Curiously

Animal_World

A snake's skeleton is long and flexible, composed of a skull specialized for swallowing large prey and hundreds of vertebrae with ribs glued together. They have no limbs, but their backbone gives them great agility. Their jaws can be opened widely thanks to a system of elastic ligaments.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80425)

The incredible skeleton of a snake from Gabon

Construction_and_Engineering

Sergio Rico is a Mexican engineer from the National Polytechnic Institute and created Water Silos, an invention that reduces water consumption in agriculture from 50 to 90%.
This new invention consists of retaining rainwater, making it solid using a polymer capable of absorbing up to a liter of water.
This great creation is biodegradable and allows water conservation for up to 8 years. It saves up to 90% in water consumption in agriculture.
The polymer has the ability to retain 200 times its weight in water for a month and a half.
It is known as biodegradable potassium acrylate polymer, sold in powder form, hydrated with rainwater and transformed into a gel that retains water.
It is only buried at the root level and when it rains it encapsulates the water, becoming solid.
The water remains in this state while the plant consumes it according to its needs.
When the moisture in the polymer runs out, it returns to its main state, waiting for rain to encapsulate the water again.
Dust is capable of maintaining this procedure for a period of 8 to 10 years.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80332)

![](https://m.stacker.news/80333)

![](https://m.stacker.news/80334)

The invention of powdered water can combat droughts across the planet.

Did you know that with just 5 to 6 kilograms of uranium, a nuclear submarine can operate for 30 years without needing to refuel? This is one of the most impressive achievements in nuclear technology. Using highly enriched uranium (UME), containing more than 90% uranium-235, these submarines' nuclear reactors produce a massive amount of energy from a small amount of material. The fission of one kilogram of uranium-235 generates about 24 million kilowatt-hours, allowing submarines to maintain long-term missions without worrying about energy supplies. This approach makes nuclear submarines much more autonomous than conventional submarines, which rely on regular fuel refills.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80251)

The incredible autonomy of nuclear submarines 30 years with just 6 kg of uranium

A baby hippo 👶🏻 🦛 scared because some birds are on him

science

A leap that challenges the limits of robotics. Harvard scientists have developed HAMR, a microrobot weighing just 2.2 grams that can propel 23 times its own length in just 14 milliseconds, surpassing even nature's best jumpers. Inspired by springtails, its bio-inspired mechanism incorporates a wishbone-like structure, an appendage that stores and releases energy with extraordinary efficiency. Published in Science Robotics, this advancement could transform space exploration, rescue missions and mobility in extreme terrain, taking microrobotics to a new level.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80246)

![](https://m.stacker.news/80247)

![](https://m.stacker.news/80248)

HAMR: The Harvard Microrobot

An Australian cyclist recreated the cover of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album with his GPS using the Strava app

![](https://m.stacker.news/80244)

Australian cyclist recreated Nirvana's "Nevermind" cover with GPS on Strava.

Baking soda is a gardener's best friend. Here are 10 cool garden uses:
Natural fungicide 🌱: Mix baking soda with water and liquid soap to spray plants and combat fungal diseases like powdery mold.
Weed Killer 🌾: Directly apply baking soda to weeds to kill them without damaging surrounding plants.
pest deterrent 🐛: A mixture of baking soda and flour can deter pests like cabbage worms and aphids when spraying it on plants.
Soil Amendment 🌸: Sodium bicarbonate can neutralize very acidic soils, improving the environment for plant growth.
Tomato sweetener 🍅: Baking soda around tomato plants to lower soil acidity and get sweeter tomatoes.
Composting improver ♻️: Speeds up the composting process by making the environment more alkaline with sodium bicarbonate.
Odor absorber 🌼: Neutralizes odors in areas such as sodium bicarbonate fertilizer cubes.
Tool Cleaner 🛠️: Clean gardening tools by scrubbing them with a baking soda paste to remove dirt and rust.
Seed germination 🌱: Improve seed germination by soaking them in a baking soda solution before planting them.
Ant repellent 🐜: Deter ants by creating barriers with baking soda around plants or trails.
Baking soda is amazing for the garden! 🌿🌟

![](https://m.stacker.news/80241)

10 cool uses in the garden:

The Copan Building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1966, is an icon of modernist architecture in São Paulo. With 38 floors and a curvilinear facade, the building stands out for its undulating shape. Its fire escape is particularly notable for following the curves of the building, integrating with the overall design and combining functionality with aesthetics, exemplifying Niemeyer's innovative approach to transforming utilitarian elements into artistic parts of architecture.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80164)

The Copan Building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer

A Filipino student has developed AuREUS, an innovative solar window system that generates electricity even without direct sunlight. Using compounds extracted from decaying fruits and vegetables, this sustainable material absorbs ultraviolet radiation and converts it into energy, working on cloudy days or in the shade. Unlike conventional solar panels, AureUS can be integrated into building windows and walls, offering an efficient, ecological and renewable solution for energy generation.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80126)

![](https://m.stacker.news/80127)

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![](https://m.stacker.news/80129)

A Filipino student developed AuREUS

Square waves are a dangerous marine phenomenon that occurs when two wave systems intersect at perpendicular angles, forming a grid pattern on the water's surface. This effect, caused by the interference of different wave fronts, generates unpredictable currents and turbulence that pose a significant risk to both swimmers and boats. The difficulty in staying afloat and changes in the maneuverability of ships can increase the risk of accidents or sinkings, especially in small vessels. While their appearance may be fascinating, these marine conditions underscore the importance of caution and knowledge of the ocean's hidden dangers.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80116)

The square waves


The RV FLIP research vessel is unique in the world for its ability to change from horizontal to vertical position in the middle of the ocean. Measuring 108 meters long and weighing 700 tons, this ship was designed to tilt at 90 degrees, leaving its bow 17 meters above the water (equivalent to a five-story building) while 91 meters remain submerged, ensuring stability against waves. This configuration change, which takes around 28 minutes, is achieved by filling huge tanks at the stern with seawater. Its innovative design makes it a fundamental tool for marine scientific research, allowing detailed studies under highly stable conditions in the deep ocean.

