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Ocean Circulation Changes Increase North Atlantic Salinity

A recent study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals that the North Atlantic Ocean has become significantly saltier than the Pacific over the past 50 years, with salinity differences increasing by nearly 6% from 1965 to 2018. This change is attributed to intensified evaporation in the Atlantic, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, alongside the Pacific's connection to major river systems that replenish its water. The study highlights the roles of climate change and shifting wind patterns, which have altered ocean temperatures and thermocline positions, exacerbating salinity disparities. While the researchers acknowledge uncertainties in fully understanding these complex interactions, they warn that rising salinity could destabilize ocean layers and hinder nutrient and oxygen exchange, potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and food chains. The findings, published in *Nature Climate Change*, underscore the profound impacts of human-driven climate change on Earth's ocean systems. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 9 pm

Can Lunar Soil Sustain a Permanent Moon Base?

Scientists have made significant strides toward establishing a permanent lunar presence by developing a new technique to extract water and generate fuel from the Moon's soil. Current methods of transporting essential resources like water from Earth are prohibitively expensive, costing up to $83,000 per gallon. However, researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, have discovered that lunar soil contains water and can be processed to convert exhaled carbon dioxide into usable carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. This dual-function approach not only addresses the challenge of resource transport but also utilizes solar energy to facilitate the extraction process. While the technology has shown promise in laboratory settings, applying it on the Moon will require overcoming environmental challenges such as temperature fluctuations and radiation. The findings, published in the journal Joule, suggest that the Moon could potentially support a sustainable base for future exploration. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 5 pm

Eight Children Born with Three Biological Parents via Mitochondrial Transfer

Eight children have been born with three biological parents through a groundbreaking technique known as mitochondrial replacement therapy, which allows mothers with mitochondrial diseases to have healthy offspring. This method, legalized in the UK in 2015, involves transferring nuclear DNA from the mother’s egg into a donor egg devoid of mitochondrial disease, followed by fertilization with the father's sperm. The successful births include four boys and four girls, with one pregnancy still ongoing. None of the children exhibit the mitochondrial diseases their mothers would have passed on, and they have met developmental milestones. While some of the children carry a small percentage of their mother's mitochondrial DNA, the predominant healthy DNA ensures their energy needs are met. Experts view this advancement as a significant hope for families affected by mitochondrial diseases, although ongoing observations are planned to monitor the children's health. sources

Published:
Jul 17 2025, 7 pm

When Your Relationship Reaches This Point, It's Doomed

A recent study led by Janina Bühler from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals that relationships often reach a critical "transition point" after approximately eight years, marking the beginning of their decline. Analyzing data from over 11,000 individuals across Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and the UK, researchers found that couples typically start off happy but experience a steady decrease in satisfaction, culminating in a rapid deterioration once this pivotal stage is reached. Alarmingly, many individuals in failing relationships are unaware they have crossed this threshold, with half of those surveyed surprised by their partner's desire to separate. Once this terminal phase is reached, couples have an average of one to two years before the relationship ends, underscoring the importance of addressing issues early on to prevent decline. The findings, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, suggest that proactive measures can help preserve relationships before they reach this critical juncture. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 8 pm

NASA Astronaut's Untethered Satellite Capture: Stunning Footage Revealed

A viral Reddit video has resurfaced the harrowing moment NASA astronaut Dale Gardner floated untethered in space during a 1984 mission to recover two misoriented communication satellites. Gardner and fellow astronaut Joseph Allen donned Manned Maneuvering Units (MMUs) to retrieve the Westar 6 and Palapa B2 satellites after a rocket failure left them stranded in incorrect orbits. The astronauts executed a complex operation, with Allen first capturing Palapa before Gardner successfully secured Westar. The mission, which involved navigating the vastness of space at speeds nearing 28,900 kilometers per hour, was completed in just over 11 hours, showcasing both the bravery and skill of the astronauts. This footage, alongside iconic images from earlier untethered spacewalks, highlights the inherent dangers of space exploration, captivating audiences with its blend of awe and terror. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 6 pm

