Trending Science

Listen as Radio

US Downs Fourth Object, Alien Theory Still Possible

The White House has dismissed speculation about extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with high-altitude balloons, leading to the postponement of a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. sources

Published:
Jul 16 2025, 3 am

Dogs Detect Parkinson's Disease Years Before Symptoms Arise

A golden retriever named Bumper and a black Labrador retriever named Peanut have demonstrated the ability to detect Parkinson's disease (PD) through scent, potentially paving the way for early diagnostic tests. Trained to differentiate between the sebum of individuals with and without PD, the dogs underwent a year-long training process involving 205 samples. In a double-blind study, Peanut identified the disease in 80% of cases, while Bumper achieved a 70% success rate, both significantly outperforming previous canine detection rates for other conditions. Study author Claire Guest emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, as symptoms can manifest up to 20 years before a confirmed diagnosis. Although only two out of ten dogs showed the necessary aptitude for training, the findings suggest that, with further refinement, trained dogs could assist in validating clinical methods and facilitate earlier interventions for difficult-to-diagnose PD cases. The study is published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 2 pm

Giant Whale Graveyard Uncovered by Melting Arctic Glacier

A melting glacier on Wilczek Island in Russia's Franz Josef Land archipelago has revealed a significant prehistoric whale graveyard, according to scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI). The researchers discovered numerous whale skeletons as they studied the region's permafrost, noting that the glacier has retreated dramatically over the past two decades, exposing several square kilometers of land. Some of the skeletons are well-preserved, indicating a rapid sea level change in the area over the last few thousand years. While the exact number and species of the whales remain undisclosed, images suggest multiple large individuals are present. This discovery highlights the dual impact of climate change, which not only threatens wildlife habitats and raises sea levels but also uncovers ancient landscapes previously hidden beneath ice. Similar prehistoric whale graveyards have been found globally, including notable sites in Chile and along Russia's northeastern coast. sources

Published:
Jul 28 2025, 11 pm

Exploring Zebra Hybrids: Zebroids, Zeedonks, Zorses, and Zonies

Zebras, often recognized for their striking appearance, exhibit remarkable versatility in hybridization, resulting in unique hybrids known as zebroids. These hybrids arise from breeding zebras with other equines, such as horses, donkeys, or ponies, leading to combinations like zorses (zebra and horse), zonkeys (zebra and donkey), and zonies (zebra and pony). The naming conventions can vary based on the parents' sexes, with zonkeys typically being male zebras crossed with female donkeys. While these hybrids can occur naturally, they are also bred in controlled environments, showcasing the genetic adaptability within the Equidae family. Although most zebroids are infertile due to differing chromosomal counts, exceptions exist, such as a historical case noted by Charles Darwin involving a "triple hybrid" at London Zoo. This highlights the complexities of interspecies breeding, challenging the notion that different species cannot produce viable offspring. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 3 pm

Man Keeps Face-Sized Spider in Home for a Year

In a remarkable tale from Australia, Jake Gray has welcomed a giant huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for the past year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock many would feel at the sight of such a large arachnid, Gray's children have been reassured by the spider's presence, even witnessing her catch an Asian house gecko. While huntsman spiders can grow up to 15 centimeters and possess venom, they are generally harmless to humans, preferring to flee rather than bite. Experts advise that if one encounters a huntsman, remaining calm and gently relocating the spider is the best course of action, as bites are rare and typically non-venomous. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 12 pm

"Forever Chemical Found in Water, Food, and Blood Rising"

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is emerging as a pervasive "forever chemical," found in various environments, including animal organs, drinking water, and even rain. As a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, TFA is resistant to degradation, leading to its accumulation in ecosystems and human bodies. While some industry-linked researchers suggest TFA may form naturally, the consensus is that it primarily enters the environment through human activities, particularly as a byproduct of manufacturing and the use of fluorinated gases. Recent studies indicate a significant rise in TFA levels globally, with alarming increases reported in countries like China and the US. Although the health impacts of TFA remain unclear, concerns about its potential effects on human reproduction are growing, prompting countries like Germany to propose its classification as a reproductive toxicant. Experts predict that TFA will soon become a focal point in discussions about environmental health and regulation. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 1 pm

