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Rare "Ghost Elephant" Spotted in Niokolo-Koba National Park

In a rare and exciting development, a "ghost elephant" named Ousmane has been captured on camera for the first time in five years in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park, where only five to ten of these elusive creatures are believed to remain. The footage, recorded by Panthera and Senegal’s National Parks Directorate, shows Ousmane, last seen in 2019, taking a nocturnal stroll. The park's teams are also analyzing dung samples for DNA to determine if other elephants exist, crucial for Ousmane's potential mating prospects. Once abundant, the elephant population has dwindled due to poaching and habitat loss, prompting discussions on enhanced protections and the possibility of establishing a breeding population. Conservation efforts face challenges, as relocating elephants has proven difficult, but success stories, such as the resurgence of West African lions, offer hope for the future of these rare elephants. sources

Published:
Jun 11 2025, 4 pm

First Fossil Discovery Shows Sauropods Didn't Chew Food

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered the first-ever fossilized stomach contents of a sauropod, specifically a _Diamantinasaurus matildae_, dating back 94 to 101 million years. Excavated in Queensland, Australia, this near-complete specimen revealed a cololite containing layers of plant fossils, confirming that sauropods were herbivores. The findings indicate that these massive dinosaurs relied on fermentation and gut microbes to digest food, similar to modern-day hindgut fermenters like elephants and horses, without the need for chewing. Lead author Stephen Poropat noted that the heat generated from fermentation could have influenced their long necks and tails, aiding in temperature regulation. This discovery not only sheds light on the dietary habits of sauropods but also highlights their role as ecosystem engineers throughout their lives, impacting plant evolution and environmental dynamics. The study is published in the journal *Current Biology*. sources

Published:
Jun 09 2025, 10 pm

New Giant Viruses Discovered in Oceans Worldwide

Scientists from the University of Miami have identified 230 new types of giant viruses in oceans worldwide, a discovery that could significantly impact our understanding of marine ecosystems and public health. These giant viruses, measuring up to two microns, are much larger than typical viruses, which usually max out at 0.4 microns. They possess complex genomes and genes involved in cellular functions like carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, suggesting they play a crucial role in influencing their hosts, primarily protists such as algae. This research could aid in predicting and managing harmful algal blooms, which pose health risks globally. Lead author Benjamin Minch emphasized that understanding these viruses is vital for supporting marine environments, as they interact with phytoplankton, the foundation of oceanic food webs. The findings, published in the journal *npj Viruses*, highlight the ecological significance of these previously overlooked organisms. sources

Published:
Jun 11 2025, 6 pm

Why Are Shoes Hanging on Power Lines?

The phenomenon of shoes tossed over power lines, known as "shoefiti," is a global practice with various interpretations. One common theory suggests it serves as a memorial for deceased loved ones, a tradition that has evolved over millennia. However, the act can also be misinterpreted as a marker of gang territory, a notion debunked by sources like Snopes, which emphasize that there is no singular explanation for this behavior. Some individuals, like former gang member Patrick Starr, have confirmed that in certain contexts, it can signify neighborhood affiliations or commemorate fallen members. Additionally, the act of throwing shoes can be a form of taunting, particularly in school settings, as retrieving them can be dangerous due to the height of utility poles. Ultimately, the true meaning behind shoefiti often remains elusive, varying widely based on local culture and individual intent. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 pm

YouTuber Builds Titanium-Piercing Handheld Laser

A YouTuber known as "styropyro," real name Drake Anthony, has developed what he claims to be the world's most powerful handheld laser, capable of cutting through titanium and melting tungsten. In a recent video, Anthony explained that his laser operates at 250 watts, a staggering 50,000 times stronger than the legal limit of 5 milliwatts for laser pointers. This new device surpasses the highest laser danger rating by a factor of 500, posing significant risks, including instant blindness and fire hazards. Demonstrating its capabilities, Anthony showcased the laser's ability to slice through copper wire, penetrate titanium, and even transform alumina powder into rubies. He emphasized the advancements in technology that allowed him to create this powerful tool, which boasts a brightness four times greater than his previous record-breaking laser. However, he cautioned viewers against attempting similar experiments at home due to the inherent dangers involved. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 am

