The squirting cucumber, a peculiar plant with an explosive seed-spreading mechanism, has puzzled naturalists since ancient Roman times. Known scientifically as Ecballium elaterium, this small gourd produces a remarkable spectacle as it blasts its seeds at high velocity, covering distances far greater than its own length. But how does it achieve this extraordinary feat? Recent research has revealed the fascinating science behind this explosive event. The process takes place in a fraction of a second. When ripe, the fruit of the squirting cucumber, which measures around 1.6 inches (4 centimeters), can eject seeds at speeds of up to 45 miles per…
Author: Web Desk
Dinosaurs, once insignificant creatures during their earliest stages around 230 million years ago, soon evolved into the dominant lifeforms on Earth. Their rapid rise remains a mystery, but new research suggests that fossilized droppings—known as coprolites—hold the key to understanding how they came to rule the planet. The study, led by paleontologist Martin Qvarnström from Uppsala University in Sweden, delves into the secrets hidden within these ancient digestive remnants. By studying more than 500 fossils collected over 25 years from the Polish Basin, researchers were able to examine remains from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, ranging from about…
Over 1.5 million years ago, two distinct species of early humans, Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, walked side by side along the shores of an ancient lake in Kenya, leaving behind fossilized footprints. These extraordinary imprints offer a rare glimpse into a time when different human species may have coexisted, sharing a habitat rather than competing for territory. The discovery was made during an excavation in July 2021 at Koobi Fora, located on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana, a site renowned for its rich collection of human ancestor fossils. Initially, a single hominin footprint was found alongside tracks left…
A remarkable new study has uncovered how a pod of orcas in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico, has developed an effective strategy for hunting and killing whale sharks — the world’s largest fish, capable of growing up to 18 meters (60 feet) in length. While previous reports and observations had suggested that orcas were capable of preying on whale sharks, this study offers the first detailed documentation of such hunting behavior, capturing four separate events on camera. These hunts were conducted in the Gulf of California, where whale sharks gather in feeding areas. However, the orcas specifically…
Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has earned a groundbreaking evaluation score, marking the highest rating ever in the history of the tournament. The Kingdom’s bid received an impressive score of 419.8 out of 500, setting a new benchmark in FIFA’s evaluation process. This announcement comes ahead of the official decision on the hosts for the FIFA World Cups of 2030 and 2034, which will be finalized at the FIFA Congress on December 11. Saudi Arabia’s bid, submitted in July under the slogan “Growing Together,” aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030, which seeks to establish Saudi…
Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will only accept a solution that aligns with its stance on the tournament’s hosting. According to sources, no progress will be made on this matter until the ICC proposes a reasonable and viable formula that meets Pakistan’s position. This development follows the cancellation of a crucial ICC board meeting that was initially scheduled for Saturday. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested more time to respond after Pakistan’s firm position…
Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Adelaide due to a low-grade side injury, marking another setback for the hosts in their ongoing series. Hazlewood, who claimed five wickets in the first Test in Perth, was unable to prevent Australia’s heavy 295-run defeat, leaving them trailing 1-0 in the five-match series. Cricket Australia confirmed that Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the squad for the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6. However, Scott Boland is the most likely candidate to replace Hazlewood in the playing…
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed its crucial board meeting regarding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for 24 to 48 hours, following a brief discussion that lasted just 15 minutes. The meeting’s objective was to address the ongoing deadlock caused by India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, coupled with Pakistan’s strong opposition to a hybrid model for hosting the tournament. During the short session, the ICC decided that Pakistan and India, with the council’s assistance, would work together to find a solution that would be acceptable to both parties. The proposed solution would also involve consultations with other relevant…
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to make a critical decision today regarding Pakistan’s hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The board meeting will determine both the tournament’s venue and whether it will proceed as planned amid ongoing disputes between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has firmly opposed a hybrid model, which would see matches involving India played at a neutral venue, typically suggested as the UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has communicated its stance to the ICC, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizing that while Pakistan is willing to face challenges, it will not do so at the…
Amid the growing uncertainty surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and India’s refusal to participate in Pakistan, an Indian politician has spoken out in favor of the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stated that sports should not be politicized and that the Indian cricket team should travel to Pakistan for the prestigious event. In a pointed remark aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yadav referenced Modi’s visit to Pakistan in 2015, during which he crossed the border to have biryani. “If the Prime Minister can go…
