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Understanding How CDs Play Music: A New Discovery

Despite the rise of streaming services, compact discs (CDs), invented in 1979 and popularized in the early 1980s, continue to showcase sophisticated technology. Operating through a laser that reads digital information etched in tiny pits and lands on their surface, CDs convert these patterns into electrical signals, allowing playback of music and video. While DVDs utilize a similar principle with smaller pits for greater data storage, CD-RWs enable users to "burn" their own data onto discs using a photosensitive dye. This process, akin to vinyl records that use a stylus to read grooves, highlights the enduring appeal of CDs, even as vinyl enthusiasts celebrate the warm sound quality of their preferred medium. As technology evolves, the compact disc remains a testament to innovative design, prompting renewed interest among music lovers who appreciate its unique capabilities. sources

Published:
Dec 01 2025, 7 pm

Catch This Week's Rare Final Supermoon of the Year!

Skywatchers are in for a treat as the last full Moon of 2025, a supermoon, will illuminate the night sky on Thursday, December 4. This celestial event occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, just 357,219 kilometers (221,965 miles) away, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This December supermoon follows two others in October and November, a rare occurrence as they all fall within the same season. The next supermoon will occur on January 3, 2026, but will be slightly farther away. While there is no formal definition of a supermoon, it is generally accepted that it occurs when a full Moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. The Moon's elliptical orbit means its distance varies, leading to noticeable differences in size and brightness, with increases of up to 14% and 30%, respectively, according to NASA. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 2 am

Social Media Affects Teen Depression, But Not All Digital Media

A new study from the University of Montreal, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reveals a nuanced relationship between screen time and teenage mental health. While excessive use of social media and television correlates with increased depressive symptoms among adolescents, video gaming and computer use show no such association. The research, which tracked 3,826 seventh graders over four years, found that social media exposure can lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, primarily due to "Upward Social Comparison" and "Reinforcing Spirals." These concepts suggest that social media fosters negative self-esteem by showcasing idealized lifestyles and creates echo chambers that exacerbate depressive feelings. Conversely, the study found that time spent gaming did not negatively impact mental health, indicating that not all screen time is detrimental. Lead author Elroy Boers emphasized the role of algorithm-driven content in perpetuating depressive states among teens. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 3 am

World's Longest Commercial Flight Launches This Week, Lasts 29 Hours

China Eastern Airlines is set to launch the world's longest scheduled air route, connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires, with the inaugural flight scheduled for December 4. The journey spans approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) across the Pacific, featuring a 2-hour 25-minute stopover in Auckland. The total flight time from Shanghai to Buenos Aires is 25 hours and 55 minutes, while the return trip will take 29 hours, departing Buenos Aires at 02:00 local time. This new service will operate every Tuesday and Thursday, reflecting China's efforts to enhance international air links, particularly with Argentina, a key supplier of beef, soy, and lithium. While many airlines have claimed to offer the longest flights, this route is notable for its regular scheduling. The current record for the longest commercial flight is held by Singapore Airlines, which operates a route from Singapore to New York covering 15,349 kilometers (9,537 miles). sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 9 pm

Understanding Strange Eye Floaters in Your Vision

Approximately 76 percent of individuals without visual impairments experience "floaters," which are moving specks or strands that can be seen against bright backgrounds like the sky or a white screen. Scientifically termed _Muscae volitantes_ or "flying flies," these are not insects but rather tiny particles, such as bits of tissue or protein clumps, suspended in the vitreous humor—the gel-like substance that maintains the eye's shape. As these floaters drift, they cast shadows on the retina, leading to the unusual visual effects many people notice. Additionally, a phenomenon known as the blue field entoptic phenomenon allows observers to see white blood cells moving in the capillaries of the retina against a blue backdrop, as the blue light is not absorbed by these cells. This intriguing interplay of vision highlights the complexities of our visual perception. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 4 pm

