Identifying the Main Idea Quiz (20 Questions)

Underwater UFOs and New Discoveries

Despite the huge differences between the two areas, space exploration can be quite similar to scientific investigation into the deep waters of the ocean. That is, foreign beings that are drastically different from human beings, including plants and even unidentified foreign objects (UFO), can be found both underwater and in outer space. Most recently, in fact, an unidentified object has been discovered 630 meters below Western Australia, deep in the Indian Ocean. Interestingly enough, the finding is more than just any regular object. In fact, it may be the longest animal ever recorded in history.

With the help of an underwater robotic research system, scientists from the Western Australian Museum came across a 120 meter-long creature, known to be part of the order siphonophore of the animal kingdom, which contains organisms such as corals and jellyfish. Of course, this deep-sea predator is extremely different from a “typical” sea creature, in that it is made up of jelly-like strings that extend into its various clones in the water. In other words, the creature is able to physically spread itself out and develop multiple rings, similar to a radar system. In fact, researchers have verified that the creature’s outer ring is at least 47 meters long.

After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the animal is not only enormous but a dangerous predator to its fellow underwater inhabitants as well. The creature’s unique set of rings allows it to capture prey by blocking their escape and subsequently unleashing a series of paralyzing stings. Once a prey has been successfully enveloped within the siphonophore, it is eaten and then quickly digested, a process that allows nutrients to be transferred to each ring. Although scientists were able to identify this specific predator and understand its habits and aspects, research is still being done to pinpoint the exact type of prey on which it survives. However, this was just one of the many groundbreaking discoveries made during the mission.

In addition to this surprising finding, the research team also identified more than 30 new underwater species from the exploration. Thanks to the myriad of technological capabilities of the robotic system used in the experiment, Rov SuBastian, the team not only captured visual evidence of each species but also collected specific DNA samples from the animals for further research. This was made possible by an element on the robotic device, which mimicked a toothbrush, and effortlessly scraped the sides of each underwater creature, thereby collecting an adequate amount of DNA. Samples of the surrounding water were also collected in order to examine its pH levels and quality. Scientists hope to utilize these findings to further understand some of the greatest mysteries surrounding marine life.

What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

Underwater UFOs and New Discoveries

Despite the huge differences between the two areas, space exploration can be quite similar to scientific investigation into the deep waters of the ocean. That is, foreign beings that are drastically different from human beings, including plants and even unidentified foreign objects (UFO), can be found both underwater and in outer space. Most recently, in fact, an unidentified object has been discovered 630 meters below Western Australia, deep in the Indian Ocean. Interestingly enough, the finding is more than just any regular object. In fact, it may be the longest animal ever recorded in history.

With the help of an underwater robotic research system, scientists from the Western Australian Museum came across a 120 meter-long creature, known to be part of the order siphonophore of the animal kingdom, which contains organisms such as corals and jellyfish. Of course, this deep-sea predator is extremely different from a “typical” sea creature, in that it is made up of jelly-like strings that extend into its various clones in the water. In other words, the creature is able to physically spread itself out and develop multiple rings, similar to a radar system. In fact, researchers have verified that the creature’s outer ring is at least 47 meters long.

After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the animal is not only enormous but a dangerous predator to its fellow underwater inhabitants as well. The creature’s unique set of rings allows it to capture prey by blocking their escape and subsequently unleashing a series of paralyzing stings. Once a prey has been successfully enveloped within the siphonophore, it is eaten and then quickly digested, a process that allows nutrients to be transferred to each ring. Although scientists were able to identify this specific predator and understand its habits and aspects, research is still being done to pinpoint the exact type of prey on which it survives. However, this was just one of the many groundbreaking discoveries made during the mission.

