Artistic reconstruction of Pebanista yacuruna (Photo: Jaime Bran via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

About 16 million years ago, the Peruvian Amazon rainforest was covered by a massive lake known as Pebas, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems to ever exist on Earth. Among the species that called it home was the largest freshwater dolphin ever—a creature whose existence remained in the dark until 2018, when paleontologist Aldo Benites-Palomino spotted a fossilized jaw bone during a field expedition around Peru's Napo River.

“As soon as I recognized it, I saw the teeth sockets. I screamed, ‘This is a dolphin.’ We could not believe it,” Benites-Palomino told The Guardian. At first, he figured the dolphin must have been an ancestor to the contemporary Amazon river pink dolphins found in South America. However, further research made it clear that not only was it a completely different species that has since gone extinct, but its closest relatives live halfway across the world. Specifically, in the Ganges and Indus rivers of South Asia, some 6,200 miles away.

“It's difficult to find fossils from this era, since they're only accessible during the dry season when the Amazon rivers are low enough to expose rocks from the past,” says Benites-Palomino on TikTok.

The newly discovered species was named Pebanista yacuruna in honor of the Yacuruna, of a mythical aquatic people believed to live in underwater cities throughout the Amazon basin. This creature could grow to up to 11.5 feet long, had small eyes, and a bony structure called a facial crest that allowed it to get around using echolocation. “For river dolphins, echolocation, or biosonar, is even more critical as the waters they inhabit are extremely muddy, which impedes their vision,” explained Gabriel Aguirre-Fernández, a University of Zurich researcher who also participated in this study.

It is believed that the Pebanista Yacuruna originally lived in the ocean before moving to freshwater habitats in search of new sources of food. And just like these dolphins evolved in ways that helped them thrive in their new environment, they may also hold the key to help the endangered fresh water dolphins of the world today, which see their ecosystems threatened by global warming and pollution.

“Around 11 to 12 million years ago, this mega-wetland system started to drain, giving way to the modern Amazon,” Benites-Palomino told New Scientist. “A lot of species disappeared at that moment, and that might also have been the fate of this giant dolphin.”

Today, this insightful fossil sits in the Museum of Natural History in Lima, Peru—an institution that saw Benites-Palomino start his career as a Research Associate. But his findings will go much further. “The finding of Pebanista in the Peruvian Amazon only reasserts one thing,” concludes Benites-Palomino. “Our fossils are rewriting the story of many animal groups.”

Aldo Benites-Palomino: Twitter | TikTok
h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine]

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READ: 16-Million-Year-Old Skull of Extinct Species of Giant Dolphin Discovered in Peru

 

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When we think of stained glass, it's most likely the big, colorful windows of cathedrals and palaces that come to mind. But a company called Chrysolite Workshop proves this decorative technique can also be applied to much smaller and ordinary objects, like cutlery, cups, and plates, all while keeping the same amount of detail. The result is stained glass tableware that belongs in a museum rather than the dining table.

The designers spotlight their creations—as well as the laborious process behind them—on Instagram and TikTok. There, a ritzy parade of utensils shine in a myriad of colors. As if the intricate nature of their work wasn't impressive enough, the fact that it is featured on such tiny objects makes it all the more commendable.

“We create precious tableware using stained glass enamel technique,” shares Chrysolite Workshop on their site. “This is painstaking manual labor that requires jewelry craftsmanship—for example, to create a ladle based on Russian fairy tales it took us four months of work, seven master jewelers, a team of artists, two jewelry technicians, as well as 200 meters of silver wire weighing 100 grams, 17 colors of enamel and fiery stoves.”

These beautiful pieces come alive thanks to the work of 40 artisans, including metal and enamel artists, engravers, and carvers. “Even in the 21st century we haven’t become ‘fashionable' because we still do everything with our hands!” writes the Chrysolite Workshop team.

Like many works of art, this fine dinnerware begins with a sketch, before approaching the color composition and creating an enamel palette and grinding quartz to obtain the colors. The piece then goes to the metal artist, who builds the frame using silver filigree. “In a simplified form, the process of creating filigree looks like this: a wire with a diameter of 0.21 mm is drawn from a block of silver in the process of rolling and drawing,” the company explains.

