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Dogs Comprehend Nouns and Associate Words with Objects

A recent study has revealed that dogs possess an innate ability to recognize nouns and form mental representations of objects associated with specific words. Utilizing non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG), researchers monitored the brain activity of 18 dogs as their owners called out the names of toys. The findings indicated that dogs exhibited distinct brain responses, particularly the "N400 effect," when presented with mismatched objects, suggesting they activate memories of the corresponding items upon hearing their names. Co-author Lilla Magyari emphasized that dogs understand individual words' meanings rather than merely associating them with specific behaviors. Interestingly, this semantic processing ability appears inherent to dogs, regardless of their vocabulary size. While dogs process words differently than humans—focusing on one-to-one mappings rather than categories—the study underscores their advanced linguistic skills, as published in Current Biology. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 12 am

Why No Human Remains Found in Titanic Shipwreck

Despite extensive exploration of the RMS Titanic wreck since its discovery in 1985, no human remains have ever been found, a mystery that continues to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike. Over 1,500 people perished when the ship sank in 1912, primarily due to immersion hypothermia, yet the absence of skeletons can be attributed to several factors. Many victims were wearing lifejackets, which, after death, kept their bodies buoyant and likely swept them away from the wreck site during storms and ocean currents. Additionally, deep-sea scavengers may have consumed flesh, leaving bones that dissolve at depths below 3,000 feet due to a lack of calcium carbonate. While some speculate that sealed areas of the ship, like the engine room, might still contain preserved remains, the likelihood of finding recognizable bodies diminishes with each passing year. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 9 pm

Breakthrough Listen Probes 3I/ATLAS for Technosignatures Near Earth

During the closest approach of comet 3I/ATLAS to Earth, the Breakthrough Listen project conducted a search for potential technosignatures, or signs of extraterrestrial communications. The team identified nine events for further investigation, but ultimately ruled them out as radio-frequency interference, confirming that the comet is not emitting narrowband signals. Meanwhile, another research group focused on the comet's non-gravitational acceleration to better estimate its size, concluding that the nucleus is likely around 1 kilometer in diameter. This interstellar object, detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in July 2025, is believed to be a natural comet from a different part of the galaxy, potentially offering insights into its ancient stellar environment. Despite speculation about its origins, astronomers maintain that 3I/ATLAS is a natural phenomenon, not an alien probe. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 9 pm

Scientists Study 300-Year-Old Mummified "Mermaid" from 1700s

Researchers have begun a scientific investigation into a 300-year-old mummified "mermaid," believed to have been caught in a fishing net off Japan's Kochi Prefecture between 1736 and 1741. The peculiar specimen, housed at the Enjuin temple in Asakuchi, has been an object of worship, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as locals sought its supposed healing powers. A team from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts has removed the mummy for CT scanning and DNA analysis, aiming to determine its true composition, which is thought to include a monkey and a fish. This follows a history of similar hoaxes, including the infamous "Fiji Mermaid," which was a monkey's upper body sewn to a fish. The findings are expected to be published later this year, although experts caution against expecting confirmation of mermaids' existence. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 10 pm

Why Didn't the Largest Meteorite Create an Impact Crater?

In 1920, a farmer in Grootfontein, Namibia, unearthed the Hoba meteorite, the largest known meteorite on Earth, weighing 60 tons and composed of 84% iron and 16% nickel. Its unusual flat shape and lack of an impact crater puzzled scientists, leading to investigations into its origins. Researchers proposed two theories: the meteorite either came from a single, non-fragmenting parent body or is part of a larger strewn field from a disintegrated parent. The absence of impact features suggests it either eroded over time or was transported from its original fall site, though the latter seems unlikely. Studies indicate the meteorite has been on Earth for less than 80,000 years, with no historical records of its fall. Scientists theorize it entered the atmosphere at a shallow angle and low velocity, resulting in a minimal impact. The Hoba meteorite remains at its discovery site, largely untouched since its find. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 8 pm

Discover Why We Cry in CURIOUS Issue 42!

