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Study: Women Judge Men's Casual Sex Attitudes by Facial Cues

A recent study from Macquarie University suggests that women can accurately assess men's attitudes towards casual sex based on facial structure, while men struggle to do the same with women. The research involved 123 participants who completed questionnaires about their sexual relationship preferences and were then photographed. A separate group of 65 volunteers evaluated these photographs, successfully identifying men more open to casual relationships but failing to do so for women. The study's authors, Ian D. Stephen and Joe Antar, noted that specific facial features, such as longer faces and larger eyes, were linked to men's willingness for casual encounters, potentially influenced by testosterone levels. However, the study has limitations, including a small, homogenous sample size, which may not reflect broader demographics. Further research is needed to explore these findings and their implications for understanding sociosexuality. sources

Published:
Oct 21 2025, 10 am

Study: Cat Parasite Infections Linked to Increased Attractiveness

A recent study published in the journal *Brain, Cognition and Mental Health* suggests that the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*, commonly spread by cats, may enhance the attractiveness of its human hosts. The research involved 35 infected individuals and 178 non-infected participants, with "raters" assessing their perceived attractiveness based on various metrics, including body mass index and facial symmetry. Results indicated that infected individuals were generally rated as healthier and more attractive, with infected men displaying more symmetrical faces and women having lower BMIs and more sexual partners. This aligns with previous findings in rats, hinting that the parasite may alter host characteristics to boost mating opportunities. While some studies suggest increased testosterone levels in infected males could explain these changes, further research is needed to fully understand the cellular mechanisms at play. The authors emphasize the significance of this work in exploring the interactions between parasites and human hosts. sources

Published:
Oct 21 2025, 7 am

Man Keeps Face-Sized Spider in Home for a Year

In a remarkable display of tolerance towards nature, Australian resident Jake Gray has welcomed a gigantic huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for over a year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock that such a large spider might evoke, Gray reassured his children by naming her and even expressed hopes for her continued growth. While huntsman spiders, known for their speed and size, can appear intimidating, experts note they are generally harmless and prefer to flee rather than bite. With a bite that typically results in mild effects, these spiders serve as natural pest controllers, making them more of a housemate than a threat in Australian homes. sources

Published:
Oct 21 2025, 8 am

Study Reveals Surprising Truth About Native Americans' Identity

A new genetic analysis of ancient teeth has challenged the long-held belief that Native Americans descended from the Jōmon people of Japan, who lived from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. This theory, based on similarities in stone tools, suggested that the First Peoples migrated from Japan to North America via the Bering Land Bridge approximately 15,000 years ago. However, a study led by Professor Richard Scott from the University of Nevada-Reno found minimal genetic links between Native Americans and the Jōmon population, indicating that the former likely originated from Siberia instead. The research, published in *PaleoAmerica*, revealed that only 7% of Jōmon teeth samples were associated with non-Arctic Native Americans. Additionally, recent discoveries of ancient footprints in New Mexico, dating back 23,000 to 21,000 years, suggest that humans arrived in the Americas much earlier than previously thought, further undermining the Japan-origin theory. sources

Published:
Oct 17 2025, 9 pm

World's Largest Earthquakes Appear to Be Linked

Residents of the US West Coast have long anticipated a catastrophic earthquake known as "The Big One," but new research suggests a more complex scenario involving a potential "Big Two." A study led by paleoseismologist Chris Goldfinger from Oregon State University indicates that a major earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone could trigger a subsequent quake along the San Andreas fault. The Cascadia zone, stretching from Vancouver to northern California, is capable of producing magnitude 9+ earthquakes, which could set off a chain reaction affecting Southern California. Goldfinger's team discovered evidence of "doublet events" in sediment cores, suggesting that earthquakes on these faults may synchronize. While this raises concerns about simultaneous disasters impacting major cities like San Francisco and Seattle, Goldfinger notes that there could be a significant time gap between the two events, providing a potential early warning. However, he emphasizes the need for improved preparedness in the region. sources

