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Blue Origin Launches NASA Mars Mission, Lands New Glenn Booster

The ESCAPADE mission, comprising two probes designed to study Mars' atmosphere, has successfully launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, marking a significant milestone for the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos. The launch, which followed a previous scrub on November 13, was New Glenn's second attempt and its first successful booster recovery, landing on the barge Jacklyn in the Atlantic Ocean. The ESCAPADE probes will investigate how solar particles interact with Mars' thin atmosphere, providing insights into its current state and historical atmospheric loss. NASA describes the mission as crucial for understanding the Martian magnetosphere and its response to space weather. With a budget of approximately $80 million, ESCAPADE is part of NASA's SIMPLEx program and is expected to reach Mars in about 11 months. Looking ahead, New Glenn has several launches planned, including the anticipated test of the Blue Moon lander in January 2026. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 1 am

Why Can't All Wild Animals Be Domesticated?

During the lockdown in 2020, many sought companionship in pets, including the author, who was tempted by a wild mouse that wandered into their home. However, they refrained, knowing the likely outcome would be bites and mess. Fast forward five years, and the author now has a domesticated animal curled up on their desk, prompting a reflection on the domestication process. This involves mutual benefits between species, as seen with wolves evolving into dogs and wild cats adapting to human settlements. A recent study suggests that ancient South American hunter-gatherers may have kept foxes as pets long before dogs arrived, evidenced by a burial site in Patagonia. Additionally, a 1959 experiment on silver foxes demonstrated rapid domestication through selective breeding for tameness. However, not all animals can be domesticated, as they must possess specific traits, which wild mice lack, highlighting the complexities of animal companionship. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 10 pm

Ancient Seabed Splits from Continental Plates in Middle East

Researchers have discovered that an ancient oceanic plate beneath modern-day Iraq is breaking off horizontally, significantly impacting the region's geological landscape. Stretching from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran, the Neotethys oceanic plate has been forced deeper into the Earth as the Arabian and Eurasian continental plates converge. This collision has led to the formation of the Zagros Mountains, which continue to evolve over the past 20 million years. The study reveals that a sediment-filled depression in southeastern Iraq is deeper than anticipated, indicating that the sinking oceanic plate is contributing to the downward pull on the Earth's surface, alongside the weight of the mountains. Lead researcher Dr. Renas Koshnaw noted that this process allows for increased sediment accumulation, with the depression becoming shallower towards Turkey, suggesting the slab has broken off in that area. The findings enhance understanding of how deep-Earth processes shape surface geology. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 1 pm

Light Pollution Tied to Alzheimer’s in Under-65s in US

New research indicates that light pollution may significantly impact health, particularly as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease in individuals under 65. Dr. Robin M. Voigt from Rush University Medical Center highlights that excessive nighttime light disrupts circadian rhythms, which regulate biological functions and behaviors. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2012 to 2018, correlating Alzheimer’s prevalence with satellite data on nighttime light exposure across the U.S. Findings revealed that for those aged 65 and older, light exposure was more closely linked to Alzheimer’s than factors like alcohol abuse, while for younger individuals, it was the strongest correlation among all risk factors studied. Voigt emphasizes the need for further research to explore this relationship, suggesting practical steps to mitigate light exposure, such as using blackout curtains and warmer light bulbs. The study is published in *Frontiers in Neuroscience*. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 10 am

Speed Required for a Spacecraft to Leave the Solar System

Spacecraft differ significantly from cinematic starships, as they operate under the constraints of limited fuel and orbital mechanics. Currently, only five probes have achieved the necessary speed and trajectory to enter interstellar space: Voyager 1 and 2, which have already exited the Solar System, and Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and New Horizons, the latter of which is traveling beyond Pluto. Achieving escape velocity from Earth, which is at least 11.2 kilometers per second, is a complex task that requires careful management of mass and fuel efficiency, often enhanced by launching near the equator. Once in space, a spacecraft must reach over 42 kilometers per second to break free from the Sun's gravitational influence. Despite the challenges, these five spacecraft are on their way out of the Solar System, marking significant milestones in human space exploration. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 9 am

