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Cow Carcass Dropped in South China Sea Attracts Surprising Visitors

Scientists exploring the South China Sea were surprised to encounter eight Pacific sleeper sharks (_Somniosus pacificus_) while investigating the ecological processes surrounding whale carcasses. The sharks, which typically inhabit colder waters, were observed feeding on a cow carcass dropped at a depth of 1,629 meters (5,344 feet) near Hainan Island. Video footage revealed not only their predation behavior but also a surprising queuing system, where sharks in front allowed those behind to feed, suggesting a complex social structure. Larger sharks, measuring over 2.7 meters (8.9 feet), displayed more aggressive feeding behaviors, while smaller ones were more cautious. The presence of parasites and other deep-sea organisms, such as snailfish and amphipods, was also noted. This unexpected sighting raises questions about the sharks' distribution and whether their presence in this region indicates a range expansion potentially linked to climate change, as their typical habitat spans from Japan to Alaska. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 8 pm

Blue Sharks' Unique Tooth-Skin Enables Color Change to Green, Gold

New research has unveiled that blue sharks (_Prionace glauca_), known for their striking coloration, possess unique tooth-like scales on their skin that may allow them to change color. These scales, called dermal denticles, contain pulp cavities filled with guanine crystals and melanosomes, which reflect blue light while absorbing other wavelengths. Dr. Viktoriia Kamska and Professor Mason Dean from City University of Hong Kong explain that the arrangement of these crystals can shift in response to environmental factors, such as water pressure, enabling the sharks to transition from blue to green or gold hues. This remarkable ability not only enhances their camouflage in varying light conditions but also highlights a distinct evolutionary path for color production in sharks, diverging from bony fishes. The findings will be presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, in July 2025, sparking interest among biomimeticists and marine biologists alike. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 4 pm

Ancient Protein Fragments from Extinct Animal Transform Biology

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by extracting the oldest animal proteins from 18-million-year-old fossilized mammal teeth in East Africa, extending the record by 14 to 15 million years. Additionally, fragments of proteins from a rhino tooth dating back 21 to 24 million years were found in North America, providing unprecedented insights into ancient life. Lead researcher Ryan Sinclair Paterson from the University of Copenhagen described the findings as a "game-changer" for studying ancient organisms. The research highlights the durability of dental enamel, which protects proteins from degradation, allowing for the recovery of molecular data that can illuminate evolutionary histories. These studies, published in *Nature*, suggest that proteins can survive far longer than previously thought, potentially reshaping our understanding of evolutionary processes and the lives of ancient species, including our own ancestors. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 9 pm

Top Spots for UFO Sightings: Insights from US Database

The National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), established in 1974, has processed over 180,000 reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) over the past five decades. Initially relying on a hotline, NUFORC launched its website in 1995, making its data publicly accessible for investigation. Common misidentified objects include Starlink satellites, rocket launches, and bright planets like Venus and Jupiter. Reports are graded from Tier 1 for dramatic sightings to Tier 4 for those explained by natural phenomena. Research indicates that UFO sightings are more frequent in western states like Arizona and Nevada, as well as in New England, attributed to factors such as natural landscapes and cultural connections to UFO lore. The U.S. Department of Defense has rebranded UFOs as UAPs to encourage reporting, emphasizing the importance of understanding aerial phenomena for national security. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 9 pm

"Unexpected Findings from NASA's Asteroid Deflection Mission"

In a groundbreaking mission in 2022, NASA successfully redirected the asteroid Dimorphos by crashing a spacecraft into it, demonstrating the feasibility of altering the trajectory of celestial objects. The impact not only changed Dimorphos's orbit by 32 minutes but also ejected boulders ranging from 0.2 to 3.6 meters in radius, which were propelled at speeds of up to 52 meters per second. A recent study revealed that these boulders were not scattered randomly; instead, they formed distinct clusters, suggesting complex dynamics at play. The largest cluster, containing about 70% of the debris, likely originated from two large boulders struck by the spacecraft. This unexpected behavior complicates future asteroid deflection missions, as the ejected material carried more momentum than the spacecraft itself, potentially altering the asteroid's orbital plane. The European Space Agency's Hera mission, set to arrive in 2026, aims to further investigate these findings. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 10 pm

