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Why Fresh Pineapple Can Cause Mouth Bleeding in Some People

Eating fresh pineapple can lead to an unexpected and painful side effect: a bloody mouth. This is due to bromelain, a powerful enzyme found in the fruit that breaks down proteins, including those in human tissue. While many enjoy pineapple for its refreshing taste and nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins C and B6, some individuals may experience tingling or even bleeding in the mouth after consumption. Bromelain is also studied for its potential in treating burns by aiding in the removal of damaged skin. Although pineapple is generally safe to eat, those sensitive to bromelain can reduce discomfort by choosing canned varieties or cooking the fruit, which deactivates the enzyme. For a risk-free experience, it’s advisable to cut the pineapple from the stem, where bromelain concentration is highest. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 10 pm

Manumea, Dodo's Relative, Spotted After 5-Year Absence

The manumea, or tooth-billed pigeon (_Didunculus strigirostris_), has been spotted for the first time since 2020 in the forests near Uafato on Samoa's Upolu island, thanks to a collaboration between local experts and international conservationists. The sightings, made in October and November, were confirmed by multiple team members, although no photographic evidence was captured due to the bird's elusive nature. The manumea, Samoa's national bird, has faced severe population declines due to habitat loss and invasive species, making its survival precarious. Conservation efforts have gained momentum, particularly with funding from Colossal Biosciences, which aims to revive extinct species like the dodo while also supporting the conservation of related species. The recent sightings of the manumea, alongside other rediscoveries, highlight the potential for species recovery, even in a year marked by significant extinctions globally. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 7 pm

ADHD Meds Don't Work as Expected for Kids and Adults

Recent research has revealed that stimulant medications commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) operate differently than previously believed. A study led by Washington University School of Medicine analyzed brain imaging data from nearly 6,000 children and found that these drugs primarily affect the brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than the attention-regulating areas. Assistant professor Benjamin Kay noted that the observed improvements in attention are likely secondary effects of increased alertness and task engagement. The study also indicated that stimulants could mitigate the cognitive impacts of sleep deprivation in children with ADHD, although this masking effect raises concerns about the long-term health risks of chronic sleeplessness. As ADHD diagnoses rise, understanding the mechanisms of these treatments is crucial for effective management, particularly in light of the growing awareness of neurodiversity. The findings were published in the journal Cell. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 8 pm

"Hope for Rhinos: Chonky Calf's Remarkable Weight Gain"

Werribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating a significant milestone with the recent achievement of Jabulani, a southern white rhinoceros calf, who has crossed the one-tonne mark. Born underweight and with concerns about his survival, Jabulani's success is particularly noteworthy given that his mother, Kipenzi, was raised without maternal care herself. Initially weighing just 55 kilograms at birth, Jabulani has thrived thanks to Kipenzi's nurturing instincts and a diet that includes both milk and grass. The zoo's breeding program is crucial for the southern white rhino, which faces threats from poaching and habitat loss, while its northern counterpart is critically endangered. Despite initial doubts about Kipenzi's ability to care for her calf, she has proven to be a dedicated mother, and Jabulani's rapid growth has been described as miraculous. The zoo hopes that Kipenzi will eventually accept Kifaru, the male rhino, as a mate to ensure the continuation of the species. sources

Published:
Dec 25 2025, 5 am

Can an Electronic Nose Detect Indoor Mould?

Researchers have developed an innovative electronic nose (e-nose) capable of detecting and identifying specific strains of household mold, such as _Stachybotrys chartarum_ (black mold) and _Chaetomium globosum_, with over 98% accuracy. Utilizing UV-activated nanowires, the device detects microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by mold, allowing for rapid and cost-effective indoor air quality monitoring. Traditional mold detection methods can be time-consuming and expensive, often requiring laboratory analysis or trained dogs. The e-nose, however, offers a quicker alternative, although its effectiveness in real-world environments may be challenged by interference from household materials. Researchers are optimistic about the potential to expand the technology to identify other common molds, such as penicillium, pending further study. The findings are detailed in the journal *Advanced Sensor Research*. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 8 pm

