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Amazon's "Boiling River" Can Cook You Alive at 86°C

Shanay Timpishka, known as La Bomba or the Boiling River, is a remarkable tributary of the Amazon River in Peru, renowned for its dangerously high temperatures, reaching an average of 86°C (186.8°F). Long dismissed by skeptics, including academics and the fossil fuel industry, the river's existence was validated in 2011 by geothermal scientist Andrés Ruzo, who was inspired by local Indigenous legends. Ruzo discovered that the river, which flows for 6.24 kilometers (3.9 miles), heats up as it passes through a hot spring beneath a rock resembling a snake's head, linked to local folklore. His research revealed that the river's extreme temperatures arise independently of volcanic activity, possibly due to geothermal energy from melting Andean glaciers. However, the area faces threats from logging and development, prompting Ruzo to advocate for its protection, emphasizing its cultural and scientific significance. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 2 am

Why No Human Remains Found in the Titanic

Despite extensive exploration of the Titanic wreck since its rediscovery in 1985, no human remains have ever been found, a fact that continues to intrigue and perplex. James Cameron, who has visited the site 33 times, noted the absence of remains, despite finding clothing and shoes that suggest bodies were once present. Several factors contribute to this mystery: many victims' lifejackets kept their bodies buoyant, leading to their swift dispersal by storms and ocean currents. Additionally, deep-sea scavengers likely consumed flesh, leaving bones that dissolve below the calcium carbonate compensation depth, which is over 3,000 feet deep. While some speculate that sealed areas of the ship, like the engine room, may still contain preserved remains, the likelihood of discovering recognizable bodies diminishes as time passes, leaving the fate of over 1,500 victims shrouded in uncertainty. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2024, 10 am

Why Do Opposite Dice Faces Sum to Seven?

The configuration of standard six-sided dice, where opposite faces sum to seven, has a long and intriguing history. This design, which pairs one with six, two with five, and three with four, became prevalent in the Egyptian New Kingdom around the 16th century BC and was adopted by the Greeks in the 1st millennium BCE. While earlier dice often featured consecutive values on opposite sides, the "sevens" arrangement likely emerged from aesthetic preference rather than mathematical necessity. It allows for symmetrical pairing and has significant cultural resonance, as the Greeks valued harmonic combinations. By the end of the Middle Ages, laws were enacted to standardize this configuration, solidifying its universal acceptance. Ultimately, the enduring popularity of this design can be attributed to tradition, as it became a rule of play that, if violated, was seen as undermining the integrity of the game. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 3 am

Meet the Tallest Person in History

Robert Wadlow, known as the "Alton Giant," holds the record as the tallest person in history, reaching an astonishing height of 2.72 meters (8 feet, 11 inches) before his untimely death at age 22. Born in February 1918 in Alton, Illinois, to average-sized parents, Wadlow's extraordinary growth was attributed to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, leading to excessive production of growth hormones. By age five, he was already 1.63 meters tall, and he continued to grow throughout his life, requiring custom-made clothing and shoes, including size 17.5 footwear. Wadlow gained fame while touring with the Ringling Brothers Circus and appeared in a documentary about his life. Tragically, he passed away in July 1940 due to an infected sore from a leg brace, leaving behind a legacy commemorated by a lifesize statue near the Alton Museum of History and Art. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 6 am

Patterns Seen When Eyes Are Closed: What Are They?

