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Flat-Earthers' "Final Experiment" in Antarctica: What Occurred?

In December 2024, a group of flat-Earthers, led by Colorado pastor Will Duffy, embarked on a journey to Antarctica for what they dubbed "The Final Experiment," aimed at conclusively proving the Earth’s flatness. The expedition was designed to showcase the phenomenon of the midnight Sun, which occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer and contradicts flat Earth theories. Despite their expectations, the results were not as anticipated; while some participants acknowledged the reality of the midnight Sun, they stopped short of accepting that the Earth is a globe. Notably, Jeran Campanella, a prominent flat-Earther, admitted to being wrong about the 24-hour sunlight, yet others, like Austin Whitsitt, remained skeptical, suggesting alternative explanations. Ultimately, the experiment failed to debunk the spherical Earth theory, leaving the flat-Earthers clinging to their beliefs despite the overwhelming evidence presented. sources

Published:
Sep 04 2025, 7 pm

"Only 80% Can See This Optical Illusion—Why?"

Psychologists at the University of Oslo have unveiled a new optical illusion known as the "expanding hole," which can deceive the brain's automatic visual reflexes. Remarkably, only about 80 percent of individuals experience the full effect of this illusion, leaving researchers puzzled about the reasons behind this discrepancy. The illusion features a black hole on a white background, which appears to expand when gazed at, prompting pupil dilation as if one were entering a dark space. In contrast, a colored version of the hole causes pupil constriction. The study, involving 50 participants, revealed that those who perceived the illusion exhibited significant changes in pupil size, while those who did not perceive it showed no such response. This research suggests that pupil reactions are influenced not only by actual light levels but also by perceived and imagined visual stimuli, offering insights into the complex interplay between vision and physiological responses. sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 8 am

Discovery Suggests We May Be Inside a Black Hole

A recent study utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed an unexpected pattern in the rotation of galaxies from the early universe, suggesting that our universe may exist within a black hole. Researchers from Kansas State University analyzed images of 263 galaxies, finding that 60% rotated clockwise and 40% counterclockwise, a discrepancy that challenges existing cosmological models which predict no preferred rotation direction. Lior Shamir, an associate professor involved in the study, noted that the difference is visually apparent even to the untrained eye. The findings raise questions about the universe's structure, with possibilities including a primordial rotation or the influence of the Doppler effect, which could skew brightness perceptions of galaxies. While the study opens intriguing avenues for understanding cosmic evolution, further observations are necessary to validate these claims and refine our understanding of the universe's dynamics. The research is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. sources

Published:
Sep 06 2025, 4 pm

"Contender: Largest Male Great White Shark Off US Coast"

Contender, the largest male great white shark ever caught, tagged, and released in the Atlantic, has been tracked along the US East Coast, raising hopes for the recovery of the region's great white population. Measuring 4.19 meters (13 feet 9 inches) and weighing approximately 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds), Contender was tagged by the non-profit OCEARCH on January 17, 2025, off the coast of Florida and Georgia. His movements have been closely monitored, with recent data showing him near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a known shark hotspot. Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH's chief veterinarian, noted that Contender, likely in his early 30s, is an important contributor to the breeding population. While larger female sharks have been recorded, such as Mary Lee and Nukumi, Contender's size and age make him a significant figure in efforts to rebuild the western North Atlantic great white population. sources

Published:
Sep 02 2025, 2 pm

Vegetarian Diet Associated with Higher Depression Scores, Meta-Analysis Finds

A comprehensive meta-analysis conducted by researchers in Bochum, Germany, involving nearly 50,000 participants, has revealed a significant correlation between vegetarian diets and higher depression scores. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, included 8,057 vegetarians and 41,832 non-vegetarians, highlighting a notable increase in depression among those who abstain from meat. However, the researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions, as the data also exhibited considerable variability across studies. It remains unclear whether the vegetarian diet contributes to depression or if individuals with depressive symptoms are more inclined to adopt vegetarianism. Some findings suggest that health-conscious choices, influenced by depressive feelings, may lead to a vegetarian lifestyle. The authors advocate for further research, particularly involving a more diverse participant pool, to clarify the relationship between diet and mental health. sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 5 am

