Exciting Discovery in the Amazon Basin: New Vegetarian Piranha Named After Sauron’s Eye!

Scientists have recently discovered a new species of vegetarian piranha in the Amazon Basin, naming it after the iconic Eye of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings.” This unusual fish, Myloplus sauron, was found in a tributary of the Amazon River. It caught the attention of researchers due to its distinctive vertical black stripe on a light-colored body, reminiscent of Sauron’s eye.

Interestingly, Myloplus sauron joins a group of animals named after the literary villain, including a beetle, a frog, and a genus of butterflies.

Despite its formidable name, this species is quite harmless. Unlike its carnivorous relatives, Myloplus sauron follows a vegetarian diet. This dietary preference is due to their unique square-shaped teeth, which closely resemble human teeth. Over time, these teeth have adapted to allow the fish to feed on fallen fruits, crush seeds, and nuts. Under favorable conditions, these fish can grow up to 1 meter in length and weigh up to 20 kilograms.

Stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries from the world of @science!

No, This Anteater Doesn’t Have Two Heads!

At first glance, it might look like this anteater has two heads, but in reality, the second “head” is one of its front legs. This fascinating feature is an excellent example of both warning and camouflage coloration in nature.

While the anteater is busy foraging for food, its leg, which mimics the appearance of a second head, always remains “on guard.” This clever adaptation helps protect the anteater from potential predators, ensuring it stays safe while it searches for its next meal.

Discover more amazing examples of nature’s ingenuity on our @science channel!

Yes, This Lizard is Sitting on a Finger. And It Really is That Tiny!

What you’re looking at is an adult male chameleon, Brookesia nana, the smallest known reptile. These incredibly tiny creatures belong to an endemic genus of chameleons found only in northern Madagascar and the nearby islets. Unlike many of their tree-dwelling relatives, Brookesia chameleons live primarily on the ground in forests.

With around 30 known species, all Brookesia chameleons are remarkably small. Brookesia nana, described only in 2021, measures just about 22 millimeters (including the tail) in adult males, while females are slightly larger at around 29 millimeters.

Why are these chameleons so small? Molecular analysis suggests that the miniaturized Brookesia species diverged from other chameleons about 40-50 million years ago. Today, they inhabit the northern part of Madagascar, a region with complex terrain that promotes high microendemism. Their tiny size is likely an adaptation to their highly restricted habitats. For instance, Brookesia micra was discovered on the 270-hectare islet of Nosy Hara, with an estimated population of 100,000-150,000 individuals.

Stay tuned for more incredible insights into the fascinating world of reptiles!

This is How the Road to Grindavik, Iceland Looks Now

Following a recent volcanic eruption, the lava flow has spread across several kilometers, blocking the main road to the town of Grindavik. The dramatic landscape transformation is a stark reminder of the powerful geological forces at work in Iceland.

The region, known for its volcanic activity, has been significantly impacted, with the molten rock cutting off vital access routes and reshaping the terrain. As the lava cools and solidifies, it creates new landforms, but also poses challenges for the residents and infrastructure of Grindavik.

Stay informed about the latest developments in volcanic activity and its effects on our planet on our @science channel!

These Beetles are True Drilling Machines!

Observe the female oak weevil (Curculio glandium) as she expertly drills into an acorn by moving her head side to side, using her elongated snout like a drill. These beetles, part of the weevil family, not only consume the flesh of acorns but also use them as a nutritious and safe nursery for their larvae.

To lay eggs, the female searches for a suitable acorn using her sensitive antennae located on her snout. The best candidates are young acorns that haven’t hardened yet or those with existing cracks. Once she finds the right acorn, she uses her long ovipositor to lay one to four eggs in the drilled hole before moving on to find another acorn.

As the acorn matures, it falls to the ground, where the larva chews its way out and burrows into the soil to continue its development.

Stay tuned to our @science channel for more fascinating insights into the incredible world of insects!

🦎 Aquatic Anoles: Nature’s Divers! 🦎

Did you know that the aquatic anole (Anolis aquaticus) can breathe underwater using a natural “scuba tank”? These amazing lizards can stay submerged for up to 16 minutes! They achieve this by storing air in a special skin pouch on their head and throat.

Discover more about the incredible adaptations of wildlife with us! 🌿🔍

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🚀 Historic Lunar Soil Return by China! 🚀

For the first time in history, China has successfully returned soil samples from the far side of the Moon. The capsule, released from the Chang’e-6 probe, landed in northern China with the aid of a parachute. Chinese television network CGTN shared the video of the landing.

The collected materials are estimated to be around four billion years old, offering invaluable insights into the Moon’s ancient history. Excitingly, China plans to launch the Chang’e-7 probe in 2026 and Chang’e-8 in 2028.

Stay with us for more groundbreaking updates in space exploration! 🌌🔭

@science

🔭 A Glimpse into the Future: ALMA’s High-Tech Antennas! 🔭

This image might seem like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie or a video game, but it’s real! It shows one of the many antennas of the ALMA radio interferometer being transported on a specialized vehicle.

ALMA is comprised of 66 antennas, most of which have a diameter of 12 meters. These antennas work together as a single, massive telescope. They can be positioned in various configurations across 192 pads, with distances ranging from 150 meters to 16 kilometers.

When antennas are placed close together, they are highly sensitive to detecting extended sources. Conversely, when they are farther apart, they can observe incredibly fine details. This transporter is moving one of these vital antennas to its new location.

🌏 @science

🚚 Japan’s 500-Kilometer Conveyor Revolution! 🚚

Japan has announced plans to create Autoflow-Road, a 500-kilometer network of automated conveyor belts to connect Tokyo and Osaka. This ambitious project aims to address the truck driver shortage and enhance freight efficiency. Each pallet system in the Autoflow-Road can carry up to one ton of cargo and will be placed under highways, on ground-level paths in the middle of roads, and along the sides of highways.

Operating 24/7, this system has the potential to replace 25,000 truck drivers per day, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

🌏 @science

For more details, check out the full article here.

🌊 The Mighty Tidal Bore of Fuchun River!

The Fuchun River in southeastern China is famous for the world’s largest tidal bore. Known locally as the “Silver Dragon,” this natural phenomenon is truly unique to this region. The waves, sometimes reaching heights of 9 meters, surge upstream at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

While this spectacle is awe-inspiring, it can also be dangerous, often leading to casualties.


🌏 @science #science

Mysterious Fog Bow

Have you ever seen a fog bow? This fascinating phenomenon occurs when light scatters on water droplets much smaller than those forming a regular rainbow. The absence of colors is due to light diffraction, which becomes more pronounced as the droplet size decreases.

Explore more about the enchanting wonders of our atmosphere with us!

🌏 @science

🌍 Amazing GOES-U Satellite Launch! 🚀

Check out this incredible video of the GOES-U satellite separating from the Falcon Heavy’s second stage against the backdrop of Earth. This new, advanced satellite, roughly the size of a bus, will monitor Earth’s weather, space weather, and solar events from geostationary orbit.

Stay tuned for more breathtaking moments in space exploration!

@science #science #space

🧲 What is Ferrofluid? 🧲

Ferrofluid is a colloidal suspension composed of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier liquid, typically an organic solvent or water. These tiny particles exhibit magnetic properties, causing the fluid to react strongly to magnetic fields, creating unique and fascinating patterns.

📹 Video by Bob Products

@science #science