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Were Dinosaur Eggs Soft or Hard Like Birds?

A recent study has shed light on the nesting habits and egg characteristics of a newly identified dinosaur species, _Qianlong shouhu_, which translates to "guarding dragon." Discovered alongside five clutches of embryo-containing eggs, this sauropodomorph species provides the earliest known fossil evidence of adult dinosaurs near their nests, suggesting a form of "colonial nesting." Researchers employed advanced techniques to analyze the eggs' microstructures, revealing that _Qianlong_ laid leathery eggs with a calcareous layer thicker than typical soft-shelled eggs but thinner than hard-shelled varieties. This finding contributes to the ongoing debate about dinosaur egg evolution, indicating that many early dinosaurs likely laid softer, leathery eggs, a trend that evolved over time as reproductive behaviors shifted, particularly among theropods. The study highlights the complexity of dinosaur reproductive strategies and the significance of egg morphology in understanding their evolutionary history. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2026, 8 am

Kilauea Erupts for a Year: Watch Live Lava Fountains

On December 23, Kīlauea volcano in Hawaiʻi marked the one-year anniversary of its current eruption, celebrated with impressive lava fountains reaching heights of up to 427 meters (1,400 feet). Kīlauea, a shield volcano known for its activity, began erupting from the Halemaʻumaʻu pit crater last year, producing 39 episodes of lava fountaining, the most significant since the 1983-1986 eruption period. The latest episode commenced at 8:10 PM Hawaii Standard Time, with gas and ash plumes visible from space. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has set up three live cameras for those wishing to observe the spectacle from home. Over the past year, Kīlauea has showcased not only towering lava fountains but also unique phenomena like "volnadoes," adding to the allure of this natural wonder. sources

Published:
Dec 28 2025, 1 pm

7 Shocking Instances of Bugs Found During Colonoscopies

In a series of bizarre and unsettling cases, patients undergoing colonoscopies have awakened to find unexpected critters discovered in their colons. Notable incidents include a 52-year-old woman who had a German cockroach removed, likely ingested during meals in her infested home, and a 66-year-old man who had a deceased ant in his descending colon after a picnic. Other unusual findings included a fly in a 63-year-old man's colon, a honeybee in a 78-year-old man, and even a moth in a 55-year-old patient. In one case, a yellow jacket was found but not retrieved, while a ladybug was discovered in a 59-year-old man's colon, possibly due to the bowel preparation process. While these discoveries are alarming, all patients reported no complications, highlighting the resilience of these insects against the human digestive system. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 3 am

Woman Injects Crushed Black Widow for High, Faces Consequences

In a bizarre incident from the 1990s, a 37-year-old woman ended up in intensive care after injecting a mixture of crushed black widow spider and distilled water in an attempt to get high. The venom, which is 15 times more potent than rattlesnake venom, caused severe muscle cramps, breathing difficulties, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Doctors reported that the woman experienced extreme abdominal pain and anxiety, leading to her admission to the ICU for treatment. While the venom's effects were significant, medical professionals also speculated that an allergic reaction to a protein in the spider might have exacerbated her symptoms, potentially triggering her pre-existing asthma. Fortunately, after several days of treatment, she recovered and was in good health during a follow-up. This unusual case highlights the dangers of experimenting with venomous substances, as the woman learned the hard way that such practices can lead to dire consequences. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 6 am

Why Is Space Cold If The Sun Heats Earth?

In a recent discussion on the Facebook group "Physics is Fun," a common question arose: if the Sun is hot, why is space so cold? The average temperature of space is a frigid 2.7 Kelvin, while the Sun's core reaches over 15 million °C. This paradox stems from a misunderstanding of how heat is transferred. Unlike a bonfire warming nearby objects, the heat we feel on Earth comes from solar radiation emitted by the Sun, which interacts with particles in our atmosphere. In the vacuum of space, there are too few particles to absorb this radiation, resulting in cold temperatures. However, objects like NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which approaches the Sun, experience extreme heat due to direct exposure to solar radiation, with temperatures reaching 1,400°C as it navigates the Sun's corona. This highlights the complex nature of heat transfer in space and the unique challenges faced by space missions. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2026, 9 pm

