Scientists Identify a Previously Unknown Type of Storm, Called an ‘Atmospheric Lake’

A new type of weather condition has been observed, existing primarily in one particular part of the world: compact, slow-moving, moisture-rich pools. Researchers are calling these ‘atmospheric lakes’.   This unique type of storm occurs over the western Indian Ocean and moves towards Africa. Unlike most storms – created by a vortex – the lakes … Read more

Brutal Viking Ritual Called ‘Blood Eagle’ Was Anatomically Possible, Study Shows

Famed for their swift longboats and bloody incursions, Vikings have long been associated with brutal, over-the-top violence. Between the eighth and 11th centuries, these groups left their Nordic homelands to make their fortunes by trading and raiding across Europe.   Particularly infamous is the so-called “blood eagle”, a gory ritual these warriors are said to … Read more

It Turns Out That Everything We Know About The Runner’s High Could Be Wrong

Many people have experienced reductions in stress, pain, and anxiety, and sometimes even euphoria after exercise. What’s behind this so-called ‘runner’s high’? New research on the neuroscience of exercise may surprise you.   The runner’s high has long been attributed to endorphins. These are chemicals produced naturally in the body of humans and other animals … Read more

Newly Discovered Transparent Cave Snail Has Long Rows of Intimidatingly Spikey Teeth

When you think of snails, sharp jagged teeth are not usually what comes to mind. But you might have to reconsider because these squishy mollusks have terrifying lickity-bits when you look close enough under the microscope.   Snails use their weird-as-heck toothed-tongues called a radula to lick through all sorts of surfaces to feed, including grinding through … Read more

Our Sun May Have Been Born With a Trouble-Making Twin Called ‘Nemesis’

A recent model on how stars are formed adds weight to the hypothesis that most – if not all – stars are born in a litter with at least one sibling. Our own star at the center of the Solar System is probably no exception, and some astronomers suspect that the Sun’s estranged twin might … Read more