20 Groundbreaking Dinosaur Discoveries That Transformed Our Understanding of Prehistoric Life

2025-03-02 23:23:39 By Mary Garcia

Reimagining of Scelidosaurus.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Reinterpretation of Scelidosaurus. Image capture from the first fully intact dinosaur skeleton discovered, now prepared for an up-close examination. Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel.

The exploration of dinosaurs has fascinated humanity for ages, offering a glimpse into a world that thrived millions of years prior to our existence. Each new discovery unveils another facet of the enigma surrounding these remarkable animals. Throughout history, numerous significant finds have reshaped our comprehension of life in prehistoric times. In this piece, we will delve into 20 pivotal dinosaur discoveries that have profoundly influenced our knowledge of these ancient organisms.

1. The Initial Discoveries of Dinosaur Fossils

66-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossils Mark Hong Kong’s First-Ever Paleontological Breakthrough

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

A specialist from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences is conducting measurements on a rock that houses a dinosaur bone fossil found on Port Island in Hong Kong. The Antiquities and Monuments Office of Hong Kong is also involved in this significant discovery.

The first identification of dinosaur fossils took place in the early 1800s. In 1824, English geologist William Buckland provided a description of Megalosaurus, marking it as the first dinosaur to be scientifically acknowledged. This pivotal finding laid the groundwork for the field of palaeontology.

2. The Unveiling of Iguanodon

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

15 Most Lethal Marine Dinosaurs that Inhabited Ancient Oceans. Image Credit: Depositphotos

After the Megalosaurus, the early 1820s saw the discovery of Iguanodon by Gideon Mantell, which greatly intrigued the scientific community. This find was significant as it represented one of the earliest attempts to reconstruct a dinosaur, demonstrating that these prehistoric animals exhibited a greater diversity than previously imagined.

3. Discovering the Hadrosaurus

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Ankylosaurus. Image capture from the first fully assembled dinosaur skeleton ever discovered, now prepared for a detailed examination. Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel.

The year 1858 marked a significant milestone with the discovery of Hadrosaurus in North America. This remarkable find was the first nearly intact dinosaur skeleton ever uncovered, offering valuable insights into the bipedal stance of certain dinosaurs. As a result, it fundamentally transformed the way artists portrayed these ancient beings, shifting their representations from lizard-like reptiles to more lively and dynamic forms.

4. Archaeopteryx: The Link to Birds

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Stegosaurus. Image capture from the first fully assembled dinosaur skeleton ever discovered, now prepared for detailed examination. Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel

Discovered in 1861, Archaeopteryx provided pivotal evidence connecting dinosaurs to avian species. The finding of this “dino-bird” in Germany revealed that certain dinosaurs possessed feathers, transforming our understanding of evolutionary processes and confirming that contemporary birds are, in essence, descendants of dinosaurs.

5. The Dinosaurs with Horns

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Dinosaurs meander through a misty environment. Capture from the first fully intact dinosaur skeleton ever discovered, now ready for its close-up. Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel

The late 19th century saw the unveiling of Triceratops, which significantly enhanced our comprehension of dinosaur diversity, especially within the ceratopsian category known for their unique horns and frills. This discovery highlighted the wide range of ecological roles these animals filled.

6. Spinosaurus and Water-Dwelling Dinosaurs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Illustration featuring multiple Scelidosaurs. Capture from the video titled "First Complete Dinosaur Skeleton Ever Discovered Finally Revealed" Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel.

First identified in the early 1900s and reevaluated with recent discoveries, Spinosaurus challenged conventional beliefs by showcasing features suited for a life in water, indicating that certain dinosaurs may have been partially aquatic.

7. Understanding the Velociraptor

The Velociraptor gained widespread recognition through its depiction in popular media. Nonetheless, its discovery and the research that followed have played a crucial role in enhancing our comprehension of the link between dinosaurs and birds, especially in light of its feathered relatives, such as microraptors.

8. The Enormous Argentinosaurus

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

An artistic representation of the titanosaur in its natural habitat. Image captured from "Titanosaur, The World's Largest Dinosaur – Episode 4: Curiosities of the Natural History Museum, London." Source: YouTube Channel: Em Gems.

Identified in the 1990s, Argentinosaurus ranks among the largest terrestrial creatures to have ever roamed the Earth. This titanosaur has been instrumental in enhancing our knowledge of the boundaries of dinosaur anatomy and the growth strategies that enabled these colossal sizes.

