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Are Microwaves Safe to Use?

Microwaves are often hailed as the epitome of convenience in modern cooking, yet they frequently face criticism over potential health risks associated with their use. Despite these concerns, experts assert that microwaving food is safe. The technology works by agitating water molecules in food, which heats it quickly and efficiently without compromising nutritional value. Critics often cite fears of harmful radiation or nutrient loss, but scientific consensus indicates that microwaves do not pose significant health risks when used correctly. As such, they remain a practical option for busy households, allowing for quick meal preparation without sacrificing safety or nutrition. For those seeking more information on the safety of microwaving food, further resources are available. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 3 pm

The Science of Tickling: A 2,000-Year Mystery

Despite being a common experience, the phenomenon of tickling, or gargalesis, remains one of the greatest mysteries in science, perplexing thinkers for over 2,000 years. Researchers, including neuroscientist Konstantina Kilteni, highlight the lack of understanding surrounding why certain body areas are more sensitive, why some enjoy tickling while others do not, and why we cannot tickle ourselves. Existing studies suggest that individuals with autism perceive ticklish sensations differently, potentially offering insights into neurological differences. The evolutionary purpose of tickling is also questioned, as it appears to be a behavior shared among various species, including apes and rats. Kilteni's innovative tickling lab aims to standardize research methods, allowing for a deeper exploration of the brain's response to tickling. This research could not only clarify the mechanics of tickling but also enhance our understanding of brain development and social bonding. The findings are detailed in a recent publication in *Science Advances*. sources

Published:
May 29 2025, 11 pm

Man Learns Father Was US Murderer Through DNA Test

A man living in Australia under the alias John Vincent Damon has been identified as escaped US prisoner William Leslie Arnold, thanks to DNA evidence gathered by US Marshals in Nebraska. Arnold, who was just 16 when he murdered his parents and buried them in their backyard, confessed to the crime two weeks later. He received two life sentences in 1959 but escaped from the Nebraska State Penitentiary in 1967. After living in Chicago, California, and eventually Australia, Arnold raised a family, who believed him to be an orphan. The truth emerged when his son submitted DNA to a genealogical database, leading to a match with Arnold's brother. Deputy US Marshal Matthew Westover, who took on Arnold's cold case in 2020, confirmed the identity, revealing the dark past of a man described as a "great father" by his family. Arnold passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in deception. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 9 pm

Woman Accidentally Ingests 550 Times Normal LSD Dose

A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the unexpected consequences of accidental LSD overdoses through three case reports. One notable case involved a 15-year-old girl with bipolar II disorder who, after consuming a dose ten times higher than intended at a party, experienced erratic behavior and a subsequent seizure-like episode. Remarkably, her mental health improved significantly over the following years, with no symptoms of bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. Another case featured a woman who unknowingly ingested a high dose at a festival while pregnant, but both she and her child remained unharmed. The most extreme case involved a woman who mistakenly snorted 55 milligrams of pure LSD, resulting in severe vomiting and a prolonged altered state, yet she later reported positive effects on her chronic pain, leading to a reduction in morphine use. The authors caution that these anecdotal cases do not warrant experimentation with high doses. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 2 pm

Man Consumed 40,000 Ecstasy Pills Over Nine Years: Results

A recent case study from St George's Medical School in London highlights the potential long-term dangers of excessive ecstasy use, despite the drug often being considered relatively safe compared to substances like alcohol and tobacco. The subject, referred to as "Mr A," consumed over 40,000 MDMA tablets between the ages of 21 and 30, far exceeding the previous lifetime intake record of 2,000. Following three collapses at parties, he ceased use but experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including panic attacks, anxiety, and memory impairment. Although some symptoms improved after reducing cannabis use, significant cognitive deficits persisted, suggesting that the effects of prolonged ecstasy use may not be fully reversible. The study underscores the risks associated with high-dose MDMA consumption, including potential serotonin syndrome and lasting neurological impacts, raising concerns about the drug's safety profile for heavy users. sources

Published:
Jun 02 2025, 1 am

New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Emerges as Vaccine Changes Loom

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is under monitoring by the World Health Organization after being detected in several countries, including the USA. Virologist Lara Herrero notes that this variant has rapidly increased in prevalence, comprising 10.7% of sequences by late April 2025, and is dominant in Hong Kong and China. While there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, it may spread more easily and evade prior immunity. In a significant policy shift, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that healthy children and pregnant women will no longer be advised to receive COVID vaccines, a move that has sparked controversy and confusion among health experts. Critics argue that limiting vaccine access could jeopardize public health, especially as new variants emerge. Meanwhile, the CDC has yet to include NB.1.8.1 in its monitoring dashboard due to low case numbers. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 8 am

