short story
Southeast Asia Earthquake. March 28th, 2025
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused destruction across Southeast Asia, most notably Mandalay, Myanmar as the country’s second largest city was the epicentre. Bangkok, Thailand would also see destruction, along with multiple provinces in China having recorded the earthquake. The scale of destruction in the city of Mandalay is unknown at this time aside from at least 144 deceased and an estimated 730 injured, with casualties expected to rise.
By Jacob Newson11 months ago in Earth
Massive 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Causing Widespread Devastation
Massive 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Causing Widespread Devastation. On March 28, 2025 a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar causing widespread destruction and loss of life across Southeast Asia. The quake's epicenter was near Mandalay Myanmar's second largest city leading to significant damage in the region and affecting neighboring countries, particularly Thailand.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
The Secret of Plants That Survive in the Desert
Plants that survive in the harsh conditions of the desert have developed remarkable adaptations that allow them to endure extreme temperatures, droughts, and a lack of nutrients. These survival strategies not only showcase the ingenuity of nature but also provide valuable lessons in resilience, adaptation, and resource efficiency. Many of these plants have evolved to store water, reduce water loss, and make the most out of the limited resources available in their environment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impressive desert survivors.
By AQUÁ PLANTAS11 months ago in Earth
Japanese astronaut's demonstration of playing baseball in space.
Japanese astronaut's demonstration of playing baseball in space. Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata recently captivated the world by demonstrating baseball in space an event that combined elements of entertainment education and scientific inquiry. The demonstration took place aboard the International Space Station (ISS) where Wakata became the first astronaut to show how the sport could be played in microgravity an environment that significantly alters the way objects move. This unusual display of athleticism and science not only fascinated baseball fans but also sparked discussions about the physics of motion in space. BeIn the video that went viral Wakata floated effortlessly inside the ISS tossing a baseball into the air before swinging at it with an imaginary bat. Due to the absence of gravity the ball didn’t fall back to the ground as it would on Earth. Instead it drifted along and Wakata had to chase it and catch it mid air. The video clearly showcased how the basic principles of baseball would change in space. On Earth gravity pulls objects down, and the friction of air affects how a baseball travels. However in the microgravity environment of the ISS the ball continued to float in the direction it was hit unless acted upon by another force. This demonstration was not only a fun and creative activity for Wakata but also a way to highlight the fascinating differences between how objects move in space compared to Earth. Baseball a game deeply rooted in Japanese culture is the most popular sport in Japan and the idea of playing it in space was a fitting tribute to Japan’s love for the game. Koichi Wakata who has had an illustrious career as a Japanese astronaut is no stranger to making waves. His baseball demonstration was both a symbol of his cultural heritage and a unique contribution to the space exploration narrative. Japan's passion for baseball is well documented. The country’s professional league Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is one of the most competitive and successful in the world. Several Japanese players have made their mark in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States further enhancing the sport’s popularity. Wakata’s space baseball demonstration therefore served as both a personal and national celebration showcasing how space exploration can intertwine with human culture and passions in unexpected ways. His act of playing baseball in space generated enormous pride in Japan and brought a fresh perspective to the connection between Earth and space. While playing sports in space may sound like a novelty this is not the first time astronauts have experimented with sports in a zero gravity environment. In fact throughout history astronauts have used their time in space to conduct light hearted yet educational activities. In 1971 NASA astronaut Alan Shepard made headlines when he famously hit two golf balls on the Moon. Although the activity was more symbolic than competitive, it captured the imagination of millions around the world. Similarly Russian cosmonauts have attempted to play soccer in space, while astronauts have tried their hand at basketball and table tennis albeit in modified forms. These attempts highlight the challenges of recreating Earth-based sports in a weightless environment.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
Morning Sounds from a Different Era
When Emma woke up, the sun had just started to rise, and the gentle, golden glow of dawn seemed to last a little longer than normal. As though attempting to jog a buried memory, the morning light traced patterns on the wooden floor as it seeped through the drapes. The feeling that the morning carried something both distant and familiar, like the hum of an old song she could not quite recall the lyrics to yet knew all too well, was not the first time she had experienced it.
By MD SHAMIM RANA11 months ago in Earth
Why don't all birds fly?
Why don't all birds fly? Birds are often associated with flight but not all birds are capable of flying. While flight is a defining characteristic of most bird species some have evolved in ways that make flying unnecessary or even impossible. This phenomenon is due to a combination of evolutionary adaptations environmental factors and biological limitations. One of the primary reasons some birds do not fly is due to their evolutionary history. Over millions of years certain bird species have adapted to life on the ground where flight is not essential for their survival. These birds have developed other means of mobility such as running or swimming that better suit their needs. Evolutionary pressures such as the absence of natural predators availability of food on the ground or the need for specialized foraging methods have led to the loss of flight in some species. The structure of a bird’s body plays a crucial role in its ability to fly. Flight requires lightweight bones strong wing muscles and aerodynamic feathers. However flightless birds often have heavier denser bones that make them less suited for flight. Their wings are typically smaller relative to their body size reducing their ability to generate enough lift. In contrast they may have strong legs which allow them to run quickly or swim effectively. For example ostriches the largest flightless birds have powerful legs that enable them to run at high speeds to escape predators. Another reason why some birds do not fly is their habitat and lifestyle. Birds that live in environments where flight is not necessary tend to lose this ability over time. For instance birds that inhabit islands with few or no natural predators have no need to fly to escape danger. Instead they conserve energy by staying on the ground. The dodo an extinct flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius is a famous example. With no natural predators the dodo gradually lost its ability to fly. However when humans arrived on the island and introduced new predators the dodo was unable to adapt quickly enough and became extinct.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
Earth Could Have Billions More People Than We Ever Realized.
