Trending Science

Listen as Radio

"Rare Video Shows Historic Grey Nurse Shark Birth in Sydney"

A grey nurse shark pup named Archie has made history at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, marking a significant milestone for both the facility and marine conservation efforts in Australia. Born during a routine check at the Shark Valley exhibit, Archie's arrival is particularly noteworthy as grey nurse sharks (_Carcharias taurus_) are critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Ben Buchanan, Head of Curatorial at the aquarium, described the event as "incredibly rare," especially given the species' low reproductive rate, with females birthing only once every two years. Now four months old and measuring 74 centimeters, Archie has been moved to a special nursery pool for optimal growth and will eventually join the adult sharks, including his mother, Mary-Lou. His birth not only highlights the challenges facing grey nurse sharks but also offers hope for the species' future. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 10 pm

High School's Rock Holds Australia's Richest Dinosaur Footprints

A palaeontologist's appeal for dinosaur footprint-bearing rocks near Biloela, Australia, has yielded significant discoveries, including a remarkable collection of prints found in the foyer of Biloela State High School. Dr. Anthony Romilio from the University of Queensland noted that while Australia lacks dinosaur bones from before the mid-Jurassic, it is rich in earlier dinosaur footprints. Many prints were lost due to coal mining, but some were salvaged, including those at the school, which had been overlooked for two decades. The prints, which belong to small, plant-eating dinosaurs, were documented for educational purposes by a local geologist. Romilio and his team identified 66 prints from 47 individuals in a small area, creating casts and 3D scans for future research. Despite the missed educational opportunities, the excitement among former students and teachers may inspire a renewed interest in palaeontology. The findings are detailed in the journal *Historical Biology*. sources

Published:
Mar 15 2025, 5 pm

Ancient Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: Malta's Underground Marvel

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a remarkable underground burial complex in Malta, spans 500 square meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, recognized for its "Outstanding Universal Value." Discovered accidentally in 1902 when a stone mason breached its roof, much of the upper level was lost, but subsequent excavations revealed a three-level labyrinth of chambers and corridors carved from globigerina limestone, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. A 2020 study suggested the site was designed to enhance acoustic properties, potentially making it one of the earliest structures created with music in mind. The Hypogeum served as a cemetery for around 7,000 individuals from 4000 to 2500 BCE, though it may have originally functioned as a sanctuary. Among its artifacts is the enigmatic "Sleeping Lady" figurine, symbolizing life or death. The site reflects Malta's rich prehistoric heritage, linked to its unique limestone and strategic Mediterranean location. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 5 am

Slushy Drinks May Contain Harmful Ingredient for Kids

Experts are urging a revision of public health guidelines regarding slushy drinks after a study revealed that glycerol, a common additive in sugar-free versions, can pose serious health risks to young children. The research examined 21 cases of children who fell ill after consuming these beverages, with many experiencing glycerol intoxication syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as reduced consciousness and severe hypoglycemia. The median age of affected children was just 3.5 years, highlighting the vulnerability of younger kids to the ingredient's effects. While current recommendations advise against slushies for children under four, researchers suggest that guidelines should be based on weight rather than age, potentially raising the safe age threshold to eight years. The findings coincide with a rise in the popularity of sugar-free options, prompting calls for greater transparency regarding glycerol concentrations in slushies to protect children's health. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 12 am

Understanding Bed Rotting: Is It Healthy?

The trend known as "bed rotting," which involves spending an entire day in bed without engaging in productive activities, has gained popularity, particularly among Gen Z and women. Advocates argue that it serves as a valuable self-care practice, allowing individuals to recharge mentally and physically in a fast-paced world. Psychologists suggest that while occasional bed rotting can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout, it may also mask underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Experts caution that excessive bed rotting can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to physical health problems, such as blood clots from inactivity. To mitigate these risks, they recommend balancing rest with activity and avoiding prolonged periods in bed. Ultimately, while a day of bed rotting can be beneficial, maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a careful balance between rest and activity. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 5 am

"Discover Your Invisible Zebra Stripes: Blaschko Lines Explained"

