Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Michigan Bear Freed After 2 Years with Stuck Lid

A young black bear in Michigan, which had been struggling with a plastic lid stuck around its neck since it was a cub two years ago, has finally been freed by state wildlife biologists. The bear first came to the attention of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2023 when a trail camera captured images of it with the blue lid. After several unsuccessful attempts to locate the bear, it was spotted again in late May 2023, prompting DNR biologists to set a baited trap. On June 2, the bear was anesthetized, and the lid was safely removed, revealing an abscess and scarring on its neck, but it was otherwise healthy, weighing around 50 kilograms (110 pounds). DNR officials highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations regarding bait container openings to prevent wildlife injuries, urging the public to secure their garbage to protect bears from similar hazards. sources

Published:
Jun 20 2025, 8 pm

Can Humans Detect Ants by Smell? Yes!

Scientists are calling for an investigation into the intriguing claim that some individuals can detect the smell of ants while others cannot. This debate has gained traction on social media, particularly TikTok, where users have shared varied descriptions of the scent, ranging from "spicy" to "chemical" and "earthy." A recent unscientific poll on X, formerly Twitter, revealed that about 20% of over 700 respondents reported being able to smell ants, while 80% expressed confusion over the phenomenon. Research by entomologists, including a 2015 study on the odorous house ant (_Tapinoma sessile_), found that many people likened the scent to blue cheese, attributed to the presence of methyl ketones. While some speculate that genetic factors may influence scent detection, evidence remains limited. The variability in ant species and their odors could also play a role, leaving the mystery of ant scent perception unresolved. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 9 am

Dinosaurs Used Colorado Site as Largest Lekking Arena

Researchers have uncovered what may be one of the largest known lekking arenas of dinosaurs, with 35 ancient mating display scrape sites identified in Colorado's Dinosaur Ridge. These 100-million-year-old trace fossils, known as _Ostendichnus_, suggest that dinosaurs engaged in elaborate courtship behaviors similar to modern birds, where males perform to attract females. The study, led by Dr. Caldwell Buntin, utilized high-resolution drone imagery to analyze the sites, revealing that 25 of the scrapes are reliable indicators of mating displays. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of dinosaur social interactions, indicating that such behaviors were widespread rather than isolated. The findings also suggest that these display areas may have later served as nesting sites, paralleling behaviors observed in contemporary avian species. The public can view these fascinating sites along an interpretive trail at Dinosaur Ridge, making this ancient arena accessible for exploration. The study is published in *Cretaceous Research*. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 5 am

Why Doctors Advise Against Unpacking Your Suitcase Right Away

Upon returning from holiday, the excitement of unpacking can lead to unwanted stowaways in your luggage, particularly bedbugs. These pests, primarily _Cimex lectularius_ and _C. hemipterus_, thrive in high-traffic areas like hotels and hostels, where they can easily hitch a ride home with unsuspecting travelers. Signs of a bedbug infestation include bite marks resembling a "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" pattern on the skin. To mitigate the risk, experts recommend storing luggage in the bathtub during your stay, as the moisture deters these bloodsuckers. If you suspect bedbugs have made their way into your suitcase, keeping your clothes in a hot dryer cycle can effectively eliminate them and their eggs. While the thrill of travel is enticing, ensuring your home remains pest-free is paramount. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 12 pm

World's Longest Venomous Snake Now Four Species, Not One

Researchers have identified four distinct species of king cobra, previously classified as a single species since 1836. The study, led by P. Gowri Shankar, revealed significant genetic and morphological differences among populations across Asia, including variations in scale banding patterns. The newly recognized species are the Northern king cobra (_Ophiophagus hannah_), Sunda king cobra (_Ophiophagus bungarus_), Western Ghats king cobra (_Ophiophagus kaalinga_), and Luzon king cobra (_Ophiophagus salvatana_). This classification is crucial for conservation efforts, as the smaller ranges of _O. kaalinga_ and _O. salvatana_ may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and habitat destruction. The findings also highlight the need for tailored antivenoms, as the current single antivenom may not effectively address the venom variations among the new species. The study underscores the importance of recognizing biodiversity for effective conservation policies and actions. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 12 pm

The Longest-Reigning Monarch You’ve Never Heard Of

While Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign and Louis XIV's 72 years are notable, the title of the longest-reigning monarch in history belongs to Ancient Egypt's Pepi II, who ascended the throne at just six years old around 2281 BCE. His reign, lasting an astonishing 94 years according to the ancient historian Manetho, is shrouded in controversy due to the lack of contemporary records and the fact that Manetho wrote his account approximately 2,000 years later. The Papyrus of Kings, which lists Egyptian rulers, supports this claim but was composed during the reign of Ramesses II, raising further doubts about its accuracy. Historians question the legitimacy of Pepi II's reign length, noting that he appears to have ceased being mentioned after his 31st count, suggesting he may not have lived to the age of 100. Nonetheless, Guinness World Records recognizes Pepi II as the longest-serving monarch, a title that remains contested. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 1 pm

Why Does Touching Your Bellybutton Cause a Tingle?

