Nov 14, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated November 14, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, November 14th. The morning read — ten things in science worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from ScienceAlert. Scientists Discover a 98-Million-Year-Old Mantis With 'Leaves' on Its Abdomen, Trapped in Amber.
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Daily Science Brief · November 14th
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Scientists Discover a 98-Million-Year-Old Mantis With 'Leaves' on Its Abdomen, Trapped in Amber
A fascinating discovery in Myanmar has unveiled a 98-million-year-old praying mantis, named Folimantis hyalinala, which shows the earliest evidence of insect mimicry of plants. This mantis has an abdomen that closely resembles the extinct plant Selaginella grimaldii. Researchers note that while mimicry in insects has been around for over 200 million years, clear fossil examples are rare.
Interestingly, F. hyalinala only displays mimicry on its abdomen, suggesting that this trait may have developed there first before spreading to other body parts. This discovery highlights the long-standing evolutionary relationship between insects and plants, as both have adapted over millions of years.
However, the amber trade, which provides these fossils, is tied to serious sociopolitical issues in Myanmar, raising ethical concerns about the origins of such specimens. The mantis was collected in 2015 and later donated for research, contributing to our understanding of insect evolution.
Unstable plasma heats itself with waves it generates, experiments reveal
Fusion power is expected to be a sustainable energy source that emits no carbon dioxide during electricity generation. To achieve this, research is underway worldwide to confine high-temperature plasma using magnetic fields. To initiate a fusion reaction, high-energy particles or waves must be injected from outside to heat the plasma to extremely high temperatures.
Tonight, take a moment to gaze out your window at the night sky. It’s not just a void; it’s full of stories and mysteries. A rancher in the desert experiences something strange when three lights appear, one darting across the sky in an instant, leaving him bewildered and hours lost. A mother shares that her family has been visited by loving lights for years, claiming a connection to her past and a mission to help others during an impending change.
Another man recounts a life-altering encounter where he was shown the Earth from above and told there’s no higher power, only those who created us. Since then, he struggles to pray, feeling a disconnect. This theme of unseen forces echoes throughout history, as illustrated by an ancient story of a servant who couldn’t see the protective presence around him until a prophet prayed for his vision to be opened.
The narrative suggests that the sky is teeming with entities, some of which may not have our best interests at heart. It warns that what appears as light can sometimes be deceptive. The episode invites listeners to consider these experiences seriously, encouraging them to reflect on biblical passages that speak to these themes. So, when the night is clear, step outside and ask to see beyond the surface; you might find there’s much more than what meets the eye.
Active winglets... On a 900cc naked bike? What is China smoking?
Benelli, a Chinese-owned motorcycle manufacturer, is known for its budget-friendly twin-cylinder bikes, but they’re making waves with an intriguing new concept: a 900cc naked bike equipped with active winglets. These winglets are designed to enhance aerodynamics, which is quite a leap for a bike in this category. While active winglets are more commonly seen in higher-performance models, Benelli’s choice to incorporate them into a naked bike raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity about their potential benefits in everyday riding.
This concept bike showcases Benelli's ambition to blend practicality with advanced technology, aiming to attract a wider audience. The active winglets could help improve stability and handling at higher speeds, which is a significant consideration for riders looking for both performance and comfort. As we look ahead to EICMA 2026, it will be interesting to see how this concept evolves and whether it influences future designs in the motorcycle industry.
Hey! So, I saw this article and wanted to tell you about it. It's basically a really heartfelt thank you note from someone who's just released a new app called "murmur daily." They're feeling super grateful because, even though things can be tough and they've had their stumbles, they keep pushing forward. And they feel like the readers, you and me, are a huge part of that support system.
They specifically mentioned how, when they launched the app, people really showed up for them. It's been in the top 10 for the past two days, which is pretty cool, and they're just so thankful for everyone who's downloaded it or supported it in any way.
