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Energy Freedom Technologies is Increasing Awareness About Portals

2025-03-14 04:00:45 By Patricia Rodriguez

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And the ways in which they could be affecting your surroundings.

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What is a portal, and do they exist beyond science fiction? Energy Freedom Technologies conducts research and experiments with portals and shares that a portal is an energetic gateway that can move between and sometimes through dimensions. "Portals allow energies to come into and/or out of space," said Energy Freedom Technologies founder Nicole Cobb Edwards. "For example, a one-way portal pulling energy out of a space may be sucking the health and happiness out of the environment and you may even notice physical items go missing like remotes, keys, and other personal objects. There are also portals that are one-way in the other direction meaning they are inputting energy into a space. Sometimes these portals are inputting confusion energy, and it is also very common for them to bring in entities. The most common portals I experience are two-way portals that have energies coming in and out. Most of these portals are not conductive to a harmonious environment so I find it supportive to acknowledge them and often close portals for clients that prefer more harmony in their space."

Subtle energies accumulated in some areas cause an anomaly in the space-time continuum, opening portals into other dimensions. Sometimes the gateway into another dimension results in the appearance of interesting creatures and forces. In the book Merging Dimensions, authors Tom Dongo and Linda Bradshaw describe research conducted on the Bradshaw Ranch in Sedona, Arizona. Detailed studies verified a series of interesting events on the Ranch and throughout Sedona, continuing over many years. Often, portals can create more subtle disturbances in the environment.

Dr. Claude Swanson's Synchronized Universe Model explains the science of how this may happen. Parallel dimensions differ from our current reality by a shift of frequency and phase. They can be co-located with us and yet not detected, until something causes a shift in the fundamental frequency of our "reality" so it matches theirs. Subtle energy, which accumulates in certain spaces and environments, has precisely this effect. In doing so it opens portals into parallel dimensions.

Do you or a loved one avoid a certain area of your home or property? Is there a room in your home that feels draining and heavy? Is there a room in your home that feels highly energized, and it's challenging to relax or sleep in there? Have you noticed things go missing in a specific room or area on your property? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's possible that there is a portal in your space. Energy Freedom Technologies offers property harmonization services to create more balance and harmony in your environment.

Energy Freedom Technologies is a company focused on developing innovative solutions in the field of renewable energy. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing access to sustainable energy sources. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and research, they aim to create efficient, cost-effective systems that promote energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, Energy Freedom Technologies strives to contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all.

Energy Freedom Technologies, a company founded by Nicole Cobb Edwards in Austin, Texas, creates devices and environments that emit Subtle Energies, generating infinite possibilities and shifting the nature of space. To learn more, visit www.energyfreedomtechnologies.com.