9. The Small Microraptor

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Dinosaur skeleton, photograph by Chase Elliott Clark from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, licensed under CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

The identification of the Microraptor, a diminutive feathered dinosaur possessing wings on both its arms and legs, has offered significant understanding regarding the role and evolution of feathers and flight among theropods.

10. Nesting Habits and Parental Care in Dinosaurs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

A herd of diplodocus dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic era. Image credit: Corey Ford, sourced from Depositphotos.

Fossilized nests, such as those discovered in Montana belonging to Maiasaura, have provided insights into the social behaviors and possible parental care of dinosaurs, suggesting that they may have been more nurturing than once thought.

11. T. Rex Soft Tissues

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Fujianvenator prodigiosus, a dinosaur resembling a bird, was found close to Nanping in China. This is an artist's interpretation of the creature. Image captured from the YouTube video titled "Fujianvenator Prodigiosus: The Bird-like Dinosaur Discovery," uploaded by Quickest News.

The remarkable finding of soft tissue remains in a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in 2005 paved the way for new research opportunities in dinosaur biology and the possibility of retrieving molecular data.

12. Liaoning's Feathered Dinosaurs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

A 3D robotic representation of the feathered dinosaur. Image captured from "Fujianvenator Prodigiosus: The Bird-like Dinosaur Discovery," Source: YouTube, Uploaded by Quickest News.

Liaoning Province in China has produced a wealth of feathered dinosaur fossils, offering strong support for the idea that feathers were prevalent among theropods and highlighting their evolutionary link to birds.

13. Unveiling the Dreadnoughtus

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

An illustration of what the dinosaur with this tail might have appeared like. Dinosaur amber Screenshot from the video "Dinosaur’s Feathered Tail Found Remarkably Preserved in Amber" | National Geographic Source: YouTube Channel: National Geographic

Unearthed in Patagonia, Dreadnoughtus stands as one of the most well-preserved specimens of a colossal sauropod. This discovery provides valuable insights into the muscle structure and physical characteristics of massive dinosaurs, enhancing our comprehension of their locomotion and biological functions.

14. The Unusual Therizinosaurus

Therizinosaurus, with its enormous claws and plant-based diet, defied earlier notions about theropod dinosaurs, illustrating that this varied group occupied a broad spectrum of ecological niches.

15. Dinosaurs of Antarctica

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

A T. Rex lets out a mighty roar at a triceratops. Image credit: DenisSmile via Depositphotos.

The finding of dinosaurs like Cryolophosaurus in Antarctica has broadened our understanding of how dinosaurs were distributed, demonstrating that these remarkable animals lived in various climates and regions, including the extreme conditions of polar areas.

16. The Primitive Dinosaur Herrerasaurus

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

T. Rex during sunset. Image credit: mike_kiev via Depositphotos.

Herrerasaurus, which thrived in the Late Triassic period, is recognized as one of the earliest dinosaur genera. Its discovery has significantly contributed to our understanding of the initial phases of dinosaur evolution and the shift from reptiles to true dinosaurs.

17. The Gigantothermy of Theropods

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Archelon alongside various smaller dinosaur species. Image captured from "Archelon: The Largest Turtle Ever To Have Lived." Source: YouTube Channel: Earth 2.0.

Studies on gigantothermy, which pertains to the mechanisms large dinosaurs such as theropods used to manage their body temperature, have shed light on their metabolic processes and their ability to thrive in various habitats.

18. The Theory of Cataclysmic Impact

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Photo courtesy of Reuters via YouTube.

The identification of a large crater near the Yucatán Peninsula bolstered the hypothesis that a catastrophic asteroid strike was responsible for the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, shaping the study of planetary sciences and extinction phenomena.

19. Colors and Patterns of Dinosaurs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Artistic representation of Scelidosaurus. Image captured from "The First Complete Dinosaur Skeleton Ever Discovered is Finally Ready for Its Close-Up." Source: YouTube Channel: Extinction Channel.

Recent technological breakthroughs have enabled researchers to uncover the pigmentation present in the feathers and skin of dinosaurs, offering an unparalleled insight into the variety of colors and patterns that characterized these prehistoric creatures.

