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Beluga Playing "Catch" Footage Is Not Cute, Sorry

A viral video featuring a friendly beluga whale playing fetch with South African rugby fans has sparked concern among marine biologists, who warn that the creature may be Hvaldimir, a former Russian spy whale. Initially appearing adorable, the beluga's backstory reveals a darker reality: it was likely trained by the Russian military and is now struggling to survive in the wild after escaping captivity. Experts emphasize that Hvaldimir's interactions with humans could jeopardize its rehabilitation, as it has already suffered injuries from boat propellers. Marine biologist Eve Jourdain noted that the whale's malnourishment and weight loss are alarming, and it requires solitude to adapt to life in the wild. Warnings have been issued to discourage human interaction, as continued engagement could lead to tragic outcomes similar to those experienced by other marine animals. sources

Published:
Jun 09 2025, 5 am

Largest Mammal to Ever Walk the Earth?

Since the extinction of the dinosaurs, mammals have flourished, with the blue whale reigning as the largest mammal and the heaviest animal ever, reaching lengths of 30 meters and weights of up to 200 tons. On land, the African elephant holds the title of the largest living mammal, measuring 7 meters long and weighing between 4 to 7 tonnes. However, the extinct _Paraceratherium_, a hornless rhino from the Oligocene epoch, is believed to be the largest land mammal ever, with estimates suggesting it could reach 7.4 meters in length and weigh around 17 tonnes. Recent discoveries, including a new species, _Paraceratherium linxiaense_, have added to the intrigue, although debates persist regarding the size of other contenders like the straight-tusked elephant _Palaeoloxodon_ and Borson’s mastodon. Despite these discussions, none of these mammals can compare to the colossal dinosaur _Patagotitan mayorum_, which dwarfed them at 37 meters long. sources

Published:
Jun 09 2025, 4 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 the longest-living cats is Creme Puff, a mixed tabby from Austin, Texas, who lived an impressive 38 years and 3 days, earning her the title of the oldest cat ever recorded by Guinness World Records. Her owner, Jake Perry, also had 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 27-year-old feline from England, whose age was only confirmed through veterinary records. However, competition arises from Millie, a cat claimed to be 30 years old, though her age remains unverified due to lack of documentation. sources

Published:
Jun 05 2025, 2 am

Titan Implosion: Confusion Persists Despite Intense Interest

Following the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible during its expedition to the Titanic wreck, the US Coast Guard is investigating the incident, amidst rampant online speculation about the circumstances of the crew's deaths. A viral video on TikTok and Twitter inaccurately claims that the implosion would have generated temperatures as high as the Sun's surface, suggesting a horrific demise for the five occupants. Experts, however, have debunked this notion, clarifying that while implosions do produce heat, the temperatures inside the sub would not reach the extreme levels suggested. Jasper Graham-Jones, a marine engineering associate professor, noted that any heat generated would be negligible and unmeasurable in the surrounding cold water. Arun Bansil, a physics professor, emphasized that the crew would have died instantly due to the violent nature of the implosion, experiencing no pain or awareness of the event. sources

Published:
Jun 09 2025, 10 am

Astronomers Discover Massive Object Beyond Neptune's Orbit

A team of researchers has presented compelling statistical evidence suggesting the existence of a ninth planet, dubbed "Planet 9," in our solar system. Their study focused on a group of distant, unstable objects that cross Neptune's orbit, revealing that their orbits are best explained by the gravitational influence of a massive, unseen planet beyond Neptune. This follows earlier claims from 2015, which proposed that similar objects were being "herded" by a large gravitational force. The researchers conducted simulations that indicated the presence of Planet 9 significantly improved the accuracy of orbital predictions compared to models without it. While the study does not pinpoint the location of this elusive planet, the team anticipates that the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory will provide further insights into the dynamics of our solar system's outer regions. The findings have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. sources

