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Neanderthal "Flower Burial" Likely Created by Bees

A puzzling discovery at Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq has reignited debates about Neanderthal burial practices, following the finding of pollen in a grave containing Neanderthal remains. Initially thought to indicate cultural funerary rituals, recent research suggests that the pollen may have been deposited by solitary bees rather than humans or animals. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, indicates that the pollen clumps are a mix of species unlikely to bloom simultaneously, pointing to a non-human source. While the "Flower Burial" hypothesis proposed by early archaeologist Arlette Leroi-Gourhan remains contested, researchers emphasize that the significance of the site lies in its unique cluster of Neanderthal burials, which may reveal more about their spatial awareness and social practices than the presence of flowers. The findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the complexity of Neanderthal behavior. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 3 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 nickel-rich comets and asteroids exist in the cosmos, and the observed changes are typical for comets approaching the Sun. He reiterated that 3I/ATLAS is a natural phenomenon, not an alien vessel. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 2 pm

Iceland Restarts Whaling Despite Hopes for Permanent Ban

Iceland's government has lifted its summer 2023 suspension on commercial whaling, allowing hunting to resume under new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. Initially announced in June by Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries Svandís Svavarsdóttir, the suspension followed a report highlighting the prolonged suffering of whales during hunts. The new rules restrict hunting to within 25 meters of boats and prohibit killing whales accompanied by calves, while banning controversial methods like electrification. However, animal rights advocates have criticized the decision, arguing that no method can render whaling humane. Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute expressed disappointment, asserting that the measures will still lead to unnecessary suffering. Despite the resumption, there remains uncertainty about future whaling permits, as Iceland's last commercial whaling company, Hvalur, may not receive a license for 2024, leaving some hope for an end to the practice. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 2 pm

Why Can't All Wild Animals Be Domesticated?

During the lockdown in 2020, many sought companionship in pets, including the author, who was tempted by a wild mouse that wandered into their home. However, they refrained, knowing the likely outcome would be bites and mess. Fast forward five years, and the author now has a domesticated animal curled up on their desk, prompting a reflection on the domestication process. This involves mutual benefits between species, as seen with wolves evolving into dogs and wild cats adapting to human settlements. A recent study suggests that ancient South American hunter-gatherers may have kept foxes as pets long before dogs arrived, evidenced by a burial site in Patagonia. Additionally, a 1959 experiment on silver foxes demonstrated rapid domestication through selective breeding for tameness. However, not all animals can be domesticated, as they must possess specific traits, which wild mice lack, highlighting the complexities of animal companionship. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 10 pm

Ancient Seabed Splits from Continental Plates in Middle East

Researchers have discovered that an ancient oceanic plate beneath modern-day Iraq is breaking off horizontally, significantly impacting the region's geological landscape. Stretching from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran, the Neotethys oceanic plate has been forced deeper into the Earth as the Arabian and Eurasian continental plates converge. This collision has led to the formation of the Zagros Mountains, which continue to evolve over the past 20 million years. The study reveals that a sediment-filled depression in southeastern Iraq is deeper than anticipated, indicating that the sinking oceanic plate is contributing to the downward pull on the Earth's surface, alongside the weight of the mountains. Lead researcher Dr. Renas Koshnaw noted that this process allows for increased sediment accumulation, with the depression becoming shallower towards Turkey, suggesting the slab has broken off in that area. The findings enhance understanding of how deep-Earth processes shape surface geology. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 1 pm

Light Pollution Tied to Alzheimer’s in Under-65s in US

New research indicates that light pollution may significantly impact health, particularly as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease in individuals under 65. Dr. Robin M. Voigt from Rush University Medical Center highlights that excessive nighttime light disrupts circadian rhythms, which regulate biological functions and behaviors. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2012 to 2018, correlating Alzheimer’s prevalence with satellite data on nighttime light exposure across the U.S. Findings revealed that for those aged 65 and older, light exposure was more closely linked to Alzheimer’s than factors like alcohol abuse, while for younger individuals, it was the strongest correlation among all risk factors studied. Voigt emphasizes the need for further research to explore this relationship, suggesting practical steps to mitigate light exposure, such as using blackout curtains and warmer light bulbs. The study is published in *Frontiers in Neuroscience*. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 10 am

Speed Required for a Spacecraft to Leave the Solar System

Spacecraft differ significantly from cinematic starships, as they operate under the constraints of limited fuel and orbital mechanics. Currently, only five probes have achieved the necessary speed and trajectory to enter interstellar space: Voyager 1 and 2, which have already exited the Solar System, and Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and New Horizons, the latter of which is traveling beyond Pluto. Achieving escape velocity from Earth, which is at least 11.2 kilometers per second, is a complex task that requires careful management of mass and fuel efficiency, often enhanced by launching near the equator. Once in space, a spacecraft must reach over 42 kilometers per second to break free from the Sun's gravitational influence. Despite the challenges, these five spacecraft are on their way out of the Solar System, marking significant milestones in human space exploration. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 9 am

"Future Tech Relies on Sustainable Mining Practices"

To effectively combat climate change, a radical transformation in our relationship with resources and consumption is essential, particularly through the development of low-carbon technologies. Electric vehicles, while emblematic of this shift, highlight a critical challenge: their reliance on scarce minerals. The eNimon, a concept car from Sandvik, underscores the necessity of mined materials for green technology. As demand for critical minerals like copper and lithium is projected to triple by 2030, the mining sector faces a paradox; it is often viewed as an environmental threat yet is crucial for the green transition. With a significant portion of the mining workforce nearing retirement and fewer young people entering the field, a talent gap threatens progress towards net-zero goals. Sandvik is leading the charge in modernizing mining through automation and digitization, aiming to reshape perceptions of the industry and attract a diverse workforce to meet future demands. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 10 am

Lack of Sex Could Lead to Serious Health Risks

A recent study suggests that women who engage in sexual activity less than once a week may face a higher risk of early mortality compared to those who have sex more frequently. The research, which analyzed data from 14,542 individuals in the US, found that women with low sexual frequency were 1.7 times more likely to die from any cause by the end of 2015. While no similar correlation was observed in men, both sexes with depression showed improved health outcomes linked to more frequent intercourse. The authors noted that sexual activity could enhance cardiovascular health and mitigate age-related functional decline. Although causation cannot be definitively established, previous studies indicate that sexual activity may improve mood and overall well-being. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, suggest that while a weekly sexual encounter may not guarantee longevity, it could contribute positively to health. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 11 am

Blue Origin Launches NASA Mars Mission, Lands New Glenn Booster

The ESCAPADE mission, comprising two probes designed to study Mars' atmosphere, has successfully launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, marking a significant milestone for the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos. The launch, which followed a previous scrub on November 13, was New Glenn's second attempt and its first successful booster recovery, landing on the barge Jacklyn in the Atlantic Ocean. The ESCAPADE probes will investigate how solar particles interact with Mars' thin atmosphere, providing insights into its current state and historical atmospheric loss. NASA describes the mission as crucial for understanding the Martian magnetosphere and its response to space weather. With a budget of approximately $80 million, ESCAPADE is part of NASA's SIMPLEx program and is expected to reach Mars in about 11 months. Looking ahead, New Glenn has several launches planned, including the anticipated test of the Blue Moon lander in January 2026. sources

Published:
Nov 15 2025, 1 am

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