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Reasons to Avoid Soaking Dishes Overnight in the Sink

As the holiday season brings feasting and festivities, it also leads to a surge in dirty dishes and kitchen hygiene concerns. A 2019 study from Cardiff Metropolitan University revealed that kitchen sinks and tap handles are hotspots for bacteria, with common culprits including _E. coli_ and _Staphylococcus spp._ These surfaces, often damp and in contact with raw food, create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. Leaving dishes to soak in warm water can exacerbate the problem, making it harder to eliminate harmful microorganisms during cleaning. Experts recommend washing dishes promptly and regularly disinfecting sinks with soapy water followed by an antibacterial spray. For those using dishwashers, opting for models with superheated steam can enhance sanitation. Maintaining a clean kitchen is crucial, especially during the holidays, to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure food safety. sources

Published:
Dec 23 2025, 12 am

Music's Complexity Decreases Over Time, Reasons Unclear

A recent study employing network science to analyze 20,000 pieces of music spanning four centuries has revealed a notable decline in musical complexity over time. Conducted by researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Padova, the study categorized music into six macro-genres, using a network model where notes are represented as nodes and transitions as edges. Findings indicate that while classical music was historically more complex, it too has experienced simplification, with jazz showing a brief increase in complexity before stabilizing. The researchers suggest that this trend may be linked to technological advancements and the democratization of music composition, which have led to a more interconnected and algorithmically curated musical landscape. Despite the simplification of melodies, the study notes that other aspects of music may be becoming more intricate, highlighting the need for further research into these evolving dynamics. sources

Published:
Dec 27 2025, 7 am

Fourth Person Achieves HIV and Leukemia Remission: His Story

Paul Edmonds, a 67-year-old patient at City of Hope in California, has become the fourth person globally to achieve long-term remission from HIV, alongside overcoming leukemia, thanks to stem cell donations from a donor with a rare genetic mutation. Diagnosed with HIV in 1988, Edmonds endured years of harsh treatments until advancements in medication improved his outlook. After being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2018, he underwent intense chemotherapy, which led to remission of his leukemia, allowing for a stem cell transplant in February 2019. Remarkably, by the following year, he was free of detectable HIV and has since stopped antiretroviral treatment. Edmonds shares his journey to inspire hope and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those living with HIV, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and access to effective treatments as the fight against the virus progresses. sources

Published:
Dec 27 2025, 1 am

First Woman Effectively Cured of HIV: A Third Person

A woman in New York City, referred to as the "New York Patient," has reportedly achieved remission from HIV, becoming the first woman and the third person overall to be effectively cured of the virus. This groundbreaking case was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2022) and involves a stem cell transplant from a genetically matched donor with the rare CCR5-delta32/32 mutation, which confers resistance to HIV. Diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2013 and treated for leukemia, the patient received both cord blood and adult stem cells, along with antiretroviral therapy. Remarkably, over 14 months after halting antiretroviral treatment, no traces of HIV were detected in her body. Experts highlight the significance of her mixed-race background, as it underscores the challenges of finding suitable donors in underrepresented communities, potentially paving the way for more inclusive treatment options in the future. sources

Published:
Dec 23 2025, 2 am

Are We Living Inside a Black Hole? Insights from Physicists

Black holes, enigmatic entities formed from the collapse of massive stars, continue to perplex physicists and challenge our understanding of the universe. While they are known for their immense gravitational pull, which prevents even light from escaping, their study has led to significant paradoxes, notably the black hole information paradox. This dilemma arises from the conflict between black holes' ability to evaporate, as proposed by Stephen Hawking, and the principle of unitarity in quantum mechanics, which asserts that information cannot be lost. Some researchers suggest that black holes may imply a holographic universe, where our three-dimensional reality is a projection of information encoded on a two-dimensional surface. This theory posits that our universe could exist within a black hole of a larger cosmos, a notion that, while intriguing, remains speculative without compelling evidence. As scientists continue to explore these ideas, the mysteries of black holes remain a captivating frontier in astrophysics. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 9 pm

