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Understanding How CDs Play Music: A New Discovery

In an era dominated by wireless technology and streaming services, compact discs (CDs) may seem outdated, yet they remain a sophisticated medium for music and data storage. Over 40 years old, CDs utilize a laser to read digital information encoded in tiny pits and lands on their surface, which represent binary data. When a laser beam scans the disc, variations in light reflection are converted into electrical signals, allowing playback of audio or video. DVDs operate on a similar principle but store more data due to smaller pits. Additionally, CD-RWs, or Compact Disc-ReWritable, enable users to "burn" their own data onto discs using a photosensitive dye that deforms under laser heat. While vinyl records continue to attract enthusiasts for their analog warmth, the technology behind CDs and DVDs showcases a remarkable evolution in digital media, highlighting their enduring relevance in a rapidly changing landscape. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 4 pm

Man Hospitalized After Sneezing with Mouth and Nose Covered

Sneezing, often seen as a benign reflex, can occasionally lead to serious injuries, according to a review of medical literature spanning from 1945 to 2018, which identified 52 cases of sneeze-related injuries, predominantly affecting men without pre-existing conditions. The review highlights that suppressing a sneeze by closing the mouth and nose can create dangerously high airway pressure, leading to complications. One alarming case involved a 34-year-old man who, after stifling a sneeze, experienced a "popping sensation" in his neck, followed by painful swallowing and a change in voice. Medical examinations revealed he had ruptured the back of his throat, allowing air to escape into surrounding tissues. While he recovered after treatment, the report warns against the dangers of suppressing sneezes, which can result in severe complications such as pneumomediastinum and even cerebral aneurysm rupture. The findings were published in BMJ Case Reports. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 5 pm

China's Three Gorges Dam Alters Earth's Spin

China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, is a monumental infrastructure project located in Hubei province along the Yangtze River. This colossal structure harnesses water from three gorges—Qutangxia, Wuxia, and Xilingxia—to generate electricity. Claims that the dam could influence Earth's rotation stem from a 2005 NASA post discussing how mass distribution changes, such as those caused by earthquakes, can affect the planet's moment of inertia. Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao noted that the dam's capacity of 40 cubic kilometers of water could theoretically lengthen a day by 0.06 microseconds and shift Earth's pole position by about 2 centimeters. While these effects are minimal compared to natural events, they highlight human impact on Earth's rotation, a phenomenon also exacerbated by climate change as melting ice caps and rising sea levels alter mass distribution, potentially complicating timekeeping for atomic clocks in the future. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 6 am

"Viral Test: Is My Blue Your Blue?"

Colors are inherently subjective, influenced by personal experiences and cultural backgrounds, as highlighted by a viral online test that challenges users to categorize shades of turquoise as either blue or green. The test, available at ismy.blue, prompts participants to select their color preferences, revealing the fluidity of color perception. Cultural nuances play a significant role; for instance, in Italian, terms like _turchese_ and _azzurro_ denote specific shades of blue, while _verde-acqua_ bridges the gap between green and cyan. This phenomenon extends globally, with languages such as Japanese and Welsh using the same word for both blue and green. The Himba people of Namibia exemplify this further, lacking a distinct term for blue, which affects their ability to differentiate colors that Westerners easily recognize. Ultimately, this exploration underscores the subjective nature of color perception, reminding us that our interpretations may differ significantly from others. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 9 am

What Do You Call a Baby Anteater?

Giant anteaters, known for their distinctive long snouts and quirky appearance, inhabit regions from Honduras to northern Argentina, with the species classified under the suborder Vermilingua. This group includes four species: the giant anteater (_Myrmecophaga tridactyla_), northern tamandua (_Tamandua mexicana_), southern tamandua (_Tamandua tetradactyla_), and the silky anteater (_Cyclopes didactylus_). Baby anteaters, referred to as pups, are born with closed eyes and a coat of gray and black fur, often seen riding on their mothers' backs until they mature at around two years. Unfortunately, giant anteaters are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, exacerbated by agricultural practices like sugar cane burning. Conservation efforts, including rewilding programs, aim to protect their habitats and monitor individual animals, such as the rare albino anteater named Alvin. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 5 am