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Boeing Starliner crew members continue to stay occupied aboard the ISS, yet they express a desire to return home in the future.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, Don Pettit, and Suni Williams engaged in a conversation from the International Space Station with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. (NASA) Having officially spent seven months aboard the International Space Station, the two NASA astronauts who traveled on Boeing's Starliner last June are preparing for a hectic schedule in the new year as they anticipate their return flight in the spring. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams reached the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 aboard the Starliner. However, they stayed on the station after NASA opted to return the spacecraft without its crew due to safety concerns. The two astronauts connected with fellow NASA members Nick Hague and Don Pettit for a conversation from the ISS with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy on Wednesday. “I’d like to request Butch and Suni to clarify once and for all the questions that reporters keep bombarding me with regarding your situation. They’re worried about you being stranded, lacking clothes, and food,” Nelson stated. “Could you please put these concerns to rest for good? I sincerely hope you won’t have to address this again. How are you both doing?” Wilmore stepped in to clarify that during the duo's initial flight on Starliner, which was initially intended to last just eight days, they encountered some clothing challenges. This was due to Starliner needing to transport emergency equipment to ensure the bathroom was operational, resulting in the pair having to forgo some of their personal items. “It was common knowledge that we arrived here and exchanged a few components we required on the space station for some of our clothing. We ended up wearing those clothes for a period, but it didn't inconvenience us at all. Up here, clothes are more relaxed in fit. Unlike on Earth, where sweating can make things uncomfortable, here they are loose enough that you can wear them for weeks without any issue.” Since the arrival of Crew-9 last fall, the duo has been provided with a new wardrobe, according to him, and this mission will ultimately serve as the return journey for Williams and Wilmore. He also mentioned that everyone on the vessel is well-nourished. "I've never witnessed anyone consume as much food as Don Pettit does. It's incredible to see this man eat, especially considering how slim he is. It's truly a delight to behold," Wilmore remarked. Melroy reaffirmed her commitment to dispelling the “stranded” narrative that has circulated in various media outlets regarding the prolonged stay of the Starliner astronauts. “So what you're saying is that you're not tapping into 'Cast Away,' and you don't possess a volleyball marked with a handprint that you refer to as Wilson,” Melroy remarked. Williams, currently serving as the commander for what is now Expedition 72, remarked that there is an overwhelming amount of work to focus on, leaving little room for such contemplations. “Not at all, we have a full team here, so that’s not a concern. Plus, there’s plenty of work to tackle with the crew down below,” she mentioned. “We conducted numerous scientific experiments during SpaceX’s cargo resupply mission 31. Upcoming spacewalks are on the agenda as well. Things were quite hectic while we awaited Nick (Hague) to arrive. It’s truly been a pleasure working up here, especially alongside our colleagues on the opposite side of the space station.” Williams and Hague are scheduled to undertake at least one spacewalk later this month, while Wilson and Wilmore may participate in a second one the following week. “It’s an amazing team, and honestly, it doesn’t feel like we’re isolated. Sure, we want to return home eventually, since we’ve been away from our families for some time, but there’s plenty to accomplish while we’re here,” Williams remarked. “We need to finish all our tasks before we can head back.” The astronauts of Starliner were formally integrated into the Crew-9 team when the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom docked on September 29, piloted by Commander Hague, accompanied by mission specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov from Roscosmos. The two astronauts traveled with two vacant seats, allowing Wilmore and Williams to catch a ride back home. 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Whitson is also set to add to her total as she prepares to take command of the Axiom 4 mission later this year.

Abbott names Anwar and Salsman to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AUSTIN Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ryan Anwar of Midland and reappointed John Salsman of Driftwood to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission for terms set to expire on September 1, 2029. Pursuant to an interstate compact with Vermont and in accordance with relevant federal and state laws, the Compact Commission oversees and provides for the efficient management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste while working to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens and the environment. Ryan Anwar, the owner of Midland Energy, hails from Midland. He serves as a board advisor for the Bank of Texas and holds board memberships with several organizations, including the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, the Bynum School, Sibley Nature Center, and the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Anwar earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from UT Austin. John Salsman of Driftwood is the executive director of Operational Safety and Compliance at UT Austin. He is a member of the Health Physics Society and the American Academy of Health Physics. Salsman received a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Protection Engineering and a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Rapid and Proficient Sea Ice Predictions

