A Tonga volcanic plume has produced the most intense lightning storm ever recorded, with more than 40 flashes per second!

230106093022 lightning tonga eruption graphic vaisala

According to a recent study in the Geophysical Research Letters journal, the plume released by the 2022 eruption of the Hunga Volcano resulted in the most lightning flashes ever observed on Earth, surpassing any previously recorded storm. Sonja Behnke, of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Electromagnetic Sciences and Cognitive Space Applications group, noted, “The eruption of…

Read more

Researchers discover remains of an extinct world – previously unknown organisms that were the dominant complex life forms on Earth around one billion years ago.

Assemblage of primordial eukaryotic organisms of the ‘Protosterol Biota’

Recently discovered biomarker signatures reveal a variety of previously unknown organisms that were the dominant complex life forms on Earth around one billion years ago. These organisms differed from the complex eukaryotic life we know today, such as animals, plants, and algae, in terms of their cell structure and metabolism.

Read more

Research suggests pigeons do indeed dream – of flying!

Feral Rock Dove bird flying

During sleep, the brain undergoes a set of processes to ensure we wake up feeling refreshed. Humans experience different phases of sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, which cause distinct changes in physiology, brain activity, and cognition. During REM sleep, the brain is very active and we experience vivid, bizarre, and emotional dreams.…

Read more