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First Footage: Labord's Chameleon's Last Colorful Display

In a remarkable display of color change, the Labord's chameleon (_Furcifer labordi_) has been filmed for the first time in the wild during its final moments, showcasing a vibrant array of hues as it lays eggs in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar. This unique chameleon, which has a lifespan of just four to five months, was documented using time-lapse photography for the PBS series _Big Little Journeys_. Producers Valeria Fabbri-Kennedy and herpetologist Chris Raxworthy expressed their amazement at the footage, noting that the chameleon's skin cells, triggered by nervous signals, create chaotic color patterns as it nears death. The species spends most of its life as an egg, developing for nine months before hatching, and the rapid aging process is believed to be an adaptation to Madagascar's harsh seasonal variations. The colorful spectacle serves as a poignant reminder of the chameleon's brief yet vibrant existence. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 4 am

Google CEO Plans Space AI Data Centers by 2027, Faces Challenge

In early November, Google unveiled Project Suncatcher, an ambitious initiative aimed at establishing satellite constellations to function as data centers in space. CEO Sundar Pichai's assertion that these centers could harness solar energy "100 trillion times" greater than Earth's production has sparked skepticism among scientists, who argue that while the Sun emits vast energy, the technology to capture it effectively does not exist. Current solar panels only utilize a fraction of the Sun's spectrum, and the concept of a Dyson sphere—an idealized structure to absorb all solar energy—remains impractical due to material limitations and stability issues. Meanwhile, the growing energy demands of data centers, particularly for AI, have prompted interest in space-based solutions, as seen in China's recent launch of the Three-Body Computing Constellation. However, the high costs and technical challenges of space deployment raise questions about the feasibility of such projects. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 1 am

Mars-Bound Astronauts Will Face Time Dilation Effects

As astronauts prepare for a journey to Mars, they will encounter the phenomenon of time dilation, where time passes at different rates for different observers due to relative speeds and gravitational fields. While time dilation effects are minimal—measured in nanoseconds—compared to the vast distances and speeds involved in space travel, astronauts will still experience a slight difference relative to Earth observers. For instance, cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, who spent 311 days in space, technically traveled 0.02 seconds into the future. During a 21-month round trip to Mars, astronauts will experience similar effects, with time passing normally for them but slightly slower compared to those on Earth. If they remain on Mars for extended periods, the gravitational time dilation could become more noticeable, with a human living 80 years on Mars aging about 12 seconds less than on Earth, although they would not perceive this difference. sources

Published:
Dec 08 2025, 5 am

International Space Station Reaches New Milestone with 5 Years Remaining

NASA has announced a significant milestone for the International Space Station (ISS), which has been continuously inhabited since November 2, 2000. With its operational life set to conclude at the end of 2030, the ISS will be decommissioned and crashed into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031. Currently, all eight of its docking ports are occupied for the first time in its history, hosting a mix of spacecraft including two SpaceX Dragons, a Cygnus XL, and several Russian Soyuz and Progress vessels. The ISS's components will have exceeded their planned lifespan by two years by the time of its retirement. Meanwhile, the Expedition 73 crew is engaged in various research activities, with three new members recently added. As NASA shifts focus to upcoming missions like Artemis and commercial space stations, the ISS continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific research in microgravity. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 3 pm

"Sinister Crocodile Wins 2020 Nature Photography Competition"

The German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) has revealed the winners of its annual GDT Nature Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the stunning diversity of the natural world. Over 5,000 entries were submitted across seven categories, with Peter Lindel's evocative image "A hare’s dream," featuring a European Hare, taking the top prize. Other notable winners include Radomir Jakubowski, who captured the regeneration of the Bavarian Forest, and Mohammad Murad, whose photograph of an Arabian red fox earned second place in the Mammals category. The competition also highlighted a menacing crocodile in a drying pool, which won the "Other Animals" category, and a breathtaking view of meltwater lakes in Greenland, a runner-up in the Nature’s Studio category. The competition provided a much-needed glimpse of nature's beauty during a time when many are confined indoors. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 2 pm

Why Do More People Think Aliens Have Visited Earth?