In addition to this surprising finding, the research team also identified more than 30 new underwater species from the exploration. Thanks to the myriad of technological capabilities of the robotic system used in the experiment, Rov SuBastian, the team not only captured visual evidence of each species but also collected specific DNA samples from the animals for further research. This was made possible by an element on the robotic device, which mimicked a toothbrush, and effortlessly scraped the sides of each underwater creature, thereby collecting an adequate amount of DNA. Samples of the surrounding water were also collected in order to examine its pH levels and quality. Scientists hope to utilize these findings to further understand some of the greatest mysteries surrounding marine life.

What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

Underwater UFOs and New Discoveries

Despite the huge differences between the two areas, space exploration can be quite similar to scientific investigation into the deep waters of the ocean. That is, foreign beings that are drastically different from human beings, including plants and even unidentified foreign objects (UFO), can be found both underwater and in outer space. Most recently, in fact, an unidentified object has been discovered 630 meters below Western Australia, deep in the Indian Ocean. Interestingly enough, the finding is more than just any regular object. In fact, it may be the longest animal ever recorded in history.

With the help of an underwater robotic research system, scientists from the Western Australian Museum came across a 120 meter-long creature, known to be part of the order siphonophore of the animal kingdom, which contains organisms such as corals and jellyfish. Of course, this deep-sea predator is extremely different from a “typical” sea creature, in that it is made up of jelly-like strings that extend into its various clones in the water. In other words, the creature is able to physically spread itself out and develop multiple rings, similar to a radar system. In fact, researchers have verified that the creature’s outer ring is at least 47 meters long.

After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the animal is not only enormous but a dangerous predator to its fellow underwater inhabitants as well. The creature’s unique set of rings allows it to capture prey by blocking their escape and subsequently unleashing a series of paralyzing stings. Once a prey has been successfully enveloped within the siphonophore, it is eaten and then quickly digested, a process that allows nutrients to be transferred to each ring. Although scientists were able to identify this specific predator and understand its habits and aspects, research is still being done to pinpoint the exact type of prey on which it survives. However, this was just one of the many groundbreaking discoveries made during the mission.

In addition to this surprising finding, the research team also identified more than 30 new underwater species from the exploration. Thanks to the myriad of technological capabilities of the robotic system used in the experiment, Rov SuBastian, the team not only captured visual evidence of each species but also collected specific DNA samples from the animals for further research. This was made possible by an element on the robotic device, which mimicked a toothbrush, and effortlessly scraped the sides of each underwater creature, thereby collecting an adequate amount of DNA. Samples of the surrounding water were also collected in order to examine its pH levels and quality. Scientists hope to utilize these findings to further understand some of the greatest mysteries surrounding marine life.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Nature’s Pharmacy

Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist who was considered a pioneer in medicinal practices during the Renaissance, was once quoted as saying, “Amidst the plains and mountains lie the best pharmacies”. While groups of homeopathic healers have long believed that nature may hold the secret to curing ailments, recent studies have also suggested that plants may be valid alternatives when fighting illness and disease. Even so, will patients be willing to rely solely on nature’s pharmacy, rather than their trusted brick and mortar drug stores? The latest research on the topic leads to interesting facts and figures.

In past centuries, the use of plants and herbs to cure ailments was a popular solution. However, it began to lose credibility in the 19th century, with the advent of pharmaceutical drugs. Phytotherapy, an allopathic discipline that uses natural extracts as medicines, was the most prominent medicinal therapy in the 1800s. In the 1900s, however, controversy regarding the lack of control measures in their manufacturing processes, coupled with the advent of pharmaceutical medicine, led to the decline of natural remedies and their popularity. Thanks to the current, more stringent protocol in the manufacturing process, though, alternative medicine is making a comeback.

Unbeknownst to most of the population, phytotherapy must be studied by a trained and qualified professional. With this in mind, simply browsing the “Botanicals and Natural Remedies” aisle at the local pharmacy, or using lavender oil to help get rid of a headache, could actually do more harm than good. Without in-depth and accurate knowledge regarding the potential healing properties and side effects of various plants, using these natural supplements could alter the body’s healing cycles and possibly interfere with the use of other pharmaceutical drugs. Thanks to the fact that phytotherapy has become an internationally-recognized area of study, universities around the world offer academic programs dedicated to understanding the chemical properties of plants.

