Breton, a massive great white shark weighing 1,400 pounds, has made his way back to the shores of Florida.

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A 13-foot great white shark made a return appearance to the Florida waters Wednesday. The over 1,400-pound male shark, named Breton, has been tracked by researchers since 2020 and last resurfaced near Florida on New Year’s Day in 2024.

Breton left the Newfoundland coast in early December and made his way south down the East Coast, according to the OCEARCH tracker

The marine science organization OCEARCH monitors a shark named Breton, who was initially tagged by scientists in September 2020 close to Scatarie Island in Nova Scotia. He became the first shark to be tagged during OCEARCH's expedition in 2020. Since then, Breton has journeyed an impressive 40,913 miles. 

Breton has taken trips to Florida during this season in the past, and in 2022, he gained significant attention when his tag pings suggested he had crafted a self-portrait.

The great white shark has traveled up and down the East Coast for the past five years and in 2023, he was “pinged” near the Pamlico Sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Great white sharks range from Maine down to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Breton isn’t the only great white shark making his way south. Bob, another 13-foot male white shark, was pinged off the Florida coast on Jan. 5, according to the tracker.

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.

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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.

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SpaceX continues to deploy additional Starlink satellites, maintaining its momentum as it heads into 2024.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Wednesday, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, successfully deploying Starlink satellites as part of Mission 12-11. Image courtesy of Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo. Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Coming off a record-setting 2024, SpaceX continued an aggressive launching schedule with the liftoff Wednesday morning of a Falcon 9 rocket that carried 21 Starlink satellites into lower-Earth orbit. The launch from Kennedy Space Center took place at 10:27 a.m. EST with a first-stage booster making its third trip. The booster landed on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean about eight minutes after liftoff. According to SpaceX, 13 of the newly launched satellites are equipped with direct-to-cell technology. Starlink is the largest satellite constellation ever deployed, designed to make Internet service available globally regardless of how remote the designation. According to satellite tracker and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, there are more than 6,850 active Starlink satellites orbiting Earth currently. SpaceX ended 2024 with 134 successful launches, a new record after just missing 100 launches in 2023. SpaceX successfully sends 21 Starlink satellites into orbit. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On January 8, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifts off from Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a payload of Starlink satellites. Photo credit: Joe Marino/UPI | Licensed Image.

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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

