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Scientists Reveal Secrets of Bolivia's "Zombie" Volcano, Uturuncu

Bolivia's Uturuncu volcano, dubbed a "zombie" volcano, remains active despite last erupting 250,000 years ago. Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China, the University of Oxford, and Cornell University have conducted a study revealing that the volcano still exhibits signs of unrest, including gas emissions and ground deformation. Utilizing seismic tomography and rock analysis, the team discovered that volcanic liquids and gases are likely accumulating in reservoirs beneath the crater, causing the volcano's distinctive "sombrero" shape. Fortunately, their findings suggest a low risk of eruption. The study aims to apply these methods to other dormant volcanoes, potentially identifying more "zombie" volcanoes worldwide. Notable examples include Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone, both of which have experienced long dormancies before reawakening. The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 9 pm

Why Are Penises Smaller in Older Paintings?

A recent study published in BJU International has revealed a significant increase in the depiction of human penis size in art over the past seven centuries, particularly from the 20th century onwards. Researchers analyzed 232 paintings of nude males from 21 countries, focusing on the penis-to-ear and penis-to-nose ratios to assess changes in perceived ideal size. Findings indicated that while penis sizes were relatively small in the 15th and 16th centuries, they began to grow larger from the 19th century, culminating in an average ratio of 1.5761 in the 21st century. The study suggests that the rise in perceived size may be influenced by the internet and pornography, which often associate larger sizes with masculinity and partner satisfaction. The researchers caution that these evolving artistic representations could exacerbate body image issues among men, as many tend to overestimate average sizes and seek potentially harmful enhancements. sources

Published:
Apr 28 2025, 1 pm

Students Compete in $1 Million Sperm Race on Tiny Track

In a unique event held in Los Angeles, students participated in a competitive sperm race, drawing significant attention with a $1 million prize pool. Organised by 17-year-old Eric Zhu, the event featured competitors' sperm samples racing through a microscopic track designed to simulate the reproductive system's dynamics. Spectators enjoyed musical performances and pre-match activities while medical professionals assessed participants' health. The event aimed to raise awareness about male infertility, a growing global concern, with organizers emphasizing the importance of sperm motility in fertility. The winner, 20-year-old Tristan Milker, took home a $10,000 prize, while 19-year-old Asher Proeger, who lost the final race, was humorously doused in a substance resembling sperm. Zhu clarified that the initiative is not merely a viral stunt but a serious effort to engage the public in discussions about male reproductive health, transforming it into a competitive and measurable topic. sources

Published:
Apr 30 2025, 2 am

Discover the World's Newest Country

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, is set to celebrate its 14th anniversary on July 9, 2025, after gaining independence from Sudan following a 2011 referendum where 99% voted for secession. Covering approximately 644,329 square kilometers, South Sudan is bordered by several nations and has a youthful population of around 12.7 million, with an average age of just 18.7 years. However, it may soon lose its title to Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, which voted for independence in a 2019 referendum with nearly 98% support. Bougainville's path to nationhood has been complicated by a history of conflict and a peace agreement that allows for a potential independence declaration between now and 2027. The future of Bougainville as a sovereign state remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about its status and governance. sources

Published:
Apr 28 2025, 8 pm

37 Headless Skeletons Found: Mystery Unfolds in Pit

Archaeologists are unraveling the mystery behind a chilling discovery of 38 headless skeletons found in a prehistoric pit near Vráble, Slovakia, dating back to between 5250 and 4950 BCE. The remains, all lacking skulls except for one child, were unearthed in a jumbled mass within a 15-square-meter ditch, complicating the identification process. Initial assumptions suggested a violent massacre, but researchers, including Professor Dr. Martin Furholt, are considering alternative explanations, such as a unique "death cult" practice involving the careful removal of skulls for cultural or spiritual reasons. Dr. Katharina Fuchs noted that the positioning of some bones indicates a more complex burial sequence, possibly involving previously skeletonized bodies. Ongoing investigations, including DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, aim to shed light on the identities and circumstances of these individuals, potentially revealing whether they were locals or outsiders and if disease played a role in their deaths. sources