Human skin is intricately patterned with what are known as Blaschko lines, a phenomenon first described by German dermatologist Alfred Blaschko in 1901. These lines, which map the migration of skin cells during embryonic development, become visible under specific conditions and do not intersect the body's midline. They form distinctive shapes, including a V at the back and wavy lines along the limbs and face. Various skin conditions, such as lichen striatus and genetic disorders like incontinentia pigmenti, can cause lesions that align with these lines, illustrating a form of cutaneous mosaicism where different genetic cell populations coexist. A rarer form, chimerism, occurs when two fertilized eggs merge, leading to unique pigmentation patterns. Despite popular belief, there is no evidence that cats can see these invisible stripes under UV light, debunking a common myth about feline vision. sources

Published:
Mar 15 2025, 7 pm

Ancient SNES Console Runs Faster with Age, Experts Stunned

Gamers who grew up in the 1990s may want to dust off their Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) as recent findings suggest that these classic consoles are running slightly faster than their original specifications. The TASBot team, known for its tool-assisted speedrunning technology, reported that after testing 143 consoles, they discovered an unusual speed increase linked to the audio processing unit (APU). This phenomenon, attributed to the ceramic resonator used in the APU, could lead to higher-pitched sounds during gameplay. While the central processing unit remains unaffected, the APU's frequency appears to rise with age and temperature. Although this speed boost is unlikely to enhance speedruns significantly, the TASBot team continues to investigate the implications, noting that further analysis is needed to understand the full impact on gameplay and speedrun leaderboards. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 3 am

1994 Paper Claimed to Invent Old Mathematical Rule

In a recent Reddit post, a high school student claimed to have independently discovered a mathematical method for calculating areas under curves, only to humorously assert that Isaac Newton had "copied" him. This incident highlights a common phenomenon in mathematics and science, where individuals or teams can arrive at the same conclusions independently. The student’s method, while innovative for him, echoes established techniques like the trapezoidal rule, which has been known since the 17th century. This was similarly seen in a 1994 paper by Mary M. Tai, who introduced a model for determining areas under curves, only to face criticism for not acknowledging its historical roots. Despite the backlash, Tai maintained that her work was derived independently. The light-hearted exchange underscores the importance of recognizing prior discoveries in academia, as many mathematical principles have been known for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. sources

Published:
Mar 11 2025, 6 pm

New Name Proposed for Critically Endangered Species

A recent study has highlighted the distinct differences between the Indian rhinoceros (_Rhinoceros unicornis_) and the Sundaic rhinoceros, also known as the Javan rhino, which has been reclassified as _Eurhinoceros sondaicus_. The Sundaic rhino, one of the world's rarest mammals, is Critically Endangered and resides solely in Java's Ujung Kulon peninsula, characterized by its slender skull and unique skin patterns. In contrast, the Indian rhino, listed as Vulnerable, is larger and more widely distributed across India, Nepal, and Myanmar, with adaptations for consuming tougher vegetation. The study notes behavioral differences as well, with Sundaic rhinos being solitary while Indian rhinos form social groups. Researchers suggest that environmental pressures led to the independent evolution of these species, and the new classification aims to enhance conservation efforts for these endangered animals. The findings are published in the journal ZooKeys. sources

Published:
Mar 15 2025, 6 pm

Caffeine: Good or Bad? Latest Science Insights

Caffeine, the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance, is found in coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate, sparking ongoing debate about its health effects. Recent studies suggest potential benefits, such as a lower risk of heart failure linked to higher coffee intake, while also highlighting short-term cardiovascular risks from excessive consumption, particularly when mixed with alcohol. Research indicates that higher blood caffeine levels may correlate with reduced obesity and type 2 diabetes risk, though findings are limited and primarily based on European populations. Caffeine can enhance mood by stimulating dopamine but may exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals. Pregnant women are advised to limit intake due to risks of low birth weight and pregnancy loss. While caffeine is recognized for improving athletic performance, its effects vary by individual. Overall, the impact of caffeine is complex, influenced by personal metabolism and consumption levels, necessitating caution to avoid toxicity. sources

Published:
Mar 15 2025, 3 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!