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But Pox 186’s modest size is the key to an extraordinary property. It has essentially blown itself apart, a recent astronomical survey suggests, shedding a molecular shroud that cloaks most galaxies and letting almost all its light stream into its surroundings. If Pox 186’s explosive, “blow-away” behavior is normal for a galaxy of its type, it could help cosmologists understand a cosmic transformation that ended the so-called “dark ages” some 13 billion years ago....

Scientists don’t know yet how they got there, but they know there are a lot of microbes–and a lot of different kinds, too. “For these organisms, perhaps, the conditions may not be that harsh,” explains Kostas Konstantinidis, an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there is active life and growth in clouds, but this is something we cannot say for sure now....

Somehow, researchers got it into their heads to study the effect of cocaine on bees. Does this study tell you more about the bees, or about the humans? (Although, granted, the findings about how the drug affects communication are pretty neat.)And given how much of a distraction buzzing bees already are to hungry caterpillars (to the relief of the plants the caterpillars want to eat), just think how annoying the coked-up bees would be!...

A week before Russia invaded Ukraine in February, artillery fire crossed the static front line between Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine. A Reuters photographer, in Kadiivka, reported hearing artillery fire on Feb. 17 but could not determine which side had fired. The exchange violated the Minsk II Agreement, a ceasefire in place since February 2015 designed to be the first part of reaching a political solution between Ukraine and Russia over the separatist question in Eastern Ukraine....

Sure, you’ll use your air compressor to inflate tires, but the best reason to buy an air compressor is to power a variety of air tools. The greatest benefit of air tools is that they are very powerful and don’t require their own motors. There are no batteries to replace, and the only maintenance is occasional oiling. This brings the cost per tool way down relative to either corded or cordless electric power tools, so the cost savings on the tools helps offset the price of the compressor....

The best gaming tables are designed specifically with tabletop games in mind. They often feature special compartments, covers, or built-in boards to make it easy to play a wide range of games. They can also serve as a fun, but versatile statement piece in your living room or den. The ideal table for board games is simple and sturdy, so they often work well as a coffee table or even a dining room table, depending on the size....

The key to finding the best gifts for teenage girls is to stay on-trend. Do away with the notion that all girls want something pink and sparkly. Leave behind what you think you know about teen gifts and tap into the latest styles and crazes, from grunge-inspired boots to smart notebooks, cool LED lights, to vintage records. Girls this age are constantly evolving, re-inventing themselves, discovering their identities, and overcoming challenges....

Keeping glasses clean is the only way to ensure that they’re doing their job, so it’s important to choose a spectacles cleaner that will be suited to your routines and activities without causing undue damage to your sensitive lenses. Glasses wearers who intermittently reach for a pair of readers or who only put them on at specific times can benefit from a simple solution like glasses cleaner wipes or sprays, while long-term wearers or folks who engage in physically demanding activities may want to opt for a more robust cleaning solution like a microfiber or ultrasonic glasses cleaner....

These grow lights won’t have you ready to open your own professional operation, but they can treat your plants right and fit nicely into your needs to get you and your plant pals exactly the right amount of light to thrive. Best grow lights for micro greens: SereneLife Smart Starter Kit-Hydroponic Herb GardenBest grow lights for outdoor plants (when they’re indoors): LED Grow LightBest fluorescent grow lights: Hydrofarm FLT44 System 4′ Fluorescent Grow LightBest grow lights for seedlings: Jump Start JSV2T JumpStart T5 Light Timer SystemBest grow lights for home: Bamboo LED Grow Light Garden...

The good news is we’ve done your homework for you. Expert mountain climbers and newbie hikers alike can avoid all the irritating scenarios above by investing in a pair of the best hiking boots that we’ve selected below. The best hiking boots will keep you looking stylish out on the trail, while simultaneously providing comfort and support to keep you safe and focused on the journey ahead. Best overall: Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Men’s Hiking ShoesBest eco-friendly: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking BootBest durable: Cat Footwear Trespass BootsBest for backpacking: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking ShoeBest stylish: Davos High Men’s Waterproof Outdoor BootBest budget: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot...

Humidifiers come in different shapes and sizes, but they’re all fairly simple in design. They use water from a water tank to create a fine mist using one of various methods to increase humidity levels. The best humidifier for your space will be large enough for the room and easy to clean with a design that fits your style. With the right model, you can sleep and breathe better and stay more comfortable when the weather causes humidity levels to drop....

