Robin Byrd, known as the 'orgy queen' for her public access TV show promoting sex workers, is now the subject of an HBO documentary. The film highlights her legacy as a sex-positive and gay icon, her fight for First Amendment rights, and her role as an "accidental activist" during the AIDS epidemic.
Briefs on various science and nature discoveries: US plans to combat screwworms with sterilized flies, discovery of a massive bee colony under a New York cemetery, first known screwworm infection in the US, great white shark spotted in the Mediterranean, new tiny octopus species in the Galápagos, funding cut for Ebola researchers, AI labs warning against AI-developed biological weapons, Uranus' moons potentially holding clues to missing planets, AI protecting EV chargers, bug-hunting arms race in the AI era, and Turkey's innovative hair-transplant industry.
Two men in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, died after consuming poisonous mushrooms mistaken for edible varieties. The victims experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea. Local health authorities warn that poisonous mushrooms, like the 'White Death Cap' or 'Ra Ngak', closely resemble edible types and lack specific antidotes, leading to high mortality rates.
Mushrooms exposed to UV rays are a good source of Vitamin D, but other foods like salmon, tuna, fortified plant milks, yogurt, and orange juice offer higher amounts. The article highlights these alternatives for maintaining bone health and immune function.
Participants took 25mg of psilocybin, reporting deeper psychological insight and better wellbeing a month laterA single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can induce anatomical changes in the brain, according to research among people who took the psychedelic compound for the first time.Scientists spotted apparent changes in the brain’s structure which were still apparent a month after healthy volunteers took the drug. If confirmed, they may help explain the therapeutic effects that psychedelics can have on anxiety, depression and addiction, researchers said. Continue reading...
Crushing soda cans for science, why dolphins swim so fast, how urine helps mushrooms communicate, and more
Taiwan has accused China of evading its import restrictions by smuggling vegetables like Napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms through Vietnam, repackaging them as Vietnamese goods. Agriculture minister Chen Junne-jih announced measures including aerial surveys in Vietnam and strict penalties to combat this "origin laundering." DPP legislator Chiu Yi-ying revealed fraudulent Vietnamese certificates cost as little as $410, enabling profits of $6,400-$16,000 per container.
