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1985: Newborn Heart Surgery Without Pain Relief Due to Misbelief

In a shocking revelation from the 1980s, it was discovered that newborns, including premature infants like Jeffrey Lawson, underwent major surgeries without any pain relief, as medical professionals believed babies could not feel pain. This outdated belief persisted well into the late 20th century, leading to surgeries performed under paralysis but without analgesics. Jeffrey, who underwent open-heart surgery at just 26 weeks old, was conscious throughout the procedure, which involved invasive techniques that are now considered barbaric. Research conducted in the 1980s and beyond has since confirmed that infants do indeed experience pain similarly to adults, prompting a significant shift in medical practices. Advocacy from parents like Jeffrey's mother, Jill Lawson, has been crucial in raising awareness about infant pain perception, leading to improved care standards for newborns undergoing surgical procedures. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 pm

Juan De La Cosa's Lost Map of America Discovered in 1832

A remarkable piece of parchment, believed to date from around 1500 CE, is the first known map to illustrate Europe, Asia, and Africa alongside the coasts of the Americas. Created by Juan de la Cosa, who served as second-in-command on Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, this map offers a glimpse into early European perceptions of the New World. While the Norse Vikings reached North America around 1000 CE, systematic exploration did not begin until Columbus's expeditions. De la Cosa's map, crafted in Puerto de Santa Maria, depicts the Americas as part of a vast landmass, hinting at the unknown territories beyond. Although its coastline is inaccurate by modern standards, it suggests that the Americas were not merely an extension of Asia, a misconception held by Columbus and his crew. The map remained largely forgotten until its rediscovery in 1832, raising questions about its true origins and the timeline of its creation. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 10 pm

Nitrous Oxide: A Surprising Treatment for Severe Depression

A new meta-analysis suggests that nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, may offer a promising treatment for severe depression, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. Conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford, the study reviewed seven clinical trials and found that inhaling N2O at clinical concentrations could lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms within just two hours. However, these effects were short-lived, indicating that multiple treatment sessions may be necessary for sustained benefits. The gas appears to influence the brain's glutamate system, which is crucial for mood regulation. While the findings are encouraging, researchers caution that further studies are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy. Senior author Professor Steven Marwaha emphasized the importance of these results for patients who have lost hope in recovery, highlighting the need for continued exploration of nitrous oxide in clinical settings. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 8 pm

"Military Sleep Technique: Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes"

A sleep technique, originally developed for military fighter pilots, has gained popularity on TikTok, with fitness influencer Justin Agustin demonstrating how to fall asleep in just two minutes. This method, designed to help soldiers rest even in challenging environments, involves a series of relaxation steps, starting from the forehead down to the toes, while visualizing calming scenes like lying in a canoe on a tranquil lake. Agustin emphasizes the importance of clearing the mind of distractions, suggesting that if intrusive thoughts arise, one should mentally repeat "don’t think" for ten seconds. The technique, rooted in the 1981 book *Relax and Win: Championship Performance*, reportedly enabled 96% of pilots to fall asleep quickly, even under stressful conditions, such as during machine gunfire or after consuming caffeine. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 5 pm

Can Burying Scientists in Snow Protect Polar Bears?

In a bid to enhance the protection of polar bears, Polar Bears International (PBI) has employed unconventional methods, including burying scientists in snow to gather crucial data on the species. This innovative approach, alongside advanced collar-camera technology, aims to better understand the denning habits of polar bear mothers and their cubs, which is vital for their survival amid increasing threats from climate change and industrial activities. Dr. Louise Archer, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough, is leading research efforts in Svalbard, Norway, to demystify these behaviors. As polar bears face unprecedented challenges, understanding their needs is essential for effective conservation strategies. The latest insights from this research can be explored in the podcast episode of "We Have Questions," available on various platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. sources

Published:
Nov 30 2025, 9 am

"Mass Hunting by Humans Began 50,000 Years Ago: Why?"

