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TikToker Survives Encounter with Venomous Cone Snail

A recent incident in Okinawa, Japan, highlights the dangers of rock pooling, as 29-year-old Beckylee Rawls narrowly escaped a potentially fatal encounter with a cone snail, specifically a marbled cone (_Conus marmoreus_). These marine gastropods, part of the Conidae family, are known for their strikingly beautiful shells and potent venom, which can be lethal to humans. Rawls, who shared her experience in a TikTok video that garnered 29.4 million views, initially mistook the snail for a harmless shell. Cone snails are expert hunters, using a harpoon-like tooth to inject neurotoxins into their prey, and there is currently no antivenom available for their bites. While scientists are exploring the medicinal potential of cone snail venom, which may be significantly more effective than morphine, beachgoers are advised to adopt a “look but don't touch” approach to avoid similar dangerous encounters this summer. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 10 am

"Large Hadron Collider Starts First Oxygen Collisions"

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has initiated its first-ever collisions of oxygen ions, marking a significant step in the quest to understand the early universe. While the LHC is renowned for its proton-proton collisions that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson, it is also capable of colliding heavier ions to create a quark-gluon plasma (QGP), a state of matter believed to have existed shortly after the Big Bang. This new series of experiments will involve colliding lighter ions, including oxygen and neon, to explore how QGP properties emerge in relation to system size. Scientists hope to uncover insights into phenomena such as "jet quenching" and "collective flow," which could enhance understanding of particle interactions in extreme conditions. However, challenges such as "beam pollution" from secondary particles may complicate data analysis. The investigations are set to run from July 1-9, with researchers eager to gather valuable data. sources

Published:
Jul 02 2025, 11 pm

Scientists Sequence 4,800-Year-Old Egyptian DNA

Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome of an adult male from ancient Egypt, dating back 4,500 to 4,800 years, using the oldest DNA sample from the region. This groundbreaking work, led by the Francis Crick Institute and Liverpool John Moores University, involved extracting DNA from a tooth found in a ceramic pot in Nuwayrat, south of Cairo. The analysis revealed that 80% of the individual's ancestry traced back to North Africa, while 20% linked to the Fertile Crescent, suggesting significant cultural and genetic exchanges during a transformative period in ancient Egypt. The individual, likely a potter based on skeletal markings, was buried in a manner indicative of higher social status, raising questions about his life and trade. The study aims to enhance understanding of migration patterns in ancient Egypt and is published in *Nature*. Future collaborations with Egyptian researchers are planned to further explore these findings. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 8 am

Earth's Farthest Point from Sun: 152 Million Kilometers Away

On July 3, 2025, at 3:54 pm ET, Earth will reach aphelion, its furthest point from the Sun this year, at a distance of 152,087,738 kilometers (94,502,939 miles). This elliptical orbit means that Earth is approximately 5.1 million kilometers (3.2 million miles) closer to the Sun at perihelion, which occurs around January 3, 2026, resulting in 6.8 percent more solar radiation during that time. Despite being farther from the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer due to its axial tilt, while the Southern Hemisphere endures winter. The dates of aphelion and perihelion shift over time, influenced by the gravitational pull of Jupiter and Saturn, with a cycle that alters the orbit's shape over hundreds of thousands of years. Currently, the orbit is nearing its most circular form, affecting the lengths of the seasons, with summer in the Northern Hemisphere lasting 4.66 days longer than winter. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 1 am

Understanding Bed Rotting: Is It Healthy?

The trend of "bed rotting," which involves spending an entire day in bed without engaging in productive activities, has gained popularity, particularly among Gen Z and women, as a form of self-care and stress relief. While some experts suggest that this practice can provide mental recuperation and a break from the pressures of a fast-paced society, caution is advised. Psychologists warn that excessive bed rotting may mask underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and can lead to physical health problems, including poor circulation and disrupted sleep patterns. Experts recommend maintaining a balance, encouraging occasional bed rotting while also engaging in physical activity to support overall well-being. Ultimately, while a day of relaxation can be beneficial, it is essential to ensure that it does not become a harmful habit or a means of avoidance. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 2 am