When you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur due to the normal functioning of the eyes, which continue to generate weak internal signals in the absence of light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, these signals are interpreted by the brain as light, creating the illusion of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying retinal issues or neurological conditions if they become more pronounced or persistent. In such cases, consulting a medical professional is advisable. The phenomenon can also be triggered by applying pressure to the eyeball, although this should be avoided. Overall, while phosphenes are a common experience, changes in their nature warrant attention. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2024, 1 am

"Thinnest Spaghetto, Frozen Earth Core, Shark-Hunting Dog"

In the latest episode of "Break It Down," scientists unveil a series of intriguing discoveries, including the first close-up image of a star beyond the Milky Way. Researchers suggest that the challenges of weight regain may be linked to the "memories" of fat cells, while a puzzling phenomenon regarding the Earth's inner core appears to involve a freezing process. Additionally, groundbreaking footage captures a giant virus infecting a cell for the first time. In lighter news, the world’s thinnest spaghetto has been measured at an astonishing 200 times narrower than a human hair. The episode also features Dadu, a remarkable dog that survived alone on a remote island for nearly a year and has since captured the hearts of many. Listeners can access the episode on popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 1 am

Why Some Alloys Don’t Expand When Heated Explained

Researchers have finally unraveled the mystery behind certain metal alloys, specifically Invar, which do not expand when heated, a phenomenon first noted by Charles-Edouard Guillaume in 1895. This unique behavior occurs only in specific ratios of iron and nickel, such as 13 iron atoms to 7 nickel atoms, and is attributed to the interplay between magnetism and atomic vibrations. A team led by Caltech's Stefan Lohaus discovered that magnetic effects organize the atoms in a way that counteracts the typical expansion caused by increased heat. Their findings suggest that as temperature rises, some electrons flip their spin states, allowing atoms to come closer together, balancing the vibrations that would normally push them apart. This research, published in *Nature Physics*, could have significant implications for manufacturing precise instruments and building resilient infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 4 am

Did an Unsung Hero Circumnavigate the Globe First?

Ferdinand Magellan is widely recognized for leading the first successful circumnavigation of the globe from 1519 to 1522, yet his legacy may be contested by an unsung figure, Enrique of Malacca. An enslaved man of Southeast Asian origin, Enrique accompanied Magellan on his expedition and is believed to have effectively circumnavigated the globe himself, having traveled from his homeland to Europe and back to Southeast Asia. Magellan's journey, which included navigating the treacherous Strait of Magellan and enduring severe hardships in the Pacific, ultimately ended in tragedy when he was killed in the Philippines in 1521. His crew, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, completed the voyage and returned to Spain in 1522. This narrative not only challenges the traditional view of exploration but also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of non-European individuals in shaping history. sources

Published:
Nov 20 2024, 7 pm

First Bird Extinction in Europe, North Africa, West Asia Announced

The Slender-billed Curlew (_Numenius tenuirostris_), a migratory shorebird, has been declared almost certainly extinct, marking the first known bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Once breeding in Siberia and wintering around the Mediterranean, the curlew's loss is particularly alarming given its extensive range. The last confirmed sighting occurred in Morocco in 1995, with subsequent searches proving fruitless. Factors contributing to its decline include habitat loss from agricultural practices in Siberia and pollution in Mediterranean wetlands, compounded by hunting and previous disease outbreaks. Experts emphasize the need for international cooperation to protect migratory species, as the extinction highlights broader conservation challenges. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and BirdLife International stress that the curlew's demise underscores the urgent need for action against climate change and habitat destruction to prevent further losses among vulnerable bird populations. sources

Published:
Nov 18 2024, 9 pm

Oldest US Firearm Discovered at Native American Uprising Site

The oldest firearm discovered in the continental United States, a bronze cannon, has been unearthed at the site of the first Native American uprising in Arizona, dating back to 1541. Brought by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado during his ill-fated expedition in search of seven legendary golden cities, the cannon was intended to protect the first European settlement in the American Southwest, San Geronimo III. However, it was never fired, as the settlement was attacked by the Sobaipuri O’odham tribe before the weapon could be loaded. Researchers suggest that this hackbut, a type of wall gun, may predate Coronado's journey, yet it remained unused and buried for nearly 480 years. The findings highlight the cannon's significance as both a relic of early European colonization and a symbol of the first successful Native American resistance in the region, as detailed in a study published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. sources

Published:
Nov 22 2024, 11 pm

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