Melting Glaciers Fuel More Explosive Volcanic Eruptions

Recent research presented at a major geology conference has revealed that volcanic eruptions in southern Chile are influenced by the expansion and contraction of glaciers above them, suggesting an increase in volcanic activity in the region due to climate change. The study, which utilized argon isotopes to date eruptions from six volcanoes, confirmed that volcanic activity decreased during the last Ice Age but has risen since then. Researchers found that heavy ice suppresses magma movement, and as glaciers retreat, the reduced pressure allows gases to expand, leading to more frequent and explosive eruptions. This phenomenon, previously observed in Iceland, may also apply to Antarctica and other glaciated regions, raising concerns about potential eruptions and their global impacts, including accelerated ice melt and atmospheric effects. The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the implications of climate change on volcanic activity worldwide. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 8 pm

"Conspiracy Theorists Claim Internet Died in 2016"

The "Dead Internet Theory" posits that the internet, as we know it, has become a desolate space dominated by artificial intelligence-generated content since around 2016 or 2017. Proponents argue that this shift has led to a sterile online environment, devoid of genuine human interaction and creativity, likening it to a "hot air balloon with nothing inside." They claim that a coordinated effort involving bots and paid operatives manipulates online discourse and distracts users from questioning societal elites. While it's true that bot activity constituted nearly half of all internet traffic in 2022, experts like Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, suggest that the perceived decline in internet quality stems from the sheer volume of content rather than a lack of human input. Ultimately, while bot activity is rising, the majority of online content is still human-generated, debunking the notion that the internet is "dead." sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 2 pm

Sperm Whales Use Unusual Defense Against Orca Attack

A dramatic encounter off the southern coast of Western Australia saw a pod of sperm whales narrowly escape a predatory attack from orcas, thanks to an unexpected defense mechanism. Marine biologist Jennah Tucker, aboard a Naturaliste Charters trip, witnessed the sperm whales, including a notably smaller individual, huddled together in distress as the orcas surged towards them. In a surprising turn, the sperm whales released a cloud of feces—mistaken for blood—believed to deter the orcas, a behavior known as "emergency or defensive defecation." This tactic, effective in this instance, is thought to confuse predators, especially given the reddish hue of the sperm whale's diet of squid. While the orcas were seen carrying what appeared to be mystery meat, it remains unclear if they successfully hunted any of the sperm whales. Ultimately, the encounter highlighted the extraordinary survival strategies of these marine giants. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 10 pm

Burial at Cave of Salome: Disciple, Midwife, or Princess?

A 2,000-year-old burial cave in Israel, known as the Cave of Salome, has ignited debate over the identity of its occupant. Located in the Judean Lowlands, the site features two burial chambers and inscriptions that suggest a connection to a figure named Salome, a name common in biblical texts. Scholars have proposed various identities for her, including a female disciple of Jesus, a midwife at Christ's birth, or a member of the Herodian dynasty. Recent research by archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority posits that the cave likely belonged to a high-status individual, possibly a relative of King Herod, due to its grandeur and the presence of luxury structures in the area. The findings, published in the journal 'Atiqot', suggest that the cave's opulence points to a connection with the royal family, specifically Herod's lineage. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 3 am

US Navy Captures Spherical UFO Diving into the Sea

A recently released video by the US Navy shows an unidentified flying object (UFO) performing aerial maneuvers before crashing into the ocean, igniting interest among UFO enthusiasts. The Pentagon has confirmed the authenticity of the footage, which was made public by filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, who claims it features "spherical" UFOs and advanced transmedium vehicles. Captured in 2019, the video reportedly originated from the USS Omaha's Combat Information Center off the coast of San Diego, although this remains unverified. The small object, measuring just 2 meters in diameter, demonstrated remarkable speed, reaching up to 254 kilometers per hour. Despite a subsequent submarine search, the object was not located. Currently, no known vehicle can seamlessly transition between air and water travel, a concept that has faced significant engineering challenges throughout history. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 4 am

Oldest Pterosaur and Turtle Fossils Discovered in Arizona

A remarkable fossil deposit in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has unveiled a diverse late Triassic ecosystem, where giant amphibians coexisted with early turtles and pterosaurs. This bonebed, known as the Owl Rock Member, dates back approximately 209 million years and is significant due to the scarcity of fossils from the 12 million years leading up to the end-Triassic extinction. Researchers, led by Dr. Ben Kligman from the Smithsonian, discovered over 1,200 bones and other remains, including a new pterosaur species named _Eotephradactylus mcintireae_, which indicates a diet of armored fish. The findings suggest a transitional ecosystem, with older species like crocodile-like creatures alongside early turtles, which rapidly dispersed across the supercontinent Pangaea. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the site's importance as the closest late-Triassic terrestrial fossil assemblage to the equator. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 2 am

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