Speak and Shine

Researchers have observed California ground squirrels, commonly known for their herbivorous diet of nuts and seeds, hunting and eating mice. This surprising behavior, indicating an aggressive side to these seemingly docile animals, was recently documented in a study published in the Journal of Animal Behavior . Main Text For 12 years, Professors Sonja Wild from the University of California, Davis, and Jennifer Smith from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, have been conducting a long-term behavioral study of California ground squirrels. The research included tagging individual squirrels in the Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County, California, to record data such as gender, weight, and reproductive status. During observations in June and July, researchers documented 74 interactions between ground squirrels and mice, 42% of which showed active hunting behavior by the squirrels. While their typical diet consists of plants and seeds, this marks the first evidence of the...

  NewJeans Faces a New Chapter as “NewJeanz” NewJeans, the popular K-pop group, has rebranded itself as "NewJeanz," sparking debates about their future direction. Since announcing their departure from their agency, ADOR, the group has consistently emphasized their attachment to the original name and their rights to it. The five members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—recently created a social media account called "JeanzForFree," demonstrating their willingness to communicate directly with fans. Efforts to Engage with Fans After opening the account, some people questioned its authenticity. The members responded with a video saying, “This is really us,” signaling their commitment to interacting more frequently with fans. Their efforts to gain trust were supported by Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO, who showed her approval by liking their posts. Fans are now highly anticipating further interactions with NewJeanz. Supporting Social Causes Surprisingly...

IU, a famous Korean singer, joined a “prepaid relay” to support her fans who are attending a rally in Yeouido on December 14, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, announced on December 13 through her official fan café, “We hope Uaena (IU’s fandom name), holding their light sticks in this cold weather, can keep their hands warm as they brighten the surroundings of the rally.” To help, IU prepared food and hand warmers. The prepaid items include 200 pieces of bread, 200 drinks, 200 bowls of soup and stew, and 100 rice cakes. The agency stated that not only Uaena members but also other participants in the rally could receive the food and supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. They added, “Please make sure to stay healthy and safe.” Fans expressed their gratitude on social media, saying: “She’s the first celebrity to openly support her fans like this. It’s so touching.” “IU has always sung about believing in a world where lo...

  Hiker Survives 10-Day Ordeal After Falling Into Canyon A 54-year-old man from Taiwan, a former plumber, survived a 10-day ordeal after falling into a 10-meter-deep canyon while hiking alone. Using his ingenuity, he managed to alert others to his location and was successfully rescued. On December 8, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Mr. Chang was rescued after being stranded for 10 days in Fenghuang Mountain near Nantou City. While hiking alone on November 12, he fell into a canyon, injuring his right leg, which made it impossible for him to walk. Moreover, he didn’t have a phone to call for help. Despite the challenges, Mr. Chang did not lose hope and worked on finding a way to escape. While surveying the area, he found a PVC pipe that supplied water to a nearby village. He also noticed a plant called "giant taro," which had strong stems and large leaves. Using his Swiss army knife, he cut the water pipe and sealed it with the stems of the giant taro t...

  Yuri Gagarin and the Beginning of the Space Age The first human space journey took place on April 12, 1961, when Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1. His flight lasted approximately 108 minutes and marked the beginning of a new era in space exploration. Gagarin’s mission was not just a personal achievement but a symbolic victory for the Soviet Union during the Cold War’s space race against the United States. Vostok 1 and Gagarin’s Mission Vostok 1 was the first manned spacecraft developed by the Soviet Union to reach Earth’s orbit. It had a simple structure, and Gagarin had minimal control over the spacecraft. Due to the technological limitations of the time, the flight path and major tasks were controlled remotely from the ground. Gagarin’s spacecraft traveled 327 kilometers above Earth, and during the flight, his legendary words, “The Earth is beautiful!” were recorded. Humanity’s First Space Experience Gagarin’s journey was more than just an...

  The Amazing World of Hyenas Hyenas are unique animals living in the African savannah and parts of Asia, playing a critical role in their ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. With strong jaws and remarkable adaptability, hyenas can digest even bones and hides that other animals cannot eat. This ability makes them nature's cleaners, contributing to environmental balance. Hyenas are categorized into four main species: spotted hyenas, striped hyenas, brown hyenas, and aardwolves. Each species has different habitats and ecological roles. For instance, spotted hyenas are highly social, adept at hunting large animals, and live in groups, whereas brown hyenas are mostly solitary and focus on finding smaller prey. This diversity helps hyenas adapt and thrive in various environments. Hyenas are also famous for their vocalizations, particularly their laugh-like sounds. These "laughs" are not mere noises but essential tools for communication within their groups. Hyenas...