3 Ways To End A Virus

The article discusses the clash between the Alpha and Delta variants of the coronavirus. Using a hypothetical scenario, it explains how the more transmissible Delta variant outcompetes and drives the Alpha variant towards extinction. The article also explores the ways in which viruses can go extinct, including running out of hosts, killing all hosts, or being outcompeted by another virus or strain. It concludes by discussing the possibility of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, going extinct and the potential for a universal vaccine to prevent all infections.

Why Do You Want To Squeeze Cute Things

The phenomenon of “cute aggression,” where people feel conflicting urges to cuddle and squeeze cute animals, is surprisingly common and affects about half of all adults. Cuteness is associated with features such as plump cheeks, large eyes, and short limbs, which stimulate brain regions associated with emotion and reward. It is hypothesized that cuteness triggers nurturing instincts and that cute aggression may be a result of emotional overload rather than an actual intention to harm.

Why Are Beavers Obsessed With Dams

The article discusses the world’s longest beaver dam, which is located in northern Canada. The dam, measuring 850 meters long, has transformed the region by creating a large pond and has had significant impacts on the environment. Beaver dams, even ones much smaller than this, have the ability to redesign forests and provide benefits to both wildlife and humans.

What Makes Thomas Jefferson So Controversial

The article explores the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of the United States. While Jefferson is known for his contributions to equality and democracy, his participation in slavery and mistreatment of Indigenous communities raise questions about his legacy and whether historical figures should be judged by modern standards.

What’s Worse Than A Wasp’s Sting? Murder

The article discusses the gruesome and fascinating strategies employed by parasitoid wasps to ensure the survival and development of their offspring. These wasps inject venom into their hosts, manipulate their behavior, and eventually consume them alive. The article highlights various examples of this parasitic behavior, including the manipulation of cockroaches, ladybugs, gall wasps, and caterpillars.

Mao Zedong’s Infamous Mango Cult

In 1968, Chairman Mao Zedong gifted factories across China with fresh mangoes, leading to a frenzy of speculation and rituals surrounding the fruit. However, this seemingly harmless gesture was actually a propaganda tool during the Cultural Revolution, a dark period of violence and repression in Chinese history. The mango fever eventually faded, but discussion of the Cultural Revolution remains restricted in China today.

When Are You Actually An Adult

The article explores the question of whether age is the best way to measure maturity, particularly in relation to voting rights. It discusses different ways that adulthood can be defined, such as brain development and cognitive abilities, and highlights the influence of emotional and social elements on decision-making. The article concludes that there is no exact age or moment of adulthood, but rather different waves of maturity that vary for each individual.

Can You Steal The Most Powerful Wand In The Wizarding World

The article discusses the Mirzakhani wand, a powerful magical item that the evil wizard Moldevort plans to use to conquer the world. The wand is hidden within a cave, protected by a system of 100 magical stones and platforms. The protagonist, along with Drumbledrore, must correctly place the keystone on the correct platform to reveal the wand, but there is a 50/50 chance of causing the cave to collapse. However, Drumbledrore reveals a secret weapon, a potion that grants extraordinary luck, increasing the protagonist’s chances of success.

How To Deal With Rejection

Rejection is a painful experience that triggers brain activity in the same regions that process physical pain, according to fMRI studies. The article explores the evolutionary theory of rejection and provides strategies for coping with and learning from rejection.

Ethical Dilemma Should We Get Rid Of Mosquitoes

Scientists have been experimenting with gene drives, a technology that could potentially eliminate the most lethal mosquito species responsible for transmitting deadly diseases to humans. While gene drives have shown promise in the lab, there are still unanswered questions and ethical considerations regarding their implementation in the wild, including concerns about potential impacts on non-target species and ecosystems. It is crucial for communities, scientists, regulators, and governments in affected countries to be involved in the research and decision-making processes surrounding gene drives.