This striking image shows a regular spotted leopard beside a melanistic leopard, commonly known as a black panther.

Despite their different appearances, both are the same species: Panthera pardus (leopard).

The black panther’s dark coat is due to melanism, a genetic variation that causes excess black pigment (similar to albinism but opposite in effect).

However, if viewed closely or in infrared, the black leopard still has visible rosettes (spots).

Melanistic leopards are rare and mostly found in dense tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, where their darker coat provides camouflage.

The image could be from India’s Kabini Forest, a hotspot known for sightings of both types of leopards together, which is extremely rare and considered a wildlife photography gem.

This photo beautifully captures evolutionary diversity in action — a rare natural side-by-side comparison of dominant and recessive phenotypes in the same species.

Of all the insects on Earth, fireflies are among the rare few that communicate using light.

Although commonly called flies, they’re actually beetles. Fireflies use their flashing light patterns much like humans use speech — to attract mates, signal their presence, and sometimes even to trick others.

This glow comes from a small organ called a lantern, located on the underside of their abdomen.

Inside, special cells known as photocytes trigger a chemical reaction that produces light without heat — a process known as bioluminescence.

This image references one of the most famous moments in cryptocurrency history: Bitcoin Pizza Day, celebrated every year on May 22nd.

On that day in 2010, a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made the first real-world transaction using Bitcoin.

He paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa John’s pizzas, which he had someone else order and deliver in exchange for the crypto.

At the time, Bitcoin was worth just a few cents, making the total transaction around $41 USD. Fast forward to today, that same amount of Bitcoin — 10,000 BTC — would be worth over $1 billion, depending on the market rate (as of 2025, it fluctuates near or above $100,000 per BTC).

Laszlo’s transaction marked a historic step for Bitcoin, proving its use in real-world commerce and igniting a movement. He has since stated he has no regrets, viewing it as a necessary step in Bitcoin’s evolution.

Recent scientific studies confirm that microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size—are indeed present in agricultural soils.

These particles originate from various sources including:

- Sewage sludge (used as fertilizer),
- Plastic mulch films,
- Compost contaminated with plastic debris,
- Irrigation with contaminated water.

A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that agricultural lands receive significantly more microplastics than oceans, mainly due to the vast volume of treated wastewater and biosolids applied on fields.

In some estimates, farmlands may receive up to 430,000 tons of microplastics per year—compared to roughly 8 million tons going into oceans globally, but far more concentrated per hectare on land.

Research from countries like China, Germany, and Australia has shown that:

Microplastics can penetrate plant roots, especially in root vegetables like carrots and turnips.

Lettuce and wheat have also absorbed microplastics through root uptake.

These plastics can migrate into edible plant parts, posing a potential risk to human health.

Although the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics through food are still being studied, early research suggests they can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and possibly endocrine disruption in animals, and likely in humans with sufficient exposure.

Scientists are advancing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic how plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuel.

Unlike traditional systems that require electricity, these new technologies directly harness sunlight through specialized semiconductors and catalysts.

This approach offers a more energy-efficient method, ideal for environments where resources are limited, such as outer space.

Recent breakthroughs include successful demonstrations aboard China’s Tiangong space station, where astronauts used artificial photosynthesis to generate both breathable oxygen and ethylene, a hydrocarbon that can be converted into rocket fuel.

The system worked inside a small, drawer-like device that operated with low energy input, making it a viable option for spacecraft and lunar or Martian habitats.

European researchers are also working on similar technologies, testing them for use on the Moon and Mars.

These devices don’t require external power sources and could be enhanced with solar concentrators to work under weaker sunlight conditions. Such systems pave the way for self-sustaining missions by allowing astronauts to produce essential resources on-site, reducing dependence on Earth-based resupply missions.

Overall, artificial photosynthesis is emerging as a critical innovation for the future of space exploration.

It holds the potential to make long-term missions more cost-effective, environmentally stable, and feasible by enabling life support and fuel production in space.

A groundbreaking study published by researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Australia revealed that melittin, the active compound in honeybee venom, can selectively kill aggressive breast cancer cells, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-enriched types.

These types are particularly difficult to treat due to their resistance to conventional therapies.

Key findings include:

Melittin disrupted the cancer cells’ plasma membranes and interfered with signaling pathways essential for tumor growth.

Within 60 minutes, melittin was able to significantly reduce the viability of cancer cells.

Most notably, the venom did not affect normal breast cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

The study also suggested combination therapy with chemotherapy, showing enhanced effectiveness.

However, it's important to note that this research is still in the preclinical phase, primarily conducted in lab settings and mice.

Further clinical trials in humans are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy before being considered a treatment option.