Artificial intelligence enables the creation of a highly efficient and proficient substitute for a coupled Arctic sea ice prediction model through the use of generative diffusion techniques. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Left) The figures display the sea ice divergence (a, e, and i), shear rate (b, f, and j), sea-ice concentration (c, g, and k), and the semidiurnal variation in sea ice thickness (d, h, and l) as modeled by neXtSIM (a–d), the deterministic emulated forecast (e–h), and an ensemble member from the residual diffusion forecast (i–l). These data are pertinent to the date of December 30, 2017, at 03:00 UTC, with a forecast lead time of 50 days. (Right) A sample of the pan-Arctic validation sea ice thickness, as simulated by neXtSIM for a snapshot from January 2015, is presented on the right, alongside the 64 × 64 grid point surrogate domain (indicated by the red box) for frames (a) to (l). Credit: Finn et al. [2024], Figures 1 and 6. Editors' Highlights provide concise overviews of the latest research articles published by the editors of AGU journals. Source: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems Sea ice model surrogates developed during the past decade are disrupting polar forecasting at a pace akin to numerical methods developed at the dawn of computer-generated predictions of Earth’s frozen oceans. In 1964, Lieutenant William Knodle’s numerical implementation of Vasily Shuleikin’s equations for wind-driven drift beckoned rapid development of physically consistent daily Arctic ice edge forecasts. In their new study, Finn et al. [2024] used generative diffusion to illustrate the potential of a Lagrangian sea ice emulator to predict intraseasonal thickness, concentration, drift and deformation across the Arctic pack with the veracity of the numerical training model, but orders of magnitude faster. The authors added stochasticity to a deterministic surrogate of the neXtSIM Lagrangian sea ice model that was coupled to the NEMO ocean framework and forced with ERA5 atmospheric re-analyses. They trained a neural network to iteratively denoise to 1995-2014 neXtSIM simulations, tuned the resulting residual diffusion surrogate to 2015 neXtSIM output, and emulated neXtSIM 2016-2018 forecasts. The residual diffusion emulator closely mimicked observed multi-fractal sea ice deformation simulated by neXtSIM, in contrast to the simpler deterministic surrogate. Without supplying boundary conditions to the surrogate domain, diffusion surrogate forecasts produced sharp linear kinematic features and related sea ice concentration and thickness 50 days past initialization, as seen in figure above. The method beckons ensemble sea ice forecasts for a fraction of the computational cost of dynamical models.

Individuals affected by historical child abuse within faith-based environments are urged to come forward and recount their stories.

The initiative will explore the experiences of victims and survivors within various faith communities. Additionally, it aims to gain insights into what participants consider to be possible future actions. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The First Minister and the deputy First Minister are urging victims and survivors of past child abuse within faith organizations to share their experiences as part of an ongoing research initiative. The initiative, commissioned by The Executive Office, aims to explore the experiences of victims and survivors within various faith communities. Additionally, it will seek to gather insights on what participants consider as possible future actions. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Clerical child abuse has had a devastating impact on many people here, and those affected deserve truth and justice. It is also important that they are able to tell their stories about the abuse they suffered, to be listened to and have their voices heard. This study will offer a safe space for people to do that.” Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “We recognise the importance of fully understanding the prevalence of child abuse in faith settings and the impact it has had on victims and survivors. “This study aims to shed light on how we can effectively meet the needs of individuals impacted by historical clerical child abuse. I urge anyone affected to step forward and participate in the research, sharing their personal experiences and recounting their stories in their own voices.” This research is part of a trio of studies commissioned to investigate the prevalence and systemic characteristics of historical child abuse within faith-based environments in Northern Ireland. The project will be managed by the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG), established to supervise research and formulate recommendations concerning the historical Mother and Baby Institutions/Magdalene Laundries, along with issues related to historical clerical child abuse (HCCA). These topics were not addressed by the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry. Professor Tim Chapman has been appointed to conduct the research. He mentioned, “I urge anyone interested to step forward and participate in this study. Our team has extensive experience working with victims and survivors, and we will make sure that you have a voice and the opportunity to share your unique experiences in a confidential setting.” "I want to assure everyone that participants will receive support in sharing their experiences through a victim-focused approach, with qualified counselors available for those who require assistance." Lisa Caldwell, the chair of the Interdepartmental Working Group, stated: "This marks a significant milestone in our vital research program. Once the three research components are finalized, we will present our recommendations to the Ministers regarding the proposed next steps. Personal experiences will play a crucial role in shaping these recommendations." If you would like to participate in the oral history study, please contact Tim Chapman at [email protected] or call him on 07351940491, before end of February 2025. - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE - SCROLL DOWN TO READ MORE

Traffic Notice: Vale Street (January 9 & 13)