However, access to more knowledge on a topic may not automatically persuade people to turn to natural supplements when battling general ailments. In fact, according to a recent survey, psychologists believe that it will take at least a few years before the average person includes natural supplements in their medicine cabinets. Moreover, people are unlikely to trust the input of holistic medical practitioners, even if they hold advanced degrees in phytotherapy. On the other hand, research suggests that once these facts become part of the mainstream medical industry, people may be open to new therapies. Until then, the potential curing effects of nature’s pharmacies may likely remain in classroom universities and history textbooks.

What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

Nature’s Pharmacy

Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist who was considered a pioneer in medicinal practices during the Renaissance, was once quoted as saying, “Amidst the plains and mountains lie the best pharmacies”. While groups of homeopathic healers have long believed that nature may hold the secret to curing ailments, recent studies have also suggested that plants may be valid alternatives when fighting illness and disease. Even so, will patients be willing to rely solely on nature’s pharmacy, rather than their trusted brick and mortar drug stores? The latest research on the topic leads to interesting facts and figures.

In past centuries, the use of plants and herbs to cure ailments was a popular solution. However, it began to lose credibility in the 19th century, with the advent of pharmaceutical drugs. Phytotherapy, an allopathic discipline that uses natural extracts as medicines, was the most prominent medicinal therapy in the 1800s. In the 1900s, however, controversy regarding the lack of control measures in their manufacturing processes, coupled with the advent of pharmaceutical medicine, led to the decline of natural remedies and their popularity. Thanks to the current, more stringent protocol in the manufacturing process, though, alternative medicine is making a comeback.

Unbeknownst to most of the population, phytotherapy must be studied by a trained and qualified professional. With this in mind, simply browsing the “Botanicals and Natural Remedies” aisle at the local pharmacy, or using lavender oil to help get rid of a headache, could actually do more harm than good. Without in-depth and accurate knowledge regarding the potential healing properties and side effects of various plants, using these natural supplements could alter the body’s healing cycles and possibly interfere with the use of other pharmaceutical drugs. Thanks to the fact that phytotherapy has become an internationally-recognized area of study, universities around the world offer academic programs dedicated to understanding the chemical properties of plants.

However, access to more knowledge on a topic may not automatically persuade people to turn to natural supplements when battling general ailments. In fact, according to a recent survey, psychologists believe that it will take at least a few years before the average person includes natural supplements in their medicine cabinets. Moreover, people are unlikely to trust the input of holistic medical practitioners, even if they hold advanced degrees in phytotherapy. On the other hand, research suggests that once these facts become part of the mainstream medical industry, people may be open to new therapies. Until then, the potential curing effects of nature’s pharmacies may likely remain in classroom universities and history textbooks.

What is the main idea of the passage? 

Evolution: From Wolves to Man’s Best Friend

According to a recent poll, dogs are considered to be the most popular and sought after pet for American families. Interestingly enough, what we now understand to be “man’s best friend” was once an independent predator that roamed wild lands. The transformation from wolves to dogs is not only a stunning example of evolution, but it also provides a fascinating look into how wolves have adapted to live in harmony with mankind.

When it comes to interactions between species, most DNA experts agree that the long-standing relationship between mankind and dogs is a great mystery. How did our ancestors take on the idea of training a wild animal in hopes of creating a trusted animal ally? Aside from a recent discovery of animal fossils found in the Czech Republic, most data surrounding the evolution of wolves is inconclusive. Moreover, scientists and researchers in the field hold vastly different ideas when it comes to specific dates and explanations regarding the transformation. What is certain, however, is that the evolution of wolves into dogs happened over the course of at least a hundred thousand years.