Then, the enamel artists applies the color into each cell of the scanned pattern using a jewelry spatula, making sure it doesn't get on the filigree. Once that is done, the piece makes a trip to the muffle furnace to seal the color, before getting a final polish and a galvanic bath. “And as you can see, this is far from an easy, painstaking work that requires professionalism and talent,” Chrysolite Workshop shares. “But this doesn’t stop us at all; on the contrary, it encourages us to create more and more new, complex, original and interesting things.”

If you'd like to get one of these intricate works, Chrysolite Workshop has an online store where you can find tea sets, glasses, bowls, teaspoons, and ladles. However, they recently stated that they've been having issues with shipping overseas due to the precious nature of the material, so visit their website for more info. You can also tune in for more eye candy by following them on Instagram and TikTok.

A company called Chrysolite Workshop produces stained glass tableware that belongs in a museum rather than a dining table.

@jewel.hrizolit Stained-glass Aesthetic✨ #эстетикавидео #витражнаяэмаль #витражнаяпосуда #ювелирныеизделия #бокалы #art #jewel #enamel #aesthetic ♬ Cold Blooded – Austin Farwell

@jewel.hrizolit Драгоценная витражная пара: исключительно ручная работа и благородные материалы. #искусство #витражнаяэмаль #витражнаяпосуда #эстетикавидео #art #aest ♬ Calm – Peder B. Helland

@jewel.hrizolit Пленительная витражная красота✨ #мастерскаяхризолит #витражнаяпосуда #витражнаяэмаль #искусство #ювелирныеизделия #эстетикавидео #art #aesthetic#jewel ♬ Классическое фортепиано – Мягкое джазовое настроение

 

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The exquisite aesthetic they achieve usually appears on large windows, but they manage to apply it to much smaller objects like cutlery, cups, and plates, all while keeping the same amount of detail.

@jewel.hrizolit Золотых дед мастерская Хризолит ✨ Драгоценная витражная посуда #искусство #витражнаяэмаль #ювелирныеизделия #витражнаяпосуда #art #jewel #enamel ♬ Evening Sky – Austin Farwell

@jewel.hrizolit Благородное сочетание витражной эмали и драгоценного металла в ювелирной посуде✨ #мастерскаяхризолит #витражнаяпосуда #витражнаяэмаль #искусство #art ♬ Spring – Aesthetic Sounds

@jewel.hrizolit «Сокровища Ахеменидов» – драгоценные витражные ложечки. #эстетикавидео #искусство #витражнаяэмаль #витражнаяпосуда #ложки #ювелирныеизделия #art #jew ♬ Молитва (Из к/ф “Молитва”) – Би-2

@jewel.hrizolit Витражная посуда ✨ #art #fineart #estetik #vitrage #vintage #jewel #enamel #antique #искусство #витражнаяпосуда #мастерскаяхризолит #подарок ♬ Crystal Music Box – Official Sound Studio

@jewel.hrizolit♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic

@jewel.hrizolit Драгоценная витражная ложечка✨ #мастерскаяхризолит #витражнаяэмаль #витражнаяпосуда #искусство #ростоввеликий #art #enamel #jewel #aesthetics #рек ♬ Avalon – Mystera

These beautiful pieces come alive thanks to the work of 40 artisans, including metal and enamel artists, engravers, and carvers.

@jewel.hrizolit Царственный витраж✨ #estetik #art #vitrage #vintage #enamel #jewel #antique #витражнаяпосуда #мастерскаяхризолит #золото #искусство#ювелирно ♬ BARD'S TALE – Filip Lackovic

 

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@jewel.hrizolit plique-à-jour tea pair✨ #art#fineart #summer #tea #aesthetic#enamel #antique #мастерскаяхризолит #витражнаяпосуда#витражнаяэмаль#рек#искусство #ювелир ♬ Primavera – Nature Project

The workshop spotlights their creations—as well as the laborious process behind them—on social media.

 

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“Even in the 21st century we haven’t become ‘fashionable' because we still do everything with our hands!”