20. Growth Rings in Dinosaurs

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

A T. Rex prowling through the underbrush. Image by kang1993, courtesy of Depositphotos.

Research on the growth rings of dinosaurs, akin to those found in trees, has unveiled valuable insights into their growth rates, life expectancy, and various physiological traits, shedding light on the strategies they employed for survival.

Summary

A life restoration of the theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

An artistic representation of the theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Image credits to Steveoc 86, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

These remarkable findings have persistently enhanced our comprehension of dinosaurs, showcasing their intricate nature, variety, and relationship to contemporary bird species. Every discovery contributes a vital fragment to the historical narrative of our planet while simultaneously transforming our perspective on life here. With technological progress and the emergence of new fossils, we look forward to even greater groundbreaking insights into these intriguing beings.

Co-Founder of Animals Around The Globe

Hello! I'm Jan, the Co-Founder of Animals Around The Globe, and I'm one of the two individuals managing this website.

When I was a child, I developed a deep passion for nature, wildlife, and animals. Growing up in various countries like the USA, South Africa, Italy, China, and Germany allowed me to explore the incredible diversity of the world's wildlife. Among all the fascinating creatures, my top favorites are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.

I am a certified PADI Open Water Diver and have trekked to Everest Base Camp as well as explored the gorillas in Uganda. Additionally, I possess a Master of Science degree in Economics and Finance.

Please send any feedback to [email protected]

Highly Recommended

During a hike in the Swiss Alps, he stumbled upon an unusual 20th-century wagon embedded in a receding glacier.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andrew Mayovskyy - stock.adobe.com - for illustrative purposes only. In the Swiss Alps, the retreat of glaciers is revealing items that have been trapped in ice for hundreds of years. To date, archaeologists have unearthed artifacts from World War I, arrows dating back 1,300 years, and the preserved bodies of hikers who went missing long ago. In November of last year, a hiker named Sergio Veri stumbled upon what seemed to be a two-wheeled bamboo cart from the 20th century. However, archaeologists are still uncertain about its true nature. While strolling through the Splügen Pass in the Swiss Alps, close to the Switzerland-Italy border, Veri stumbled upon a peculiar device. The elevated route links Switzerland's Hinterrhein valley to Italy's Valle San Giacomo. He spotted the cart amidst the thawing Schwarzhorn Glacier. According to a social media update from the Canton of Graubünden, “The wagon-style design, featuring two wheels and crafted from bamboo sticks and laces, is estimated to be fairly recent, likely dating back to the 20th century.” The mysterious object has left specialists puzzled. Abandoned in the heights of the Alps, it is constructed from bamboo and secured with cords, a detail that stands out. However, bamboo is not indigenous to Switzerland and only made its way to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Incorporating this material introduces an intriguing element that obscures the purpose and background of the object. The presence of bamboo suggests that the artisans had access to foreign resources. The Archaeological Service of Graubünden has yet to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the cart. They are reaching out to the community for assistance, inviting anyone who possesses knowledge regarding the object's function or how it was made to get in touch with them directly. Since that time, social media users have been buzzing with theories about the purpose of the bamboo structure. Some have proposed that it might have served as a cart for smuggling goods during World War I, while others believe it could be an early climbing apparatus utilized by adventurers or researchers, or perhaps even a component of a 20th-century aircraft. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andrew Mayovskyy – stock.adobe.com – for illustrative purposes only Several commenters concurred on the wagon's utility, suggesting that it likely facilitated the movement of supplies. "Given that the wheels appear unsuitable for supporting a heavy load for an extended period, I suggest that it was an early form of a winch designed to help transport supplies uphill," one individual noted. "It's a type of pull cart, designed for a person or mule to walk ahead of it, constructed from bamboo to ensure it's lightweight for navigating mountain trails and rough landscapes," added another. The Splügen Pass boasts a rich historical background that is important to consider. During the Roman period, it functioned as a significant trade route, as evidenced by historical sources such as the Roman Tabula Peutingeriana. With glaciers around the globe melting at an accelerating pace, it's anyone's guess what discoveries archaeologists might unearth next. More About:News

Read more
BepiColombo Successfully Concludes Last Flyby of Mercury, Set for Orbital Mission in 2026