Study Links Low Intelligence to Homophobia

A study from the University of Queensland has established a link between lower intelligence and prejudiced attitudes towards same-sex couples, marking the first such analysis outside the United States. Researchers examined data from 11,564 Australians, utilizing the 2012 and 2015 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) surveys to assess cognitive abilities and attitudes towards equal rights for homosexual couples. The findings indicate that individuals with lower cognitive abilities are more likely to oppose equal rights, particularly when verbal skills were evaluated. This research builds on previous studies that have correlated low IQ with various forms of prejudice, including racism. The authors suggest that enhancing educational participation and cognitive skills among youth could be vital in combating prejudice against same-sex couples, emphasizing the need for further exploration of cognitive ability's role in shaping societal attitudes. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 4 pm

Hundreds of 19th-Century Black Shoes Wash Up on Beach

Hundreds of old leather shoes have mysteriously appeared on beaches in Ogmore-By-Sea, south Wales, with the total count reaching 437 since their initial discovery by the Beach Academy on December 18. The shoes, primarily black leather and resembling 19th-century styles, have been found embedded in rockpools during a restoration project. Locals recall similar finds in previous years, suggesting a recurring phenomenon. The leading theory attributes the shoes to the shipwreck of the Frolic, which sank near Tusker Rock about 150 years ago while carrying cargo from Italy. Erosion of the riverbank is believed to have released these long-trapped items. While the shoes are in surprisingly good condition, they are notably devoid of feet, unlike a separate phenomenon in North America where human feet in shoes have washed ashore due to buoyancy from modern footwear design. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 10 pm

2025: Humanity's Closest Encounter with Alien Life

The quest for extraterrestrial life continues to intrigue scientists, with recent developments offering tantalizing possibilities. NASA's Confidence of Life Detection (CoLD) scale outlines a systematic approach to identifying potential biosignatures, with the Perseverance Rover's 2024 discovery of the Bright Angel formation on Mars being a notable highlight. This formation contains organic materials that suggest the past presence of life. Additionally, a new amino acid was discovered on asteroid Bennu, while exoplanet K2-18b sparked debate over potential biosignatures in its atmosphere. Despite conflicting reports, the search for life remains active, with upcoming missions like the European Space Agency's Rosalyn Franklin rover set to explore Mars in 2028 and plans for a mission to Saturn's moon Enceladus. While definitive answers remain elusive, the scientific community is optimistic about future discoveries in the ongoing search for life beyond Earth. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 1 pm

Effects of Losing One Electron from Every Atom in Your Body

A recent discussion on Reddit has sparked curiosity about the hypothetical scenario of losing one electron from every atom in the human body. Redditor Spectre1442 posed the question in the AskPhysics subreddit, prompting a response that highlights the catastrophic consequences of such an event. Removing an electron would create a significant charge imbalance, causing every atom to repel one another, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the body. The energy released from this imbalance could be staggering, estimated to range from 10^17 to 10^20 joules—comparable to the energy of the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear bomb ever detonated. This means that the individual would not only explode but could potentially devastate a city-sized area. Experts caution that this scenario is purely theoretical and underscores the immense power of electrostatic forces. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 2 pm

The Shroud of Turin: What's Happening?

A recent study led by Italian scientist Liberato De Caro has reignited debate over the Shroud of Turin, suggesting it may date back to the time of Jesus Christ, contrary to previous radiocarbon dating that placed its origin between 1260 and 1390 CE. De Caro's research, published in 2022 but gaining media attention only now, utilized wide-angle X-ray scattering to analyze the cloth's cellulose, indicating it has aged slowly due to stable environmental conditions. However, the study's conclusions hinge on the assumption that the Shroud was preserved at specific temperature and humidity levels for centuries. Caution is warranted, as De Caro's past work faced scrutiny and retraction due to methodological concerns and potential bias. While the findings are intriguing, further investigation is essential to substantiate claims regarding the Shroud's authenticity and age. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 12 pm

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