Identifying Stone Tools: A Flintknapper’s Guide
Learn how to identify hominin stone tools by understanding flake marks, flintknapping techniques, rock context, and fracture patterns. Essential insights from a seasoned archaeologist.
Surveillance & Mental Health: How Being Watched Affects Our Brains
Constant surveillance, even subconscious, affects our brains, impacting attention, memory, and social processing. Studies show being watched can trigger fight-or-flight responses and cognitive exhaustion. Mental health concerns arise.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Rising Cases, Prevention & Vaccination
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is on the rise, especially among children. Vaccination is crucial for prevention, with boosters recommended for adolescents and adults. Learn about causes, symptoms, and protection.
Shingles Vaccine: Reduced Stroke & Heart Attack Risk
Shingles vaccine (Zostavax) linked to lower stroke (30%) and heart attack (10%) risk. Immunized individuals show reduced cardiovascular events and heart disease mortality. Study focuses on Zostavax and Shingrix vaccines.
Needle Ants: Invasive Species, Poisonous Stings, and Anaphylaxis Risk
Oriental/Asian needle ants: Invasive species spreading in the U.S. Their poisonous sting poses an anaphylaxis risk. Identification & control measures are crucial. Painful stings!
T. Rex: Asian Ancestors Migrated to North America
New research suggests T. Rex's ancestors migrated from Asia to North America. Climate changes and extinction events likely influenced their massive size during the Late Cretaceous period.
Mountain Hydrogen: A New Untapped Energy Source?
Geologic hydrogen found under mountains may be a new source of clean energy. Research suggests large amounts of hydrogen may be produced under mountain ranges via serpentinisation.
Bone Collector Caterpillar: Camouflage & Carnivorous Diet
The bone collector caterpillar is a rare carnivorous species, camouflaging itself with insect parts. Found only in a small area of Oahu, it's older than the island itself and remarkably avoids spider predation.
UK Government AI Chatbot: Transparency Concerns Arise
UK civil servants are using an AI chatbot (Redbox) raising transparency questions. Experts worry about bias, accuracy, and government openness regarding AI's role in decision-making. Data retention also raises concern.
Ear Wiggling: Ancient Muscles Still Active!
Human ear-moving muscles, remnants of our ancestors, are surprisingly active. Research explores their potential role in hearing and future hearing-aid tech. Ear wiggling varies widely among individuals.
AI Task Completion: Measuring AI’s Growing Capabilities
Researchers gauge AI by task completion time vs. humans, revealing rapid progress in AI's 'attention span'. AI could automate a month of software development by 2032, enhancing efficiency and workloads.
Ancient DNA: Chernobyl Survivors & Genetic History Research
Exploring ancient DNA reveals secrets of Chernobyl survivors' resilience and human history. Analyzing genomes helps understand past migrations, diseases, and adaptations for future insights.