Epic Martian Crater on Utopia Planitia
**Epic Martian Crater on Utopia Planitia**

An epic Martian crater located on the plains of Utopia. Captured by the TGO spacecraft. (High-quality photo)

Real Stars in the Universe of "Dune"

The "Dune" universe references many real stars.

For instance, the home planet of House Harkonnen, Giedi Prime, is part of the 36 Ophiuchi system. Contrary to Villeneuve's film, there are no black stars there; 36 Ophiuchi consists of three orange dwarfs.

House Atreides' home, Caladan, orbits Delta Pavonis. This once sun-like star has nearly exhausted its hydrogen and is transforming into a red giant. In reality, House Atreides would need to leave this system to find a new home.

The primary planet of "Dune," Arrakis, also orbits a real star—Canopus. This white-blue giant is 8-10 times more massive than the Sun, 70 times its radius, and over 10,000 times more luminous. At around 30 million years old, it's quite young compared to our Sun.

However, more massive stars die faster. Canopus has already depleted its hydrogen fuel and is now undergoing helium fusion. Its future is uncertain; it may become a red giant and then a white dwarf, like our Sun, or it might explode as a supernova. Fortunately, Canopus is very far from us.

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USA, population density

Jupiter: Earth's Cosmic Protector

This animation shows how Jupiter protects Earth!

The gas giant's gravity keeps most asteroids and space rocks away from our planet. It also intercepts long-period comets that intrude into the inner solar system from its outer edges.

However, Jupiter sometimes sends space objects our way. In 1770, thanks to Jupiter, the famous Lexell's Comet passed just two million kilometers from Earth. The comet arrived from the distant reaches of the solar system three years earlier and passed close to Jupiter, which adjusted its orbit and sent it toward Earth. Fortunately, the comet missed us, made two passes around the Sun, and in 1779, approached Jupiter again, which then flung it out of our solar system.

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The Use of "Please" in American Requests

Americans use the word "please" in only 7 out of 100 requests, according to researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles.

The authors of the study, published in the "Journal of Social Psychology," suggest that the "magic word" should be seen more as a tool of pressure rather than a universal sign of politeness.

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The Spectacular Courtship Ritual of Grebes

Grebes have a spectacular courtship ritual.

Their synchronized running on water signifies that they are a pair and will soon begin mating. Interestingly, starting the run together is crucial, but finishing together is not necessary. Another key aspect is the position of their beaks; holding the beak slightly upward indicates enjoyment of the process.

Grebes, excellent swimmers and divers, are found in North America and primarily feed on fish.

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#science #birds

The Moon's Gradual Drift from Earth

This animation shows how the Moon has moved away from Earth over time.

The Moon formed around 4.5 billion years ago, likely from debris left after the "Giant Impact" between Earth and a Mars-sized planet named Theia. Initially, the Moon was a hot, glowing red object in the night sky. Scientists estimate that the Moon was receding from Earth at a rate of about 20 cm per year back then. Today, it continues to move away, but much more slowly—only 38 millimeters per year.

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US Physicists Develop Solution for Sub-Light Warp Drive

A team of physicists in the United States has found a solution for a sub-light warp drive moving at a constant speed that meets all energy conditions and does not require exotic energy. This breakthrough was achieved through the development and application of the Warp Factory computer simulation program.

In science fiction, a warp drive is a general term for engines that allow spacecraft to travel at sub-light or even faster-than-light speeds. In theoretical physics, a warp drive is a hypothetical device capable of creating a space-time warp around an object, enabling it to move at speeds far exceeding those currently achievable by humanity.

The physicists emphasize that this solution is only applicable to a drive moving at a constant speed. The issues of accelerating and decelerating such a drive remain unresolved. Moreover, its creation requires technologies not yet available and an incredible amount of mass for the drive's shell.

It is important to note that, for now, the warp drive remains a challenge for theoretical physics, and no space agencies are currently engaged in its practical development.

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#science #wrapengine

As reported in Science, the connection between the brain and body weakens with age, as does the 'communication' between organs. Scientists suspect a causal link here. It's important to note that not only does the brain interact with various organs and tissues through innervation pathways, but the organs and tissues themselves—including the liver, intestines, heart, lungs, muscles, and even bones—also send signaling molecules to each other.**

This inter-organ communication is essential for health and longevity—a concept gaining traction.

