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scientific discovery

Title: Knife-Backed Lizard Discovered in Vietnam’s Jungle

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 10, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New Lizard Species with ’Knife-Like’ Scales Discovered in Vietnam

A new species of spiny-backed lizard, Acanthosaura⁢ grismeri, has been identified by researchers from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in the Krong Bong mountain⁢ forest area of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. The discovery⁢ highlights the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia’s tropical forests.

Researchers describe the lizard as possessing rows of scales resembling knife blades along ⁣its back, distinguishing it from related species. Male A. grismeri are a vibrant green with distinctive patterns,measuring ‌7-9 centimeters in length. Females are slightly larger, reaching 10-11 centimeters, and exhibit a greenish to light brown coloration for camouflage.Unlike other members of the acanthosaura genus, this species lacks black patches around the eyes, rather displaying⁤ thin dark lines and white bands around the lips.

The identification of A. grismeri relied on‌ an integrative taxonomic approach, combining genetic analysis, morphological data, ⁢and habitat location. Analysis of ‍the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase I) gene revealed a genetic difference of 7.8-25.3⁣ percent between ‌the new species and its closest relatives.

The lizard inhabits isolated, damp forests with tall trees and limited human⁣ disturbance.Lead researcher Linh Tu Hoang Le emphasized the importance of the‌ find, stating, “We haven’t finished getting to know the natural ‌world around⁢ us. Every new species ‍brings the‌ message that there are many things we don’t understand⁤ and need to protect.” The discovery underscores the need for continued conservation efforts in southeast Asia to protect its unique endemic species.

November 10, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Scientists Observe Tectonic Plate Fracture in Pacific Ocean | Real-Time Monitoring

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 4, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Real-Time Observation Reveals Tectonic Plate Fragmentation Off Vancouver island

Scientists have,‌ for the first time, directly observed the⁢ fracturing of ‌a tectonic plate beneath the Pacific ocean, near Vancouver Island. A team led by Brandon Shuck at Louisiana State University utilized a combination of underwater sensor data,seismic imaging,and earthquake records to map the internal structure⁢ of⁢ the seafloor and document this ongoing process.

The research, reported by Science ‍Daily, reveals that plate rupture ⁢isn’t a single, ⁤catastrophic ⁣event, but rather a series of gradual breaks that⁢ create smaller, ‍independent sections known as microplates. this discovery provides‍ valuable insight into the geological processes shaping our planet and offers‌ a new ⁣perspective on seismic and volcanic activity in subduction zones.

The study focused on the Juan‌ de‍ Fuca plate and the Explorer plate, identifying significant deep ⁤fractures, including a vertical⁣ separation of ⁢nearly five kilometers. Researchers employed‌ sonar technology,sending sound waves from a research vessel and analyzing the returning echoes to construct a detailed image of the plates’ internal structure.

Analysis of the data showed that while some sections of the plates remain connected and seismically active, others have entirely lost⁢ contact, ⁣ceasing to register earthquake activity. Shuck explained that this “stepwise rupture” occurs through successive breaks along existing faults, where plates slide against each other, leading to the formation of‍ these microplates even as subduction continues in other areas.

Implications for ‍Cascadia Seismic Risk

This groundbreaking observation has significant implications for assessing seismic hazards in the Cascadia region of the Pacific Northwest, an area known for its potential to generate major earthquakes and tsunamis. While the emergence of these fractures alters the current understanding⁤ of the region’s tectonic system, the immediate seismic risk remains substantial.

Furthermore, the newly formed gaps between plate fragments could act as pathways for magma from the Earth’s mantle to rise, potentially triggering temporary increases in volcanic activity and modifying existing plate boundaries. Scientists are continuing to closely monitor the region to understand how these fractures will influence the propagation of future earthquakes and overall seismic behavior. The findings will allow for refinement‌ of seismic risk maps and more accurate forecasting in the region.

November 4, 2025 0 comments

Health

Oldest Black Hole Found: A Cosmic Discovery

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 8, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Oldest Black Hole ever Discovered Challenges Cosmic Formation Theories

Jakarta, Indonesia – July 29, 2025 – Astronomers have identified the most distant and oldest black hole ever observed, dating back to just 300 million years after the big Bang. The finding, made using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), is forcing scientists to reconsider existing models of black hole formation in the early universe. The black hole, residing within a galaxy designated as GN-z11, is estimated to be several million times the mass of our Sun.