@jewel.hrizolit Wonderful garden #art#fineart#aesthetic #jewel#enamel#summer#antique #мастерскаяхризолит#витражнаяпосуда#витражнаяэмаль#рек#искусство#волшебство ♬ Reflections on a Hero – Trevor Morris

@jewel.hrizolit Драгоценная витражная посуда✨Золотых дел мастерская Хризолит #искусство #витражнаяэмаль #витраж #ювелир #эстет #art #jewel #enamel #aesthetic #рек ♬ Lord of the Rings – Camille and Kennerly

Chrysolite Workshop: Website | Instagram | TikTok

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READ: Stunning Stained Glass Tableware Shines in a Myriad of Colors at the Dining Table

 

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S each year. Although the outlook for people with this condition has improved drastically over the last few decades, the assumptions around what they can and can't do continue to hamper their quality of life. To challenge these ideas, Coor Down, an Italian Down syndrome organization, launched a campaign titled “Assume That I Can” ahead of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

The pillar of this campaign is an ad starring Canadian actress Madison Tevlin. In the video, the 22-year-old addresses the camera, asking people in her life, from a bartender to her own parents, why they think she can't do certain things, like ordering a margarita or learning Shakespeare.

“Your assumption becomes reality,” Tevlin says, before exemplifying how. As an example, she posits that if her boxing coach assumes she can't hit harder, he won't train her to hit harder, and ultimately she won't hit harder—a vision that drips down to all other aspects of herself, and furthers the infantilization of people with Down syndrome.

“But hey!” she later interjects. “If your assumptions become reality, then assume I can drink a margarita. So you serve me a margarita, so I drink a margarita.” She goes on to list other activities like living on her own, having a job, and having sex. “Assume that I can, so maybe I will,” the spot concludes.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, all people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is “mild to moderate” and not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. They write, “People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.”

Aiming to spotlight all the things people with Down syndrome can do, Coor Down also created shorter spots they've been sharing on Instagram. The clips show people with Down syndrome performing a myriad of activities, from surfing to running their own businesses. “This campaign was also born from listening to the people we represent,” says Antonella Falugiani, president of CoorDown ODV. “15 years after the ratification of the UN convention, their stories and experiences highlight how many prejudices and preconceptions limit and, sometimes, prevent people with Down syndrome from asserting themselves and achieving their dreams.”

Tevlin herself knows how these assumptions can hurt, having dealt with them her whole life. “When I was born, the doctor told my mom and dad that life would be really hard for me, saying that I can’t talk, or walk, or dance, or model, or act—or drinking or getting married—any of this stuff that’s part of normal life, and it’s so much fun proving people wrong.” she told CNN. “I always say that I have Down syndrome, and it’s the least interesting thing about me. The part of who I am, well it’s not all of me. We should all celebrate our differences in our own special and unique ways.”

To challenge the ideas around people with Down syndrome, Coor Down launched a campaign titled “Assume That I Can” ahead of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

 

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Una publicación compartida por CoorDown (@coordown)

The pillar of the campaign is a now-viral ad that stars 22-year-old Canadian actress Madison Tevlin.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Madison Tevlin (@madisontevlin)

Aiming to spotlight all the things people with Down syndrome can do, Coor Down also spotlights people performing a myriad of activities, from surfing to running their own businesess.

 

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Una publicación compartida por CoorDown (@coordown)

CoorDown: Website | Instagram
h/t: [CNN]

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Do you know why the place you live is named what it’s named? Some have straightforward origins, while others leave even those who have been there for decades scratching their heads. In an effort to unravel the meaning behind state and city names across the U.S., WordTips has created a map featuring the literal translations of their names—opening a window to the history of each area.

“To know the meaning of the place names around us is to learn how the land, the history and the culture of a locality have developed over the centuries,” writes the WordTips team. To find these answers, they turned to etymology, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Encyclopedia Britannica, the American Library Association, and regional news reports, looking for at least two sources for each “literal translation.” In the end, they uncovered the meaning of all U.S. state names, each U.S. state's capital city, and 178 of America’s biggest cities.

