A mummified saber-toothed cat cub discovered in Siberia is creating excitement among paleontologists as the first known Homotherium latidens mummy. Its exceptional preservation, including intact fur, skin, and forelimbs, offers a glimpse into the species' anatomy and hunting adaptations. The cub's fur is short, dense, and surprisingly soft, while its claws and paw pads remain intact. Radiocarbon dating revealed the cub is over 35,000 years old, providing insights into its life during the Pleistocene epoch.The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. LopatinCompared to modern lion cubs, the saber-toothed cub displayed distinct features, such as a darker coat, shorter ears, longer forelimbs, and a larger mouth. Its circular paw shape, resembling a bear’s, suggests reliance on strong forearms to immobilize prey. Scientists noted this mummy allows for deeper understanding of saber-toothed cats' evolutionary history, as prior research relied on fossil scanning and modeling. Genetic analysis revealed Homotherium split from other ancient cats around 18 million years ago, making this mummy a rare link to feline evolutionary origins. Researchers are now examining its DNA and anatomy further, marveling at the discovery's historical significance.
McDonald’s is allocating $100 million to address the fallout from a recent E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounders, which sickened over 100 people across 14 states and damaged sales. The company is spending $35 million on marketing campaigns, including a value deal featuring 10-piece chicken nuggets for $1, and $65 million to support franchisees in affected states.The outbreak, traced to slivered onions on Quarter Pounders, caused a significant decline in sales and visits in October. McDonald’s stock dropped 7% over the past month, and multiple lawsuits have been filed. However, the company announced that recent tests found no E. coli in its food, and Quarter Pounders with onions have returned to menus nationwide. McDonald’s is spending $100 million on marketingIn a memo, McDonald’s emphasized its commitment to rebuilding trust, with North America chief impact officer Michael Gonda and chief marketing officer Tariq Hassan highlighting the brand's legacy of responsibility. CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that McDonald’s is prepared to deploy further resources to regain customer loyalty.The marketing push also includes the continuation of its $5 meal deal, aiming to attract customers back to its restaurants.
This Friday marks the arrival of November's full moon, also known as the beaver moon, and it coincides with the Leonid meteor shower, offering a celestial spectacle for sky-gazers. The beaver moon, named after beavers' preparation for winter, is the last supermoon of the year, reaching its peak at 4:29 p.m. ET. This supermoon appears slightly larger and brighter as the moon is at its closest point to Earth, though not as close as October’s full moon.NASA’s Noah Petro suggests viewing the moon as it rises above the horizon for a “moon illusion,” where it appears larger due to its comparison with objects on the ground. While the science behind this illusion remains uncertain, it offers a mesmerizing experience.The Leonid meteor shower, which peaks from Saturday night to early Sunday, may produce around five meteors per hour, as the full moon’s brightness could obscure fainter meteors. For optimal viewing, face east with the moon out of sight and observe late at night or near dawn, according to the American Meteor Society. A meteor from the Leonids is seen streaking across the sky over Ankara, Turkey, in 2020. Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesUpcoming celestial events include the Geminids meteor shower on December 12-13 and the Ursids on December 21-22. December’s full moon, the cold moon, will shine on December 15, closing 2024’s lunar cycle.