Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Man Keeps Face-Sized Spider in Home for a Year

In a remarkable tale from Australia, Jake Gray has welcomed a giant huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for the past year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock many would feel at having such a large arachnid as a housemate, Gray's children have been reassured by the spider's presence, even witnessing her catch an Asian house gecko. While huntsman spiders can appear intimidating, experts note they are generally harmless, preferring to flee rather than bite. With a potential size of up to 15 centimeters, these spiders serve as natural pest controllers, and Gray hopes Charlotte will continue to thrive in their home. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 12 pm

Why No Human Remains Found in Titanic Shipwreck

Despite extensive exploration of the RMS Titanic wreck since its rediscovery in 1985, no human remains have ever been found, a mystery that continues to intrigue the public. Over 1,500 people perished when the ship sank in 1912, primarily due to immersion hypothermia, yet the absence of skeletons can be attributed to several factors. Many passengers wore lifejackets, which, after death, kept their bodies afloat and likely swept them away in the storm that followed the sinking. Additionally, deep-sea scavengers may have consumed flesh, leaving bones that dissolve at depths below 3,000 feet due to a lack of calcium carbonate in the water. While some speculate that bodies could be preserved in sealed areas of the ship, the likelihood of finding recognizable remains diminishes with each passing year, as noted by deep-sea explorer Robert Ballard. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 4 pm

"New Gleeking Trend Surprises People, But It's Unwanted"

A new trend has emerged on social media, revealing that humans can "gleek," a rather unappealing ability to squirt saliva from beneath the tongue. This phenomenon occurs through Wharton's duct, a small opening that drains saliva from the submandibular glands. While gleeking can happen involuntarily, particularly during yawning, recent TikTok videos have demonstrated how to do it on command. To achieve this, individuals can generate saliva by yawning or consuming sour candy, then position their tongue against the roof of their mouth and push their lower jaw forward. Despite the novelty, experts advise against practicing this skill, as it is generally considered gross and could lead to unintended consequences. As the trend gains traction, many are left wishing they had never learned about this peculiar human talent. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 5 pm

Physics Helps Prevent Tears and Pathogen Spread When Chopping Onions

Onions, often seen as the culinary chameleons of the kitchen, are notorious for their tear-inducing properties, a phenomenon even noted by Shakespeare. A recent study from Cornell University sheds light on the mechanics behind this irritation, revealing that cutting onions releases aerosols containing syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which triggers tears. Researchers employed advanced techniques to visualize and quantify the droplets produced when onions are sliced. Their findings indicate that sharper knives generate fewer and slower droplets, while dull blades create more pressure, resulting in a greater spray of irritants. Interestingly, chilling onions before cutting, a common belief to reduce tears, was found to be ineffective, as refrigerated onions released a larger volume of droplets. This research not only addresses a common kitchen dilemma but also has implications for minimizing airborne pathogens in food preparation environments. The study is detailed in a paper published on arXiv. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 3 pm

Flying Car Could Hit 155 MPH by 2026

A Slovakian company, Klein Vision, is set to launch its innovative flying car, the AirCar, potentially by 2026, with a price tag estimated between $800,000 and $1 million. The vehicle, which resembles a sports car with retractable wings and a rear propeller, has already made significant strides, receiving a Certificate of Airworthiness in 2021 after completing over 70 hours of flight testing. The AirCar can reach speeds of 155 mph in the air and 124 mph on the ground, with a flight range of 620 miles. Co-founder Anton Zajac announced that the production-ready prototype, AirCar 2, will undergo testing this summer. Celebrated for his engineering achievements, Klein Vision's founder, Stefan Klein, expressed his excitement about making personal flight accessible, merging road and sky travel into a new dimension of mobility. The project, a culmination of decades of work, may soon require enthusiasts to obtain both driving and pilot licenses. sources

Published:
May 13 2025, 3 pm

"Did Earth's 12350 BCE Solar Storm Inspire Legends?"