Weather permitting, on Thursday, January 9th, work crews from the Hagerstown Light Department will be replacing a utility pole on Vale Street.  In order to give the crews space to perform the work, a temporary street closure will be required.   Therefore, beginning at 9:00 AM, Vale Street will be closed to traffic between Security Road and Jefferson Street.  Motorists approaching the closure will be required to detour via other City streets, and will encounter cones, barricades, and other traffic control devices.  It is anticipated that the work will be completed, and the street reopened to traffic, by 1:30 Thursday afternoon.  This same closure will be repeated on January 13th, weather permitting.   Emergency vehicles will not be able to pass through Vale Street while the closure is in effect. For any inquiries related to this advisory, please reach out to the Hagerstown Light Department at 301-739-8577, extension 578.    View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Unleashing the Power of Language: The Impact of Words on Feelings, Decisions, and Behaviors

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. In a pioneering study featured in the renowned journal Cell Reports, scientists have achieved remarkable advancements in comprehending the interplay between neurotransmitters in the human brain and the emotional facets of language processing. The findings illuminate the intricate relationship between linguistic elements and emotional perception, indicating a deep link between neurotransmitter release and the emotional significance of the words we encounter in daily interactions. This global collaboration, spearheaded by the distinguished computational neuroscientist Read Montague at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, brought together more than 20 researchers and medical professionals, highlighting the collective effort behind this innovative research. The study concentrated on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are commonly linked to mood regulation and emotional reactions. Historically, it was believed that these neurochemicals indicated the positive or negative aspects of experiences. Nonetheless, recent discoveries suggest that these neurotransmitters are also vital in shaping how individuals understand the subtleties of language. This connection between brain chemistry and linguistic interpretation is fascinating and could indicate a more profound evolutionary advancement in human cognitive abilities. Montague and his team embarked on this research to examine the theory that brain systems, which initially developed for the purpose of survival and responding to environmental dangers or rewards, could also play a vital role in understanding the meanings of words. This idea holds particular importance for complex social creatures such as humans, who depend heavily on nuanced verbal communication for their everyday interactions and survival tactics. Effectively grasping the emotional nuances of language may not only facilitate human connections but also influence mental well-being. This research marks a groundbreaking effort to assess the simultaneous release of various neurotransmitters triggered by emotional language content. It was carried out on patients who were receiving deep brain stimulation surgery, enabling real-time monitoring of neurochemical activity in targeted areas of the brain. By presenting emotionally significant words on a screen throughout the procedure, the scientists successfully collected data on neurotransmitter fluctuations through sophisticated measurement methods. Recent discoveries have shed light on unexpected roles of the thalamus, a brain region generally recognized for its role in sensory processing. Historically, the thalamus has not been connected to language or emotion. However, new research has revealed that neurotransmitter levels fluctuate in reaction to different emotional words, indicating a complex interaction between various brain areas during language interpretation. This finding suggests that regions not typically associated with emotional and linguistic functions might still play a crucial role in processing important information, aiding in immediate decision-making. Participants in the study underwent deep brain stimulation, during which electrodes monitored neurotransmitter release in response to positive, negative, and neutral words. The findings revealed a complex interaction of neurotransmitters that correlated closely with the emotional weight of the words presented. This detailed insight marks a significant advancement in our comprehension of language processing, illuminating the distinct patterns emerging across different brain areas and their processing dynamics. As a crucial component of the validation process, the team carried out relevant studies employing rodent models. They leveraged advanced techniques such as optogenetics to selectively stimulate certain neurons and monitor their reactions, reflecting the processing patterns of the human brain. This research across different species supports the findings and enhances our comprehension of the neurochemical networks that shape our emotional interpretations of language. The research highlights that language transcends its role as a communication tool, acting instead as a powerful driver of behavior and choices. By uncovering the unique neuromodulator patterns associated with various emotional tones, the study enhances our comprehension of how people may respond in diverse ways to identical verbal messages based on the emotional nuances present. This insight could prove significant for fields like mental health, underlining the critical need to acknowledge the impact of emotional language. Earlier studies in neuroscience predominantly examined neurotransmission in relation to decision-making. In contrast, the present research takes a novel approach by focusing on the emotional impact of language, shedding light on cognitive dimensions that have often been neglected. The researchers argue that, in contrast to numerous other species, humans have a sophisticated ability to understand language that incorporates both context and emotional nuances. Consequently, our processing of emotionally charged words could reveal fundamental cognitive processes linked to survival, creating a connection between linguistic expression and biological needs. Additionally, the vocabulary utilized in the study was carefully curated from the Affective Norms for English Words (ANEW) database, which classifies words according to their emotional value. This thorough methodology enabled the research team to develop a framework that can examine how specific words provoke different emotional reactions, thereby enhancing the comprehension of human thought processes and language. As the scientific community enthusiastically examines these discoveries, the repercussions extend beyond neuroscience to impact psychology, linguistics, and therapeutic methodologies. Such research lays the groundwork for future investigations into the complex connections among emotional cognition, language understanding, and neurobiology. It paves the way for new explorations into how language molds human experiences and affects mental health results. As research progresses and gains further validation, it is essential to recognize the significant impact it could have across multiple disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Gaining insights into how individuals emotionally connect with language might pave the way for innovative approaches in creating technologies that can more effectively understand and react to human emotions via language processing mechanisms. This convergence of neuroscience, linguistics, and emotional intelligence presents a thrilling avenue for scientific inquiry. Subject of Research: People Article Title: Emotional words evoke region and valence-specific patterns of concurrent neuromodulator release in human thalamus and cortex News Publication Date: 28-Jan-2025 Web References: References: Image Credits: Clayton Metz/Virginia Tech Keywords: Health and medicine, Neuroscience, Neurotransmitters, Emotion, Dopamine, Serotonin, Cognitive neuroscience. Explore additional insights from the world of Science. Sign up to receive the newest updates directly in your inbox.

