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Do Fish Possess Tongues?

Fish do not possess tongues in the traditional sense, as defined by a muscular organ capable of independent movement, which is essential for complex speech in humans. Instead, they have a basihyal, a bony structure that resembles a tongue but lacks the dexterity and taste buds associated with mammalian tongues. This organ evolved to protect the ventral aorta, a vital blood vessel near the mouth, and aids in food manipulation during feeding. Different fish species exhibit variations in the basihyal's size and function; for instance, sheepshead fish have teeth attached to theirs for crushing prey, while archerfish use it to shoot jets of water at insects. Interestingly, fish can taste through their skin, fins, and lips, with catfish boasting around 680,000 taste buds. However, the basihyal is also vulnerable to parasitic isopods that can replace it entirely, highlighting the complexities of fish anatomy. sources

Published:
Nov 29 2025, 3 pm

Thresher Shark: A Quirky Predator Using Cavitation Bubbles

Thresher sharks, known for their distinctive long tails and large eyes, exhibit a unique hunting technique called "tail-whipping," which allows them to stun prey such as sardines and mackerel. Their tails can reach lengths of up to 3 meters, accounting for nearly half their body size, and are capable of creating cavitation bubbles that generate sound and light when they strike. A recent study revealed significant anatomical adaptations in their vertebrae that support this hunting method, with variations observed across different developmental stages. Thresher sharks typically hunt at night, rising to the surface to target shoaling fish, while during the day, they dive deep in search of squid and octopus. There are three species of thresher sharks, with the common thresher being the largest, reaching lengths of up to 5.8 meters. These sharks inhabit tropical and temperate seas worldwide, showcasing their adaptability in various marine environments. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 10 pm

Comet 3I/ATLAS Shows Cryovolcanism, Resembles Outer Solar Objects

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, recently observed, is exhibiting signs of "cryovolcanism," suggesting it may be a primitive carbonaceous object akin to those found in the outer solar system. A preprint study indicates that its spectral characteristics closely match pristine carbonaceous chondrites from NASA's Antarctic meteorite collection, hinting at a composition enriched in native metals and undergoing significant aqueous alteration as it approaches the Sun. The comet, estimated to be between 0.3 and 5.6 kilometers in diameter, has likely traveled through the interstellar medium for billions of years, showcasing remarkable mechanical strength. Its cryovolcanic activity, characterized by subsurface materials erupting as ice volcanoes, aligns with expected behaviors of trans-Neptunian objects. Researchers emphasize the importance of future missions, like ESA's Comet Interceptor, to directly sample such interstellar visitors, which could enhance our understanding of planetary formation and the chemical evolution of celestial bodies. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 11 pm

Seventh HIV Cure from Stem Cell Donation Sparks Treatment Hope

In a groundbreaking development coinciding with World AIDS Day, a 60-year-old man from Berlin, known as B2, has become the seventh documented patient to have HIV eliminated from his body, following treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. This case is particularly notable as the donor stem cells, which carried only one copy of the CCR5 Δ32 gene associated with HIV resistance, were deemed less promising than in previous cases. B2, diagnosed with HIV in 2009, has shown no trace of the virus six years after halting anti-retroviral therapy. The findings raise hopes for more accessible treatments, as the presence of a single CCR5 Δ32 gene could expand the pool of potential donors. However, experts caution against overestimating the replicability of this success, as the mechanisms behind the cure remain poorly understood. The study is published in *Nature*, alongside other research on HIV advancements. sources

Published:
Dec 01 2025, 11 pm

Measles Cases Surge Threefold in Europe

Measles cases in Europe surged dramatically in 2018, with 82,596 new infections reported—three times the number from 2017 and 15 times the record low in 2016, marking the highest incidence in a decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 72 fatalities linked to the disease last year, with 92% of cases concentrated in just ten countries, including Ukraine, Serbia, and France. While immunization rates improved significantly in 2017, reaching a record 90% for the second vaccine dose, the WHO warns that local gaps in vaccination coverage could lead to further outbreaks. Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO's regional director for Europe, emphasized the need for targeted efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and to rebuild public trust in immunization, particularly in areas affected by anti-vaccine sentiments and conflict, such as Ukraine, where vaccination rates plummeted to 31% during the ongoing crisis. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 7 pm

