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Who Were the Mysterious Sea Peoples, Destroyers of Empires?

The enigmatic "Sea Peoples," a coalition of nomadic seafarers, are often cited as key players in the collapse of several ancient Bronze Age civilizations, including the Mycenaeans, Hittites, and Egyptians, during the late 13th and early 12th centuries BCE. Despite their significant impact, these marauders left no material culture or written records, leading to ongoing debates among historians about their origins and existence. A notable depiction on the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses III illustrates a fierce battle against these invaders, identified as tribes such as the Peleset and Shekelesh, believed to have originated from regions like Sicily and Anatolia. While some scholars argue that the Sea Peoples' incursions contributed to the decline of the New Kingdom, others remain skeptical of their role in the broader Late Bronze Age Collapse, highlighting the complexities of this historical mystery. sources

Published:
May 08 2025, 11 pm

Seven Flat-Earther Claims Supporting a Flat Earth Theory

The flat-Earth movement has gained significant attention in recent years, fueled by various arguments that proponents use to challenge the established understanding of our planet's shape. Key claims include the assertion that the horizon appears flat, as highlighted by rapper B.o.B, who questions the visibility of curvature from high altitudes. However, scientific evidence, including images from high-altitude weather balloons, contradicts this notion. Additionally, flat-Earthers argue that Antarctica serves as a barrier to prevent exploration, despite numerous successful crossings of the continent. They also claim that Earth's rotation is imperceptible, overlooking the effects of constant motion. Critics point out that photographic evidence from space, often dismissed as doctored, is based on real data, while the "Zetetic method" employed by flat-Earthers fails to account for the limitations of personal observation. Ultimately, these misconceptions highlight a broader misunderstanding of physics and astronomy. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 7 pm

Wet Fingers Always Wrinkle in the Same Pattern

A recent study, sparked by a student's inquiry, has revealed that the wrinkling of human fingers after prolonged water exposure is a consistent phenomenon controlled by the autonomic nervous system, rather than merely a result of waterlogging. Researchers, led by Guy German from Binghamton University, found that when participants submerged their hands in water for 30 minutes, the resulting wrinkle patterns were remarkably similar even after a 24-hour interval. This discovery builds on earlier observations from 1935, which indicated that nerve damage could prevent finger wrinkling, suggesting a neurological basis for the response. The study's findings could have significant implications for fields such as forensics, particularly in fingerprinting and identifying bodies submerged in water. German expressed enthusiasm for further research into skin immersion, highlighting the potential for new scientific insights. The study is published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 8 pm

First Footage Reveals Real-Time Impact of Trawling

Sir David Attenborough's latest film, _OCEAN_, presents harrowing footage of trawling from a unique perspective, showcasing the desperate attempts of marine life, such as cephalopods and rays, to escape the destructive nets that devastate the seabed. The film highlights the alarming scale of damage caused by trawling, which can strip up to 41% of the ocean floor, leaving long-lasting scars visible from space. Attenborough emphasizes the urgent need for ocean conservation, stating, “If we save the sea, we save the planet.” Despite the grim realities, there is hope; studies show that marine ecosystems can recover significantly when conservation measures are implemented. The film advocates for sustainable fishing practices, underscoring that protecting marine resources benefits both biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing. Released as a Global Cinema Event on May 8, _OCEAN_ aims to inspire action ahead of the pivotal 2025 UN Ocean Conference. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 6 pm

What Is the World's Youngest Language?