“While many state names derive from Native history and/or the features of the land, some bear the marks of colonialism,” shares WordTips. For example, The Carolinas get their name from King Charles II and his father, Charles I, and their state capitals were named after European explorers Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Columbus. Meanwhile, “Minneapolis” comes from “Minne,” the Sioux word for water, combined with the Greek suffix “polis,” which means “city.”

Other bits of history that stand out in state and city names are the cases of Seattle and Chicago. The former means “Land of Chief Si'ahl,” making it the only major city named after a Native Chief. As for Chicago, its most common accepted origin is the Algonquin word “shikaakwa,” meaning “striped skunk” or “onion,” the latter of which was spotted in abundance by early explorers around Chicago's lakes.

French and Spanish colonizers also left an imprint via the names they chose, especially in the southern U.S. Most major cities in California hold a Spanish name that pays tribute to a Catholic figure, such as San Diego (a Spanish friar) or San Francisco (Saint Francis). “Los Angeles” comes from “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles” (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels), in reference to the Virgin Mary. On the other hand, Louisville, Kentucky, was named after the French king Louis XVI, while Louisiana owes its name to his great-great-great grandfather, King Louis XIV.

Many states and places are also named after people. Washington State pays tribute to the first U.S. president, but other places honor more obscure figures. Cincinnati's name comes from Roman statesman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus; while Bismarck, North Dakota, is named after Otto von Bismarck, known as “the founder of modern Germany.”

Learn more about your hometown and your favorite American destinations by exploring the maps below.

WordTips has created a map featuring the literal translations of U.S. state and city names—opening a window to the history of each area.

“To know the meaning of the place names around us is to learn how the land, the history and the culture of a locality have developed over the centuries.”

To find these answers, they turned to etymology, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Encyclopedia Britannica, the American Library Association, and regional news reports.

In the end, they uncovered the meaning of all U.S. state names, each U.S. state's capital city, and 178 of America’s biggest cities.

what are the origins of the name of the place you live in?

WordTips: Website

All images via WordTips

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READ: Insightful Map Reveals Literal Translations of U.S. City and State Names

“Irises” by Vincent Van Gogh. 1889. (Photo: The Getty, Public domain)

As home to one of the nation's most thorough art collections, The Getty has found an innovative way for it to reach more audiences. By launching their Open Content program back in 2013, they've made hundreds upon thousands of their cultural artifacts freely accessible online to anyone in the world. Throughout the years, this priceless resource has only grown, with The Getty recently announcing that nearly 88,000 high-resolution images of artworks from its collection are now available for free download under Creative Commons Zero (CC0).

“Users can download, edit, and repurpose high-resolution images of their favorite Getty artworks without any legal restrictions,” writes the museum. “Add a print of your favorite Dutch still life to your gallery wall or create a shower curtain using the Irises by Van Gogh—the possibilities are endless.”

Browsing an archive this size can feel like a daunting endeavor. That's why The Getty has designed a user-friendly platform that allows people to search by artist name, title, date, culture, medium, dimensions, object type, and more. The museum has vowed to continue to grow this resource as it acquires more works and others enter the public domain.

Getty's Open Content program is home to iconic works by trailblazing artists. One can explore the last two centuries of painting with creations by Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian, Édouard Manet, and Edvard Munch; study historical marble sculptures, like the famed Alexander the Great portrait; or get lost in the intricate details of the medieval Book of Hours.

“We’re glad the art community has adopted CC0 as the industry standard to help broaden the impact of collections worldwide and remove barriers to experiencing art,” says Richard Rand, associate director of collections at the Getty Museum. “We hope the public continues to enjoy exploring and using our images in creative ways for years to come.”

Start exploring The Getty's Open Content platform here.

The Getty recently announced that nearly 88,000 high-resolution images of artworks from its collection are now available for free download.

“Landscape with Ceres (Allegory of Earth)” by Jan Brueghel the Younger, Hendrik van Balen. 1630s. (Photo: The Getty, Public domain)

“Users can download, edit, and repurpose high-resolution images of their favorite Getty artworks without any legal restrictions,” writes the museum.

