World map adjustments sought in Africa, researchers confirm "Wow!" signal probable alien origin, and more notable happenings this week

In the realm of the unusual, three fascinating discoveries and phenomena have captured the attention of scientists and the general public alike.

Firstly, let's travel back to 1978, where a remarkable event unfolded in the Soviet Union. Physicist Anatoli Petrowitsch Bugorski found himself at the centre of an extraordinary incident when a proton beam struck his head while he was inspecting a faulty detector in the country's most powerful particle accelerator. Despite the high-energy proton ray travelling close to the speed of light, Bugorski miraculously survived the encounter. The full story of his survival can be found in a separate article.

Fast forward to the world of palaeontology, and scientists have made a stunning discovery about an ankylosaur known as Spicomellus afer. This armoured dinosaur was covered in enormous spikes that were fused to its bones, making it one of the most badass creatures ever to walk the earth. The oldest known ankylosaur may have sported this unique armour, a feature never seen in any vertebrate - living or extinct.

Moving on to the present day, scientists have managed to create succulents that glow like something out of the blockbuster movie Avatar. By injecting phosphor particles into the leaves of these plants, they have achieved a result that lasts for hours, and even recharges itself. This glowing succulent is sure to captivate the imagination and transform the way we view these humble houseplants.

Meanwhile, in the realm of astronomy, the famous "Wow!" Signal, first detected in 1977, has been the subject of much debate. Recent analysis suggests that the signal likely has an extraterrestrial origin and may have been more intense than previously believed.

In the realm of podcasts, "The Big Questions" is continuing season 5 with episode 6's question, "What Will The Fossils Of The Future Look Like?" Meanwhile, the "We Have Questions" podcast is asking, "Do Humans Have Pheromones?"

Lastly, the African Union has endorsed a campaign to replace the Mercator map, which has been the standard for centuries, with an alternative map that more accurately reflects the size of Africa.

Stay tuned for more updates on these intriguing discoveries and topics. For those interested, the e-magazine "CURIOUS" is available, with Issue 37, August 2025, featuring the question, "Are There Body Parts You Can Live Without?"

World map adjustments sought in Africa, researchers confirm "Wow!" signal probable alien origin, and more notable happenings this week