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"World's Oldest Smoked Mummies: 14,000-Year-Old Heated Bodies"

New research reveals that Southeast Asians were practicing mummification up to 10,000 years before the Egyptians developed their embalming techniques. This mortuary tradition, likely initiated by the descendants of the first modern humans in Eurasia, continues among some Indigenous groups in Australia and Highland New Guinea. The study, which analyzed 54 pre-Neolithic burials dated between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago, found evidence of smoke-drying methods used for preservation. Researchers utilized advanced techniques to confirm that some mummies from Vietnam date back 14,000 years. Unlike the arid conditions that facilitated mummification in Egypt and Chile, Southeast Asia's humid climate necessitated significant human effort. The findings suggest a cultural connection between ancient Southeast Asians and contemporary Indigenous populations, with researchers positing that these mummification practices reflect a shared heritage among hunter-gatherer societies. The study is published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. sources

Published:
Sep 16 2025, 1 am

TWIS: Fourth HIV Cure, Somerton Man Mystery Solved, and More

This week, significant advancements in science and technology have emerged, including the origins of the Assateague horses, which have long puzzled researchers. DeepMind's AlphaFold AI has made headlines by predicting the structures of 200 million proteins, effectively mapping the entire protein universe, according to founder Demis Hassabis. In a breakthrough for medical science, a 66-year-old leukemia patient has become the fourth person to achieve long-term remission from HIV, thanks to a stem cell transplant from a donor with a rare genetic mutation. Additionally, a professor from the University of Adelaide may have solved the 73-year-old "Somerton Man" mystery using DNA from the deceased's death mask. Meanwhile, researchers are exploring the potential of AI to develop "alternative" physics, and discussions are underway about the next generation of space telescopes that will follow the James Webb Space Telescope, focusing on both Earth-based and specialized space instruments. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 3 pm

Conspiracy Theorists' Predictions for Tomorrow's Apocalypse

A conspiracy theory circulating on TikTok and X claims that the world will end on September 23, 2025, with a predicted "rapture" event. This belief, rooted in a vision shared by Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, suggests that all living and deceased believers will ascend to meet God, leaving nonbelievers to face chaos on Earth. Despite the popularity of such predictions, which have historically proven false, Mhlakela insists he received divine confirmation of this date through a dream. Surveys indicate that around 61% of global evangelical leaders believe in the rapture, although this doctrine is not universally accepted among Christians. Experts emphasize that no credible evidence supports these claims, and the notion of a rapture is a relatively modern interpretation dating back to the 1830s. As with previous doomsday predictions, the consensus remains that the world is unlikely to end as forecasted, with many anticipating a normal day on September 24. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 11 pm

15 Uplifting Stories to Combat COVID-19 Sadness

As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a glimmer of hope emerges through a collection of uplifting stories. April will see the Super Pink Moon, a celestial event that encourages connection despite isolation. In scientific advancements, researchers at Washington University have engineered human stem cells to cure diabetes in mice, while a new hydrogen fuel production method promises a sustainable energy future. The UK is set to make PrEP, a preventative HIV drug, available nationwide, and Tesco has introduced skin-tone diverse band-aids, addressing long-standing racial inclusivity issues. Additionally, a universal flu vaccine has shown promise in clinical trials, and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault continues to thrive, safeguarding plant diversity. Amidst these developments, even sea sponges have been caught sneezing on camera, reminding us that nature still holds surprises. As spring approaches, these stories offer a much-needed reminder of resilience and progress. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 3 pm

Men Twice as Likely to Die from "Broken Heart Syndrome"

A recent study from the University of Arizona has revealed alarming insights into "broken heart syndrome," or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which can be triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress. While women are more frequently diagnosed with the condition—accounting for 83% of cases—men are more than twice as likely to die from it. The research analyzed data from nearly 200,000 hospitalized adults between 2016 and 2020, highlighting a significant increase in incidence among individuals aged 46 to 60. This rise may be linked to various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices. The study's lead author, Dr. Mohammad Movahed, noted that men often lack the social support necessary for recovery, which could contribute to their higher mortality rates. The findings underscore the need for further research into the condition and improved patient care, as published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 8 pm

Is Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS a Planet-Forming Seed?