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The Unity Earth Science course has launched the Genesis Arboretum.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Students Claire Van Voorst and Eve Baart, both in their junior year, are busy digging a hole for a sapling at Unity Christian High School as they work together to establish an arboretum. ORANGE CITY—This fall, Unity Christian High School welcomed 26 new trees to its campus, thanks to the efforts of Kevin Haan’s earth science class, who successfully achieved their dream of creating the Genesis Arboretum. The foundation of the project was established last year. "Haan mentioned that in last year's earth science class, the primary focus was on obtaining permission to initiate a tree planting project, aiming ultimately to establish an arboretum. The students dedicated their efforts to all the preparatory work necessary for this initiative." During the 2023-24 academic year, students in Haan's earth science class explored the numerous advantages of trees, identified suitable planting sites, and showcased the ways in which an arboretum could foster interdisciplinary learning experiences. They compiled their findings into a formal proposal and delivered a 30-minute presentation to Unity Christian's superintendent, director of learning, and head groundskeeper, effectively making their case. “To make a long story short, they agreed and now offer landscaping services along with a wide selection of plants, shrubs, and trees.” As the arboretum initiative started to take shape, it was evident that a name was necessary. Students proposed various options and held a vote to decide. Ultimately, they chose the name Genesis Arboretum, referencing the opening book of the Bible, which describes how “The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Haan mentioned that the name also embodies his school’s dedication to stewardship and responsible caretaking. "We serve as guardians and caretakers of creation. Our goal is to convey two important ideas to the students: firstly, that this is indeed rooted in science and biology; and secondly, as Christians, we have a responsibility to nurture and protect the environment." Trees play a vital role in an ecosystem, offering shade, serving as habitats for various birds and wildlife, minimizing soil erosion, and enhancing air quality. As the development of Genesis Arboretum progressed, an important task was to choose the tree species that would thrive on the grounds of Unity Christian. “Haan mentioned, ‘The Iowa DNR provided us with a list of native trees suitable for Iowa, as the main goal of this grant is to promote diversity among native species. We aimed to include a wide variety of species, and we managed to acquire nearly one of each type available.’” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Junior Caleb Altena digs a hole while junior Brody Emmelkamp looks on with a shovel on the grounds of Unity Christian High School. Students in Kevin Haan’s earth science course established an arboretum. Photo submitted The area around the school building features a diverse selection of new trees, including three types of oak, a Kentucky coffee tree, two varieties of honey locust, a birch, and a spruce. Arboreta are classified into four accreditation levels, and Genesis Arboretum holds a Level 1 status. To achieve this level, an arboretum must contain a minimum of 25 species of woody plants, whether they be trees or shrubs, and be located in a site that is accessible to the public. This year, Senior Ava Postma is enrolled in Haan’s earth science class, and her family runs Arden Tree Farms located in Washington state. For the project, Ground Effects obtained some of the trees from her family's business. Postma shared, “My great-great-grandfather was one of the original founders, and this tree farm has been a cherished family-owned business for four generations. I aspire to uphold that legacy and hope to play a role in its future. It's incredible to witness how everything is intertwined.” Haan emphasized species diversity while choosing the trees, partly to fulfill the requirements for achieving Level 1 arboretum status. Nevertheless, his decision was influenced by additional considerations as well. "We aim to avoid the situation we're currently facing with the emerald ash borer," stated Haan. The emerald ash borer is a harmful invasive insect that targets ash trees and has been found in all 99 counties of Iowa. Increasing species diversity within arboretums enhances their ability to withstand diseases or pests that can gradually eliminate a specific type of tree. Take the American chestnut, for instance; it was once a prominent tree species in the eastern United States until a foreign chestnut blight fungus started to proliferate in the early 1900s. As a result, this species is now regarded as functionally extinct. Unity Christian has planted new trees throughout its 10-acre campus located on the western side of Orange City. The decision on where to plant these trees was made in partnership with the school's administration and grounds crew. Care was taken to steer clear of areas designated for athletic teams and potential future construction sites. Haan explained, “These areas may not be practical for the daily operations of Unity, yet they still serve a purpose for biology and ecology. We essentially tried to maximize the available space wherever possible. We added a significant amount of greenery on the east side of the property, adjacent to Michigan Avenue, and also planted several trees along the western edge of the parking lot.” The trees next to the parking area also line a cornfield, and in time, they will form a magnificent canopy over an area that was once overrun with weeds and prone to erosion. Day of Planting On a school morning in late October, Haan's earth science students planted saplings that typically ranged in height from 6 to 8 feet. “We had about 32 children out there, digging holes and relocating trees using the Gators,” Haan remarked. “I teamed up with a representative from Ground Effects, and we focused on spacing and determining the ideal locations for each tree, considering factors like size and soil type. After that, I provided the kids with maps and instructed them, ‘Now it's time to place the trees where they belong; let’s start digging those holes.’” A representative from the DNR was present to offer a brief lesson on the advantages of trees and to assist with the planting and mulching process. Esther Eppinga, a junior, and her planting team received detailed guidelines on the appropriate depth and width for the hole designated for the ginkgo tree they were tasked with planting. “It took us thirty minutes to excavate the hole and plant the tree,” Eppinga mentioned. “The hole measured approximately 2½ feet across and was 1 foot deep. For the following weeks, I made sure to water the Royal Raindrops crabapple — we provided it with a bucket of water every other day.” The fall season was surprisingly dry, making the task of watering the newly planted trees a more challenging endeavor than anticipated. Eppinga mentioned, “The toughest aspect of the entire ordeal was when we had to transport 5-pound buckets brimming with water while making an effort to keep our clothes dry.” In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Unity Christian’s campus, the trees will also serve as valuable educational resources for Haan’s students. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image uploaded. “I have a passion for birds, which is why I plan to have the children monitor bird populations and species annually as we continue to plant trees and allow them to mature,” Haan remarked. “Our goal is to increase both the quantity of birds on our land and the variety of species that visit. Trees provide habitat for countless animals and significantly contribute to the resilience of ecosystems.” This spring, he intends to start monitoring more data points with his students. "Once the weather improves a bit, we plan to begin measuring the diameter and circumference of the trees. We'll track these measurements annually to understand growth rates and how they correlate with climate changes and drier autumns," Haan stated. He will ask his students to investigate the relationships between growth rates and various factors, such as weather patterns. Haan mentioned that he has found it easy to engage his students with the arboretum project. "They've truly embraced it and made it their own," he remarked. A proactive student decided to produce a promotional video aimed at raising awareness in the community about the arboretum project and inspiring donations of trees, possibly in memory of a cherished individual. Additionally, this year's class assigned each student, either alone or in pairs, the responsibility of caring for a specific tree. "We had plenty of trees, so I could easily assign one to each child and say, 'This one's yours to take care of' — it helps them feel a sense of responsibility for that tree." During the autumn season, Postma dedicated her time to nurturing her tree. “My tree is an Aspen Prairie Gold,” Postma mentioned. “During the fall season, I made sure to water it every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, almost without fail.” Haan expressed his desire to plant additional trees on the school property, despite the fact that the current trees take up a significant portion of the designated space. Senior Abby Van Roekel is relishing the benefits of the project to date, which promises to transform the landscape of Unity Christian’s campus for years to come. “We invested a significant amount of time in research and planning to reach this point,” Van Roekel mentioned. “As this is my final year at Unity, I sincerely hope that the students who study earth science next year will appreciate the joy and beauty of God in the work we've initiated.”

