Asteroid hits Earth near California, third time this year! The asteroid, initially named A11dc6D and later 2024 UQ, was spotted just hours before impact. Fortunately, it caused no harm, bursting into a bright fireball over the Pacific Ocean. This is the 10th time an asteroid has been predicted in advance, thanks to efficient surveys like ATLAS, Catalina, and Pan-STARRS.
New research suggests that hangovers may worsen with age, but there's no conclusive evidence. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to decreased liver efficiency in metabolizing alcohol and increased inflammation due to chronic pain and conditions. Additionally, dehydration and disrupted sleep patterns can exacerbate the effects of a hangover. However, studies have found that older people may actually experience less severe hangovers compared to younger individuals.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/alcohol/why-do-hangovers-get-worse-with-age
A camera drone is on sale for half price, making it an attractive gift option. The Ninja Dragon Sky 8 drone features a single HD camera and hand gesture controls, allowing users to capture aerial photos and videos with ease. Originally priced at $199.99, the drone is now available for $99.99. This beginner-friendly drone is suitable for children or adults who want to explore photography from new heights.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/half-off-camera-drone-deal/
New research suggests that learning a second language can increase intelligence! According to Northwestern University, knowing multiple languages can improve concentration, boost memory, and enhance creativity. To learn a new language, try Babbel, an app store favorite offering daily lessons ranging from 10-15 minutes long. With AI-powered speech recognition technology, you can even perfect your pronunciation.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/babbel-learning-language-app-education-deal/
Recent E. coli outbreaks at McDonald's and other food establishments have raised concerns about food safety. While regulatory agencies like the FDA work to ensure a safe food supply, some experts point out that underfunding and pressure from industry groups can hinder their efforts. Additionally, the rise of pre-prepared meals and changing consumer habits may contribute to the growth of bacteria like Listeria.
Wildfires in the western US are growing faster than ever before, with some fires increasing in size at a rate that's more than doubled over the past two decades. According to researchers, this rapid spread is putting millions of people and properties at greater risk. While fire size is important, experts warn that "fire speed" is becoming increasingly critical, as rapidly spreading wildfires can become unstoppable before firefighters can respond.
Did you know that your gut microbiome is home to rival tribes of bacteria fighting for territory? These microscopic warriors use poison darts and antidotes to gain the upper hand. Scientists have discovered that some species can even "switch sides" by acquiring selfish DNA, essentially turning enemies into allies. This complex battle royale has implications for our understanding of human health and disease.
A significant discovery in astrophysics has been made, with scientists detecting complex carbon-based molecules called pyrenes outside our solar system for the first time. This finding suggests that the building blocks of life on Earth may have originated from space, providing new insights into the origins of life. The detection was made in a star-forming region called the Taurus molecular cloud, located 430 light-years away.
New research reveals that wild animals that experience trauma are half as likely to survive. Scientists have developed a cumulative adversity index, similar to human childhood trauma scores, to predict negative survival outcomes in yellow-bellied marmots. The study found that experiencing even one adverse event before age 2 significantly reduces an adult marmot's chances of survival.
Scientists have developed a device that could potentially prevent skin infections by "zapping" harmful bacteria with electricity. The patch, called BLAST, delivers harmless electrical currents into the skin, stopping disease-causing bacteria in their tracks. Early experiments on pig skin show promising results, but human testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Breaking news: Burmese pythons in Florida have been found to have mouths that can stretch even wider than previously thought, allowing them to consume prey six times bigger than other snakes of similar size. Researchers studied three captured snakes measuring 15-19 feet long and found their mouth gapes could expand up to 10.2 inches wide, increasing the total area by 40%. This discovery has implications for native wildlife populations in Florida, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/environment/burmese-python-mouth-size/
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about tardigrades' radiation resilience. Scientists exposed Hypsibius henanensis to high doses of gamma rays and found that these tiny creatures can survive huge amounts of ionizing radiation by repairing damaged DNA quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they also discovered two other mechanisms that help them withstand radiation: turbocharged DNA repair driven by the protein TRID1 and the production of antioxidant betalains.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/tardigrade-radiation-resilience/
Scientists have discovered a genetic variant that may make some parents more likely to have girls than boys. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, analyzed the genomes of over 450,000 males and females in the UK. Researchers found one particular version of a gene, named rs144724107, which boosts a person's likelihood of having a daughter by 10%. While it is unclear whether this variant needs to be carried by mom, dad or both to influence offspring sex ratio, the study suggests that this genetic variant could play a role in determining the sex of future offspring.
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick recently demonstrated a unique aspect of eating in space - the challenges and entertainment that come with it. In a video posted on X, Dominick shows how ketchup leaks out like water from a garden hose in zero gravity. The condiment pools up and forms a "ketchup castle" on his chin. This phenomenon highlights the difficulties of everyday activities in space. Tomatoes and tomato-based products, including ketchup, have been used in experiments at the International Space Station to study plant growth without soil and improve farming techniques.
A team of astronomers has created a new animated map revealing fresh secrets about a mysterious "zombie star" at the heart of a nebula leftover from a distant supernova witnessed by astronomers in 1181. The remnant, known as SN 1181, is still expanding and exploding at a constant speed. The study's findings provide further evidence that the guest star observed by astronomers back then came from Pa 30, a giant cloud of gas wider than our entire solar system.
A new milestone in mathematics has been achieved with the discovery of the 52nd Mersenne prime number, (2^41,024,320-1). This gargantuan number, stretching 41,024,320 digits long, was confirmed by the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) on October 21. The finding marks a significant achievement in the hunt for Mersenne primes, with the previous record held since 2013.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/largest-prime-number/
Global carbon emissions continue to rise despite promises for a green recovery from COVID-19. According to a UN report, emissions increased by 1.3% in 2023, reaching 57.1 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent. This rapid growth is faster than the previous decade's average annual rate of 0.8%. The report highlights rising emissions from road transport, oil and gas infrastructure, and industrial sources.
Scientists have launched an "atlas" of embryos, showcasing how cells move and develop over time. The ZebraHub atlas combines high-resolution timelapse videos with data on gene activity in developing zebrafish embryos. This tool could aid in understanding human biology, birth defects, tissue regeneration, and aging.
A recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that the ability to stand on one leg is a strong indicator of overall health, particularly as we age. Researchers discovered that balance declines more rapidly with age than walking gait or grip and knee strength. This decline can lead to unintentional falls, a significant risk for older adults. The good news is that balance exercises can help maintain coordination and reduce the risk of falls.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/health/standing-on-one-leg-aging/
A remarkable observation in Florida's Everglades has shed new light on the impressive capabilities of invasive Burmese pythons. Scientists witnessed a 14.8-foot-long female python consuming a white-tailed deer, almost 67% of its own mass, by stretching its mouth to nearly the maximum width. This feat challenges previous estimates and highlights the significant threat these snakes pose to native ecosystems.