The Weddell Sea, an extension of the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica, is known for its abundant wildlife. The 1,242-mile (2,000-km) bay's nutrient-rich waters are home to large populations of seals, penguins, and baleen whales. Now, researchers have uncovered a trove of 60 million icefish nests sprawled across 93 square miles (240 square kilometers) of the seafloor. The nurseries — each guarded by a ghoulish-looking adult — constitute the fish's largest-known breeding colony....
Read news articleOn February 6, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee — 70 years to the day she became queen. The 95-year-old is the first British monarch and one of only four documented monarchs, worldwide — Louis XIV of France; Johann II of Liechtenstein, and, most recently, Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand — to mark the extraordinary anniversary. The historic milestone will be celebrated with events and initiatives throughout the year, but the main festivities will be held during a four-day holiday weekend in June....
Read news articleMost 19-year-olds are still trying to perfect their driving skills. But Zara Rutherford had her eyes set a little higher. The British-Belgian teenager wanted to be the youngest woman to fly around the world solo. On January 22, 2022, Rutherford fulfilled her lifelong dream when she successfully landed her two-seat ultralight aircraft back at the Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport in Belgium, where she had departed from 155 days ago....
Read news articleCelebrated annually on February 14, Valentine's Day is one of those rare holidays enjoyed worldwide. After all, what is there not to like about a day when loved ones shower each other with cards, flowers, chocolates, and jewelry? The holiday, which ranks as the fifth highest-spending event in the United States, is also a favorite among retailers....
Read news articleBiofluorescence refers to an organism's ability to absorb ultraviolet light (UV) and emit it as a colorful glow. The skill has been documented in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even microscopic tardigrades. However, glow-in-the-dark mammals are still new to science. They currently include just a handful of nocturnal animals such as flying squirrels, opossums, and platypuses. The latest to hop on to this elite list is a jumping rodent called the springhare....
Read news articleThe countdown to Super Bowl LVI — the National Football League's championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals— has begun. On February 13, 2022, an estimated 100 million Americans will tune in to watch the two teams battle it out for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The championship game — the fifth one for the Rams and the third one for the Bengals — certainly promises to be exciting. But Super Bowl Sunday is about more than just football....
Read news articleThis past weekend's brutal winter storms brought record snowfall and caused widespread power outages across much of the US East Coast. However, those hoping for an early spring are in for a disappointment. On February 2, aka Groundhog Day, America's furriest weather predictor extraordinaire, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow and forecasted six more weeks of winter....
Read news articleThis year's first Grand Slam tennis tournament — the Australian Open — ended with historic wins for both the women's and men's singles champions. On January 29, 2022, 25-year-old Ashleigh Barty became the first Australian to clinch the women's singles title at a home grand slam in 44 years....
Read news articleThe mummified remains of Amenhotep I, who ruled Egypt from around 1525 to 1504 BC, were unearthed over a century ago, in1881. But the pharaoh's sarcophagus, exquisitely dressed in linens and an ornate, lifelike face mask, was left untouched for fear of damaging his fragile body. Now, researchers have used three-dimensional computerized tomography (CT) to peek through the layers and obtain invaluable information about the ancient king, who lived over 3,500 years ago....
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