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How Many "Sixth Senses" Do We Really Have?

The quest for a "sixth sense" has intrigued humanity since Aristotle's time, who originally identified five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. However, recent research suggests humans possess between three and 33 senses, with a new study introducing a "neurobiotic sense" that connects gut microbes to brain function. This sense detects flagellin, a protein released by gut bacteria, which influences eating behavior by signaling fullness to the brain. While traditional notions of a sixth sense, such as extrasensory perception and intuition, have been largely debunked or redefined, proprioception and kinesthesia are recognized as essential senses that help us navigate our physical environment. Other proposed senses, like echolocation and magnetoreception, have shown some promise but remain contentious. The neurobiotic sense, however, opens new avenues for understanding how gut health impacts behavior, with potential implications for obesity and mental health, as highlighted in a recent study published in *Nature*. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 9 pm

"Runner's Diarrhea: Why Marathoners Frequently Experience Bowel Issues"

In a remarkable display of determination, runner Tamara Torlakson completed her personal best marathon time, despite experiencing a mid-race bowel movement. "I thought, 'I don’t know if it’s possible to poop while running, but I will try,'" she recounted, opting to continue running rather than stop, even announcing to her family, "I pooped my pants" as she crossed the finish line. This phenomenon, known as "runner's diarrhea," affects many long-distance athletes; a 1992 study revealed that 62% of runners had stopped for a bowel movement during training, while 12% reported fecal incontinence during races. Factors contributing to this issue include reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs during intense exercise and the difficulty of controlling the anal sphincter while engaging other muscles. The phenomenon has been witnessed in other athletes, including Paula Radcliffe and Yohann Diniz, highlighting the unique challenges faced by endurance competitors. sources

Published:
Aug 03 2025, 2 am

New Record: 892 km Lightning Strike Sets World Record

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed a new world record for the longest single lightning strike, measuring an astonishing 829 kilometers (515 miles) across the southern United States, from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri, during a storm in October 2017. This megaflash surpasses the previous record by 61 kilometers (38 miles) and was only recognized now due to a reexamination of archival data. The event, documented by NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-16), highlights the power of natural phenomena and the advancements in observing extreme weather. Experts warn of the dangers posed by lightning, which can travel vast distances, emphasizing the importance of seeking shelter in substantial buildings or enclosed vehicles during storms. While the Great Plains have seen many record lightning strikes, Venezuela is noted as the "lightning capital of the world," with storms producing up to 280 flashes per hour. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 4 pm

"Rare Bear and Cub Photographed in Mongolian Desert"

A film crew recently captured footage of the world's rarest bear, the Gobi bear, in Mongolia's harsh Gobi Desert, revealing a delightful surprise: a cub. With fewer than 40 individuals remaining, Gobi bears (_Ursus arctos gobiensis_) are the most endangered of the eight bear species globally. The crew, filming for the Apple TV+ series _The Wild Ones_, set up camera traps in the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, where these bears primarily reside. The footage showcases the resilience of these bears, which have adapted to extreme desert conditions, primarily feeding on wild rhubarb, grasses, and wild onions. Narrator David Attenborough highlights their struggle for survival in a landscape where water sources can be over 100 miles apart. The six-part series _The Wild Ones_ is currently available on Apple TV+. sources

Published:
Jul 29 2025, 6 pm

Leopard Seals Sing Nursery Rhymes Under Antarctica's Ice

A recent study comparing leopard seal songs to other mammals and human music has revealed that their vocalizations closely resemble nursery rhymes, although the evolutionary reasons for this repetitiveness differ. Male leopard seals (_Hydrurga leptonyx_) sing for hours daily during mating season, using a consistent pattern of five notes to attract females in the food-scarce waters of Antarctica. Professor Tracey Rogers and student Lucinda Chambers found that the seals' songs exhibit a predictability similar to nursery rhymes from _The Golden Song Book_, contrasting with the complexity of human classical music. While humpback whales encode information through varied song structures, leopard seals rely on repetitive ordering, which aids long-distance communication. Female seals also sing intermittently throughout the year, possibly for pup communication or territory marking. The study highlights the energetic demands of singing, suggesting males may stock up on food before the breeding season. The findings are published in *Scientific Reports*. sources

