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"Ancient Structure Found Beyond Neptune, 43 AU from Sun"

Astronomers from Princeton University have potentially identified a "very old, undisturbed structure" in the Kuiper Belt, located approximately 43 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, which may be primordial in nature. This discovery, detailed in a preprint paper, suggests the existence of an "inner kernel," a new cluster of Kuiper Belt objects characterized by low orbital eccentricity, indicating a stable and ancient formation. The research builds on previous studies that identified the Kuiper Belt as a complex region of icy bodies, including Pluto and Eris, and proposes that this inner kernel could offer insights into the solar system's early evolution and the migration patterns of giant planets like Neptune. While the findings are intriguing, further observations, particularly from the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are needed to confirm the structure's existence and its relationship to the previously identified kernel. sources

Published:
Nov 20 2025, 11 pm

Cavendish Experiment: Weighing Earth with Metal Spheres in 1797

Determining the mass of the Earth has a storied history, beginning with Isaac Newton's 1687 proposal of the universal law of gravitation, which laid the groundwork for understanding gravitational forces. However, it wasn't until 1798 that the mass could be accurately calculated, following the establishment of the Royal Society's “Committee of Attraction” in 1772. Early attempts to measure Earth's density involved observing the gravitational pull of Schiehallion, a Scottish mountain, on pendulums. The breakthrough came when scientist Henry Cavendish, using equipment from the late Reverend John Michell, measured the gravitational force between two metal spheres. This allowed him to derive the Earth's mass, estimated at approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms. The discovery not only satisfied scientific curiosity but also provided a crucial reference point for astronomers studying other celestial bodies in the Solar System. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 11 pm

New Insights Reveal Titanic's Actual Sinking Location

On April 15, 1912, the Titanic, once deemed unsinkable, met its tragic fate after colliding with an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The disaster, which occurred just four days into the journey, claimed over 1,500 lives from the 2,201 passengers aboard. Recent discussions surrounding the Titanic have been reignited following the OceanGate Titan submersible tragedy, which resulted in the loss of all five individuals on board while exploring the shipwreck. This has led to a reevaluation of the Titanic's sinking location, revealing it was much closer to Newfoundland than previously believed. The wreck lies approximately 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) deep, with the two main sections separated by 790 meters (2,600 feet). While many victims drowned, research suggests that immersion hypothermia was the primary cause of death, as the frigid waters were recorded at -2.2°C (28°F). sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 8 pm

China's Hyperloop Sets New Speed Record at 623 km/h

China's ultra-high-speed maglev train, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), has set a new speed record, reaching over 623 kilometers (387 miles) per hour during a recent test on a full-scale track in Datong, Shanxi province. This achievement surpasses the previous record and demonstrates the effectiveness of maglev technology, which uses magnetism for propulsion and levitation, significantly reducing friction. The test was conducted in a low-vacuum tube, further enhancing speed by minimizing air resistance. CASIC has ambitious plans to develop trains capable of reaching speeds up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, with future aspirations of achieving 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) per hour. While maglev trains are currently limited in number and costly to implement, the advancements in this technology highlight China's commitment to revolutionizing high-speed rail transport, even as the global hyperloop concept faces challenges. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 9 pm

Age of the Solar System: How Do We Know?

The Solar System formed between 4.5 and 4.6 billion years ago from a vast gas cloud enriched with heavier elements from supernovae. While Earth is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old, some components of the Solar System, such as certain meteorites, are older. For instance, the Erg Chech 002 meteorite is dated at 4.565 billion years, suggesting its parent body began forming up to a million years earlier. Jupiter, the first planet to form, likely had its core established within 10 million years of the Solar System's inception, with some estimates placing its formation at just 1.8 million years after. The Sun, which is believed to be around 4.57 billion years old, predates the planets, indicating that the Solar System began to take shape once the Sun ignited. However, precise dating remains complex due to the dynamic nature of protoplanetary disks. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 7 pm

