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AI Solving Zodiac Killer Case Engages in Creepy Activity

The Zodiac Killer, infamous for his string of murders in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s, remains one of the 20th century's most enigmatic criminals, claiming to have killed up to 37 people. He taunted authorities with cryptic messages, including the unsolved Z340 cipher. Despite numerous theories about his identity, including a humorous but unfounded suggestion linking him to Senator Ted Cruz, the case has remained cold for decades. However, hope has emerged with the introduction of CARMEL, a supercomputer developed by Keven Knight at the University of California, designed to decode the Zodiac's messages. CARMEL has previously cracked historical ciphers and is now being utilized to potentially unveil the killer's identity. Interestingly, the supercomputer also creates poetry, producing eerie verses based on the Zodiac's language, showcasing its unique capabilities beyond crime-solving. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 6 am

8 Scientific Conspiracies That Were Proven True

In recent years, conspiracy theories have evolved from the stereotypical fringe beliefs to more mainstream narratives, often propagated online. Theories range from the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism to the belief in a flat Earth, with some theorists even crowdfunding for homemade rocket launches. Research suggests that such beliefs may stem from a desire for uniqueness and gullibility. However, history reveals that some conspiracy-like events have indeed occurred, such as the CIA's MK-ULTRA mind control experiments, the tobacco industry's long denial of smoking's health risks, and the unethical Tuskegee syphilis study, where Black men were misled and left untreated for decades. Additionally, the U.S. government has investigated UFOs and even poisoned alcohol supplies during Prohibition. These real-life examples blur the lines between fact and fiction, fueling ongoing public skepticism and conspiracy theories. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 7 am

"Is Journaling for Everyone? Discover in CURIOUS Issue 26!"

The latest issue of CURIOUS, published in September 2024, explores a range of captivating scientific topics, with its cover story focusing on the benefits of journaling. This edition delves into the earliest human use of color, examining its origins and applications, while also addressing the intriguing process of rediscovering a "lost" species after a decade-long search. Additionally, readers can learn about Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world's largest lava lake and one of the most perilous volcanoes. The issue features an exclusive interview with author Paul Barrett, including an excerpt from his new book, *A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils*. Alongside these features, CURIOUS offers news updates, diary dates, and recommendations for what to see, watch, and read this month, making it a comprehensive resource for science enthusiasts. sources

Published:
Aug 25 2024, 7 am

Low-Skilled Gamers Show Hostility Toward Female Players

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that low-skilled male gamers are more likely to exhibit hostility towards female players than their higher-skilled counterparts. The research, conducted during the height of the Gamergate controversy, analyzed gameplay in _Halo 3_ and found that around 50% of women gamers experience harassment, with 75% of those aged 18 to 24 reporting abuse. The study involved manipulating voice recordings to assess player reactions, revealing that poorer-performing males directed more negative comments towards female-voiced teammates while being less hostile to male voices. This behavior suggests that low-skilled players may feel threatened by female gamers entering a traditionally male-dominated space, leading to increased aggression. The findings highlight the troubling potential for gaming culture to reinforce gender segregation and promote sexism, raising concerns about its impact on real-world interactions. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 5 am

Woman Without Inner Monologue Shares Her Thought Process

In a recently resurfaced video, Kirsten Carlson, a woman who experiences life without an inner monologue, shared insights into her unique thought process on the YouTube channel PA Struggles. Carlson explained that instead of an internal voice, she visualizes information as organized files in her mind, which she can access as needed. This phenomenon, while surprising to many, is not uncommon; some individuals report thinking without a verbal narrative, describing it as a more instinctive or emotional experience. Carlson noted her attempts to engage in self-talk since discovering the concept of inner monologues often result in her speaking aloud. Scientific studies indicate that while most people experience a blend of inner speech and other cognitive patterns, a significant number do not engage in inner dialogue at all, highlighting the diverse ways humans process thoughts. sources

Published:
Aug 24 2024, 11 pm

Boy Brings Radioactive Capsule Home, Faces Tragic Consequences

In a tragic incident in Mexico City in 1962, a family unknowingly came into contact with a radioactive cobalt-60 capsule, leading to severe health consequences. After moving into a new home, the family discovered a small lead container, which they did not recognize as containing radioactive material. A 10-year-old boy found the capsule in the yard, pocketed it, and later placed it in a kitchen drawer. The family began to experience mysterious illnesses, with the mother noticing their glass tumblers turning black, a sign of radiation exposure. The boy died on April 29, followed by his mother in July, his younger sister in August, and his grandmother in October. The father, the sole survivor, received significantly lower radiation doses. This incident highlights the dangers of unrecognized radioactive materials and the devastating impact of prolonged exposure. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 4 am

Polaris Dawn to Attempt First Civilian Spacewalk

Polaris Dawn, the inaugural mission of the Polaris Program, is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center on August 27, 2024, aiming to achieve several significant milestones in space exploration. Commanded by Jared Isaacman, the mission will include pilot Scott Poteet and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Notably, the mission will attempt the first-ever civilian spacewalk, with Gillis and Menon poised to break the record for the farthest distance traveled by women from Earth. The crew will also conduct vital scientific research, including studies on decompression sickness and the effects of space radiation, which are crucial for future long-duration missions. The spacecraft will reach a highly elliptical orbit, peaking at 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) above Earth, before returning on September 1, 2024. The mission represents a significant step in commercial spaceflight and human health research in space. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 1 am

Elephants May Worship the Moon, Internet Speculates

A viral tweet claiming that elephants engage in "Moon worship" has sparked a wave of misinformation online, garnering over 50,000 likes and 17,000 retweets. The tweet references a now-removed Wikipedia passage that cites Ronald K. Siegel's work, suggesting elephants perform rituals like waving branches at the moon and bathing during full moons. However, this claim is rooted in outdated and contentious sources, including the writings of Pliny the Elder, known for his inaccuracies. Experts emphasize that while elephants exhibit complex behaviors, such as mourning their dead and understanding human gestures, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion of them worshipping celestial bodies. The consensus is clear: elephants are remarkable creatures in their own right, without the need for fanciful claims about lunar reverence. sources

Published:
Aug 22 2024, 2 am

Dinosaur Tracks Show Ancient Continental Split 140 Million Years Ago

Fossilized dinosaur tracks discovered in Brazil and Cameroon reveal that these ancient creatures roamed a connected landmass 120 million years ago, before the continents split apart. The findings, which include over 260 prints, highlight a time when South America and Africa were close enough for dinosaurs to traverse freely, a journey that would now require a 6,000-kilometer swim across the South Atlantic Ocean. The research, led by paleontologist Louis Jacobs from Southern Methodist University, indicates that the tectonic separation began 140 million years ago, reshaping the geological landscape and creating new oceanic boundaries. The study, published by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, emphasizes the similarities in the dinosaur footprints, which belong to various species, including theropods and sauropods, and provides crucial insights into the Earth's ancient geography and the evolutionary history of these prehistoric animals. sources

Published:
Aug 26 2024, 9 pm

Free COVID-19 Tests Available for US Households This Fall

As the respiratory virus season approaches, U.S. health officials have announced that households will be able to order four free COVID-19 tests starting in late September. Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, emphasized the importance of testing as families gather for the holidays. This initiative is part of a program that has previously distributed over 900 million tests since 2021. Additionally, free access to Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, will be available for Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured individuals. The CDC has noted a potential rise in hospitalizations, urging vigilance as new mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been authorized to target circulating variants. With estimates indicating an increase in infections across 27 states, health officials are encouraging eligible individuals to receive updated vaccinations to enhance protection against the evolving virus. sources

Published:
Aug 27 2024, 2 am

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