Japan - 3 Months after the Catastrophe

Japan continues to struggle with the effects of 9-point earthquake and ensuing tsunami that occurred three months ago on the northeast coast of the country. Local authorities are still trying to deal with the consequences of accidents at nuclear power plants, Fukushima. Workers continue to dismantle obstructions, while the approaching rainy season, which may increase the risk of spreading diseases. Collected here are photos taken over the past week - three months after the devastating catastrophe in the land of the rising sun, as well as photos of individual areas before and after the disaster.

The following are 30 high resolution pictures of Japan now. For a higher resolution make sure to click on an image.

1. Cars drive through the destroyed area for three months and two days after the 9-pointearthquake and tsunami, June 13, Natori, Miyagi Prefecture. The Japanese governmentis trying to deal with the consequences of disasters and problems of nuclear power plantaccident at Fukushima. The authorities are preparing for an increased risk of spread ofviral and infectious diseases as we approach the rainy season, which also hamper the work of raking debris. (Kiyoshi Ota / Getty
Images)

Happy guys finish last, says new study on sexual attractiveness

We've heard it before: nice guys finish last. And when it comes to sexual attraction, it appears the rule holds. Women find happy guys significantly less sexually attractive than swaggering or brooding men, according to a new University of British Columbia study that helps to explain the enduring allure of "bad boys" and other iconic gender types.

Although some of you might be saying that everyone knows that women are more likely to be attracted to a bad-boy attitude, but here is some actual research to back that claim up. The University of British Columbia researchers who worked on the study say there's an inherent contradiction in this finding.

Ten Most Thanked for Scientific Discoveries

Here is a list of ten most important scientific discoveries of the past century. Most of these are vital in our daily lives and are used to further advance our abilities and understand the universe. These discoveries range from medicine & physics to anthropology & archeology.

Powers of Ten

An awesome documentary film that depicts the relative scale of the Universe in factors of ten. The video starts zooming out of our Earth to the cosmos and then travels back to Earth and zooms in to magnify the human cells, to eventually reveal the atoms. This short movie has also been adapted into an interactive website - Powers of Ten.

via: YouTube

Four ways to make fire without matches only using chemistry!

Have you ever been stuck outside on a camping trip or elsewhere without matches when you need them? Well here are four science tips for starting a fire using only the knowledge of chemistry. To achieve the combustive reaction you should be knowledgeable in the handling and use of certain chemicals, now aren't you glad you didn't sleep during your chemistry lectures!

All jokes aside though, enjoy the cool science presentation from the people behind NurdRage. Also check out the detailed description to each reaction after the break.

via: YouTube

Galactic Timelapse

Here is a great time-lapse video of the sky at night. The beautiful imagery is set to an awesome music from the movie Bladerunner by Vangelis - "Rachael's Song". Enjoy!
Also check out another beautiful timelapse video of NYC.

via: YouTube

Masturbation in the Animal Kingdom

According to many scientists Homo sapiens are not the only species that engage in masturbation. Here are some interesting facts about self-pleasure among humans and the animals on our planet.

"For one, many animals that masturbate don't continue the deed until orgasm (humans seem to be rather goal-oriented on this point). That means that some of the best theories for why masturbation evolved in humans are off the table for other animals. 

For example, studies have found that masturbation can increase a man's sperm count by getting rid of old semen that's lost its vitality, and therefore boosting the chances that young, lively sperm will be ejaculated during intercourse. 

But since this discharge doesn't seem to occur as often in animals, then there must be some other benefits to the practice, scientists say."

Music Painting

This very creative video was made to support the initiative to stop global warming. As the artist draws the notes on the music sheet they come to life and you can hear the pleasant music. The second theme that goes on behind the musical notes is the interplay between the nature and our human involvement on this planet (i.e. buildings, cars, cranes). Enjoy the beautiful art, calming music and an important message at the end of the video.

via: YouTube

Scientists find that Proboscis monkeys regurgitate their food just like bovine.

The nose of a male proboscis monkey can exceed 3.9 inches (10 centimeters), and is thought to woo females.

   The first monkey that acts like a cow has been discovered - one that regurgitates to give its food another go, just as many cattle species do.

Petite Lap Giraffes

Here is a very interesting advertisement for Direct TV. Set in a mansion of some Russian oligarch who has everything - from beautiful women to stacks of golden bars, but then you can notice he also has a small giraffe as a pet! How cool is that. I think the inclusion of this miniature giraffe is a very smart advertisement strategy. Firstly, because it is fascinating to see something so real  and intricate as a giraffe and at the same time so small that you can hold it in the palm of your hand. Secondly, it achieves a "viral" status of videos and will be viewed by many people that don't even watch TV. Now I want one of those giraffes myself.