Curiously

Construction_and_Engineering

A machine capable of transforming plastic waste into fuel could redefine the future of recycling and energy. Created by Japanese engineer Akinori Ito of Blest Corporation, the innovative Be-h uses pyrolysis to break down plastics into oil, gas and carbon. This process occurs by heating the material in the absence of oxygen, allowing the refined oil to be used as fuel, while the gas generated powers the system itself, making it highly efficient.

In addition to offering a solution to the huge accumulation of plastics that take centuries to decompose, this technology proposes a new source of alternative energy. With the potential to be applied in everything from local communities to large industries, Be-h could transform the way we deal with waste. Despite challenges in scalability and emissions reduction, its impact on sustainability makes it a promising innovation in the fight against pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

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The Japanese Machine That Turns Plastic into Energy and Revolutionizes Recycling

Above Helsinki’s streets, an impressive underground network connects metro stations, shopping malls, restaurants and important buildings, allowing people to get around without having to face the harsh Finnish winter. With over 400 meters of strategically planned passages, this infrastructure protects against temperatures that can drop below -20°C, as well as improving urban mobility and reducing surface traffic.
In addition to the tunnels, Helsinki has invested in pedestrian and cyclist-friendly streets, ensuring year-round accessibility. This innovative approach demonstrates the city’s commitment to efficient transport, safety and sustainability, setting an example for urban planning for the world.

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Helsinki: The Innovative Underground Network That Revolutionizes Winter Mobility

A brain-reading implant that translates neural signals into audible speech has allowed a paralyzed woman to hear what she intended to say almost instantly.

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Brain implant translates thoughts into speech in an instant

science

In Breaking Bad, hydrofluoric acid made its destructive capacity clear, but there is something even more frightening: fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF6), the most powerful in the world. This super acid destroys not only organic materials, but also glass and metals such as steel, which makes it necessary to store it in Teflon containers due to its extreme corrosiveness.
It is mainly used in the petrochemical industry as a catalyst in the alkylation of hydrocarbons, a fundamental process for the production of high-octane gasoline. In addition, its ability to protonate extremely stable compounds makes it indispensable in advanced chemical reactions. However, its management involves a high risk due to its toxicity and aggressiveness, making it a powerful and dangerous tool.

![](https://m.stacker.news/85373)

Super Fluoroantimonic Acid: The World's Most Powerful and Dangerous Acid

On May 30, 2010, a huge sinkhole measuring approximately 20 meters in diameter and 90 meters deep formed in Zone 2 of Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story factory. The sinkhole was caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Agatha, the eruption of the Pacaya volcano, and leaking sewage pipes that weakened the ground. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, only one fatality was reported.

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Giant Sinkhole Swallows Factory in Guatemala City in 2010 After Disasters

Animal_World

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An extremely rare Piebald Elk spotted recently 🫎

The United States has announced the start of large-scale production of the B61-13 gravity bomb, a new nuclear weapon that is part of the country’s nuclear arsenal modernization program. Manufacturing began seven months ahead of schedule.

"In response to a critical challenge and an urgent need, the B61-13 program adopted a planning approach that resulted in delivery scheduled seven months earlier than expected," stated Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in a press release.

The project was launched in 2023 by the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) with an estimated cost of $92 million.


𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝟲𝟭-𝟭𝟯: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙐.𝙎. 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙉𝙪𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗

The B61-13 is a gravity bomb, meaning it is dropped from aircraft rather than launched by missiles. While its name may sound like something from a sci-fi story, it is actually based on the B61-7 model but features improvements in security systems to prevent unauthorized use.

With a variable-yield warhead, the bomb can be programmed to detonate with power ranging from 10 to 360 kilotons, allowing adjustments depending on the target—whether a conventional structure or a highly resistant facility. This flexibility increases precision and reduces collateral damage.

Additionally, the B61-13 includes a guided tail kit that enhances accuracy and enables the aircraft to stay farther away from enemy defenses. Initially, it will be used by the B-2 Spirit bomber, but in the future, it will also be integrated into the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber.

Another key aspect is that the B61-13 can replace both older and newer warheads, enhancing U.S. deterrence capabilities without increasing the total number of nuclear weapons.

"The B61-13 team reprioritized qualification activities, planned tests in coordination with U.S. Air Force partners, and finalized requirements in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory and the NNSA," the SNL statement added.