Published:
Jun 08 2025, 1 am

Dead Sea Scrolls Possibly Written by Bible's Original Authors

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence model named Enoch has enabled researchers to more accurately date the Dead Sea Scrolls, revealing that some manuscripts are significantly older than previously believed. Discovered in the mid-20th century in the West Bank, these ancient Jewish texts have been crucial for understanding the evolution of the Hebrew Bible. While traditionally dated between the third century BCE and the first century CE, Enoch's analysis of the handwriting styles in 135 scrolls has uncovered dates that may extend back to the late fourth century BCE. This suggests that writing styles linked to significant socio-political changes in the region emerged earlier than thought. Notably, fragments from the Book of Daniel and Ecclesiastes have been dated to the second and third centuries BCE, respectively, marking them as the first known biblical manuscripts from their presumed authors' time. The findings, published in PLOS ONE, could reshape historical narratives surrounding the scrolls and their authors. sources

Published:
Jun 05 2025, 1 am

Major Explosions, Dead Sea Scrolls Origins, and More This Week

In a week marked by significant scientific developments, researchers have suggested that the Milky Way may not collide with the Andromeda galaxy in 5 billion years, with new simulations indicating a 50% chance of a near miss. In a conservation milestone, two Yangtze finless porpoises, the world's only freshwater porpoise species, have been successfully returned to the wild in China for the first time, offering hope for their survival. Meanwhile, groundbreaking research has revealed that male mice embryos can develop ovaries due to low iron levels in pregnant females, marking the first evidence of environmental factors influencing mammalian sex determination. Additionally, a study highlights the ongoing challenge of determining the sex of dinosaurs, as recent findings suggest that distinguishing between male and female specimens remains elusive. These stories underscore the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry and conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Jun 07 2025, 5 pm

"Earth, Moon, and Saturn Unite in a Stunning Moment"

A striking NASA image, titled _The Day the Earth Smiled_, serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's place in the cosmos. Captured by the Cassini spacecraft on July 19, 2013, the photograph features Saturn's rings with Earth and its Moon visible from over 1.44 billion kilometers away. Inspired by the iconic _Pale Blue Dot_ image taken by Voyager-1, Carolyn Porco, the leader of Cassini's camera team, encouraged people to step outside and smile at the camera during the photo session. The final composite, released on November 12, 2013, after extensive processing, garnered significant media attention, even making the front page of the New York Times. Although Cassini met its end in September 2017, plunging into Saturn, its legacy endures through thousands of scientific papers and breathtaking images that continue to inspire awe about our universe. sources

Published:
Jun 08 2025, 2 am

California Hosts the World's Smallest Mountain Range

Nestled among the rice fields and walnut orchards of northern California, the Sutter Buttes is often dubbed "the world’s smallest mountain range," although this title remains unofficial. Located 18 kilometers northwest of Yuba City, the range spans just 18 kilometers east-to-west and 16 kilometers north-to-south, a stark contrast to the expansive Rocky Mountains. The Sutter Buttes are remnants of a volcano that last erupted during the Pleistocene Epoch, approximately 1.6 to 1.4 million years ago, featuring a series of lava domes, an eroded moat-like structure, and a debris apron. Standing at a modest 610 meters, the Buttes are dwarfed by the Rockies' towering heights. While some geologists question the classification of Sutter Buttes as a mountain range, its cultural significance is profound, particularly for the Maidu people, who view it as a sacred site for the spirits of the deceased, prompting discussions about renaming the area to honor its heritage. sources

Published:
Jun 09 2025, 3 am

Airport Worker Warns Against Tying Ribbons on Luggage

As vacation season approaches, an airport worker has issued a warning against tying ribbons to luggage, a common practice among travelers for easy identification. The baggage handler from Dublin Airport explained that these decorative bows can obstruct scanning tags attached to the suitcase's handle, potentially leading to lost luggage as bags may end up in manual processing if they cannot be scanned automatically. Additionally, travelers are advised to remove old stickers and tags to avoid confusion during the scanning process. In a surprising tip for those with a sweet tooth, the worker cautioned against packing marzipan, as its density can trigger alarms at security, resembling that of certain explosives. These insights aim to streamline the travel experience and minimize stress at the airport. sources

Published:
Jun 08 2025, 10 pm

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