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Why Are US Street Lights Turning Purple?

In recent years, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged across the United States, with streetlights emitting a striking purple hue, attributed to the degradation of LED silicone phosphor. Since 2021, at least 30 states have reported this unusual lighting, with similar occurrences noted in Canada and Ireland. Cities such as Milwaukee, Schaumburg, and Los Angeles have been particularly affected. The purple glow results from the breakdown of the yellow phosphor coating on blue LEDs, which are designed to appear white by combining blue and yellow light. The largest lighting manufacturer in North America, Acuity, confirmed that this spectral shift affected a small percentage of their fixtures but assured that the phenomenon poses no safety risk. As manufacturers phase out the problematic components, the prevalence of these purple lights is expected to decline, alleviating concerns over the potential visual discomfort associated with blue light. sources

Published:
Jun 10 2025, 11 am

Exploring the Simulation Hypothesis: Why Do We Believe?

The Simulation Hypothesis, which posits that our reality may be a computer-generated simulation, continues to intrigue many despite significant skepticism. Prominent figures like Elon Musk and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson have expressed support for the idea, with Tyson suggesting the odds of living in a simulation are "better than 50-50." However, critics argue that the hypothesis lacks scientific validity, as it cannot be confirmed or disproven, rendering it more a philosophical speculation than a scientific theory. Rooted in historical skeptical hypotheses, such as René Descartes' Evil Demon concept, the Simulation Hypothesis has evolved into a metaphysical assertion about reality. Philosopher Nick Boström's statistical reasoning suggests that if advanced civilizations can create simulations, it is likely we are among the simulated. Yet, experts like Sabine Hossenfelder caution that the hypothesis is vague and lacks a coherent framework, likening its appeal to religious beliefs about predestination and divine control over human experiences. sources

Published:
Jun 14 2025, 7 pm

Is One in 200 People Related to Genghis Khan?

Genghis Khan, born Temüjin, is a polarizing historical figure known for uniting Mongolia and establishing an empire that stretched from China to the Adriatic Sea. A 2003 genetic study revealed that nearly one in 12 men in Asia share a unique Y-chromosomal lineage likely linked to Khan, suggesting that about 16 million men worldwide may be his descendants. This lineage's prevalence is attributed to cultural factors rather than mere biological selection, as Khan's conquests decimated local populations, allowing his genetic line to flourish. Officially, he had at least nine children with his primary wife, Börte, but the true number may be higher due to numerous concubines. Despite his genetic legacy, Khan is also remembered for the brutality of his campaigns, which resulted in the deaths of millions. While other historical figures have left significant genetic footprints, none match the scale of Genghis Khan's legacy. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 pm

Best Time to View the Milky Way's Glowing Core

June marks the solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the shortest night of the year, but it also heralds "core season" for the Milky Way. This month, stargazers are encouraged to venture into dark, secluded areas away from city lights to witness the galaxy's core, which appears as a hazy band of light arching across the night sky. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory explains that this view is from within the Milky Way, allowing us to see its structure edge-on. While it may seem paradoxical to observe the galaxy from inside it, the perspective reveals a bright central core, with the left and right edges representing material in the opposite direction. For those seeking guidance, the Summer Triangle—comprising the stars Deneb, Vega, and Altair—can help locate the Milky Way. Observing this celestial spectacle offers a profound connection to the cosmos, especially through long-exposure photography. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 9 pm

First-Ever Footage of Clouded Leopard Eating Slow Loris

In a groundbreaking discovery, a clouded leopard (_Neofelis nebulosa_) has been captured on camera preying on a Bengal slow loris (_Nycticebus bengalensis_) for the first time, shedding light on the predatory behavior of this elusive species. The incident occurred on December 7, 2024, in Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, India, where a camera trap recorded the leopard carrying the slow loris in its mouth. This finding is significant for conservation efforts, as both species are listed as Vulnerable and Endangered, respectively, by the IUCN. Clouded leopards are adept climbers and nocturnal hunters, while slow lorises are known for their slow movements and tree-dwelling habits. The camera trap is part of a larger study involving 95 cameras aimed at understanding the behaviors of various wild cat species, ultimately aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies to combat threats like habitat loss and illegal hunting. The study is published in the Journal of Wildlife Science. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 6 pm

