Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated October 5, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, October 5th. The morning read — ten things in health worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from ScienceAlert. After 25 Years, Physicists Can Finally Measure The 'Other' Kind of Quantum Entanglement.
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Daily Science Brief · October 5th
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After 25 Years, Physicists Can Finally Measure The 'Other' Kind of Quantum Entanglement
Physicists from Kyoto and Hiroshima Universities have made significant strides in measuring a complex type of quantum entanglement called W-state entanglement, which involves three photons. This study, published in Science Advances, marks a notable advancement after 25 years of research focused on the simpler Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states. Unlike GHZ states, W states can retain their entangled properties even if one particle is lost, making them particularly useful for quantum technologies.
The researchers introduced a new measurement technique using a specialized optical device that allows them to assess the entire entangled system in one go, overcoming previous challenges that required multiple identical systems and extensive measurements. They achieved an accuracy of about 87% in identifying the W state, surpassing the necessary threshold for confirming their method's effectiveness.
This breakthrough could pave the way for advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing, potentially impacting fields like drug research and cybersecurity. The team is now looking to develop on-chip photonic circuits to further enhance these measurements, opening doors to practical applications in the near future.
Review: $9 key puts you in control of your phone screen time – and it works
A new product from Autonomous AI is gaining attention for helping people manage their phone screen time. This $9 physical key is designed to give users more control over their digital habits. While there are various methods out there, like simple smartphones and timers that mute notifications, this key stands out as a tangible solution.
The key works by allowing you to set limits on your phone usage, making it easier to step away from the screen. Users have reported positive experiences, noting that it effectively reduces distractions and helps them focus on other activities. It’s a straightforward tool that seems to resonate with those looking for a break from constant digital engagement.
While it’s still early days for this product, the initial feedback suggests it could be a practical option for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their devices. If you’re curious about ways to manage your screen time without diving into complex apps or settings, this key might be worth considering.
Hot deal via StackSocial: Rewire your brain 15 minutes at a time
Babbel is offering a lifetime subscription for language learning at $159, down from $299, if you use the code LEARN by October 6. Unlike many apps that rely on AI, Babbel’s lessons are crafted by over 150 linguists, focusing on practical conversations and cultural nuances. A Yale study found that all participants improved their speaking skills in just three months using this method.
Each lesson takes about 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day. You can track your progress across devices, and there’s a speech recognition feature to help with pronunciation. The subscription covers 14 languages, which is a good deal compared to the monthly fees that would add up to over $600 in three years. Just keep in mind, this offer is for new users in the U.S. only, and you need to redeem the code in a web browser within 30 days of purchase.
Skulls of Civilians Buried Around Egypt's First Kings Reveal Evidence of Human Sacrifice
Archaeologists have revisited the idea of human sacrifice in ancient Egypt, specifically around the tombs of the First Dynasty kings. Flinders Petrie, who dug these sites in the 1920s, found many graves with remains but lacked evidence of how these individuals died. Now, Roselyn Campbell from Purdue University has analyzed 46 skulls from those graves, revealing that 18 show signs of potentially lethal injuries, suggesting some may have been deliberately killed.
These skulls were found near royal funerary complexes at Umm el-Qaab, where officials and artisans were buried. Campbell discovered linear fractures typical of blunt force trauma, along with some sharp force injuries. While it's possible some individuals died of natural causes, the evidence leans towards the idea that many experienced trauma before death.
Petrie initially theorized these burials represented retainer sacrifices, where individuals were interred to serve their kings in the afterlife. Campbell's findings support this theory, indicating that the practice of sacrifice may have begun quite early in ancient Egyptian culture. She suggests that some may have volunteered for this fate, while others could have been forced. This research highlights how revisiting old data with new techniques can uncover fresh insights into history.
