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US Navy Captures Spherical UFO Diving into the Sea

A recently released video by the US Navy shows an unidentified flying object (UFO) performing aerial maneuvers before crashing into the ocean, igniting interest among UFO enthusiasts. The Pentagon has confirmed the authenticity of the footage, which was made public by filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, who claims it was filmed in 2019 from the USS Omaha's Combat Information Center off the coast of San Diego. The object, described as a small spherical craft measuring approximately 2 meters in diameter, demonstrated remarkable speed, reaching up to 254 kilometers per hour (158 miles per hour) in flight. Notably, it appears capable of transitioning between air and water, a feat not achieved by any known military or civilian vehicles. Despite a subsequent submarine search, the object was not located. The concept of flying submarines has been explored in the past, but practical challenges have hindered development. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 10 pm

Understanding Consciousness and Its Development Timeline

The question of when consciousness begins in infants has long perplexed researchers, with new parents often wondering how their babies experience the world. Traditionally, consciousness has been viewed as a binary state, but a shift towards a "cluster-based" model is emerging, suggesting that consciousness may be assessed through a range of criteria rather than a strict definition. Recent studies indicate that infants may possess key neural features associated with consciousness at birth, and evidence suggests that consciousness could even begin to develop in the third trimester of pregnancy. Researchers have identified four markers of consciousness: activity in the default mode network, attentional capacity, multisensory integration, and the local-global effect. However, the debate continues, as some experts argue that the criteria may be too simplistic and that consciousness may not fully manifest until later in development. As research progresses, the quest for a definitive understanding of consciousness in infants remains ongoing. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 12 am

Scientists Insert Human "Language Gene" into Mice, Surprising Results Emerge

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have inserted a human "language gene" variant into mice, revealing significant changes in their vocalizations and offering insights into the evolution of communication. Mouse pups with the human version of the NOVA1 gene exhibited higher-pitched squeaks and different sound patterns when calling for their mothers compared to their wild-type counterparts. As adults, these genetically modified mice produced more complex calls to attract mates, suggesting that such vocal changes could influence evolutionary outcomes. The human variant of NOVA1, which differs by a single amino acid from that of other animals, appears to enhance RNA binding at genes associated with vocalization. Notably, Neanderthals and Denisovans lacked this variant, raising questions about their capacity for complex speech. Researchers propose that the emergence of this gene variant in early modern humans may have conferred advantages in communication, aiding their survival and expansion across the globe. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 1 am

Giraffe with Unusual Bumps Seen in Kruger National Park

In Kruger National Park, a giraffe exhibiting skin nodules, potentially linked to a type of papillomavirus, has raised concerns among wildlife experts. Captured in photographs by wildlife photographer Marius Nortje, the giraffe's condition has been shared by Worldwide Vets, who suggest the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) may be responsible. This virus, typically affecting cattle and horses, is believed to spread through direct contact or via oxpecker birds, which may inadvertently transmit the disease while removing parasites. Although the condition is not considered life-threatening, there is currently no treatment available. Dr. Gemma Campling from Worldwide Vets noted that similar cases have been documented in the past, including a 2007 incident where affected giraffes were euthanized for research. For now, the giraffe is under close observation, with no plans for euthanasia, as experts monitor its health. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 5 pm

Is the Illuminati Real and Does It Still Exist?

The Illuminati, a secret society founded in 1776 by Bavarian law professor Adam Weishaupt, has long captivated popular culture, featuring prominently in films where heroes thwart their global conspiracies. Emerging during a time of significant societal change, Weishaupt aimed to challenge the Catholic Church's dominance and promote rationalist ideals, including gender equality in education. However, the society's radical views led to its suppression by the Bavarian government, culminating in its ban in 1785 and Weishaupt's exile. Despite persistent conspiracy theories suggesting the Illuminati's survival and influence, particularly during the French Revolution, there is no credible evidence to support the existence of the original group or any modern iterations. Today, while various organizations claim ties to the Illuminati, these assertions are largely unfounded, fueling speculation about their alleged ongoing machinations in global affairs. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 10 pm

Patterns Seen with Closed Eyes: What Are They?