Middle Schooler Discovers Key Biomedical Insight in Goose Droppings

A young student from Chicago has made a significant contribution to biomedical research by discovering a bacterium with antibiotic properties in goose droppings, which also produces a novel compound that inhibits the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells. This breakthrough emerged from a 14-week applied science program, part of a partnership between the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, aimed at engaging underrepresented and low-income students in STEM fields. Under the guidance of graduate mentors, the students collected environmental samples and utilized advanced robotics for scientific processing. The bacterium, identified as *Pseudomonas idahonensis*, was found to produce a new compound, orfamide N, which, while not responsible for the antibiotic activity, showed potential in cancer cell inhibition. This initiative highlights the importance of community-university collaborations in fostering scientific curiosity and discovery among young learners. The findings are published in the journal ACS Omega. sources

Published:
Jun 14 2025, 1 pm

Man Injects Magic Mushrooms; They Grow in His Blood

A 30-year-old man, referred to as "Mr. X," was hospitalized after injecting a homemade "mushroom tea" made from magic mushrooms, leading to severe health complications, including organ failure and septic shock. His family brought him to the emergency department due to confusion and alarming symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, and vomiting blood. Mr. X had recently stopped taking medication for bipolar disorder and sought to self-medicate for opioid dependence and depression by researching the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound. However, instead of consuming the tea orally, he injected it, resulting in the fungus growing in his bloodstream. Medical professionals noted the potential for the psychoactive fungus to affect his mental state, emphasizing the need for public education on the dangers of improper drug use. The case was documented in the Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 8 pm

"Is This the World's Strangest Worm That Freezes Enemies?"

In a refreshing twist on wildlife documentaries, *UNDERDOGS*, narrated by Ryan Reynolds, shines a light on the quirky and often overlooked aspects of nature. The series celebrates the "weirdos" of the animal kingdom, featuring bizarre behaviors such as velvet worms shooting gooey slime to immobilize prey and pearlfish "reverse parking" into sea cucumbers for shelter. With episodes titled *SuperZeroes*, *Terrible Parents*, and *Total Grossout*, viewers can expect a mix of humor and fascinating facts, including giraffes drinking urine to assess potential mates and monkeys adept at stealing tourists' phones. This unique approach not only entertains but also educates, making it the first wildlife documentary to receive an advisory rating. *UNDERDOGS* premieres on June 15 at 9/8c on National Geographic, with streaming available the following day on Disney+ and Hulu, and a simulcast on ABC. sources

Published:
Jun 14 2025, 3 am

NASA May Have Landed Near a Martian Volcano by Mistake

New research has unveiled a potential volcanic feature on Mars, specifically on the rim of Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover has been conducting explorations since 2021. Dubbed Jezero Mons, this structure measures approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) across and stands less than 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) tall. While it possesses a crater, it lacks other typical volcanic characteristics, leading scientists to previously suspect its nature based on circumstantial evidence. The rover's findings of volcanic rocks alongside sedimentary formations have reignited interest in Jezero Mons, with researchers suggesting that volcanism could enhance the potential for habitability on Mars. This discovery highlights the possibility of numerous undiscovered volcanoes on the planet. The research, which emphasizes the significance of Jezero Crater for understanding Mars' geological history and potential for life, is published in the journal *Communications Earth & Environment*. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 pm

Get Ready for Canada’s Island in a Lake Mystery!

In the Arctic Archipelago, Canada’s Victoria Island boasts a remarkable geographical phenomenon: a third-order island, or sub-sub-sub island, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Discovered in 2007 by geographer Josh Calder while exploring Google Maps, this unique formation consists of an island measuring just 300 meters across, situated in an unnamed lake, which itself is located on a larger, seahorse-shaped island within a lake near Victoria Island. This intricate layering of land and water is not unique to Canada; a similar structure, Vulcan Point, exists in the Philippines, although it temporarily vanished during a volcanic eruption in 2020. Victoria Island, largely unvisited and isolated, may host more such islands, given its numerous lakes. Canada is also home to the largest lake island, Manitoulin Island, which features its own lakes and islands, further showcasing the country's extraordinary geographical diversity. sources

Published:
Jun 10 2025, 3 am

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