"Future Tech Relies on Sustainable Mining Practices"

To effectively combat climate change, a radical transformation in our relationship with resources and consumption is essential, particularly through the development of low-carbon technologies. Electric vehicles, while emblematic of this shift, highlight a critical challenge: their reliance on scarce minerals. The eNimon, a concept car from Sandvik, underscores the necessity of mined materials for green technology. As demand for critical minerals like copper and lithium is projected to triple by 2030, the mining sector faces a paradox; it is often viewed as an environmental threat yet is crucial for the green transition. With a significant portion of the mining workforce nearing retirement and fewer young people entering the field, a talent gap threatens progress towards net-zero goals. Sandvik is leading the charge in modernizing mining through automation and digitization, aiming to reshape perceptions of the industry and attract a diverse workforce to meet future demands. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 10 am

Lack of Sex Could Lead to Serious Health Risks

A recent study suggests that women who engage in sexual activity less than once a week may face a higher risk of early mortality compared to those who have sex more frequently. The research, which analyzed data from 14,542 individuals in the US, found that women with low sexual frequency were 1.7 times more likely to die from any cause by the end of 2015. While no similar correlation was observed in men, both sexes with depression showed improved health outcomes linked to more frequent intercourse. The authors noted that sexual activity could enhance cardiovascular health and mitigate age-related functional decline. Although causation cannot be definitively established, previous studies indicate that sexual activity may improve mood and overall well-being. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, suggest that while a weekly sexual encounter may not guarantee longevity, it could contribute positively to health. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 11 am

"Stunning Astrophotography: A Unique Take on Icarus"

In a groundbreaking collaboration, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy and skydiver Gabriel C. Brown have created a stunning image titled "The Fall of Icarus," capturing Brown's silhouette against the turbulent surface of the Sun. The photograph, taken in hydrogen alpha light, showcases the Sun's dynamic hydrogen layer and features multiple sunspots, enhancing its dramatic effect. The duo meticulously planned the shot, coordinating with a paramotor pilot to ensure perfect alignment during Brown's jump. After overcoming several technical challenges across six attempts, they successfully captured the breathtaking moment, which has been hailed as a masterpiece in astrophotography. McCarthy expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the innovative blend of skydiving and astrophotography. Limited edition prints of this remarkable image are available on McCarthy's website, marking a significant achievement in the field. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 12 am

"World's Largest Monkey Found in Groups of 800+"

In Gabon’s Lopé National Park, the world's largest monkeys, mandrills (_Mandrillus sphinx_), roam in impressive "hordes" of over 800 individuals, making them the largest known groups of any non-human primate. These striking primates, often mistaken for apes due to their short tails, exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with males showcasing vibrant blue, red, and yellow facial markings. Weighing up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds), mandrills are omnivorous, feasting on fruits, fungi, insects, and small reptiles. However, they can be aggressive, particularly when competing for resources or mates. Notably, female mandrills can form coalitions to fend off unwanted males, as highlighted by a 2006 study where a male was overwhelmed by a group of females during a fight. While their impressive teeth, measuring over 5 centimeters, may suggest a carnivorous diet, mandrills are primarily peaceful foragers—unless provoked. sources

Published:
Nov 10 2025, 11 pm

The World's Longest Border: More Complex Than It Appears

The longest land border in the world, stretching 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles), separates Canada and the United States, featuring a seemingly straight line that belies its complex reality. The border consists of a horizontal stretch across North America and a vertical boundary between Alaska and Canada. While much of the border appears to follow the 49th parallel, it actually wobbles and zigzags, with discrepancies leading to quirks such as the Canadian town of Coutts, Alberta, extending into U.S. territory. Historical treaties, including the Treaty of Ghent and the Oregon Treaty, established this boundary, but the lack of precise surveying tools in the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in numerous errors. Despite these oddities, the U.S. and Canada maintain a friendly relationship, with the unusual border rarely causing significant conflict, even amid trade disputes or territorial tensions. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 5 am

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