from the ocean floor. Lead author Shana Goffredi noted that the spiders graze on the bacteria, much like eating breakfast. This symbiotic relationship not only aids the spiders' survival but may also play a role in trapping climate-warming methane, highlighting a previously unknown interaction between marine life and methane-oxidizing microbes. The findings, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, underscore the complex dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems. sources

Published:
Jun 18 2025, 9 pm IST

Positive Nihilism: Can Meaninglessness Lead to Happiness?

Socrates once asserted that an unexamined life is not worth living, a notion that faced skepticism in ancient times, where religious adherence often took precedence. However, as humanistic philosophies emerged, thinkers like Kant and Jacobi began to explore the implications of reason, leading to the unsettling realization of nihilism in the 18th century. Nihilism, often viewed as a bleak philosophy denying objective meaning or moral truths, has recently undergone a re-evaluation. Philosophers like Joe Cunningham suggest that acknowledging life's inherent meaninglessness can be liberating, prompting individuals to define their own values. This perspective encourages a shift away from societal pressures, allowing for a more authentic existence. While embracing nihilism poses challenges, it also offers the potential for self-creation and personal freedom, inviting individuals to find meaning in their own terms amidst a seemingly indifferent universe. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 3 am IST

North America's Oldest Footprints Confirmed Over 20,000 Years Old

New research has confirmed that humans were present in the Americas as early as 23,000 years ago, based on ancient footprints found at White Sands, New Mexico. These prints, the oldest known in North America, were previously dated using seeds and pollen, but faced skepticism regarding their age. Professor Vance Holliday from the University of Arizona conducted further studies at a nearby lakebed, revealing sediment layers that corroborated the original dating of the footprints. Despite this confirmation, researchers are puzzled by the absence of cultural artifacts from this period, which predates the well-documented Clovis culture by 10,000 years. Holliday speculates that these early hunter-gatherers may have existed in small, transient populations that ultimately became extinct, with the Clovis culture representing the first significant, widespread human adaptation in North America. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 12 am IST

2010 US Gun Law Changes Led to Child Deaths

A recent study highlights a troubling correlation between lax gun laws and increased pediatric firearm deaths in the United States, revealing over 7,400 excess deaths from 2011 to 2023. Conducted by Dr. Jeremy Faust and colleagues, the research analyzed data following the landmark 2010 Supreme Court case _McDonald v. Chicago_, which weakened state gun control measures. The findings indicate that states with the most permissive gun laws experienced 6,029 excess firearm deaths among children, while those with strict laws saw a decrease of 55 deaths. The study also noted a disproportionate impact on Black children, who are now more likely to die from gun violence in these permissive states. The authors emphasize the need for policy changes to address this public health crisis, asserting that gun laws significantly affect children's safety. The study is published in JAMA Pediatrics, underscoring the urgent call for collective action to combat pediatric firearm mortality. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 1 am IST

Shark's Surprising Organ Could Combat Disease

Sharks, known for their status as apex predators and robust immune systems, have revealed a surprising aspect of their biology: their pancreas plays a crucial role in immune defense. Unlike mammals, sharks lack lymph nodes and tonsils but can produce antibodies and protective cells. A study led by Thomas Hill at the University of Maryland examined nurse sharks and discovered immune cell clusters in their pancreases, specifically B cells, which are vital for antibody production. Initially thought to be a sampling error, further analysis confirmed these clusters were effective in identifying B cells to combat infections. Immunizing sharks with a protein and the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated that their pancreases produced specific antibodies, suggesting a unique immune response mechanism. This finding raises questions about the function of human pancreases and their susceptibility to inflammation, hinting at evolutionary links to ancient species like sharks. The research is published in The Journal of Immunology. sources

Published:
Jun 18 2025, 10 pm IST

Why Homo Sapiens Stayed in Africa Until 60,000 Years Ago

A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, the Natural History Museum in London, and the University of Cambridge sheds light on the migration of _Homo sapiens_ from Africa, the species' ancestral home for over 200,000 years. While small groups had previously attempted to leave, they left no genetic legacy, suggesting their efforts were unsuccessful. The research indicates a significant ecological shift around 70,000 years ago, enabling humans to adapt to diverse environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This newfound ecological flexibility likely prepared them for successful migrations out of Africa around 60,000 years ago, despite challenging conditions. The study posits that a cultural Renaissance, characterized by increased social interaction and idea exchange, may have played a crucial role in this expansion. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature*. sources

Published:
Jun 18 2025, 11 pm IST

YouTuber Weighs Flying Airbus A320 Mid-Flight

Material scientist Brian Haidet has taken to his YouTube channel, AlphaPhoenix, to explore the unconventional method of weighing a plane while it is in flight. Typically, aircraft are weighed using scales placed under their landing gears and wing support points, but Haidet devised a homemade scale using load cells to measure the downward force exerted by a flying plane. In a series of experiments, he first tested his device with paper airplanes before moving to an airport, where he measured pressure changes in a box to estimate the weight of a full-scale aircraft. Despite challenging conditions, he successfully detected signals from passing planes, ultimately estimating the weight of an Airbus A320 at around 2 tons—significantly less than its actual weight. Haidet expressed excitement over his findings, noting the achievement of measuring an airplane's weight while airborne, despite acknowledging potential errors in his calculations. sources

Published:
Jun 18 2025, 9 pm IST

Bioluminescent Fungus Makes Glowing Wood a Reality

A team of scientists has developed a new type of wood that glows in the dark, inspired by the natural phenomenon known as "foxfire," which is caused by bioluminescent fungi. Led by fungal researcher Francis Schwarze at Empa's Cellulose & Wood Materials lab in St. Gallen, the project aims to find sustainable uses for Swiss hardwood, which is often burned. The glowing effect is achieved using the ringless honey fungus, _Desarmillaria tabescens_, which produces luciferin, allowing the wood to emit a green light when exposed to air. This biohybrid wood, which retains its strength while absorbing moisture, glows for about ten days after incubation. The researchers are now working to enhance its luminosity for potential applications, including luminous park signs and home decor. The study is published in the journal *Advanced Science*. sources

Published:
Jun 18 2025, 2 pm IST
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