Surgeon Shares Stunning Facial Reconstruction After Accident

In a remarkable display of surgical skill, a physician known as "sidsid" has shared images of a complex facial reconstruction performed on a 25-year-old woman following a severe car accident. The patient, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered extensive injuries, including traumatic brain injury, facial fractures, and the loss of an eye. The eight-hour surgery involved the use of metal plates, wires, and screws to restore her facial structure. Despite ongoing health challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and infection, the patient is reportedly recovering well, remaining alert and mobile. The images, originally posted on the medical platform Figure 1, have recently gained attention online, prompting a wave of admiration and awe from users who praised the surgical team's expertise. The surgeon continues to share updates on similar cases, showcasing the advancements in reconstructive surgery. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 6 pm

Debunking the Common Myth About Microwave Ovens

The enduring myth that microwaves heat food by targeting the "resonant frequency" of water has persisted for nearly 78 years since the first commercial microwave was introduced. In reality, microwaves, produced by a magnetron, heat food through a process known as dielectric heating, where the electric field causes food molecules to rotate and collide, generating heat. While water is a good absorber of microwave energy, the frequency of 2.45 GHz is not specifically tuned to water but is chosen for its effectiveness in heating a variety of substances, including fats and proteins. Additionally, misconceptions about microwaves cooking food from the inside out and ice being unable to heat due to frequency are also debunked. Experts clarify that microwaves heat food primarily from the outside in, with conduction playing a role in cooking the interior. sources

Published:
Nov 28 2025, 2 am

Brightest Black Hole Flare Shines Like 10 Trillion Suns

A supermassive black hole, designated J2245+3743, has made headlines for producing an unprecedented flare, shining 30 times brighter than any previously recorded event. This active galactic nucleus, located 10 billion light-years away and weighing 500 million times the mass of the Sun, was first observed by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in 2018. The flare intensified by a factor of 40 over several months, reaching luminosity equivalent to 10 trillion Suns. Researchers, led by Caltech's Matthew Graham, suspect the phenomenon is a tidal disruption event (TDE), where the black hole tore apart a star at least 30 times the mass of our Sun. Co-author K. E. Saavik Ford emphasized the rarity of such massive stars, suggesting that those within an AGN's disk can grow larger. The findings, published in *Nature Astronomy*, highlight the importance of ZTF in identifying transient cosmic events. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 4 pm

"Stunning Astrophotography: A Unique Take on Icarus"

In a groundbreaking collaboration, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy and skydiver Gabriel C. Brown have created a stunning image titled "The Fall of Icarus," capturing Brown's silhouette against the turbulent surface of the Sun. This remarkable photograph, taken in hydrogen alpha light, showcases the Sun's dynamic hydrogen layer and features multiple sunspots. The duo's ambitious project involved meticulous planning and coordination, requiring six attempts to align Brown's jump with the sunspots perfectly. McCarthy described the complex process, which included a three-way call with the paramotor pilot to ensure precise timing. Despite initial setbacks, the final result has been hailed as a masterpiece in astrophotography, raising the bar for future works in the field. Limited edition prints of this extraordinary image are available on McCarthy's website, further highlighting the innovative fusion of skydiving and astrophotography. sources

Published:
Nov 30 2025, 7 pm

The Only Bird That Can Fly Backwards

In the avian world, hummingbirds stand out as the only birds capable of true backward flight, a skill not shared by any other species, including flightless birds like ostriches. Renowned for their vibrant plumage, hummingbirds can flap their wings between 20 to 80 times per second, achieving speeds comparable to fighter jets. Their unique wing structure, which allows for a figure-eight motion, enables them to generate lift on the upstroke, a feat impossible for most birds. This insect-like flight style, as described by biologist Tyson Hedrick, is facilitated by their specialized joints and wing mechanics. Hummingbirds can also navigate through tight spaces by pulling their wings close to their bodies, allowing them to dart through openings with remarkable agility. This combination of speed, maneuverability, and colorful appearance makes hummingbirds a fascinating subject of study in the animal kingdom. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2025, 2 pm

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