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What Is a Henge and Its Purpose?

The Ring of Brodgar in Orkney, Scotland, is a notable example of a henge, a term that refers to circular or oval prehistoric monuments defined by their earthwork structures rather than specific features like stone circles. While Stonehenge is often mistakenly classified as a henge, it does not meet the criteria due to its external ditch. Henges typically feature shallow ditches and banks, with access points varying in number. Dating back to around 3000 BCE, these structures likely served ceremonial purposes, possibly marking sacred spaces or hosting rituals, although their exact functions remain speculative. Other significant henges include Avebury, which encircles the largest stone circle in Britain, and Mayburgh in Cumbria, known for its central standing stone. Despite ongoing research, the classification and understanding of henges continue to evolve, highlighting the complexities of these ancient monuments. sources

Published:
May 11 2025, 6 am

Flat-Earthers' Odd Conspiracy Theory on Trees

A bizarre theory circulating among flat-Earth conspiracy enthusiasts posits that trees, as we know them, do not exist. Instead, adherents claim that what we see in forests and parks are merely saplings of ancient trees that once towered 40 miles high. This notion, originating from a now-deactivated YouTube video posted in 2016 by a Crimean individual, suggests that a cataclysmic event obliterated 99% of Earth's biosphere, leaving behind geological features like buttes and mesas as remnants of these colossal trees. Despite being debunked by various outlets, including Snopes, the theory persists, raising questions about its relevance to flat-Earth beliefs. Critics highlight fundamental differences between trees and rocks, while the theory's implications—such as the potential chaos of a giant tree on a flat Earth—remain unaddressed. The phenomenon exemplifies Poe's law, where parody and sincerity blur, leaving audiences to ponder the motivations behind such claims. sources

Published:
May 11 2025, 9 am

Massive New Crack Emerges in Yosemite National Park

Climbers in Yosemite National Park discovered a new crack near the Royal Arches cliff last week, prompting park officials to investigate and implement safety closures. The crack, which has partially detached a large rock pillar near the Super Slide climbing route, has been actively expanding, with reports of movement of about an inch over seven days. Jesse McGahey, a Supervisory Park Ranger, noted that the sound of cracking was reminiscent of a frozen lake, and pieces of rock were observed rattling down the crack without contact. The National Park Service has closed several trails since August 30 to mitigate the risk of rockfall, a common occurrence in the valley due to its glacially carved cliffs. The exact future of the unstable rock remains uncertain, as factors like water, ice, and vegetation growth can trigger further instability. The closures will remain in effect until further assessments are completed. sources

Published:
May 11 2025, 10 am

"Rising Penis Size: A Concern for Health?"

A comprehensive study analyzing penis sizes from 1942 to 2021 has revealed a notable increase in average erect penis length over the past three decades, while flaccid lengths remained unchanged. The meta-analysis, which included data from 55,761 males globally, found that erect length rose by 24 percent, from 12.3 centimeters (4.8 inches) to 15.2 centimeters (6 inches). Lead researcher Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford Medicine, suggested that this increase may be linked to environmental factors, such as chemical exposure that disrupts hormonal systems. Despite the lack of change in flaccid or stretched lengths, the findings raise concerns about male reproductive health, particularly in light of declining sperm counts observed in recent years. Eisenberg emphasized the need for further investigation to understand the implications of these rapid changes on male physiology. The study was published in the World Journal of Men's Health. sources

Published:
May 10 2025, 4 pm

How Often to Wash Your Bedding?

Experts recommend that bedding should be washed weekly, or at least every two weeks, to maintain hygiene and prevent health issues. With the average person spending a third of their life in bed, sheets can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and allergens, potentially triggering conditions like eczema and asthma. Dermatologist Alok Vij highlights that factors such as pet ownership, sweating, and allergies may necessitate more frequent washing. To effectively clean bedding, microbiologist Dr. Manal Mohammad suggests using warm to high temperatures and airing out the bed daily. However, a YouGov survey reveals that only 28% of Brits wash their sheets weekly, with many changing them less frequently, particularly single men, who may go up to four months without a wash. Similarly, a 2017 poll found that nearly half of Americans wash their sheets just once or twice a month, indicating a widespread neglect of this essential household chore. sources

