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Origin of "H" in Jesus H. Christ Explained by Scholar

The term "Jesus H. Christ" is often misunderstood as implying a middle name, but it actually stems from early Christian symbolism and the Greek alphabet. Dr. Dan McClellan, a Biblical scholar at the University of Birmingham, explains that the "H" originated from a Christogram, a monogram representing Jesus, derived from the Greek spelling of "Jesus" (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, _Iēsous_). The first three letters of this name were abbreviated and stylized into a sacred symbol, commonly rendered as IHS or IHC, with the latter sometimes leading to confusion between the letters S and C. As English evolved, the letter "J" became distinct from "I," resulting in the misinterpretation of the monogram as "JHC." This misunderstanding has led to the popular but erroneous belief that Jesus has a middle initial. For further insights, viewers can check Dr. McClellan's explanation on TikTok. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 10 pm

Coin Tosses Aren't 50/50: Scientists Test 350,757 Coins

A recent study led by mathematician Persi Diaconis has revealed that coin tosses are not as random as previously believed, with a slight bias favoring the side that starts facing up. Analyzing over 350,000 coin flips across 46 currencies, researchers found that coins land on the same side they were tossed from approximately 50.8% of the time, suggesting a "same-side bias." This bias, while seemingly minor, could accumulate to provide a significant advantage in betting scenarios, potentially yielding an average profit of $19 over 1,000 flips if one knows the starting position. The findings indicate that the variability in tossing techniques among individuals can influence outcomes, prompting the researchers to recommend concealing the starting position of the coin in high-stakes situations. The study is currently available on the pre-print server arXiv, pending peer review. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 11 pm

Musk Addresses Alien Spaceship Speculation About 3I/ATLAS

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and the world's richest man, recently addressed speculation surrounding the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which some have controversially suggested could be an alien spacecraft. In an interview on *The Joe Rogan Experience*, Musk dismissed these claims, accurately identifying the object as a comet. He emphasized that if he had any evidence of extraterrestrial life, he would reveal it on the show. The object, discovered by astronomers on July 1, 2025, is believed to have traveled alone for approximately 10 billion years, making it a significant subject of study. While some have pointed to its unusual nickel composition and slight trajectory changes as potential signs of alien technology, Musk clarified that such characteristics are typical of comets. He reiterated that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, despite its potential to cause catastrophic damage if it were to collide with our planet. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 2 pm

Ancient Artwork Captures Extraordinary Moment in Human History

A remarkable 12,000-year-old clay figurine, recently unearthed at the Nahal Ein Gev II archaeological site in northern Israel, may redefine our understanding of prehistoric art. Standing at just 3.7 centimeters tall, the artifact, believed to depict a goose embracing a woman, represents the earliest known artwork illustrating human-animal interaction, predating similar expressions thought to emerge in the later Neolithic period. Crafted from local clay and fired at approximately 400°C, the figurine showcases advanced artistic skills and suggests a complex cognitive thought process rooted in animistic beliefs. This discovery not only highlights the evolution of artistic expression but also marks a pivotal moment in human history, bridging the gap between nomadic hunter-gatherers and settled agricultural societies. Researchers emphasize its significance in illustrating the emergence of storytelling and symbolic imagination, making it one of the most intricate prehistoric artifacts found to date. sources

Published:
Nov 18 2025, 11 pm

Discover the Shy, Secretive Kodkod of the Americas

The kodkod (_Leopardus guigna_), the smallest cat in the Americas, is a nocturnal and elusive species primarily found in Chile and a small region of Argentina, including Chiloé Island. Weighing just 2-3 kilograms, kodkods are characterized by their short legs, grayish-brown coat, and distinctive short tail with black rings. They primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles, but also scavenge carrion. Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 26,000-100,000 individuals, kodkods face significant threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict, particularly in areas with chicken coops. Additionally, road accidents and predation by domestic dogs pose risks, while forest fires threaten their dense vegetation habitats. Recent studies have also revealed a range of vocalizations from this elusive feline, enhancing our understanding of its behavior. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 1 am