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United States Begins Early Production of the New B61-13 Nuclear Bomb

"Rubber Room" is the name given to the emergency exit bunkers located 40 feet (12 m) below the launch pads at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39; there is one below each of the two launch pads. Built in the 1960s for the Apollo program, its purpose was to provide a safe haven for personnel on the launch pad in the event of an imminent rocket explosion, when a rapid exit from the pad was necessary and normal evacuation methods would take too long. The bunker was designed to withstand the explosion of a fully loaded Saturn V rocket on the upper pad and was capable of housing up to 20 people for 24 hours.

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The "Rubber Room" below Launch Pad 39B.

Japanese researchers have developed the world's first rechargeable uranium battery, opening new possibilities for the use of nuclear waste. This groundbreaking innovation, revealed this month, utilizes depleted uranium as an energy source, making it a pioneer in the application of this radioactive residue.


𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨

Currently, most batteries rely on materials such as lithium and lead to enhance electron flow and electricity generation. However, in a project led by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), uranium was chosen as the active material in electrochemical processes.

The battery prototype measures 10 cm in width and 5 cm in height and features a uranium-based electrolyte in the negative electrode and an iron-based electrolyte in the positive electrode. Initial tests showed that it could generate a voltage of 1.3 V, which is close to the 1.5 V of conventional alkaline batteries.

Furthermore, the battery was charged and discharged 10 times without significant performance loss, suggesting good longevity and reliability for future applications.




𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙐𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙪𝙢?

Depleted uranium (DU) is the byproduct left after natural uranium is enriched for use in nuclear reactors. This material is considered nuclear waste since it cannot be reused as fuel in modern reactors.

Although less radioactive than natural uranium, DU has limited applications, primarily in the production of military-grade ammunition. These projectiles are known for their ability to penetrate armored surfaces but are highly controversial due to toxic risks. They have been used in conflicts in Syria and the Gulf Wars, and in 2023, the United States pledged to supply Ukraine with a shipment of these munitions.

Currently, Japan stores around 16,000 tons of depleted uranium with virtually no practical use. Globally, the stockpile of this material is estimated to exceed 1.6 million tons.




𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨

The development of rechargeable uranium batteries could be a major breakthrough in the quest for sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions. In addition to recycling a problematic nuclear byproduct, this technology could be used in energy storage systems for renewable power grids.

However, to make this application viable, the battery's storage capacity must be increased. Scientists at JAEA are already exploring redox flow cells, which provide enhanced energy transfer efficiency and greater capacity.

Another key challenge is safety. Even though depleted uranium is less radioactive, it still requires strict handling precautions, which may limit the use of these batteries to controlled environments, such as nuclear power plants.

If research progresses, this technology could transform one of the nuclear industry's biggest environmental liabilities into an innovative energy solution.

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Japan Unveils the World's First Rechargeable Uranium Battery

There is much debate in the horse breeding community about the true origin of the Bashkir Curly. Some believe that the breed was named after the Russian Bashkir tribe, but scientific studies have proven that there are no records of animals with curly hair among Russian horses.
The most striking feature of the Bashkir Curly is its curly coat, which covers the entire body, including the mane and tail. The texture of the coat is dense and wavy, varying from soft to rough, depending on the climate and season. The coat of the Bashkir Curly is truly fascinating.
In addition to their unique appearance, these horses are known for their friendly and gentle temperament. Intelligent and easy to train, they stand out for their calmness, making them an excellent choice for beginners and for recreational activities such as riding and riding. Their loyalty to their owners is another notable trait of this breed.

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Bashkir Curly: Origin and Fascinating Features

Cats are extremely intelligent animals, and their owners are already accustomed to their peculiarities, such as their apparent joy in knocking objects off the table and their irresistible attraction to enclosed spaces. However, some of these felines' behaviors still generate curiosity, even among cat lovers. An intriguing example is the fact that cats meow more at humans than at other cats.



𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧

Cats were originally solitary animals, preferring to hunt and live alone. Their social communication was limited, occurring mainly between mother and kittens. Outside of this context, it is rare for a cat to meow at another.

However, when cats began to live with humans, their meows took on new meanings. For felines, humans began to be seen as a maternal figure, which explains why they use meowing as a way to attract attention and communicate.



𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙨

The first contact between cats and humans occurred about 10,000 years ago, when our ancestors established permanent settlements. These places attracted rodents, which in turn attracted cats in search of prey.

The most adaptable and less fearful felines thrived in this environment, creating closer bonds with humans. Unlike dogs, which were selectively domesticated to develop specific characteristics, cats adapted on their own to living with humans. Those that were able to interact and communicate better with people had a better chance of survival.