“Sunrise (Marine)” by Claude Monet. 1872 or 1873. (Photo: The Getty, Public domain)

The Getty's Open Content program is home to some iconic works by trailblazing artists, from modernist painters to historical marble sculptures.

“Landscape near Arnhem” by Piet Mondrian. 1900-1901. (Photo: The Getty, Public domain)

The Getty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: Nearly 88,000 Art Images From The Getty Are Now Free To Download and Use How You Like

Photo: mathes/Depositphotos

Shanghai is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world. As such, its sweeping skyline fascinates both travelers and architecture lovers. Josh Turner, a New England-based videographer, set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's skyscrapers during a trip to China. The result is a dizzying yet thrilling bird's-eye view that only a skilled drone pilot could get.

Turner's video focuses on Shanghai's three tallest buildings—the Shanghai Tower, which at 2,073 feet is the third tallest building in the world; the Shanghai World Financial Center, known for its distinctive “bottle opener” top; and the Jin Mao Tower, designed after the tiered pagoda from traditional Chinese architecture. All of them are conveniently located in Shanghai's Pudong district.

The video may not be for those with a fear of heights—Turner's drone flies above the skyscrapers before gliding down their glass façades at lightning speed. His clever framing catches details like the reflection of the Jin Mao Tower on the windows of Shanghai World Financial Center or the sun shining through the gap at its top. Still, the real treat comes near the end, when the city lights come on, depicting the creative possibilities of lighting up a super tall building at night.

“I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai this past January (2024) and couldn't miss the chance to fly FPV around the 3 tallest towers in the city,” writes Turner. “Shanghai Tower stands at an impressive 632m (2,073ft) making it the tallest building in China and the 3rd tallest in the world behind the Burj Khalifa and Merdeka Tower. Shanghai Tower with the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m), and Jin Mao Tower (421m) dominate the city skyline. I also flew around the Oriental Pearl Tower and was able to catch the window washers who dangle by ropes every morning cleaning the glass. Enjoy!”

Watch Josh Turner's drone footage on three of the tallest buildings in China below.

Videographer Josh Turner set out to capture the sweeping heights of Shanghai's tallest buildings during a trip to China.

Josh Turner: Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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Image: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

This year is full of exciting astronomical events. In just a few weeks, a good chunk of North America will get to see a total solar eclipse, which could also feature a green “devil comet.” Now, NASA has revealed that yet another stellar occurrence will take place later this year. The star system T Coronae Borealis, or T CrB, is predicted to experience a nova outburst, which would make it visible to the naked eye between now and September.

The nova outburst only occurs about every 80 years, and since T CrB last exploded in 1946, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. The system is located 3,000 light-years away from Earth, and its light is usually magnitude +10—too dim to see without a telescope. However, the nova will make a jump to magnitude +2, meaning it will have a brightness similar to that of the North Star, Polaris.

Contrary to the supernova, which marks the end of a star's life, the nova only expels the outer layers of accumulated material. The energy thrust out of the star temporarily increases its luminosity several thousand times its normal level, providing us with a unique chance to see it.

“Once its brightness peaks, it should be visible to the unaided eye for several days and just over a week with binoculars before it dims again, possibly for another 80 years,” says NASA. T CrB is only one of five recurring novas in our galaxy, and its structure as a binary system with a white dwarf and red giant is what makes it go nova every 80 years.

“The stars are close enough that as the red giant becomes unstable from its increasing temperature and pressure and begins ejecting its outer layers, the white dwarf collects that matter onto its surface,” explains NASA. “The shallow dense atmosphere of the white dwarf eventually heats enough to cause a runaway thermonuclear reaction—which produces the nova we see from Earth.”

As its name suggests, T Coronae Borealis is part of the Corona Borealis constellation, or the Northern Crown. It can be spotted as a small, semicircular arc near Bootes and Hercules. When the nova occurs, it will appear as a “new” bright star. “Look up after sunset during summer months to find Hercules!” suggests NASA. “Scan between Vega and Arcturus, near the distinct pattern of Corona Borealis.”

