Science and Technology

A plague mysteriously spread from Europe into Asia 4,000 years ago. Scientists now think they may know how

Scientists close in on how a plague traveled from Europe to Asia 4,000 years ago

Historians and scientists have long been puzzled by the movement of a devastating plague that spread from Europe into Asia around four millennia ago. This ancient disease, now known to be an early form of the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has remained a prominent scientific enigma. The question of how a pathogen could traverse such vast distances in an era of limited transportation has been a major point of inquiry. However, recent scientific breakthroughs in the field of paleogenetics are now offering a compelling new theory that may finally explain this remarkable spread.This novel theory indicates that the dissemination of the…
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Under water: How FEMA’s outdated flood maps incentivize property owners to take risks

Under water: Why FEMA’s outdated flood maps encourage risky property decisions

The maps intended to guide decisions on flood risk across the nation are increasingly being exposed as a source of hidden danger, not a solution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps, which are the primary tool for assessing a property's vulnerability, are becoming demonstrably outdated. This creates a profound and dangerous paradox, as homeowners and investors are often lulled into a false sense of security, unwittingly taking on risks that are far greater than they realize. This systemic issue is reshaping the real estate market and a homeowner's perception of their financial exposure.For many years, FEMA's flood maps…
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The Perseid meteor shower is peaking Tuesday. Here’s how to see it

Tuesday’s Perseid meteor shower: when and where to see it

Each year, in the warmth of the summer, the Earth passes through a cosmic cloud of debris, creating one of the most anticipated celestial events for skywatchers. This phenomenon, known as the Perseid meteor shower, is a yearly spectacle that draws the attention of amateur astronomers and casual observers alike. Its reliable nature and the typically pleasant weather of its peak season make it an ideal event for families, seasoned stargazers, and anyone who simply wants to witness a bit of cosmic wonder.The Perseids' beginnings are linked to the Swift-Tuttle Comet, which completes a solar orbit every 133 years. As…
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A dating app, a niqab and a 9mm gun - how a US woman was hired to end a UK family feud

A dating app, a niqab and a 9mm gun – tracing the origins of a UK family conflict

The tranquil residential areas of a UK town unexpectedly became the scene for a strange and concerning story involving a family dispute, a dating application, and an American woman purportedly contracted to conduct a violent act. The narrative, which has grabbed the public's attention, started with a seemingly harmless online interaction and developed into a disturbing plan that crossed continents. This situation serves as a harsh reminder of how digital platforms can be misused for much darker intentions than originally intended, merging the lines between virtual connections and real-world outcomes. The accused, a woman from the U.S., is now facing…
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Why Niger is investigating the  million sale of the largest Mars rock found on Earth

Niger investigates the $5 million sale of the largest Martian meteorite ever found on Earth

In the arid expanses of the Sahara Desert, a remarkable geological find once drew global attention—a massive fragment of Mars, ejected from the Red Planet’s surface by a violent cosmic impact and eventually landing on Earth. Weighing more than most meteorites and boasting an extraordinary scientific value, the specimen was hailed as the largest Martian rock ever discovered on our planet. Its journey from a remote corner of Niger to the international market, however, has now become the subject of a high-profile investigation.Niger’s authorities have initiated an official investigation into the $5 million transaction involving this remarkable meteorite, bringing up…
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Astronauts return to Earth with SpaceX after 5 months at the International Space Station

5-month ISS mission ends as astronauts return to Earth with SpaceX

After spending almost six months in orbit around our planet, a group of astronauts has come back home from a prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Their return, facilitated by SpaceX’s sophisticated spacecraft, signifies the closure of an intense yet pioneering period in space exploration. The team’s secure touchdown wrapped up a period of scientific experiments, technology trials, and global collaboration in a setting that consistently tests human endurance.The mission began over five months ago when the astronauts launched aboard a SpaceX vehicle designed to transport crew members safely between Earth and the ISS. Since then, they have…
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Life-like robots for sale to the public as China opens new store

New Chinese store offers life-like robots for public purchase

A groundbreaking retail establishment in China has begun offering sophisticated humanoid robots directly to consumers, marking a significant milestone in personal robotics technology. The new store showcases remarkably lifelike machines capable of performing various domestic and social functions, bringing science fiction concepts into the realm of everyday reality.The robots represent the latest achievements in artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and materials science. Standing approximately human-sized, these machines feature realistic facial expressions, fluid movements, and natural speech patterns that blur the line between machine and human interaction. Customers can observe demonstrations of the robots performing household tasks, providing companionship, and even engaging…
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Scientists discovered a distant black hole 300 million times the size of the sun. It's a portal back in time.

Black hole 300 million times the sun’s size found—scientists say it’s a time portal.

A team of international researchers has identified an enormous celestial object that provides an unprecedented window into the early universe. This newly discovered black hole, located approximately 13 billion light-years from Earth, possesses a mass roughly 300 million times greater than our sun, making it one of the most massive black holes ever observed from such a distant epoch.The discovery, made using advanced telescopic technology and sophisticated data analysis techniques, represents a significant breakthrough in astrophysics. What makes this particular black hole extraordinary isn't just its tremendous size, but its age - the light we observe from it began its…
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Once celebrated, an inventor’s breakthroughs are now viewed as disasters — and the world is still recovering

Once respected, an inventor’s innovations are now viewed as disasters — and the world is still recovering

History remembers many brilliant minds whose creations transformed society in ways they never anticipated. One such figure, initially hailed as a visionary pioneer, developed technologies that promised to revolutionize modern life but ultimately left a mixed legacy that continues to shape our world today. The story of this inventor serves as a cautionary tale about innovation's double-edged nature and the unpredictable consequences of technological progress.Throughout their existence, this person led the charge in scientific progress, earning widespread recognition for innovative creations that addressed significant issues of the time. Modern descriptions portray a talented yet deeply dedicated inventor, intensely committed to…
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