“[T]he finding could open up a new understanding of the universe. The neutrinos may have taken a shortcut along a fifth dimension (beyond the three dimensions of space and one of time), as proposed by exotic theories. Another option: There is no ultimate speed limit. Or perhaps there is, but light can’t reach it.”

“[Or,] The faster-than-light neutrino might simply be pointing to an extension, not a rewrite of the rule, much as Einstein’s theories extended, not invalidated, Isaac Newton’s laws of motion.”

Read more in the Washington Post Article. Photo: OPERA detector, buried underground in Italy. Or read BBC’s write-up.

“It turns out that being on a revolving imperfect sphere floating in space, being reshaped by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and being dragged around by gravitational forces makes your rotation somewhat irregular. Who knew?”

Thus, we created leap seconds— necessary to keep computers and Google data centers running smoothly as well. 

Us novelty-seekers may be more risqué than we think. Studies by the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) found that the stimulation of a new experience or mini-adventure stimulates the brain’s reward system the same way that drugs of abuse do; read: amphetamines & the mesolimbic dopamine pathways.

“Finding that novelty may stimulate the same anatomically distinct brain reward component that drugs do is exciting because it suggests that novelty could substitute for and reduce drug use behavior among sensation-seeking humans,” says Dr. Bardo.

While it may not be a one-size-fits-all answer, satiating your curiosity is one means to a rush, au natural.

Keep on seeking on, novelty lovers!

Read more about the study here.