Trending Science

Listen as Radio

"Foot Orgasm Syndrome: The Brain's Link Between Feet and Genitals"

A rare condition known as foot orgasm syndrome has emerged as a curious intersection between foot sensations and sexual arousal, suggesting a neurological link between the two. A 2013 case study detailed the experience of a 55-year-old Dutch woman who began feeling orgasmic sensations in her left foot following gallbladder surgery. Initially diagnosed with nerve damage, her symptoms escalated to spontaneous orgasms occurring multiple times a day, often accompanied by vaginal lubrication and urinary incontinence. Interestingly, stimulation of her foot could evoke sensations in her vagina and vice versa, indicating a cross-wiring in her brain. Experts, including neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran, propose that the proximity of brain regions processing foot and genital sensations may lead to such unusual experiences, potentially explaining the origins of foot fetishes as well. Despite the condition's embarrassment, it did not affect her sexual life with her husband. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2024, 10 am

Yellowstone's Volcanic Activity Shifts Northeastward

Recent research indicates a shift in volcanic activity beneath Yellowstone National Park, with scientists identifying at least seven magma reservoirs located at depths of 4 to 47 kilometers. Conducted by the US Geological Survey and Oregon State University, the study suggests that the likelihood of future explosive eruptions may now be greater in the northeast of the Yellowstone Caldera. A significant reservoir of rhyolitic magma, linked to explosive eruptions, has been discovered in this area, potentially containing up to 440 cubic kilometers of magma. While this suggests a change in volcanic dynamics, experts caution that Yellowstone's geological processes operate on timescales of thousands to millions of years, making immediate eruptions unlikely. The last major eruption occurred 631,000 years ago, but volcanic activity is unpredictable, and the study highlights the complexities of monitoring such geological phenomena. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature*. sources

Published:
Jan 03 2025, 12 am

Scientists Aim to Link Human Brains with Quantum Computers for Consciousness Insights

A team of researchers is exploring the controversial hypothesis that human consciousness may stem from quantum entanglement within the brain. This ambitious project aims to create interfaces between human brains and quantum computers to measure any resulting changes in consciousness. The idea, initially proposed by physicist Roger Penrose in 1989, suggests that traditional computers cannot fully explain human cognition, implying that consciousness could arise from quantum processes. Recent studies have indicated that microtubules in neurons might provide a stable environment for such entanglement. The current research, led by Hartmut Neven of Google's Quantum AI lab, proposes an "expansion protocol" that would link a human brain to a quantum computer, potentially allowing for richer conscious experiences. However, the invasive nature of this testing poses significant ethical and practical challenges, leading researchers to consider alternative avenues, such as studying the effects of inert gases on consciousness. The findings are detailed in the journal *Entropy*. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 3 am

"100-Year-Old Predictions for 2025: Spookily Accurate"

A century ago, self-proclaimed Professor Archibald Montgomery Low made remarkably prescient predictions about life in 2025, showcasing his visionary prowess as an inventor and futurist. Low, known for creating the first television prototype and uncrewed aircraft, published his insights in 1925, foreseeing technologies that resonate with today's advancements. He described "automatic telephones," akin to modern smartphones, and envisioned "moving sidewalks" and escalators, now commonplace in public spaces. Low also predicted the replacement of newspapers with television news delivered via loudspeakers, the advent of wireless alarm clocks, and the harnessing of renewable energy sources like wind and tide. While some of his forecasts, such as universal synthetic felt onesies, missed the mark, he accurately anticipated online banking and the potential misuse of technology by criminals. His insights, alongside those of contemporaries like J.B.S. Haldane, highlight the imaginative foresight of early 20th-century thinkers. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 9 pm

Pallasite Meteorites: Stunning Space Gems That Confound Scientists

Pallasite meteorites, rare and stunning extraterrestrial rocks, offer a glimpse into the Solar System's history, featuring beautiful olive-green olivine crystals embedded in metal. These meteorites, which make up only about 300 of the over 60,000 recognized meteorites, are believed to originate from differentiated asteroids that have melted, allowing for a layered structure similar to Earth’s core and mantle. While the traditional theory suggests they form at the boundary between the core and mantle, some scientists propose that collisions in the early Solar System may have mixed materials from different layers. Among the notable pallasites is the Imilac meteorite, over 4.5 billion years old, which exploded over the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Its stability makes it a valuable specimen for both collectors and scientific research, providing insights into planetary formation and the composition of celestial bodies. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 10 pm

Why Do You Urinate More in Cold Weather?

