Earthquake news this week: A massive 8.8 megaquake and the question of whether we ought to, and are able to, curb artificial intelligence advancements
In the realm of archaeology, a fascinating discovery has been made. Researchers have identified a sticky goo substance found in 2,500-year-old bronze jars from southern Italy as honey[1]. This finding sheds light on the ancient Greeks and Romans' use of honey in medicine, rituals, cosmetics, and food.
Meanwhile, in the cosmos, astronomers have made a rare observation of a significant event. Using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, they have witnessed a rare intermediate-mass black hole consuming a star at the edge of a distant galaxy[2][3]. This black hole, a "missing link" in the study of black holes, does not produce energy jets or bind galaxies together, making it difficult to identify. The observation is believed to be a significant contribution to the study of black holes.
Closer to home, a megaquake hit off the coast of Russia, making it the joint-sixth largest earthquake ever recorded[4]. The magnitude 8.8 megaquake occurred on the sparsely populated Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. This seismic activity triggered a volcanic eruption, specifically the Klyuchevskoy volcano, which had been dormant for nearly 600 years[5]. The earthquake likely intensified the eruption, causing lava to spew and an ash plume to rise to a height of at least 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers). Tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific due to the earthquake, but many were subsequently downgraded.
The coupling between megaquakes and volcanic eruptions is primarily due to mechanical and pressure changes in the Earth's crust near a magma reservoir that facilitate magma movement and eruption soon after the seismic event[6]. The megaquake can increase permeability and fracturing in the crust, change the pressure dynamics inside magma chambers, and trigger magma migration along faults or zones of weakness activated by the quake.
In a more unusual incident, at least 85 people became intoxicated with THC after eating at a Wisconsin pizzeria in 2024[7]. The intoxication was due to the use of THC-infused oil in the dough. The most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants is delta-9 THC.
These diverse events and discoveries highlight the ongoing exploration and understanding of our world and the universe.
[1] https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/02/ancient-honey-found-2500-year-old-bronze-jars-southern-italy [2] https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2021/nasas-chandra-x-ray-observatory-catches-black-hole-in-act-of-devouring-star [3] https://www.space.com/black-hole-consumes-star-observed-for-first-time [4] https://www.usgs.gov/news/magnitude-88-earthquake-occurs-off-russian-coast [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56685079 [6] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-019-0549-7 [7] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wisconsin-pizzeria-thc-oil-intoxication-85-people-sickened/
- The discovery of ancient honey in bronze jars from southern Italy expands our knowledge about health and wellness in the ancient Greek and Roman cultures.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, more research is needed to understand the effects of THC on individuals, as seen in the Wisconsin pizzeria incident where 85 people became intoxicated.
- The recent observation of a rare black hole consuming a star at the edge of a distant galaxy provides substantial insights into environmental-science and the study of cosmology.
- Climate-change continues to be a critical concern as seismic events like the megaquake off the coast of Russia can lead to volcanic eruptions and trigger tsunami warnings.
- Investing in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, could revolutionize numerous aspects of personal-finance and lifestyle management.
- The study of education and self-development can offer solutions to addressing global challenges such as climate-change and neuralogical-disorders.
- The advancements in space and astronomy contribute to general-news and entertainment, making scientific discoveries accessible and engaging for the public.
- Space and astronomy also capture the interest of the casino-and-gambling sector, with some companies financing space exploration in hopes of long-term financial gains.
- Food and drink industries are turning to innovative ingredients, like CBD, to cater to new consumer preferences and market demands related to health and wellness.
- The sports and entertainment industries can be environmentally conscious by focusing on reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable practices, aligning with the wider goal of addressing climate-change.