Have you ever felt a strange sensation when touching your belly button? This peculiar feeling, which can trigger a tingling in the groin or an urge to urinate, has a scientific explanation. The belly button, or umbilicus, is connected to nerve fibers that relay information to the spinal cord, including signals from the bladder and urethra. According to Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth from NYC Surgical Associates, stimulating the belly button can trick the brain into interpreting these signals, mimicking the sensation of needing to pee. However, this odd feeling only occurs when pressure is applied deeply into the belly button, as the internal lining, known as the parietal peritoneum, is highly sensitive. A gentle touch won't elicit the same response, but a deeper poke can lead to this unexpected and curious sensation. sources

Published:
Jun 16 2025, 5 pm

30 Years Later: The Cult Behind Tokyo's Sarin Attack

On March 20, 1995, a coordinated attack by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo's underground system marked a grim milestone in terrorism, as five men released sarin gas, resulting in 13 deaths and thousands of injuries. The cult, founded in the mid-1980s by Chizuo Matsumoto, who later proclaimed himself a divine messenger, evolved from a yoga group into a violent organization advocating for an apocalyptic vision. Despite initial failures in their chemical weapon efforts, the attack demonstrated their capacity for mass destruction, igniting global fears about non-state actors wielding chemical weapons. In the aftermath, international efforts to strengthen chemical weapon regulations intensified, leading to the establishment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in 1997. While Aum Shinrikyo's leaders were executed, the group persists under new names, raising ongoing concerns about the potential resurgence of chemical attacks in the future. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 7 am

Study: Cat Parasite Infections Linked to Increased Attractiveness

A recent study published in the journal *Brain, Cognition and Mental Health* suggests that the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*, commonly spread by cats, may enhance the attractiveness of its human hosts. The research involved 35 infected individuals and 178 non-infected controls, with "raters" assessing their perceived attractiveness based on various metrics, including body mass index and facial symmetry. Results indicated that infected participants were viewed as healthier and more attractive, with infected men displaying more symmetrical faces and women having lower BMIs and more sexual partners. This aligns with previous findings in rats, hinting that the parasite might alter host characteristics to boost mating opportunities. While some studies suggest increased testosterone levels in infected males could explain these changes, the authors emphasize the need for further research to unravel the complex interactions between parasites and human hosts, which could have significant implications for understanding sexually transmitted pathogens. sources

Published:
Jun 20 2025, 6 pm

Finland Activates World's Largest Sand Battery

The world's largest sand battery has been launched in Pornainen, southern Finland, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy storage. Developed by Polar Night Energy for Loviisan Lämpö, this towering structure, measuring 13 meters tall and 15 meters wide, is designed to cut local heating emissions by nearly 70 percent, equating to a reduction of approximately 160 tons of carbon-equivalent emissions annually. Capable of delivering 1 megawatt of thermal power and storing up to 100 megawatt-hours of energy, the sand battery utilizes around 2,000 tonnes of crushed soapstone to absorb excess heat from renewable sources. This innovative system addresses the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy by storing it for later use, thereby enhancing grid stability and supporting Finland's goal of climate neutrality by 2035. Industry leaders emphasize the technology's potential to integrate electricity and heat production while reducing reliance on combustion-based energy sources. sources

Published:
Jun 19 2025, 7 am

Strange Activity Detected Inside the Moon

A recent analysis of data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission has revealed significant differences between the Moon's nearside and far side, extending beyond surface appearances to the interior structure. Researchers found that the nearside is warmer and more geologically active, with a mantle that may be 2-3% "softer" and temperatures 100 to 200°C higher than the far side, likely due to radioactive materials. This study, led by Dr. Ryan Park, produced the most detailed gravitational map of the Moon to date, highlighting variations in topography, crustal thickness, and heat-producing elements. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the Moon's volcanic history but also have practical implications for future lunar exploration, as the detailed gravity map will aid in developing navigation systems essential for upcoming missions. The study is published in the journal Nature. sources

Published:
Jun 21 2025, 9 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!