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Unexpected Discoveries at Mongolia's Medieval Wall System

Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of the Medieval Wall System (MWS), a vast network of fortifications stretching 4,000 kilometers across modern-day China, Mongolia, and Russia, built between 826 and 1,125 years ago by various warring dynasties, notably the Jin dynasty. A recent excavation focused on the Mongolian section, revealing that this part of the wall was not primarily military but rather a symbolic structure marking Jin control. Researchers found that the Mongolian Arc consisted mainly of shallow ditches and earth mounds, suggesting it was designed to manage border crossings and civilian movement rather than to repel invaders. Despite significant resources allocated for its construction and maintenance, including the presence of military personnel, the MWS ultimately failed to protect the Jin dynasty, which fell to the Mongols in the 13th century, leading to the wall's decline into obscurity. The findings were published in the journal *Antiquity*. sources

Published:
May 29 2025, 5 pm

"Advanced Military Tech Sinks Ship from the Sky Instantly"

The US Air Force has unveiled a groundbreaking weapon, QUICKSINK, capable of sinking ships rapidly from the air. Demonstrated in a test on April 28, 2022, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a modified 907-kilogram Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) on an empty vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, sinking it in under 30 seconds. Footage released by the Air Force shows the ship being split in two on the seabed. Unlike traditional torpedoes, which are costly and limited to naval assets, QUICKSINK offers a more affordable and versatile solution, allowing a wider range of Air Force aircraft to engage maritime targets effectively. Major Andrew Swanson highlighted the technology's potential to provide combat commanders with enhanced options, while program manager Kirk Herzog emphasized its ability to achieve torpedo-like results from the air over larger areas. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 7 pm

Purpose of Lines on Towels Explained

A recent social media inquiry has reignited curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as the "dobby border." While some users jokingly suggested they serve as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" to enhance drying speed, the consensus points to their practical benefits. The dobby border is designed to strengthen the towel, improve absorbency, and prevent fraying over time. According to Towel Hub, this woven strip helps maintain an even structure, ensuring the towel remains soft, lightweight, and efficient for drying. Additionally, it adds an aesthetic touch, contributing to the towel's overall durability and polished appearance. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex questions, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 5 am

China Launches Largest Offshore Wind Turbine at 185 Meters

China is advancing its wind energy technology, exemplified by the recent completion of the world's largest offshore wind turbine by the China Dongfang Electric Corporation. Standing at 185 meters (606 feet) tall, this 26-megawatt (MW) turbine can generate up to 100 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, enough to power around 55,000 homes while reducing coal dependency by over 30,000 tons and cutting CO2 emissions by 80,000 tons. Designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, it features a typhoon-resistant structure and advanced anti-corrosion systems. In 2023, China led global wind energy production, installing 77.1 gigawatts (GW) and achieving its target of 1,200 GW of combined wind and solar capacity ahead of schedule. However, the country is simultaneously ramping up coal power construction, raising concerns about its reliance on fossil fuels and its status as the world's largest carbon emitter. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 6 am

Are Microwaves Safe to Use?

Microwaves are often hailed as the epitome of convenience in modern cooking, yet they frequently face criticism over potential health risks associated with their use. Despite these concerns, experts assert that microwaving food is safe. The technology works by agitating water molecules in food, which heats it quickly and efficiently without compromising nutritional value. Critics often cite fears of harmful radiation or nutrient loss, but scientific consensus indicates that microwaves do not pose significant health risks when used correctly. As such, they remain a practical option for busy households, allowing for quick meal preparation without sacrificing safety or nutrition. For those seeking more information on the safety of microwaving food, further resources are available. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 3 pm

What Is Royal Honey and Its Sexual Benefits?

Royal honey, a blend of regular honey and royal jelly, is increasingly marketed as a health food and aphrodisiac, but its claims warrant scrutiny. While honey has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries, the quality of royal honey can vary significantly based on bee care practices. In 2022, the FDA issued warnings to several companies for selling royal honey products laced with erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, raising safety concerns. Although royal jelly is essential for bee fertility and may enhance sperm count in men, its effects on human libido remain largely unproven, with many aphrodisiac claims attributed to placebo effects. Additionally, while royal jelly contains beneficial nutrients, the amounts required for any significant health benefits are impractical for human consumption. Consumers are advised to weigh the potential health benefits against the high costs and risks associated with these products. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 1 pm

Why Narwhals Are Rarely Found in Aquariums

Narwhals, the elusive toothed whales known for their long, spiraled tusks, have rarely been seen in aquariums, with only two unsuccessful attempts at captivity in North America. The first, at the New York Aquarium in 1969, involved a young calf named Umiak, captured after its mother was killed by Inuit hunters. Despite initial care, Umiak died of pneumonia less than a year later. The second attempt occurred in 1970 at Vancouver Aquarium, where a male narwhal named Keela Luguk was joined by two females and three calves. Tragically, all the narwhals died within months, prompting public outrage and calls for their release. Narwhals' sensitivity to environmental changes and human-made noise likely contributes to their poor survival in captivity. Given the shift in public sentiment against marine mammal captivity, particularly after the documentary _Blackfish_, it seems unlikely that narwhals will be kept in aquariums again. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 8 am

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 balloons, leading to the postponement of a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. sources

Published:
May 30 2025, 2 pm

Earth's Ejection Risk from Passing Star: 1 in 100,000

A new simulation suggests that Earth faces a 1-in-500 chance of being ejected from the Solar System or colliding with another planet due to the gravitational influence of passing stars. Researchers estimate that over the next 5 billion years, our Solar System will encounter approximately 19 stars per million years within 1 parsec, potentially destabilizing planetary orbits. While Mercury is most at risk, with a 50 to 80 percent increase in instability, Pluto also has a 5 percent chance of becoming unstable. The study indicates that the likelihood of losing a planet is higher than previously thought, with scenarios of planetary loss occurring sooner rather than later. Fortunately, no stars are expected to approach us for a considerable time, providing a temporary reprieve. The findings are detailed in the journal *Icarus*. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 9 am

New Top Infectious Killer Emerges, Not COVID-19

Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the deadliest infectious disease globally, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. In 2023, TB caused 1.25 million deaths, significantly surpassing the 320,000 fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, with 87% of cases concentrated in just 30 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Despite being curable in about 85% of cases, TB remains a major health threat, with nearly half of untreated patients succumbing to the disease. WHO emphasizes the urgent need for action to meet the UN's goal of ending the global TB epidemic by 2030, noting that funding for prevention and research remains critically low. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB effectively. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 6 am

Tourists Swim with Orcas in Mexico Amid Legal Loopholes

Swimming with orcas in Mexico is technically illegal, yet a legal loophole has led to a surge in tourist activities in La Ventana Bay, where visitors can swim with these marine mammals. While the Official Mexican Standard NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010 prohibits swimming and other activities during whale-watching, it does not explicitly mention orcas, allowing for their inclusion in tours. This has raised concerns among experts, who warn of potential risks to both tourists and orcas, as increased human interaction could disrupt the whales' natural behavior and feeding patterns. In response, marine biologists and tour operators are collaborating on a management plan that would require permits for boat tours, limiting the number of daily interactions and focusing on educating guides about safe practices. This proposal is currently under review by the Mexican government, with a decision anticipated this summer. sources

Published:
May 31 2025, 6 am

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