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CBD Myths: Common Beliefs May Be Incorrect

A new clinical trial challenges the long-held belief that cannabidiol (CBD) mitigates the intoxicating effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), suggesting instead that CBD may enhance THC's effects. Conducted by Geert J. Groeneveld and colleagues, the double-blind study involved 37 healthy adults who consumed THC alongside varying doses of CBD. Participants reported feeling significantly "higher" and less alert when THC was combined with 450 milligrams of CBD, while lower doses of CBD showed no notable impact. The findings indicate that rather than counteracting THC's effects, higher doses of CBD may amplify them, contradicting the notion of a balancing "entourage effect." The researchers are continuing to explore the effects of pure CBD, but caution that these results pertain only to oral consumption, leaving inhalation effects unexamined. The study is published in *Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics*. sources

Published:
Sep 14 2025, 11 pm

Domestic Cats Create Hybrids: A Problem for Pets

The European wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) is facing a critical threat in Scotland due to hybridization with domestic cats (_F. catus_), which has been occurring for the past 60 years. This interbreeding has led to "hybrid swarms" that dilute the genetic integrity of the wildcat population, which is already endangered, with estimates suggesting only 30 to 430 individuals remain in the wild. Habitat loss and persecution have further exacerbated their decline, confining them to the Scottish Highlands. The rise of hybrids complicates conservation efforts, raising questions about species identity and the viability of future generations. Additionally, domestic cats pose risks to local wildlife through hunting and the spread of toxic substances from flea treatments. Conservationists advocate for stricter regulations on pet ownership, including microchipping and neutering, to mitigate these impacts and protect Scotland's last wild felids. sources

Published:
Sep 12 2025, 2 am

First Two-Way Communication Achieved Between Lucid Dreamers

A California startup, REMspace, claims to have enabled communication between individuals during lucid dreaming, a state where dreamers are aware they are dreaming and can exert some control over their dreams. The company, founded by Michael Raduga, announced a successful experiment on September 24, where two lucid dreamers allegedly exchanged a single word, a feat repeated on October 8. However, REMspace has yet to provide peer-reviewed data to substantiate these claims, with Raduga suggesting a review process could take six to twelve months. Despite previous peer-reviewed work, including studies on controlling virtual objects in dreams, skepticism remains regarding the validity of their latest assertions. Raduga's controversial personal claims, including having a chip implanted in his brain, further complicate the narrative. Until rigorous scientific validation occurs, the concept of dream communication remains speculative, albeit intriguing. sources

Published:
Sep 10 2025, 7 am

Stunning SEM Images of the Microscopic World

Advancements in microscopy, particularly scanning electron microscopy (SEM), have revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world, revealing intricate details invisible to the naked eye. SEM operates by scanning a focused beam of high-energy electrons across a sample's surface, generating signals that provide insights into its topography and chemical composition. With a remarkable resolution of under 1 nanometer and the ability to magnify objects up to 300,000 times, SEM far surpasses traditional light microscopes, which typically reach magnifications of around 1,000 times. Although SEM images are initially in greyscale, they can be enhanced with color for clarity and aesthetic appeal. A stunning array of SEM images showcases the extraordinary detail of various subjects, including pollen, insect anatomy, and even pathogens like Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the bubonic plague, highlighting the profound capabilities of this technology in scientific exploration. sources

Published:
Sep 14 2025, 8 pm

Stingray's Pregnancy Mystery Solved in Shark Tank Aquarium

A mystery at the Aquarium and Shark Lab in Hendersonville, North Carolina, has taken a somber turn regarding a stingray named Charlotte, who was initially thought to be pregnant despite the absence of male stingrays. Speculation arose that she could have been impregnated by a male shark, as two white spot bamboo sharks were introduced to her tank shortly before the unusual signs appeared. However, after extensive testing, the aquarium announced that Charlotte is suffering from a rare reproductive disease that has adversely affected her reproductive system, dispelling earlier theories of parthenogenesis or hybridization. The aquarium's team expressed their commitment to Charlotte's health and well-being, stating they will collaborate with veterinarians to explore treatment options. They hope that insights gained from her case will contribute to scientific understanding and benefit other rays in the future. sources

