This photograph is black and white, with only the lines on it being colored. Our perception system requires very little to construct a full-color image. The same principle applies to details—our eyes only see a small, focused area in detail, while the rest is filled in by our brain.

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Witness the Northern Gannet’s Spectacular Fishing Technique

The northern gannet, a true master of aerial diving, catches fish by plunging from impressive heights—often over 30 meters—at astounding speeds of up to 96 kilometers per hour. These incredible birds can dive to depths of 15 meters, skillfully maneuvering underwater using both their wings and feet to chase their swift prey. Once they grasp their catch, they immediately surface, showcasing a remarkable display of agility and precision.

#WatchThis #NorthernGannet #AvianMarvels #NatureSpectacle

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Iron-Clad Teeth of Komodo Dragons: A Fascinating Discovery

Scientists have recently discovered an iron layer on the teeth of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which can grow up to four meters in length and hunt large prey, including Asian water buffaloes. Their teeth are incredibly sharp, serrated, and backward-curved, inflicting deep, jagged wounds on their victims through powerful neck and body movements. These formidable teeth resemble those of predatory dinosaurs, making Komodo dragons a valuable subject of study for insights into these ancient reptiles.

While examining museum specimens, researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth exhibit an orange hue, a feature observed even in very young dragons whose teeth are still developing and hidden in their gums. Chemical and physical tests revealed that this coloration is due to iron compounds, which concentrate in the functional areas of the teeth.

This iron enrichment adds strength and resistance to wear, potentially providing an additional benefit of acid resistance. Komodo dragons frequently regurgitate indigestible materials like hair and horns, exposing their teeth to stomach acid in the process.

Interestingly, Komodo dragons are not the only creatures with iron-reinforced teeth. Similar iron-rich coatings have been found on the teeth of other monitor lizards, some crocodilians, beavers, shrews, and even certain fish. However, the iron concentration in Komodo dragons’ teeth is notably higher. Researchers are now investigating whether this characteristic was present in dinosaurs, as clues for future studies have already emerged, though iron in the teeth of ancient reptiles has yet to be confirmed.

#Science #KomodoDragon #IronTeeth #Paleontology #Herpetology

CO₂ Emissions Over the U.S. Visualized by NASA

NASA has released a stunning visualization showcasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across the United States. This depiction highlights emissions from both wildfires and human activities, as well as the spread of greenhouse gases. In 2021, the U.S. accounted for more than 12% of global CO₂ emissions. It would be fascinating to see this data on a global scale.

#WatchThis #ClimateChange #NASA #CO2Emissions #GreenhouseGases

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Saturn at the Edge of the Moon!

Check out this breathtaking photograph capturing the conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on July 24th, taken by Chengcheng Xu. The image beautifully showcases Saturn’s proximity to the lunar edge, offering a stunning view of this celestial event.

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Our mind relies on the seamless operation of numerous small autonomous programs, much like this facial recognition software (try holding your smartphone farther from your eyes). Each of these programs works together to create the complex processes of perception and cognition.

#WatchThis #Neuroscience #Cognition #AI #FacialRecognition

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🚨 Breaking News in Dental Technology! 🦷

In a historic achievement, a fully autonomous robot has performed a complete dental procedure on a human for the first time. Developed by Perceptive, this AI-driven robotic system utilizes a 3D volumetric scanner for precise imaging, eliminating the need for X-rays. The robot can prepare a tooth for a crown in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than human dentists. This innovation promises enhanced precision, reduced procedure times, and improved patient comfort.

🔗 Read more

#Dentistry #Robotics #AI #Healthcare #Innovation

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Elon Musk: Earth can sustain 10 times more people without harming the environment.

Elon Musk: “How many people can Earth sustainably support without causing what most people would consider significant environmental damage? If you really crunch the numbers, I think the potential is to support ten times the current population.”

Jordan Peterson: “That’s a very countercultural statement. Since the mid-1960s, the moral declaration has been that there are too many people in the world. I think Paul Ehrlich was a strong proponent of this view.”

Musk: “His analysis was very unscientific. How much land do we need to grow food? What impact does this have on natural habitats? What is the actual potential for food production? We are actually doing quite well with it and getting better. And is there enough water? Because the Earth is 70% water. There’s really no water shortage.”

@science #musk

Color isn’t just about wavelength; context plays a crucial role too. For instance, an image of strawberries might appear red to us even if there are no red pixels. Our brains perform color correction based on lighting and familiar colors. This phenomenon showcases the fascinating interplay between objective reality and subjective perception.

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Recent research highlighted in The New York Times reveals concerning links between ultraprocessed foods and brain health. These convenient and often delicious foods, packed with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, might be more harmful than we previously thought.

🧠 Key Findings:

1. Cognitive Decline: Studies show a significant correlation between high consumption of ultraprocessed foods and faster cognitive decline.
2. Inflammation and Stress: These foods can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which negatively impact brain function.
3. Mental Health Risks: There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a higher risk of depression and anxiety linked to these diets.

🍔 What Are Ultraprocessed Foods?
Think of items like sugary cereals, packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and sodas. They are engineered for taste and convenience but often lack nutritional value.

🍏 Healthy Alternatives:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Nuts and seeds

Understanding these impacts can guide better dietary choices to protect our brain health. For more details, read the full article here.

Did you know that lobsters have some of the most unique anatomies in the animal kingdom?

Their brain is located in their throat, their nervous system is situated in their abdomen, and they have teeth in their stomach. Additionally, their kidneys are in their head. But that’s not all! Lobsters can hear with their legs, taste food with their claws, and just like humans, they can be right or left-handed.

@science #facts

Cueva de las Manos, or the Cave of Hands, located in the Pinturas River valley in southern Argentina, is renowned for its stunning rock art dating back between 13,000 and 9,500 years. According to archaeologists, the handprints found in the cave were likely made by teenage boys as part of an initiation rite marking their transition into adulthood. The ancestors of the Patagonian Indians, discovered by European settlers in the 19th century, once inhabited this sacred site.

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The African lungfish, also known as the mudfish, has a remarkable ability to survive without water for several months. It buries itself in a burrow of hardened mud beneath a dried-up riverbed. These incredible images from 1935 show the lungfish waking up from its dormancy, ready to resume its life once water returns.

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Quetzalcoatlus Northropi holds the title of the largest flying animal ever to have existed on Earth. With an estimated wingspan of up to 15 meters, it dwarfs any modern bird. To put it in perspective, even with a wingspan of 10-11 meters, this flying reptile could weigh between 200 and 250 kg. Imagine the sheer size and power of this ancient creature soaring through the skies!

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DeepMind has developed a new robot capable of playing table tennis at an impressive level. The robot, designed to interact with human players, has showcased significant advancements in AI and robotics, particularly in the areas of real-time decision-making and adaptability.

@science

#AI #DeepMind