The Politics Of Solving Climate Change May, Paradoxically, Require Producing More Fossil Fuels For A

The politics of solving climate change may, paradoxically, require producing more fossil fuels for a while.

In 2023, the U.S. witnessed a surge in clean-energy initiatives with substantial climate-related spending, nearly 300 clean-energy projects announced, and record-breaking electric-vehicle sales. President Joe Biden proudly stated that America is leading the global fight against climate change. However, paradoxically, the U.S. also emerged as the world's top oil producer, surpassing historical records and accounting for almost 20% of global oil production.

(via Why Is the U.S. Is Producing More Oil Than Ever? - The Atlantic)

Is blue light actually harmful to your sleep? Why the science isn't so clear on this popular belief

“Contrary to common beliefs, it is yellow rather than blue colors that have the strongest effect on the mammalian circadian system."

Scientists estimate the Greenland shark lives at least 250 years and can potentially live for centuries. Researchers estimate that some individuals may exceed over 500 years in age, making them among the oldest known vertebrates on Earth.

One theory to explain this long lifespan is that the Greenland shark has a very slow metabolism, an adaptation to the deep, cold waters it inhabits. A NOAA remotely operated vehicle doing a dive off New England encountered a Greenland shark at a depth of 783 meters, but these sharks are known to dive as deep as 2,200 meters. They’re also the only shark that can withstand the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean year-round.

Sleep inertia refers to the groggy and impaired feeling that individuals often experience immediately upon waking from a nap or night's sleep. It's the transitional period between sleep and wakefulness when cognitive and motor functions are temporarily compromised. During sleep inertia, individuals may feel disoriented, have difficulty concentrating, and experience a decline in performance compared to their baseline capabilities.

The severity and duration of sleep inertia can vary among individuals and are influenced by factors such as the depth of sleep, the duration of sleep, and individual differences in sleep patterns. For example, if a person is awakened from a deep stage of sleep, such as slow-wave sleep (SWS) or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, they are more likely to experience stronger sleep inertia.

The grogginess associated with sleep inertia typically dissipates over a short period, ranging from a few minutes to about 30 minutes, as the brain transitions to a more alert state. Strategies to minimize sleep inertia include gradually waking up with gentle stimuli, such as light or mild movement, and avoiding sudden or abrupt awakenings. Additionally, establishing consistent sleep patterns and ensuring an adequate amount of sleep can contribute to reducing the impact of sleep inertia.

→ Trouble waking up? It might be sleep inertia — 3 ways to prevent sleep inertia

Dwarfism in animals refers to a condition where individuals are notably smaller than the typical size for their species. This phenomenon can arise from various factors, including genetic mutations, selective breeding, environmental conditions, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

In dogs and cats, certain breeds are predisposed to dwarfism through selective breeding practices. Examples include the Dachshund with its characteristic short legs and the Munchkin cat, which has been bred for short limbs. Horses may experience dwarfism due to genetic mutations or pituitary gland malfunctions, while miniature horses are intentionally bred for their small size.

Francis was found by construction workers as a kitten in 2010 and was diagnosed dwarfism.

Pigs, such as teacup pigs, can exhibit dwarfism through selective breeding, and true dwarfism may occur due to genetic factors. Dwarf rabbit breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf, are naturally small due to selective breeding, but genetic or environmental factors can also lead to dwarfism. Birds, fish, and other animals may also experience dwarfism, influenced by genetic mutations, selective breeding, hormonal imbalances, or environmental conditions.

A one-year-old Chestnut (Agouti) Netherland Dwarf

The, the, the... the grinch? Not exactly: This fuzzy green bird is Schalow's Turaco (Tauraco schalowi)! This colorful, vocal species inhabits parts of south-central Africa, including Angola, Namibia, and Zambia. It finds its home in evergreen forests or woodlands, where it feeds on a diet of fruit. Males and females are similar in appearance, with bright green-yellow plumage and tall crests.

Photo: John Puddephatt, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, flickr