A growing number of people now believe that extraterrestrial life not only exists but has also been visiting Earth for an extended period. This belief is increasingly mainstream, transcending the boundaries of fringe communities. The rise in acceptance of these ideas may be linked to various factors, including increased media coverage and a shift in public perception regarding the possibility of alien encounters. As interest in ufology expands, experts warn that this trend could have implications for societal beliefs and scientific discourse. The phenomenon reflects a broader curiosity about the universe and humanity's place within it, prompting discussions about the potential consequences of such beliefs on our understanding of reality. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 11 pm

"New Live-Bearing Toads Can Carry Over 100 Babies"

A recent study has identified three new species of live-bearing toads, known as "pustular" toads, in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains, which are renowned for their biodiversity. The species, _Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis_, _Nectophrynoides uhehe_, and _Nectophrynoides saliensis_, are characterized by their bulbous, brightly-colored bumps and the remarkable ability to give birth to over 100 juveniles at a time, a reproductive strategy that differs from the typical egg-laying process of most amphibians. Researchers utilized "museomics" to analyze historical specimens and confirm the distinctiveness of these species, which were previously grouped under _Nectophrynoides viviparus_. However, the region faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation, raising concerns about the survival of these unique toads. Conservation efforts must consider the specific ecological needs of viviparous amphibians to prevent further extinctions in this vulnerable group. sources

Published:
Dec 07 2025, 3 pm

US's Recent Plan to Nuke Moon for "Negative Mass"

In a bizarre revelation, documents from the US's Advanced Aerospace Weapons System Application Program (AAWSAP) suggest a plan to detonate nuclear devices on the Moon to search for "negative mass." This concept, which lacks experimental evidence, proposes that such mass could revolutionize space travel by reducing inertia. The documents, released following a Freedom of Information Act request, detail a speculative approach involving the creation of a tunnel through the Moon to access this elusive material. While the idea may sound like science fiction, it reflects the program's broader investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena and unconventional propulsion methods. Despite the intriguing nature of negative mass, which theoretically could exhibit strange interactions with positive mass, scientists remain skeptical, and the Moon is expected to remain untouched by nuclear experiments for the foreseeable future. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2025, 10 pm

Jaguarundi: A Blend of Cat and Otter Features

The jaguarundi, a peculiar wild cat resembling an otter more than a traditional feline, is often misidentified due to its name, which includes "jaguar." Scientifically classified as either _Herpailurus yagouaroundi_ or _Puma yagouaroundi_, it diverged from the puma lineage 4 to 7 million years ago. Characterized by its elongated body, short legs, and flat head, the jaguarundi is adept at swimming, often seen fishing in ponds. Despite its wide range across 19 countries from Mexico to northern Argentina, much about the species remains unknown, primarily due to challenges in research, such as their plain coats and low conservation priority. Currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, the jaguarundi faces threats from habitat loss and human conflict. As the IUCN prepares to reassess its status, conservationists argue that this unique species deserves greater attention and research. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 10 am

The Only Bird That Can Fly Backwards

Hummingbirds are the only birds capable of true backward flight, a skill that sets them apart in the avian world. While many birds can briefly flutter backwards, hummingbirds excel due to their unique wing structure and joint flexibility, allowing them to flap their wings 20 to 80 times per second in a figure-eight motion. This remarkable adaptation enables them to generate lift on the upstroke, a feat not achievable by most other species. Their stiff wings, which extend almost straight out from their bodies, facilitate agile maneuvers, including navigating through tight spaces by pulling their wings close and darting through openings. Biologist Tyson Hedrick notes that hummingbirds have evolved an insect-like flight style, combining vertebrate anatomy with extraordinary aerial capabilities. This combination of speed and agility makes hummingbirds not only the most colorful birds but also the true masters of flight. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 2 pm

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