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A strange fossil discovered in Morocco has sparked debate among paleontologists. The specimen, identified as Xenodens calminechari, appeared to have never-before-seen saw-like teeth, suggesting a unique evolutionary adaptation. However, growing doubt within the scientific community raises the question if this would be a case of fossil forgery. Keep on reading to discover everything we know about it.

The Mystery of the Xenodens Mosasaur Fossil

In 2021, researchers described Xenodens calminechari, a newly identified mosasaur species with remarkably serrated teeth. Unlike other mosasaurs, which had conical or slightly serrated teeth suited for gripping prey, Xenodens was believed to have evolved a cutting edge similar to a shark’s. This adaptation would have allowed it to slice through prey with precision, making it a one-of-a-kind marine predator and possibly one of the deadliest creatures of its time!

The fossil was found in a Moroccan phosphate mine, a well-known site for Late Cretaceous marine reptile discoveries. Scientists initially hailed it as proof of the fact that mosasaurs evolved over time. It shows that their evolutions followed their unique feeding strategies. However, the fossil’s structure raised red flags among experts. The biggest concern? It seemed to feature multiple teeth growing from a single socket—something never observed in mosasaurs before.

A Groundbreaking Discovery or a Clever Hoax?

Experts have associated the Moroccan fossil trade with altered or human-made bones of other species. In many cases, local collectors piece together fossils from multiple animals to create striking but misleading reconstructions. Given Xenodens’ unusual traits, some scientists now believe that the fossil could have been artificially modified or entirely fabricated.

Leading paleontologists are calling for CT scans and further analysis to determine whether the fossil is genuine or not. If proven real, Xenodens calminechari would challenge current understandings of mosasaur evolution. If fake, it would serve as yet another reminder of the need for strict verification in paleontology before publishing any new theories! However, for now, the truth remains buried—just like the fossils themselves

The world has witnessed the explosion of more than 2,000 nuclear bombs since the first test in 1945. These tests, conducted by various nations, shaped global politics, military strategies, and public health concerns. While international treaties have slowed testing, the legacy of these explosions remains.

The History of Nuclear Bombs and Their Impact

The first nuclear bomb was tested on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico as part of the Manhattan Project. Shortly after, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, ending World War II and ushering in the nuclear age. Over the following decades, nuclear testing escalated as countries raced to develop and refine their arsenals.

The United States led the charge with over 1,000 tests, followed by the Soviet Union with 715. The 1950s and 1960s saw the peak of atmospheric testing, with explosions in the Pacific, Nevada, and Siberia. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis further fueled tensions, leading to a record number of tests that year. However, nuclear fallout from tests like the 1954 Castle Bravo disaster raised global concerns. The radioactive contamination of the Marshall Islands and other affected areas sparked international protests, pressuring governments to reconsider their testing policies.

How These Bombs Changed Global Policies

The dangers of nuclear fallout led to the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty, which prohibited nuclear explosions in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. This pushed testing underground, where it continued for decades. France and China ignored early bans, conducting atmospheric tests until 1974 and 1980, respectively.

With growing calls for disarmament, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was introduced in 1996. Although 187 countries have signed it, some key nations, including the U.S. and China, have not fully ratified it. The last confirmed nuclear test occurred in 2017 by North Korea, raising fears of renewed testing.

Despite fewer tests in recent decades, nuclear weapons remain a global concern. The threat of modern conflicts and advancements in technology such as AI and other invetions continue to fuel discussions on nuclear policy.

If you thought that a fun memory is the only thing that lingers after a fun sesh with your partner, then you’re wrong. A recent study discovered that we leave microbial signatures on people that we sleep with even when using protection like a condom! Curious as to how this would work? Then make sure to keep reading!

How Sex Changes Your Microbiome

A recent study, published in iScience, has revealed that sexual partners leave behind a microbial signature on each other, even if they use condoms. This unique exchange, known as the “sexome,” involves bacterial DNA that persists after a sexy sesh in bed… or other places. Researchers found that even when traditional DNA evidence was absent, distinct microbial traces remained, offering a new way to detect intimate contact.

Microbial transfer happens because the human body is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up the microbiome. When two people have sex, these microbiomes will interact, leading to an exchange of microbial material. The study shows that this transfer occurs even when a barrier method, like a condom, is used. This suggests that skin-to-skin contact, sweat, and other bodily fluids all play a role in microbial sharing.

Could These Microbial Signatures Change Forensic Science?

Published in iScience, the study suggests that microbial analysis could be a valuable forensic tool, especially in cases where standard DNA evidence is degraded or missing. Unlike human DNA, which remains stable, microbes change rapidly based on environmental factors and interactions with others. This means that forensic experts could potentially use microbial analysis to determine whether two people had physical contact. And this would even work if no direct DNA is left behind.

Surprisingly, factors like circumcision or pubic hair did not impact microbial transfer. ON the other hand, condom use only reduced, rather than prevented, the exchange. This shows that microbes can spread through more than just genital contact, possibly through skin, saliva, and sweat. While forensic applications are promising, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to determine how long these microbial traces last and how they vary between individuals.

The Future of Microbial Research

Understanding the microbial signature left behind after sex could have broader implications beyond forensic science. Some scientists speculate that long-term sexual partners may develop a shared microbiome over time. This would also influence immune system function and even susceptibility to certain infections. Future research aims to explore these connections and determine whether the microbial changes caused by sexual activity have any lasting health effects. While there’s still much to uncover, one thing is clear—sex leaves behind more than just memories

Credit:

• Study Credit: iScience
• Featured image: Anna Alexes/Pexels

While a cool Pajama might be nice and comfortable when you’re hanging out on the couch, it might not be the best solution for sleeping. There are many people who report sleeping in their underwear, and these people are almost there to experience the benefits of sleeping naked. However, they still need to lose that last layer of clothing. Are you curious to discover what these benefits are? Then keep reading!

How Sleeping Naked Can Improve Your Health

Ditching pajamas at night isn’t just about comfort. Research shows that it can actually have multiple benefits for your health. These benefits include things like improved sleep quality, a boost in metabolism and even a reduction of stress. improve sleep quality, boost metabolism, and even lower stress.

Research also shows that sleeping nude helps regulate body temperature, so you won’t have to worry about overheating at night. However, a better regulated body temperature also promotes deeper sleep, which can help reduce stress and is beneficial to your mental health in general. This temperature control also activates brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, potentially supporting weight management.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Beyond better sleep, going to bed without clothes may lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and supporting overall well-being. It also allows the skin to breathe, aiding in natural repair processes overnight.

However, sleeping naked is not for everyone. Some people may find it impractical in cold climates or when you’re sweating through the sheets during warmer days. People who live in shared spaces also often don’t feel comfortable sleeping naked.

Another thing to keep in mind, when you do try to sleep naked, is that the sheets need to be washed more frequently. Sleeping in dirty sheets can cause irritations on your skin and other unwanted reactions in your body. In the end, personal comfort plays the biggest role, but science suggests that sleeping nude comes with unexpected health perks.