Published:
Jul 31 2025, 10 pm

11 "Bad Habits" That Science Says Are Healthy

Recent scientific research suggests that many habits often deemed "bad" may actually offer health benefits. For instance, skipping breakfast, once thought to lead to weight gain, is now associated with weight loss through intermittent fasting. Similarly, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and improved heart health. Eggs, previously criticized for their cholesterol content, are now recognized for their nutritional value. High-fat foods, once avoided, are now recommended in moderation for their health benefits. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline, while social media use can foster connections rather than harm mental health. Even short workouts, like high-intensity interval training, can be as effective as longer sessions. Lastly, napping has been shown to restore immune function and enhance problem-solving abilities, challenging the stigma surrounding these so-called bad habits. sources

Published:
Aug 01 2025, 12 am

"Old People’s Smell Exists, But Not Inevitable for All"

Research into the so-called "old person smell" has revealed that the distinctive scent associated with aging is primarily due to a chemical called 2-Nonenal, which is produced when omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin degrade upon exposure to air. A study led by Dr. Shinichiro Haze in 2001 analyzed body odors from individuals aged 26 to 75, finding that while most odor compounds remained stable with age, 2-Nonenal was only present in those aged 40 and older. Interestingly, not all older individuals emit this scent, as some produced negligible amounts. A subsequent study by Dr. Susanna Mitro in 2012 indicated that while people could differentiate between the odors of those over 75 and under 55, older scents were not necessarily perceived as unpleasant. This suggests that societal perceptions of age-related odors may vary, influenced by cultural attitudes towards aging. sources

Published:
Aug 03 2025, 2 am

Should Soy Sauce Be Refrigerated?

Soy sauce, a super-salty fermented condiment made from soybeans and wheat, can be safely stored at room temperature for several months due to its high salt content, which inhibits microbial growth. This natural preservative, combined with fermentation and mild acidity, allows unopened bottles to last for years. However, once opened, experts recommend refrigerating soy sauce to preserve its flavor and prevent oxidation, as noted by Kikkomon, a leading Japanese food manufacturer. Chef Atsuko Ikeda suggests that frequent users may not need refrigeration if the sauce is consumed within a month, although she advises using older sauce for cooking rather than raw dishes. Despite its long shelf life, consumers should be cautious; a bottle dating back to 2003 should be discarded rather than used. Soy sauce has been a staple for over 2,200 years, long before modern refrigeration was available. sources

Published:
Aug 02 2025, 11 pm

The Theory of a Single Electron in the Universe

A peculiar theory proposed by physicist John Wheeler suggests that all electrons in the universe may actually be the same particle, moving forward and backward in time. This idea stems from the indistinguishable nature of electrons and their antiparticles, positrons, which share identical properties except for their charge. Wheeler's hypothesis posits that while electrons appear numerous, they are merely manifestations of a single electron's complex world line through time. Richard Feynman, who discussed this theory with Wheeler, acknowledged its imaginative appeal but noted its implausibility, particularly given the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the universe. Feynman emphasized that while the notion of a singular electron is intriguing, it is more practical to view positrons as electrons traveling backward in time. Despite its speculative nature, the conversation left a lasting impression on Feynman, influencing his work on particle physics. sources

Published:
Aug 03 2025, 12 am

COVID-19 Vaccinations Reduced Heart Attacks and Strokes in England

A nationwide study involving nearly 46 million adults in England has revealed a significant reduction in heart attacks and strokes following COVID-19 vaccinations, with incidents of arterial thromboses decreasing by 10% in the weeks after the first dose. The benefits were even more pronounced after second and booster doses, with reductions of 20% for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and 27% for AstraZeneca. While some rare complications, such as myocarditis and thrombocytopenia, were noted shortly after vaccination, the overall evidence suggests that the risks of severe cardiovascular events are far greater following COVID-19 infection. Researchers emphasize that the findings support the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination program, which has saved millions of lives globally. The study, published in *Nature Communications*, aims to counter ongoing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation regarding cardiovascular risks associated with vaccination. sources

Published:
Aug 02 2025, 8 pm

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