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Colossal Moa: Fifth Species to Be De-Extincted

Colossal Biosciences has announced an ambitious plan to functionally de-extinct the moa, a group of nine giant, wingless birds that once roamed New Zealand before their extinction shortly after human arrival 800 to 900 years ago. The initiative, led by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in collaboration with Colossal and filmmaker Peter Jackson, aims to reconstruct the complete genomes of all moa species, utilizing over 60 sampled bones, including a rare specimen with intact soft tissues. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm emphasized the project's Māori-led nature, viewing the Ngāi Tahu as integral to guiding its direction. The moa, which varied in size from turkey-like to the towering South Island giant moa, played a crucial role in shaping New Zealand's ecosystems. This project marks the fifth species in Colossal's de-extinction lineup, which includes the mammoth and dodo, and aims to drive broader conservation efforts through advanced genomic techniques. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 12 am

Salmon Hats Return for Orcas After 37 Years

In a surprising revival of a quirky behavior, orcas have been spotted once again donning dead salmon on their heads after a 37-year hiatus. This trend, which first emerged in 1987 when a female orca in Puget Sound began the unusual practice, has resurfaced among members of the J pod in October 2024. Observers suggest that the orcas may be using their heads as storage for excess salmon, coinciding with a plentiful supply of the fish. While this playful behavior is endearing, orcas are also known for more destructive tendencies, such as attacking boat rudders and harassing porpoises without consuming them. Experts note that these cultural fads among orcas can vary by population and often fade over time, leaving researchers curious about the longevity of this latest salmon hat trend. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 5 am

Man Endured One of History's Most Horrific Deaths

Archaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a Medieval skeleton believed to belong to a young man, aged between 17 and 20, who suffered a gruesome death in the 13th century. Found near a cathedral in northern Italy, the skeleton exhibits symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting he was subjected to the notorious torture method known as "the wheel." This brutal device, used for public executions, involved systematically breaking limbs and inflicting further injuries before displaying the victim on a pole. The researchers speculate that the man may have been targeted as a suspected plague spreader, reflecting societal discrimination of the time. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed linear fractures at the base of his skull, likely from a botched beheading. If confirmed, this discovery would mark the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy, highlighting the horrific realities of historical punishment. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 5 am

"ER Visits Due to Sex Toy Mishaps: The Surprising Stats"

Every year, numerous Americans find themselves in emergency rooms due to mishaps involving sex toys, with data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System revealing a steady increase in such incidents over the past decade. An analysis of cases from 2013 to 2023 highlighted that vibrators are the most commonly "stuck" items, often due to their lack of a flared base, with rectal injuries accounting for nearly 70% of cases. Experts attribute the rise in incidents to the growing normalization of sex toys, driven by celebrity endorsements and improved accessibility through online shopping. Notably, men are more frequently admitted to ERs for these issues, although younger women also show a peak in incidents. Dr. Carol Queen emphasizes the need for better sexual education, particularly regarding anal play, to prevent such accidents and promote safe practices. As societal attitudes shift, the importance of informed and safe exploration of sexual pleasure becomes increasingly vital. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 10 am

Chimps Embrace "Pointless" Trend of Grass in Ears and Rears

As Paris Haute Couture Week unfolds, a group of avant-garde chimpanzees in Zambia is making headlines with their unusual fashion statement: blades of grass protruding from their ears and rears. This behavior, first observed in 2010 with a chimp named Julie, has since been adopted by several others in the same sanctuary, suggesting it has evolved into a cultural tradition. Researchers from Utrecht University noted that this trend, unlike typical chimpanzee behaviors that serve practical purposes, resembles human fashion, where the function is less tangible. Interestingly, the trend has spread to another group of chimps, despite no direct contact with the original group, likely influenced by caretakers who occasionally mimic the behavior. This phenomenon challenges the notion that only humans engage in seemingly pointless mimicry, highlighting potential social bonding benefits among the chimps. Meanwhile, a more troubling trend among capuchins in Panama involves the abduction of baby howler monkeys. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 5 pm