Published:
May 11 2025, 5 am

New "Accordion Worm" Species Can Shrink to One-Fifth Size

A newly discovered species of worm, named _Pararosa vigarae_, has captivated scientists with its remarkable ability to contract its body to just one-fifth of its normal length, resembling an accordion. This unique worm, found off the Northwest coast of Spain at a depth of 30 meters, measures approximately 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) when fully extended. It belongs to the order Heteronemertea, which includes the longest animal on Earth, _Lineus longissimus_. The worm's name honors Rosa Vigara, wife of the study's senior author, Dr. Aida Verdes, as a gift for their golden wedding anniversary. In addition to its accordion-like contraction, _P. vigarae_ is a predatory worm that uses venom to hunt. Verdes' research aims to uncover the toxins that make nemerteans effective predators, highlighting the ongoing discovery of unique species in well-explored regions. The findings are published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. sources

Published:
May 07 2025, 8 pm

Six Scientific Reasons to Believe in Aliens

Despite a plethora of reports on extraterrestrial intelligence, the evidence remains largely anecdotal or unconvincing, leading many to dismiss the possibility of alien life as improbable. However, significant investment in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is justified by several compelling factors. Firstly, rocky planets similar to Earth are abundant, with recent data from telescopes like Kepler and TESS revealing numerous potential candidates for life. Secondly, life on Earth emerged remarkably early, suggesting that similar conditions elsewhere could foster life. Additionally, extremophiles demonstrate life's resilience in harsh environments, indicating that extraterrestrial life could thrive under diverse conditions. The lack of detected signals may stem from limited search methods or the vastness of space, rather than a lack of intelligent civilizations. Ultimately, while the existence of advanced alien life remains unproven, the scientific rationale for continued exploration is strong. sources

Published:
May 07 2025, 7 pm

First CRISPR Spider Creates Glowing Red Silk

Scientists have successfully created the first-ever CRISPR-Cas9 modified spider, specifically targeting the common house spider, *Parasteatoda tepidariorum*. This groundbreaking research, published in *Angewandte Chemie*, utilizes the revolutionary gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to incorporate a red fluorescent protein gene sequence into spider silk proteins. Spider silk, known for its remarkable strength—five times stronger than steel of the same weight—offers significant potential for materials science. The research team developed an injection solution to modify the spiders, allowing for the creation of genetically altered offspring that exhibit glowing silk under specific light conditions. Professor Dr. Thomas Scheibel, a senior author of the study, emphasized the promise of this technique for enhancing the tensile strength of spider silk, marking a significant advancement in the application of gene editing in arachnids. sources

Published:
May 10 2025, 5 pm

Alert: Pacific Northwest's Most Active Volcano May Erupt Soon

Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located 480 kilometers off the coast of the continental US and 1.5 kilometers beneath the ocean surface, is showing signs of a potential eruption. Researchers announced at the American Geophysical Union conference that the volcano, part of the Cobb–Eickelberg Seamount chain, has inflated to levels similar to those preceding its last eruptions in 2015. While the eruption forecast window is set between July 2024 and the end of 2025, predicting volcanic eruptions remains imprecise. Although the volcano has surpassed its previous inflation levels, earthquake activity in the area remains low, which complicates predictions. If Axial Seamount erupts, it is unlikely to impact life on land, but it presents a unique opportunity for oceanographers to study volcanic activity at mid-ocean spreading centers, as such events have never been directly observed in this region. sources

Published:
May 10 2025, 4 pm

What’s That Seam on Your Scrotum?

The perineal raphe, a seam-like structure of thicker skin running from the penis through the scrotum to the anus, is a notable feature in both males and females, formed around seven weeks into fetal development. A study highlights that the penile and scrotal raphe can vary in shape and thickness, with anomalies including pearly or pigmented variations. Prior to this developmental stage, male and female fetuses exhibit similar genital structures. As male fetuses progress, testosterone production leads to the fusion of urogenital swellings, resulting in the formation of the scrotum and the underside of the penis. This raphe serves as a reminder of our shared embryonic origins, as it is also present in females, extending from the anus to the labia majora. Thus, the raphe is not a sign of surgical intervention but rather a natural remnant of early genital development. sources

Published:
May 10 2025, 8 am

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