Earth Could Have Billions More People Than We Ever Realized. For decades global population estimates have been the foundation of policymaking, infrastructure planning and resource allocation. However a new study suggests that we may have vastly underestimated the world’s rural population by as much as 84 percent in some cases. If true, this revelation could mean that Earth's actual population is billions higher than previously thought. A research team led by environmental engineer Josias Láng Ritter from Aalto University has provided the first concrete evidence that a significant portion of the rural population is missing from global datasets. Their study published in New Scientist highlights a striking discrepancy in population data particularly in less developed rural areas where data collection has historically been inconsistent and inaccurate.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
The ‘Space Laser’ Wars Have Begun—And America Wants to Be First to Develop the High-Powered Weapons
The ‘Space Laser’ Wars Have Begun—And America Wants to Be First to Develop the High-Powered Weapons The concept of space based laser weapons has long been a staple of science fiction but it is now rapidly becoming a reality. As technological advancements accelerate major global powers particularly the United States are investing heavily in the development of high powered laser systems designed for space warfare. The emergence of these weapons marks the beginning of a new era of military competition one that extends beyond the Earth’s surface and into the vastness of space. The United States recognizing the strategic advantages of space based lasers has committed substantial resources to research and development in this field. The Pentagon and other defense agencies are exploring the potential of laser weapons to enhance national security neutralize threats and establish dominance in space. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons which rely on projectiles or missiles lasers offer near instantaneous response times precision targeting and the ability to disable enemy satellites and other space assets without generating debris. This makes them an attractive option for modern warfare particularly as nations become increasingly reliant on satellite networks for communication navigation surveillance and military operations. One of the key motivations behind the U.S. push for space-based laser technology is the growing threat posed by adversarial nations particularly China and Russia. Both countries have been actively developing their own space weaponry including anti satellite (ASAT) missiles and electronic warfare capabilities. In recent years China has demonstrated its ability to destroy satellites using ground based missiles while Russia has been accused of testing space based weapons capable of targeting American and allied assets. These developments have raised concerns in Washington about the vulnerability of U.S space infrastructure and the need to counter potential threats with advanced defensive and offensive measures.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
Unseen Anomalies Are Shaping Our Understanding of Earth’s Tectonic Plates
Unseen Anomalies Are Shaping Our Understanding of Earth’s Tectonic Plates. For decades scientists have relied on the traditional model of plate tectonics to explain Earth's geological activity. This model developed in the mid 20th century describes how the planet’s rigid outer shell is divided into massive plates that move and interact causing earthquakes volcanic eruptions and the formation of mountains. However recent discoveries of unseen anomalies beneath the Earth's surface are challenging our conventional understanding of these processes. These unexpected findings suggest that the planet’s interior is far more complex than previously thought opening new avenues for research and potentially reshaping our understanding of how Earth’s tectonic system operates. One of the most intriguing discoveries comes from deep sea exploration and seismic imaging technology which have revealed previously undetected structures beneath the Earth’s crust. Scientists have found massive mysterious blobs of dense material lurking at the boundary between the Earth’s mantle and core. These structures known as Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) were first detected through seismic wave studies. Unlike the solid mantle these regions slow down seismic waves indicating that they may be composed of a different material than the surrounding rock. Some researchers believe these anomalies could be remnants of ancient tectonic plates that were subducted and sank deep into the planet over millions of years while others suggest they could be chemically distinct regions that have existed since Earth's formation. Another anomaly altering our perception of plate tectonics is the discovery of hidden fragmented plates. Traditionally scientists have categorized Earth's tectonic activity based on the interactions of large plates such as the Pacific North American and Eurasian plates. However recent research using advanced satellite technology and GPS data has revealed microplates smaller previously overlooked tectonic fragments that move independently. One such example is the Capricorn Plate in the Indian Ocean which was once considered part of a larger structure but is now recognized as a separate entity. The recognition of these microplates has significant implications as they may influence seismic activity in ways previously unaccounted for potentially leading to a reassessment of earthquake risk in various regions. The role of deep mantle plumes another unseen anomaly is also reshaping how scientists view tectonic movement. Mantle plumes are upwellings of hot rock that rise from deep within the mantle and can create volcanic hotspots such as those responsible for the Hawaiian Islands. Traditionally mantle plumes were thought to be relatively stationary acting independently of plate movements. However new studies suggest that these plumes may interact more dynamically with the overlying tectonic plates than previously believed. This interaction could explain irregular volcanic activity in regions far from plate boundaries challenging the conventional understanding that most volcanic activity is strictly tied to subduction zones and rift boundaries. Additionally recent studies of the Earth's lithosphere the rigid outer layer that includes the crust and upper mantle have revealed that it is not as uniform as once thought. The lithosphere varies in thickness and strength which can significantly influence tectonic movement. For example regions where the lithosphere is unusually thin or weak may experience unique forms of deformation such as the slow creeping motion seen in the Basin and Range Province in North America. This observation suggests that the traditional rigid plate model may need to be revised to incorporate a more fluid and dynamic understanding of how different parts of the lithosphere behave under stress.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in Earth