The question of the youngest language in the world is complex, as it hinges on definitions of language versus dialect. Generally, Afrikaans is recognized as the youngest official language, having gained formal status in South Africa in 1925. Originating from 17th-century Dutch spoken by settlers at the Cape of Good Hope, Afrikaans evolved through interactions with indigenous Khoisan peoples and other groups, despite British attempts to suppress it in the 19th century. Meanwhile, two emerging languages, Light Warlpiri and Nicaraguan Sign Language, illustrate the dynamic nature of language development. Light Warlpiri, spoken by around 350 people in Australia, began evolving in the 1970s through a blend of Warlpiri, English, and Kriol. Nicaraguan Sign Language emerged in the late 1970s when deaf children, previously isolated, created a new language system at a public school, now spoken by over 1,500 individuals. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 8 am

No, Idaho Doesn't Have a Pterosaur in the Sky

A recent YouTube video has sparked intrigue by allegedly showing a pterosaur flying over Boise, Idaho, but experts suggest it is likely a product of video editing or a remote-controlled drone. The footage, which features a brown, pterodactyl-like creature flapping its wings, stands out for its clarity, unlike typical blurry UFO sightings. Pterosaurs, which lived alongside dinosaurs from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous Period, were the first known vertebrates capable of flight, with some species, like Quetzalcoatlus, boasting wingspans of up to 11 meters. Despite their impressive size and abilities, pterosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene impact event, making a modern-day sighting highly improbable, though not entirely impossible. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 7 am

Elephant Reunion Produces Unheard Sounds for Keepers

Zookeepers at Zoos Victoria have captured an extraordinary array of sounds from their elephants following a recent reunion at a newly established habitat near Werribee Zoo. This reunion, which followed a prolonged separation of the bull, Luk Chai, from the herd, showcased vocalizations that keepers had never encountered in decades of care. The elephants, now enjoying a more spacious environment, displayed heightened communication, with keeper Christie Trerice noting the remarkable variety in frequencies and pitches. While the exact meanings of these sounds remain unclear, they likely expressed excitement, surprise, and social greetings. The herd dynamics were carefully managed, with Luk Chai kept apart initially to ease the transition. The interaction between him and the calves was particularly heartwarming, as they approached him gently, highlighting the importance of social bonds in elephant families. This initiative reflects a broader shift in zoos towards conservation and enriching animal experiences. sources

Published:
May 08 2025, 8 pm

Patterns Seen When Eyes Are Closed: What Are They?

When you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in darkness due to the ongoing activity of retinal cells, which generate weak internal signals that mimic light. Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, explains that the brain interprets these random signals as visual stimuli, creating the illusion of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying issues such as retinal detachment or neurological conditions, especially if the patterns change or become more pronounced. Applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce phosphenes, but caution is advised. If you experience persistent or altered visual disturbances, consulting a medical professional is recommended. sources

Published:
May 11 2025, 7 am

Plastic Chemicals May Delay Body Clock by 17 Minutes, Study Finds

New research suggests that chemicals found in furniture and children's toys may disrupt sleep quality by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm, potentially delaying the internal clock by up to 17 minutes. This disruption could heighten the risk of sleep disorders and serious health issues, including diabetes and cancer. The study, conducted by biologists who extracted chemicals from PVC and polyurethane materials, focused on their impact on the adenosine receptor, which regulates sleep-wake signals. While the effects of these chemicals are not as pronounced as caffeine, they act more swiftly on cellular processes. The findings contribute to growing evidence of the toxic effects of plastics on human health, linking them to various conditions such as cancer, obesity, and impaired immunity. The authors advocate for a fundamental redesign of plastics to enhance safety and reduce chemical exposure, emphasizing the need for further research to understand real-world implications. sources

Published:
May 12 2025, 9 am

Fatal Florida bear attack results in three bear deaths

An 89-year-old man, Robert Markel, has tragically become the first recorded fatality from a bear attack in Florida, USA, after he was killed alongside his dog at his home near Jerome, close to Naples. The incident unfolded when Markel's daughter called emergency services upon witnessing a bear attacking her father's dog. Authorities later discovered Markel's body, indicating that both were killed at different times. In response to the attack, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has set traps and installed cameras in the area, while three bears have been euthanized for DNA testing to identify the attacker. The commission believes a black bear was responsible, as Florida's bear population has grown to around 4,000 due to successful conservation efforts. With increasing bear sightings in residential areas, officials are contemplating the reintroduction of regulated bear hunts to manage the population. sources

Published:
May 09 2025, 8 am

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