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GW190521 Suggests Link to Another Universe, Scientists Say

Scientists from the LIGO-Virgo collaboration have proposed that the gravitational wave event GW190521, detected on May 21, 2019, may indicate the existence of another universe connected to ours via a hypothetical wormhole. The signal, lasting just 0.1 seconds, is unusual due to its lack of the typical precursor signals associated with black hole mergers. The researchers suggest that this could represent a unique gravitational wave echo from a black hole merger in a different universe, passing through a "throat" of a wormhole. While their analysis shows potential for this interpretation, it does not currently surpass the binary black hole merger explanation. The team emphasizes the need for further modeling to explore the wormhole scenario, especially in light of a recent similar event, GW231123, detected in November 2023. The findings are detailed in a pre-print paper awaiting peer review. sources

Published:
Oct 01 2025, 8 pm

Orcas Drain Blood from World's Largest Fish

In 2024, orcas have captured attention for their remarkable behaviors, including predation on whale sharks, the world's largest fish. Researchers have documented a group of orcas in the southern Gulf of California employing sophisticated hunting techniques to target these gentle giants, which can grow up to 18 meters long. The orcas, particularly a male named Moctezuma, have been observed attacking the pelvic area of whale sharks, causing them to bleed out and allowing access to their nutrient-rich livers. This cooperative hunting strategy involves stunning the sharks and flipping them upside down, inducing a state of tonic immobility that prevents escape. While this predation highlights the orcas' intelligence and adaptability, it raises concerns about the sustainability of their diet, as whale sharks are classified as endangered and may be threatened by climate change. The findings underscore the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and the challenges facing both orcas and whale sharks. sources

Published:
Oct 04 2025, 10 pm

"First Animals on Earth: Over 541 Million Years Old"

A recent study has revealed that sponges, among the earliest forms of animal life, may have existed over 541 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously thought. Researchers analyzed "chemical fossils" in rocks, identifying special 30-carbon sterols linked to demosponges, a class of sea sponges. This evidence suggests that these simple, soft-bodied organisms were likely some of the first animals on Earth, living in ocean environments without complex organs or systems. The findings build on earlier hypotheses regarding the presence of sterols as indicators of complex life, reinforcing the notion that sponges played a crucial role in the evolution of multicellular organisms. The study, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, utilized geological samples from Oman, India, and Siberia, and synthesized sterols in the lab to support their conclusions, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of early animal life. sources

Published:
Oct 04 2025, 3 pm

Cow Carcass Dropped in South China Sea Attracts Surprising Visitors

Scientists investigating the processes surrounding whale carcasses in the South China Sea were surprised to encounter eight Pacific sleeper sharks (_Somniosus pacificus_), marking the first recorded sighting of the species in this region. The research team, led by Han Tian from Sun Yat-sen University, had dropped a cow carcass at a depth of 1,629 meters to simulate a natural event. Video footage revealed the sharks displaying unusual behaviors, including a polite queuing system for feeding, suggesting a competitive yet cooperative survival strategy. Larger sharks, measuring over 2.7 meters, exhibited more aggressive feeding behaviors, while smaller ones were more cautious. The study also noted the presence of copepod parasites on some sharks and highlighted the ecological significance of this finding, raising questions about the species' distribution and potential range expansion due to climate change. The research is detailed in the journal Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research. sources

Published:
Oct 04 2025, 3 pm

"Should You Place Salt Bowls in Windows This Winter?"

As winter approaches, UK residents are being advised to place bowls of salt in their windows to combat dampness and mold. This method is based on salt's hygroscopic properties, which allow it to absorb moisture from the air. Experts suggest that filling a shallow bowl with salt can help reduce condensation on windows, which can lead to mold and health risks. However, while salt can absorb moisture, its effectiveness is limited, particularly at lower humidity levels typical in UK homes, which generally range from 30% to 60%. Salt only begins to absorb significant moisture at higher humidity levels, making it a less reliable solution. Instead, proper ventilation is emphasized as the most effective way to manage indoor humidity. Opening windows or using built-in vents can significantly reduce moisture buildup, making the need for salt bowls unnecessary. sources

Published:
Oct 01 2025, 7 am

World's Tallest Bridge Opens Over "Crack In The Earth"