Humans Don't Actually Feel Wetness, Causing Confusion

A recent discussion sparked by Twitter user @HannahPosted has raised the intriguing question of whether humans can actually feel wetness. Contrary to common belief, research indicates that humans lack specific receptors for detecting humidity, unlike insects, which possess specialized hygroreceptors. A 2014 study revealed that our perception of wetness is influenced by a combination of thermal and mechanical sensory inputs. For instance, when the temperature of an object decreases, our sense of wetness increases, suggesting that cold sensations can trick the brain into perceiving wetness. Additionally, the study found that hairy skin is more sensitive to wetness than non-hairy skin, and blocking nerve activity can dull the sensation. Ultimately, humans infer wetness through a complex integration of sensory information rather than direct detection, highlighting the brain's role in interpreting ambiguous sensory signals. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 4 am

Ancient 3-Ton Shark Suggests New Origin for Giant Lamniforms

A groundbreaking discovery of enormous shark fossils in northern Australia has reshaped our understanding of the evolution of these apex predators. Previously believed to have first emerged around 100 million years ago in North America and Europe, new research indicates that gigantic lamniform sharks actually originated approximately 115 million years ago in the Southern Hemisphere. The fossils, found in the Darwin Formation, include vertebrae from a massive Cardabiodontid shark, estimated to measure between 6 to 8 meters and weigh over 3 tons. This suggests that these early sharks occupied top predator roles in their ecosystems, potentially competing with large marine reptiles like *Kronosaurus*. The findings highlight the ancient lineage of mega-body size in lamniform sharks and propose a new timeline for their evolutionary history, challenging long-held beliefs about their origins. The study is detailed in the journal *Communications Biology*. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2026, 8 pm

First Marine Mammal Extinct Due to Humans in 27 Years

The Steller's sea cow, a once-magnificent marine mammal, was discovered in 1741 by biologist Georg Wilhelm Steller off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, but tragically became extinct by 1768, just 27 years later. This gentle giant, which could grow up to 9 meters long and weigh 10 tons, was primarily herbivorous, feeding on kelp, and was vulnerable due to its slow movement and lack of fear of humans. Despite Steller's initial observations of their abundance, it is now understood that their population was limited. Human activities, particularly fur traders hunting them for meat and blubber, ultimately led to their demise, marking the first recorded extinction of a marine mammal. Today, awareness and conservation efforts are focused on protecting the remaining sea cow species, including manatees and dugongs, from facing a similar fate. sources

Published:
Dec 31 2025, 9 pm

Ostriches' Attraction to Humans Disrupts Their Mating Habits

Ostriches, often perceived as less intelligent due to their small brains, have been observed engaging in mating behaviors directed towards humans, a phenomenon that disrupts their natural mating rituals. Research conducted in the early 1990s by scientists at two UK farms revealed that male ostriches displayed increased courtship behaviors, such as wing flapping and neck waving, when humans were present. This study, published in the journal *British Poultry Science* and awarded an Ig Nobel Prize, found that 68% of the birds exhibited these behaviors towards human observers. The researchers concluded that this attraction to humans likely interferes with the ostriches' mating opportunities, as males may focus less on courting females of their own species. Interestingly, one male ostrich was noted to capitalize on this situation by mating with a female responding to human attention, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in these interactions. sources

Published:
Jan 02 2026, 12 am

Boy Brings Radioactive Capsule Home, Faces Tragic Consequences

In March 1962, a family in Mexico City began experiencing mysterious illnesses, including fevers and fatigue, which were later traced to a small capsule of cobalt-60, a radioactive material. The capsule, initially found in a lead container in their new home, was inadvertently removed and discovered by the family's 10-year-old son, who brought it inside. The mother, who was pregnant, and the grandmother also became exposed, with the boy receiving the highest radiation dose. Tragically, the boy died on April 29, followed by his younger sister and mother later that summer, while the grandmother succumbed to radiation-related illness in October. The father, the sole survivor, received significantly lower radiation exposure. The cobalt-60 capsule was linked to a hospital's radiotherapy unit, though its presence in the family's home remains unexplained. sources

Published:
Jan 01 2026, 10 pm

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