Initiated on October 18, 2018, BepiColombo stands as the second and most intricate mission ever designed to orbit the planet Mercury. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The enigmatic north pole of Mercury unveiled by M-CAM 1 (ESA) The European Space Agency’s BepiColombo‘s sixth and final Mercury flyby, executed on January 8, 2025, successfully set the stage for its planned orbit insertion in late 2026. The ESA/JAXA mission skimmed just a few hundred kilometers above Mercury’s north pole, capturing close-up images revealing potentially icy, permanently shadowed craters and the expansive sunlit northern plains. At 06:59 CET, BepiColombo soared to an altitude of just 295 km above the cold, shadowy night side of Mercury. Approximately seven minutes later, it flew directly over the planet's north pole, offering clear perspectives of Mercury's sunlit northern hemisphere. Following its passage through Mercury’s shadow, BepiColombo’s monitoring camera 1 (M-CAM 1) captured the initial detailed images of Mercury’s surface. As it soared over the ‘terminator’ – the dividing line between daylight and darkness – the spacecraft seized a rare chance to look directly into the perpetually shadowed craters located at the planet's northern pole. We would greatly appreciate your assistance! Could you lend us your support? Every contribution, no matter how small, helps to empower our future. Your vital support helps us preserve our independence from shareholders or affluent owners, ensuring that we can deliver unbiased reporting. This allows us to keep Jewish Business News accessible to all. You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at [email protected]. I appreciate it. “This marks the inaugural occasion where we conducted two flyby campaigns consecutively. This latest flyby occurred just over a month after the last one,” remarks Frank Budnik, the Flight Dynamics Manager for BepiColombo. “According to our initial evaluation, the operation went smoothly and without any issues.” “Although the primary mission phase of BepiColombo is still two years away, the six flybys conducted around Mercury have already provided us with critical insights into this lesser-known planet. In the coming weeks, the BepiColombo team will diligently analyze the data from this flyby to uncover as many of Mercury's secrets as possible,” says Geraint Jones, the Project Scientist for BepiColombo at ESA. Initiated on October 18, 2018, BepiColombo stands as the second and most intricate mission ever designed to orbit the planet Mercury. Close to the Sun and more difficult for an orbiter to reach than Saturn, this small desert world is the least explored planet of the inner Solar System. Learning more about Mercury will shed light on the history of the entire Solar System. Equipped with advanced scientific tools, the mission aims to unravel several puzzling mysteries, including: What accounts for the presence of ice in the polar craters of this searing planet? What is the reason behind Mercury's magnetic field? And what could be the origin of the enigmatic 'hollows' found on its surface?

Read more
Space Photo of the Week: Hubble's 23-Year Journey to Capture the Tilted Spiral Galaxy

In this remarkable Hubble image, over two decades in the making, the dazzling spiral galaxy UGC 10043 unveils the mysteries behind its surprisingly large bulge. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. UGC 10043 is among the rare spiral galaxies observed from the edge perspective. What it is: Spiral galaxy UGC 10043 Where it is: 150 million light-years away in the constellation Serpens When it was shared: December 12, 2024 Why it's so special: This image of a spiral galaxy taken by the Hubble Space Telescope is a portrait more than two decades in the making. Similar to many full-color images of celestial bodies, this one is a composite made from images captured in various wavelengths of light. What distinguishes this particular image is that the data utilized for its creation was gathered during observation sessions in 2000 and 2023, spanning a remarkable 23 years. This long-term advantage of having a space telescope in orbit is evident: Hubble was launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990, and its extensive operational duration has allowed it to gather an immense wealth of data about the universe's many facets. But besides the prolonged methods used to create it, it's also an unusual image on its face. Spiral galaxies — which account for about 60% of all galaxies in the universe, according to the European Space Agency — are, by chance, typically seen face-on when viewed from the solar system. That’s why spiral galaxies are typically associated with vivid spiral arms, which can only be seen from a face-on vantage. However, UGC 10043 is viewed edge-on, with its rings seemingly flattened into a line. This unique angle gives astronomers the chance to see how spiral galaxies are structured in 3D. The image of UGC 10043 showcases distinct lanes of dust that would probably resemble spiral arms if the galaxy were viewed from a frontal perspective. In this view, these dust lanes obscure the combined light emitted by the stars that constitute the galaxy. Additionally, they harbor dark clouds that serve as regions for star formation. In the middle of the image lies a luminous bulge — the vibrant core of the galaxy. Every galaxy possesses a core, but the one in UGC 10043 is notably oversized. Researchers believe this may be a result of UGC 10043 merging with a nearby dwarf galaxy, which has provided an abundance of dust and gas, stimulating the formation of new stars. This collision might also account for the slight distortion in the galaxy's disk, which curves upwards on one side and downwards on the other.