A recent study has revealed that the ability to conduct mass hunts, a significant factor in the survival of _Homo sapiens_ over Neanderthals, likely emerged around 50,000 years ago. Researchers examined the Nesher Ramla site in Israel, where numerous aurochs bones, dated to approximately 120,000 years ago, were found. Contrary to expectations of a coordinated mass hunt, the analysis indicated that these bones belonged to individual animals rather than a single herd, suggesting that the hominins at the site engaged in multiple small-scale hunting events instead. This finding implies that these ancient hunters lacked the sophisticated communication and cooperation skills necessary for large-scale hunts, which may have put them at an evolutionary disadvantage compared to the more adept _Homo sapiens_. The study underscores the importance of social organization in human evolution and is published in the journal *Scientific Reports*. sources

Published:
Dec 01 2025, 11 pm

Moth-Eaten Clothes? Here's How to Fix It

As winter approaches, many are rediscovering their sweaters, only to find them riddled with tiny holes—an unmistakable sign of moth damage. The culprits are typically the webbing and case-bearing clothes moths, whose larvae feast on natural fibers like wool and cashmere. Once adult moths are visible, it’s often too late, as they do not cause damage themselves but lay numerous eggs that hatch into destructive larvae. To prevent infestations, experts recommend thorough cleaning of garments, including dry cleaning and vacuuming closets to eliminate eggs and larvae. For items that can't be washed, extreme temperatures—either heat or freezing—can effectively kill moths. Additionally, using strong herbal scents like lavender or cedar can deter adult moths, though they do not affect larvae. In extreme cases, introducing tiny wasps that target moth eggs has emerged as a natural and effective solution. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 9 am

The Theory of a Single Electron in the Universe

A peculiar theory proposed by theoretical physicist John Wheeler suggests that there may only be one electron in the universe, which appears to be many due to its movement through time. This idea stems from the indistinguishable nature of electrons and their antiparticles, positrons, which share identical properties except for their charge. Wheeler posited that electrons travel forward in time while positrons move backward, effectively making them the same particle. Richard Feynman, who discussed this concept with Wheeler, noted that while it offers an intriguing explanation for the similarities between electrons and positrons, it is unlikely to be accurate, particularly given the observed imbalance of matter and antimatter in the universe. Despite its speculative nature, the conversation influenced Feynman's work on positrons, which he described as electrons moving backward in time. sources

Published:
Nov 30 2025, 2 pm

Physicist Links SARS-CoV-2 Study to Simulation Theory Insights

A physicist studying the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Dr. Melvin Vopson, has proposed a controversial theory suggesting that we may be living in a simulated universe, based on his findings related to a new law of physics he calls the "second law of infodynamics." Vopson's research indicates that information entropy, which typically decreases over time, could challenge the randomness of genetic mutations, implying a deterministic process behind evolution. His analysis of the virus's mutations during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a decrease in information entropy, leading him to argue that this law could have significant implications for genetics and cosmology. While Vopson's claims require further evidence, he posits that if validated, they could revolutionize our understanding of evolution and the universe, suggesting that the apparent order and symmetry in nature may point to a computational framework underlying reality. sources

Published:
Nov 30 2025, 4 pm

Jerusalem Cricket: Not a Potato, Bug, or Cricket

The Jerusalem cricket, often referred to as the potato bug, is a large, flightless insect that is neither a true cricket nor a bug. This nickname can also apply to other species, including the Colorado potato beetle and the roly-poly. Jerusalem crickets belong to two genera, _Ammopelmatus_ and _Stenopelmatus_, and while their bites are not venomous, they can be painful enough to draw blood. Notably, the nymphs of the _Stenopelmatus_ genus exhibit violent cannibalistic behavior, consuming their own kind during their development. The term "potato bug" is a broad label that encompasses various unrelated species, including the Colorado potato beetle, a significant pest for potato crops, and the common pill bug. This confusion highlights the complexity of common names in the animal kingdom, where one label can refer to multiple distinct creatures. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 8 am

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