Issue #1

Man Discovers Unusual Circle Feature On Google Maps

A man planning a camping trip in Quebec found an unusual spherical structure on Google Maps, which may be an ancient asteroid impact site. The structure, about 15 km across, surrounds Marsal Lake. Geophysicist Pierre Rochette and his team believe the formation was previously misidentified and resembles known impact craters. More research is needed to confirm its origins.

New Insights Into Why We Dream

Scientists have made four major breakthroughs in understanding dreams. Research suggests dreams may help process emotions, reinforce memories, and even improve problem-solving. Studies also show that brain activity during dreaming resembles wakefulness, and external stimuli can influence dream content. These findings bring us closer to understanding the mysteries of our subconscious mind.

MH370 Mystery: New Theory Suggests Hidden Crash Site

An Australian researcher, Vincent Lyne, proposes that MH370 was deliberately crashed into a deep underwater trench in the Indian Ocean, making it nearly impossible to find. He argues the pilot, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, orchestrated the disappearance. Lyne suggests this specific sea-floor hole is the best place to search for wreckage. The theory challenges past search efforts but awaits official investigation.

DARPA Explores Suspended Animation for Medical Use

DARPA, in collaboration with Harvard researchers, is investigating ways to induce "hypersleep" to help patients with critical injuries. Their goal is to use the Alzheimer’s drug donepezil (DNP) to slow metabolic processes, potentially allowing more time for medical treatment in emergencies. The approach could revolutionise battlefield medicine and emergency response, though further research is needed.

ISRO Chief Claims Aliens "Definitely Exist"

Shreedhara Somanath, head of ISRO, stated in a podcast interview that he firmly believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life, despite having no concrete proof. He suggested that advanced alien civilisations could be observing Earth like a "zoo" but warned that contact could be dangerous due to biological incompatibility. He speculated that life elsewhere might have evolved with entirely different structures, potentially leading to hostile interactions.

Awake Kidney Transplant Success

A man underwent a kidney transplant while fully awake using only spinal anaesthesia. This approach reduced recovery time, allowing him to be discharged the next day. While not the first time such a procedure has been performed, it remains uncommon. This method could help improve recovery rates and reduce hospital stays for future patients.

1,700 Unknown Viruses Found in Glacier Water

Scientists studying an ice core from a Tibetan glacier discovered 1,700 previously unknown viruses, dating back 41,000 years. While none are capable of infecting humans, the find raises concerns about ancient pathogens emerging due to climate change. Researchers emphasise that these viruses likely played key ecological roles in the past and provide valuable insight into Earth's history. The discovery could help scientists better understand ancient ecosystems.

Searching for Aliens Beyond the Milky Way

A new project involving the SETI Institute and other research centres is using Australia's Murchison Widefield Array to search for alien signals from galaxies beyond our own. The telescope's wide field of view allows for scanning 2,800 galaxies in a single observation. While the first search didn’t detect techno-signatures, it provided valuable insights for future efforts. Scientists believe any extraterrestrial civilisation capable of reaching us would need to harness energy from stars.

Mysterious Death of Alleged Russian 'Spy Whale'

Hvaldimir, a beluga whale suspected of being part of a Russian naval training program, has been found dead in Norway’s Risavika Bay. First spotted in 2019 wearing a harness marked "Equipment St. Petersburg," the whale sparked theories of espionage. His cause of death remains unclear, but investigations are ongoing. Some speculate he was an escaped therapy whale rather than a spy.

Nun’s Body Found Intact After Four Years Underground

The body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, a Missouri nun who died in 2019, was exhumed in 2023 and found to be remarkably well-preserved, despite no embalming and a decayed casket. Medical experts found no scientific explanation, leading some to consider it a miracle. Her remains are now displayed at the abbey, drawing visitors intrigued by the mystery.

Gravitational Waves Reveal Antikythera Mechanism’s Lunar Calendar

Scientists used statistical methods from gravitational wave research to analyse the Antikythera mechanism, the world’s oldest known analogue computer. Their findings suggest it likely had a lunar-based calendar with 354 or 355 holes in its ring, matching the traditional lunar year rather than a solar calendar. This strengthens the theory that the device was used for astronomical calculations.

Lost Egyptian Tombs Reappear

Archaeologists in Aswan, Egypt, have uncovered at least 30 ancient tombs carved into a hillside, dating from 332 B.C. to 395 A.D. The site, once looted illegally, reveals family graves, mummies, and artefacts indicating middle-class and elite burials. One mystery involves two mummies fused together inside a stone coffin. Researchers hope to learn more about burial practices and diseases of the time.

The Missing 10 Days of October 1582

In 1582, the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar caused 10 days, October 5 to 14, to be skipped to correct inaccuracies in leap years. This adjustment, initiated by Pope Gregory XIII, aimed to realign the calendar with the solar year. While Catholic nations adopted it quickly, others transitioned later, leading to temporary inconsistencies worldwide. The missing days still appear in historical records and even modern digital calendars.

Why Putting Your Luggage in the Bathtub Is Smart

The article explains that putting your luggage in the bathtub, though seemingly odd, is a useful trick to prevent bringing unwanted bacteria or germs into your living space. Bathtubs, being harder to clean than floors, can offer a temporary, relatively sterile surface for your luggage, preventing cross-contamination. Just remember to remove your items before using the shower!

Mississippi Alligator Hunters Catch 802-Pound Behemoth

A Mississippi family caught a massive alligator weighing 802 pounds and measuring 14 feet long in the Yazoo River. The group, experienced in alligator hunting, initially had no idea how large it was. After catching it, they had to tow the creature back to shore as it was too big for their boat. Though it didn't break state records, it was still considered the catch of a lifetime.