The latest issue of CURIOUS, published January 2026, delves into a range of fascinating scientific topics, with its cover story exploring the emotional significance of crying and whether humans are unique in shedding tears. The issue also examines the implications of adopting ancestral eating habits, questioning the accuracy of modern interpretations of the paleo diet. Additionally, it addresses a common misconception about the human heart's location, revealing that it is not solely on the left side of the body. Readers can also discover the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a unique natural site, and enjoy an exclusive excerpt from the new book "Beyond the Genius" by Dr. Virginia Shepherd and Dr. Charles Brau. The e-magazine includes news, diary dates, and recommendations for what to see, watch, and read this month, making it a comprehensive resource for science enthusiasts. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 7 pm

"Florida Skunk Ape: Black Bear or Something More?"

On July 8, 2000, Dave Shealy filmed a creature he claims to be the elusive Florida skunk ape, a local counterpart to Bigfoot, while tracking it for decades. Shealy first encountered the creature at age 10, describing it as a man-like figure covered in hair. Despite his claims and a grainy video, skepticism remains regarding the skunk ape's existence. Reports of sightings date back to 1971, including one by amateur archaeologist H.C. Osbon, who described a 7-foot tall, 700-pound creature. While some believe these sightings could be misidentified Florida black bears, which can also reach similar heights, the lack of concrete evidence, such as DNA or a captured specimen, keeps the skunk ape firmly in the realm of cryptozoology. As belief in the paranormal persists, the phenomenon raises questions about human perception and the nature of belief in an age where visual evidence can be easily manipulated. sources

Published:
Dec 25 2025, 6 am

Understanding Phantom Traffic Jams: Why You're Late for Work

Phantom traffic jams, often experienced by drivers who encounter long queues without any visible cause, are a fascinating phenomenon that can be effectively modeled using hydrodynamics. Mathematician Benjamin Seibold explains that these jams occur when a minor disturbance, such as one driver braking, triggers a chain reaction of stop-and-go waves that propagate backward through traffic. This effect is particularly pronounced when vehicles are less than 35 meters apart, leading to significant slowdowns even in dense but flowing traffic. Research indicates that these stop-and-go waves can travel for miles, with average durations of 4 to 20 minutes and lengths of 2.5 to 5 kilometers. While frustrating, such jams can be mitigated by improved driving practices, like maintaining greater distances between vehicles to reduce the need for sudden braking. Despite efforts, however, the emergence of these jams remains largely unaffected by variations in driver behavior or road conditions. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 5 pm

What Makes Rainbow Mountain So Colorful?

Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, located in Peru's Cusco region, is a stunning natural wonder that has gained fame for its vibrant, multicolored stripes, which are the result of various minerals. Rising 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level, the mountain's hues—ranging from fuchsia to turquoise—are particularly vivid after rainfall, while they soften during the dry season. Unlike many geological formations, Vinicunca's layers are prominently exposed due to erosion from harsh weather over millions of years. The name Vinicunca translates to "mountain of colors" in the local Quechua language, and the area is home to iconic Andean animals like alpacas and llamas. However, the surge in tourism, driven by social media's allure, has led to significant landscape degradation, raising concerns about the mountain's fragile ecosystem and the long-term impact of visitor influx. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 12 am

Can Excess Soy Sauce Be Fatal? Yes, It's Easy

While soy sauce is a beloved condiment known for its versatility and rich flavor, it can also pose serious health risks if consumed in excessive amounts. With a staggering salt content, just one tablespoon contains over a third of the recommended daily sodium intake, making it easy to overdose. Reports have emerged of individuals suffering from hypernatremia, a dangerous condition caused by high sodium levels, leading to severe neurological symptoms and even coma. A notable case involved a 19-year-old who ingested nearly a liter of soy sauce, resulting in a life-threatening emergency. Fortunately, prompt medical intervention allowed him to recover, but his sodium levels were alarmingly high. Experts warn that while soy sauce can enhance meals, moderation is crucial to avoid potentially fatal consequences. So, the next time you reach for the soy sauce, remember: a little goes a long way, and overindulgence could land you in the emergency room. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 11 am

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