This process can be compared to the experiment carried out by Soviet scientist Dmitry Belyaev in the 1950s. He and his team selected less aggressive silver foxes for breeding, resulting in more docile animals with altered physical characteristics, such as floppy ears and curly tails, over generations. The foxes’ vocalizations also changed, becoming more friendly. This demonstrates that domestication can cause both behavioral and physical transformations in just a few decades.



𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙖𝙩 𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Like the foxes in the experiment, cats have undergone changes in their vocalizations over time. The felines have learned to exploit human sensitivity to distress sounds to gain attention and care. In 2009, researcher Karen McComb and her team conducted a study of cat purrs. They identified two main types: Request purrs – these occur when the cat wants food or attention and contain a high-pitched, scream-like tone, which triggers the instinctive response in humans. Non-request purrs – these occur when the cat is relaxed and does not need anything in particular. Study participants, both cat owners and people with no experience with felines, rated request purrs as more urgent and less pleasant. This shows that cats have developed a “hidden cry” in their purrs, making them virtually impossible to ignore.



𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Vocal adaptation has not only occurred on the side of cats – humans have also changed the way they communicate with them. Just as we use a more maternal tone when talking to babies, called baby talk, studies indicate that humans also adopt this type of speech when interacting with their cats.

A 2022 study, led by Charlotte de Mouzon, revealed that cats can distinguish between speech directed at them and speech between humans. This suggests that this form of two-way communication has strengthened the bond between cats and their owners.

Over time, cats have evolved to use vocalizations that attract attention and affection from humans. And, apparently, it is they who have the advantage in this relationship, getting what they want with mastery.

![](https://m.stacker.news/84814)

Why do cats meow more at humans than at other cats?

One of the scariest events that can occur in the insect world is undoubtedly what happens to the biological cycle of the emerald ash wasp.
 In order for her larvae to develop, the female emerald ash wasp looks for cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), which will meet a horrible end.
 The wasp is a skilled and focused attacker; if its stinger manages to penetrate a specific part of the cockroach's head, it will inject a venom that will turn it into a "zombie". In this state, the wasp will take the insect to a burrow that it has previously built, where it will carry out the rest of its work, manipulating it with an antenna.
 This is where the interesting part begins. The wasp lays an egg in a part of the cockroach's abdomen. When the larva hatches from the egg, it digs a hole in the abdomen and begins to feed, initially on the fluids and later on the non-vital internal organs of the still-living insect, suffering a very slow death.
 Once the larva's development phase is complete, it emerges as an adult wasp from what was once a lively cockroach.

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The Zombie Nightmare of Cockroaches: The Death Cycle of the Emerald Wasp

Engineering and materials evolve over time to become increasingly resistant, affordable and environmentally friendly. In this context, sustainable wood, although economical and environmentally friendly, has a relatively low tensile strength, which limits its use.

However, researchers at Nanjing University in China have developed a self-densification technique that promises to create super-strong wood.


𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙

The great challenge of natural wood is the presence of hollow tubes called lumens, found in fibers composed of cellulose and lignin. To overcome this limitation, scientists have proposed a new method that involves several steps:

Chemical boiling – The wood is boiled in a solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, removing part of the lignin.

Chemical treatment – ​​It is then immersed in a solution of lithium chloride and dimethylacetamide.

Expansion and filling – The remaining cellulose and lignin expand and fill the lumens.

Controlled drying – The material is left to dry for 10 hours, shrinking uniformly but maintaining its original length.


𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧-𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙

The result of this process is wood that is significantly more resistant to traction, bending and impact than natural wood or wood compressed by traditional methods. One of the great advantages of this technique is that it does not require hot pressing, which reduces energy consumption.

With the advancement of this technology, it is expected that super-strong wood will be able to replace more expensive and heavier materials, such as metals, in various applications, especially in civil construction. If this innovation is consolidated, it could open up new possibilities for the use of wood as a highly resistant and sustainable construction material.

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Super-strong wood could be the new metal

Sharks have inhabited the Earth for approximately 400 million years and can be found in all regions of the planet. The danger they pose is widely known, making encounters with them something that people try to avoid at all costs. However, in some situations, these encounters are unavoidable — as was the case with photographer Benoît Girodeau, known as Natty Gong, while diving in Mauritius, East Africa.

During the dive, Benoît was surrounded by an oceanic whitetip shark, one of the most aggressive species in the seas. Fortunately, he was not alone. Two sperm whales intervened and protected him from the predator. The impressive moment was captured on video and shared on social media.