We recall about 15 years ago when A.M. Olovnikov proposed a "crazy" hypothesis to explain the course of evolution. He devised a mechanism to enhance evolvability, suggesting that different organs connected through the brain to the gametogenic tissue, sending signals to the sex cells. He published an article in "Biochemistry," which seemed pure fantasy at the time.**

However, putting aside fantasies, various organs and tissues do communicate, for instance, during regeneration and wound healing. As biologists from Duke point out, regeneration is not a localized event but a process involving the entire body. Healthy tissues far from the injury site also participate.

This complex web of mutual connections gives rise to another "crazy" idea: treating a diseased organ by targeting another, healthy one. This idea can even be tested.

🔬 Incredible Journey of a Red Blood Cell

Captured by a scanning electron microscope and magnified 9000 times, this image showcases a red blood cell squeezing through a capillary. The intricate details, brought to life through colorization, reveal the remarkable flexibility and resilience of our body's tiny couriers of oxygen.

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China Central Television aired footage from the landing module camera of the "Chang'e-6" probe, which landed on the far side of the Moon.🌕
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"Chang'e-6" Lands on the Far Side of the Moon

The Chinese probe has successfully landed and is now set to collect soil samples from the far side of our satellite. If all goes well, approximately 2 kilograms of soil samples will be brought back to Earth.

The sample collection will take two days, and the return of "Chang'e-6" is scheduled for June 25. If successful, China will become the first country to deliver soil samples from the far side of the Moon to Earth.

Breakthrough in Diabetes Treatment in China

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors in China have successfully cured a patient of Type 2 diabetes using cell therapy. The 59-year-old man had battled the disease for 25 years, facing severe complications. Most of the insulin-producing islets in his pancreas had failed, leaving him dependent on daily insulin injections.

In July 2021, the patient underwent a cell transplantation procedure. Remarkably, his body began producing insulin independently, and within a year, he was able to discontinue his blood sugar-regulating medications entirely. This pioneering treatment offers new hope for millions living with diabetes.

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Moonbows, also known as lunar rainbows, are optical phenomena that occur under the influence of moonlight.

A distinctive feature of moonbows is their less vivid colors due to relatively weak illumination. However, long-exposure photographs can capture these subtle colors.

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Starlink and the Marubo Tribe: Unexpected Consequences of Connectivity

In September 2023, Elon Musk gifted the Marubo tribe in Brazil with access to Starlink internet, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster educational and social benefits. The intention was for the 2,000 tribe members to gain new knowledge, maintain family connections, and seek governmental assistance more efficiently.

However, the introduction of high-speed internet led to unforeseen challenges. The Marubo, who traditionally spent their days hunting and working, found themselves increasingly captivated by the allure of online gaming, social media, and adult content. This digital addiction significantly disrupted their daily lives, diminishing their engagement in traditional activities and responsibilities.

As a result, the tribal elders implemented a strict internet usage schedule to restore balance in the community. Access is now restricted to two hours in the morning, five hours in the evening, and all day on Sundays. This measure aims to mitigate the negative impacts of internet dependence while still allowing the tribe to benefit from digital connectivity.

This situation highlights the complex interplay between technology and traditional cultures, raising important questions about the responsible integration of modern amenities into indigenous communities.

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Witness the breathtaking view of Mimas, Saturn’s intriguing moon, set against the stunning backdrop of the gas giant’s northern latitudes. This celestial dance reveals the captivating beauty and complexity of our solar system.

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🌿🦎 Meet Uroplatus phantasticus: The Leaf-Tailed Gecko from Madagascar! 🦎🌿

The Uroplatus phantasticus, also known as the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, is a master of disguise native to the enchanting island of Madagascar. This incredible reptile has perfected the art of camouflage to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, making it nearly invisible among the leaves and bark of its forest home.

With its leaf-shaped tail and intricate body patterns, the Uroplatus phantasticus truly lives up to its name—its camouflage is nothing short of fantastical! Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a curious learner, this gecko is a perfect example of the wonders of evolution and adaptation.

Stay tuned for more fascinating facts about the incredible wildlife of Madagascar! 🌍✨

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#Herpetology #Madagascar #LeafTailedGecko #WildlifeConservation #Camouflage #Nature

Phobos: One of Mars’ Intriguing Moons

Phobos, one of the two moons orbiting Mars, presents a fascinating subject for scientific exploration. This celestial body orbits at a distance of 6,006 kilometers from the Martian surface and is gradually drawing closer to the planet. Over time, this proximity will lead to significant changes in its orbit, offering unique opportunities for study.

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#science #space