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Vladimir Demikhov's Controversial 1954 Experimental Surgery

Vladimir Demikhov, a Soviet scientist born in 1916, is often remembered for his controversial "two-headed dog" experiments rather than his pioneering contributions to organ transplantation. Raised in a peasant family, Demikhov showed an early interest in biology, leading to his groundbreaking work in the 1930s, including the first total artificial heart prototype. His career was interrupted by World War II, but he later achieved significant milestones, such as the first successful heart-lung transplant and coronary bypass operation in dogs. However, his most infamous work involved head transplants, where he grafted the head of a smaller dog onto a larger one, resulting in a creature that displayed reflexive behaviors. Despite the technical achievements, his experiments sparked outrage in the medical community, overshadowing his legitimate contributions to surgery. In his later years, Demikhov received some recognition for his work, but his legacy remains marred by the ethical implications of his experiments. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 3 pm

ESA's Plans for Enceladus Alien-Hunting Mission Approved

Saturn's moon Enceladus has emerged as a prime candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life, thanks to its hidden liquid ocean beneath an icy crust and evidence of geothermal activity. The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a groundbreaking mission to explore Enceladus, part of its Voyage 2050 strategy, which aims to launch a solar-powered orbiter and lander by the 2040s, with a target arrival in 2052. The lander will investigate the moon's plumes at the South Pole, allowing scientists to sample the ocean directly without drilling through ice. ESA's commitment to this mission reflects its broader strategy for space exploration, which includes various ambitious projects such as the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars and the New Athena X-ray observatory. As ESA increases its science budget, the quest to answer whether life exists beyond Earth is gaining momentum, with significant missions planned for the coming decades. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 9 am

"Dead Leaf Spider: A Master of Disguise and Trickery"

The genus _Poltys_, a remarkable group of orb-weaver spiders, exemplifies the art of camouflage, often resembling twigs or leaves to evade predators. These nocturnal spiders construct spiral-shaped webs at dusk to capture flying insects, consuming their webs by morning, which leaves them vulnerable during the day. To enhance their disguise, _Poltys_ spiders have evolved unique anatomical features that allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, curling up and remaining motionless for hours. This evolutionary adaptation, honed over generations, has resulted in various species, including the Dead Leaf Spider (_Poltys idae_), which mimics both live and dry foliage with astonishing detail. Found across Africa, Asia, and Australia, _Poltys_ spiders showcase the gradual process of natural selection, while other spider genera, like bird-dung spiders, employ different strategies to avoid detection, further highlighting the diversity of survival tactics in the animal kingdom. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2025, 10 am

2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: Hilarious Winners Revealed!

Jason Moore has been crowned the winner of the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards for his captivating photograph titled "Air Guitar Roo," which features a female Western grey kangaroo striking a playful pose. Captured in the outer suburbs of Perth during the early morning light, Moore's image showcases the kangaroo amidst vibrant wildflowers. He described the experience as a delightful session, noting that while kangaroos are typically docile, this particular moment brought him joy and inspiration. The competition attracted over 5,300 entries from 1,842 participants across 85 countries. Other notable winners included Jacek Stankiewicz, who won the Junior Award for "Dispute," and Vittorio Ricci, awarded for "Unexpected Plunge." The awards also recognized various categories, including Creatures Under the Sea, won by Otter Kwek for an otter's graceful twirl, and the Amazing Internet Portfolio Award, claimed by Tímea Ambrus for a series of humorous squirrel images. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 10 am

Comet 3I/ATLAS May Alter Course Before Reaching Gemini

Comet 3I/ATLAS, the latest interstellar visitor to our Solar System, is on a trajectory that may lead to a significant encounter with Jupiter before it departs towards the Gemini constellation in 2026. A new pre-print study suggests that the comet, likely originating from the Sagittarius direction, could experience gravitational perturbations from both Mars and Jupiter, with the latter having a more substantial impact due to its proximity. The research indicates that 3I/ATLAS may have traveled alone for up to 10 billion years before entering our Solar System, possibly from the Milky Way's thick disk. While the exact origin remains uncertain, astronomers are keen to observe the comet as it approaches Jupiter, particularly between March 9 and 22, 2026, to gather more data on its trajectory and any non-gravitational forces affecting its path. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 2 am

Why Did AstraZeneca Withdraw Its COVID-19 Vaccine?