Hells Canyon: The US's Deepest River Gorge Formed Recently

Hells Canyon, straddling the border of eastern Oregon and western Idaho, is recognized as North America's deepest river gorge, plunging to a maximum depth of 2,436 meters (7,993 feet). Recent geological research reveals that this impressive feature is relatively young, having formed approximately 2.1 million years ago due to a significant shift in the Snake River's course, which enhanced its erosive power. In contrast, the Grand Canyon, carved over 5 to 6 million years, reaches a depth of 1,857 meters (6,093 feet). The construction of the Hells Canyon Dam complex in the 1960s and '70s sparked controversy over hydroelectric power and its environmental impact, particularly on salmon migration. While Hells Canyon is often touted as the deepest gorge, a rival, the "Great Gorge" beneath Alaska's Ruth Glacier, may exceed it in depth, with estimates suggesting it could reach 2,465 meters (8,087 feet). The findings are detailed in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 7 pm

Cocky Bennett: The 120-Year-Old Parrot Who Died

Cocky Bennett, a sulfur-crested cockatoo from Sydney, Australia, lived an astonishing 120 years before his death in 1916, making him one of the longest-living animals on record. Born during George Washington's presidency, Cocky outlived two of his owners and spent his early years traveling the South Sea Islands with Captain George Ellis. After Ellis's death, Cocky retired with the Bowden family, eventually becoming a local celebrity at the Sea Breeze Hotel, where he entertained patrons with his humorous catchphrases. Despite suffering from a viral disease that left him nearly bald and with a twisted beak, Cocky maintained his lively personality until the end. His legacy extended beyond his life; a collection box attached to his cage raised funds for St. George Hospital, resulting in three hospital beds named in his honor. Cocky’s remarkable lifespan and vibrant character left an indelible mark on the community. sources

Published:
Jun 01 2025, 10 pm

Which Way Do the Scales Tip in This Experiment?

A buoyancy dilemma involving a ping pong ball and an iron ball has sparked debate on Reddit, where user Veiy posed the question of which way a scale would tip when the two are placed in water. The crux of the issue lies in the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle, which states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Both balls displace the same volume of water, generating equal buoyant forces. However, when suspended by strings, the ping pong ball's downward force is largely counteracted by the tension in the string, resulting in a smaller increase in the beaker's weight compared to the iron ball. Consequently, the beaker with the ping pong ball rises while the other descends. In contrast, if the ping pong ball is pushed down manually, both beakers increase in weight equally, balancing the scales. sources

Published:
Jun 01 2025, 6 am

Tiny Ear Hole: An Evolutionary Remnant of Fish Gills?

A small percentage of the population has a barely noticeable hole where the top of their ear cartilage meets their face, known as a preauricular sinus. This congenital disorder affects about 0.1% of people in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and between 4% to 10% in parts of Asia and Africa, with figures in South Korea reaching up to 5%. While generally harmless, the condition can be prone to infection. The preauricular sinus arises from the first and second pharyngeal arches during embryonic development, which contribute to the formation of head and neck structures in mammals. Evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin has speculated that these holes may be remnants of fish gills, although this theory remains untested. The existence of such features, alongside tailbones and appendixes, suggests a fascinating link to our evolutionary past. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 11 am

Chubby Cheeks in Dinosaurs Challenge Chewing Theories

A groundbreaking study has revealed that dinosaurs may have had a softer side, specifically chubby cheeks, challenging long-held perceptions of their anatomy. Researchers examined the external skull morphology of various dinosaur species, discovering evidence of soft buccal tissue—termed "exoparia"—that connects the zygoma and mandible. This finding suggests that dinosaurs possessed a strong connective tissue structure that could stabilize their jaws during chewing, akin to mammalian anatomy. The study employed a novel methodology called THLEEP (Three-dimensional HistoLogical Enthesis Entry-angle Prediction) to analyze the orientation of these missing tissues. While no fossilized cheeks exist to confirm this hypothesis, the implications for understanding dinosaur feeding habits and skull anatomy are significant, hinting at a more complex chewing mechanism than previously thought. The research is published in the Journal of Anatomy, potentially reshaping our view of these ancient creatures. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 9 pm

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