Read more
Experts indicate the age at which you're most inclined to form lasting friendships.

Researchers have provided insights into why friendships formed during this period tend to endure for a significant length of time. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. I think we can all acknowledge that having friends is incredibly valuable. Yes, family is also important, but some studies have suggested that it is friendships that make more of a positive impact on your life - lifespan in particular. For example, a 2005 study in Australia found that people who had more friends than other participants tended to outlive those with fewer by 22 percent, Inc. reported last year. A separate study revealed that those with strong social ties had a 50 percent better chance of survival. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Research indicates that individuals with robust social connections tend to have a longer lifespan (Getty Stock Image) As you age, you begin to realize that friendships can be transient; however, there are a handful of individuals who will remain your companions for a lifetime. According to experts, it ultimately boils down to timing. Research has shown that most people will at least maintain adolescent friendships into adulthood, reports The i In fact, a recent study conducted by the newspaper found that 83 percent of Brits over the age of 30 are still friends with people they befriended at school or college. Adolescence is typically characterized as the period ranging from ages 10 to 24. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Studies indicate that friendships formed during teenage years tend to endure throughout a person's life (Getty Stock Image). It seems that there are compelling reasons why the friendships you build during that period are more likely to endure over the course of your life. Experts have described this moment as a 'pivotal time'. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge University, stated: "Adolescence represents a crucial phase for forming friendships, and the bonds created during this period can last for many years." "It is a period of our lives in which we undergo large changes in our sense of self, and particularly our ‘social self’ - the way we depict ourselves to other people. This includes what peer group we want to be part of and our social relationships." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Certain individuals maintain lifelong friendships (Getty Stock Image) The bonds of friendship established between the ages of 10 and 24 are strengthened because 'the brain is designed to prioritize new experiences' during this developmental phase. Many of these experiences will be linked to the friends we shared them with, making them deeply embedded in our memories. It is also proposed that the friends you make during that period play a significant role in shaping who you grow into as an adult. Blakemore stated, "During adolescence, the brain exhibits a high degree of plasticity and adaptability, especially in areas associated with social functions." "This indicates that your social surroundings, including the individuals near you and your relationships with peers, could significantly influence the growth and development of your brain."

