Science and Technology

Under water: How FEMA’s outdated flood maps incentivize property owners to take risks

Under water: The hidden dangers of relying on outdated FEMA flood maps

The maps intended to guide decisions on flood risk across the nation are increasingly being exposed as a source of hidden danger, not a solution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps, which are the primary tool for assessing a property's vulnerability, are becoming demonstrably outdated. This creates a profound and dangerous paradox, as homeowners and investors are often lulled into a false sense of security, unwittingly taking on risks that are far greater than they realize. This systemic issue is reshaping the real estate market and a homeowner's perception of their financial exposure.For decades, the FEMA flood maps…
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The Perseid meteor shower is peaking Tuesday. Here’s how to see it

Spot the Perseid meteor shower on Tuesday—best times to watch

Every summer, the Earth drifts through a celestial dust cloud, setting off a much-anticipated event for those who enjoy observing the night sky. This occurrence, called the Perseid meteor shower, is an annual show that attracts both hobbyist astronomers and curious onlookers. Its dependable timing and the generally favorable weather during its peak period create a perfect opportunity for families, experienced star-watchers, and anyone interested in observing some of the universe's magic.The Perseids' beginnings are linked to the Swift-Tuttle Comet, which completes a solar orbit every 133 years. As it journeys through space, it sheds a path made of tiny…
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A dating app, a niqab and a 9mm gun - how a US woman was hired to end a UK family feud

A dating app, a niqab and a 9mm gun – tracing the steps of a transatlantic family feud

The quiet suburbs of a UK town became the unexpected backdrop for a bizarre and alarming saga involving a family feud, a dating app, and an American woman allegedly hired to carry out a violent act. The story, which has captivated the public, began with a seemingly innocuous online connection and escalated into a chilling plot that spanned continents. This case is a stark reminder of how digital platforms can be exploited for purposes far darker than their intended use, blurring the lines between online connections and real-world consequences. The alleged perpetrator, a woman from the U.S., now faces serious…
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Why Niger is investigating the  million sale of the largest Mars rock found on Earth

Niger launches inquiry into $5 million Mars rock sale

In the dry stretches of the Sahara Desert, a significant geological discovery once captivated the world—a large piece of Mars, blasted off the Red Planet’s surface by a forceful cosmic event and ultimately arriving on Earth. Heavier than the majority of meteorites and possessing immense scientific worth, the piece was celebrated as the biggest Martian rock ever found on our planet. Its path from an isolated area in Niger to the global market, however, is currently under a prominent investigation.Niger’s government has opened a formal probe into the $5 million sale of this exceptional meteorite, raising questions about ownership rights,…
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