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NOAA finds ‘golden orb’ that they can’t identify on a deep ocean expedition
During a deep sea expedition off the Alaska coast, scientists discovered a shiny object that some are calling a "golden orb" nestled two miles beneath the ocean's surface, glinting against the dark backdrop of the seafloor. NOAA's Seascape Alaska 5 expedition was on a mission to explore the rich and largely uncharted underwater landscapes and seabeds of the region. This remarkable discovery, made by a skilled team operating a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), is far from ordinary and has opened up a fascinating realm of possibilities. "Golden orb" discovery in the deep ocean As the ROV glided across the ocean floor, it encountered what...
Deep-sea video captures giant sea spiders mating for the first time
In a landmark moment for marine biology, scientists have successfully documented the mating behavior of giant sea spiders. This species, belonging to the group of marine invertebrates known as Colossendeidae, has been recognized by science for over a century and a half. However, the details of their reproductive cycle have remained mysterious. The groundbreaking observation occurred during a 2022 expedition conducted by the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dove to the impressive depth of 5,525 feet to capture this never-before-seen behavior. The focus of the expedition was to explore unsurveyed deep-sea habitats...
Black holes make galaxies look bigger than they really are
When our view into the early cosmos was first broadened by NASA's Webb Telescope, astronomers anticipated a peek into black holes and the humble beginnings of galaxies. Instead, they were met with the surprising sight of what seemed like fully-developed, mammoth structures. These galaxies appeared to evolve with an extraordinary pace that outpaced theoretical predictions, leading some researchers to question the validity of the cosmology's standard model. Reassessing early galaxies A recent investigation published in the Astronomical Journal, led by a research team from the University of Texas at Austin, suggests our initial assessment of these early galaxies might have been overly generous. It...
Earth has a vast interior ocean, 400-miles under our feet, that creates ‘ringwoodite’ gems
Thanks to the discovery of a mineral called ringwoodite, a team of scientists made a surprising discovery that could change how we think about Earth's water reserves The researchers found strong evidence that huge amounts of water -- comparable to several oceans -- are hidden deep within the Earth's mantle beneath the United States. The discovery, made by geophysicist Steve Jacobsen from Northwestern University and seismologist Brandon Schmandt from the University of New Mexico, may represent the planet's largest water reservoir. Rethinking Earth's water cycle Published in the journal Science, their findings shed light on the Earth's formation, composition, and the amount of...
Why billions of crabs vanished from the Bering Sea and human diets
When you think about beautiful, crisp Alaskan landscapes, you might also picture the bustling activity of the Bering Sea - a hub for seafood like snow crabs. But what if the landscape is changing, and not just visually? In the last few years, billions of crabs disappeared from the Bering Sea and the event has alarmed both fishermen and scientists alike. Crabs in the Bering Sea Picture this: we're in 2022. Fishermen cast their nets with the hope of reeling in a rich harvest of crabs, but what they find instead is stark emptiness. A baffling number of crabs have vanished from...
Music can boost brainpower and productivity
Music, a universal language that speaks to our soul, holds more power than you might imagine. It transcends cultural boundaries and has the ability to stir our deepest emotions. But did you know that music is also a potent tool for boosting brainpower, productivity, and performance? A recent study suggests that curating the right musical playlist tailored to your mood and tasks can be a valuable asset in your quest for a more productive and fulfilling day, helping to boost focus, enhance creativity, and improve overall cognitive performance. It's not just about the soothing melodies or heart-thumping beats; it's about the perfect...
NASA discovers planet-wide field that is “as important as gravity”
Using observations from a NASA suborbital rocket, an international team of scientists has, for the first time, successfully measured a planet-wide electric field that is as fundamental to Earth as gravity and magnetic fields. This electric field, known as the ambipolar electric field, was first hypothesized over 60 years ago as a driving force behind the way our planet’s atmosphere escapes above the North and South Poles. Confirmation of the electric field The measurements from the rocket, part of NASA’s Endurance mission, have now confirmed the existence of the ambipolar field, quantified its strength, and revealed its role in driving atmospheric escape and...
Forgetting may actually be a beneficial form of learning
Forgetting is often seen as a flaw or failure of the human memory system, something that happens when our brains can't keep up. However, recent research offers a different, more nuanced perspective. Neuroscientists now suggest that forgetting might not just be an accidental glitch or a sign of cognitive decline, but could actually be a beneficial, deliberate function of the brain, enhancing our ability to navigate complex environments. Forgetting to adapt to the world This new understanding challenges the conventional view of memory as merely a storage system and shows how our brains may strategically use forgetting to adapt to the ever-changing world...
Bonobos are the only primates, including humans, that don’t kill others in their species
We've always considered ourselves unique, haven't we? But peel back the layers, and you'll find that humans, like all species, are bound by the threads of evolution. One such thread is the instinct to come together when faced with external threats. The "common enemy effect" is a phenomenon in which we bond with others over a shared opponent or issue. Humans do it, chimpanzees do it, and now we've learned that even our peaceful relatives, bonobos, exhibit this behavior in their own subtle way. At some point in their evolution, bonobos chose to make social bonding a priority. Outgroup threats and ingroup cohesion The...
Artificial sweeteners like Erythritol directly linked to blood clots and heart disease
It's no secret that artificial sweeteners have been gradually replacing sugar in our daily diets, becoming increasingly prevalent in a variety of food and beverage products. One of the most commonly used sugar substitutes is Erythritol, which is often used in your morning coffee, protein bars, and a wide range of low-carb dietary products. This sugar alternative is often hailed as a miracle solution for individuals looking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake. However, what if I told you that this seemingly harmless artificial sweetener could actually be increasing our risk of heart attack and stroke? A new study led...
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