Researchers have identified an ancient solar storm event from 12,350 BCE that was over 500 times more intense than the most powerful modern solar storm recorded in January 2005. This extreme solar particle event (ESPE) could have exposed individuals flying over the southern polar regions to the equivalent of an entire year’s worth of cosmic radiation in just eight seconds. The study, led by Dr. Kseniia Golubenko from the University of Oulu, utilized a new climate chemistry model to analyze tree rings, revealing that this ancient event was 18% more intense than the significant solar storm of 775 CE. The findings underscore the potential risks posed by future solar storms to modern technology, including satellites and power grids. The research, published in *Earth and Planetary Science Letters*, highlights the need for further investigation into the implications of such extreme solar events. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 11 am

AIs Discover They're Not Talking to Humans, Switch Languages

A viral video featuring two artificial intelligence (AI) agents has sparked discussions about AI communication efficiency. In the clip, one AI acts as a hotel receptionist while the other represents a customer inquiring about wedding bookings. Upon realizing they are both AI, they switch from spoken English to a more efficient communication mode called Gibberlink, using a data-over-sound protocol known as GGWave. This demonstration, showcased at the ElevenLabs 2025 London Hackathon, aims to illustrate how AI can optimize communication by avoiding the unnecessary generation of human-like speech. Co-developer Boris Starkov emphasized that this approach reduces reliance on computational resources. While the innovation won accolades at the event, concerns have been raised about allowing AI to converse in a language that humans cannot easily comprehend, highlighting the ongoing debate over AI's role in communication. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 7 am

"40 Years Ago: Scientists Discovered and Saved the Ozone Layer"

On May 16, 1985, UK scientists Joe Farman, Brian Gardiner, and Jonathan Shanklin made a groundbreaking discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica, a finding that would lead to the Montreal Protocol, the first global treaty aimed at environmental protection. Initially analyzing atmospheric data with a Dobson spectrophotometer, the team observed alarming trends in ozone depletion, particularly during the Antarctic spring. Their research revealed that human-made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were responsible for the rapid thinning of the ozone layer, contradicting earlier theories that suggested damage would occur at higher altitudes. The Montreal Protocol, signed by 197 countries in 1987, successfully phased out CFCs, leading to a gradual recovery of the ozone layer, which is expected to be complete by the second half of the century. However, challenges remain, including rogue emissions and climate change, highlighting the complexities of addressing global environmental issues compared to the more straightforward ozone crisis. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 3 pm

Decapitated Dolphin Discovered on US Island; NOAA Investigates

A decapitated bottlenose dolphin was discovered on North Carolina's Lea-Hutaff Island last month, raising concerns about animal cruelty and public health. The dolphin, which was already dead by April 15, was found with its head removed between April 16 and 18, according to NOAA Fisheries. A necropsy revealed the presence of the bacteria _Brucella_, which can cause the infectious disease Brucellosis in humans, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart infections. NOAA is investigating the incident as a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with potential penalties of up to $100,000 in fines or a year in prison for the perpetrator. The agency is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a conviction. Anyone with details is urged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 8 am

536 CE: One of History's Darkest Years

The year 536 CE is often cited as one of the most calamitous periods in human history, marked not by wars or diseases alone, but by a catastrophic volcanic eruption that obscured sunlight with ash and dust. While the exact volcano remains uncertain, evidence suggests it may have originated from Iceland or El Salvador's Ilopango. This "volcanic winter" led to plummeting temperatures, agricultural collapse, and widespread famine, as documented by Roman statesman Cassiodorus and Byzantine historian Procopius. The ensuing climate crisis contributed to the onset of the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the devastating Justinianic plague, which decimated populations across the Mediterranean. Interestingly, while empires like the Eastern Roman and Sasanian faced decline, the Arabian Peninsula experienced increased rainfall, setting the stage for the rise of the Arab Empire in the seventh century. This complex interplay of environmental and social factors illustrates the profound impact of climate on historical trajectories. sources

Published:
May 14 2025, 12 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!