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Giant Structures Discovered Under Antarctic Ice by Lost Drone

Researchers are sounding the alarm on the climate crisis, emphasizing the need to monitor potential tipping points that could trigger irreversible changes. In a groundbreaking expedition in 2022, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Ran was deployed beneath the Dotson ice shelf in West Antarctica to map the region using sonar technology. Lead author Anna Wåhlin, a Professor of Oceanography at the University of Gothenburg, highlighted the significance of combining remote sensing with oceanographic data to better predict ice shelf melting. The ROV traveled over 1,000 kilometers, revealing unusual underwater features resembling sand dunes, shaped by the Coriolis effect. Unfortunately, Ran went missing during a subsequent dive in January 2024, with searches proving fruitless. Wåhlin expressed hope for the submersible's legacy, stating it would be better to be lost in the field than left unused. The findings are detailed in the journal *Science Advances: Oceanography*. sources

Published:
Dec 16 2025, 3 am

Why Do Voyager Spacecraft Approach Earth While Leaving Solar System?

NASA's Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, are on a long journey out of the Solar System and into interstellar space. Voyager 1 is set to reach a significant milestone on November 13, 2026, when it will be one full light-day away from Earth, nearly 50 years after its launch. The spacecraft is expected to cross the Oort Cloud, a theoretical region of icy bodies surrounding the Solar System, which could take centuries to enter and tens of thousands of years to traverse. Currently, Voyager 1 is 164.7 astronomical units from Earth, traveling at approximately 38,027 mph relative to the Sun. While the distance between Earth and the Voyagers fluctuates due to Earth's orbit, Voyager 1 will never again come within a day's light travel from Earth after its 2026 milestone, marking a significant point in its historic journey into the cosmos. sources

Published:
Dec 12 2025, 5 am

Bermuda's Unique 20-Kilometer-Thick Geological Structure Revealed

Bermuda, an island formed from a volcano active 30-35 million years ago, presents a geological puzzle as it lacks the typical features of volcanic islands. Researchers Dr. William Frazer and Professor Jeffrey Park have discovered a unique subsurface structure beneath Bermuda, revealed through seismic wave analysis, which suggests a layer of less dense material approximately 20 kilometers thick. This layer, about 1.5% less dense than the surrounding upper mantle, appears to support the island, countering previous theories that attributed its formation to mantle plumes or intermittent upwellings. Unlike other volcanic islands, Bermuda shows no recent volcanic activity or elevated heat flow, indicating a stable geological foundation. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, raises questions about the origins of this unusual layer, with possibilities including the island's high carbon volcanic rocks or unique mantle interactions. sources

Published:
Dec 16 2025, 12 am

Coffee May Help Keep You Young, Especially with Poor Mental Health

A recent study from King’s College London suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer surprising benefits for individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Researchers found that drinking up to four cups of coffee daily is linked to longer telomeres, which are indicators of biological aging, potentially making these individuals biologically five years younger than non-coffee drinkers. The study, which involved 436 adults, highlights the need to consider lifestyle factors like coffee intake in discussions about biological aging, particularly for those whose lifespans are often shortened by age-related diseases. While the findings indicate a correlation, researchers caution that further studies are needed to confirm causality and understand the underlying mechanisms, such as potential antioxidant properties of coffee. The study emphasizes a balanced view of coffee consumption, acknowledging both its potential benefits and risks, particularly regarding sleep quality. sources

Published:
Dec 16 2025, 1 am

4 Ancient Burial Practices for the Living and Dead

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Published:
Dec 15 2025, 5 pm

First Footage of Squid Camouflaging on Seafloor 4,100 Meters Down

In a groundbreaking observation at a depth of 4,100 meters in the Pacific Ocean, scientists have documented an unknown species of whiplash squid exhibiting a unique behavior: burying its head in the seabed while extending its tentacles outward like chopsticks. This behavior, the first of its kind recorded in deep-sea cephalopods, may serve as a form of camouflage, allowing the squid to blend in with seafloor objects to evade predators or potentially to lure prey. The findings, part of the SMARTEX project aimed at assessing the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, highlight the complexity and richness of deep-sea ecosystems, which remain largely unexplored. The study underscores the need for further research into the diversity and behaviors of abyssal species, suggesting that current estimates of marine life in these depths may be significantly underestimated. The research is published in the journal Ecology. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 11 pm

"Little Foot: Possible New Species of Early Hominin Discovered"

A recent discovery has added complexity to our understanding of early human ancestry, as researchers revealed that the remarkably complete fossil skeleton known as StW 573, or "Little Foot," may not belong to any recognized species. The team, led by Dr. Jesse Martin from La Trobe University, found significant differences in Little Foot's skull compared to known hominins, suggesting it could represent a previously unidentified human relative. While the fossil has features reminiscent of older hominins, it also possesses traits that indicate it is not a late survivor of ancient species like *Australopithecus africanus* or *A. prometheus*. The age of Little Foot remains debated, with estimates ranging from 2.6 to over 3 million years. As the research progresses, the team aims to further analyze the fossil and reassess existing classifications of *A. africanus*, highlighting the ongoing complexity of human evolutionary history in southern Africa. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 7 pm

"Norovirus Season Hits the US: Brace Yourself!"

Norovirus, often dubbed the "winter vomiting disease," is making a significant resurgence in several US states, driven by a new, highly contagious variant. Wastewater data indicates a rising trend in norovirus levels, with cases peaking earlier than usual, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that the current season remains within normal limits and fewer outbreaks than last year. The new strain, GII.17, has left many individuals vulnerable due to a lack of immunity from previous infections. Norovirus, which causes acute gastroenteritis, can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly in vulnerable populations. With no specific treatments available, hydration is crucial, and good hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing and proper food handling, are essential to prevent its spread. The virus can remain contagious for weeks after symptoms subside, underscoring the importance of vigilance during the holiday season. sources

Published:
Dec 11 2025, 8 pm

"New Color Images of Comet 3I/ATLAS Before Close Encounter"

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is nearing its closest approach to Earth, set for December 19, when it will be approximately 270 million kilometers away. Recent observations from the Gemini North telescope reveal a striking green hue, attributed to the release of gases like diatomic carbon, which emits green light when excited. This color change occurred just before the comet's temporary disappearance behind the Sun. Additionally, the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton telescope has captured X-ray emissions from 3I/ATLAS, a phenomenon not observed in previous interstellar objects like ‘Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. These X-rays, produced when the comet's gas interacts with solar wind, could provide insights into the comet's composition. The public has been engaged in the research process through the "Shadow the Scientists" program, allowing them to observe and participate in the study of this remarkable celestial visitor. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 8 pm

Woman Gives Birth with Predominantly XY Chromosomes

In a remarkable medical case from Croatia, a woman with predominantly XY chromosomes, typically associated with biological males, successfully gave birth, challenging conventional understandings of sex and reproduction. At 17, she sought medical help due to a lack of breast development and menstruation, leading to the discovery of her 46,XY karyotype, indicative of Swyer syndrome, a disorder of sex development. Despite her XY chromosomes, she exhibited female external genitalia and had a hypoplastic uterus. Further examination revealed that her ovaries were predominantly 46,XY, yet she had menstruated regularly and conceived twice, the second resulting in a cesarean delivery. This case is unprecedented, as it suggests the possibility of fertility in individuals with such chromosomal configurations, raising questions about the broader spectrum of human biology and the potential for others with similar conditions to exist undetected. sources

Published:
Dec 15 2025, 3 pm

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