Read more
Inflatable Starshade for Habitable Exoplanets

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An artist's illustration showcasing the innovative strategy put forward by the 2025 NIAC-selected Inflatable Starshade for Earth-like Exoplanets project. John MatherNASA Goddard Space Flight Center We will design the first family of ISEE’s (Inflatable Starshade for Earthlike Exoplanets) with sizes from 35 to 100 m diameter. A starshade would enable any telescope to observe exoplanets, a top priority for astronomy worldwide. Compared with other starshade concepts, we aim for a lower mass, cost and complexity, while still providing high performance and science yield (>100 targets). Our starshades would be compatible with the 6 m diameter Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) now being planned, as well as the world’s largest telescope, the 39 m diameter European Extremely Large Telescope now being built in Chile, working as part of the HOEE, (Hybrid Observatory for Earthlike Exoplanets), and other future telescopes. We need to observe oxygen at visible wavelengths and ozone at UV. An ISEE, positioned between a target star and the telescope, would block the starlight without blocking the exoplanets. Starshades have perfect optical efficiency, they work with any telescope, and they can block the starlight much better than the requirement, for a star >1010 times brighter than the target. The alternative technology employs an almost flawless and highly stable space telescope, similar to HWO, equipped with an internal coronagraph designed to block starlight from obscuring the planet's image. Coronagraphs offer significant benefits, including their compact size, ease of testing, and immediate availability. Nonetheless, existing coronagraphs have yet to achieve the necessary contrast levels. Additionally, the development of an ultraviolet coronagraph remains unfeasible. If the stringent requirements for extreme picometer stability and optical precision of HWO and its coronagraph could be eased by integrating a starshade, it would allow for the construction of HWO at a significantly reduced cost and lower risk. Therefore, if ultraviolet observations of exoplanets are crucial, utilizing a 35 m starshade in conjunction with HWO emerges as the sole viable option. The HWO is set to be NASA's next major observatory and will feature a high-performance coronagraph designed for exoplanet observation. This decision has shifted the dynamics regarding the competing starshade technology. However, a starshade mission might still be deemed necessary under certain conditions: A. If the HWO and its coronagraph cannot be constructed and validated as needed; B. If the HWO needs to observe exoplanets in UV wavelengths, or if a 6 m HWO is insufficient to target the desired celestial bodies; C. If the HWO does not perform adequately after its launch, and servicing or instrument upgrades are not feasible; D. If HWO observations reveal that intriguing exoplanets are scarce, too far away, obscured by dense dust clouds surrounding their host stars, or cannot be fully analyzed with an upgraded HWO; or E. If HWO findings indicate that the next phase requires UV data, or a telescope significantly larger than what future HWO coronagraph enhancements can provide. An inflatable starshade presents a solution to the primary challenge associated with traditional starshade designs: their complex mechanical structures. Historically, starshades have not been launched, as they require precise shapes and edges, along with accurate propulsion and positioning. Previous designs utilizing discrete components can be enlarged to meet the dimensions needed for HWO (35-60 m) and HOEE (100 m), but they tend to be bulky, difficult to prototype, and thus incur significant costs and risks. Our target mass budget is set at 250 kg for the 35 m HWO variant, 650 kg for the 60 m option, and 1700 kg for the 100 m HOEE model. We plan to refine our concepts and create comprehensive designs along with finite element models to assess strength, stiffness, stability, and thermal performance. Additionally, we will establish small-scale testing facilities to address challenges such as the bonding of large, high-strength material sheets within inflatable configurations. Key deliverables will encompass mass and power budgets, evaluations of strength and stiffness, and laboratory testing of essential components. We will also revise the mission concepts for HWO and HOEE in light of the new starshade specifications.Depending on advancements in the HWO mission, starshades may be essential for enhancing our understanding of exoplanets. An inflatable starshade could facilitate their implementation.

Read more
Elon Unleashes Cybertrucks, Combines Forces from SpaceX and Tesla for Humanitarian Mission in LA/Malibu

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On November 21, 2019, Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, showcased the newly revealed all-electric, battery-powered Cybertruck at the Tesla Design Center located in Hawthorne, California. (Frederic J. Brown - AFP / Getty Images) Elon Musk revealed that both Tesla and SpaceX have allocated resources and staff to assist those affected by the fires in Los Angeles, as residents are forced to evacuate and face the loss of their homes. Musk shared on Sunday evening via X that Tesla and SpaceX staffers are “driving around areas in greater LA/Malibu that are in tough shape with free WiFi, drinks & snacks.” Tesla & SpaceX personnel are driving around areas in greater LA/Malibu that are in tough shape with free WiFi, drinks & snacks https://t.co/304vjlXSoc — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 13, 2025 He shared a post from Tesla that outlined a “summary of initiatives” undertaken by the electric vehicle company to assist both its employees and the wider community. Those endeavors proved to be remarkably extensive. Tesla is providing housing accommodations, transportation, and meals for employees who had their homes “lost or destroyed” amid the historic fires. The company successfully restored all Supercharger locations to operation, with the exception of the Pasadena Supercharger, which was situated in the heart of the fire. Beyond those responses, Tesla deployed two Megapack Chargers, which are essentially massive energy storage units that help with grid reliability, on Friday to “relieve congestion in Thousand Oaks for evacuation & families losing power due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs.” The company deployed another unit the next day to Altadena “for first responder support, providing power & Starlink connectivity.” Tesla has dispatched an additional two Megapack Chargers to San Bernardino and is in the process of installing more in the Palisades, the areas that suffered the greatest damage from the recent fires. Mobile Powerwall Units have been set up in Altadena and Topanga Canyon with assistance from various nonprofit organizations to supply power for devices and refrigerators. Additionally, several Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink are stationed across the city, including in Altadena, Pasadena, Zuma Beach, and Malibu. The Cybertrucks are equipped with compartments filled with water and snacks. To put it differently, Tesla, SpaceX, and Musk have made significant efforts to support not just their employees, but also the entire community. Musk did the same after hurricanes destroyed large parts of the southeastern United States a few months back. However, the initiatives in California proceed in spite of some lingering tensions with the state's Democratic leadership. In November, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposal to provide rebates for electric vehicles, excluding Teslas. This decision has faced significant criticism, with many viewing it as a form of political revenge against a billionaire adversary who has recently allied with the Republican Party. Musk called the exclusion of Tesla “insane,” especially because the company is the only car producer to make electric vehicles in the Golden State, according to a report from the New York Post. In summary, while California's leaders chose to distance themselves from Musk, he remained loyal to the state. Even as Newsom whines about his enemies politicizing the fires, Musk going out of his way to help the state is about as unpolitical a move as he possibly could have made. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Read more
China's 'Batwoman' researcher continues to carry out hazardous coronavirus experiments despite concerns over lab leaks.

