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Understanding Vaper's Tongue: Causes and Effects

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced plans to sue major vape distributors for contributing to a youth vaping crisis, highlighting the public health risks associated with vaping. One reported side effect is "vaper's tongue," a temporary loss of taste that lacks scientific research but has garnered anecdotal attention from dentists. Factors such as chemical irritation, dehydration, and flavor fatigue may contribute to this condition, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Dr. Benjamin Chaffee from UCSF emphasizes the need for further research into vaping's health effects. To alleviate vaper's tongue, dentists recommend reducing or quitting vaping, staying hydrated, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Additionally, experts warn that vaping can harm oral health, potentially leading to enamel damage, tooth decay, and gum disease, as noted by Queensland's Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Mark Brown. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 10 pm

Most Common Sexual Fetish by State Revealed

Porn MD has unveiled an interactive infographic revealing the top 10 searches on its site, highlighting global trends in adult content. Notably, the term "teen" emerged as a common search, raising concerns despite all performers being over eighteen. The acronym "MILF" also featured prominently, while "compilation" searches suggest a preference for variety among users. A striking observation is that many countries' top searches reflect their own nationalities, with France searching for "French" and India for "Indian." Additionally, Porn MD offers a live feed of current search terms, which may evoke mixed reactions from viewers. In a related study, PornHub released a state-by-state map of U.S. porn habits, revealing that Mississippi users spent the longest time on the site, averaging just under 12 minutes, while Rhode Island users were slightly below the national average. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 7 am

Ramesses the Great: Appearance at Ages 45 and 90

Researchers have digitally resurrected the face of Ramesses II, one of Ancient Egypt's most renowned Pharaohs, using advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scans of his mummy. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, presents two depictions of Ramesses: a robust 45-year-old at the height of his power and a frail 90-year-old at his death. Known as Ramesses the Great, he ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE, expanding Egypt's empire and solidifying his legacy. The scans revealed details such as his honey-brown skin tone, prominent nose, and hair dyed orange with henna, while also noting that he had a bald head in old age. The researchers employed computer modeling to enhance the younger version, removing signs of aging to showcase a firmer jawline and fuller features. This project highlights the remarkable preservation of Ramesses II's remains, offering insights into his physical appearance over three millennia ago. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 12 pm

Moon Set to Receive First-Ever 4G Cellular Network

In a groundbreaking development, the Moon is set to receive its first 4G cellular network, thanks to Nokia's Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS), which has been integrated with Intuitive Machines' upcoming Athena lander. Scheduled for launch next week, Athena aims to explore the presence of lunar water ice near the Shackleton crater, a region known for its constant sunlight. The LSCS will facilitate communication between the lander and various onboard vehicles, including the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform and the Micro-Nova Hopper. Thierry E. Klein of Nokia Bell Labs emphasized the potential of cellular technology to enhance communication for future lunar and Martian missions. However, engineers face significant challenges due to the Moon's harsh environment, including extreme temperature fluctuations and mechanical stresses during launch and landing. Successful implementation could lead to advancements in communication technology on Earth, enhancing reliability and efficiency. sources

Published:
Feb 19 2025, 8 pm

Which Snake Species Is the Most Intelligent?

The question of which snake species is the most intelligent remains a topic of debate among researchers, as animal intelligence is complex and often contentious. While some scientists argue about the sentience and cognitive abilities of various species, snakes are frequently overlooked in discussions of animal intelligence. Recent studies suggest that certain species, such as the Eastern Indigo Snake, may exhibit advanced problem-solving skills and social behaviors, indicating a higher level of intelligence than previously recognized. However, definitive conclusions are challenging due to the difficulty in measuring intelligence across different species. As research continues, the understanding of snake cognition may evolve, shedding light on their place within the broader spectrum of animal intelligence. For more insights into this intriguing subject, readers can explore further resources on snake intelligence. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 8 am

Neanderthals Experienced Major Population Decline 110,000 Years Ago

New research indicates that Neanderthals, who survived in Eurasia until around 40,000 years ago, experienced a significant decline in population approximately 70,000 years before their extinction, leading to reduced genetic and physical diversity. This study, which analyzed the "bony labyrinth" of the inner ear across various Neanderthal populations, suggests that while early Neanderthals from Krapina exhibited greater morphological variation than their predecessors from Sima de los Huesos, classic Neanderthals showed a marked reduction in diversity, indicating a population bottleneck occurred after the Krapina period. The exact timing and causes of this decline remain debated, with some researchers proposing it happened around 110,000 years ago. The findings challenge previous assumptions about early Neanderthal lineage bottlenecks and provide a clearer picture of Neanderthal evolution, as noted by study co-author Mercedes Conde-Valverde. The research is published in *Nature Communications*. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 1 am

