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Why Are Roman Numerals Used for Super Bowl Games?

This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a highlight of the American sporting calendar. The use of Roman numerals for the Super Bowl, despite the absence of historical ties between the USA and ancient Rome, serves a practical purpose: it helps distinguish the championship game from the season year. The NFL's season concludes with the Super Bowl held in February of the following year, prompting the adoption of Roman numerals to avoid confusion. This tradition, championed by Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt in 1970, adds an air of sophistication and prestige to the event. Initially, the first four Super Bowls were numbered in Arabic numerals, but the Roman numeral system has since become a hallmark of the championship, with the exception of Super Bowl 50, which was branded for simplicity. sources

Published:
Feb 04 2025, 9 pm

Muntjac Deer Feature Unusual Facial Scent Glands

A viral TikTok video has captured the unusual facial features of the Reeves's or Chinese muntjac deer, known for their distinctive flappy faces, which serve a crucial role in their communication. Native to southeastern China and Taiwan, these small, secretive deer have expanded their range to Europe, the western United States, and Japan due to human introduction. Muntjacs possess two sets of scent glands—preorbital glands near the eyes and v-shaped frontal glands on the forehead—used primarily for scent marking. While at rest, these glands appear as mere folds of skin, but they can flare dramatically when the deer scent mark, especially during interactions with potential mates or rivals. Males are particularly active in using these glands, marking their territory and communicating with other deer. Despite their quirky appearance, experts advise against handling these animals, as their unique features can lead to unexpected reactions. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 4 am

US President's Salary: How Much Is It?

The role of the US President, often described as the world's toughest job, comes with a substantial salary of $400,000 annually, placing the holder among the top 5 percent of earners in the country. In addition to this salary, the President receives a $50,000 annual expense allowance, a $100,000 travel budget, and $19,000 for official entertainment, with any unspent funds returned to the Treasury. The President and their family also reside rent-free in the White House, a 55,000-square-foot residence featuring numerous amenities. While the presidential salary has seen nominal increases since 1999, its value has diminished when adjusted for inflation. Notably, some Presidents, including Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy, have chosen to forgo their salaries, opting instead to donate them to various causes, despite their substantial personal wealth. sources

Published:
Mar 11 2025, 2 pm

Study Reveals "Give-Up-Itis" Can Lead to Death

"Give-up-itis," a term describing a medically recognized yet enigmatic phenomenon, refers to individuals who lose the will to live and subsequently die without any clear physiological cause. First noted among American and South Korean soldiers in Korean War PoW camps, the condition has also been observed in Vietnam War PoWs and survivors of Nazi concentration camps. It typically arises in situations of extreme psychological trauma, leading to profound apathy and withdrawal from life. Research by Dr. John Leach from the University of Portsmouth suggests that give-up-itis may be more common than previously believed, with historical cases dating back to the 1600s. His study outlines five phases of the condition, culminating in death, and posits that disruptions in the anterior cingulate circuit of the brain may underlie its pathology. Leach emphasizes that while psychogenic death is real, it is not linked to depression or suicide but rather to a profound surrender to despair. sources

Published:
Mar 12 2025, 6 am

Frog Brains Fossilize in Just 2 Years: How Long?

In a whimsical reflection on the journey to becoming a fossil, the author humorously contemplates their demise and the rare privilege of fossilization. While most creatures leave no trace, specific conditions can lead to preservation through permineralization, where minerals fill in remains, often requiring rapid burial to prevent decay. Dr. Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum explains that factors like microbial mats can accelerate this process, as seen in a study of African dwarf frogs, which showed signs of mineralization within 540 days. However, to be classified as a true fossil, remains must typically be over 10,000 years old. As the author envisions their future in a lake, they eagerly await the year 12,025, when they hope to officially qualify as a bona fide fossil, joining the ranks of history's preserved wonders. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 11 am

US Citizens Struggle to Distinguish Facts from Opinions

A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that many US citizens struggle to distinguish between factual statements and political opinions, a critical skill in today's information-saturated environment. Co-author Professor Jeffery J. Mondak emphasized that this inability complicates the public's engagement with political discourse, particularly amid the rise of misinformation and polarized narratives. The research, which surveyed 2,500 participants, found that nearly 46% could not accurately categorize statements as fact or opinion, with political partisanship significantly influencing their responses. As partisans often perceive facts through a biased lens, the study highlights a troubling trend where individuals may agree to disagree on even indisputable facts. To combat this issue, the authors advocate for educational reforms that reinforce the distinction between fact and opinion, suggesting that media organizations also play a vital role in clarifying this divide to prevent misinformation. The findings are published in the Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review. sources

Published:
Mar 11 2025, 4 pm

Is the 2038 Problem Our Next Y2K Crisis?

