Our Planet

Why are whales unlikely to get cancer? [Peto’s Paradox explained]

Peto’s Paradox is a captivating conundrum in the realm of evolutionary biology and cancer research, prompting scientists to ponder a perplexing question: Why don’t large-bodied or long-lived animals, like whales and elephants, with their multitude of cells and extended lifetimes, exhibit a proportionally higher incidence of cancer compared to smaller species?

Named after the epidemiologist Richard Peto (see source 2 at the bottom of this post), this paradox challenges conventional understanding, suggesting that creatures like whales or elephants, despite having many more cells that could potentially turn cancerous over longer lifespans, don’t necessarily suffer from cancer more frequently than humans do. Unraveling the mystery behind this phenomenon could offer profound insights into cancer resistance and inform future therapeutic strategies.

5 Reasons Why We Should Search for Exomoons

In his video titled “Why Exomoons Are So Important,” astrophysicist David Kipping passionately elucidates five compelling reasons behind the significance of exploring exomoons. With a career-long dedication to the subject, Kipping artfully dissects the role of exomoons in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Delving into themes like habitability, the Rare Earth hypothesis, moon formation, and the quest for biosignatures, he underscores their profound impact on our perception of exoplanets and their potential to harbor life. Through lucid explanations and vivid analogies, Kipping invites us to recognize exomoons as more than mere satellite companions; they represent a new frontier of astronomical exploration that could revolutionize our comprehension of the universe.

Conspiracy Theories in the Digital Age

“Easy to make everything a conspiracy theory when you don’t know how anything works.” [Brandon Bradford]

In today’s digital age, information is abundant, yet so is misinformation. One of the emerging challenges for the modern era is the widespread belief in conspiracy theories. The quote above provides a succinct analysis of why they emerge: a lack of understanding. But there’s more to the story. Here’s a closer look.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 Achieves Moon Landing Success

India’s recent Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully touched down on the moon on August 23, 2023, marking a triumphant moment following the 2019 failure of its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2.

Biggest crocodile ever recorded: Story of Lolong

Lolong was the largest crocodile ever measured: from snout to tail, this fascinating beast was 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches) in length.

The biggest crocodile ever held in captivity, also the largest crocodile ever properly measured, Lolong, a saltwater crocodile, stretched an astonishing 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches) and weighed a colossal 1,075 kg (2,370 lb). In 2011, his immense size caught the attention of Australian crocodile specialist, Adam Britton from National Geographic. Upon careful measurement, Britton confirmed Lolong’s title as the world’s largest captive crocodile. Tragically, on February 10, 2013, this magnificent creature succumbed to pneumonia and cardiac arrest. Here is the story of Lolong.

There’s an emotional support alligator and it helps a man with deep depression!

When one imagines an emotional support animal, images of furry dogs or purring cats might be the first to come to mind. But for Joseph Henney of Dover, Pennsylvania, it’s a 5.5 feet long (1.7 meters) alligator named Wally who helps him navigate the waves of life’s emotional tides. The huge reptile is actually the emotional support alligator of Henney!

Scientists Debunk LK-99 Room-Temperature Superconductivity Claims

Professor Philip Moriarty debunks LK-99 room-temperature superconductivity claims

In a recent wave of excitement, researchers claimed to have synthesized the world’s first room-temperature superconductor, known as LK-99, which supposedly operates at ambient pressure and exhibits superconductivity characteristics due to a unique structural distortion. The intricate details of the claim, rooted in the modifications of the lead-apatite structure and the effects of superconducting quantum wells (SQWs) in the interface, captivated the scientific community. However, this groundbreaking assertion was soon met with skepticism. Renowned Professor Philip Moriarty and physicist Sabine Hossenfelder swiftly took to their respective platforms, releasing videos that critically examine and debunk the veracity of these ambitious claims, urging for a more cautious and meticulous approach to such profound scientific proclamations.

Elizabeth Langdon Williams: The Pioneering “Human Computer” Behind Pluto’s Discovery

Elizabeth Langdon Williams, born in 1879 in Putnam, Connecticut, was more than just an early female graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She played a crucial role in the quest to discover Planet X, now known as Pluto. In an era before the dawn of electronic computers, Elizabeth was a leading figure among “human computers” – skilled individuals, often women, who manually performed intricate calculations. Williams’ unmatched mathematical acumen guided teams in their celestial searches, laying foundational work for the eventual identification of Pluto in 1930. As we marvel at today’s advanced machines, it’s essential to remember pioneers like Williams, who blended intellect and precision at a time when the human mind was the most powerful computing resource.

Chimborazo: The farthest point on Earth’s surface from the Earth’s center

Many often believe that Mount Everest, standing at a whopping 29,032 feet (8,849 meters), is the closest point to space from Earth. Yet, this is a misconception. The peak that holds this surprising honor is not even the tallest mountain on its own continent. Enter Chimborazo, a majestic peak located in the Andean mountain range of Ecuador.

7 Reasons Why Crocodiles Survived When Dinosaurs Died

The extinction event that led to the demise of the majestic dinosaurs is an enduring puzzle of natural history. However, while these behemoths vanished, a few robust creatures like crocodiles managed to thrive. So, what was the secret of their resilience? Why, and how, crocodiles survived when dinosaurs died?