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Aging Whales Excel in Gymnastics, Mastering Headstands

Gray whales off the Oregon coast have been the focus of a seven-year study revealing their remarkable foraging behaviors, including acrobatic headstands. Researchers utilized drone footage to observe that older, larger whales are more likely to perform headstands—seen in 56.4% of sightings—while younger whales prefer side-swimming techniques. This behavior appears to be learned, as calves struggle to replicate it. The study, led by Clara Bird from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute, highlights the connection between the whales' age, body condition, and feeding strategies, particularly when targeting mysid shrimp in reef habitats. Additionally, the research uncovered that larger whales use "bubble blasts" to maintain buoyancy while foraging in shallow waters. These findings enhance understanding of gray whale behavior and habitat use, aiding in conservation efforts. The research is detailed in the journals Animal Behavior and Ecology and Evolution. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 1 pm

Tiny Vermont Plant Thought Extinct Rediscovered After 100 Years

Vermont botanists have made a remarkable discovery by rediscovering the false mermaid-weed (_Floerkea proserpinacoides_), a floodplain plant not seen in the state since 1916. The elusive species, which is small and has pinhead-sized flowers, was spotted by Molly Parren, a turtle technician from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, during a visit to a streamside area. Her colleague, botanist Grace Glynn, confirmed the find after examining a photo Parren sent her. The plant's historic populations are believed to have been decimated by floods, invasive species, and development. However, the newly found specimens in Addison County highlight the importance of conservation efforts. Glynn expressed hope that further studies will help ensure the species' future in Vermont, as it only blooms for a short period each year, necessitating a more detailed survey next year. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 8 am

"First Study: Near-Death Experiences Aren't Hallucinations"

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have published the first peer-reviewed consensus statement on the scientific study of death in the *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences*. This collaborative effort aims to clarify the mechanisms, ethical implications, and methodological considerations surrounding death, a concept that has evolved significantly with advancements in medical technology. Lead author Sam Parnia, director of Critical Care and Resuscitation Research at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes that death is increasingly viewed as a process rather than an absolute state, as evidenced by the potential for resuscitation even after cardiac arrest. The statement also highlights the phenomenon of near-death experiences, which, while not yet scientifically proven, share common themes across cultures, suggesting a complex interplay of consciousness during the dying process. As research continues, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of consciousness and the physiological events that occur at the brink of death. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 8 am

"Hunting High and Low: Four Wild Cat Species Coexist"

Guatemala's rainforests are home to a remarkable diversity of cat species, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays, presenting a unique ecological puzzle for scientists. A recent study, utilizing trail camera footage and DNA analysis from 215 scat samples, reveals how these medium to large predators coexist without competitive exclusion. Researchers found that vertical foraging strategies are key, with pumas and margays hunting in trees, while jaguars and ocelots primarily hunt on the ground. The study highlights that jaguars mainly prey on peccaries and armadillos, while pumas consume a significant number of monkeys, indicating a complex dietary overlap. Margays, with the most specialized diets, primarily target smaller prey. As habitat loss and climate change threaten these ecosystems, understanding how these predators partition resources is crucial for conservation efforts, according to study author Ellen Dymit. The findings are published in the Journal of Animal Ecology. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 9 am

Comet 3I/ATLAS May Alter Course Before Reaching Gemini

A recent pre-print study suggests that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which is set to exit our Solar System in 2026, may experience a significant gravitational encounter with Jupiter before its departure. The comet, discovered on July 1, 2025, is believed to have originated from the Sagittarius constellation and is moving towards Gemini. Researchers indicate that 3I/ATLAS could have been traveling for up to 10 billion years before entering our Solar System, likely coming from an old star in the Milky Way's thick disk. The study highlights the potential for Jupiter's gravity to alter the comet's trajectory during a close approach on March 16, 2026. Observations are recommended between March 9 and 22, 2026, to monitor the comet's behavior as it nears Jupiter. Further data is needed to understand the non-gravitational forces affecting its path. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 2 am