British Man Becomes Second Person Cleared of HIV

A second individual has shown no detectable HIV in their blood for 18 months following a stem cell transfusion, a treatment that mirrors the case of Timothy Ray Brown, the "Berlin Patient," who was functionally cured of HIV in 2007. The new patient, diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and later with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, received a double Δ32 stem cell transfusion after chemotherapy, which may have played a crucial role in the treatment's success. While researchers, including Professor Ravindra Gupta from University College London, caution against declaring a definitive cure, they suggest this case indicates that the treatment approach could be effective. However, the method is not widely applicable due to the rarity of double Δ32 donors and the risks associated with stem cell transplants. Gupta remains optimistic about exploring safer alternatives, such as gene therapy, to modify CCR5 and combat HIV. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 11 pm

World's Longest Erupting Volcano Has Erupted for 2,000 Years

Stromboli, a volcanic island north of Sicily, has been in a near-constant state of eruption for nearly 2,000 years, with its first recorded eruption dating back to 350 BCE. Known as the "lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli's frequent, mild eruptions produce spectacular bursts of lava, giving rise to the term "Strombolian" to describe such explosive activity. While most eruptions are relatively harmless, more violent episodes have occurred, notably between 1910 and 1931, which included a devastating eruption on May 22, 1919, that resulted in a tsunami and the destruction of homes, claiming four lives. The most powerful eruption of the 20th century took place on September 11, 1930, killing six people and generating a massive eruption cloud. Despite these violent episodes, Stromboli has remained active, continuing to erupt since February 2, 1934, and captivating observers with its fiery displays. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

Showering vs. Bathing: Which is More Hygienic?

A recent Reddit discussion sparked a debate on whether showering is more hygienic than bathing, with one user humorously referring to bathwater as "butthole and foot soup." While there is limited scientific research on the topic, studies suggest that showers are generally more hygienic, as the water used for washing flows away quickly, unlike in baths. A review of seven studies indicated that showers were more effective in reducing _C. difficile_ bacteria on the skin of infected patients. However, surveys show that many people feel cleaner after a shower, though this perception is subjective. Interestingly, some research indicates that bathing may offer benefits for mental and physical health, with one study finding that immersion bathing improved indicators of fatigue, stress, and overall well-being compared to showering. Ultimately, while hygiene differences are minimal, bathing may have additional health advantages, warranting further investigation. sources

Published:
Dec 23 2025, 7 pm

"Needing a Splint While Pooping? It Could Indicate Issues."

A TikTok video by Ambria Alice Walterfield, which went viral last week, has sparked discussions about an unconventional method for relieving constipation known as "splinting." In her video, Walterfield humorously described a technique where individuals can use their thumb to apply pressure internally, aiding in bowel movements. This method, often referred to as "The Adele," has been recognized by some as a practical solution for those struggling with constipation or other medical conditions affecting bowel function. While many users shared their experiences with this technique, experts caution that it should not be a regular practice. A 2013 study highlighted that a significant number of women using manual splinting had underlying pelvic floor issues, such as rectoceles or cystoceles. Medical professionals advise consulting a physician if one frequently relies on this method, as it may indicate more serious health concerns. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 6 pm

Physicist Reveals Worrying Reason for Alien Absence

A new theory proposed by Russian physicist Alexander Berezin offers a troubling perspective on the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have yet to encounter extraterrestrial civilizations. Berezin's "First in, last out" hypothesis suggests that once a civilization achieves interstellar expansion, it may inadvertently eliminate others, akin to a construction crew demolishing an anthill. He argues that advanced civilizations might not even notice less developed ones, prioritizing their own expansion over the existence of others. This grim outlook posits that humanity could be among the first to reach this stage and potentially the last to survive, driven by a singular focus on growth. Berezin emphasizes that if life exists elsewhere, it may only be found in close proximity, raising the stakes for humanity to either explore and conquer or risk being destroyed. He hopes his theory is incorrect, advocating for the discovery of alien life before humanity embarks on a destructive path. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 7 pm

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