Men's Journal's Blog, page 65

Scientists Just Discovered a Creature That Breaks the Rules of Life

In the ever-expanding universe of microscopic life, scientists have uncovered something that might force us to redraw the boundaries of what counts as “alive.”

Meet Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, a tiny cellular oddity recently discovered by researchers in Canada and Japan, according to a new paper published on the bioRxiv server. It’s not quite a virus, and it’s not fully a living cell either, but it carries traits of both.

Named after a Japanese deity famed for its small size, Sukunaarchaeum sports one of the smallest genomes ever recorded—just 238,000 base pairs, less than half that of the previous smallest-known archaeal genome. 

And while viruses are typically excluded from the tree of life due to their reliance on host cells for key functions, this organism complicates that definition in a big way.

Like a virus, Sukunaarchaeum relies on a host to carry out many of its biological tasks. But unlike a virus, it’s capable of building its own ribosomes and messenger RNA. These are the basic building blocks that enable an organism to translate genetic code into protein, which is something viruses can’t do on their own.

Its stripped-down genome reveals an obsessive focus on replication. It contains little else besides the machinery needed to copy itself. 

“Its genome is profoundly stripped-down, lacking virtually all recognizable metabolic pathways, and primarily encoding the machinery for its replicative core: DNA replication, transcription, and translation,” the researchers wrote.

This means it leans heavily on its host for everything from energy to nutrients.

The discovery happened almost by accident. 

Molecular biologist Ryo Harada and his team at Dalhousie University were examining the DNA of a marine plankton species when they found a strand of genetic material that didn’t match any known organism. After digging deeper, they identified it as part of the Archaea domain—a group of ancient microbes from which modern complex cells likely evolved.

If Sukunaarchaeum proves anything, it’s that nature doesn’t follow strict definitions. In fact, this discovery could fundamentally reshape how we think about cellular evolution and the blurry line between life and not-life.

Related: Doctors Found a New Blood Type and It Changes What We Thought We Knew

Idaho Murder Victim's Family Unloads After Shock Move in Bryan Kohberger Case

In a surprise move, Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to all counts in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, sparing him from the death penalty.

And that isn't sitting well with the family of one of the students, who unloaded on the state in a series of Facebook posts. 

Kohberger, 30, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in connection with the killings of roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin. 

The Goncalves family wrote on Facebook on June 30 after the plea deal news broke, “It's true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support.”

The family later wrote two more posts. 

Aubrie Goncalves, who identified herself as the youngest member of the Goncalves family, wrote: "It is impossible not to acknowledge the truth: the system has failed these four innocent victims and their families." 

A third post clarified that the family had met with the prosecution on June 27 about the possibility of a plea deal, and it was a "hard no" from the Goncalves family.

"Sunday night, we received an email that sent us scrambling. We immediately jumped into panic mode and started making phone calls and sending emails. We met with prosecution AGAIN today to reiterate our views on pushing for the death penalty," the post states. 

"Unfortunately, all of our efforts did not matter. We DID OUR BEST! We fought harder then anyone could EVER imagine. Please do not argue or try to tell us that we should have done this or that. We gave it 200% for the last 2 years and 7 months."

Kohberger will be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences on the murder counts and the maximum penalty of 10 years on the burglary count, according to the plea agreement first reported by NewsNation.

The plea comes just weeks before Kohberger's trial was set to begin on Aug. 4. 

Related: Bryan Kohberger Attorneys Want Word 'Psychopath' Banned in Idaho Murders Trial

If You’re Not Using Costco Next, You’re Doing It Wrong

Costco has long been a haven for bulk shoppers and bargain hunters, but even some of the most loyal members are still missing out on one of the store’s biggest savings hacks. It’s called Costco Next, and if you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone.

Despite launching in 2017, Costco Next remains one of the retailer’s best-kept secrets, according to Good Housekeeping. 

The program gives members exclusive access to discounts from a curated list of trusted suppliers—brands that sell everything from kitchenware and electronics to outdoor gear and beauty products. The catch? You won’t find these deals in stores or on Costco’s main website.

Instead, members need to head to costconext.com, choose a supplier, and enter their name and membership number to unlock special pricing. 

It’s a direct-to-consumer system, so the items are shipped straight from the supplier, not from Costco itself. That means better selection, often lower prices, and direct support if anything goes wrong with the product.

Participating brands include heavy hitters like Anker, Caraway, Otterbox, Dearfoams, Grohe, and Gorilla Shed. There are even options for parents and pet owners, with deals across baby gear and pet supplies.

The Next program isn’t widely advertised, which is partly why many members are in the dark. But for those in the know, it’s a goldmine of value, especially if you’re shopping for big-ticket items or specialty products.

Unlike the Costco Business Center, which caters more to small business owners and restaurant operators, Costco Next is designed for everyday members looking to get even more mileage out of their annual fee.

It’s also easy to access. There’s no extra cost, no hidden steps. If you already have a Costco membership, you’re eligible.

So, the next time you're scrolling for a deal, skip the usual retailers. If you’re already paying to be a Costco member, it might be time to see just how far your membership really goes.

Related: Costco Rolled Out a Food Court Menu Change and Fans Are Split

Iconic Chinese Restaurant Shares Shocking News

Since first opening its doors in New York City’s West Village in 2011, RedFarm has quickly become one of the city’s most beloved Chinese restaurants.

