The Daily Populous

Saturday April 28th, 2018 day edition

image for Farewell, No. 16: scientists left 'miserable' after world's oldest spider dies aged 43

The world’s oldest known spider has died at the age of 43, outliving its nearest rival by 15 years, Australian scientists have reported.

Affectionately known as “Number 16”, the female Giaus Villosus or trapdoor spider had been under observation in the wild since its birth in 1974.

The arachnid is believed to have survived for so long by sticking to one protected burrow its entire life and expending the minimum of energy.

Previously the oldest known spider was a tarantula in Mexico, which died at the age of 28.

Published the Pacific Conservation Biology Journal, the research is the life’s work of Barbara York Main, now 88, who first set eyes on Number 16 shortly after its birth.

“To our knowledge this is the oldest spider ever recorded and her significant life has allowed us to further investigate the trapdoor spider’s behaviour and popular dynamics,” said Leanda Mason, a student of Professor Main’s and the study’s lead author.

While trapdoor spiders are poisonous, it is the males, who leave their burrows to find a mate, which are usually encountered by humans. »

What is the Universal Language of the Skies?

Authored by mentalfloss.com
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When mixed with phosphorescent copper-doped zinc sulfide, radium emits a characteristic green glow:.

The use of radioluminescent paint was mostly phased out by the mid-1960s.

Even without the phosphor, pure radium emits enough alpha particles to excite nitrogen in the air, causing it to glow. »

The Simpsons Makes TV History With 636th Episode

Authored by eonline.com

The Simpsons is making TV history on Sunday, April 29 when the Fox animated series airs its 636th episode, beating Gunsmoke's record of scripted episodes.

However, Gunsmoke and Law & Order are both still tied for the longest-running US primetime live-action series with 20 seasons produced.

"When we started, we didn't even know if the Fox network was going to last, much less our own show. »

Pizza delivery man gets $180K settlement after being crushed by 400 pounds of cheese

Authored by wcvb.com
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Domino’s Pizza paid out $180,000 to a former employee who was injured while transporting 400 pounds of cheese into one of the chain’s restaurants in Connecticut about two years ago.

America’s love of pizza has helped fuel an increase in cheese consumption over the past few decades.

Americans consumed roughly 37 pounds of cheese per person in 2016, up 36 percent from 27 pounds per person in 1995, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. »

Critics Accuse FCC of Delaying Repeal of Net Neutrality to Help Corporate Interests

Authored by fortune.com
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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is allegedly delaying the repeal of net neutrality to help web providers like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast, Motherboard reports.

Critics accuse the FCC of intentionally delaying the filing in order to convince Congress to create a more ISP-friendly law.

Pai has claimed that net neutrality rules prevented Internet service providers from investing in infrastructure, which is why the repeal had to be rushed through the FCC so quickly in the first place. »