A Discovery of Hundreds of Dinosaur Footprints Dating Back 166 Million Years Has Been Made in England

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Pawel Pajor - stock.adobe.com - for illustrative use only During the previous summer, an employee at a limestone quarry located in southeast England was excavating clay when he observed some unusual protrusions in the vicinity. Recently, a collaborative effort involving more than 100 researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford has confirmed that the bumps discovered are indeed dinosaur tracks, dating back approximately 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic era. Approximately 200 footprints have been uncovered across five distinct trails at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire. This recent discovery sheds light on the behaviors of dinosaurs, offering valuable information regarding their speed, size, locomotion, and social interactions. “According to our speed estimates, it is likely that all dinosaurs were more inclined to walk than to run,” stated Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontology professor at the University of Birmingham. Edgar suggests that the habitat of the dinosaurs may have been similar to the modern-day Florida Keys. Scientists uncovered five trackways preserved in the mud, with the longest measuring nearly 500 feet. Four of the trackways were created by long-necked herbivorous sauropods, probably belonging to the 60-foot, two-ton species known as Cetiosaurus. The fifth set was created by a meat-eating Megalosaurus, a predator that stretched 30 feet in length and had clawed feet with three toes. In 1824, it was William Buckland, a geologist from Oxford, who became the first to scientifically name the Megalosaurus, marking a significant moment in paleontology. In one section of the site, the tracks of carnivores and herbivores intersected, prompting inquiries into the nature of their interactions and whether they coexisted in the same environment. “Researchers have had knowledge of and have been investigating Megalosaurus longer than any other dinosaur species on the planet. However, recent findings demonstrate that there remains untapped evidence regarding these creatures, just waiting to be uncovered,” stated Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Pawel Pajor – stock.adobe.com – for illustrative purposes only. The tracks left by the Megalosaurus measured approximately 25 inches in length, with a stride spanning about 8.8 feet. Researchers believe that this dinosaur moved at a speed of approximately three miles per hour, which is comparable to the typical walking speed of an adult human. It is also suggested that the sauropods may have traveled at a similar rate. Dinosaur footprints were initially found in the region in 1997 when workers at a limestone quarry stumbled upon over 40 sets of tracks. Some of these trackways extended nearly 600 feet long. The UK government has identified the Oxfordshire location as one of the globe's key dinosaur track sites, granting it the status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In general, the recent findings have shed light on the types of dinosaurs that roamed the U.K. during the Middle Jurassic era. Thanks to advancements in modern technology, prints can now be captured with unprecedented detail, enhancing the importance of the region. In the most recent excavation, over 20,000 images of 200 dinosaur footprints were taken. These images will be valuable resources for ongoing research and educational purposes related to dinosaurs. More About:News