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, China, has officially opened to the public, claiming the title of the world's highest bridge. Spanning 2,980 meters (9,777 feet) and perched 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Beipan River, the bridge connects the regions of Liuzhi and Anlong, significantly reducing travel time across the canyon from an hour to just 90 seconds. Construction began in 2022, and prior to its opening, the bridge underwent rigorous load tests involving 96 trucks to ensure its structural integrity. Equipped with a glass walkway, the bridge also offers thrilling activities such as bungee jumping and paragliding. While it holds the record for the highest bridge based on deck height, Guinness World Records distinguishes it from the tallest bridge, a title currently held by France's Millau Viaduct, which measures from the highest point of the structure. sources

Published:
Oct 01 2025, 12 am

Long Life Equals Small Testicles in Bowhead Whales

Bowhead whales, known for their remarkable lifespans of over 211 years, possess a unique genetic adaptation that allows them to minimize cancer risk by slowing cell division, thus providing cells more time to repair damage. This phenomenon, linked to a gene called _CDKN2C_, is part of what researchers refer to as Peto’s Paradox, which explains why some long-lived species, like whales and elephants, experience lower cancer rates compared to humans. However, this genetic quirk comes with a downside: it appears to negatively impact male fertility, resulting in significantly smaller testicles—approximately 200 kilograms—compared to their close relatives, the right whales, whose testicles can weigh around 1,000 kilograms. A study from the University of Buffalo highlights the evolutionary implications of this gene duplication, suggesting it plays a crucial role in the bowhead whale's longevity while also affecting reproductive capabilities. sources

Published:
Oct 04 2025, 4 pm

Giant Mammals in Arctic Live Up to 200 Years

The bowhead whale, an Arctic-dwelling mammal, holds the title of the longest-living mammal, with lifespans exceeding 200 years. Remarkably, some bowheads swimming in Alaskan waters today were alive when Herman Melville penned _Moby-Dick_ in 1851. Researchers have uncovered clues to their longevity, including a harpoon tip found in a bowhead, dating back to the late 19th century, indicating the whale was around 115 years old. Additionally, scientists can determine their age by analyzing the amino acids in their eye lenses. A study revealed that one bowhead was estimated to be 211 years old. Adapted to icy environments, these massive creatures can grow up to 18.8 meters long and weigh over 90,000 kilograms. Their longevity may be linked to a gene duplication that halts cell division, although it negatively impacts male fertility. Other long-lived mammals include elephants and humans, but none match the bowhead's remarkable lifespan. sources

Published:
Oct 04 2025, 11 am

Discovering the Amazon's Tallest Trees: The Rainforest's Giants

The Amazon rainforest, home to approximately 400 billion trees, is now gaining attention for its towering giants, with the tallest tree measuring an impressive 88.5 meters (290 feet) discovered in a remote area between Brazil's Pará and Amapá states. This record-breaking tree, identified by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research through airborne laser scanning, is part of a cluster of eight trees exceeding 80 meters. Researchers, surprised by these findings, trekked into the rainforest to confirm the existence of these colossal trees, all belonging to the species _Dinizia excelsa_. Previous estimates had capped their height at 60 meters. The discovery raises questions about how these trees achieved such heights, potentially linked to past disturbances that cleared the forest. While the Amazon is rich in trees, it lacks the record heights seen in North America and Australia, likely due to environmental constraints that make extreme growth risky. sources

Published:
Oct 01 2025, 6 am

US Federal Committee Meeting on Vaccines: Key Details Inside

On September 18, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened to discuss updates to vaccine guidance, including the MMRV, COVID-19, and hepatitis B vaccines. The meeting followed a controversial overhaul of the committee by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who replaced all 17 members to restore public confidence in vaccine science. The ACIP voted 8-3 to end the recommendation for the MMRV vaccine for children under four, a decision that has raised concerns about public perception of vaccine safety. Despite this, the committee decided to maintain coverage for the MMRV under the Vaccines for Children program. As discussions continue, experts warn that changes to vaccine recommendations could undermine established public health measures, particularly regarding the hepatitis B vaccine, which is crucial for preventing chronic infections in newborns. The evolving landscape of vaccine policy has prompted some states to seek alternative health guidance, questioning the CDC's credibility. sources

Published:
Oct 03 2025, 6 pm

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