Have You Ever Heard Of A Shell-less Turtle That Can Grow Up To 6 Ft (1.8 M) Long? Meet The Asian Giant

Have you ever heard of a shell-less turtle that can grow up to 6 ft (1.8 m) long? Meet the Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii). Unlike many of its relatives, it has no exterior shell—just a layer of thick rubbery skin covering wide-spanning, fused ribs that protect its internal organs. Its frog-like face adds to its unusual appearance. This reptile can be found in freshwater habitats where it burrows beneath the sand with only its snout poking out. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by loss of its riverine and coastal habitats, as well as by being hunted for its meat and eggs.

Photo: Dementia, CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr

Oh Good, Hurricanes Are Now Made of Microplastics

When Hurricane Larry made landfall two years ago, it dropped over 100,000 microplastics per square meter of land per day. It’s another ominous sign of how plasticized the environment has become.

Adrian Dittmann (@AdrianDittmann) on X

Samsung debuts the world's first transparent MicroLED screen at CES 2024

Samsung debuts the world's first transparent MicroLED screen at CES 2024.

Photo by Wedding Dreamz on Unsplash

Gamophobia, a term derived from the Greek words "gamos" (meaning marriage) and "phobos" (meaning fear), encapsulates the psychological condition characterized by an overwhelming and often irrational fear of entering into committed relationships or marriage.

Individuals afflicted by gamophobia may experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, or even panic when confronted with the prospect of establishing enduring emotional bonds or making long-term romantic commitments.

This fear extends beyond the legal institution of marriage, encompassing a broader range of committed relationships that involve emotional intimacy and mutual dedication.

The origins of gamophobia can be diverse, arising from past traumas, a fear of losing personal independence, apprehensions about vulnerability, or negative experiences in previous romantic entanglements.

The Third Man Factor is a psychological phenomenon observed in individuals facing life-threatening situations. In such extreme circumstances, people report sensing the presence of an unseen companion, often referred to as the “third man.” This phenomenon gained prominence through historical accounts, with Sir Ernest Shackleton describing it during his Antarctic expedition when stranded with his crew after the ship Endurance became trapped in ice.

Experiences of the Third Man Factor can vary. Some individuals report feeling a distinct presence, while others may describe hearing a voice or sensing guidance. The nature of the “third man” can also vary, ranging from a religious or spiritual figure to a representation of a deceased loved one.

The phenomenon tends to occur in contexts of extreme isolation, danger, or stress. Here are a few notable instances:

Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition (1914-1916): Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew faced a harrowing ordeal when their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in Antarctic ice. Shackleton later wrote about the presence of an unseen companion that seemed to accompany him and other members of the expedition during critical moments. The “third man” presence provided a source of strength and guidance.

Joe Simpson’s Mountaineering Ordeal (1985): Joe Simpson, a mountaineer and author, experienced the Third Man Factor during a perilous descent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. After a severe fall and being left for dead by his climbing partner, Simon Yates, Simpson reported the presence of a phantom companion who encouraged and guided him back to safety.

Aron Ralston’s Canyon Survival (2003): Aron Ralston, the subject of the film “127 Hours,” faced a life-threatening situation when his arm became trapped under a boulder while hiking in a remote Utah canyon. During his ordeal, Ralston reported a hallucination of a young boy appearing to him, offering comfort and companionship. This presence helped him endure the physical and emotional challenges until his eventual rescue.

Apollo 12 Moon Mission (1969): During the Apollo 12 mission to the moon, astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad reported a strange experience. He felt the presence of an unseen entity during a moonwalk, which he later likened to the Third Man Factor. Conrad described a feeling of guidance and support during a crucial moment of the mission.

Psychologists and researchers have proposed that the Third Man Factor may be a psychological coping mechanism. Under intense stress, the brain may create a supportive figure to provide comfort and guidance. This phenomenon has had a notable impact on literature, influencing stories of survival and exploration.

Herwebenkhet, Chantress of Amun, prostrates herself before the god Geb in the form of a crocodile and drinks from the waters that will unite her with the gods and assure safe passage to the afterlife.

The strongly built shape of the body of the deceased exemplifies a new image for the female figure in this period. It contrasts with the slender images that were in vogue earlier.

Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, c. 1069-945 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. SR 19325 Read more