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New Deep-Sea Discoveries: Carnivorous "Death-Ball" Sponge and More

Researchers exploring the Southern Ocean have unveiled 30 new species, including the bizarre carnivorous "death-ball" sponge, which traps prey with its hook-covered, ping-pong-like balls. Discovered at a depth of 3,601 meters, this sponge is among nearly 2,000 specimens collected during two research cruises using the underwater ROV SuBastian. The expedition, part of The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, also identified a new iridescent scale worm and various sea pens, sea stars, and black corals, alongside the first footage of a juvenile colossal squid. Dr. Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at the Census, emphasized the Southern Ocean's under-explored biodiversity, with only 30% of samples assessed so far. The initiative aims to document 100,000 new marine species, highlighting the importance of accelerating species discovery for scientific and public benefit, according to Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 pm

23-Million-Year-Old "Frosty" Rhino Found in Arctic Canada

A new species of rhino, named _Epiatheracerium itjilik_, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, specifically in Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut. This ancient rhino, which lived approximately 23 million years ago during the Early Miocene, is notable for being the northernmost rhino species identified to date. The name "itjilik," meaning "frosty" in Inuktitut, reflects the icy conditions of its discovery site, although the region was once a temperate forest. The fossil, which is remarkably well-preserved with about 75% of the skeleton recovered, suggests that _E. itjilik_ was relatively small, akin to the modern Indian rhinoceros, but lacked a horn. Researchers believe this find provides new insights into rhino evolution, indicating that species may have migrated between North America and Europe more recently than previously thought, challenging earlier assumptions about the North Atlantic Land Bridge's role in species dispersal. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 am

Ancient Yellow Crayon Indicates Neanderthals Created Art

A recent study has revealed that Neanderthals may have engaged in symbolic behavior, previously thought to be exclusive to _Homo sapiens_. Researchers discovered a crayon-like piece of ocher, over 42,000 years old, among 16 ocher fragments from Neanderthal sites in Crimea and Ukraine. Microscopic and chemical analyses indicated that some pieces were intentionally modified through grinding and scraping, with one particular fragment shaped into a pointed tool, suggesting it was used for drawing. The study's authors, including Francesco d’Errico, propose that these ocher tools were likely employed for marking skin, clothing, or stone, reflecting cultural practices and communication. This evidence challenges the outdated perception of Neanderthals as primitive, supporting the notion that they possessed the capacity for artistic expression and cultural complexity, a view bolstered by other findings, such as ancient cave engravings attributed to Neanderthals. The research is published in *Science Advances*. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 3 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 a combination of factors, including stress, erratic schedules, and poor sleep hygiene. Cognitive therapist Greg Murray notes that while stress doesn't directly cause awakenings, it heightens awareness of them. As sleep cycles progress, individuals often reach lighter stages of sleep in the early morning, making them more susceptible to waking. Experts recommend strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in morning light exposure, and keeping a bedside to-do list to alleviate nighttime worries. If these methods fail and sleep disturbances persist for over three months, consulting a specialist for treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be necessary, as chronic sleep issues can develop into habitual patterns. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 4 am

Why Flying Against Earth's Rotation Doesn't Speed Up Flights

Confusion has arisen regarding why flights traveling west against the Earth's rotation do not experience significantly shorter travel times. A post from a flat Earth group questioned how a plane flying at 300 mph does not reach its destination 1,400 mph faster, given the Earth's rotation speed of approximately 1,670 kilometers per hour at the equator. However, this misunderstanding stems from a lack of grasp on physics, particularly inertia. When a plane takes off, it moves with the Earth's atmosphere, which rotates along with the planet due to frictional forces. Consequently, flying west typically takes longer than flying east, primarily due to jet streams—fast-moving air currents influenced by the Earth's rotation and solar heating. Thus, while the Earth's rotation does affect flight times indirectly, it does not allow planes to simply wait for the ground to pass beneath them. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 2 am