Why Pilots Rarely Have Beards: Airlines Explain

While it may seem peculiar, the absence of beards among pilots is largely driven by safety concerns rather than personal preference. Major airlines, including American Airlines, enforce strict grooming policies that require pilots to be clean-shaven before duty. This regulation stems from a 1987 safety review indicating that facial hair can compromise the effectiveness of oxygen masks, which are crucial during emergencies. Studies revealed that beards could lead to significant leakage—between 16% and 67%—in oxygen delivery, particularly during high-stress situations when crew members' breathing rates increase. Although passengers are permitted to have facial hair, the potential for reduced airflow in emergencies raises concerns about their oxygenation levels. Consequently, while some airlines allow limited facial hair, the overarching priority remains the safety and efficiency of emergency equipment. sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 5 am

Airport Worker Warns Against Tying Ribbons on Luggage

As vacation season approaches, an airport worker has issued a warning to travelers about the potential pitfalls of tying ribbons to their luggage. While many attach colorful bows to make their bags easily identifiable at the carousel, these can obstruct scanning tags, leading to lost luggage. A baggage handler at Dublin Airport explained that ribbons can interfere with automatic scanning, resulting in manual processing that may prevent bags from making their flights. Additionally, travelers are advised to remove old stickers and tags to avoid further confusion. In a surprising tip, the worker also cautioned against packing marzipan, as its density can trigger alarms at security, resembling that of certain explosives. These insights aim to streamline the travel experience and minimize stress at airports. sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 6 am

Patagotitan, Earth's Largest Dinosaur, Arrives in Europe!

A remarkable discovery in 2010 at La Flecha Ranch in Patagonia, Argentina, has led to the unveiling of one of the largest dinosaurs ever, _Patagotitan mayorum_, now featured in the exhibition _Titanosaur: Life As The Biggest Dinosaur_ at the Natural History Museum in London. This exhibition showcases the most complete giant dinosaur skeleton ever found, estimated to weigh more than nine African elephants. Visitors can explore the dinosaur's life journey, from hatching from leathery eggs to facing threats in the wild. The exhibition highlights the unique adaptations of _Patagotitan_, including its ability to absorb oxygen during both inhalation and exhalation, and its method of swallowing food whole for digestion. Opening on March 31, 2023, the immersive experience promises stunning illustrations and interactive elements, allowing guests to appreciate the sheer scale of this prehistoric giant, which dwarfs even the famous Dippy the Diplodocus. sources

Published:
Sep 04 2025, 11 pm

Why Metal Butt Plugs Don't Belong in MRI Machines

A tweet by user BradiusZero has sparked widespread attention on Twitter, featuring a disturbing scan that allegedly shows a butt plug lodged in a person's body at an alarming height. The accompanying message claims that a client is suing a sex toy company after a butt plug, marketed as "100% silicone," was found to contain a metallic core. The client reportedly wore the plug to an MRI appointment, where it was propelled into their chest cavity, described in a memo as an "anal rail gun." While this story raises serious concerns about the dangers of using metal sex toys during MRI scans, skepticism remains due to its urban legend-like qualities and the fact that the original scan was posted on Reddit before being deleted. Experts warn that wearing metal objects during MRI procedures can lead to severe injuries, underscoring the importance of safety in such medical environments. sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 3 am

The Communication Challenge of Light-Speed Travel

A recent analysis highlights a significant communication challenge for potential spacecraft traveling near light speed, as researchers David Messerschmitt, Ian Morrison, Thomas Mozdzen, and Philip Lubin explore the implications of such travel. While a spacecraft could theoretically maintain a constant acceleration of 1g, communication with Earth would become increasingly problematic. Initially, messages would experience delays due to the finite speed of light, but as the spacecraft approaches light speed, it would eventually outpace any signals sent from Earth, leading to a complete loss of contact. The study also notes that time dilation would allow crew members to experience significantly less time than those on Earth, with a journey to the galaxy's center taking just 20 years from their perspective. Ultimately, the researchers conclude that interstellar missions would require crews to operate autonomously, with limited communication before and after their journey. sources

Published:
Sep 06 2025, 6 pm

Woman Brings Concealed Gun to MRI; Consequences Follow

A woman recently experienced a painful incident during an MRI scan after inadvertently bringing a concealed handgun into the examination room. Despite undergoing a standard screening process that included questions about weapons, she answered "no" and proceeded with the scan. As she entered the MRI machine, the powerful magnetic field attracted the iron handgun, causing it to discharge and shoot her in the right buttock. Fortunately, the injury was described as superficial, with only small entry and exit wounds. This incident follows a tragic event earlier this year when a man was killed after taking a loaded gun into an MRI machine. The strict "no metal" policy in MRI facilities is crucial for patient safety, as metal objects can be violently pulled into the machine, posing serious risks. The US Food and Drug Administration has documented this latest incident as an "adverse event." sources

Published:
Sep 07 2025, 4 am

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