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YouTubers Capture Light Speed at 10 Trillion FPS

YouTube creators known as the Slow Mo Guys have achieved a groundbreaking feat by filming light at an astonishing 10 trillion frames per second, a speed 20 million times faster than their previous high of half a million frames. This ambitious project, aimed at capturing the fastest phenomenon in the universe—light traveling at 300,000 kilometers per second—was made possible through collaboration with CalTech's Compressed Ultrafast Photography department. The resulting footage showcases light moving the length of a bottle in just 2,000 picoseconds, although the bottle itself was added in post-production. The Slow Mo Guys, who have spent over a decade producing slow-motion videos, expressed excitement about this unprecedented achievement, which allows viewers to witness the speed of light in a way never seen before. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 10 pm

Brainstem: Key to Long COVID and ME/CFS Symptoms?

A new scientific theory suggests that damage to the brainstem may underlie both myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID, potentially explaining the multi-system effects of these conditions. Researchers from Renegade Research in Denver propose that infections could harm connective tissue in the brainstem, leading to conditions like craniocervical instability and dysregulated intracranial pressure. This damage may disrupt vital functions, impacting the immune and autonomic nervous systems and contributing to chronic inflammation. The study outlines a seven-step pathological process beginning with infection and immune response, which could result in further complications, including reactivation of dormant viruses. Previous brain imaging studies have identified abnormalities in the brainstem of ME/CFS and long COVID patients, supporting this hypothesis. The authors hope their model will inspire new research and treatments for these historically misunderstood conditions, which have long been considered enigmatic. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 11 pm

Avoid Draining Oil: Discover a Smart Disposal Method

Pouring used cooking oil down the drain may seem convenient, but it can lead to significant environmental issues, such as the formation of fatbergs in sewers. Instead of this harmful disposal method, experts recommend using oil solidifiers, which transform liquid oil into solid "fat pancakes" that can be safely discarded in the trash. These solidifiers work by emulsifying the oil, allowing it to cool and harden, making it easier to manage. For smaller quantities, these solidified oils can even be composted, while larger amounts may be better suited for recycling into biodiesel, candles, or soap. This innovative approach not only prevents plumbing disasters but also promotes sustainable waste management, turning kitchen waste into valuable resources. sources

Published:
Dec 25 2025, 11 pm

Are We Living Inside a Black Hole? Insights from Physicists

Black holes, enigmatic remnants of collapsed stars, continue to perplex physicists, challenging our understanding of fundamental physics. Recent hypotheses suggest that black holes may indicate we live in a holographic universe, where our three-dimensional reality is a projection from a two-dimensional surface. This theory posits that our universe could exist within a black hole of a larger cosmos. The black hole information paradox complicates this further, as Stephen Hawking's work revealed that black holes emit radiation, potentially leading to the irreversible loss of information, contradicting quantum mechanics' principle of unitarity. However, physicist Gerard ’t Hooft proposed that information is encoded on a black hole's surface, akin to a hologram, allowing for its restoration during quantum evaporation. While these ideas are intriguing, they remain speculative, and current physics still provides the best explanations for our universe, urging caution against existential conclusions. sources

Published:
Dec 26 2025, 9 pm

Happy 30th Birthday to Flossie, Oldest Living Cat!

As December festivities unfold, one notable celebration is the birthday of Flossie, the world’s oldest living cat, who turns 30 on December 29. Recognized by Guinness World Records in November 2022 at nearly 27 years old, Flossie has defied the odds, as the average domestic cat lives around 14 years. Despite being deaf and partially sighted, Flossie remains active, much to the delight of her owner, Vicki Green, who initially expected her to have only a few months left. Green has shared that Flossie continues to jump around without using the stairs she was provided. While Flossie is currently the oldest living cat, the record for the oldest cat ever belongs to Creme Puff, who lived to 38 years and 3 days, attributed to a lavish diet that included unusual treats like red wine. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 9 pm

"Disfigured Skeleton 'The Prince' Likely Killed by Bear"

