Meta Plans World-Spanning Internet Cables, Elusive Orange Cat Gene Found, and If Humans Disappeared on Earth

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In today's episode of Discover Daily, we begin with news that Meta is embarking on an ambitious $10 billion project to construct a 40,000-kilometer subsea cable network. Nicknamed "W," this marks Meta's first exclusively owned undersea infrastructure. This massive project will connect multiple continents in a W-shaped pattern, linking the U.S. East Coast to India via South Africa, then to Australia and finally returning to the U.S. West Coast. The project, set to begin operations around 2029, represents Meta's strategic move to enhance global connectivity and reduce dependence on third-party networks.

Scientists have made a breakthrough discovery in feline genetics, identifying the specific mutation responsible for orange fur in cats. The research reveals a 5 kb deletion in the Arhgap36 gene on the X chromosome that affects how pigments are distributed in cat hair follicles. This finding explains why orange cats have RNA levels 13 times higher than cats of other colors, and why approximately 80% of orange cats are male.

Our deep dive explores the fascinating scenario of what would happen if humans suddenly vanished from Earth. Drawing from real-world examples like Bulgaria's Tyurkmen region, where abandoned settlements showcase nature's remarkable ability to reclaim spaces, we examine how quickly ecosystems would recover and adapt. From the immediate clearing of pollution to the gradual transformation of urban landscapes and the rebounding of wildlife populations, this journey through a human-free Earth reveals both challenges and opportunities for planetary recovery.

From Perplexity's Discover Feed:

https://www.perplexity.ai/page/meta-plans-world-spanning-inte-LFjJEcDkTjeuhdK9.USwyA

https://www.perplexity.ai/page/elusive-orange-cat-gene-found-mD9XXzSUT4abcNwCQ4phrA

https://www.perplexity.ai/page/if-humans-disappeared-on-earth-j8oM1M_QQli_emTESk7hTA

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