First Footage Shows Marine Animals Fleeing Trawling Nets

Sir David Attenborough's latest documentary, _OCEAN_, features groundbreaking footage from the perspective of a bottom trawler, revealing the devastating impact of this fishing method on marine ecosystems. The film captures fish, cephalopods, and rays fleeing as the trawler's net devastates the seabed, a sight that has deeply affected marine experts like Enric Sala, who highlights the significant carbon emissions produced by bottom trawling. Research indicates that this practice can strip up to 41% of seabed fauna, with recovery taking over six years. Toby Nowlan, the film's director, compares the destruction to bulldozing ancient woodlands, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and change. As _OCEAN_ premieres ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, Attenborough's message underscores the critical importance of protecting marine environments, urging that the harmful practice of bottom trawling could end if society chooses to act. The documentary airs on June 8 on National Geographic and Disney+. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 9 pm

"Visualizing the Terrell-Penrose Effect at Light Speed"

A recent experiment has successfully visualized the Terrell-Penrose effect, a phenomenon first predicted over 60 years ago regarding objects moving at relativistic speeds. Conducted by researchers at TU Wien, the study demonstrates how objects, such as a cube and a sphere, appear distorted when traveling close to the speed of light. As a spaceship approaches light speed, observers perceive it as shorter due to length contraction, while the spaceship itself maintains its normal dimensions. The experiment utilized high-speed cameras and laser pulses to simulate the effect, revealing that a cube appears twisted and a sphere retains its shape but with a shifted pole. This visualization aligns with Einstein's theory of special relativity, which includes predictions of apparent rotation for non-spherical objects. The findings, published in *Communications Physics*, provide compelling support for these long-standing theoretical concepts. sources

Published:
Nov 26 2025, 12 am

Dodo Meat: Tastes Better Than You Think!

The reputation of dodo meat as foul-tasting may stem from a misunderstanding, according to Jan den Hengst, author of *The Dodo: The Bird That Drew the Short Straw*. While the dodo, or *Raphus cucullatus*, has been dubbed "wallowbird" due to claims of its unpalatable meat, Hengst's research into Dutch accounts from 1598 to 1602 suggests that the negative descriptions were misinterpreted. The terms "lothsome" and "fulsome" originated from an English translation of the Dutch phrase "de walgch," which more accurately describes nausea from overindulgence or toughness, rather than disgust. Historical records indicate that sailors salted leftover dodo meat for later consumption, implying it was not entirely undesirable. The toughness of the meat may have been due to the age of the birds, as dodos had no natural predators until humans arrived. As discussions of de-extinction continue, the dodo remains a symbol of lost culinary history. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 6 pm

UK Confirms Rare Human Case of Bird Flu

A rare case of bird flu has been confirmed in a resident of the South West of England, marking the first human infection with the H5N1 strain in the UK. The individual, who has had regular contact with infected birds, is reported to be in good health, and health authorities have assessed the risk to the public as very low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has traced all contacts of the infected person, who is currently self-isolating, and found no evidence of further transmission. Experts emphasize that while avian flu can occasionally jump to humans, such occurrences are extremely rare, with fewer than 1,000 cases globally since 2003. They advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds but stress that the current strain does not appear capable of efficient human-to-human transmission. Monitoring and preventive measures remain in place to address any potential risks. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 10 pm

H3N8 Bird Flu First Reported in Humans in China

The Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) has reported the first human case of the H3N8 bird flu, involving a four-year-old boy from Henan province who fell ill earlier this month. The child developed symptoms on April 5 and was hospitalized on April 10, with tests confirming the H3N8 strain on April 24. While the virus is commonly found in animals such as horses and dogs, it has never been documented in humans before. Experts, including Erik Karlsson from the Institut Pasteur, express concern over potential mutations that could enhance the virus's ability to infect humans, although the NHC assesses the risk of a widespread outbreak as low, given that close contacts of the boy tested negative. The NHC advises the public to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and to maintain good hygiene practices, including wearing masks and seeking medical attention if unwell. sources

Published:
Nov 25 2025, 10 pm

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