On a general level, it seems as though each theory that serves to explain the progress is paired with another specific theory that deflates the idea. For instance, one popular theory regarding the domestication of wolves posits that humans stole wolf pups from their dens in hopes of training them to protect their families. However, this idea has recently been debunked based on fossil evidence and a better understanding of ancient times through anthropological research. Instead, some experts believe that wolves were actually drawn to humans, and initiated friendly contact due to the excess food waste left in villages. Basically, wolves may have understood domestication as a means of survival, in that food was a guarantee in what may have been an otherwise difficult period for finding prey.

If the latter theory is valid, it would seem that the beginning stages of this relationship were more advantageous for wolves. However, the theory of coevolution can shed light on how the relationship benefitted both parties. Many believe that wolves and humans coevolved, in that they affected each other’s evolution for the better and worked together. Wolves, for example, were able to assist humans when hunting for food, thanks to their extreme senses of sight and smell. On the other hand, humans looked after wolves and provided them shelter from outside elements.

Of course, the physical and emotional habits of wolves transformed throughout this process. In other words, the first wolves cared for by humans were most likely presented with changes in metabolism due to decreased activity levels and an increased food supply. As these changes carried on through generations, domesticated wolves took on a smaller physical stature and a more relaxed emotional state. Despite these fascinating shifts, it is still possible to recognize the genetic link between wild wolves and America’s most playful pet.

What is the main idea of the passage?

The Solar System in High Definition

Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities.

The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools.

High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova.

Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live.

What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

The Solar System in High Definition

Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities.

The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools.

High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova.

Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live.

What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

The Solar System in High Definition

Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities.

The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools.

High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova.

Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Evolution: From Wolves to Man’s Best Friend

According to a recent poll, dogs are considered to be the most popular and sought-after pet for American families. Interestingly enough, what we now understand to be “man’s best friend” was once an independent predator that roamed wildlands. The transformation from wolves to dogs is not only a stunning example of evolution, but it also provides a fascinating look into how wolves have adapted to live in harmony with mankind.

When it comes to interactions between species, most DNA experts agree that the long-standing relationship between mankind and dogs is a great mystery. How did our ancestors take on the idea of training a wild animal in hopes of creating a trusted animal ally? Aside from a recent discovery of animal fossils found in the Czech Republic, most data surrounding the evolution of wolves is inconclusive. Moreover, scientists and researchers in the field hold vastly different ideas when it comes to specific dates and explanations regarding the transformation. What is certain, however, is that the evolution of wolves into dogs happened over the course of at least a hundred thousand years.

On a general level, it seems as though each theory that serves to explain the progress is paired with another specific theory that deflates the idea. For instance, one popular theory regarding the domestication of wolves posits that humans stole wolf pups from their dens in hopes of training them to protect their families. However, this idea has recently been debunked based on fossil evidence and a better understanding of ancient times through anthropological research. Instead, some experts believe that wolves were actually drawn to humans, and initiated friendly contact due to the excess food waste left in villages. Basically, wolves may have understood domestication as a means of survival, in that food was a guarantee in what may have been an otherwise difficult period for finding prey.

If the latter theory is valid, it would seem that the beginning stages of this relationship were more advantageous for wolves. However, the theory of coevolution can shed light on how the relationship benefitted both parties. Many believe that wolves and humans coevolved, in that they affected each other’s evolution for the better and worked together. Wolves, for example, were able to assist humans when hunting for food, thanks to their extreme senses of sight and smell. On the other hand, humans looked after wolves and provided them shelter from outside elements.

Of course, the physical and emotional habits of wolves transformed throughout this process. In other words, the first wolves cared for by humans were most likely presented with changes in metabolism due to decreased activity levels and an increased food supply. As these changes carried on through generations, domesticated wolves took on a smaller physical stature and a more relaxed emotional state. Despite these fascinating shifts, it is still possible to recognize the genetic link between wild wolves and America’s most playful pet.

