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Decapitated Dolphin Discovered on US Island; NOAA Investigates

A decapitated bottlenose dolphin was discovered on North Carolina's Lea-Hutaff Island last month, raising concerns about animal cruelty and public health. The dolphin, which was already dead by April 15, was found with its head removed between April 16 and 18, according to NOAA Fisheries. A necropsy revealed the presence of the bacteria _Brucella_, which can cause the infectious disease Brucellosis in humans, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart infections. NOAA is investigating the incident as a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with potential penalties of up to $100,000 in fines or a year in prison for the perpetrator. The agency is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a conviction. Anyone with details is urged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 8 am

536 CE: One of History's Darkest Years

The year 536 CE is often cited as one of the most calamitous periods in human history, marked not by wars or diseases alone, but by a catastrophic volcanic eruption that obscured sunlight with ash and dust. While the exact volcano remains uncertain, evidence suggests it may have originated from Iceland or El Salvador's Ilopango. This "volcanic winter" led to plummeting temperatures, agricultural collapse, and widespread famine, as documented by Roman statesman Cassiodorus and Byzantine historian Procopius. The ensuing climate crisis contributed to the onset of the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the devastating Justinianic plague, which decimated populations across the Mediterranean. Interestingly, while empires like the Eastern Roman and Sasanian faced decline, the Arabian Peninsula experienced increased rainfall, setting the stage for the rise of the Arab Empire in the seventh century. This complex interplay of environmental and social factors illustrates the profound impact of climate on historical trajectories. sources

Published:
May 14 2025, 12 am

"First-Ever Fault Movement Rupture Captured on Video"

A video circulating among geologists may depict the first-ever fault movement captured on camera, following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025, resulting in at least 4,900 fatalities. The earthquake originated along the Sagaing Fault, a significant strike-slip boundary, and produced a supershear rupture that extended over 460 km, with surface displacements exceeding 6 meters. The shallow depth of the quake caused intense shaking across urban areas, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw, and even affected regions as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. The footage, reportedly filmed near Thazi, shows two blocks of earth sliding past each other, illustrating the mechanics of a strike-slip fault. This event marks a notable moment in geological observation, as it captures the dynamic process of fault movement, which typically occurs over extended geological timeframes. sources

Published:
May 13 2025, 10 pm

"Altered Biomarkers Explain Long COVID Brain Fog"

A recent study has identified two biomarkers linked to brain fog, a common and distressing symptom of long COVID, which affects an estimated 3-4% of Americans. Researchers from Corewell Health analyzed blood samples from 17 COVID-19 patients, finding that those with long COVID had significantly lower levels of nerve growth factor and higher levels of interleukin-10 compared to fully recovered individuals. These findings suggest that reduced nerve growth factor may hinder brain plasticity, contributing to cognitive difficulties, while elevated IL-10 indicates ongoing inflammation and fatigue. The study emphasizes the need for early identification and treatment of long COVID patients, as many report feeling misunderstood and inadequately cared for. The researchers advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, aiming to address the complex needs of these patients. The study is published in the journal PLOS One, highlighting the ongoing quest to understand and support those suffering from long COVID. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 1 pm

13-Year-Old Discovers Vast "Lost Sea" Under the US

In 1905, a 13-year-old boy named Ben Sands made a remarkable discovery in Craighead Caverns, Tennessee, when he crawled through a narrow opening and stumbled upon an unexplored underground lake, now known as the "Lost Sea." The cave system, historically significant to the Cherokee and later European settlers, contains artifacts like pottery and weapons, and even graffiti from a Confederate soldier dating back to 1863. The lake, which is now home to around 300 rainbow trout introduced after its discovery, measures approximately 800 feet long and 220 feet wide, with divers having mapped over 13 acres of its waters. Despite extensive exploration, the lake's full extent remains unknown, solidifying its status as North America's largest underground lake. Tour guide Savannah Dalton noted that the trout have adapted to their dark environment, losing some pigmentation and eyesight over time, as they await food from the 150,000 annual visitors to the cave. sources

Published:
May 13 2025, 12 am

Hypersonic Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine Achieves Key Milestone

