Recent changes in breast cancer screening guidelines have led doctors to no longer recommend self-checks for women at average risk. Instead, experts suggest practicing "breast self-awareness" by regularly noticing any changes in the appearance and feel of one's breasts. This shift is based on research showing that self-exams can lead to false positives and unnecessary testing without resulting in early diagnoses or reduced cancer deaths.
Climate scientists have sounded the alarm about the potential collapse of a key Atlantic Ocean current, warning that it could have devastating and irreversible impacts on the entire world for centuries to come. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vital heat-carrying conveyor belt that transports warmth from the equator to the Northern Hemisphere. Research suggests that AMOC is slowing down due to global warming, and if it collapses, it could lead to major cooling and extreme weather in Nordic countries, as well as global climate chaos.
A new record has been set in mathematics! Luke Durant, an amateur researcher and former Nvidia employee, has discovered the largest known prime number, spanning 41 million digits. This achievement used free software called the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) and harnessed thousands of graphics processing units across 24 data centers worldwide.
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery off the Italian coast near Naples. A 2,000-year-old temple built by Arabian immigrants from the Nabataean culture has been found submerged in the sea. The temple's elaborate architecture and inscriptions suggest it was dedicated to the main god of the Nabataeans, Dushara. The find provides insight into the cultural exchange between the ancient civilizations.
NASA Unveils Model of LISA Satellite Array for Studying Ripples in Space-Time
NASA has released images of the full-scale prototypes of six telescopes, which will be part of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project. The European Space Agency-led project aims to study gravitational waves and gain insights into the universe's origins.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-lisa-observatory-model/
NASA-led study suggests that tiny photosynthetic microbes could thrive in hidden bubbles of meltwater below patches of ice on Mars. This finding makes Martian ice exposures a promising place to search for extraterrestrial life. Researchers plan to recreate these conditions on Earth to test the predictions.
A rare and extraordinary weather event has brought life-giving rain to the Sahara desert, filling lakes and replenishing water sources. Satellite images from NASA show the impact of a cyclone that dumped over 8 inches of rainfall in just a few days, equivalent to an entire year's worth of precipitation. The deluge filled multiple ephemeral lakes in Algeria and Morocco, including the Sebkha el Melah lake, which covered 74 square miles and was approximately 7.2 feet deep.
Recently, a renowned author, Gísli Pálsson, discussed the de-extinction of species with Alexander McNamara. While debating whether bringing back extinct species is a worthwhile endeavor, Pálsson emphasized that extinction is a processual phenomenon that takes time. He suggested that instead of focusing on de-extinction, scholars should prioritize preserving current species and ecosystems.
Breakthrough in satellite technology! California-based SpinLaunch is revolutionizing the way we put satellites into space with its innovative kinetic launch system. Using a giant rotating arm, SpinLaunch plans to send its first batch of satellites into low Earth orbit by 2026, eliminating the need for rockets and rocket fuel.
A rare and fascinating weather phenomenon has been spotted in New Zealand's South Island. The "Taieri Pet," a unique lenticular cloud, has reappeared above the Otago region, striking a resemblance to a UFO. According to NASA's Earth Observatory, this type of cloud forms when moist air passes over a mountain range, creating vertical layers that shape the cloud into its distinctive oblong shape.
The Taieri Pet is an elongated altocumulus standing lenticular cloud (ASLC) that frequently appears between the towns Middlemarch and Hyde. While it can vary in size, the cloud always looks very similar and appears in almost the same spot due to the nearby Rock and Pillar Range.
This natural wonder has sparked interest among weather enthusiasts and the public alike. Lenticular clouds are often mistaken for UFOs, and this particular formation is no exception.
Scientists discover massive meteorite impact 3 billion years ago may have paved the way for life on Earth. The meteorite, 200 times larger than the one that killed the dinosaurs, caused devastating heat and tsunami-like waves before "birthing" new life.
Scientists have discovered a half-billion-year-old creature that is considered the earliest known asymmetrical animal. The fossil, named Quaestio simpsonorum, was found in South Australia's Nilpena Ediacara National Park and dates back to the Ediacaran period (635 million to 541 million years ago). The unique "backward question mark"-shaped protrusion on its back is a groundbreaking evolutionary trait that shows evidence of early animal development.
New research reveals that oriental hornets can consume an 80% alcohol solution without showing any ill effects or behavioral changes. This is surprising, as even animals that normally eat fermented foods can only tolerate up to 4% ethanol. The study suggests that the hornets' ability to handle high levels of alcohol may be due to their unique genetic makeup and relationship with yeast.
The COP16 biodiversity summit is underway in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024. This international gathering aims to agree on wide-ranging targets to stem the rapid pace of biodiversity loss and develop a plan to pay for it. As one of the world's most biodiverse countries, Colombia provides a potent setting for discussions on conservation and sustainability.
A recent discovery in South Korea has shed new light on the behavior of non-avian dinosaurs. Fossilized tracks found near a shopping center have revealed that some raptor-like creatures used their wings to run and cover ground in large leaps, suggesting that wing-assisted movement evolved multiple times across prehistoric lines. While it's unclear whether these dinosaurs could fully fly, the findings support previous ideas that aerodynamics developed independently in different dinosaur lineages.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to detect rare pancreatic tumors using a chemical substance found in Gila monster spit. The venomous lizard's saliva contains a substance with a high affinity for binding to the GLP1 receptor, which is present on insulinoma cells. This has led to the development of a new PET scan variant called Extendin-PET, which has shown a 95% accuracy rate in detecting insulinomas compared to traditional scans. The breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with this condition.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/gila-monster-spit-tumor/
James Webb Space Telescope Discovers "Inside-Out" Galaxy Near Dawn of Time
The James Webb Space Telescope has spotted an unusual galaxy that existed just 700 million years after the Big Bang. Dubbed JADES-GS+53.18343−27.79097, this galaxy is roughly 100 times smaller than the Milky Way and defies conventional growth patterns by forming stars more rapidly on its outskirts than its dense core. The discovery confirms theoretical models predicting that galaxies in the early universe should have formed inside-out.
Samsung's 34-Inch Ultrawide Monitor is now on sale for $200, a 42% discount from its original price. This curved monitor features HDR support, PIP mode, and AMD FreeSync, making it suitable for gaming, photo/video editing, and office work. The ultrawide display allows users to have multiple windows open simultaneously, enhancing productivity.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/gear/samsung-curved-monitor-october-deal/
Archaeologists in Turkey have made a significant discovery, uncovering the remains of a 1,600-year-old Roman military structure in Hasankeyf. The fort, built during the reign of Emperor Constantius II, was found using historical records and expert consultation. This find sheds light on the Roman Empire's eastern frontier and its defenses against Persian invasions.
Meet Christina Ernst, a talented engineer who transformed her love for Disney's Ratatouille into an incredible animatronic Halloween costume. Using her 3D printer and coding skills, she created a wearable tech project that brought the lovable rat chef Remy to life. With over 82,000 followers on TikTok, Christina has been sharing her creative process and inspiring others with her passion for engineering.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/technology/ratatouille-halloween-costume-engineer/