Nov 3, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated November 3, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe here. November 3rd. Science in ten — let's begin with what changed my mind this week. Let's get into it. First, from ScienceAlert. 7,300 Years Ago, One of Earth's Worst Eruptions Hit Japan.
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Daily Science Brief · November 3rd
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7,300 Years Ago, One of Earth's Worst Eruptions Hit Japan. What Humans Did Next Surprised Scientists.
The Kikai-Akahoya volcanic eruption is one of the most destructive in history: Around 5250 BCE, almost 7,300 years ago, off the southwestern coast of Japan, it spewed massive amounts of magma and volcanic material from beneath the seabed in a series of blasts. For the Jomon foraging communities of Japan at that time, it must've been a cataclysmic event of incomprehensible proportions. Scoring 7 out of 8 on the volcanic explosivity index, it's the sort of event that happens once every 500–1,000 years.
Queen's University Belfast students find Neptune's elusive Trojan asteroids
An international team led by researchers at Queen's University Belfast has made a discovery that has eluded astronomers for decades. Beginning in 1906, telescope observations revealed a population of asteroids leading and trailing Jupiter, which came to be known as the "Trojan" and "Greek" populations. Since then, astronomers have discovered similar "families" orbiting Saturn and Uranus, but not Neptune. Thanks to the Queen's-led team, the mystery of the missing Trojans has now been resolved.
Small retailers are feeling the squeeze as our population grows but their numbers dwindle. Rising costs from rent, utilities, and tariffs are making it tough for them to keep prices stable. Many local shops operate on very thin margins and find it hard to compete with giants like Amazon, who benefit from taxpayer-funded incentives.
Now, with recent sales tax increases in several counties, small businesses are facing even more challenges. The state’s sales tax will rise by 0.3% next July, which could lead to a significant loss in consumer spending. Elected officials may downplay these increases, but even small hikes can impact how much people are willing to spend, especially when wages are stagnant and living costs are climbing.
This raises important questions about why out-of-state retailers receive government support while local businesses struggle. It seems unfair that small retailers are expected to tighten their belts while the government doesn’t do the same. The conversation around supporting local businesses versus incentivizing larger corporations is more crucial than ever.
China imports millions of donkey hides from Africa every year: New book traces the drivers and impact
Over the past 15 years, the demand for donkey hides has surged, primarily due to increasing consumption in China. Lauren Johnston, an expert in trade between China and Africa, has dedicated years to researching this phenomenon and recently released a book titled "China, Africa and the Market for Donkeys." In her work, she explores the complex factors driving this demand, including cultural practices and the use of donkey hides in traditional medicine.
Johnston highlights that this trade has significant implications for donkey populations in Africa, where millions of hides are exported annually. The rising demand has led to overexploitation, threatening the livelihoods of communities that rely on donkeys for farming and transportation. She emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and better regulation to protect both the animals and the communities affected by this booming trade.
In her interviews, Johnston discusses how this trade is not just an economic issue but also a cultural one, as donkeys hold important roles in many African societies. The book aims to raise awareness about the consequences of this demand and encourages a conversation about ethical sourcing and animal welfare. As the market continues to grow, the balance between economic opportunity and ethical responsibility remains a critical concern.
Americans paid an additional $150 billion at the pump since the Iran War started, and oil profits were $130B of that.
Since the start of the U.S. war against Iran, Americans have spent over $150 billion more on gas and diesel compared to last year, driven by rising global oil prices and supply disruptions. Meanwhile, U.S. oil companies have reported profits exceeding $130 billion from April to September, nearly three times their earnings from the previous year. This situation has sparked concerns about the influence of big oil on political decisions, particularly as Donald Trump seeks funding from oil executives for his 2024 campaign, promising to roll back Biden-era regulations.
The Republican party has actively dismantled many clean energy initiatives, including tax credits for solar and wind energy, and weakened fuel efficiency standards. They’ve also allocated significant tax breaks and subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, raising questions about the motivations behind these policies. The financial burden on Americans is compounded by the war's costs, estimated to exceed $200 billion when considering direct taxpayer spending and inflationary effects.