Gut Bacteria Links Excess Red Meat to Heart Risks

A new study published in *Nature Microbiology* suggests that gut bacteria may play a significant role in the cardiovascular risks associated with red meat consumption, rather than just the high fats and cholesterol typically blamed. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a compound produced by gut bacteria from nutrients abundant in red meat, is linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who consumed red meat as their primary protein source exhibited two- to three-fold higher TMAO levels compared to those who opted for white meat or plant-based proteins. However, the study also revealed that TMAO levels can decrease to healthier ranges within three to four weeks after eliminating red meat from the diet. Dr. Stanley Hazen, a study author, emphasized the potential for dietary interventions to personalize nutrition and mitigate cardiovascular disease risks. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 1 am

Alligators Consume Rocks for a Clever Purpose

Alligators, known for their diverse diet, have been found to consume rocks—termed "gastroliths"—for a surprisingly strategic reason. Research from the University of Utah revealed that these stones significantly enhance the reptiles' diving capabilities. In experiments, alligators that ingested pebbles could remain submerged for an average of 11 minutes, nearly 88% longer than their rock-free counterparts, who averaged just under six minutes. The presence of gastroliths allows alligators to weigh themselves down, enabling them to expand their lungs without floating to the surface, thus improving their hunting efficiency. This behavior is not unique to modern alligators; fossil evidence shows that ancient marine reptiles, such as plesiosaurs, also utilized stones for buoyancy control, indicating that this strategy has been employed for millions of years. sources

Published:
Jul 29 2025, 11 pm

Inside the Minds of Those Without Internal Monologue

A recent discussion on social media has revealed a surprising divergence in how people experience their thoughts, with some individuals lacking an internal monologue entirely. This revelation has left many, including those who do possess an inner voice, astonished. For instance, Reddit user Vadermaulkylo shared their experience of not having an internal dialogue, stating that they simply feel emotions without verbalizing them internally. Others echoed this sentiment, explaining that they often struggle to articulate thoughts verbally, preferring written communication instead. In contrast, those with an internal monologue described their thoughts as inherently verbal, often narrating their emotions and experiences. Scientific studies suggest a spectrum of thought processes exists, with some individuals experiencing inner speech frequently while others do not at all. This phenomenon highlights the diverse ways in which human cognition operates, challenging the assumption that everyone thinks in the same manner. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 9 am

"Meet Motty: The World's Only Known Elephant Hybrid"

Motty, born on July 11, 1978, at Chester Zoo, holds the title of the "world's rarest elephant" as the only confirmed hybrid between an African elephant (_Loxodonta africana_) and an Asian elephant (_Elephas maximus_). Named after the zoo's founder, George Mottershead, Motty was the offspring of Jumbolino, a male African elephant, and Sheba, a female Asian elephant. Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding the possibility of interbreeding between these genetically distant species, tissue samples confirmed Motty's unique lineage. Tragically, he was born six weeks premature and succumbed to necrotizing enterocolitis just ten days later, on July 21, 1978, after suffering from a severe _E. coli_ infection. His preserved body is reportedly housed at the Natural History Museum in London. Motty's rare genetic makeup showcased features from both species, but he remains a singular example of such hybridization in elephants. sources

Published:
Jul 26 2025, 6 pm

How Far Can You See in the Universe Without Tools?

The vastness of the universe has been partially unveiled through advanced telescopes, yet our naked eyes can still glimpse remarkable celestial phenomena. The apparent brightness, or magnitude, of stars determines what we can see; under optimal dark sky conditions, the average person can spot stars up to a magnitude of 6. Notably, Rho Cassiopeiae, a luminous yellow hypergiant star, is approximately 8,000 light-years away, while the Phi Cassiopeiae system may be as far as 15,000 light-years. Beyond stars, the Andromeda Galaxy, located 2.5 million light-years away, is visible to the naked eye, with some even spotting M81 and M83 at 12 and 15 million light-years, respectively. Remarkably, the gamma-ray burst GRB 080319B, which occurred 7.5 billion years ago, reached a magnitude of 5.8, making it the most distant cosmic event visible without a telescope. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, over 160,000 light-years away, offer a more consistent view of distant galaxies. sources

Published:
Jul 30 2025, 6 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!