Category: Video

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This Creepy Video of a “Zombie Snail” Is Hard to Look Away from

Here’s a warning: you absolutely will never be able to unsee this video, no matter how badly you wish you might be able to do just that.

Parasites who take over their hosts’ brains and/or motor function while the creature is still alive are some of the most horrifying villains of the biological world, and…y’all. This diabolical flatworm ranks pretty high on the squick scale.

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Non riesco a smettere di guardarlo 😮 . Il Leucochloridium paradoxum, è un platelminta parassita della famiglia Succineidae. . Come svolge il suo ciclo? . Il ciclo inizia quando un uccello dell’ordine Passeriformes ingerisce le metacercarie (lo stadio larvale presente nello sporociste) che, una volta giunte nell’intestino, si sviluppano e depongono le uova. . Queste vengono quindi disperse nell’ambiente dall’uccello assieme alle feci. . A questo punto la chiocciola mangia le uova assieme all’erba e agli escrementi e, dopo aver passato il digerente dell’invertebrato, esse si schiudono nel suo intestino. . La fase successiva prevede la migrazione delle larve attraverso il corpo della chiocciola fino all’epatopancreas, la ghiandola più importante dell’apparato digerente della nostra Succineidae, che svolge sia una funzione di assorbimento, sia una funzione di secrezione di enzimi digestivi. Ed è proprio in questa ghiandola che le larve si sviluppano in sporocisti, lo stadio che sarà ingerito dall’uccello. . Ed è in questo passaggio che riscontriamo la particolarità di L. paradoxum: la sporociste, che ha una forma allungata, si colora all’estremità di tinte bianche e verdi a strisce e dall’epatopancreas si sposta nei tentacoli oculari della chiocciola, con una particolare predilezione per il lato sinistro (ancora non è noto il perché) e inizia quindi a “pulsare” (solo di giorno, di notte resta immobile)  facendo si che la chiocciola non riesca più a ritrarli. . La presenza dello sporociste nei tentacolari oculari fa si che la chiocciola non riesca più (o comunque fatichi molto) a “vedere” la differenza tra giorno e notte, facendola così vagare per zone molto illuminate anche quando normalmente non lo farebbe. Ed è in questo modo, unito al movimento pulsante e ai colori brillanti, che il parassita si fa notare dagli uccelli e può quindi chiudere il ciclo. . Credits: @microbiologiaitalia , Gilles San Martin . #chiocciola #lumaca #parassita #Leucochloridiumparadoxum #worm #snail #microbiologia #scienza #parassitismo #biologia #natura #verme #parasite #elicicoltura #snailfarming #ilcontadinosmart

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The flatworm is from the genus Leucochloridium, and its entire goal in life is to produce more of itself.

In order to accomplish that goal, it infects an intermediate host, like the unfortunate snail in the video. While in its larval stage, the worm moves into the hosts eyestalks and head. The larvae vaguely resembles a caterpillar, but it can make itself look much more caterpillar-ish by pulsing, which it does in order to attract the attention of birds.

Because they actually want to be eaten.

The “zombie snail” is driven to spend more time than it normally would in higher and more sunlit spots, making it much more likely to find its way into the stomach of a bird. Research out of Poland suggests that the pulsing like they’re at a dance club really gets going the more light they receive, as well.

Once a bird notices and swallows the snail (or other infected host), the parasite enters adulthood in the bird’s GI tract. The larvae mature and release eggs, which are excreted by the birds and then eaten by snails.

It’s a horrible circle of life.

One that was caught on video in Changhua County, Taiwan, by hiker Lin Ruian. Since then, the footage spread through the internet like flatworms through a snail, and was tweeted by biologist Mike Inouye.

It’s been seen over 7 million times, and you can see why – like a car accident or a train wreck, it’s impossible to look away.

Proof once more than nature is as terrible as it is beautiful (sometimes all at once).

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This Is How to Crack an Egg Perfectly Every Time

If you’re someone who panics when it comes time to crack that egg into a skillet or a pancake batter or a batch of cookies, afraid of getting shell into food that you or someone else is about to dig into, well, keep reading!

It turns out that it all comes down to the method of cracking, and that only about a quarter of American cooks are doing it the right way – on a flat countertop instead of the edge of a bowl or pan.