Published:
Oct 19 2025, 5 am

Aphantasia: What We Know About Lacking a Mind's Eye

In 2015, Professor Adam Zeman coined the term "aphantasia" to describe the condition of individuals who lack a mind's eye, a phenomenon that affects 1-5% of the population. Nearly a decade later, Zeman has published a comprehensive review of over 50 studies exploring aphantasia, revealing its complexities and subtypes, including variations in face recognition and autobiographical memory. While those with aphantasia may struggle to visualize images, they often excel in verbal communication and emotional depth, as noted by 43-year-old Mary Wathen, who discovered her condition through conversations with other parents. Zeman emphasizes that aphantasia is not a disorder but rather a different way of processing information, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. The ongoing research aims to raise awareness about diverse imaginative experiences, highlighting the need for inclusive educational approaches that accommodate various learning styles. The findings are published in the journal *Trends in Cognitive Sciences*. sources

Published:
Oct 17 2025, 11 pm

52-Hertz Whale: Loneliness Myths Debunked

Recent viral posts have suggested that the "52-hertz whale," often dubbed the world's loneliest whale, has found companionship, but there is no new evidence to support this claim. The 52-hertz whale, first detected in 1989 by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, emits a unique call at a frequency much higher than that of any known whale species, leading to speculation about its identity, possibly as a hybrid. Despite its solitary reputation, experts like Christopher Clark from Cornell University suggest that the whale may not be as isolated as believed, as other blue whales could recognize its calls. A 2021 documentary, _The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52_, reignited interest by revealing a potential sighting of a blue-fin whale hybrid, hinting that the whale's story may not be as lonely as it seems. sources

Published:
Oct 18 2025, 8 am

First Images of Parkinson's Toxic Molecules in Human Brain

Scientists have successfully imaged and quantified toxic protein molecules linked to Parkinson's disease for the first time, providing crucial insights into the disease's molecular onset. The research, conducted by teams from the UK and Canada, utilized a novel imaging technique called ASA-PD (Advanced Sensing of Aggregates for Parkinson’s Disease) to visualize oligomers of the protein ɑ-synuclein in post-mortem brain tissue. This advancement allows researchers to observe these nano-sized structures directly, revealing that individuals with Parkinson's had a higher concentration and larger size of oligomers compared to healthy counterparts. Some oligomers were unique to Parkinson's patients, potentially serving as early markers of the disease. With Parkinson's affecting approximately 12 million people globally—a figure expected to rise to 25 million by 2050—this breakthrough could pave the way for targeted treatments and further investigations into other neurodegenerative diseases. The findings were published in the journal Nature. sources

Published:
Oct 19 2025, 12 am

World's Rarest Great Ape: Fewer Than 800 Left Wild

In 2017, scientists identified the Tapanuli orangutan (_Pongo tapanuliensis_) as the world's newest great ape species, but this discovery was overshadowed by its status as the most endangered great ape, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining in the Batang Toru Ecosystem of North Sumatra, Indonesia. The species has suffered a 60% habitat loss since 1985 due to deforestation for agriculture and industrial development, illegal hunting, and the trade of young orangutans. Despite hopes that its classification would galvanize conservation efforts, threats persist, including proposed hydroelectric and gold mining projects that encroach on its habitat. Recent discoveries of Tapanuli orangutans in new areas offer a glimmer of hope, but experts warn that without a coordinated conservation strategy, the population could decline by 83% over the next 25 years. Urgent collaboration among stakeholders is essential to safeguard the future of this critically endangered species. sources

Published:
Oct 20 2025, 6 pm

Cranberry Farming Practices Shock and Disappoint Many People

Recent revelations about cranberry farming have left some social media users feeling uneasy, particularly regarding the presence of spiders in the bogs where these berries are cultivated. A post by Twitter user @alaskastardust showcased the picturesque cranberry fields, prompting discussions about their unique growing conditions. While cranberries thrive in acidic peat soil and are primarily grown in the US and Canada, the harvesting process involves flooding the bogs to allow the berries to float to the surface. This method inadvertently supports the presence of wolf spiders, which serve as natural pest controllers, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides. Although these spiders are generally harmless to humans, their presence has sparked discomfort among those who might envision themselves diving into a cranberry bog. Despite the unsettling imagery, experts emphasize the ecological benefits of maintaining spider populations in cranberry farming. sources

Published:
Oct 21 2025, 2 am

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