Only One US President Buried Without an American Flag

In a notable deviation from tradition, John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, was buried under a Confederate flag, marking him as the only U.S. president not to have his coffin draped in the American flag. Born in 1790 to a wealthy Virginian family, Tyler served from 1841 to 1845, advocating for states' rights and the annexation of Texas, which heightened tensions leading to the Civil War. A former Democrat turned Whig, he ascended to the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison. Tyler sided with the Confederacy, encouraging Virginia's secession and was elected to the Confederate Congress before his death in 1862. His burial was orchestrated by Confederate leaders to bolster their cause, despite his wish for a simple funeral. His legacy remains contentious, often ranking him among the least favorable presidents, though he established the "Tyler Precedent," affirming the vice president's succession to the presidency. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 9 am

Galapagos Sharks Use Manta Rays as Cleaning Stations

In a surprising discovery, researchers have observed Galapagos sharks (_Carcharhinus galapagensis_) using manta rays (_Mobula birostris_) as scratching posts in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, eastern tropical Pacific. Video footage captured in late 2024 and early 2025 shows sharks rubbing against mantas near established cleaning stations, a behavior previously noted in other marine species. The interactions varied, with juvenile sharks often tolerated by the mantas, while an adult shark prompted evasive maneuvers from a manta, suggesting learned behavior from past encounters with sharks. The study raises questions about the role of mantas as mobile alternatives to traditional cleaning stations, particularly in the absence of cleaner fish, potentially influenced by increased tourism and diving activities disrupting these environments. The findings, which have yet to undergo peer review, are detailed in a preprint paper available on bioRxiv. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 7 am

New Zealand's New Jumping Spider Genus Features Unique Traits

A new genus of jumping spiders, named _Ourea_, has been discovered in the alpine regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, adding to the estimated 200 endemic species in the country. A team of scientists collected 170 spiders from 19 alpine sites, identifying 12 new species and highlighting the genus's widespread presence across various locations, including Kahurangi and Arthur’s Pass National Parks. Notably, _O. petroides_ emerged as the most common species, likely utilizing a behavior known as ballooning to traverse the mountainous terrain. This technique allows spiders to ascend using silk as a parachute, aided by atmospheric electric fields. While the researchers did not directly observe _Ourea_ ballooning, the isolated mountaintop habitats suggest this method may explain their distribution. The study underscores the significance of _Salticidae_ spiders, which are among the most researched invertebrates globally, yet remain underexplored in New Zealand. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 3 am

What Purpose Do Shark Nostrils Serve Without Lungs?

In the animated film _Finding Nemo_, a scene featuring Bruce the shark raises an intriguing question about the function of shark nostrils, or nares, given that sharks lack lungs. Unlike humans, who rely on lungs to inhale and detect odors, sharks have a distinct olfactory system that operates independently from their respiratory system. Their nares contain a specialized structure called a rosette, which allows them to detect chemical signals in water. Water flows into the nares as sharks swim, or through tiny cilia-like hairs, enabling them to pinpoint prey by following scent trails. Research by Jelle Atema from Boston University reveals that sharks not only seek the highest concentration of odors but also consider water currents, enhancing their hunting efficiency. Thus, while sharks have nostrils, they serve a unique purpose in olfaction rather than respiration, underscoring the complexity of their sensory adaptations. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 2 am

Understanding the Stitch You Feel While Exercising

Exercise is widely recognized for its health benefits, yet many individuals experience a painful phenomenon known as a "stitch," or exercise-related transient abdominal pain. This discomfort, typically felt beneath the ribcage during physical activity, can range from a mild ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. While the precise cause remains unclear, theories suggest it may stem from irritation of the parietal peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, potentially exacerbated by factors such as reduced blood flow to the diaphragm or mechanical stress. To mitigate the risk of stitches, experts recommend avoiding heavy meals before exercise, warming up gradually, and staying hydrated with small sips. Although there is no guaranteed prevention or immediate remedy, stopping the activity often alleviates the pain, with techniques like deep breathing and stretching providing additional relief. Further research is needed to fully understand this common exercise-related issue. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 9 pm

New Island Emerges in Caspian Sea, World's Largest Inland Sea

Russian scientists from the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology have confirmed the emergence of a new island in the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island. First detected via satellite images in November 2024, the island's existence was validated during a recent expedition, although adverse weather and shallow waters hindered landfall attempts. The Caspian Sea is currently experiencing maximum runoff from the River Volga, its primary water source, but as water levels decline, more of the island may be revealed. Over the past century, the Caspian has seen significant water level fluctuations, with declines accelerating due to climate change, threatening unique ecosystems and species, including the endangered Caspian seal. However, the new island could also provide critical nesting grounds for vulnerable wildlife as the sea continues to recede. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 10 pm

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