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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

"Plastivore Caterpillars Gain Weight by Eating Plastic"

In a surprising twist to the tale of _The Very Hungry Caterpillar_, researchers have revealed that the greater wax moth caterpillar, or waxworm, can consume and degrade polyethylene, a type of plastic that can persist in the environment for centuries. First discovered in 2017, these caterpillars can break down an entire plastic bag in just 24 hours, although their health suffers on a plastic-only diet. A new study aims to explore the biological mechanisms behind this plastic degradation, with hopes of utilizing waxworms in large-scale plastic clean-up efforts. Dr. Bryan Cassone from Brandon University noted that while waxworms can metabolize plastic into body fat, they cannot thrive solely on it. The research suggests potential applications in a circular economy, including mass-rearing waxworms on supplemented diets and using their biomass as fish food, presenting a novel approach to tackling the global plastic crisis. The findings will be presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in July 2025. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 3 am

Salmon Hats Return for Orcas After 37 Years

In a surprising revival of a quirky behavior, orcas have been spotted once again donning dead salmon on their heads after a 37-year hiatus. This trend, which first emerged in 1987 when a female orca in Puget Sound began the unusual practice, has resurfaced among members of the J pod in October 2024. Observers suggest that the orcas may be using their heads as storage for excess salmon, coinciding with a plentiful supply of the fish. While this playful behavior is endearing, orcas are also known for more destructive tendencies, such as attacking boat rudders and harassing porpoises without consuming them. Experts note that these cultural fads among orcas can vary by population and often fade over time, leaving researchers curious about the longevity of this latest salmon hat trend. sources

Published:
Jul 09 2025, 5 am

Man Endured One of History's Most Horrific Deaths

Archaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a Medieval skeleton believed to belong to a young man, aged between 17 and 20, who suffered a gruesome death in the 13th century. Found near a cathedral in northern Italy, the skeleton exhibits symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting he was subjected to the notorious torture method known as "the wheel." This brutal device, used for public executions, involved systematically breaking limbs and inflicting further injuries before displaying the victim on a pole. The researchers speculate that the man may have been targeted as a suspected plague spreader, reflecting societal discrimination of the time. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed linear fractures at the base of his skull, likely from a botched beheading. If confirmed, this discovery would mark the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy, highlighting the horrific realities of historical punishment. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 5 am

"ER Visits Due to Sex Toy Mishaps: The Surprising Stats"

Every year, numerous Americans find themselves in emergency rooms due to mishaps involving sex toys, with data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System revealing a steady increase in such incidents over the past decade. An analysis of cases from 2013 to 2023 highlighted that vibrators are the most commonly "stuck" items, often due to their lack of a flared base, with rectal injuries accounting for nearly 70% of cases. Experts attribute the rise in incidents to the growing normalization of sex toys, driven by celebrity endorsements and improved accessibility through online shopping. Notably, men are more frequently admitted to ERs for these issues, although younger women also show a peak in incidents. Dr. Carol Queen emphasizes the need for better sexual education, particularly regarding anal play, to prevent such accidents and promote safe practices. As societal attitudes shift, the importance of informed and safe exploration of sexual pleasure becomes increasingly vital. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 10 am

Chimps Embrace "Pointless" Trend of Grass in Ears and Rears

As Paris Haute Couture Week unfolds, a group of avant-garde chimpanzees in Zambia is making headlines with their unusual fashion statement: blades of grass protruding from their ears and rears. This behavior, first observed in 2010 with a chimp named Julie, has since been adopted by several others in the same sanctuary, suggesting it has evolved into a cultural tradition. Researchers from Utrecht University noted that this trend, unlike typical chimpanzee behaviors that serve practical purposes, resembles human fashion, where the function is less tangible. Interestingly, the trend has spread to another group of chimps, despite no direct contact with the original group, likely influenced by caretakers who occasionally mimic the behavior. This phenomenon challenges the notion that only humans engage in seemingly pointless mimicry, highlighting potential social bonding benefits among the chimps. Meanwhile, a more troubling trend among capuchins in Panama involves the abduction of baby howler monkeys. sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 5 pm

Airports May Help Aliens Locate Earth From 200 Light-Years Away

Astronomers have discovered that the strongest radio emissions from Earth, detectable up to 200 light-years away, primarily originate from airport radar systems, particularly military ones. These radar systems, which scan the skies for aircraft, emit significant radio waves, with over 40,000 airports contributing to a combined signal of 2x10^15 watts. If extraterrestrial civilizations possess radio astronomy capabilities similar to our own, they could potentially intercept these emissions, including those from military radars, which produce distinct patterns akin to a lighthouse beam. Lead researcher Ramiro Caisse Saide from the University of Manchester emphasized that civilizations can unintentionally transmit signals, raising the question of whether advanced extraterrestrial technology could detect our radio footprint. This research, presented at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting, highlights the potential for alien observers to pick up on Earth's technological signals, offering new insights into the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). sources

Published:
Jul 08 2025, 11 pm

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