So, the flat countertop method is the way to go if you want to avoid bits of shell, according to America’s Test Kitchen, Real Simple, and Reader’s Digest…but why?

Three reasons:

  1. The sharp edge of the bowl or pan actually pushes the shell inside the egg, increasing the risk that small pieces of shell will get inside the egg’s liquid.
  2. Cracking the egg directly on or over the bowl or pan increases the chance that broken shell will fall directly into your mixing bowl/pan.
  3. Cracking the shell on a sharp edge actually breaks through the shell’s thin inner membrane, destroying the safety net that catches broken pieces of shell. Cracking on a flat surface keeps the membrane intact, adhering to the loose pieces of shell.

Which is not to say that plenty of people – even professional chefs – have long gotten along cracking on the edge of a bowl.

But if you’re not confident, or if you find yourself or your guests frequently picking shell out of your food, well, you might want to switch it up.

Give it a try!

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Serena Williams Destroyed 3 Men at Once on the Tennis Court

What were these guys thinking?

Serena Williams is one of the best athletes in the world. She’s earned a record 23 grand slam singles titles, plus a list of other career achievements that is so long it would take up this entire article.

That’s why it’s hilarious that some totally regular, non-professional-tennis-playing men think they could win a point off Serena if they ever got the chance. One in eight men, to be exact.

YouGov, a global online survey company, found that 12 percent of men believe they could win a point in a game of tennis against Serena. That leaves 74 percent of men who actually understand the laws of physics.

The survey results caught a lot of attention online. Many people begged Serena to actually give some of those 12 percent fools a chance, because the footage would be hilarious.

Thankfully, that footage already exists.

Here, for your entertainment, is Serena Williams playing three average dudes at once and absolutely beasting the hell out of them.

Even better, these men appeared nothing but delighted to have their asses kicked by Serena.

In addition to the game of tennis, they presented her with a series of challenges, like breaking a water balloon with the tennis ball and hitting a ball into a basketball hoop from the top of the tennis stadium.

Needless to say, Serena effortlessly completed every task.

So, yeah. Whenever Serena has another second in her busy schedule as a living legend, we’d love her to film more videos demonstrating why no mere mortal man could possibly compete against her on the court.

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A Family Brawl Made Disneyland the Un-Happiest Place on Earth

The happiest place on Earth, right? Well, for one California family – and everyone unfortunate enough to witness the event – that definitely didn’t turn out to be true.

The video doesn’t make it clear how the brawl started, but it features a heavyset man punching women in the face, someone screaming “I’m ready to go to jail tonight!” and also a shout of “I don’t give a f–k if I’m on video!”

The argument seems to have gotten going when a woman pushing a stroller spit in his face, with the brawl happening quickly afterward.

Kids are screaming while the whole thing goes on for almost five minutes – with a brief respite when the man walks away, only to return to smack one of the women in the face.

Two women were splayed out on the ground before the police eventually arrived. They somehow missed how brutal the fight had been and simply escorted the “uncooperative” group from the park without making any arrests – a fact that might change, says Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt.

“Now that we have the video, detectives will be following up to see if any criminal charges can be filed.”

I would think so. Yeesh.

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Here’s an Easier Way to Use Your Cheese Grater

Two things are certain when it comes to grating cheese for recipes and the like: First, freshly grated cheese tastes and melts way better than the pre-shredded stuff you buy in the bag, and second, I absolutely hate grating cheese. It makes my wrist hurt, I often scrape my knuckles, and it takes forever (relatively).

But wait…

There’s a better way!

If you’ve got a standard, four-sided cheese grater, there’s a good chance you haven’t been using it to its full potential. According to Menu World, instead of holding it vertically in one hand, you should lay it down on a table or counter and grate your cheese from side-to-side instead of up-and-down.

The action prevents the grater from moving around while you hold it, is easier on your arms, and, since you’re putting pressure downward, should help the process go a bit quicker. It also allows the cheese to collect inside the grater instead of on the counter or straight into a bowl.

An extra tip? For easier grating, coat the grater with cooking spray ahead of time, especially if you’re attempting to grate a soft or sticky cheese.

