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7.1M Earthquake Hits Mexico City

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City at 1:14 PM local time, with its epicenter located 122 kilometers southeast of the capital, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, occurring at a depth of 51 kilometers, has caused significant damage, with multiple buildings collapsing in the densely populated metropolis of nearly 20 million residents. Fatalities are anticipated, with USGS estimating a 39 percent chance of 100 to 1,000 deaths, and a 30 percent chance of casualties reaching up to 10,000. The economic impact could be severe, with potential damages ranging from $100 million to as much as $10 billion. Other cities, including Puebla and Ayutla, also experienced strong shaking. Coincidentally, the quake occurred on the 32nd anniversary of the devastating 1985 earthquake, highlighting Mexico City's vulnerability due to its geological location atop three tectonic plates. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 9 am

Was This Skeleton the Unluckiest Person Ever?

Archaeologists at Pompeii have revised their initial interpretation of the skeleton dubbed the "unluckiest guy in history," revealing that the man's skull remains intact, indicating he did not die from being crushed by a boulder during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The skeleton, discovered in the Vicolo dei Balconi area, belonged to a man under 30 who sought refuge from volcanic debris in a back alley. Researchers believe he was struck by a stone block thrown by the volcanic cloud, as evidenced by lesions on his leg suggesting a possible disability that may have hindered his escape. This find adds to the ongoing excavations at Pompeii, which have uncovered numerous artifacts and remains, including a horse cast preserved in volcanic ash, highlighting the site's rich archaeological significance. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 12 pm

Man Uses Google Maps to Prove Earth Isn't Flat

Flat-Earthers continue to promote their unconventional theories, often resorting to dubious experiments to support their claims. Recently, a viral Reddit post by Greg Pagel challenged one of their key assertions: that a flat horizon indicates a flat Earth. Pagel analyzed the horizon from his coastal hometown, calculating that the curvature of the Earth over a distance of 13.5 kilometers should create an arc of approximately 0.12 degrees—too subtle to perceive with the naked eye. He emphasized that the horizon appears flat not because the Earth is a disc, but due to its immense size. Critics quickly pointed out that Pagel's use of Google Maps, which relies on satellite imagery, inadvertently supports the round Earth theory. Additionally, the phenomenon of boats disappearing below the horizon further illustrates the Earth's curvature, debunking flat Earth claims. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 1 pm

Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Shows Signs of Cosmic Ray Processing

A recent study has revealed that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS exhibits signs of "galactic cosmic ray processing," which may complicate our understanding of its origins. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is the third confirmed interstellar visitor, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Researchers found an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water in its coma, suggesting it may have been exposed to intense radiation or formed in a CO2-rich environment. However, the study indicates that galactic cosmic rays likely altered its chemical composition over billions of years, creating an organic-rich crust that obscures pristine material beneath. This finding implies that interstellar objects may not be the untouched samples from distant star systems that scientists hoped for, but rather altered by their journeys through space. Further observations are needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential for uncovering pristine material as the comet approaches the Sun. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 12 am

Scientists Discover Earth's Largest Modern Impact Crater at 900 Meters

Scientists have identified the largest modern meteorite impact crater on Earth, named the Jinlin crater, located in the hilly forests of southern China’s Guangdong Province. Measuring between 820 to 900 meters in diameter and 90 meters deep, the Jinlin crater surpasses the previous record-holder, Russia's Macha crater, which is only 300 meters wide. Formed during the Holocene epoch, which began approximately 11,700 years ago, the crater's unique geological features, including quartz grains with planar deformation features, indicate it was created by a high-energy impact. Lead researcher Ming Chen emphasized that this discovery reveals a greater frequency of small extraterrestrial impacts on Earth than previously understood. The well-preserved site, despite the region's heavy rainfall and humidity, offers a valuable opportunity to study the planet's impact history and the dynamics of celestial collisions. The findings are detailed in the journal *Matter and Radiation at Extremes*. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 4 am