Airports May Help Aliens Locate Earth From 200 Light-Years Away

Astronomers have discovered that the strongest radio emissions from Earth, detectable up to 200 light-years away, primarily originate from airport radar systems, particularly military ones. These radar systems, which scan the skies for aircraft, emit significant radio waves, with over 40,000 airports contributing to a combined signal of 2x10^15 watts. If extraterrestrial civilizations possess radio astronomy capabilities similar to our own, they could potentially intercept these emissions, including those from military radars, which produce distinct patterns akin to a lighthouse beam. Lead researcher Ramiro Caisse Saide from the University of Manchester emphasized that civilizations can unintentionally transmit signals, raising the question of whether advanced extraterrestrial technology could detect our radio footprint. This research, presented at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting, highlights the potential for alien observers to pick up on Earth's technological signals, offering new insights into the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 11 pm

Introducing the Bille: A Self-Righting Tetrahedron Marvel

Mathematicians have unveiled the Bille, a groundbreaking monostable tetrahedron that always rests on the same side, a concept long theorized but never realized. First proposed by mathematician John Conway in the 1960s, the challenge was to create a four-sided shape that defied previous assumptions about balance. Gábor Domokos, a professor at Budapest University, and his student Gergő Almádi embarked on a quest to find this elusive shape, utilizing modern computational methods. After extensive trials, they constructed the Bille using ultra-light carbon fiber and tungsten carbide, achieving a functional design after overcoming initial setbacks. The Bille not only serves as a mathematical curiosity but also holds potential applications in space exploration, offering solutions for self-righting mechanisms in spacecraft. This innovative shape could pave the way for future advancements in both mathematics and engineering, highlighting the intersection of theoretical concepts and practical applications. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 10 pm

Galileo Spacecraft's Final Moments: Insights from Jupiter's Atmosphere

NASA's Galileo probe, launched in 1989, marked a significant milestone in our exploration of Jupiter, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit the gas giant. After gaining a gravity assist from Venus, Galileo arrived at Jupiter in 1995, embarking on a 23-month mission that included 35 encounters with its major moons. The probe provided groundbreaking insights, revealing intense volcanic activity on Io, a subsurface ocean on Europa, and the magnetic field around Ganymede. Notably, Galileo also witnessed the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter. In a dramatic highlight, a descent probe was released into Jupiter's atmosphere, transmitting valuable data on atmospheric composition before succumbing to extreme conditions. Ultimately, in 2003, NASA intentionally crashed Galileo into Jupiter to prevent any potential contamination of Europa, which may harbor conditions suitable for life, ensuring the integrity of future explorations. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 9 pm

"New Comet Traced to Ancient Origin, Pre-dating Solar System"

Astronomers have traced the origin of newly discovered interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing it likely comes from an ancient star in the thick disc of the Milky Way, potentially predating the Solar System itself. Discovered just a week ago, the comet exhibits significant differences from previous interstellar visitors, moving nearly twice as fast as its predecessors at approximately 57 kilometers per second. Researchers, including lead author Matthew Hopkins, utilized a new model to analyze the comet's trajectory and characteristics, suggesting it has been traveling through space for over 7 billion years. The comet's reddish hue indicates it has been altered by cosmic rays, and scientists anticipate that as it approaches the Sun, it may exhibit increased cometary activity. This discovery adds to the understanding of the vast population of interstellar objects, with estimates suggesting billions exist within our galaxy. The findings are set to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 10 pm

NASA Spacecraft's Final View Before Saturn Plunge

NASA's Cassini spacecraft, launched in 1997, revolutionized our understanding of Saturn and its moons after arriving at the gas giant on July 1, 2004. Following initial flybys by Pioneer 11 and Voyager missions, Cassini embarked on a seven-year mission that included detailed observations of Saturn's dynamic moons, particularly Titan, which scientists believe shares similarities with early Earth. The mission was extended multiple times, culminating in the "Grand Finale," where Cassini performed 22 daring dives between Saturn's rings and its atmosphere. This phase provided unprecedented data on Saturn's magnetic fields and ring composition. On September 15, 2017, after 293 orbits, Cassini was deliberately plunged into Saturn to protect its moons, particularly Enceladus and Titan, from contamination. The spacecraft sent back its final images and data before disintegrating in the planet's atmosphere, marking the end of a groundbreaking exploration mission. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 7 pm

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