Archaeologists Baffled by 3,000-Year-Old Mountain "Mega Fortress" and Its Enigmatic Purpose

The location was discovered to be 40 times larger than what was originally estimated. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Dmanisis Gora was surrounded by a double set of fortified walls. Photo credit: Nathaniel Erb-Satullo. A massive Bronze-Age "mega fortress" has been uncovered in the Caucasus mountains, intriguing researchers who are trying to determine the role of this monumental prehistoric site at the junction of Europe and Asia. Dubbed Dmanisis Gora, this expansive fortified settlement overshadows all surrounding fortifications, but offers scant evidence regarding its inhabitants. Dated to around 3,000 years ago, Dmanisis Gora is one of many fortress settlements that appeared in the South Caucasus between the second and first millennia BCE. Following initial excavations at the site in Georgia in 2018, archaeologists were surprised when they returned the following year to find the remains of a second set of fortification walls surrounding the inner fortress, thus massively expanding the size of the settlement. Dmanisis Gora is so vast that it cannot be fully appreciated from the ground level; only drone photography can capture its true extent. In total, researchers captured 11,000 aerial images of the location, which they combined to create a comprehensive representation of the fortress. “The results of this survey showed that the site was more than 40 times larger than originally thought, including a large outer settlement defended by a 1-kilometer-long [0.6-mile] fortification wall,” explained study author Dr Nathaniel Erb-Satullo in a statement. “These datasets enabled us to identify subtle topographic features and create accurate maps of all the fortification walls, graves, field systems, and other stone structures within the outer settlement.” According to the researchers, the inner and outer fortification walls were “mutually dependent with respect to defence,” meaning they functioned as one system of protective barriers and neither wall could be considered impenetrable without the other. They were also both constructed in the same style, using rough boulders assembled without the use of mortar into walls roughly 2 meters (6.6 feet) thick. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An image depicting the exterior fortification wall, accompanied by power lines for reference in scale. Photo credit: Nathaniel Erb-Satullo. The results indicate that both fortifications were constructed concurrently, implying that the inner and outer settlements functioned as components of a single extensive site. "Should our hypothesis that the inner fortress and outer settlement were approximately contemporaneous be accurate, this settlement would rank among the largest recognized in the South Caucasus during the Late Bronze and Iron Age," the authors of the study state. Interestingly, the vast outer settlement appears to lack significant archaeological finds, indicating that it may not have been home to a large population or was deserted soon after its construction. Both possibilities raise questions, especially considering the considerable effort invested in constructing the fortified walls. Offering a possible explanation, researchers suggest that the fortress may have been used seasonally, potentially as a staging ground by pastoralists during the spring and autumn. Such a hypothesis would appear to justify the importance placed on this key site despite the fact that it lacked a large permanent population. At this time, the specific purpose behind the site's establishment continues to be unclear. Nevertheless, Erb-Satullo mentions that "additional research will soon shed light on aspects like population density and intensity, livestock movements, and farming methods, among other factors." The study is published in the journal Antiquity.