When you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in darkness due to the ongoing activity of retinal cells, which generate weak internal signals that mimic light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, the brain interprets this random activity as visual stimuli, leading to the perception of colors and patterns that aren't actually present. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying retinal issues or neurological conditions, particularly if the patterns change or become more pronounced. If you experience persistent disturbances, it is advisable to consult a medical professional. Understanding these phenomena sheds light on the complex workings of our visual system and the brain's interpretation of sensory information. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 6 pm

Lévy Flight: Football Teams Unknowingly Follow Mathematical Patterns

A groundbreaking study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has revealed that football teams exhibit movement patterns akin to Lévy walks, a mathematical model describing the foraging behavior of various organisms, including albatrosses and certain animal groups. The research, which analyzed player movements in Japan's J-League, found that teams behave as a single entity when seeking possession of the ball, balancing short, frequent movements with longer sprints to optimize their chances of winning. Professor Tom Froese, the study's senior author, noted that this strategy mirrors the search for resources in nature, where organisms must exploit nearby opportunities while exploring new ones. The findings suggest that players demonstrating pronounced Lévy walk patterns are more active and contribute positively to team dynamics. While the behavior of footballers is complex, the study highlights an intriguing connection between team movement strategies and those observed in other foraging systems. The research is published in the journal Complexity. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 11 pm

Neanderthal DNA May Explain Lactose Tolerance in East Asians

A recent study suggests that the genetic ability of East Asian adults to digest milk without adverse effects may have originated from Neanderthals, predating the human consumption of dairy. Researchers found a unique haplotype associated with lactase persistence (LP) in East Asians, a group typically known for high lactose intolerance. This genetic variant, which affects the lactase gene (_LCT_), likely spread through ancient hunter-gatherer populations due to its immune system benefits rather than lactose digestion. The haplotype underwent positive selection between 25,000 and 28,000 years ago, long before dairy farming began, indicating its initial purpose was unrelated to milk consumption. The study also highlights that this haplotype influences other genes, such as _DARS1_, crucial for immune cell development, suggesting that ancient adaptations may have been driven by factors like famine or pathogen exposure. The findings are detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 9 pm

Beauty Quarks' Decay Could Explain Universe's Asymmetry

Physicists have long grappled with the mystery of why the universe contains more matter than antimatter, a disparity crucial for the existence of life. Recent analyses of subatomic particle decays at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have unveiled two new instances of symmetry violation, shedding light on this enigma. While matter and antimatter are generally symmetrical, the universe's observed imbalance suggests a lack of symmetry, leading to the creation of more matter or the destruction of more antimatter. The LHC's experiments, particularly involving beauty mesons and baryons, revealed differing decay rates between matter and antimatter, supporting theories of symmetry breaking. These findings, detailed in two papers, mark significant progress in understanding the fundamental forces shaping our universe, with one study published in *Physical Review Letters* and the other available as a preprint. However, the quest for a comprehensive explanation continues. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 2 am

New Synthetic Cannabinoid Offers Pain Relief Without High

In a significant advancement in pain management, researchers from Washington University and Stanford University have developed a synthetic cannabinoid, VIP36, that retains the analgesic properties of cannabis without the addictive or psychoactive effects. Chronic pain affects a substantial number of adults in the U.S., often leading to a reliance on opioids, which carry risks of addiction and harm. The new compound, designed to be positively charged, cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, thus avoiding interaction with the brain's reward center. Initial tests in mice showed promising results, with VIP36 effectively alleviating various types of pain, including inflammatory and nerve pain, without the tolerance issues seen in previous treatments. The researchers aim to further develop VIP36 into an oral medication for human clinical trials, addressing the urgent need for non-addictive chronic pain therapies. The findings are published in the journal Nature. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 6 pm

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