Chinese researcher Shi Zhengli, aged 60, remains actively engaged in studying bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. Leading virologists warn that her research could have a 'potentially catastrophic' effect as we approach five years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli has allegedly earned the nickname 'batwoman' (file). A Chinese scientist is still conducting "potentially catastrophic" research into coronaviruses five years on from the start of the Covid pandemic which claimed millions of lives worldwide, according to experts. Shi Zhengli, 60, is one of the world's leading scientists working on bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. She has reportedly earned herself the nickname "Batwoman" as a result. She was thrown into the spotlight in late 2019 when a new form of coronavirus emerged in the region, with some scientists questioning whether Covid-19 leaked from a lab. In December, a two-year congressional investigation into the pandemic concluded the "weight of the evidence" suggests a lab leak was responsible. US lawmakers said in the report: "More and more senior intelligence officials, politicians, science editors, and scientists increasingly have endorsed the hypothesis that Covid-19 emerged as the result of a laboratory or research related accident." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Her ongoing research has been labeled as 'potentially disastrous' (file). Nevertheless, leading virologists assert that Zhengli's team is still engaged in potentially harmful coronavirus research in Wuhan. In a study released in Nature, she proudly highlighted her team's achievement in creating the first "tailored" coronavirus "receptors." This advancement could enable researchers to modify viruses, allowing them to infect various species, including humans. Robert Redfield, the director of America's CDC during the pandemic, told The Sun: "It's potentially dangerous research. You are taking a non-pathogenic virus and changing it so that it could end up being dangerous to humans. You may have a pathogen that is restricted to pigs - but now you could totally change it so that it's highly infectious to other species too. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An expert notes that Zhengli is 'experimenting with bat viruses and altering their receptors' (file). "She is experimenting with bat viruses and altering their receptors, which could enable them to infect animals like cows or chickens. This is a risky move with potentially disastrous outcomes. It might lead to a new pandemic affecting either animals or humans." Dr. Alina Chan, an expert in genetic engineering, stated that it seems Zhengli's team has now succeeded in "isolating" additional novel coronaviruses. She expressed concerns that this research is "risky" and prompts inquiries about the intentions of Zhengli's team regarding the handling of these new viruses once they cultivate them in the laboratory.

Read more
Columbia Basin Inhabitants Excited After Spotting Daytime Meteor and Space Debris

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Chris Hansen Numerous residents of the Columbia Basin are abuzz after allegedly witnessing what they believe to be a meteor streaking across the sky over the weekend. The majority of the sightings were reported in the Quincy region, where at least one individual claimed to have witnessed a bright object leaving a lengthy trail of smoke in the sky on Saturday afternoon. Although many of the witnesses believed it to have been a meteor, there are no official reports of sightings from the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA), or private agencies such as The Aerospace Corporation's Debris Sightings log. While it's possible the object may have been a meteor, it's just as likely that it was a form of space junk, although no official sightings have yet been registered with agencies such as the Center for Orbital & Reentry Debris or the AstriaGraph site at the University of Texas.

Read more
The meme "Will Smith enjoying a plate of spaghetti" marks the inaugural AI benchmark meme.

