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Man Injects Magic Mushrooms; They Grow in His Blood

A 30-year-old man, referred to as "Mr. X," was hospitalized after injecting a homemade "mushroom tea" made from magic mushrooms, leading to severe health complications. His family brought him to the emergency department due to confusion, following his cessation of prescribed bipolar medication and subsequent mood swings. Mr. X had researched the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, but opted to inject the tea rather than consume it orally. After the injection, he developed jaundice, nausea, and organ failure, ultimately requiring intensive care. Alarmingly, cultures taken from his blood revealed that the fungus was growing within his veins. While the exact impact of the fungal infection on his mental state remains uncertain, medical professionals emphasized the need for public education on the dangers of misusing drugs outside of prescribed methods. sources

Published:
Aug 26 2025, 4 pm

"Wow! Signal Likely From Powerful Extraterrestrial Source"

A recent study has revisited the enigmatic "Wow!" signal, originally detected on August 15, 1977, at Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope, suggesting it may indeed have an extraterrestrial origin and was more powerful than previously thought. The signal, which lasted 72 seconds and prompted astronomer Jerry Ehman to exclaim "Wow!" in the margin of the printout, has long eluded explanation. Researchers have now analyzed decades of data using modern techniques, finding strong evidence against terrestrial interference and ruling out satellites as a source. The team proposes that the signal could stem from a superradiance event in cold hydrogen clouds, possibly triggered by a magnetar flare. While the study does not confirm extraterrestrial intelligence, it enhances understanding of the signal and aims to refine future searches for technosignatures. The findings are available on the preprint server arXiv and await peer review. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2025, 5 am

"Scientists Amazed by Glowing Plants from Simple Injection"

Scientists at South China Agricultural University have achieved a remarkable breakthrough by injecting phosphor particles into succulent plants, resulting in vibrant, glow-in-the-dark foliage reminiscent of scenes from _Avatar_. The research, led by Shuting Liu, revealed that these micron-sized particles could diffuse uniformly across the leaves of Echeveria ‘Mebina’, a feat previously thought impossible due to the restrictive nature of plant tissues. The glowing succulents can recharge in sunlight and emit light comparable to a night light for up to two hours after just a few minutes of exposure. This innovative method, which balances particle size for optimal diffusion and brightness, could pave the way for sustainable plant-based lighting solutions. While further testing is needed to assess long-term effects, Liu envisions potential applications in decorative pieces and solar-rechargeable night lights, expanding the possibilities for visually engaging and calming home environments. The findings are detailed in the journal Matter. sources

Published:
Aug 29 2025, 7 am

"New Geo-Hydrological Hazard: Giant Cracks Swallowing Cities"

Giant cracks in the Earth's surface, termed "gullies," are emerging as a significant geo-hydrological hazard, particularly threatening urban populations in the Global South, according to a new study focused on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Researchers mapped 26 cities and identified nearly 3,000 gullies, some large enough to engulf homes and roads, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and unstable soils. Between 2004 and 2023, these erosion scars displaced approximately 118,600 people, with the number of residents in gully-prone areas doubling from 1.6 million to 3.2 million in just over a decade. The study warns that climate change could worsen the situation, predicting a 10 to 15 percent increase in rainfall intensity in tropical Africa, which could accelerate gully formation. Experts advocate for preventive measures, such as improved drainage systems, to mitigate this growing urban hazard, which may soon rival more recognized climate risks. sources

Published:
Aug 29 2025, 5 pm

Dog Scribble Achieves Quantum Factorization – We Tried It Too!

In a lighthearted yet insightful paper, scientists Peter Gutmann and Stephan Neuhaus have critiqued notable quantum factorization achievements, suggesting that many of these results rely on specific numbers or simplified problems, which they term "sleight of hand." They humorously demonstrated their point using an array of tools, including a 1981 computer, an abacus, and even a dog named Scribble, who barked to indicate the number of factors for small integers like 15 and 21. The researchers highlighted the challenges of factorizing larger numbers, such as the RSA-2048, which is solvable through specific methods due to its unique properties. Their findings underscore the complexities of quantum computing, which, despite its potential to revolutionize cryptography, still faces significant hurdles before becoming practically viable. The full study is accessible via the Cryptology ePrint Archive. sources