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NASA astronauts who have been stuck in space for several months have provided an update on their current situation.

Washington DC - Two astronauts who have been stuck for months on the International Space Station (ISS) said Wednesday they have plenty of food, are not facing a laundry crisis, and don't yet feel like castaways. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Two astronauts who have been stuck for months on the International Space Station (ISS) said Wednesday they have plenty of food, are not facing a laundry crisis, and don't yet feel like castaways.  ©  Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived at the ISS in June aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and were due to spend only eight days on the orbiting laboratory. But problems with the Starliner's propulsion system prompted NASA to change plans, with a return flight now scheduled for late March at the earliest. Williams mentioned that morale remained elevated, even with the unanticipated extended duration in space. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Environment and Climate Tibet hit by massive earthquake that kills over 100 people "It's truly been a pleasure to be working up here," he remarked in a conversation with NASA officials. "It doesn't seem like we're stranded," he remarked. "In the end, we do want to return home since we left our loved ones not too long ago, but we have plenty of tasks to accomplish while we're here." Wilmore laughed softly as he provided comfort regarding the availability of food. "We have had enough to eat," he remarked. He clarified that the laundry needs are also not similar to those on Earth.   View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore (l.) and Suni Williams arrived at the ISS in June aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and were due to spend only eight days on the orbiting laboratory.  ©  "The clothing here is designed to be quite loose. Unlike on Earth, where sweating can make things uncomfortable, here it’s all about comfort. The garments are so loosely fitted that you can wear them for weeks without any issues," he explained. After the propulsion problems developed, NASA ultimately decided to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew, and to bring the two stranded astronauts back home with the members of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission. In late September, Crew-9's two astronauts reached the ISS via a Dragon spacecraft, leaving two vacant seats for Wilmore and Williams. The intention was for all four to make their way back to Earth in February 2025. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Environment and Climate Melting Antarctic ice may awaken dormant volcanoes beneath the surface However, the return was delayed last month following NASA's announcement that Crew-10, set to replace Crew-9 and the two stranded astronauts, would not launch before March 2025, meaning both teams will stay aboard for a transitional phase. Based on the provided schedules, Wilmore and Williams are set to spend over nine months in outer space.  

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