Bradley Schaefer, professor emeritus at Louisiana State University told Astronomy Magazine, “This is the one big chance you have of seeing the brightest nova of the generation.” Since he points out that T CrB could go up any night or month now, it's best to stay updated and keep an eye on it.

The star system T Coronae Borealis, or T CrB, is predicted to experience a nova outburst, which would make it visible to the naked eye between now and September.

Image: NASA

“This is the one big chance you have of seeing the brightest nova of the generation,” Bradley Schaefer, professor emeritus at Louisiana State University. Here's how to find the Corona Borealis constellation, home to T Coronae Borealis, in the night sky:

View of Granada War Relocation Center from the interpretive signs at the entrance. (Photo:  International Astronomical Union (IAU) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

h/t: [NASA]

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Over the last few years, Mattel has paid tribute to female trailblazers by creating a Barbie dolls with their likeness. Now, to celebrate Barbie's 65th anniversary, they've decided to put the spotlight on eight inspiring women from around the world. These global storytellers thrive in different fields but have one thing in common—they've fearlessly fought for their dreams and are inspiring new generations and audiences to do the same.

Inspired by their mission of sharing countless stories of empowerment, the eight icons also speak to the 250+ professions Barbie has had in her six-decade-run. The women selected for this celebration are American EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis, Canadian singer Shania Twain, British actress Dame Helen Mirren, Australian singer Kylie Minogue, Brazilian Indigenous vlogger Maira Gomez, Mexican film director Lila Avilés, Japanese model Nicole Fujita, and German comedian Enissa Amani.

“As a young girl, I was inspired by the essence of Barbie to create my own imaginative world and express myself through role play and storytelling,” said Shania Twain. “I applaud Barbie for encouraging girls to create their own narratives and I'm honored to serve as a storyteller and role model during their 65th anniversary year. I hope other young girls are inspired to play out their dreams and recognize their limitless potential.”

Meanwhile, Viola Davis said that she wanted this Barbie to make her 6-year-old self squeal. “It's my biggest gift to her,” commented the actress in a statement shared on her Instagram. “My lifelong mission and legacy to make her feel pretty, seen, and worthy.” Her Barbie's outfit is a nod to her 2018 Golden Globes look, where she took the red carpet by storm by rocking her natural hair in an afro, along with a timeless black gown and a pearl necklace.

Helen Mirren's doll also pays tribute to a striking red carpet look. In spring 2023, the actress—who also served as the voice of the narrator in the Barbie movie—dazzled the audience at the Cannes Film Festival by showing up in a head-to-toe monochromatic outfit, which included a bright blue hairdo.

Barbie and the honorees know the arts and performance is not all about glamour though. And so, Lila Áviles' doll depicts her with her camera in hand, ready to tell a poignant story from behind the lens. She talked to Spanish newspaper El País about the experience of being being turned into a Barbie: “I got the invitation and it was crazy. Just imagine, last year they gave it to an astronaut! I must confess that I was moved.”

To celebrate Barbie's 65th anniversary, Mattel decided to put the spotlight on eight inspiring women from around the world.

Among the women selected for this celebration are American EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis, Canadian singer Shania Twain, British actress Dame Helen Mirren, and Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Mattel also created dolls inspired by Brazilian Indigenous vlogger Maira Gomez, Mexican film director Lila Avilés, Japanese model Nicole Fujita, and German comedian Enissa Amani.

Barbie: Website | Instagram

All images via Mattel.

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READ: Barbie Celebrates 65th Anniversary With Dolls of Powerful Women Around the World

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Nature has provided us with some unusual friendships, but arguably none as cute as Russell the crow and a 2-year-old boy named Otto. Though Russell is a wild bird, he visits Otto and his family often. When the toddler is at home, he sits patiently by the window, waiting to be let in and watch TV with his human friend. When Otto is at school, the crow sits on the roof of the family home, waiting for his pal to return.

Their adventures together have been documented by Otto's mom, Lærke Luna. While she has been happy to see her son develop a magical bond with the bird, she never leaves them unsupervised. This has also meant that Russell enjoys being around Luna, unabashedly landing on her shoulder and playing with her hair.