 What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

Evolution: From Wolves to Man’s Best Friend

According to a recent poll, dogs are considered to be the most popular and sought-after pet for American families. Interestingly enough, what we now understand to be “man’s best friend” was once an independent predator that roamed wildlands. The transformation from wolves to dogs is not only a stunning example of evolution, but it also provides a fascinating look into how wolves have adapted to live in harmony with mankind.

When it comes to interactions between species, most DNA experts agree that the long-standing relationship between mankind and dogs is a great mystery. How did our ancestors take on the idea of training a wild animal in hopes of creating a trusted animal ally? Aside from a recent discovery of animal fossils found in the Czech Republic, most data surrounding the evolution of wolves is inconclusive. Moreover, scientists and researchers in the field hold vastly different ideas when it comes to specific dates and explanations regarding the transformation. What is certain, however, is that the evolution of wolves into dogs happened over the course of at least a hundred thousand years.

On a general level, it seems as though each theory that serves to explain the progress is paired with another specific theory that deflates the idea. For instance, one popular theory regarding the domestication of wolves posits that humans stole wolf pups from their dens in hopes of training them to protect their families. However, this idea has recently been debunked based on fossil evidence and a better understanding of ancient times through anthropological research. Instead, some experts believe that wolves were actually drawn to humans, and initiated friendly contact due to the excess food waste left in villages. Basically, wolves may have understood domestication as a means of survival, in that food was a guarantee in what may have been an otherwise difficult period for finding prey.

If the latter theory is valid, it would seem that the beginning stages of this relationship were more advantageous for wolves. However, the theory of coevolution can shed light on how the relationship benefitted both parties. Many believe that wolves and humans coevolved, in that they affected each other’s evolution for the better and worked together. Wolves, for example, were able to assist humans when hunting for food, thanks to their extreme senses of sight and smell. On the other hand, humans looked after wolves and provided them shelter from outside elements.

Of course, the physical and emotional habits of wolves transformed throughout this process. In other words, the first wolves cared for by humans were most likely presented with changes in metabolism due to decreased activity levels and an increased food supply. As these changes carried on through generations, domesticated wolves took on a smaller physical stature and a more relaxed emotional state. Despite these fascinating shifts, it is still possible to recognize the genetic link between wild wolves and America’s most playful pet.

What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

Capturing Supernovas 

Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova.

What is the main idea of the text?

Research from Yale indicates that baby mammals dream both in the womb and right after birth, before their eyes are even open. An issue of the journal Science featured information from neuroscience, ophthalmology, and visual science professor Michael Crair. His team studied activity waves from baby mice’s retinas while their eyes were still closed after being born. That neonatal retina activity in mammals goes away shortly after birth. A more advanced network of brain transmissions develops in its place to transfer and store visual information. Criar described how baby mammals already know some complex behaviors by the time their eyes open. Early visual brain activity in mammals is similar to dreaming and helps baby mice know what to expect once they can finally see. He thinks humans may also be born with a preexisting ability to detect motion and navigate their environment. 

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Around 74,000 years ago, the volcano Toba in Indonesia had a super-eruption. It probably caused drastic global climate disruption. How the human species survived the environmental changes to continue evolving has eluded scientists. According to a Rutgers study, something protected humans at the time from the effects of the eruption. They simulated 42 global climate models from the volcanic event. Professor Benjamin Black says, “archaeological and paleoclimate records from Africa don’t show such a dramatic response.” Simulations show that the Northern Hemisphere must have cooled by at least 4 degrees Celsius, and as much as 10 degrees Celsius in some regions. North America, Europe, Asia, and the human ancestors living there must have dealt with severely colder temperatures from the eruption. Africa and India, on the other hand, would have been somewhat spared from the climate disruption.