Rare Blonde Albino Echidna Spotted in the Wild

A wildlife filmmaker recently captured footage of a rare blonde echidna in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain National Park, surprising many with its striking white fur and bright spines. Taylor Jamii, who spent over six hours searching for the elusive creatures, described the moment as akin to finding a rare Pokémon, expressing her excitement on Instagram. Typically, echidnas have brown fur with lighter spines, but this individual’s unusual coloration is likely due to a genetic condition such as albinism or leucism, affecting melanin production. Echidnas, part of the monotreme order that includes the platypus, are unique egg-laying mammals native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for their shy nature and ability to tolerate high carbon dioxide levels, these creatures often burrow when threatened. While rare, this blonde echidna is not the first of its kind to be documented, with a few others having been spotted in the past. sources

Published:
Nov 09 2025, 9 pm

"Invasive Tree of Heaven Causes Double Invasion in Virginia"

Scientists in Virginia are intensifying efforts to combat a "double invasion" of the invasive tree of heaven (_Ailanthus altissima_) and the spotted lanternfly (_Lycorma delicatula_). Originally introduced in the 1700s for its ornamental value, the tree has proliferated, creating an ideal habitat for the lanternfly, which has wreaked havoc since its arrival from China. The lanternfly's excretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold, which can hinder plant growth. Experts suggest that removing the tree of heaven could significantly reduce lanternfly populations, as the insects rely on it for food and protection. Researchers are exploring the use of a native fungus, _Verticillium nonalfalfae_, as a biological control to target the invasive tree, potentially offering a cost-effective alternative to pesticides. Virginia residents are encouraged to identify and remove the tree of heaven to help mitigate the spread of these invasive species. sources

Published:
Nov 12 2025, 4 am

Sex May Speed Injury Healing, But There's a Catch

A recent study suggests that intimacy with a partner can accelerate the healing of physical wounds, with the effects enhanced by the hormone oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone." Researchers applied small blister wounds to the forearms of 80 heterosexual couples, dividing them into groups that received either oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo, alongside a "Partner Appreciation Task" (PAT) involving compliments. While oxytocin alone did not speed healing, combining it with the PAT resulted in faster recovery, particularly for couples who also engaged in sexual activity. The study found that higher sexual activity correlated with lower cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress may play a role in healing. Notably, even daily affectionate touch, when paired with oxytocin, contributed to quicker recovery, suggesting that oxytocin enhances the benefits of intimacy rather than acting independently. The findings are published in JAMA Psychiatry. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2025, 5 am

23 North American Countries: How Many Do You Know?

North America is a diverse continent comprising 23 independent countries, including not only the well-known trio of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but also nations in Central America and the Caribbean. These include Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Jamaica, and Panama, among others. Additionally, the continent features 23 non-self-governing territories, such as Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. The definition of continents is complex and varies globally, with some arguing for as few as two continents based on geological criteria. The North American tectonic plate extends beyond the continent's political boundaries, encompassing regions like Greenland and parts of Siberia and Japan. Ultimately, the classification of continents is influenced by a mix of political, cultural, and historical factors, alongside geological considerations. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 10 pm

Night or morning: When to apply antiperspirant?

Antiperspirants, designed to combat sweat and keep you dry, are most effective when applied at night rather than in the morning, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. While many people may instinctively apply these products after showering, nighttime application allows the aluminium salts to dissolve into sweat and form a gel-like plug in the sweat glands, preventing perspiration throughout the day. This method takes advantage of lower sweat production at night, ensuring optimal results by morning. Although antiperspirants create a temporary barrier, they do not cause sweat glands to swell, as the skin's natural feedback system regulates sweating. For those looking to stay dry and confident, applying antiperspirant before bed is the recommended approach, allowing for a fresh start to the day ahead. sources

Published:
Nov 13 2025, 10 pm

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