Published:
Sep 14 2025, 9 pm

Rare Close Encounter with Hazardous Asteroid 2025 FA22 Approaches

A significant astronomical event is on the horizon as the large asteroid 2025 FA22 approaches Earth, expected to be visible to amateur astronomers with small telescopes. Discovered on March 29, 2023, by the Pan-STARRS 2 observatory in Hawaii, 2025 FA22 measures approximately 120–280 meters (394–919 feet) in size. Although initially assigned a Torino Scale score of 1, indicating a low likelihood of impact, further observations have confirmed that it poses no threat to Earth. The asteroid will make its closest approach on September 18, 2025, at a distance of about 841,900 kilometers (523,100 miles), well beyond the Moon's orbit. A coordinated global observing campaign, led by the International Asteroid Warning Network, will monitor the asteroid's characteristics and trajectory. For those interested in viewing the event, a live stream will be available through the Virtual Telescope Project on the same day. sources

Published:
Sep 10 2025, 9 pm

200-Meter Event Sent Signals Through Earth for Nine Days

In September 2023, scientists detected a mysterious seismic signal that reverberated globally for nine days, described as a monotonous hum rather than the typical rumble of earthquakes. This unusual signal, termed a "USO" or "unidentified seismic object," was traced back to a massive landslide in Greenland's Dickson Fjord, which generated a 200-meter-high mega-tsunami. The event, linked to climate change-induced glacial thinning, involved a rockslide that displaced enough material to fill 10,000 Olympic swimming pools. Researchers noted that the seismic waves resulted from a phenomenon called a seiche, where the tsunami's energy caused vibrations in the Earth's crust. This unprecedented occurrence highlights the complex interplay between climate change and geological processes. Further evidence from the Surface Water Ocean Topography satellite corroborated the findings, emphasizing the need for advanced satellite technologies to monitor such extreme events in remote areas. sources

Published:
Sep 09 2025, 7 pm

"Dinosaurs' Lifespan: Surprising Insights for Researchers"

The blue whale, measuring 33.5 meters and weighing over 150,000 kilograms, holds the title of the largest animal ever to inhabit Earth. In contrast, dinosaurs, despite their massive size, had surprisingly short lifespans. Recent research indicates that large sauropods, such as the Patagotitan mayorum, which reached lengths of 37 meters and weighed around 70 tons, likely lived only 30 to 50 years. This is significantly shorter than the lifespans of modern large animals like elephants and blue whales, which can exceed 70 years. Professor Paul Barrett from the London Natural History Museum explains that rapid growth rates in dinosaurs limited their longevity. Predation, starvation, and environmental factors were common causes of death, suggesting that even the mightiest dinosaurs faced harsh realities in their prehistoric world. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the lifespans of these ancient giants, highlighting the complexities of their existence. sources

Published:
Sep 10 2025, 11 pm

Animal with 229 Chromosome Pairs Holds Record for Most

The Atlas blue butterfly (_Polyommatus atlantica_), native to the mountain ranges of Morocco and northeast Algeria, has officially been identified as the animal with the highest number of chromosomes, boasting a remarkable 229 pairs. This discovery, confirmed by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona through genome sequencing, is striking given that many of its relatives possess only 23 or 24 pairs. The butterfly's high chromosome count, which has evolved rapidly over just 3 million years, may enhance genetic diversity, potentially aiding adaptation to environmental changes. However, this complexity could also increase vulnerability to extinction, particularly as the species faces threats from climate change and habitat loss. The findings, published in *Current Biology*, highlight the importance of understanding the evolutionary advantages of such chromosomal structures for future conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Sep 10 2025, 8 pm

Unusual Halos Appear Around Chemicals Dumped Off LA Coast

From the 1930s to the 1970s, thousands of tons of chemicals were dumped off the coast of Los Angeles, raising environmental concerns that persist today. Initially believed to involve the carcinogenic pesticide DDT, recent research by the Schmidt Ocean Institute has revealed that the mysterious halos surrounding the barrels are linked to highly caustic alkaline waste, not DDT. The remotely operated vehicle SuBastian collected sediment samples, revealing low microbial diversity and a pH level of 12, indicating an alkaline environment. This discovery suggests that the barrels contained more hazardous materials than previously thought, prompting researchers to reconsider the scope of pollutants in the area. The findings highlight the long-term impact of industrial waste on marine ecosystems, with experts emphasizing the need for further investigation into the contents of these barrels to fully understand their environmental consequences. The study is published in PNAS Nexus. sources

Published:
Sep 10 2025, 10 am

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