A Houston-based startup, Venus Aerospace, has successfully tested its Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE), a significant step towards achieving hypersonic travel at speeds of four to six times the speed of sound. This innovative propulsion system, which has been in development since the 1980s, utilizes detonation rather than traditional deflagration, offering advantages such as increased thrust and reduced engine size. The recent test at Spaceport America marks the first high-thrust RDRE trial, demonstrating the engine's reliability and efficiency, although it did not break the speed barrier as intended. CEO Sassie Duggleby emphasized the milestone's importance in making high-speed flight more accessible and sustainable. The team is now focused on a full-scale propulsion test, aiming to develop the Stargazer M4, a reusable passenger aircraft capable of Mach 4. Industry experts have praised Venus Aerospace's progress in transforming theoretical concepts into practical applications for the future of space travel. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 7 pm

Thoreau's Diaries: Timeless Lessons on the Seasons

Henry David Thoreau, renowned for his philosophical insights, was also a meticulous observer of nature, documenting the New England climate in the 1850s through extensive notes. Professor Robert Thorson from the University of Connecticut has analyzed Thoreau's post-_Walden_ journals, which contain over two million words, to reconstruct seasonal patterns and establish a baseline for climate change. Thoreau's observations, including the timing of snowfalls and the freezing of the Concord River, reveal significant shifts in local climate, with ice breakup now occurring much earlier than in Thoreau's time. Thorson has compiled 6,000 of these observations into a spreadsheet, highlighting the dramatic changes in temperature and seasonal timing. This research not only aids climate scientists but also offers residents of Concord a personal connection to their environment, illustrating the emotional impact of climate change through Thoreau's vivid narratives. The findings are published in *The Concord Saunterer*. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 7 pm

Men Twice as Likely to Die from Broken Heart Syndrome

A recent study from the University of Arizona has revealed alarming insights into "broken heart syndrome," or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which can be triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress. While women are more frequently diagnosed with the condition—accounting for 83% of cases—men are found to be more than twice as likely to die from it. The research analyzed data from nearly 200,000 hospitalized adults between 2016 and 2020, highlighting a significant increase in incidence among individuals aged 46 to 60. This rise may be linked to factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits. The study's lead author, Dr. Mohammad Movahed, noted that men often lack the social support necessary for recovery, which could contribute to their higher mortality rates. The findings underscore the need for further research into the condition and improved patient care strategies, as published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 4 pm

What Is the World's Youngest Language?

The question of the youngest language in the world is complex, as it hinges on definitions of language versus dialect. Generally, Afrikaans is recognized as the youngest official language, having gained formal status in South Africa in 1925. Originating from 17th-century Dutch spoken by settlers at the Cape of Good Hope, Afrikaans evolved through interactions with indigenous Khoisan peoples and other groups, despite British attempts to suppress it. Meanwhile, two emerging languages, Light Warlpiri and Nicaraguan Sign Language, illustrate the dynamic nature of language development. Light Warlpiri, spoken by around 350 people in Australia, began evolving in the 1970s from a mix of Warlpiri, English, and Kriol. Nicaraguan Sign Language, which emerged in the late 1970s among deaf children in Managua, has grown into a complex system with over 1,500 speakers, showcasing how languages can develop rapidly in response to social needs. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 8 am

Superplume Under East Africa May Cause Continental Split

A new study led by Professor Fin Stuart from the University of Glasgow suggests that the volcanic activity and tectonic splitting of the East African Rift System (EARS) are driven by a massive plume of hot rock originating from the core-mantle boundary, rather than smaller, shallower plumes as previously thought. The EARS, the world's largest continental rift system, is currently splitting Africa into two continents. Researchers analyzed noble gas isotopes from magma samples collected at the Menengai geothermal field and compared them with gases from the Red Sea and Malawi, revealing similar isotopic ratios that indicate a common source. This finding supports the existence of the African Superplume, which is believed to be responsible for the rifting and the elevated position of the continent. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, provides significant geochemical evidence that challenges earlier hypotheses about the region's geological activity. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 12 am

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