Russell's love for Otto and his family seems to date back to when Luna's boyfriend spotted him, really thin and in distress. After trying to reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator, they couldn't find one in the vicinity. Not willing to give up on the crow, they took him in and nursed him back to health. And so, Russell has been around ever since, getting treats and bringing little trinkets in return.

But as much as he enjoys the family's company, Russell seems to only have eyes for Otto. Luna has captured him following the toddler around on walks and tricycle rides—much to the little boy’s delight, who smiles whenever he turns around to see his friend. The friendly crow also seems to enjoy watching Otto play with his toy trucks, whether inside or outside the house. The toddler's mom also shares that Russell only accepts pets from Otto, as he gets away from anyone else that tries to touch him. As for the family's furry friends, Luna describes their relationship as “love-hate,” as the bird loves to tease their cats and dogs.

“Living with Russell means there's never a dull moment in our life,” Luna tells The Dodo. “He allows us to interact with nature in a way that most people are not able to. We're his flock.” To stay up to date with Otto's adventures with Russell, you can follow Luna on Instagram.

Few friendships are as cute as the bond between Russell the crow and a 2-year-old named Otto.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Russell loves to follow Otto on walks and tricycle rides, much to the delight of the toddler, who always smiles when he turns to see his friend.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

“Living with Russell means there's never a dull moment in our life,” says Lærke Luna, Otto's mom.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lærke Luna (@laerke_luna)

Lærke Luna: Instagram
h/t: [The Dodo]

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Can you picture an animal small enough to  comfortably sit atop your fingernail? It may sound like work of fiction, but such an animal actually exists—the Brazilian flea toad. Don't be fooled by the name though. It is neither a flea nor a toad, but, in fact, a frog. Due to its size, it is believed to be the smallest amphibian and smallest vertebrate in the world. And while scientists have known about it for over a decade, they were only able to throughly measure the species recently. In February 2024, researchers Wendy H. Bolaños, Iuri Ribeiro Dias, and Mirco Solé published a paper in the journal Zooloigica Scripta sharing their findings.

The Brazilian flea toad (Brachycephalus pulex) is native to the forested hilltops in southern Bahia, on the coast of Brazil. The male frogs measure 7.1 millimeters (0.28 in) long on average, while the females, which are usually larger, measure about 8.15 millimeters (0.32 in). The smallest individual measured in the study was 6.45 millimeters long (0.25 in). Before this finding, the male Paedophryne amauensis frogs from Papua New Guinea held the record for the smallest known vertebrate with an average length of about 8 millimeters (0.31 in).

Herpetologist Mirco Solé first learned about the Brazilian flea toad back in 2011. Although he was the first to investigate this species' size, the sample wasn't large enough at the time to be conclusive. Fast forward to 2024, and Solé, along with Iuri Ribeiro Dias and Wendy Bolaños from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, published a study that further proves that the Brazilian flea toad may be the smallest vertebrate in the world. The team measured 24 male and 22 female flea toads, determining their sex and whether they were adults by looking at their reproductive organs, or gonads.

Given their size, the Brazilian flea toad and other tiny frogs have some key differences when compared to their larger counterparts. For example, their feet have just two toes instead of the typical five. And while they are decent jumpers, other small frogs have oddly shaped inner ear tubes, lessening their balance and making their signature hopping harder for them.

While this study has been commended by fellow biologists, the team is aware that this may not be the end of the road, as even smaller creatures may be discovered in the future. “If we take it as a linear measure, the frogs are currently clear winners,” Herpetologist Mark D. Scherz told the BBC. “But if we go by mass or volume, then fish would likely claim the title, as they are very narrow-bodied and slender, whereas the frogs are rather round.” Ultimately, Solé is aware of how an even smaller creature would defy what we know about the animal world. “[It] would really challenge morphology and physics,” Solé told Science News. “But who knows.”

At 7.1 millimeters (0.28 in), Brazilian flea toads are believed to be the smallest vertebrates in the world.

Photo: Dias, I; Medeiros, T; Vila Nova, M; Solé M via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine]

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READ: Tiny Brazilian Flea Toad Might Be the World’s Smallest Vertebrate According to Scientists