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World's Largest Dinosaur Tracksite: 16,600 Footprints and Records

A remarkable discovery in Bolivia's Torotoro National Park has unveiled the largest collection of dinosaur footprints ever recorded at a single site, with 16,600 prints identified, including 1,321 trackways and 289 solitary prints. The Carreras Pampa tracksite, spanning 7,485 square meters, showcases a variety of three-toed theropod footprints, some measuring over 30 centimeters, indicating a diverse range of species during the late Cretaceous period. Researchers, led by Dr. Raúl Esperante, noted that the site also features the highest number of continuous swimming trackways globally, as claw marks suggest dinosaurs were wading in shallow water. The preservation of tail traces on over 30 trackways marks a significant first for South America. While the site has become a tourist attraction, careful management by guides and park rangers has helped protect these invaluable remnants of the past, offering insights into the behavior and movement of dinosaurs in their natural habitat. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2025, 2 am

"Pit of Despair: A Landmark Unethical Science Experiment"

In the late 1960s, American psychologist Harry Harlow developed a controversial experimental device known as the "pit of despair" to study depression and loneliness in rhesus macaque monkeys. This apparatus, resembling a torture device, isolated the monkeys in a cold, vertical chamber for weeks, with minimal care, to simulate the emotional depths of human depression. Harlow's findings revealed that prolonged isolation led to profound behavioral changes, with monkeys exhibiting a lack of social interaction and curiosity even after being freed. Despite Harlow's claims of the device's potential for understanding depression, ethical concerns have overshadowed his legacy, with critics labeling his methods as sadistic. Harlow's work, which challenged earlier parenting theories emphasizing emotional distance, has influenced child development practices, yet his experiments would likely not pass modern ethical standards. Today, animal testing remains prevalent in research, with thousands of non-human primates still used annually in the U.S. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 2 am

Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth This Month, 270 Million Km Away

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to make its closest approach to Earth this month, passing at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometers (168 million miles) on December 19, 2025. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the comet was initially traveling at 137,000 miles per hour, accelerating to 153,000 miles per hour as it neared the Sun. Astronomers estimate its nucleus measures between 1,400 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter. While 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, having already passed Mars safely, it offers a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe it with binoculars or telescopes. The comet will be visible in the eastern sky before dawn, near the star Regulus in the constellation Leo. Following its Earth flyby, 3I/ATLAS will have a close encounter with Jupiter on March 16, 2026, which may alter its trajectory. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 pm

Precise Answer on Time Passage on Mars Revealed

Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have revealed that time on Mars runs faster than on Earth, with Martian clocks ticking an average of 477 microseconds faster per day. This discrepancy, influenced by Mars's eccentric orbit and gravitational pull, can vary by as much as 226 microseconds daily, unlike the more stable time difference observed on the Moon, where clocks are 56 microseconds faster. The research, which incorporates the complexities of gravitational interactions between the Sun, Earth, Moon, and Mars, aims to inform future navigation systems for interplanetary travel. NIST physicist Bijunath Patla noted the challenges of accounting for these variables, while colleague Neil Ashby emphasized the importance of precise timekeeping for potential Mars missions. Ultimately, spending 50 years on Mars would result in an individual aging nine seconds more than if they remained on Earth, highlighting the practical implications of time dilation as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2025, 12 am

Juan De La Cosa's Lost Map of America Discovered in 1832

A remarkable piece of parchment, believed to date from around 1500 CE, is the first known map to illustrate Europe, Asia, and Africa alongside the coasts of the Americas. Created by Juan de la Cosa, who served as second-in-command on Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, this map offers a glimpse into early European perceptions of the New World. While the Norse Vikings reached North America around 1000 CE, systematic exploration did not begin until Columbus's expeditions. De la Cosa's map, crafted in Puerto de Santa Maria, depicts the Americas as part of a vast landmass, hinting at the unknown territories beyond. Although its coastline is inaccurate by modern standards, it suggests that the Americas were not merely an extension of Asia, a misconception held by Columbus and his crew. The map remained largely forgotten until its rediscovery in 1832, raising questions about its true origins and the timeline of its creation. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 10 pm

