Science and Technology

Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'

Las Vegas’ growing mosquito problem: how to protect yourself

In recent years, Las Vegas has become known not only for its entertainment, casinos, and rapid urban expansion, but also for a less glamorous issue that is steadily growing: the rise in mosquito populations. What was once considered a minor nuisance in the desert climate has transformed into a larger public health concern, driven by environmental changes, urban development, and shifts in weather patterns that make the region more hospitable to these insects.The presence of mosquitoes in desert cities may sound counterintuitive. Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, an area characterized by hot, dry conditions and scarce rainfall.…
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OpenAI's Sam Altman sees AI bubble forming as industry spending surges

AI bubble forming as industry spending accelerates, warns OpenAI’s Sam Altman

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about technologies of the decade, drawing unprecedented attention from investors, governments, and corporations. Yet, as enthusiasm grows, OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has cautioned that the sector may be heading toward what he describes as a bubble. His comments arrive at a time when billions of dollars are flowing into research, infrastructure, and startups, raising both opportunities and concerns about the sustainability of this rapid expansion.According to Altman, the vast volume of financial investments in artificial intelligence reflects historical trends of speculative overinvestment. Although he recognizes the technology's transformative potential, he also…
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I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

The journey began with a simple question: Was the fossil I purchased online authentic? This inquiry led me down a rabbit hole of scientific journals, geological databases, and expert forums. I quickly learned that the world of paleontology is filled with complex verification processes, and the digital marketplace is rife with fakes. My initial search was a practical one, a desire to confirm the value of my purchase. However, as I delved deeper, the nature of my question shifted. I realized that the true value of the object was not in its authenticity but in the story it told, whether…
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Mexico’s bat man on saving the ‘most unfairly treated animals on Earth’

Mexico’s bat man on protecting the world’s most misunderstood animals

In the thick jungles and ancient caves of Mexico, a silent transformation is taking place, driven by a man with a mission to alter the public's view of one of the globe's most misunderstood animals: the bat. Rodrigo Medellín, a distinguished ecologist and conservationist, has devoted his life to safeguarding these nocturnal creatures. His fervent advocacy has earned him the endearing nickname "Mexico's Bat Man." Through his steadfast efforts, he is demonstrating that these creatures are not symbols of fear but vital components of their ecosystems, crucial for everything from farming to the health of entire woodlands. His initiative is…
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People moved back to Pompeii after devastating eruption, excavations reveal

Pompeii repopulated after eruption, according to latest excavation reports

Recent archaeological findings in Pompeii have revealed a remarkable and previously under-examined aspect of the ancient city’s history: people returned to the site after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. This new evidence challenges the long-held belief that Pompeii was immediately and permanently abandoned, offering a more nuanced picture of the tragedy's aftermath. These discoveries suggest that survivors, and possibly even looters, returned to the buried city to recover valuables, salvage materials, and perhaps mourn their lost loved ones, demonstrating a powerful human connection to the place even in its destruction.Los recientes trabajos de excavación, realizados en…
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A plague mysteriously spread from Europe into Asia 4,000 years ago. Scientists now think they may know how

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

For centuries, both historians and researchers have been intrigued by the journey of a catastrophic plague that swept through Europe into Asia approximately 4,000 years ago. This ancient illness, identified today as an early variant of the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has persisted as a notable scientific mystery. The challenge of understanding how a pathogen could cover such extensive distances during a time when transportation was restricted has been a significant question for experts. Nonetheless, cutting-edge advancements in paleogenetics are currently presenting a persuasive theory that could at last illuminate this extraordinary dispersal.This new hypothesis suggests that the plague's spread was…
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The Perseid meteor shower is peaking Tuesday. Here’s how to see it

The Perseid meteor shower is peaking Tuesday. Here’s how 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 origin of the Perseids can be traced back to Comet Swift-Tuttle, a celestial body that orbits the…
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