Unvaccinated Individuals 48% More Likely to Have Traffic Accidents

A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Medicine has revealed a surprising correlation between COVID-19 vaccination status and traffic accident involvement. Analyzing data from over 11 million individuals in Ontario, Canada, researchers found that unvaccinated individuals, who comprised 16% of the study population, accounted for 25% of traffic accidents requiring hospitalization. The study indicated that the unvaccinated faced a 48% higher risk of such accidents, comparable to the risks associated with sleep apnea. While the authors caution against inferring causality, they suggest that a general resistance to public health guidelines may extend to road safety practices. Possible explanations for this trend include distrust in government, misconceptions about risks, and socio-political factors. Despite limitations in the study, the findings underscore the need for unvaccinated individuals to exercise caution both in public health contexts and on the roads. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 12 am

World's Oldest Cat Thrived on Unusual Diet, Including Wine

While many pet owners wish for their animals to live forever, only a select few achieve extraordinary lifespans. Among them is Creme Puff, a mixed tabby cat from Austin, Texas, who holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest cat ever, living an impressive 38 years and 3 days from August 3, 1967, to August 6, 2005. Her owner, Jake Perry, also cared for the previous record-holder, Grandpa Rex Allen, who lived to 34. Perry attributed their longevity to a unique diet that included home-cooked meals and even red wine. Currently, the title of the world's oldest living cat belongs to Flossie, a 29-year-old feline from England, discovered to be a record-holder by charity staff reviewing her vet records. However, competition arises from Millie, a 30-year-old cat whose age cannot be verified, preventing her from claiming the official title. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 12 am

Ancient Mesopotamian Text "Hymn to Babylon" Found

Archaeologists have unearthed a nearly 3,000-year-old hymn that extols the virtues of Babylon, once the world's largest city, highlighting its people, location, and the vital Euphrates River. The hymn, which is believed to have originally spanned 250 lines, was widely copied for educational purposes, reflecting its significance to Babylonian culture. Researchers Professor Enrique Jiménez and Dr. Anmar Fadhil have translated the surviving portions, which praise the patron god Marduk, his temple, and the city's grandeur, likening Babylon to precious stones and a flourishing garden. The hymn also acknowledges the fairness of its citizens and their respect for foreigners, although historical context suggests a more complex reality. Notably, it includes rare descriptions of natural phenomena, such as the spring floods that nourished the land. This discovery sheds light on the educational practices of ancient Babylonians and their appreciation for cultural heritage. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 12 am

Record Low American Pride Six Months Into Trump's Presidency

A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant decline in American pride, with only 58% of adults identifying as "extremely" or "very" proud to be American, a stark contrast to nearly 90% at the start of the 21st century. This drop began in 2017, coinciding with political shifts, and has continued to decline, particularly among younger generations. While pride among Republicans has remained relatively stable, Democratic pride has plummeted, with only 44% of Millennial Democrats and less than 25% of Gen Z Democrats expressing strong national pride. Jeffrey Jones, a senior editor at Gallup, noted that each generation exhibits less patriotism than the previous one, attributing this trend to younger individuals facing economic challenges, social isolation, and environmental crises. He cautioned against oversimplifying the issue as merely a political phenomenon, suggesting deeper societal factors are at play. sources

Published:
Jul 02 2025, 4 pm

Ancient Neanderthal Site Reveals Bone Grease Diet Insights

Neanderthals living in Germany around 125,000 years ago operated a large-scale "fat factory," according to new research that reveals their sophisticated methods for extracting bone grease from animal bones. This intensive processing, discovered at the Neumark-Nord site, involved the collection of remains from 172 large mammals, including horses and deer, and marks the earliest known instance of such grease-rendering in the Paleolithic era. Study author Wil Roebroeks from Leiden University explains that while muscle meat was often deemed unsuitable for human consumption, bone grease provided essential nutrients, suggesting that Neanderthals engaged in food storage and forward planning. The findings challenge previous notions of Neanderthals as immediate-return societies, indicating they had the cognitive ability to invest time and effort into food processing. The study, published in *Science Advances*, opens new avenues for understanding Neanderthal behavior and dietary practices. sources

Published:
Jul 03 2025, 1 am

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