Nitrous Oxide: A Surprising Treatment for Severe Depression

A new meta-analysis suggests that nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, may offer a promising treatment for severe depression, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. Conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford, the study reviewed seven clinical trials and found that inhaling N2O at clinical concentrations could lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms within just two hours. However, these effects were short-lived, indicating that multiple treatment sessions may be necessary for sustained benefits. The gas appears to influence the brain's glutamate system, which is crucial for mood regulation. While the findings are encouraging, researchers caution that further studies are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy. Senior author Professor Steven Marwaha emphasized the importance of these results for patients who have lost hope in recovery, highlighting the need for continued exploration of nitrous oxide in clinical settings. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 8 pm

1985: Newborn Heart Surgery Without Pain Relief Due to Misbelief

In a shocking revelation from the 1980s, it was discovered that newborns, including premature infants like Jeffrey Lawson, underwent major surgeries without any pain relief, as medical professionals believed babies could not feel pain. This outdated belief persisted well into the late 20th century, leading to surgeries performed under paralysis but without analgesics. Jeffrey, who underwent open-heart surgery at just 26 weeks old, was conscious throughout the procedure, which involved invasive techniques that are now considered barbaric. Research conducted in the 1980s and beyond has since confirmed that infants do indeed experience pain similarly to adults, prompting a significant shift in medical practices. Advocacy from parents like Jeffrey's mother, Jill Lawson, has been crucial in raising awareness about infant pain perception, leading to improved care standards for newborns undergoing surgical procedures. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 11 pm

"Military Sleep Technique: Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes"

A sleep technique, originally developed for military fighter pilots, has gained popularity on TikTok, with fitness influencer Justin Agustin demonstrating how to fall asleep in just two minutes. This method, designed to help soldiers rest even in challenging environments, involves a series of relaxation steps, starting from the forehead down to the toes, while visualizing calming scenes like lying in a canoe on a tranquil lake. Agustin emphasizes the importance of clearing the mind of distractions, suggesting that if intrusive thoughts arise, one should mentally repeat "don’t think" for ten seconds. The technique, rooted in the 1981 book *Relax and Win: Championship Performance*, reportedly enabled 96% of pilots to fall asleep quickly, even under stressful conditions, such as during machine gunfire or after consuming caffeine. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2025, 5 pm

Can Burying Scientists in Snow Protect Polar Bears?

In a bid to enhance the protection of polar bears, Polar Bears International (PBI) has employed unconventional methods, including burying scientists in snow to gather crucial data on the species. This innovative approach, alongside advanced collar-camera technology, aims to better understand the denning habits of polar bear mothers and their cubs, which is vital for their survival amid increasing threats from climate change and industrial activities. Dr. Louise Archer, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough, is leading research efforts in Svalbard, Norway, to demystify these behaviors. As polar bears face unprecedented challenges, understanding their needs is essential for effective conservation strategies. The latest insights from this research can be explored in the podcast episode of "We Have Questions," available on various platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. sources

Published:
Nov 30 2025, 9 am

"Mass Hunting by Humans Began 50,000 Years Ago: Why?"

A recent study has revealed that the ability to conduct mass hunts, a significant factor in the survival of _Homo sapiens_ over Neanderthals, likely emerged around 50,000 years ago. Researchers examined the Nesher Ramla site in Israel, where numerous aurochs bones, dated to approximately 120,000 years ago, were found. Contrary to expectations of a coordinated mass hunt, the analysis indicated that these bones belonged to individual animals rather than a single herd, suggesting that the hominins at the site engaged in multiple small-scale hunting events instead. This finding implies that these ancient hunters lacked the sophisticated communication and cooperation skills necessary for large-scale hunts, which may have put them at an evolutionary disadvantage compared to the more adept _Homo sapiens_. The study underscores the importance of social organization in human evolution and is published in the journal *Scientific Reports*. sources

Published:
Dec 01 2025, 11 pm

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