Perhaps the sole one? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AI video generators have made significant strides in their brief history, and an unexpected benchmark that many of us use to gauge this advancement has—due to various reasons—manifested as videos of Will Smith enjoying spaghetti. As one user pointed out on flight simulation forum AVSIM in late September 2024, these videos have become an AI benchmark. The difference in quality between the original AI-generated Will Smith eating spaghetti video—which went viral after it was posted to the r/stablediffusion subreddit by u/chaindrop in March 2023—and subsequent iterations—is stark. The AI improved significantly in movement, detail, and realism. About a year apart between these “Will Smith Eating Spaghetti” videos. Wild progress and can’t believe this became the AI-generated video Turing Test. pic.twitter.com/65UONEXhzg— Bearly AI (@bearlyai) January 5, 2025 So significantly that nearly a year after the initial nightmarish iteration went viral on X.com, the actor shared a parody video of himself pretending to be an AI-generated rendering eating spaghetti—and people were unsure of what was real, and what was AI. Which is arguably when it crossed over from viral video to meme. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The reason behind Will Smith eating spaghetti becoming the unofficial standard for AI video generation remains a mystery. From a technical standpoint, it's quite a challenging task. AI generators have consistently struggled with accurately depicting food (which frequently appears distorted), hands (which seldom show the right number of fingers), and the intricacies of the eating process as a whole. Additionally, the abundance of noodles adds another layer of complexity for the AI to manage. But culturally speaking, as with any meme, the why doesn’t so much matter. It is as much a method of communication as it is an inside joke. Much like the Utah Teapot of the late ’70s and ’80s—a famous 3D model and computer graphics benchmark that was kind of a pre-meme meme—Will Smith eating spaghetti videos have become a cultural reference that breaches the gap between tech and pop culture. It has become an AI litmus test for the layman, a way for the culture at large to participate and track developments in the latest big tech wave. 2023 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti was comically gruesome. 2024 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti is plausible. 2025 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti might not be recognizable as AI at all (the actor’s real-life parody of the spaghetti-eating videos is undoubtedly hastening this certainty, providing generators with more exact data to replicate). At which point AI benchmarks will become more difficult to articulate and define, and memes will continue to feel more niche as the social internet grows increasingly fragmented. Tutto passa.

Read more
How to observe the rare comet that will be visible from Earth this month

If it's not to your liking, you can always choose to wait an additional 160,000 years. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The universe is brimming with intriguing celestial objects and various marvels, and you could have the chance to witness one in just a few days. If, for some reason, you don’t know the names of every rock moving through the infinite vacuum of space, then you might have missed the upcoming news. Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is on its way, and you could have the chance to see it! Don’t worry if the name doesn’t sound familiar; it was just discovered not long ago. It was discovered in early April 2024 and was the third comet found that month and identified by the facility Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), according to PEOPLE. As for where it came from, Space.com reports that it's believed to have originated from Oort Cloud, which is comprised of millions of tiny icy objects estimated to be 10 trillion miles from the Sun. Nevertheless, astronomers suggest that spotting it in the night sky could be more challenging than one might think. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The comet is anticipated to shine more brightly than Venus (Getty Stock Image) On January 13, the comet is anticipated to reach its perihelion, signifying that it will be at its nearest position to the Sun. At this time, the comet will come within approximately 8.3 million miles of the Sun. The same day, it's also predicted to reach its closest point to Earth. This time around, many more people can catch a glimpse of it in the clear sky using rather basic technology, binoculars or a telescope - and if visible, it'll look like a bright star with a white or golden color, Space.com says. Although both the Northern and Southern hemispheres will have opportunities to see it, those in the Southern hemisphere will find it easier to catch a glimpse. According to the Sky and Telescope Organization, skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere might have the ability to spot the comet 'extremely low in the southwestern sky' from about January 15 to 18. The Planetary Society reports that while some experts anticipate the comet may disintegrate as it approaches the Sun, recent studies suggest that Comet G3 has experienced similar encounters before. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. With fairly simple technology, you should be able to identify it (Getty Stock Image) Data indicates that it is estimated to follow an orbit of roughly 160,000 years, suggesting it has undertaken an extraordinary journey. This challenging orbit suggests that the comet has probably endured at least one close encounter with the Sun in the past. While it's tough to predict a comet's visibility, Forbes reports that the comet is said to be shining at -4.5 magnitude, which is brighter than Venus. Although some may view this as a negative indication, comet observer John Bortle shared with Space.com that there have been reports of 'unusual' characteristics, including a 'shadow of the nucleus', which typically does not indicate any disruption. Bortle remarked, "I believe the odds of it surviving are roughly equal, around 50:50." It's definitely worth a try.

Read more