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The American Heart Association recommends eating oily fish (sardines, salmon, anchovies) twice a week to get omega-3 fatty acids. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published data about the effects of omega-3s on health and longevity. The data comes from a long-term study group, the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Over 11 years, high fatty acid levels in the blood showed major life expectancy gains in 2,240 65+ year olds of this cohort. For context, regular smoking reduces life expectancy by 4.7 years. High omega-3 acids in the blood dramatically increase life expectancy by the same amount, 4.7 years. Researchers think these findings will develop further to inform highly personalized dietary recommendations based on blood fatty acid levels. The next step is to study factors in Europeans to see if the results apply to groups beyond the U.S. 

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Winter 2021 brought an unlikely, devastating freeze to Texas, causing wind and other energy sources to fail disastrously. Researchers at Iowa State made lab-based theories and predictions about the negative impact of ice on wind energy production. When they brought their investigation from the lab to the field, real-world experiments validated past experimental findings. Because energy companies want to conceal non-ideal performance data about their wind turbines, Professor Hui Hu met considerable resistance to accessing Iowa’s wind turbines for research. So, Hu studied a 34-turbine wind farm in eastern China instead. After 30 hours of icy conditions, ice 0.3 meters thick-coated the turbine blades. As a result, the turbines produced up to 80% less power. It is vital to figure out how to de-ice turbine blades to keep them spinning so that the power stays on.

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Migraine sufferers experience continuous debilitating headaches. Migraines frequently include sensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli. Scientists still understand very little about migraines and what provokes them. But temporary nerve, chemical, and blood vessel changes in the brain are suspected to cause migraines. A new study from the Universities of Birmingham and Lancaster may be one step closer to a definitive answer. The study’s lead author, Dr. Fong observes that migraine sufferers usually have “abnormal visual sensations” like “elementary hallucinations, visual discomforts, and extra light sensitivity”. He thinks that these factors might point to an abnormal visual cortex in people with migraines. The study results provide evidence for Dr. Fong’s theory. Visual stimuli experiments with EEG (electroencephalogram) found bigger visual cortex responses among participants who get migraines.

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The climate at the Gulf Coast was only a little cooler 18,000-80,000 years ago, during the Ice Age. The region’s climate would have been similar to the current Missouri or North Carolina climate. The lower sea level left more land on the continental shelf. During the Ice Age, what has now become the northern Gulf of Mexico was a swamp filled with bald cypress trees. When they were buried by rising sea levels towards the end of the ice age, the swamp trees were preserved in sediment. Hurricane Ivan exposed a path through the area in 2004, revealing the ancient cypress forest. Marine geologist and paleoclimatologist Kristine DeLong remarked that the trees she unearthed 8 miles offshore still smell “like freshly cut cypress.”

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University of Exeter’s Dr. David Phillips is leading the way towards a revolutionary technique that uses light for medical imaging. Most endoscopes have a width of a few millimeters and restricted image quality. They cannot get images of single cells. One optical fiber is much smaller – about 1/10 the width, and produces images in substantially higher resolution. Optical fibers, therefore, have the right size and image quality to inspect individual cells. But light has to scramble while traveling through optical fibers because they cannot be looked through directly. An optical fiber must be calibrated with an understanding of precisely how it will obscure images in order to decipher the images using scrambled light. Bending and twisting disrupt a fiber’s precise calibration, so the Exeter team found a way to account for the disruption during clinical use.

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In the age of technology, handwriting is largely beginning to seem obsolete. Johns Hopkins cognitive science professor Brenda Rapp begs to differ. The study she co-authors magnifies the importance of handwriting in learning to read. The direct tactile experience of handwriting helps individuals learn literacy skills faster and better than watching videos or typing. When learning a language, research participants who used pen and paper demonstrated enhanced learning of new letters. They were better and faster at letter recognition and use, writing, spelling, and incorporating new letters into unfamiliar words. The learning advantage of handwriting is unrelated to penmanship skills. The perceptual-motor experience merges letter shapes and sounds with a motor plan, generating deeper learning. So, despite the addition of laptops and tablets to classrooms, old-fashioned pencils and paper ought to stay.

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