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Geologist Discovers New Biology Field After Cave Exploration

In 1962, French geologist Michel Siffre emerged from Scarasson, a glacial cave in the Alps, after spending 63 days in isolation, devoid of natural light and timekeeping devices. Initially intending to study the glacier for just 15 days, Siffre extended his stay to explore the effects of prolonged darkness on human physiology. His experience revealed that the human body possesses an internal clock independent of the Sun, leading to significant alterations in his sleep-wake cycle. Siffre's findings, which included a psychological time distortion and a shift to longer sleep cycles, laid the groundwork for the field of human chronobiology, influencing research on sleep patterns, jet lag, and even cancer development. Despite facing skepticism and criticism for his unconventional methods, Siffre's pioneering work attracted attention from military and space agencies, ultimately earning him a place in scientific history as a catalyst for understanding human biological rhythms. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2025, 11 pm

Early Video Game Preceded Pong, Created by Manhattan Project Physicist

In 1971, the gaming landscape was transformed with the introduction of the first arcade machine, Computer Space, followed by the iconic Pong and the Magnavox Odyssey home console. These developments were built on earlier experimental games created by researchers, leading to a burgeoning industry projected to reach $189 billion. However, the roots of video gaming trace back to 1958, when American physicist William Higinbotham, working at the Los Alamos Laboratory, created Tennis for Two, widely regarded as the first true computer game designed solely for entertainment. Higinbotham, who later advocated for nuclear nonproliferation, crafted the game during a dull science exhibit, using an analog computer to simulate tennis on an oscilloscope. Although initially forgotten, Tennis for Two gained recognition in the 1970s, highlighting Higinbotham's legacy as a pioneer in the gaming world, despite his preference to be remembered for his contributions to radar technology and nuclear safety. sources

Published:
Jan 04 2026, 5 pm

Oregon's Volcano Delays Eruption Until 2026

The Axial Seamount, a significant underwater volcano located approximately 480 kilometers off the Oregon coast, has postponed its anticipated eruption to 2026, according to scientists. Bill Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, noted that the volcano's inflation rate has changed, leading to an updated forecast. Initially, experts believed Axial would erupt in 2025 due to its inflation surpassing levels seen before previous eruptions. However, the current inflation is still below a critical threshold, and seismic activity has been notably low, with fewer earthquakes than expected. Researchers are now exploring a new physics-based model for eruption forecasting, which may improve prediction accuracy. Despite the uncertainty, scientists remain hopeful about future developments, with some humorously suggesting that if all else fails, there’s always 2027. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2025, 5 pm

YouTubers Capture Light Speed at 10 Trillion FPS

YouTube sensation The Slow Mo Guys have achieved a groundbreaking feat by filming light at an astonishing 10 trillion frames per second, a speed 20 million times faster than their previous high. Known for their slow-motion videos, the team sought to capture the universe's fastest phenomenon—light, which travels at 300,000 kilometers per second. Collaborating with experts at CalTech, they utilized specialized equipment to visualize light moving through a bottle in just 2,000 picoseconds. The innovative camera captures only the light itself, with the bottle's image added later, resulting in a stunning visual representation of light in motion. This experiment not only showcases the capabilities of advanced technology but also highlights the ongoing fascination with the fundamental properties of light. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 10 pm

Humans Accidentally Built a Barrier Around Earth

Humanity's capacity for significant change, both positive and negative, is evident in various contexts, from the climate crisis to the successful eradication of smallpox. A recent study has revealed that our activities, particularly the use of very low frequency (VLF) radio waves, have inadvertently influenced the Earth's radiation environment. The Van Allen belts, discovered in the 1950s, act as a protective shield against harmful cosmic rays and solar winds, and new findings indicate that VLF signals, used in submarine communications, can alter the motion of charged particles within these belts. This interaction has created a sort of barrier around Earth, pushing the inner Van Allen belt outward, which could potentially deflect cosmic radiation. Ongoing tests are exploring the feasibility of using VLF emitters to safeguard specific regions from solar storm particles, highlighting humanity's unintentional impact on our planet's protective mechanisms. sources

Published:
Jan 03 2026, 6 pm

"140-Year Mystery of Sea Spider Reproduction Finally Solved"