As the world approaches January 19, 2038, concerns are rising over the so-called "2038 problem," reminiscent of the Y2K scare. The issue stems from 32-bit Unix time systems, which can only store timestamps up to 2147483647, corresponding to that date. After this point, systems will overflow, reverting to negative timestamps and potentially causing widespread disruptions across various sectors, including medical devices and industrial control systems. While a straightforward solution exists—transitioning to 64-bit time support—many existing systems still rely on the outdated 32-bit format, complicating the upgrade process. Experts warn that, despite having over three decades to prepare, legacy systems may still pose significant challenges. Looking ahead, similar time-related issues are anticipated in the future, including the Year 2106 problem, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in technology management. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 2 am

Yadom: The Trend of Herbal Inhalers in Thailand

In Thailand, a unique cultural practice involves the use of yadom, a nasal inhaler filled with aromatic herbs and essential oils, commonly found in convenience stores. The term "yadom" translates to "medicine to smell," and it is endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health as a household remedy for ailments like dizziness, nausea, and stress. While popular brands such as Poy Sian and Hong Thai offer various formulations, the inhalers typically contain menthol, camphor, and borneol, each contributing to their invigorating effects. Despite anecdotal reports of benefits, scientific research on yadom's efficacy remains limited, prompting caution for individuals with respiratory issues or young children. Rooted in traditional Thai medicine, yadom has become a cultural emblem, reflecting the country's rich heritage and is embraced across generations. However, users are advised to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating it into their routines. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 3 am

US Navy Captures Spherical UFO Diving into the Sea

A recently released video by the US Navy shows an unidentified flying object (UFO) performing aerial maneuvers before crashing into the ocean, igniting interest among UFO enthusiasts. The Pentagon has confirmed the authenticity of the footage, which was made public by filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, who claims it was filmed in 2019 from the USS Omaha's Combat Information Center off the coast of San Diego. The object, described as a small spherical craft measuring approximately 2 meters in diameter, demonstrated remarkable speed, reaching up to 254 kilometers per hour (158 miles per hour) in flight. Notably, it appears capable of transitioning between air and water, a feat not achieved by any known military or civilian vehicles. Despite a subsequent submarine search, the object was not located. The concept of flying submarines has been explored in the past, but practical challenges have hindered development. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 10 pm

Understanding Consciousness and Its Development Timeline

The question of when consciousness begins in infants has long perplexed researchers, with new parents often wondering how their babies experience the world. Traditionally, consciousness has been viewed as a binary state, but a shift towards a "cluster-based" model is emerging, suggesting that consciousness may be assessed through a range of criteria rather than a strict definition. Recent studies indicate that infants may possess key neural features associated with consciousness at birth, and evidence suggests that consciousness could even begin to develop in the third trimester of pregnancy. Researchers have identified four markers of consciousness: activity in the default mode network, attentional capacity, multisensory integration, and the local-global effect. However, the debate continues, as some experts argue that the criteria may be too simplistic and that consciousness may not fully manifest until later in development. As research progresses, the quest for a definitive understanding of consciousness in infants remains ongoing. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 12 am

Scientists Insert Human "Language Gene" into Mice, Surprising Results Emerge

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have inserted a human "language gene" variant into mice, revealing significant changes in their vocalizations and offering insights into the evolution of communication. Mouse pups with the human version of the NOVA1 gene exhibited higher-pitched squeaks and different sound patterns when calling for their mothers compared to their wild-type counterparts. As adults, these genetically modified mice produced more complex calls to attract mates, suggesting that such vocal changes could influence evolutionary outcomes. The human variant of NOVA1, which differs by a single amino acid from that of other animals, appears to enhance RNA binding at genes associated with vocalization. Notably, Neanderthals and Denisovans lacked this variant, raising questions about their capacity for complex speech. Researchers propose that the emergence of this gene variant in early modern humans may have conferred advantages in communication, aiding their survival and expansion across the globe. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 1 am

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