Oh, and here’s one more – you can use an old toothbrush to help get all of those annoying little holes cleaned out afterward, saving your knuckles and your sponges during that process, as well.

It seems like such a simple thing! It’s kind of a wonder that many of us have never thought of it before now – but if you’re feeling silly, don’t worry, because you’re definitely not alone!

People everywhere have been taken aback, including me – and I gotta say, I can’t wait until it’s time to grate some more cheese!

I’m sure it won’t be long. Because, you know.

Cheese.

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Female Lionesses in Botswana Grew Long Manes and Started Acting like Males

Well, this is kinda cool.

Five lionesses in Botswana started behaving like male lions — long manes and all.

Male and female lions look and behave quite differently from each other. Male lions have big manes and they roar a lot. Female lions don’t have a mane and they’re not as vocal. The ladies also do the majority of the pride’s hunting.

Once in a while, though, lionesses start to act more like “one of the guys.”

OKC Zoo veterinary caretakers are working to solve a very curious case; Bridget, the Zoo’s 18-year-old African lioness,…

Posted by Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on Monday, February 19, 2018

Researchers observed five lionesses at the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana exhibiting male behaviors, like growing long manes, marking their territory, mounting other females, and roaring.

These changes are likely due to increased levels of testosterone, scientists say.

“While some of the maned lionesses were observed mating, none of them became pregnant, suggesting they are infertile, a known consequence of high levels of androgens such as testosterone in females,” Katherine Alexander at Virginia Tech explained. “The behavioral changes suggest this is likely the case.”

This isn’t the only time that a lioness has undergone this change. An 18-year-old female called Bridget, born into captivity at the Oklahoma City Zoo, grew a “mini-mane.” In 2011, a captive lioness called Emma in South Africa grew a mane, too, and tests revealed high levels of testosterone due to an issue with her ovaries.

However, this phenomenon is most common in Botswana’s Okavanago Delta, where maned lionesses are a regularity, likely due to a genetic predisposition.

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How to Recap ALL 67 Episodes of “Game of Thrones” in Just 12 Minutes

Winter is here, b****es!

After almost TWO WHOLE YEARS of waiting, Game of Thrones fans will finally get a chance to see how it all ends! Who will sit on the Iron Throne? Will it be Daenerys and her dragons? Is Jon Snow the “Prince That Was Promised?” Will the Night King and his White Walkers destroy all life in Westeros?

We’ve spent eight whole years getting this invested in the eventual fate of Westeros, and a LOT has happened over that time. All told, there are 67 episodes to catch up on if you want a full recap, which amounts to almost 3 straight days of binge-watching with no sleep.

Photo Credit: HBO

If you’re like most working adults and don’t have that kind of time to set aside, however, don’t fret. The good people of ScreenCrush have got your back with this comprehensive recap that takes you through all of the show’s most memorable moments in less than 15 minutes!

For the throne!

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Everyone is In Love With This Pupper’s Adorably Weird Sleeping Position

Is there anything cuter than a sleeping puppy? I think not. Every time I see my little fur baby curled up on the floor, I melt into a puddle.

Recently, one sleeping pup went viral for the cutest reason…

So, naturally, we have ALL the questions. Namely, what is going on with this adorable little fur ball?

Naturally, Twitter tracked down even more photos…

Because that’s just what Twitter do…

It seems the puppy is a she, her name is Paningning and there’s video!

And then the memes started…

Up, up and away!

And people had feels…

ALL the feels…

Somebody even made Paningning wallpapers, because why wouldn’t you?!

Eventually, the internet tracked Paningning back to owner Janessa Cua, who posted this pic of the pooped pup on March 30th.

And the pup during feeding time… still on her back… and still loving life.

Paningning is even attracting some sponsors!

Ultimately, it comes down to this fan drawing and this simple message.

Our life is complete now. We can all die happy.

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This Epic Group Chat Absolutely Crushed The Emoji Challenge

Hey kids! 🧒 👦 Do you love emojis? 😂 🤣

Don’t even lie, you know you do! 🤝👍

You may have heard of the Emoji Challenge, one of the latest trends to hit social media. Basically, you take a photo of yourself doing your best impression of an emoji.