Rare Penguin: Three Subspecies Disguised in a Trench Coat

Genetic analysis of the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, has revealed the existence of three distinct subspecies, a finding that could be pivotal in conservation efforts for this endangered species. Found only in New Zealand and its surrounding islands, the hoiho has seen its population plummet to an estimated 2,600 to 3,000 mature individuals, with fewer than 150 breeding pairs on the mainland. Factors such as habitat loss, bycatch mortality, and a disease known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have contributed to this decline. Researchers from the University of Otago and other institutions analyzed the DNA of 249 penguins, uncovering significant genetic divergence among the subspecies, which separated between 5,000 and 16,000 years ago. This discovery may inform targeted conservation strategies, particularly for the vulnerable northern population, which faces an imminent risk of extinction without urgent intervention. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 pm

Why Don't Lakes Simply Drain Into the Ground?

A recent TikTok query about why lake water doesn't simply absorb into the ground has sparked both humorous and scientific discussions. While some water does seep into the ground, this process is often unnoticed due to quick replenishment from rainfall. The permeability of the lakebed material plays a crucial role; rocky bottoms with minimal gaps hinder water passage, while sediment accumulation can further obstruct seepage. Hydrologist Dr. Joan Wu explains that over time, sediments fill larger pores, limiting water absorption. Additionally, evaporation contributes to water loss, but the water cycle typically replenishes it. However, a study published last year indicates that over half of the world's large lakes are drying up, primarily due to human consumption and climate change, which exacerbates evaporation. With around 2 billion people living near lakes, monitoring their health is increasingly vital. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 12 am

Trump Initiates First US Nuclear Test Since 1992: Key Details

In a significant escalation of nuclear policy, US President Donald Trump announced via social media that he has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992. Citing the need to keep pace with Russia and China, Trump’s decision comes amid a backdrop of increasing global nuclear tensions, with both nations reportedly enhancing their arsenals. While the US has not conducted live tests in over three decades, it has maintained its stockpile through subcritical experiments. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has yet to be ratified by the US, has largely curtailed testing worldwide, with North Korea being the only nation to conduct tests this century. Trump's announcement raises concerns about a potential new era of nuclear uncertainty, especially as existing arms control agreements, including the New START Treaty, face expiration in 2026, highlighting the urgent need for updated regulations on nuclear testing. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 10 pm

Airport Worker Warns Against Tying Ribbons on Luggage

As vacation season approaches, an airport worker has issued a warning to travelers about the potential pitfalls of tying ribbons to their luggage. While many attach colorful bows to make their bags easily identifiable on the carousel, this practice can hinder the scanning process, leading to lost luggage. A baggage handler at Dublin Airport explained that ribbons can obstruct identification tags, causing bags to be manually processed and possibly missing their flights. Additionally, travelers are advised to remove old stickers and tags to avoid further confusion. In a surprising tip, the worker also cautioned against packing marzipan, as its density can trigger security alarms due to its similarity to certain explosives. These insights aim to streamline the travel experience and ensure that passengers' belongings arrive safely at their destinations. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 11 pm

Allergic to People? Yes, and It's Terrible!

The phenomenon of human allergies, particularly to bodily fluids, is a rare yet significant medical concern. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), commonly known as a semen allergy, affects a small number of individuals, with estimates suggesting that nearly 12% of women may experience symptoms after sexual intercourse. Symptoms can range from localized irritation to severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. While SPH is predominantly reported in women, men can also suffer from related conditions, such as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). Allergies to other bodily fluids, including saliva and sweat, are also documented, often triggered by allergens within these fluids rather than the fluids themselves. The rarest of these conditions, aquagenic urticaria, causes allergic reactions to water, complicating daily life for those affected. These allergies highlight the complexities of human interactions and the challenges faced by those with such sensitivities. sources

Published:
Oct 29 2025, 8 pm

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