Mysterious and Unidentified Formations Discovered Beneath the Pacific Ocean

The formations might be new or old, but scientists remain uncertain. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Here is a representation of the locations of cooler material within the mantle, made possible by an innovative computer model. Image Credit: Sebastian Noe / ETH Zurich. Geoscientists have leveraged earthquake data to investigate the makeup of the lower section of the Earth's mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean, leading to some intriguing findings. They've identified regions where seismic waves exhibit unusual movement patterns, indicating the presence of structures that are either colder or possess a distinct composition compared to the adjacent molten rocks. The researchers characterize these structures as a significant enigma. It is unclear what these structures are. If they were anywhere else, they could be portions of tectonic plates that have sunk in a subduction zone. But the Pacific is one large plate, so there should be no subduction material under it. The researchers are also uncertain about what kind of material these deep structures are made of or what this means for the internal structure of the planet. "That's our dilemma. With the new high-resolution model, we can see such anomalies everywhere in the Earth's mantle. But we don't know exactly what they are or what material is creating the patterns we have uncovered," Thomas Schouten, first author and doctoral student at the Geological Institute of ETH Zurich, said in a statement. The existence of numerous cold areas within the mantle implies that they may have originated at various points in time and from diverse sources. These regions are not solely the result of subduction plates from the past 200 million years. Schouten elaborated, "We believe that the irregularities in the lower mantle stem from multiple sources. They might be remnants of silica-dense substances that have existed since the mantle's formation around 4 billion years ago, managing to endure the convective shifts within the mantle. Alternatively, these anomalies could represent areas where iron-laden rocks have gathered due to the mantle's movements over the span of billions of years." Further efforts are required. The team relies solely on one characteristic of seismic waves—their speed—to deduce a great deal about the processes occurring beneath our surface. Despite having impressive models, it remains a challenge to derive all necessary information from this single aspect. We cannot physically access the Earth's interior to observe its contents.   "Schouten explained, 'We need to assess the various material parameters that could account for the observed velocities of the different wave types. In essence, we must investigate the material characteristics that influence wave speed more thoroughly.'" A paper describing these findings is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

California and Washington Rank Among the Top 5 States with the Highest Grocery Costs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Timmy! After my recent grocery store visit, I looked at the receipt, and my jaw dropped. My wife typically handles the grocery shopping because, in her opinion, I can't be relied upon (and she’s not wrong). The total cost for a bag of groceries along with a case of soda came to $64. I was aware that prices were soaring, but wow, I really wasn't keeping track. After my shock, the article from TheHill.com really didn’t surprise me at all. All I can say is thank goodness we’re not shopping in California! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Canva On average, American households spend more than $1,000 a month on groceries, breaking down to just about $270 a week, according to a new study via HelpAdvisor. HelpAdvisor ran the numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau to fill a shopping bag with stats. It's hardly surprising that families with kids tend to have higher expenses, but the fact that they spend nearly 41% more than those without children is striking. (My wife and I only have a dog, and I'm pretty sure our little fur-ball wasn't part of this survey). Which States Have the Highest Grocery Expenditures? When analyzing the data by state (recall my comment about how grateful we are not to be grocery shopping in California?), it turns out that California has the highest average weekly grocery expenditure for families, which stands at $297.72. Washington ranks 4th, following Nevada and Mississippi, with an average store expenditure of $287.67. Who spends the most on groceries at stores in Washington? Seattle takes the lead with the highest prices! Moving to California, San Francisco holds the top spot, closely followed by Los Angeles. Are you surprised by these stats? How do you save money at the store? Comparison shop? Coupons? Five Finger Discount? Tap the App and let us know! CHECK IT OUT: 20 American dishes that surprise people from other countries Stacker compiled a list of 20 unusual and uniquely American foods that might raise eyebrows outside the U.S. Gallery Acknowledgment: Charlotte Barnett Top grocery store chains in the United States The most popular grocery stores in America, from corporate chains to family-owned enterprises. Stacker ranked them using consumer ratings sourced from YouGov polls. Gallery Acknowledgment: Stacker