Published:
Apr 25 2025, 4 am

Fibonacci Sequence: Odd Discovery After Liverpool's Premier League Win

Liverpool FC's recent Premier League victory, marked by a decisive 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, has sparked an intriguing mathematical observation. This triumph, only Liverpool's second title since the league's inception in 1992, aligns with the Fibonacci sequence, a pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. The win totals of the top clubs—Blackburn Rovers (1), Leicester City (1), Liverpool (2), Arsenal (3), Chelsea (5), Manchester City (8), and Manchester United (13)—mirror this sequence. While some may speculate about a deeper mathematical connection to football dynamics, experts suggest the occurrence is likely coincidental, reflecting humanity's tendency to find patterns. The Fibonacci sequence, historically linked to natural phenomena and the Golden Ratio, continues to captivate mathematicians and enthusiasts alike, though its appearance in football remains a curious anomaly. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 10 pm

New Male Contraceptive May Launch by 2028 After Trials

Contraline, Inc. has announced a significant milestone in the development of ADAM™, a non-hormonal male contraceptive, as it successfully demonstrated safety and efficacy during its first human clinical trials at the two-year mark. The injectable hydrogel works by temporarily blocking sperm transit through the vas deferens without affecting ejaculation or sexual sensation. Following this promising outcome, the company is set to advance to Phase 2 trials, with hopes of bringing ADAM™ to market by 2028. Notably, two participants have shown azoospermia, indicating the absence of viable sperm, while no serious adverse effects have been reported. With a waiting list of over 15,000 men expressing interest, Contraline's CEO Kevin Eisenfrats believes that ADAM™ could revolutionize male contraception, offering a long-lasting, reversible option that contrasts with traditional methods like vasectomy. The demand for such alternatives reflects a growing societal readiness for male contraceptive solutions. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 8 pm

T. Rex Handbags: A Surprising Take on Cruelty-Free Leather

In a groundbreaking move for sustainable luxury fashion, a new partnership between VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. aims to create a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather using fossilized _Tyrannosaurus rex_ collagen. This innovative material, dubbed _T. rex_ leather, promises to replicate the durability and tactile qualities of high-end leather while addressing ethical concerns associated with conventional leather production, which is linked to significant environmental damage, including deforestation and biodiversity loss. The process involves engineering cells with synthetic DNA, allowing them to merge freely, resulting in a product that goes beyond mere imitation. VML describes _T. rex_ leather as a pioneering step in sustainable materials, inspired by ancient biology. As the fashion industry seeks alternatives to fossil fuel-derived vegan options, the prospect of _T. rex_ leather raises excitement for eco-conscious consumers looking to make a stylish statement amid the climate crisis. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 5 pm

Astronomers Identify Possible Planet Nine in Old Data

A team of astronomers has identified a potential candidate for the elusive Planet Nine, a hypothetical ninth planet in our Solar System, located far beyond Neptune. This follows a 2016 study by Caltech astronomers who suggested that several distant objects were being influenced by a massive, unseen gravitational force. While the existence of Planet Nine remains unconfirmed, it could help explain various anomalies in the orbits of Kuiper belt objects and align our Solar System with the more common planetary configurations observed in other star systems. The researchers analyzed decades of data from two infrared sky surveys, initially identifying 13 candidates before narrowing it down to one promising object. However, further observations are necessary to determine its orbit and confirm whether it is indeed Planet Nine. The findings are detailed in a pre-print paper available on arXiv, pending peer review. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 5 pm

Iceland Resumes Whaling Despite Hopes for Permanent Ban

Iceland's government has lifted its summer 2023 suspension on commercial whaling, allowing hunting to resume under new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. Initially announced in June by Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir, the suspension followed a report highlighting the prolonged suffering of whales during hunts. The new rules restrict hunting to within 25 meters of boats and prohibit killing whales accompanied by calves, while banning controversial methods like electrification. However, animal rights advocates have criticized the decision, arguing that no method can render whaling humane. Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute expressed disappointment, stating that the regulations would still lead to unnecessary suffering. With only one commercial whaling company, Hvalur, remaining in Iceland, there is cautious optimism that future hunting permits may not be issued, as advocates continue to push for an end to the practice altogether. sources

Published:
Apr 29 2025, 6 pm

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