It sounds like they're really passionate about this app and about chasing their dreams, and they wanted to share that feeling of accomplishment and gratitude with us. They even hinted at a surprise coming to the app soon, which is always fun! It’s a nice reminder of how much support can mean, you know?
Russell Brand's recent legal troubles have sparked a complex conversation about shame, accountability, and the culture that both enables and vilifies figures like him. His past, marked by disturbing experiences, suggests that his behaviors stem from a deeper power dynamic rather than just trauma. Brand’s public persona thrived on making others uncomfortable, turning his interactions into a spectacle that audiences found compelling.
While his imprisonment might seem like a victory against patriarchy, it raises questions about whether this truly changes the systemic issues at play. Many argue that Brand is merely a scapegoat, allowing society to feel justified while ignoring the broader culture of complicity. The celebration of his downfall can feel like a way to deflect from our own complicity in enabling such figures.
Interestingly, Brand's pivot to a self-proclaimed Christian identity has garnered him a new following, illustrating a gap in how the left engages with these issues. His rise reflects a troubling trend where some men rally around figures like him, perhaps as a defense of their own identities in a changing cultural landscape. This connection underscores the need to address the deeper societal structures that allow such behaviors to persist, rather than simply celebrating individual downfalls.
Hurricane-strength air tent inflates to house 10 people in 10 minutes
The latest launch in Heimplanet's iconic geodesic inflatable tent family, the Mavericks tent has been fully updated for 2026. Already capable of standing strong in 100-mph+ (161-km/h+) winds, the new version packs in even more toughness and extreme weather-shedding capability. It also gains some new colors that take inspiration from natural destinations ranging from wind-blown high desert to lava-ravaged lowlands. And yes, it inflates into full-blown 10-person form in as few as 10 minutes.
The role of social relationships in scaling agricultural innovations: A dimension that remains underreported in research
A study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems reveals that, although partnerships and institutional collaboration feature prominently in climate-oriented agricultural research, their relationship with the scaling of innovations is rarely explicitly documented. The findings highlight the need to better understand the role of social relationships to strengthen the design, monitoring and evaluation of scaling processes.
Hands Down, The 75 Coolest & Most Useful Gifts Under $25
If you’re looking for cool, practical gifts under $25, there’s a great list out there. It includes quirky items like a campfire-shaped night-light with two modes and a version that plays white noise for better sleep. There’s also a handy keychain multitool that can scrape labels and even split wood, making it surprisingly versatile.
For food storage, a cube mold helps portion meals perfectly, while a cute chenille towel shaped like a dog dries hands efficiently. A car charger with retractable cords keeps devices powered on the go, and zipper locks are perfect for securing bags while traveling.
Shaving in the shower is easier with a fog-free mirror, and a playful bottle opener shaped like a toy soldier adds charm to any bar. Tiny, durable stickers provide a sensory experience, and a compact keychain flashlight is both bright and sturdy. A wearable blanket keeps you cozy, and an LED plant light helps indoor plants thrive.
There’s also a microwave rice cooker that simplifies cooking, a multitool pen for quick repairs, and an elephant mug with a hidden compartment for used tea bags. A toilet night-light with motion sensors adds convenience, while a sturdy Nessie bookmark brings fun to reading. Lastly, a label maker helps with organization, and an ice cream pint holder makes enjoying treats mess-free. A compact survival tent is perfect for emergencies, and a light that guides breathing exercises can help with relaxation.
Vibrating TV screen puts people's voices where their mouths are
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have created a new display technology that aligns sound with visuals on big screens. Typically, when you watch something, the sound comes from speakers that might be far from where the action is happening on the screen, which can create a disorienting experience. This new technology vibrates the screen itself to produce sound directly from the area of the image, making conversations feel more natural. While this is a promising development, it’s still in the early stages and mainly a proof of concept. It could change how we experience movies and shows, but we’ll need to see how it performs in real-world settings.