Weak prosecution leaves Southeast Asia’s tigers vulnerable to trafficking: Report
A recent report highlights the ineffective prosecution of tiger poaching and trafficking in Southeast Asia, revealing that fewer than half of arrests lead to convictions. Researchers examined 259 cases from 2019 to 2024 across seven countries, including Indonesia and Vietnam. Only 110 resulted in prison sentences or fines, while many cases ended without clear outcomes. The focus of law enforcement remains on low-level offenders, neglecting the high-level criminals behind these networks. Experts emphasize the need for better investigations and stronger prosecutions to truly disrupt the organized crime linked to wildlife trafficking, which often intersects with other serious crimes.
New forensic evidence supports Egyptian "retainer sacrifice"
A new study in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology revisits skulls from Egyptian tombs excavated in the 1920s, suggesting that over a third show signs of blunt force trauma. This evidence may support the idea of "retainer sacrifice," where servants were buried with pharaohs to serve them in the afterlife. Roselyn Campbell, a bioarchaeologist at Purdue University, emphasizes the need to contextualize these findings, as historical interpretations of violence can vary greatly across cultures. She notes that the debate around retainer sacrifice often splits people into two camps, but advancements in forensic science could provide fresh insights into these ancient practices.
Modern forensics reveals human sacrifice in ancient Egypt's royal burials
Recent research has uncovered evidence suggesting that human sacrifice may have been practiced in ancient Egypt during the First Dynasty, around 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists found a tomb where kings were buried alongside numerous officials and artisans. What’s striking is that many of these individuals appear to have died around the same time, raising questions about the circumstances of their deaths.
This finding comes from a careful examination of burial sites, revealing a pattern that suggests these deaths were not just coincidental. While the evidence is still being analyzed, it points to a possible ritualistic aspect to these burials, indicating that human sacrifice could have been a part of royal funerary practices.
The implications of this research are significant, as they challenge our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and its beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. It opens up new avenues for exploring how power dynamics and religious practices may have influenced the treatment of individuals in society at that time.
Hunters reportedly kill hundreds of migratory birds stranded by thunderstorm in Malta
A severe thunderstorm hit Malta on September 14, 2026, stranding hundreds of migratory birds. Conservation group BirdLife Malta reports that hunters took advantage of the situation, shooting over 500 European turtle doves, a threatened species, despite the hunting season being officially closed that same day. Malta is a key stopover for migratory birds, and the storm created a “bird fall,” where exhausted birds gather in large numbers, making them easy targets. With around 10,000 active hunters in Malta, the impact on these vulnerable species is concerning, especially as the hunting quota for turtle doves was quickly reached. BirdLife Malta also documented hunters targeting little egrets in the aftermath.
The weather is shaping up beautifully as we head into the evening, with crisp, chilly nights on the horizon. It’s a nice change, giving us that cozy fall vibe. However, don’t get too comfortable just yet, because a warm-up is expected soon, bringing temperatures back into the 80s.
But there’s a little twist ahead; we might also see a light freeze down the line, especially in the far reaches of the forecast. So, while it’s lovely now, keep an eye on those temperatures as we transition through the season. Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts!
What 46 Ancient Egyptian Skulls Reveal About Human Sacrifice In Royal Tombs
A recent study examined 46 ancient Egyptian skulls found in royal tombs, shedding light on the practice of human sacrifice in that era. This analysis, which involved a detailed look at the skeletal remains, suggests that some individuals were deliberately sacrificed as part of burial rituals for the elite. The findings indicate that these sacrifices were not random; they likely held significant cultural and religious meaning, possibly intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
The researchers used a combination of archaeological context and forensic techniques to piece together how these individuals may have died. While the sample size is relatively small, it offers intriguing insights into the social and spiritual dynamics of ancient Egypt. The evidence points to a complex belief system where human sacrifice was intertwined with notions of power and the afterlife, reflecting the values of that society.
Overall, this study adds a layer of understanding to ancient Egyptian practices, suggesting that human sacrifice was a deliberate and culturally significant act rather than a mere occurrence. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how deeply intertwined life, death, and belief were in that time.