Do Cleaner Wrasse Fish Really Recognize Themselves? Mirror Self-Recognition in Fish and What It Means

Recent studies are reshaping our understanding of self-awareness in the animal kingdom—particularly with cleaner wrasse fish (Labroides dimidiatus), which have shown evidence of mirror self-recognition (MSR), a trait long thought to be limited to mammals and birds. In experiments, these fish inspected visible marks placed on their bodies only when viewing themselves in mirrors, indicating…

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Jodidara, The Polyandrous Tradition of Himachal Pradesh

In the remote Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh, India, the Hatti community practices an ancient polyandrous marriage tradition known as Jodidara. This custom involves a woman marrying two or more brothers, aiming to preserve family unity, prevent the division of ancestral land, and maintain economic stability. The practice, though rare today, is conducted with mutual…

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Emerging Voices: Discovering Alice Browne’s Abstract World

Alice Browne stands out as a compelling figure among Britain’s lesser-known contemporary painters. Her work masterfully explores the relationship between colour, form, and space, resulting in paintings defined by bold shapes, dynamic brushstrokes, and vibrant palettes that invite viewers into a deeply immersive experience. Her exhibitions across the UK have garnered attention from critics and…

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The Shortest War in History: How Zanzibar Burned for 38 Minutes

In the annals of global history, the Anglo–Zanzibar War of August 27, 1896, holds an astonishing record—it lasted a mere 38 minutes. The conflict was triggered when Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, who had close ties with the British Empire, died suddenly. Khalid bin Barghash seized power without British approval, prompting a swift ultimatum. When Khalid…

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Teleios: The Perfect Bubble—Unraveling the Mystery of a Supernova Sphere

In early 2025, astronomers using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) discovered Teleios—a remarkably symmetrical, spherical structure in the Milky Way that defies conventional expectations. Unlike typical chaotic supernova remnants, Teleios appears as a near-perfect circle in radio wavelengths yet remains invisible in optical light. Its distance is debated, estimated between 7,175 and 25,114…

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The Unexpected Power of “Zombie” Forest Fungi

In a remote corner of the Pacific Northwest, mycology researchers recently stumbled upon a startling phenomenon: a fungus capable of reviving dead wood—literally bringing it back from the dead. Known colloquially as the “zombie fungus,” Armillaria gallica can infiltrate rotting logs and, through an astonishing network of subterranean filaments, send nutrients into the wood, halting…

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