The Mariko Aoki Phenomenon: Urge to Poop in Bookstores

In February 1985, a 29-year-old woman from Suginami, Tokyo, named Mariko Aoki, sparked widespread intrigue when she shared her peculiar experience of feeling an urgent need to defecate while in bookstores. This phenomenon, now known as "Mariko Aoki syndrome," prompted numerous others to report similar sensations, although it remains largely unexplained. Theories abound, ranging from chemical reactions to ink, to psychological associations formed by reading in the bathroom. Some suggest that the posture adopted while browsing books may trigger the urge, while others argue that the phenomenon could simply be a case of frequency bias, where Aoki's initial account led others to notice their own experiences. Despite the curiosity surrounding this condition, little research has been conducted, and it remains unclear why it occurs exclusively in bookstores and not in libraries. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 9 pm

First Detailed Observations Reveal Supernova's True Shape

Astronomers have made groundbreaking observations of supernova explosions, revealing that they are not spherical but rather ellipsoidal in shape. Utilizing the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), researchers captured the early stages of Supernova SN 2024ggi just 26 hours after its discovery on April 10, 2024, by Yi Yang from Tsinghua University. This rapid response allowed scientists to observe the dynamics of the explosion as matter accelerated and burst through the star's surface. Lead author Yang emphasized that these findings provide crucial insights into stellar evolution and the mechanisms behind supernovae, suggesting a common physical process that governs the explosions of massive stars. The research not only enhances our understanding of stellar deaths but also highlights the importance of international collaboration in scientific discovery. The study is published in the journal Science Advances. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 5 am

Alzheimer's Key Symptom Explained; Treatment May Be Coming Soon

Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a key reason why Alzheimer's patients often forget their loved ones, linking this memory loss to changes in the brain's extracellular matrix (ECM). The study, which involved mice, found that the breakdown of "perineuronal nets" (PNNs) surrounding neurons is crucial for stabilizing synapses and forming memories. As these structures deteriorate, patients struggle with social memory, leading to confusion and difficulty in maintaining relationships. The findings suggest that the loss of PNNs occurs independently of amyloid and plaque pathology, presenting a new target for treatment. Promisingly, the researchers have identified existing drug candidates, specifically matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors, which have shown potential in preemptively treating memory loss in mice. While this research is still in its early stages, it offers hope for the 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's, as scientists work towards developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 7 pm

"Do We Perceive Blue the Same? Quiz Explores Color Subjectivity"

A new online quiz, "Is My Blue Your Blue?", has sparked intrigue by exploring the subjective nature of color perception, particularly the boundary between blue and green. Participants are asked to categorize various shades, leading to discussions about cultural influences on color interpretation. For instance, the Italian language has distinct terms for shades like turquoise, which can complicate perceptions. This phenomenon is not unique to Italian; many languages, including Japanese and Welsh, use the same word for both blue and green. Research on the Himba people of Namibia reveals that their color categorization differs significantly from Western norms, highlighting how cultural context shapes our understanding of color. Ultimately, the quiz serves as a reminder that individual perspectives can vary widely, prompting reflection on how we perceive reality. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 5 pm

Ancient Egyptian Port's Location Discovered by Unlikely Source

In a significant breakthrough, researchers have traced the origins of mummified baboons discovered in Egypt back to the Horn of Africa, specifically around Eritrea, where the ancient port of Adulis likely existed. These baboons, dated to Egypt's Late Period (800–540 BCE), were found at Gabbanat el-Qurud, a site known as the "Valley of the Monkeys." The study, led by Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz, utilized advanced genetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes from the mummies, revealing their non-native status and cultural significance in ancient Egypt, where they were associated with the deity Thoth. The findings suggest that the legendary trading port of Punt, long speculated to be the baboons' origin, may actually be synonymous with Adulis, highlighting the complexities of ancient trade networks. While this research sheds light on the baboons' journey, many mysteries of ancient Egypt remain unsolved. The study is published in the journal eLife. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 2 pm

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