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Unique Facial Tattoos Discovered on 800-Year-Old Andean Mummy

Researchers have uncovered unique facial tattoos on an 800-year-old Andean mummy, believed to have lived between 1215 and 1382 CE, housed at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography in Turin, Italy. The tattoos, which include three straight lines on the right cheek and a distinctive S-shaped design on the wrist, are unprecedented in the Andean region, as facial tattoos are extremely rare among ancient South American mummies. The study, published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, reveals that the ink used was made from magnetite and silicate minerals, rather than the more common charcoal pigment. The findings suggest that these tattoos may have served a decorative or communicative purpose, although their exact meaning remains unclear. The research highlights the cultural significance of body art in ancient Andean societies and opens new avenues for understanding their practices. sources

Published:
May 19 2025, 7 pm

"Strange Neuroscience Tales: Faces Morphing into Dragons"

IFLScience is set to host an exciting virtual event, CURIOUS Live, on May 24, 2025, featuring neuroscientist Dr. Austin Lim, author of _Horror On The Brain_. This exclusive event, available only to All-Access members, will delve into the intersection of science fiction and real neurological phenomena, showcasing astonishing true stories, such as a woman who perceives dragons instead of faces and a patient unable to feel pain. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A with Dr. Lim, who will also share insights on crafting compelling horror and sci-fi narratives. Membership benefits include access to this event, future screenings, and a range of premium features. For those interested, previous CURIOUS Live talks are available on YouTube, providing a glimpse into the fascinating discussions that await. sources

Published:
May 20 2025, 12 am

Capuchins on Jicarón Island Now Stealing Baby Howler Monkeys

Scientists on Jicarón Island, part of Panama's Coiba National Park, have observed white-faced capuchin monkeys engaging in a surprising and troubling behavior: abducting baby howler monkeys. This phenomenon, first detected by Max Planck Institute doctoral student Zoë Goldsborough while reviewing camera trap footage, appears to be spreading among adolescent male capuchins, possibly driven by boredom. Over 15 months, researchers documented five young male capuchins carrying 11 howler infants, with four of the abducted babies confirmed to have died due to lack of maternal care. While the capuchins did not harm the infants, the behavior raises questions about the evolution of cultural traditions in non-human animals. The howler monkeys, already classified as endangered, face additional threats from this new trend, prompting researchers to consider intervention strategies to protect them while continuing to study the capuchins' behavior. The findings are detailed in the journal Current Biology. sources

Published:
May 20 2025, 1 am

US Surgeons Achieve First Successful Human Bladder Transplant

Surgeons at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have achieved a medical milestone by performing the first human bladder transplant on May 4, a procedure hailed as a "historic moment in medicine." The surgery, which lasted approximately eight hours, involved Oscar Larrainzar, who had lost most of his bladder and both kidneys due to a tumor. This groundbreaking operation was the result of a collaboration between UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of USC, with Dr. Inderbir Gill emphasizing its potential to transform treatment for patients with non-functioning bladders. The transplant included a kidney, with both organs connected to enhance functionality. While the immediate results have been promising, with Larrainzar's kidney producing urine and eliminating the need for dialysis, the long-term viability of the transplanted bladder remains uncertain. Surgeons are hopeful that this advancement could significantly improve the quality of life for millions suffering from bladder diseases. sources

Published:
May 19 2025, 10 pm

Invasive Smelly Tree Invades US; States Seek Removal

Callery pear trees, also known as Bradford pear trees, have become an invasive species in the United States, posing significant threats to local ecosystems. Imported from East Asia over a century ago, these ornamental trees were initially celebrated for their beauty and resilience, leading to widespread planting in suburban areas. However, their rapid growth and ability to cross-pollinate have allowed them to outcompete native plants, while their pungent spring blooms emit an odor likened to rotting fish and vomit. Structural weaknesses also make them prone to breaking during storms. As a result, the USDA lists them as noxious in several states, with Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina banning their sale and cultivation. Initiatives like North Carolina's "Bradford Pear Bounty" encourage residents to remove these trees, highlighting the unintended ecological consequences of introducing non-native species. The Callery pear's rise serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of environmental management. sources