Understanding the "Man in the Moon" Concept

The "Man in the Moon" phenomenon, a classic example of pareidolia, refers to the human tendency to perceive familiar patterns, such as faces, in random arrangements. This celestial interpretation is particularly prominent in Western cultures, where the Moon's surface features, including dark maria and lighter highlands, create the illusion of a face. The concept has deep cultural roots, with various interpretations across different mythologies; for instance, Jewish lore associates it with the patriarch Jacob, while Norse mythology identifies it as the Moon personified, Máni. In contrast, Chinese mythology features the Moon Rabbit, Yu Tu, alongside the goddess Chang'e. The phenomenon has also inspired folklore, such as a Latvian tale of maidens punished by a moon deity. Ultimately, the "Man in the Moon" is a product of our imagination, shaped by cultural narratives and the Moon's geological features. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2025, 12 am

"Grandmother's Body Washing Rule Proven Correct"

A recent study from George Washington University has validated the "Grandmother Rule" regarding body washing, emphasizing the importance of cleaning often-neglected areas such as behind the ears, between the toes, and in the navel. Researchers investigated the skin microbiome—the community of microorganisms on the skin—by analyzing samples from 129 students across various body parts. The findings revealed that areas typically washed more frequently exhibited a healthier and more diverse microbiome compared to those that were neglected. Keith Crandall, the study's lead, noted that the balance of microbes is crucial for skin health, as an imbalance can lead to conditions like eczema and acne. While the study highlights the significance of maintaining a clean microbiome, it also underscores the need for further research into the relationship between microbiome health and overall well-being. The study is published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*. sources

Published:
Nov 18 2025, 5 pm

Oil Origins: It's Not Dinosaurs, Many Don't Know

A common misconception persists that oil is derived from dinosaurs, but experts clarify that this is far from the truth. Geologist Reidar Müller from the University of Oslo explains that oil actually originates from trillions of tiny algae and plankton that lived millions of years ago. When these organisms died, they sank to the ocean floor, where layers of sediment buried them. Over time, in a high-pressure, low-oxygen environment, they transformed into crude oil. This process, which requires specific conditions, makes it unlikely for dinosaurs to contribute to oil formation, as their remains would typically be consumed by smaller marine creatures before they could be buried. Despite the environmental implications of oil consumption, the myth of dinosaur-derived fuel continues to capture public imagination, highlighting a significant gap in understanding the origins of this vital resource. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 9 am

Discover the Shy, Secretive Kodkod of the Americas

The kodkod (_Leopardus guigna_), or guiña, is the smallest cat species in the Americas, weighing just 2-3 kilograms and primarily found in Chile and a small part of Argentina. This nocturnal feline, characterized by its short legs, grayish-brown coat, and distinctive short tail, prefers dense forest habitats and is known for its agility in hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 26,000-100,000 individuals, the kodkod faces significant threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human conflict, particularly in areas with chicken coops. Additionally, road accidents and predation by domestic dogs pose risks, while forest fires threaten their essential vegetation cover. Interestingly, recent studies have revealed the kodkod's vocalizations, marking a new understanding of this elusive species. sources

Published:
Nov 19 2025, 1 am

Neanderthal Nasal Cavity Insights and NASA's Comet Images Unveiled

This week, significant findings in evolutionary biology and paleontology have emerged, revealing that kissing has been a part of primate behavior for approximately 21 million years, originating from a common ancestor of modern apes and humans. In a separate discovery, remarkable footage from British Columbia may provide the first evidence of wild wolves using tools, as they were seen manipulating crab trap lines to access bait. Additionally, researchers have uncovered 14,400-year-old paw prints in Italy, marking the oldest known evidence of humans cohabiting with domesticated dogs. Meanwhile, an exclusive clip from Apple TV's upcoming series _Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age_ explores how woolly mammoths could detect storms through infrasound, showcasing their unique adaptations. These discoveries highlight the intricate connections between ancient species and their behaviors, offering new insights into our evolutionary history. sources

Published:
Nov 22 2025, 5 pm

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