Dinosaur Embryo Discovered in Fossilized Egg

A remarkably preserved dinosaur embryo, nicknamed Baby Yingliang, has been discovered within a fossilized egg that had been stored for over a decade in a Chinese museum. Estimated to be between 66 and 72 million years old, this specimen belongs to the oviraptorosaur group of feathered theropods and measures approximately 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) in length. Notably, Baby Yingliang exhibits a posture akin to that of modern bird embryos, known as "tucking," where the head is positioned under the wing, a behavior crucial for successful hatching. This finding suggests that such developmental traits may have originated in theropod ancestors long before the emergence of birds. Researchers emphasize that while this discovery provides valuable insights, further fossil studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about dinosaur embryonic development. The study was published in the journal iScience, highlighting the evolutionary connections between dinosaurs and contemporary avian species. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 12 am

Why Place Salt Bowls in Windows This Winter?

As winter approaches, UK residents are being encouraged to place bowls of salt on their windowsills to combat damp and mold caused by condensation. This advice stems from salt's hygroscopic properties, which allow it to absorb moisture from the air. However, experts caution that while salt can help, its effectiveness is limited, particularly in typical UK humidity levels, which range from 30% to 60%. Salt only begins to absorb significant moisture at higher humidity levels, around 74%. Therefore, while it may provide some relief, proper ventilation remains crucial for managing condensation. Opening windows or using built-in vents can significantly reduce moisture buildup, making the need for salt bowls less necessary. Ultimately, while the salt method is simple, it should not replace more effective strategies for preventing condensation and its associated problems. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 3 pm

Why Do You Feel Like You're Dropping After Takeoff?

Flying often elicits strong opinions, with some embracing it and others, like the author, only opting for air travel when necessary. A common discomfort during take-off is the sensation of dropping, which many passengers experience shortly after the plane ascends. Airline captain and fear of flying coach, Simon, explains that this feeling is a normal part of the flight process. After take-off, pilots reduce thrust to allow the aircraft to accelerate more efficiently, which can create a perception of a dip due to changes in engine noise and the plane's angle. This sensation, akin to the weightlessness felt on roller coasters, is temporary and crucial for engine preservation and noise reduction for those near airports. Simon reassures nervous flyers that this moment is just a transition, and soon the flight will stabilize as the aircraft continues to climb smoothly. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 1 am

Do Fish Possess Tongues?

Fish do not possess tongues in the traditional sense, as defined by a muscular organ capable of independent movement, which is essential for complex speech in humans. Instead, they have a basihyal, a bony structure that resembles a tongue but lacks the dexterity and taste buds associated with mammalian tongues. This organ evolved to protect the ventral aorta, a vital blood vessel near the mouth, and aids in food manipulation during feeding. Different fish species exhibit variations in the basihyal's size and function; for instance, sheepshead fish have teeth attached to theirs for crushing prey, while archerfish use it to shoot jets of water at insects. Interestingly, fish can taste through their skin, fins, and lips, with catfish boasting around 680,000 taste buds. However, the basihyal is also vulnerable to parasitic isopods that can replace it entirely, highlighting the complexities of fish anatomy. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 3 pm

Thresher Shark: A Quirky Predator Using Cavitation Bubbles

Thresher sharks, known for their distinctive long tails and large eyes, exhibit a unique hunting technique called "tail-whipping," which allows them to stun prey such as sardines and mackerel. Their tails can reach lengths of up to 3 meters, accounting for nearly half their body size, and are capable of creating cavitation bubbles that generate sound and light when they strike. A recent study revealed significant anatomical adaptations in their vertebrae that support this hunting method, with variations observed across different developmental stages. Thresher sharks typically hunt at night, rising to the surface to target shoaling fish, while during the day, they dive deep in search of squid and octopus. There are three species of thresher sharks, with the common thresher being the largest, reaching lengths of up to 5.8 meters. These sharks inhabit tropical and temperate seas worldwide, showcasing their adaptability in various marine environments. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 10 pm

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