Published:
May 19 2025, 11 pm

"Massive Copper, Gold, Silver Resource Discovered in South America"

Miners have uncovered a significant trove of metals at the Vicuña Mineral Resource, straddling the border of Argentina and Chile, which is now considered one of the largest sources of copper, gold, and silver globally. A recent survey estimates the site contains up to 13 million tonnes of copper, 907,000 kilograms of gold, and 18.6 million kilograms of silver. Managed by mining giants Lundin Mining and BHP, the resource includes the Filo del Sol and Josemaria deposits, both of which rank among the top ten copper-producing sites worldwide. Jack Lundin, President and CEO of Lundin Mining, emphasized the potential for further expansion of the resource, highlighting its high-grade core. While the financial implications remain undisclosed, the discovery could represent billions in value, raising concerns about the environmental impact of mining operations in these ecologically sensitive regions. sources

Published:
May 15 2025, 8 pm

Montana Allows Doctors to Prescribe Experimental Drugs Unapproved by FDA

Montana has passed a controversial new bill allowing doctors to prescribe experimental drugs that have only completed Phase 1 clinical trials, bypassing the traditional FDA approval process. This legislation, known as SB 535, expands upon existing "Right to Try" laws, which previously permitted access to unapproved treatments for terminally ill patients, now allowing any patient to seek such options. Proponents argue that this could position Montana as a hub for medical tourism, attracting those seeking cutting-edge therapies. However, critics, including bioethicists, warn that the lack of comprehensive testing could expose patients to unforeseen risks without guaranteed benefits. The bill has sparked a debate about patient autonomy versus safety, with some advocates acknowledging the potential dangers while still supporting the freedom to explore experimental treatments. As Montana becomes a pioneer in this area, the implications of the legislation will be closely monitored. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 10 am

Childbirth vs. Kicked in the Balls: Which Hurts More?

In the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, the focus often falls on childbirth versus the agony of being kicked in the testicles. Childbirth is notorious for its intense discomfort, with contractions causing significant physical strain as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often leading to long hours of labor and potential complications. Conversely, a blow to the testicles can induce immediate, excruciating pain that radiates throughout the abdomen, with the evolutionary design of the testicles ensuring they are highly sensitive and vulnerable. Experts suggest that while both experiences are painful, the subjective nature of pain makes it difficult to declare a definitive winner. Ultimately, the conclusion is a tie, highlighting the unique and intense suffering associated with both childbirth and testicular trauma, leaving individuals to appreciate the complexities of human pain. sources

Published:
May 17 2025, 6 am

Dolphin vs. Sloth: Who Holds Breath Longer?

In a surprising twist, sloths can hold their breath for an astonishing 40 minutes, far surpassing dolphins, which manage around 10 minutes. This remarkable ability stems from their exceptionally slow metabolism, allowing them to significantly reduce their heart rate and extend their underwater endurance. While sloths are often perceived as the slowest creatures on land, they exhibit surprising agility in water, swimming three times faster than their terrestrial pace. Their unique physiology also provides buoyancy, thanks to gas-filled stomachs from fermenting leaves. However, sloths are not the champions of breath-holding; elephant seals can last up to two hours, and the record-holder, a curved beak whale, managed an incredible 3 hours and 42 minutes. Despite their gentle appearance, sloths are also impressively strong, being three times stronger than the average human, showcasing their unexpected capabilities beyond their sluggish reputation. sources

Published:
May 16 2025, 5 am

Scientist Drops Alligators, Discovers New Bone-Eating Creature

In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS One, researchers from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) revealed the results of an unprecedented experiment where they dropped alligators 2,000 meters onto the ocean floor to observe deep-sea scavengers. Conducted in February 2019, the study aimed to understand how marine life in the Gulf of Mexico would respond to an unusual food source, as alligators are typically found in freshwater. The findings showed that giant isopods quickly penetrated the alligator hides, consuming one carcass within 24 hours. Another alligator was stripped of all soft tissue in just 51 days, revealing a new species of bone-eating worm, the first of its kind identified in the Gulf. Meanwhile, the fate of a third alligator remains a mystery, as it vanished, likely taken by a large shark. The research highlights the adaptability of deep-sea creatures in their quest for food. sources

Published:
May 15 2025, 5 am

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