As winter sets in, many people find themselves making more frequent trips to the bathroom, a phenomenon explained by researchers Christian Moro and Charlotte Phelps. They identify two primary reasons for this increased urination. Firstly, during colder months, individuals often consume more fluids while spending time indoors, leading to a higher volume of urine. Secondly, the body engages in a process known as "cold diuresis," where blood vessels constrict to preserve heat, resulting in increased blood pressure. The kidneys respond by filtering out excess fluid, prompting more frequent urination. While this can be annoying, it is a natural defense mechanism against hypothermia. However, it is essential to remain vigilant for other hypothermia symptoms, such as confusion and shivering, and to maintain hydration levels even in winter. Moro and Phelps advise that staying warm and healthy is crucial during colder months. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 8 pm

"Can Digitizing the Connectome Enable Immortality?"

In a thought-provoking exploration of mortality, neuroscientist Dr. Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston argues that the desire for life persists even in the face of death, with around 70% of terminally ill patients expressing a strong will to live. His new book, *The Future Loves You: How And Why We Should Abolish Death*, posits that advancements in brain preservation could allow us to indefinitely delay death by capturing and storing an individual's unique connectome—the intricate network of neural connections that define their memories and personality. Zeleznikow-Johnston highlights that while opinions among neuroscientists vary on the feasibility of this concept, a significant portion believes in its potential. He introduces the idea of "information-theoretic death," suggesting that if a person's connectome can be retrieved post-mortem, they may not be truly dead. This radical notion raises profound questions about the future of life, death, and identity in an age of technological advancement. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 4 pm

U.S. Military Conducted Biological Warfare Tests in San Francisco

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the U.S. military conducted simulated biological warfare tests on its own citizens, including a significant operation in San Francisco. Between the end of World War II and the late 1960s, the military carried out 239 secret open-air tests, using harmless bacteria as stand-ins for more lethal agents. One of the largest experiments, Operation Sea-Spray, involved spraying the bacteria _Serratia marcescens_ and _Bacillus globigii_ from a Navy ship, exposing approximately 800,000 residents to these microbes. While initially deemed harmless, _S. marcescens_ is now known to cause infections, leading to at least one death and multiple hospitalizations. The military's experiments extended beyond San Francisco, with similar tests conducted across the U.S. and the U.K., raising serious ethical concerns about public safety and the implications of such covert operations. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 4 am

Hybrid Pythons Dominate Florida's Invasive Snake Battle

Invasive hybrid pythons in South Florida are proving to be a significant challenge in the battle against non-native species in the Everglades. These hybrids, resulting from the interbreeding of Burmese (_Python bivittatus_) and Indian pythons (_P. molurus_), exhibit "hybrid vigor," making them better adapted to their environment than their parent species. Originally introduced in the 1970s, the python population surged after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, leading to a dramatic decline in local wildlife, including a 99.3% drop in raccoon numbers. A 2018 genetic study revealed that at least 13 captured pythons were hybrids, complicating efforts to manage their population. While traditional control methods have struggled due to the snakes' effective camouflage, researchers are now employing genetic tools to enhance understanding of their behavior and habitat preferences, aiming to develop more effective management strategies against these invasive predators. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2025, 6 am

Universe 25: Mouse Utopia Experiment Turns Nightmarish

Over the past few centuries, the global human population has surged from 1 billion in 1804 to 7 billion by 2017, raising fears of potential famine due to resource scarcity. While some theorists, like the Malthusians, predicted that population growth would self-correct through mass deaths, advancements in agriculture have enabled food production sufficient for 10 billion people, with distribution issues often to blame for hunger. In the 1970s, researcher John B. Calhoun conducted a controversial experiment, Universe 25, with mice in a resource-rich environment, observing that despite ample food, social breakdown led to violence, cannibalism, and eventual extinction. Calhoun's findings suggested that without social roles, populations could collapse, a theory that has sparked debate regarding its applicability to humans. Critics argue that the experiment's design may have misrepresented the effects of overcrowding, emphasizing the importance of resource management over mere availability. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 5 am

Study Confirms Mandela Effect's Reality and Complexity

A recent study by psychologists at the University of Chicago has delved into the phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect, where groups of people share false memories, such as misremembering the Fruit of the Loom logo as featuring a cornucopia. The researchers conducted experiments to test the existence of Visual Mandela Effects (VME) by asking participants to identify original images from manipulated versions. Surprisingly, participants often selected the incorrect images, even after being shown the correct versions moments earlier. The study found that common misremembered images, including those of C3PO and Pikachu, were consistently chosen over their accurate counterparts, suggesting a collective memory error. The researchers noted that existing theories, such as schema theory, could not fully explain these findings, indicating that different images may trigger VMEs for various reasons. This intriguing research raises further questions about the nature of memory and the potential for shared false recollections. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2025, 5 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!