Interestingly, global oil demand is projected to decline for the first time without a recession or pandemic, as high prices drive consumers toward electric vehicles. Countries like China and those in Europe are leading this shift, with significant increases in EV sales. The growing trend toward electrification could lessen dependence on oil, making the upcoming U.S. election critical in determining how quickly the country adapts to this change.
EXCLUSIVE: Serious violations in Pfizer’s maternal RSV vaccine trial
Recent documents reveal serious compliance issues at a research site in Argentina involved in Pfizer’s maternal RSV vaccine trial, known as MATISSE. This trial was crucial for the approval of Abrysvo, a vaccine given during pregnancy to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus. Argentina’s drug regulator, ANMAT, found 32 instances of non-compliance during its inspection, including poor medical record-keeping and failures in reporting significant adverse events for newborns. Despite these findings, Abrysvo received approval in multiple countries, including the U.S. and EU, raising concerns about whether regulators fully understood the violations before granting approval.
This AR motorcycle helmet could make your GPS obsolete
Aegis Rider has introduced an augmented reality motorcycle helmet that aims to enhance navigation without the need for traditional GPS devices. This helmet features a heads-up display that projects essential information directly into the rider's line of sight, potentially reducing the need to glance down at a phone or GPS unit.
While some may worry about added distractions, the design focuses on safety by keeping critical data accessible without taking the rider's eyes off the road. The helmet also includes intercom capabilities for communication with other riders, making it a multifunctional tool for motorcyclists.
Though this innovation could change how we navigate on two wheels, it's still early to tell how it will be received by the biking community. The balance between technology and safety will be crucial as riders weigh the benefits against potential distractions.
How political disagreement with our neighbors relates to whether we bother casting a ballot
In the 2025 federal election, Canada saw its highest voter turnout since 1993, which is quite significant. Researchers often look at factors like the competitiveness of the race and the issues at stake to explain these turnout trends.
However, a recent study highlights another angle: how political disagreements with neighbors can influence whether people decide to vote. The findings suggest that when individuals feel a strong sense of disagreement with those around them, they might be more motivated to cast their ballots. This could be because they want to assert their views or counteract what they perceive as opposing opinions in their community.
This connection between local political dynamics and voter participation adds an interesting layer to our understanding of electoral behavior. It suggests that social environments can play a crucial role in motivating civic engagement, beyond just the political campaign itself. So, it’s not just about the big-picture issues; sometimes, it’s the conversations we have with our neighbors that can push us to take action at the polls.
Just 3 Lines of Math Rule Out Time Travel in Many Possible Universes, Physicist Says
A new study suggests that time travel might not be possible in many universes, based on a simple mathematical proof. Physicist Hongsheng Zhang from the University of Jinan used an old equation, the null eikonal equation, to demonstrate that a time traveler can’t loop back to their starting point. Essentially, light can’t be perpendicular to the path of a time traveler, meaning they can only move forward in time.
Zhang's work adds a new criterion to existing theories that rule out time loops, which include the idea of a universal clock ticking forward and energy conditions that prevent negative energy. This research offers a straightforward way to approach the complex topic of time travel, emphasizing that understanding the geometry of light can clarify our grasp of time itself.
While the study is still awaiting peer review, it provides intriguing insights into the nature of time and the universe. For those dreaming of time machines, Zhang humorously notes that we now know what needs to be broken to make them a reality.
Furious $3.3-million EVO supercar makes a big American debut
The EVO supercar, priced at $3.3 million, has made its American debut, showcasing the impressive engineering that Germany is known for. This vehicle stands out not just for its price tag but for the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into its design and performance. German manufacturers have a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what's possible, whether it's through the performance of a Porsche or the power of a Mercedes-AMG. The EVO is no exception, promising an exhilarating driving experience that reflects this high standard of automotive excellence. It's a clear reminder of how innovation and ambition continue to shape the supercar landscape.