A recent study has revealed that the occupant of one of the most extravagant Paleolithic burials, known as "Il Principe," may have endured a horrific death after being mauled by a large predator, likely a bear. Discovered in 1942 in Italy's Arene Candide Cave and dated to approximately 27,900 to 27,300 years ago, the teenage boy's grave contained opulent items such as carved antlers and mammoth ivory pendants, initially suggesting high social status. However, the boy's skeletal injuries, including a smashed collarbone and severe skull fractures, indicate a violent encounter with an animal. Remarkably, signs of healing on the bones suggest he survived for two to three days post-attack, likely succumbing to internal injuries. Researchers propose that the lavish burial may have been a ritualistic response to this traumatic event rather than a reflection of the boy's social rank, as similar burials often involve individuals with unusual injuries. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 9 pm

Australia's Only Shrew Declared Extinct After 40 Years MIA

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially declared the Christmas Island shrew (_Crocidura trichura_) extinct, marking a significant loss for the unique biodiversity of Christmas Island, Australia. Once prevalent across the island, this small mammal has not been sighted for 40 years, with its decline attributed to the introduction of invasive black rats and Asian wolf snakes, which have devastated local wildlife. The Christmas Island shrew is the third mammal species to vanish due to these invasive species, joining the bulldog and Maclear’s rats. This extinction highlights a troubling trend in Australia, which has lost 39 species since 1788, representing about 10% of its land mammals. Conservation experts stress the urgency of protecting remaining species to prevent further losses, while some remain hopeful that elusive populations of the shrew may still exist, waiting to defy extinction predictions. sources

Published:
Dec 29 2025, 9 pm

Do Dark Feathers Weigh Down Birds in Flight?

In a fascinating exploration of avian biology, researchers in Spain have revealed that the color of feathers can influence their weight, challenging the classic riddle of whether 1 kilogram of feathers or steel is heavier. The study, which examined 109 bird specimens across 19 species, found that melanin, the pigment responsible for darker feather colors, can constitute up to 60% of a feather's mass, while lighter pheomelanin contributes less. This means that darker birds, such as ravens, carry a heavier load, potentially impacting their energy expenditure during flight. The research suggests that lighter-colored migratory birds may have evolved to reduce weight for better flight efficiency. Interestingly, birds with white feathers might trade pigmentation for insulation, allowing them to maintain warmth in colder climates. The findings, published in *Biology Letters*, highlight the delicate balance between feather aesthetics and flight performance. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 4 pm

Rare, Small Dolphin Possibly Spotted Near New Zealand Coast

Recent sightings in New Zealand's Northland region have sparked excitement among marine biologists, as a lone dolphin spotted in the Bay of Islands may belong to the rare Hector’s dolphin (_Cephalorhynchus hectori_), one of the world's smallest marine dolphins. This species is divided into two subspecies: the South Island Hector’s dolphin and the critically endangered Māui dolphin, with the latter having only about 54 individuals left. Jochen Zaeschmar from the Far Out Ocean Research Collective observed the dolphin, which was later seen again in English Bay. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) is urging locals to report sightings to assist in collecting DNA samples for identification. This sighting is particularly significant, as it marks only the second confirmed Hector’s dolphin sighting in Northland in a century, highlighting the importance of monitoring these endangered species for conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 3 am

Can Gaming Hurt Your Resume Despite Its Popularity?

A recent study from Germany has raised questions about the impact of listing gaming on resumes, suggesting it may hinder job prospects compared to traditional extracurricular activities like team sports. Despite the growing popularity of gaming, with 61% of Americans playing at least an hour weekly, employers may not recognize the skills developed through gaming, such as multitasking and problem-solving. The research involved 162 participants evaluating fictitious resumes for a customer service role, revealing that those who listed gaming were rated lower in hirability than those who included volleyball, regardless of proficiency levels. This finding highlights a persistent bias towards conventional activities that are perceived to foster teamwork and leadership. While gaming skills are increasingly relevant in a digital workforce, the study underscores the need for further exploration into how perceptions of gaming can evolve. The study is published in the Journal of Personnel Psychology. sources

Published:
Dec 30 2025, 4 am

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