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![](https://m.stacker.news/80049)

The RV FLIP research vessel

With its elegant silhouette and long paws adapted to the South American savanna, the mane wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a unique canine that combines the agility of a predator with the diet of an omnivore, including fruit and small animals. Reaching up to one meter in height at the shoulders, this solitary inhabitant of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia is the only representative of its genus, differing from common wolves in both behavior and genetics. 
Their distinctive deep bark is essential for territorial communication. However, habitat loss and poaching threaten its existence, highlighting the need for urgent efforts to conserve it.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80046)

The maned wolf

Dimples on golf balls are designed to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics. They work by creating a layer of air around the ball, reducing drag and allowing the ball to travel further.
Additionally, they generate lift by modifying the airflow, which helps keep the ball in the air for longer. Without this, a golf ball would travel half the distance.
In 2012, drivers on the MythBusters show wanted to explore whether a similar surface on a car would improve its efficiency. They covered a vehicle with smooth clay and then added dimples.
The tests showed that although the standard car and the dimpled car consumed 26 mpg (9.05 l/100 km), the dimpled model achieved a more efficient consumption of 29.6 mpg (7.95 l/100 km), reducing fuel consumption by 12.5%.
Although the results are optimistic, the vehicle's additional weight and other structural challenges limit its implementation.

![](https://m.stacker.news/80042)

Golf ball dimples reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics.

Brookfield Zoo's gorilla Binti Jua shot to fame in 1996 when a three-year-old boy climbed the wall of his enclosure and fell 23 feet.

The child suffered a fracture to one of his hands and a deep cut on his face, leaving him unconscious. Zoo visitors near the enclosure panicked when they saw a gorilla approaching the unconscious boy, believing it could hurt him even more.

But the visitors were surprised when they saw that the huge gorilla (8 years old at the time) picked up the child and held him in his arms as if he were his own baby, and then headed towards the door where the keepers had access to the enclosure. It even protected him from other gorillas that wanted to get closer.

He finally laid him down on the floor when he saw the door open and stepped aside so the guardians could collect him.

The child was taken to the hospital where he was recovered. The incident sparked a debate about Binti Jua's behavior; whether it was "animal altruism" or a result of her training at the zoo as she was raised by humans since she was born (her mother rejected her).

![](https://m.stacker.news/79985)

Brookfield Zoo gorilla Binti Jua

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence has implemented an innovative initiative to make art accessible to people with visual impairments. Through tactile replicas of some of the most iconic works in its collection, blind visitors can experience art in a unique way, allowing touch to replace sight. The project also includes detailed Braille descriptions and auditory guidance systems, offering a complete and inclusive experience for all audiences.

![](https://m.stacker.news/79984)

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

The aquilene parrot

This species is a target for hunting due to its beautiful red feathers, which are used by indigenous people for ornamentation.

With its mysterious appearance and unmistakable dark coat, the Aquilene parrot, popularly nicknamed "Dracula Poro", is one of the most fascinating species in the world. Its exotic black and white plumage gives it an intriguing image, but also makes it an easy target for unauthorized hunters. It is currently in danger of extinction. An animal as impressive as it is vulnerable. 🦜⚠️

![](https://m.stacker.news/79982)

The Hyundai Nexo, the first hydrogen-powered car sold in Australia, offers a range of 900 km with just five minutes of refueling and purifies the air as it circulates. Equipped with innovative fuel cell technology, the vehicle eliminates CO2 emissions, releasing only water vapor, and achieves air purification equivalent to the oxygen consumption of 33 people per day. With this, Hyundai positions itself as a global leader in series production hydrogen vehicles, representing a significant advance for sustainable mobility.

![](https://m.stacker.news/79978)

![](https://m.stacker.news/79979)

![](https://m.stacker.news/79980)

First hydrogen-powered car sold in Australia

spirituality

Five years ago, on a rainy late afternoon, the Pope blessed an empty St. Peter's Square. Lonely, but not alone, it was seen from a distance by more than 10 million people.
It was the peak of the pandemic and Francisco's gesture, climbing the stairs without assistance, was an example of hope at a time when everyone, in one way or another, didn't know if we could have it. 
His gesture echoes to this day, in an image that cannot be forgotten and told us: in a world turned upside down, I am here with you, and so is He.
Later, he would admit in an interview that he prayed the entire time, afraid of slipping on the wet floor.
The Pope prayed for us and with us, in his humanity so direct, so special, that characterizes his pontificate.
Today, at this time, let us remember him and not leave him alone – as he did not leave us.

![](https://m.stacker.news/79969)