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Data Transmission Breaks Record: Stream Netflix in Under a Second

Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking data transmission rate of 1.02 petabits per second over a distance of 1,808 kilometers, a feat that could theoretically transmit Netflix's entire catalog of over 18,000 titles in less than a second. This record was set by an international team led by the Photonic Network Laboratory at Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, utilizing a novel 19-core optical fiber cable and an advanced amplification system that enhances transmission distance by 30 times. While this achievement is impressive, it highlights the growing demand for faster data transfer, as approximately 400 million terabytes of new data are generated daily. The team is now focused on refining amplification technology and exploring practical applications for this innovation, with their findings recently presented at the 48th Optical Fiber Communications Conference in San Francisco. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 1 am

Are Microwaves Safe to Use?

Microwaves are often hailed as the epitome of convenience in modern cooking, yet they frequently face criticism over potential health risks associated with their use. Despite these concerns, experts assert that microwaving food is safe. The technology works by agitating water molecules in food, which heats it quickly and efficiently without compromising nutritional value. Critics often cite fears of harmful radiation or nutrient loss, but scientific consensus indicates that microwaves do not pose significant health risks when used correctly. As such, they remain a practical option for busy households, allowing for quick meal preparation without sacrificing safety or nutrition. For those seeking more information on the safety of microwaving food, further resources are available. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 3 pm

What Is Royal Honey and Its Sexual Benefits?

Royal honey, a blend of regular honey and royal jelly, is increasingly marketed as a health food and aphrodisiac, but its claims warrant scrutiny. While honey has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries, the quality of royal honey can vary significantly based on bee care practices. In 2022, the FDA issued warnings to several companies for selling royal honey products laced with erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, raising safety concerns. Although royal jelly is essential for bee fertility and may enhance sperm count in men, its effects on human libido remain largely unproven, with many aphrodisiac claims attributed to placebo effects. Additionally, while royal jelly contains beneficial nutrients, the amounts required for any significant health benefits are impractical for human consumption. Consumers are advised to weigh the potential health benefits against the high costs and risks associated with these products. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 1 pm

Why Narwhals Are Rarely Found in Aquariums

Narwhals, the elusive toothed whales known for their long, spiraled tusks, have rarely been seen in aquariums, with only two unsuccessful attempts at captivity in North America. The first, at the New York Aquarium in 1969, involved a young calf named Umiak, captured after its mother was killed by Inuit hunters. Despite initial care, Umiak died of pneumonia less than a year later. The second attempt occurred in 1970 at Vancouver Aquarium, where a male narwhal named Keela Luguk was joined by two females and three calves. Tragically, all the narwhals died within months, prompting public outrage and calls for their release. Narwhals' sensitivity to environmental changes and human-made noise likely contributes to their poor survival in captivity. Given the shift in public sentiment against marine mammal captivity, particularly after the documentary _Blackfish_, it seems unlikely that narwhals will be kept in aquariums again. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 8 am

US Downs Fourth Object, Alien Theory Still Possible

The White House has dismissed speculation about extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with balloons, leading to the postponement of a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 2 pm

Earth's Ejection Risk from Passing Star: 1 in 100,000

A new simulation suggests that Earth faces a 1-in-500 chance of being ejected from the Solar System or colliding with another planet due to the gravitational influence of passing stars. Researchers estimate that over the next 5 billion years, our Solar System will encounter approximately 19 stars per million years within 1 parsec, potentially destabilizing planetary orbits. While Mercury is most at risk, with a 50 to 80 percent increase in instability, Pluto also has a 5 percent chance of becoming unstable. The study indicates that the likelihood of losing a planet is higher than previously thought, with scenarios of planetary loss occurring sooner rather than later. Fortunately, no stars are expected to approach us for a considerable time, providing a temporary reprieve. The findings are detailed in the journal *Icarus*. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 9 am

New Top Infectious Killer Emerges, Not COVID-19

Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the deadliest infectious disease globally, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. In 2023, TB caused 1.25 million deaths, significantly surpassing the 320,000 fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, with 87% of cases concentrated in just 30 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Despite being curable in about 85% of cases, TB remains a major health threat, with nearly half of untreated patients succumbing to the disease. WHO emphasizes the urgent need for action to meet the UN's goal of ending the global TB epidemic by 2030, noting that funding for prevention and research remains critically low. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB effectively. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 6 am

Tourists Swim with Orcas in Mexico Amid Legal Loopholes

Swimming with orcas in Mexico is technically illegal, yet a legal loophole has led to a surge in tourist activities in La Ventana Bay, where visitors can swim with these marine mammals. While the Official Mexican Standard NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010 prohibits swimming and other activities during whale-watching, it does not explicitly mention orcas, allowing for their inclusion in tours. This has raised concerns among experts, who warn of potential risks to both tourists and orcas, as increased human interaction could disrupt the whales' natural behavior and feeding patterns. In response, marine biologists and tour operators are collaborating on a management plan that would require permits for boat tours, limiting the number of daily interactions and focusing on educating guides about safe practices. This proposal is currently under review by the Mexican government, with a decision anticipated this summer. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 6 am

Physicist Reveals Worrying Reason for Alien Absence

A Russian physicist, Alexander Berezin, has proposed a troubling explanation for the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have not encountered extraterrestrial civilizations despite the vastness of the universe. His theory, dubbed the “First in, last out” solution, suggests that once a civilization achieves the capability for interstellar expansion, it may inadvertently eliminate other civilizations, akin to a construction crew demolishing an anthill. Berezin argues that advanced civilizations may prioritize their growth over the existence of others, leading to a grim scenario where humanity could be the first to reach this stage and potentially the last to survive. He emphasizes that the drive for expansion, influenced by historical forces like colonialism and capitalism, could overshadow the existence of other life forms. However, he remains hopeful that if we discover alien life before embarking on a destructive path, it may guide us toward becoming a more benevolent civilization. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 7 am

Unexpected Location of the World’s Oldest Forest Revealed

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have identified the world's oldest forest in Cairo, New York, dating back 386 million years to the Devonian period. Unearthed in a sandstone quarry, this ancient forest is believed to have spanned approximately 400 kilometers and featured early fern-like plants known as cladoxylopsids and the woody _Archaeopteris_, which had complex root systems up to 11 meters long. Dr. Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist, emphasized the significance of this find, noting the coexistence of plant species previously thought to prefer different habitats. The forest's demise is thought to have resulted from flooding, as indicated by the discovery of numerous fish fossils. This finding challenges the previous record held by the Gilboa Forest, which is only 2-3 million years younger. The evolution of these early trees is believed to have played a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, paving the way for larger animals and insects. sources

Published:
May 29 2025, 7 pm

Elon Musk Unveils Ambitious Plan for Mars Colonization

Elon Musk has unveiled an ambitious plan for human exploration and settlement on Mars, despite recent setbacks with SpaceX's Starship, which suffered a fiery failure during its latest test. Musk aims to launch the first uncrewed missions to Mars in November 2026, coinciding with an optimal launch window, and envisions a Martian city within years. The plan includes deploying five landers next year, ramping up to 500 by 2033, with the first passengers potentially being robots. Musk estimates that around one million tons of materials will be needed to establish a self-sustaining colony, although he admits the exact requirements are uncertain. Critics raise concerns about the feasibility of the plan, including the challenges of radiation protection, food supply, and the overall safety of human life on Mars. With Starship yet to complete a successful landing, many remain skeptical about Musk's timeline and the deliverability of his vision. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 5 am

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