The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, is set to be withdrawn globally nearly 3.5 years after its initial approval, a decision attributed to a surplus of updated vaccines and declining demand. Experts, including Professor Adam Finn from the University of Bristol, suggest that the vaccine's effectiveness has diminished due to the emergence of new variants, making its continued production commercially unviable. Despite its discontinuation, AstraZeneca noted that the vaccine saved over 6.5 million lives in its first year of use and was pivotal in combating the pandemic. While the vaccine faced scrutiny over rare blood clotting issues, the risk was found to be low, with COVID-19 itself posing a greater threat. Experts acknowledge the vaccine's significant role in the pandemic response, but agree that more effective and safer alternatives are now available, indicating that its time may have passed. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 3 am

Myth vs. Medicine: Unveiling Nature's Healing Power

In an increasingly urbanized and fast-paced world, many individuals question whether modern living fosters wellness or contributes to a broader sense of "unwellness," encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual health. A growing body of research suggests that reconnecting with nature can significantly enhance well-being, with studies indicating that spending just two hours a week in green spaces can lead to improved mental and physical health. However, access to these natural environments is not equitable, particularly in urban areas. While the benefits of nature are well-documented, the wellness industry is rife with pseudoscientific claims, such as the controversial "earthing" movement, which lacks credible evidence. Despite these challenges, the therapeutic potential of nature remains compelling, prompting calls for greater access to green spaces as a means to improve public health and foster a deeper connection with the environment. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 4 am

"IFLScience Launches Membership Model for Future Collaboration"

IFLScience is launching a new membership model aimed at enhancing its engagement with the scientific community and its readers, according to Managing and Editorial Director Johannes Van Zijl. This initiative comes in response to the evolving media landscape, which has seen a rise in misinformation and operational costs, prompting a shift towards a more sustainable funding structure. The membership tiers will allow users to access a range of benefits, including reduced ads, exclusive content, and special events, while still providing free access to essential articles. The model is designed to ensure high-quality journalism that prioritizes accuracy and transparency, enabling IFLScience to invest in its team and technology. Van Zijl emphasized that this change is not just about maintaining operations but enriching the reader experience, reaffirming the organization's commitment to making science accessible and engaging for all. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2025, 9 pm

Ancient Indonesian "Pyramid" Likely Not Human-Made

A recent study published in *Archaeological Prospection* has sparked significant debate by claiming that Gunung Padang, a mountain in Indonesia, is the world's oldest pyramid, constructed between 25,000 and 14,000 years ago. This assertion, if validated, would challenge existing timelines of human development, suggesting advanced construction techniques existed before agriculture. However, many archaeologists have expressed skepticism, arguing that the evidence presented is insufficient. Notably, Lutfi Yondri from BRIN highlighted that local inhabitants lived in caves between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago, lacking the masonry skills required for such a structure. Critics, including Cardiff University's Flint Dibble, acknowledged the use of legitimate data but criticized the conclusions drawn, particularly regarding soil samples that lacked signs of human activity. The journal is currently investigating the study, while many experts lean towards the view that the mound is likely a natural formation rather than a man-made pyramid. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2025, 6 pm

The Origins of Space's "Most Terrifying Photo"

In a historic moment for space exploration, astronaut Bruce McCandless II made headlines on February 7, 1984, when he became the first person to conduct an untethered spacewalk from the space shuttle Challenger. Alongside fellow astronaut Bob Stewart, McCandless donned a Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) and ventured into the void of space, hurtling at nearly 28,900 kilometers per hour (18,000 miles per hour). Despite the daunting speed, the MMU allowed for a gentler experience, using nitrogen gas for propulsion. McCandless, reflecting on the moment, humorously compared his leap to Neil Armstrong's moon landing, stating, "It may have been a small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me." While the image of him floating untethered may evoke fear for many, McCandless described the experience as one of profound professional pride and personal elation, marking a significant milestone in human spaceflight. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 2 am

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