Photo Credit: Twitter/iamjeyonce

Jeydah Weydah and his friends did one in his group chat and it was pure fucking 🔥🔥🔥

Check it out 👓 🔍 🔬

Naturally this sparked more people to share their group chats…

And, honestly, they’re all 💯

Yes! 🙌👏

Have you done the challenge with your friends yet? If not, try it out! Call it a group bonding experience that you can do completely alone! 😂😂😂

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Husband Surprises His Wife with a Trip to Disney, and Now We’re All Crying

When two people decide to spend the rest of their lives together, they can never know for sure what’s waiting for them. It’s a risk you take, but you believe you’ve picked the best person to have by your side for whatever comes next – for better or worse, sickness and health, all of that.

Kate and David Pipe met because of her parents. They encouraged her to ask a man she’d never met as a wedding date, but she refused. When he emailed her about it, though, something made her reply.

They ended up dating, and, two years later, in 2009, they tied the knot.

Photo Credit: Kate Pipe

After a year or so of marriage, Kate and David decided they were ready to have a baby, and that’s when they came face-to-face with the “worse” part of their wedding vows – they weren’t able to get pregnant on their own.

“It’s a hopeless feeling when you realize that you are the statistic that needs intervention to have children. And when that intervention fails month after month after month, it’s devastating… and all you can do is try again next month.”

Most of the burden of getting the treatments fell on Kate’s shoulder’s, a never ending and complex task that David recognized and appreciated more than he could say.

“She used to get up at 5am and drive 90 minutes each way to a clinic in downtown Toronto and get blood drawn, do some testing, and be back at work before 9am. She did this between 10-15 times per month for months and months.”

The couple went through 7 rounds of intrauterine insemination, suffered two miscarriages, and finally tried one round of in vitro fertilization that was… extra successful.

Kate got pregnant with triplets – two boys and a girl.

Photo Credit: Kate Pipe

“Once you get pregnant, that’s not guaranteed either, so you are constantly living in a state of worry, just hoping that it works out… But the thought of having three babies at the same time never scared David or me, we just wanted to make sure they were safe.”

The babies were a blessing in so many ways. They were a gift the couple had been hoping and praying for during the whole, difficult process – and they helped ease some of Kate’s pain, too.

“I always felt that we would get those babies we lost to miscarriage back, and that’s what we feel happened with the triplets.”

Their babies were born healthy and are now happy toddlers, but David never forgot the dedication and sacrifice his wife showed while they were trying to conceive. So, he decided she deserved a surprise trip to her favorite place in the world.

Photo Credit: Kate Pipe

“She really deserved way more than a trip to Disney World, but we both love it there, and I really thought she needed to get away.”

Disney was a perfect choice, though; Kate had loved it since she was a child, and she and David honeymooned there years earlier – before marriage, and all of the heartache they managed in order to get their beautiful kids.

They’ve even already taken their kiddos, and are planning to make another trip for their fifth birthday.

David really wanted the trip to be a surprise, so he went all out, contacting her boss to rearrange her schedule and working with family members to make sure the triplets would be cared for while they were gone – he even packed her bags for her and didn’t tell her they were on their way to the airport until the very last minute.

“He didn’t tell me anything until we got on the bus that takes us to the airport and he said ‘we’re going on a plane’ and that was it. He said nothing else until he took that video.”

We’ll get to the video in a moment.

Kate was blown away by all David had gone through to plan a surprise trip just for her, even managing the kids’ schedules down to the very last detail.

Photo Credit: Kate Pipe

“He is truly an unbelievable husband and father. So many of my friends and family came together to support this surprise. It makes me emotional thinking about how lucky we are and how lucky our children are to be surrounded by so many kind and loving people.”

Her husband’s incredible act of love and kindness has left Kate on the lookout for ways to repay him, and show him how much he means to her and the kids.

“Now I just keep thinking ‘how am I ever going to top this surprise?’  It’s a challenge now that I think about often, how to create a surprise as epic and incredible as he deserves.”

She and David want you to know even though struggling to conceive is a “lonely feeling,” that “so many couples go through infertility struggles.”

Here’s that video we promised you!

I hope that all of you have such a bright, shining moment at the end of your journeys, too.

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