Best overall: Osprey Raptor 10 Bike Hydration Bike BackpackBest for hikers: CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration PackBest for bikers/cyclists: Thule Vital Hydration PackBest for runners: TETON Sports Trailrunner 2.0 Hydration PackBest on a budget: Water Buffalo Hydration Pack Feel confident when picking the best hydration pack There are plenty of designs available for different sports, so you can choose the best hydration pack depending on the type of activity in which you’re participating....

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best iron supplements available in the market; these are considered highly effective and safe options. Iron pills can be found in many forms including capsules, tablets, and drink mixes. The other popular form which is gaining momentum these days is liquid iron shots or drops that come with droppers for accurate dosage. Also, some of these can be mixed with water or fruit juice for absorption....

Best value: Newman’s Own OrganicsBest extra-caffeinated: Death Wish CoffeeBest decaf: Community Cafe Special DecafBest for flavored coffee: Crazy Cups DecafBest compostable: Cameron’s Coffee Single Serve How we selected the best K cup coffee For this test, we scoured the options while considering the most crucial variables, including price-per-cup, roast, flavor, and even how sustainable those little pods are. We consulted with a small crew of die-hard coffee drinkers who, after they were done lecturing us about the superiority of drips and pour-overs, helped shed some light on what to look for....

Best overall: Vivo Standing DeskBest lap desk: Cooper Mega Table for Bed & SofaBest rolling desk: Sdadi Standing DeskBest folding desk: Need Foldable Writing DeskBest compact desk: Rainbean Portable WorkstationBest full-sized premium desk: Hoek Home Office DeskBest budget: LapGear Essential Lap Desk How we selected the best portable desks We work, and we work till we know what works. As a remote-first office, we’ve tried many portable desks around our own homes and asked coworkers and peers for recommendations....

Best overall: UE Wonderboom 3Best fixture: Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead + Wireless SpeakerBest for audiophiles: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation)Best smart speaker: Bose Soundlink MicroBest budget: INSMY C12 Waterproof Speaker How we selected the best shower speakers In order to find the best shower speakers, we scoured bathrooms far and wide to pool the best options and evaluate our favorite models. We took a second look at some of the portable speakers we’ve recommended for outdoor use and inspected our own homes to find out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to a shower serenade....

At the baseline, the best tape measures not only take accurate measurements but are also durable, easy to extend and retract, whether it’s a manual or lock lever system, and are easy to read. Additional features such as built-in pencil sharpeners and two-sided printing are the cherries on top. For our selection of the best tape measures, read on. Best overall: BOSCH Blaze GLM 50 C Laser Tape Measure Best value: Komelon Sm5425 Speedmark Gripper Measuring Tape Best carpenter: Fastcap ProCarpenter Standard/Metric Tape MeasureBest for electricians: Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure Best for construction: Stanley FATMAX Auto-Lock Tape Measure...

Best small WiFi adapter: TP-Link N150Best budget dual-band WiFi adapter: TP-Link AC600Best high-end dual-band WiFi adapter: Netgear AC1900Best AC-rated WiFi adapter: ASUS USB-AC68Best budget high-AC WiFi adapter: TP-Link Archer T3UBest long-range WiFi adapter: TP-Link Archer T4U PlusBest WiFi adapter for gaming: WAVLINK WiFi AdapterBest budget WiFi adapter: EDUP WiFi Adapter Features to consider when shopping for the best WiFi adapter WiFi adapters come in many shapes, sizes, and price points. So what should you look for in the best WiFi adapter?...

In the three years since CRISPR was introduced, it has been adopted by thousands of scientists worldwide. Already, they’ve used the technique to create hypermuscular beagles and pigs that can grow human organs for transplant. Innovations that used to take many years to realize can now be made in mere months. “The technology is pretty darn fast,” said Dan Voytas, a genetic engineer who has edited wheat to reduce gluten sensitivity....

Collecting blood samples from zoo animals can prove to be a difficult task, often requiring sedation. Small animals are especially tricky because finding a vein from which to draw blood can be nearly impossible. The kissing bug solves those problems—it’s any one of 130 species of small, blood-sucking insects belonging to the sub-family Triatominae. Like most blood-suckers, the kissing bug releases a pain-reducing enzyme when it bites, effectively anesthetizing the area at the same time as the bite....