This finding is particularly surprising given the limited amount of matter available in the early universe. Current theories suggest that black holes grow by accreting matter, a process that would have been considerably slower in the nascent cosmos. The sheer size of this ancient black hole implies either an exceptionally rapid growth rate or a fundamentally diffrent formation mechanism than previously understood.

“This adds evidence that the initial black hole grew much faster than we thought. or maybe thay were born wiht a size far larger than our model predicted,” explained Steven Finkelstein, Director of the Cosmic Frontier Center at the University of Texas at Austin and a lead author of the study, published in the journal Nature on July 28, 2025.

Read too: Scientists find a galaxy of the birthplace of the supermasi black hole

Unraveling the Mystery of ‘little Red Dots’

The research team is now focusing on a population of faint, red galaxies, nicknamed “Little Red Dots” (LRDs), observed by JWST. These galaxies, unlike those previously seen by the Hubble Space Telescope, appear surprisingly bright in the infrared spectrum.The ancient black hole was discovered within one of these LRDs.

“The discovery of LRD is a big surprise from JWSTS initial data, because they are very different from the galaxy seen by the Hubble telescope,” said Finkelstein. “Now, we are in the process of understanding what they realy are, and how they can be formed.” further observations with JWST’s high-resolution capabilities are planned to determine the exact nature of these LRDs and their role in early black hole formation.

The team utilized JWST’s Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instruments to analyze the light from GN-z11, determining its redshift – a measure of how much the light has been stretched by the expansion of the universe – and thus its distance and age.

The discovery of this oldest black hole represents a important advancement in modern cosmology. It challenges the limits of current observational technology and prompts a re-evaluation of theories regarding black hole formation in the early universe. The GN-z11 galaxy is located approximately 13.4 billion light-years from Earth.

With JWST continuing its observations, astronomers anticipate discovering more similar ancient black holes, each discovery bringing us closer to understanding the origins of the universe and the evolution of galaxies. The research was funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA.

Read too: What is our universe trapped in a black hole?

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August 8, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Rare black iceberg spotted in Canada stuns scientists with its mysterious dark hue |

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor June 14, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Black Iceberg Stuns Scientists Off Canadian Coast

Rare Phenomenon Sparks Online Curiosity and Scientific Inquiry

A remarkable black iceberg has recently captured the attention of both scientists and the public. Spotted off the coast of Labrador, Canada, this unusual sight has led to widespread fascination and spawned numerous online theories about its origins.

Discovery and Initial Observations

The striking iceberg was first seen by Hallur Antoniussen, a fisherman working on the shrimp trawler Saputi. While navigating the icy waters last month, he observed a diamond-shaped iceberg that was entirely black. This stark contrast to the typical white and blue icebergs prompted Antoniussen to take a photograph.

The rare black iceberg spotted off the coast of Labrador, Canada.

Antoniussen estimated that the iceberg was at least three times larger than a standard bungalow. His image quickly went viral, drawing international interest. It’s not every day you come across such a visually stunning and scientifically intriguing phenomenon.

Unveiling the Mystery of the Dark Hue

Dark or black icebergs are uncommon and often signify contamination. Soil, pebbles, and other dark substances can be integrated into the ice as a glacier moves over land. This specific iceberg possibly originated from a glacier near Greenland, according to glaciologist Lev Tarasov from Memorial University.

“Ninety percent of the iceberg is actually submerged. What we’re seeing is just the tip. The black material may have once been buried deeper within the ice mass,”

—Lev Tarasov, Glaciologist

As icebergs melt, the darker, sediment-rich layers become visible. Studies show that icebergs can travel vast distances, sometimes over thousands of kilometers, before they melt (USGS, 2023).

Online Reactions and Scientific Significance

Antoniussen’s picture triggered a flurry of online responses, including expressions of astonishment and various theories. Many social media users had never seen a black iceberg before. Some speculated that the dark color was due to a boulder atop the ice, picked up by a glacier.

The iceberg’s discovery serves as a visual marvel and a scientific puzzle, illustrating the intricacies of glacial processes and the dynamic nature of our planet’s icy territories. Further investigation into these rare icebergs could offer valuable insights into the history and composition of glaciers.

June 14, 2025 0 comments