Published:
Aug 30 2025, 9 am

Tasmanian Tigers' Genetics May Have Predestined Their Extinction

New research has shed light on the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine (_Thylacinus cynocephalus_), suggesting that genetic factors may have played a significant role alongside human hunting and competition with dingoes. Once native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, the thylacine's population dwindled to around 5,000 by the early 1800s, with the last known specimen dying in 1936. Researchers utilized palaeogenomic data to identify the loss of four crucial genes—SAMD9L, HSD17B13, CUZD1, and VWA7—over a span of 13 million to 1 million years ago, prior to human interference. These genes are linked to immune function and overall species fitness, and their loss may have compromised the thylacine's health and adaptability. The study highlights the importance of genetic diversity in understanding extinction and offers a framework for future research into the evolutionary processes affecting both extinct and extant species. sources

Published:
Aug 29 2025, 3 pm

New Method Could Reveal Pre-Big Bang Events in Einstein's Equations

Researchers at the Foundational Questions Institute are leveraging complex computer simulations to explore the enigmatic moments surrounding the Big Bang, a phenomenon where conventional physics falters. Time, as we understand it, did not exist during this event, and traditional equations fail to provide clarity. By employing numerical relativity—an approach developed in the 1960s to study black hole mergers and gravitational waves—scientists aim to push beyond current scientific limits. Professor Eugene Lim from King’s College London expressed enthusiasm for using this method to investigate the Big Bang and the subsequent period of Cosmic Inflation, which is crucial for explaining the uniformity of the universe. While inflation remains an "effective theory" needing a more fundamental basis, numerical solutions could unveil new insights into cosmic conditions and potentially support theories like the cyclical universe or multiverse hypotheses. Despite its challenges, advancements in computational power are propelling this research forward. sources

Published:
Aug 26 2025, 12 am

Why Do Some People Wake Up at 3 or 4 AM?

Many people find themselves waking up at 3 or 4 a.m., a phenomenon affecting approximately one in three individuals, particularly since the pandemic. Sleep experts attribute this to heightened awareness of natural awakenings during light sleep, often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Cognitive therapist Greg Murray notes that while stress doesn't directly cause these awakenings, it makes individuals more conscious of them. Factors such as irregular schedules, excessive screen time, and poor sleep hygiene can also contribute. To mitigate these disturbances, experts recommend establishing a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in morning light exposure, and maintaining a to-do list to manage worries. If sleep disruptions persist for over three months, seeking professional help, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, may be necessary to address potential insomnia. Understanding the body's sleep cycles and addressing underlying stressors can significantly improve sleep quality. sources

Published:
Aug 29 2025, 4 pm

Men's Behavior Changes Around Women With Erect Nipples, Study Finds

A study conducted by psychologists at the State University of New York at Oswego has revealed intriguing insights into how heterosexual men and women perceive women with nipple erections. In the first part of the research, participants rated images of women, some with erect nipples and some without, on various emotional and physiological states. Results indicated that both men and women projected more positive emotions onto women with erect nipples, with men particularly associating them with "sexy emotions." The follow-up study, published in *Evolutionary Behavioral Science*, explored whether these perceptions influenced male behavior. It found that heterosexual men were significantly more willing to assist women with erect nipples, especially in situations requiring close interaction, believing them to be more deserving of altruism. In contrast, heterosexual women did not share this perception and were less inclined to include women with erect nipples in their social circles. The study highlights potential biases, as all images featured "attractive" women. sources

Published:
Aug 29 2025, 11 pm

Over 7 Billion to Witness Next Week's Total Lunar Eclipse

Skywatchers are gearing up for a spectacular Blood Moon event, set to occur during the evening of September 7-8, depending on your timezone. This total lunar eclipse will see the Moon transition from a darkened state to a striking crimson hue as it passes through the Earth's shadow. The entire spectacle will last 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 24 seconds, with visibility extending to most of Asia, parts of East Africa, and Western Australia, while a broader audience across Africa, Europe, and Brazil will witness at least a partial eclipse. Remarkably, up to 60% of the global population, or around 7 billion people, could view the full eclipse, making it a record-breaking event. The phenomenon occurs due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, with the Moon taking on a red tint as sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere. sources

Published:
Aug 30 2025, 12 am

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