According to Benoît, the shark made an “aggressive approach” but quickly retreated when it was blocked by one of the whales. “With its mouth wide open, it chased the shark before checking my situation and retreating,” he said.

The shark was eventually driven away from the area, but soon returned, swimming slowly toward the diver. At that moment, the second whale appeared and blocked the predator’s approach again, using its huge body as a barrier. “The sperm whale didn’t let go and continued chasing the shark,” Benoît said.

Even after this second intervention, the shark insisted on approaching. It was then that one of the whales bit its tail, preventing it from continuing. “The shark tried to come back to me, but I was well protected and the other whale came back to surround me,” concluded the diver.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEWKHuEYfrs

Diver is surrounded by shark and protected by two whales

For decades, theorists have been circulating that the pyramids are just the “tip of the iceberg.” Now, new scans using advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology — conducted by teams from the University of Pisa and the University of Strathclyde — may have identified unusual structures beneath the Pyramid of Khafre. 

According to the researchers, the initial data points to possible underground formations, including what appear to be five multi-level structures, eight cylindrical shafts that would extend for about 648 meters, and two large cubic chambers beneath the Giza Plateau, estimated to be up to 2 kilometers long.

Although the results are still in the analysis phase and await confirmation by physical excavations, this information is reigniting long-standing debates.

Did the Great Pyramids have functions beyond burial? And if these structures do exist, what else could be hidden beneath the sands of Egypt?

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Possible Hidden Structures Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre

The inventor of the water-powered car, Stanley Meyer, left a legacy shrouded in mystery and controversy. In 1975, the American developed a “water fuel cell” that, he claimed, allowed vehicles to run on only water as a source of energy. His device supposedly split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, using hydrogen as fuel, resulting in a clean emissions system and a sustainable solution to the energy crisis of the time.

Despite great interest from the media and investors, the scientific community received his invention with skepticism, claiming that it violated fundamental laws of thermodynamics. In 1996, Meyer was charged with fraud for marketing his technology as something revolutionary, and the court ordered him to return the investments he had received. In 1998, during a dinner with Belgian investors, he suddenly became ill and claimed to have been poisoned, but the official report indicated a brain aneurysm as the cause of the incident. This discrepancy has fueled several conspiracy theories about his career and his invention. To this day, the viability of his “water engine” has not been proven, but his patent has expired, allowing other researchers to continue exploring new possibilities in the search for alternative energy.

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The Mystery of Stanley Meyer and His Water-Powered Car

Japan is turning cow dung into clean hydrogen, transforming what would otherwise be waste into an innovative energy solution. In Hokkaido, the Shikaoi Hydrogen Farm has perfected a process that breaks down livestock waste to generate biogas, which is then refined into pure hydrogen. With a daily output of 70 cubic meters, the system not only powers hydrogen-powered vehicles, but also helps reduce emissions of methane, a gas 25 times more harmful than CO2. 
This innovation reinforces Japan’s commitment to carbon neutrality and represents an important step in converting agricultural waste into a clean, sustainable energy source. The project highlights the potential of technology to transform waste management into an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution, aligning with global efforts toward a more sustainable future.

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Hydrogen from the Field: Japan Converts Cow Manure into Sustainable Energy

As snakes glide across the water, they don’t just create waves; their movements hide a fascinating mathematical mystery. The patterns of the stelae they leave behind follow the distribution of prime numbers. These numbers, which are divisible only by 1 and themselves, have baffled mathematicians for centuries. Number theorist Don Zagier has described them as “one of the unexplained mysteries of creation.” This connection is revealed when we represent prime numbers as circles with corresponding diameters, and draw periodic curves that intersect the axis at each prime number and its multiples. Primes emerge as the unique points where only two curves meet: that of the number one and that of the prime itself. This discovery offers a new perspective on prime numbers, linking nature with the hidden mathematical structure of the universe.

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The Mathematical Mystery Hidden in the Serpent's Trail

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Andean cat and her cub are filmed for the first time in Mendoza

Highway built over apartments in Nanming District, Guyana, China

(Babirusa babyrussa). Means "pig deer" in Malay.

It is believed that the Sulawesi people gave the babirusa this nickname because its large canine teeth resemble horns, but the name could also reflect how the babirusa combines thin, deer-like legs and a multi-chambered stomach with its other, more pig-like features. This mammal occurs exclusively in the swamps and rainforests of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

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