Building a Dyson Swarm: Humanity's Costly Ambition

In the quest to identify technologically advanced alien civilizations, researchers are examining the signals of life emitted by humanity, such as radio waves and biosignatures. However, as civilizations evolve, they often abandon detectable technologies, prompting scientists to consider future possibilities, like the construction of a "Dyson Sphere"—a megastructure designed to harness a star's energy. While a complete sphere is unstable, a Dyson swarm, consisting of smaller structures, is more feasible and could provide immense energy for advanced projects. Astronomers are actively searching for the infrared signatures of such structures, with promising candidates already identified. A team from Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute has proposed a realistic design for a Dyson swarm, suggesting that dismantling Mercury for materials could be a long-term goal, albeit a daunting one. This raises questions about the existence of other civilizations capable of such feats, reigniting the Fermi Paradox: where is everyone? sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 2 pm

First Footage Reveals Trawling's Devastating Impact Live

Sir David Attenborough's latest film, _OCEAN_, presents harrowing footage of trawling from a unique perspective, showcasing the desperate attempts of marine life, such as cephalopods and rays, to escape the devastation wrought by industrial fishing methods. The film highlights the extensive damage caused by trawlers, which can strip up to 41% of the seabed, leaving behind trails of destruction visible from space. Attenborough emphasizes the urgent need for ocean conservation, stating, “If we save the sea, we save the planet.” Despite the grim realities, there is hope; research shows that marine ecosystems can recover significantly when conservation measures are implemented. The film advocates for sustainable fishing practices, underscoring that protecting the ocean benefits both biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing. Released on May 8, _OCEAN_ serves as a crucial call to action ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, where the future of ocean protection will be debated. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 12 pm

Mammals Evolved into Ant Eaters 12 Times Since Dinosaurs' Extinction

A recent study reveals that ant-eating mammals, known as myrmecophages, have evolved independently 12 times since the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This dietary specialization emerged following the K-Pg extinction event, which allowed ant and termite populations to flourish, prompting various mammal species to adapt to this abundant food source. Researchers analyzed dietary data from over 4,000 mammal species, identifying 20 obligate ant and termite eaters, including anteaters and aardvarks. The study highlights that myrmecophagy evolved across all major mammal groups, with insectivorous ancestors making the transition more frequently than carnivorous ones. Interestingly, few myrmecophagous species have reverted to more general diets, with the exception of the elephant shrew. While this specialization may provide advantages as social insects dominate ecosystems, it also risks creating evolutionary dead ends for these mammals, particularly in the face of climate change. The findings are published in the journal *Evolution*. sources

Published:
Jul 20 2025, 10 am

Can You Create This Rare Ear Sound?

A recent social media trend has revealed that only a select group of individuals can produce a unique sound in their ears, known as "ear rumbling," a phenomenon linked to the voluntary control of the tensor tympani muscle. This muscle, which dampens loud noises, can be contracted to create a rumbling sound, often likened to distant thunder. While this ability has been recognized since at least 1884, many were unaware that it was not universally experienced. Enthusiasts have formed a subreddit, "Ear Rumblers Assemble," where they share experiences and tips, such as using facial contortions to trigger the sound. For those unable to produce the sound voluntarily, simulating it can be achieved by contracting nearby muscles, like a clenched fist. This quirky discovery adds to a growing list of intriguing human body phenomena, following revelations about the absence of internal monologues in some individuals. sources

Published:
Jul 19 2025, 5 pm

Andromeda Collision: Astronomers Give 50/50 Odds

Humans only confirmed the existence of other galaxies about a century ago, thanks to Edwin Hubble's discovery of Cepheid variables in Andromeda, which allowed for distance measurement. Since then, advancements in astronomical technology have revealed that there are approximately 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe. Notably, Andromeda is on a collision course with the Milky Way, expected to occur in about 4 billion years at a speed of 250,000 mph. A recent, yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study utilizing data from the Gaia and Hubble space telescopes has examined the dynamics of the Local Group of galaxies, highlighting uncertainties that could significantly impact the likelihood of a merger. The researchers found that while the inclusion of nearby galaxies increases merger probabilities, other factors could reduce them, suggesting a nearly 50% chance that the Milky Way and Andromeda may not collide in the next 10 billion years. Further observations are needed to clarify these predictions. sources

Published:
Jul 19 2025, 7 pm

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