For 140 years, the reproductive habits of Antarctic sea spiders, known for their impressive size due to a phenomenon called "polar gigantism," remained a mystery. However, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have made a breakthrough by observing these creatures in their natural habitat. They discovered that unlike other sea spider species that carry their eggs, Antarctic sea spiders (_Colossendeis megalonyx_) attach their eggs to the rocky seabed, where they develop over several months, camouflaged by microscopic algae. This finding, described by PhD student Aaron Toh as a stroke of luck, not only resolves a long-standing enigma but also suggests that these sea spiders could provide insights into the evolution of paternal care in arachnids. Professor Amy Moran noted that the simpler care methods employed by male sea spiders may illuminate the evolutionary transition towards more complex parental behaviors. The study is published in the journal Ecology. sources

Published:
Jan 03 2026, 9 pm

Rare Bears Evolve to Be Friendlier and Less Aggressive

A recent study has revealed that the critically endangered Apennine brown bear (_Ursus arctos marsicanus_), found in central Italy, has evolved to exhibit unusually calm behavior, diverging from its more aggressive European counterparts. With only about 50 individuals remaining, this subspecies has been isolated for 2,000 to 3,000 years, leading to higher inbreeding rates and unique genetic traits. Researchers from the University of Ferrara sequenced the genomes of 12 bears, finding evidence of natural selection favoring reduced aggression, likely due to historical human interactions where calmer bears survived encounters with people. Despite their adaptability, the bears face ongoing threats from habitat loss and a genetic mutation affecting their mitochondrial function, which hampers energy production. The findings underscore the complex relationship between human activity and wildlife evolution, suggesting that even negatively impacted populations may possess valuable genetic traits for conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 10 pm

Effects of a Magnetic Pole Reversal Explained

Earth's magnetic poles have flipped several times over the past 160 million years, with the last reversal occurring approximately 780,000 years ago. This phenomenon, known as magnetic pole reversal, involves the north and south poles swapping places and typically happens every 300,000 years. The magnetic field, generated by molten metal movements in the Earth's outer core, is unstable and constantly changing, making reversals unpredictable. While a weakened magnetic field during a reversal could allow more solar and cosmic radiation to reach Earth, historical evidence suggests no direct link between these events and mass extinctions or human development. However, potential impacts include increased vulnerability of technology to solar storms and disruptions to the navigation systems of animals like birds and sea turtles that rely on the magnetic field. Despite these concerns, the atmosphere provides significant protection against harmful radiation. sources

Published:
Jan 03 2026, 7 pm

Man Uses Google Maps to Prove Earth Isn't Flat

Flat-Earthers continue to promote their unconventional theories, often resorting to dubious experiments to support their claims. Recently, a viral Reddit post by Greg Pagel challenged one of their key assertions: that a flat horizon indicates a flat Earth. Pagel analyzed the horizon from his coastal hometown, calculating that the curvature of the Earth over a distance of 13.5 kilometers should produce an arc of approximately 0.12 degrees—too subtle to perceive with the naked eye. He emphasized that the horizon appears flat not because the Earth is a disc, but due to its immense size. Critics quickly pointed out that the existence of satellite imagery from Google Earth further undermines flat-Earth claims. Additionally, the phenomenon of boats disappearing below the horizon reinforces the spherical nature of our planet, as such an occurrence would be impossible on a flat surface. sources

Published:
Jan 03 2026, 3 pm

UK's Tallest Bird Nearly Extinct, Now Making a Comeback

The common crane, the UK's tallest bird, is making a remarkable comeback after facing extinction in the 16th century, thanks to conservation efforts that include the creation of nesting "runways" at RSPB Lakenheath in Suffolk. With 30 breeding pairs now recorded, the restoration of wetlands has significantly aided their recovery. Other notable conservation successes include the establishment of a vast nature reserve at RSPB Geltsdale, which has seen a surge in bird populations, and the eradication of invasive rats on Ramsey Island, leading to a dramatic increase in Manx shearwater numbers. Additionally, RSPB Frampton Marsh has become a vital habitat for over 25,000 wintering waterbirds, while peatland restoration in the Cairngorms has supported the recovery of rare species like the capercaillie. Despite ongoing environmental challenges, the RSPB emphasizes the importance of these achievements in fostering hope for wildlife and natural ecosystems. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 8 pm

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