At-Home LSD Microdosing Trial Shows 60% Depression Improvement

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have for the first time monitored the effects of microdosing with LSD at home as a treatment for major depressive disorder. Over eight weeks, 19 participants took small doses of the psychedelic, leading to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms that lasted up to six months. Initially, participants had an average score of 23.7 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, which dropped to 9.59 after treatment, marking a 59.5% reduction, with nine individuals achieving remission. Additionally, anxiety levels decreased by over 50%, and rumination dropped by 15%. Importantly, no major adverse events were reported, although one participant withdrew due to anxiety. The researchers caution that these findings are preliminary and emphasize the need for larger clinical trials to further assess the safety and efficacy of LSD microdosing for mental health treatment. The study is published in the journal Neuropharmacology. sources

Published:
Nov 10 2025, 9 pm

People Discover What a Baby Turkey Is Named

While often associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, turkeys are fascinating birds with unique characteristics, including the ability to run at high speeds and a diverse range of vocalizations. Adult male turkeys, known as toms, can reach heights of 1.2 meters and weigh up to 11 kilograms, while females are called hens. After laying 10 to 12 eggs in ground nests during late spring, the young, called poults, rely on their mothers for protection for the first four weeks of life. As they mature, their diet expands from insects to seeds and small animals. Interestingly, turkey eggs are rarely consumed commercially due to the higher costs associated with farming them compared to chickens. The wild turkey, once nearly extinct with only 30,000 remaining, has made a remarkable recovery, now numbering around 6.5 million in the U.S. alone, showcasing a significant conservation success story. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 1 am

"World's Largest Monkey Found in Groups of 800+"

In Gabon’s Lopé National Park, visitors may unexpectedly encounter a horde of over 800 mandrills, the world's largest monkeys, known for their striking blue, red, and yellow facial markings. These Old World monkeys, native to central Africa's rainforests, exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, with males being notably larger and more colorful than females. Despite their impressive size—males can weigh over 50 kilograms (110 pounds)—mandrills are omnivorous, feasting on fruits, fungi, insects, and small reptiles. However, they can be aggressive, particularly when competing for resources or mates. A 2006 study highlighted the fierce dynamics within mandrill groups, showcasing how females can band together to exclude unwanted males during conflicts. With their formidable teeth and social structures, mandrills command respect in their forest habitat, prompting caution from any unwary human wanderers. sources

Published:
Nov 10 2025, 11 pm

Why Do Microwaved Eggs Explode When Bitten?

Microwaving eggs has once again led to alarming incidents, with videos surfacing of individuals biting into them only to experience explosive results. The phenomenon occurs due to the uneven heating of eggs in microwaves, where water molecules vibrate and create steam pockets that can exceed boiling point. The egg's shell and membrane trap this steam until pressure builds to a critical point, resulting in a dramatic explosion when disturbed. Research presented at the 174th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America highlighted the potential dangers, noting that microwaved eggs can produce sound pressures ranging from 86 to 133 decibels, with only 30% surviving the heating process without exploding. While the risk of hearing damage is statistically low, experts caution against the practice, likening it to "egg roulette" and urging the public to reconsider their microwave habits. sources

Published:
Nov 10 2025, 9 pm

3I/ATLAS Object Shows Unfavorable Galactic Cosmic Ray Evidence

A recent study has revealed that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS exhibits signs of "galactic cosmic ray processing," which may complicate our understanding of its origins. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is the third confirmed interstellar visitor, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Researchers found an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water in its coma, suggesting it may have been exposed to intense radiation or formed in a unique environment. However, the study indicates that galactic cosmic rays likely altered its chemical composition over billions of years, creating an organic-rich crust that obscures pristine material beneath. This finding implies that interstellar objects may not be the untouched messengers from distant star systems that scientists hoped for, but rather altered by their journeys through space. Further observations are needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential for uncovering unprocessed material as the comet approaches the Sun. sources

Published:
Nov 11 2025, 12 am

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