"Little Albert Experiment: Unethical by Today's Standards"

The "Little Albert" experiment, conducted by American psychologists John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in the early 20th century, is a notorious example of unethical psychological research. Inspired by Ivan Pavlov's work on classical conditioning, Watson and Rayner aimed to condition fear in a healthy infant, referred to as Albert B. Initially, Albert showed no fear towards various stimuli, including a white rat. However, after being subjected to loud noises whenever he approached the rat, he developed a fear of it and other fluffy objects, such as rabbits and even a Santa Claus mask. The experiment raised significant ethical concerns, as it inflicted emotional distress on the child, and the researchers acknowledged their moral reservations. While some speculate that Albert grew up to be William Albert Barger, there is no conclusive evidence, and another candidate, Douglas Merritte, had neurological impairments that complicate the ethical implications of the study. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 12 am

New Zealand's Bug of the Year: A Living Fossil Soup-Maker

New Zealand's quirky "Bug of the Year" competition has crowned the New Zealand velvet worm (_Peripatoides novaezealandiae_) as its 2023 champion, triumphing over contenders like the praying mantis and giant springtail. This ancient creature, often dubbed a "living fossil," showcases a unique blend of features reminiscent of slugs, worms, and caterpillars, with its velvety, orange-speckled body and stumpy legs. Despite its seemingly benign appearance, the velvet worm is a formidable predator, ensnaring its prey with sticky slime before injecting digestive saliva and consuming the liquefied remains. While little is known about its conservation status due to its elusive nature, velvet worms face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators. The Entomological Society of New Zealand hopes that initiatives like the Bug of the Year will raise awareness about these fascinating yet vulnerable creatures, encouraging further research and conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 4 am

The Dare Stone: Hoax or Roanoke Colony Message?

The mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, where 115 English settlers vanished in 1587, continues to intrigue many. Led by John White, the settlers left behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree as a clue when White returned in 1590 to find them missing. In 1937, Louis Hammond presented the Dare Stone, allegedly inscribed by Eleanor Dare, claiming it detailed the settlers' fate, including deaths from disease and attacks by Native Americans. However, skepticism arose regarding the stone's authenticity, particularly due to its language and the proliferation of similar hoax stones. Despite some support for the stone's legitimacy, including recent analysis by geologist Ed Schrader, doubts remain. Ultimately, many historians suggest that the settlers likely integrated with local tribes rather than meeting a tragic end, indicating that the mystery may have been overstated from the beginning. sources

Published:
Feb 22 2025, 1 am

Long COVID Defined: Over 200 Possible Symptoms Identified

A committee of experts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has proposed a new definition for long COVID, aiming to provide clarity for the estimated 17.8% of U.S. adults affected by the condition. The definition describes long COVID as a chronic condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection, persisting for at least three months and potentially affecting multiple organ systems. Notably, it does not specify required symptoms, acknowledging the diverse range of over 200 reported symptoms, including fatigue, memory issues, and respiratory problems. The committee, which consulted over 1,300 participants, emphasized the need for an evolving definition to reflect ongoing research. Harvey Fineberg, chair of the committee, stated that a consistent definition is crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment, ultimately helping to raise awareness of this significant health issue. The report encourages further review as understanding of long COVID continues to develop. sources

Published:
Feb 21 2025, 8 am

The Most Horrific Day in Human History

On January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi province of northwest China experienced a catastrophic earthquake, believed to be the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The quake, caused by the slipping of the Weinan and Huashan faults, had its epicenter near Huaxian. While records indicate that about one-third of the victims died from collapsing structures and landslides, many others succumbed to disease and famine in the aftermath. Despite its magnitude of 8 to 8.3, the Shaanxi earthquake remains the deadliest, surpassing the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed approximately 655,000. Given the global population of less than half a billion in 1556, the relative loss of life on that day was unprecedented. Nearly 500 years later, no single day has matched the devastation of that fateful Thursday, marking it as a grim milestone in history. sources

Published:
Feb 19 2025, 5 pm

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