Astronomers are re-evaluating the role of interstellar objects, particularly comet 3I/ATLAS, which was observed moving through the Solar System at unprecedented speeds. This comet, larger than previous interstellar visitors, may provide insights into planet formation, potentially acting as "seeds" that accelerate the process around high-mass stars. Professor Susanne Pfalzner and co-author Michele Bannister suggest that these interstellar objects could resolve longstanding mysteries in planetary science, such as the rapid formation of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, which traditional models struggle to explain. Their hypothesis posits that interstellar objects could enhance the efficiency of planet formation by providing ready-made materials that coalesce more easily than smaller particles. If validated, this theory could reshape our understanding of planetary origins, suggesting that Earth and other planets may have interstellar components. Further research is needed to integrate these findings into existing planetary formation models. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 9 pm

Why White Dog Poop Disappeared Since the '90s

In a memorable scene from the film *Step Brothers*, Will Ferrell's character is humorously depicted approaching white dog poop, set to the dramatic strains of Wagner's *Tristan und Isolde*. This peculiar imagery has sparked curiosity about the rarity of white dog feces today, a phenomenon more common in previous decades due to the calcium-rich diets of dogs, which often included meat and bone meal. As these diets have evolved, the prevalence of white dog poop has diminished, with modern pet food formulations focusing on better nutritional balance. While white poop can indicate excessive calcium intake, it may also signal health issues like liver problems if a dog's stool changes color. Interestingly, some speculate that Ferrell's character was not actually licking dog poop, but rather a powdered doughnut, leaving the truth open to debate among fans. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 7 pm

Another Individual Possibly Cured of HIV

A 53-year-old man has achieved remarkable remission from HIV, becoming one of the few individuals effectively cured of the virus after undergoing a stem cell transplant for leukemia a decade ago. Following the transplant in 2013, the patient, who had been managing his HIV with standard treatment, showed no detectable HIV in his blood after stopping antiviral therapy in 2018. Researchers noted that the transplant from an HIV-resistant donor led to the development of a new immune system that is stable and functioning well. While previous cases, such as the "London" and "Berlin" patients, have shown similar outcomes, this case adds to the evidence supporting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a potential treatment for HIV. However, experts caution that while the patient appears healthy, traces of HIV remain in some tissues, leaving questions about the long-term efficacy of this approach. The findings are detailed in *Nature Medicine*. sources

Published:
Sep 21 2025, 9 pm

This Week's Science Highlights!

A woman in New York City has reportedly become the first female patient to be effectively cured of HIV, following a stem cell transplant from a donor with HIV-resistant cells, combined with antiretroviral therapy. Medical professionals announced that over a year after ceasing her antiretroviral treatment, the patient shows no detectable traces of the virus in her body. This marks a significant milestone, as she is the third individual globally to achieve such remission through this method. The breakthrough offers hope for future HIV treatments and highlights the potential of stem cell therapy in combating the virus. sources

Published:
Sep 22 2025, 4 pm

Giant Mammals in Arctic Live Up to 200 Years

The bowhead whale, an Arctic-dwelling mammal, holds the title for the longest-living mammal, with some individuals estimated to exceed 200 years. Remarkably, some bowheads swimming in Alaskan waters today were alive when Herman Melville penned _Moby-Dick_ in 1851. Researchers have uncovered clues to their longevity, including a harpoon tip found embedded in a bowhead, dating back to the late 19th century, which indicated the whale was around 115 years old. Additionally, scientists can determine a bowhead's age by analyzing the unique amino acids in their eye lenses. A study revealed that four of the 48 bowheads examined were over 100 years old, with one estimated at 211. Adapted to their icy habitat, bowhead whales can grow up to 18.8 meters long and weigh as much as 90,710 kilograms, relying on baleen plates to filter tiny prey from seawater. sources

Published:
Sep 18 2025, 6 am

First Mixed-Race Patient Cured of HIV with Stem Cells

A woman in New York has achieved over four years of remission from HIV following a groundbreaking stem cell treatment that utilized umbilical cord blood from an unrelated donor, marking her as the first mixed-race individual to be potentially cured of the virus. This case adds to the growing list of patients who have been cured, including four others, all of whom received stem cells from donors with a rare genetic mutation that prevents HIV from entering cells. The patient ceased antiviral medication 37 months post-transplant and has remained free of the virus for 30 months. Researchers emphasize the significance of this approach for racially diverse populations, as finding compatible adult donors is often challenging. However, they caution that the procedure is highly invasive and should only be considered for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring a transplant. The findings were published in the journal Cell. sources

Published:
Sep 21 2025, 9 pm

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