The eatery, which is known for its delicious dim sum and farm-to-table cuisine, because so busy that it didn’t take long before the restaurant’s owners decided to open a second location, this time on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Nearly a decade later, in 2023, RedFarm popped up in Austin and just last year, in 2024, Miami became home to RedFarm’s fourth location.

Related: Beloved Halloween-Themed Restaurant Closing on July 1 After Nearly a Decade

Despite its impeccable reputation, the Miami Herald is reporting that RedFarm’s Coconut Grove outpost just completed its final service on Sunday after being open for just one year. (All three other locations will remain open.)

The unexpected closing was announced on Instagram, where the restaurant wrote: “Thank you to all of our guests who joined us in Miami. We wanted to let you know that we will be closing our Coconut Grove location at the end of service this Sunday, June 29. We hope you can join us this weekend—reservations for the final seatings are available at redfarmnyc.com or on Opentable.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RedFarm (@redfarm)

The announcement went on to suggest that RedFarm isn’t quite done with Miami though. According to the post, “Jeffrey and Zach Chodorow, co-owners, plan to reopen at a new, yet to be found, South Florida location in the future. We look forward to serving you our Pac-Man Shrimp Dumplings, Ed’s Pastrami Egg Roll, and signature Peking Duck, at a new location soon. Until then, come visit us in NYC or Austin.”

Dallas Mavericks Star Makes Strong Statement About Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg is obviously talented. After all, he was a number 1 draft pick this year.

However, just how talented is the 18-year-old phenom? 

Dallas Mavericks star P.J. Washington gushed about the pick.

Washington spoke to DJ Siddiqi of RG.org. And he made an extremely strong statement about the former Duke player.

“I think Cooper’s very good,” Washington said. “I think he’s a really good player. Obviously, he’s going to have a chance to be something really special here in Dallas. I’m super glad because he has the opportunity to play with Kyrie, A.D. and the rest of the guys. Everybody’s excited—the whole city is excited—and we can’t wait to get him here.”

Then he got even more effusive.

“He can pretty much do everything at an elite level. At his age, that’s what separates him. He has great length, he’s tall, and he can play both ends of the floor—obviously what you want. I just think he’s a generational player," he said to RG.

Washington was hopeful about the team's prospects.

“We have a great team—a lot of guys who want to win, a lot of guys who love working. The extensions I thought were necessary, obviously. Kyrie (Irving) is a great player, and so is Daniel (Gafford)," he told RG. "They really mean a lot to our team. Just having those guys back is going to be great. And especially with Cooper this year, I just can’t wait to get everybody on the court and playing together.”

At a press conference, coach Jason Kidd explained his strategies for Flagg.

"I don't look at the position, you know, I want to put him in the at the point guard," Kidd said. "I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Being able to run the show, being able to play the 2, play the 3. He's comfortable playing [the 3], but we want to push, and I think he's going to respond in a positive way. It's all right to fail. It's all right to turn the ball over. We've talked about that."

Related: Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Makes Bold Admission About Caitlin Clark

Jake Paul’s 4-Word Response to Critics Following Victory Over Julio César Chávez Jr.

Jake Paul may have begun his life as a popular YouTuber, but he’s determined to end it as a champion boxer. And he took one step closer to that goal on Saturday night.

Though Paul went into this weekend’s highly publicized bout against Julio César Chávez Jr. as the favored athlete, that didn’t prevent a number of people from voicing their opinions that the 28-year-old influencer was out of his depth.

Related: Jake Paul Getting Roasted After Fight Versus Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Last week, Paul even angrily disconnected from a Zoom call with host Piers Morgan when the Brit suggested that Paul may not be the athlete he thinks he is. (Words were exchanged, and Paul has reportedly said that he is contemplating suing Morgan over the exchange.)

But Paul proved his naysayers wrong when he emerged victorious from his fight with Chávez on Saturday night. Paul won by unanimous decision after going 10 rounds with the previous WBC middleweight—though his win was met with a chorus of boos.

When asked about his win immediately following the fight in an interview, Paul made it clear that he heard those boos, and offered some fierce words for his critics: “Shut the f— up.”

Related: Jake Paul Made 'Massive' $39 Million Purchase With Mike Tyson Fight Money

“All the boos are words, and actions speak louder than words, so y'all can shut the f— up," said Paul while gesturing at the crowd. "I'm hip, I'm really hip, I just beat your boy's a--, easy work, year five, wait till I get going even more motherf---ers!"

Paul’s most famous bout came just seven months ago, when he went head-to-head with Mike Tyson—and on.

The EV That’s Winning Over Drivers Tired of Tesla Prices

Tesla may have set the pace, but a new competitor is gaining fast. Chevy’s 2025 Equinox EV is turning heads with a sleek design, solid performance, and a price tag that makes it hard to ignore, especially for drivers tired of five-figure upgrades and six-month waitlists.

Starting at under $35,000 and offering up to 319 miles of range, the Equinox EV has become a breakout hit, helping Chevrolet overtake Ford in U.S. EV sales so far this year, with over 37,000 units moved through May, The Cool Down reported. That’s no small feat in a market still dominated by Tesla.

What’s winning people over isn’t just the price. It’s what you get for it. 

The Equinox EV brings tech-forward displays, a roomy interior, and clean styling that appeals to both families and commuters. It also helps that you can actually find one. Unlike Tesla’s ever-shifting delivery timelines, Chevy’s latest electric SUV is hitting lots now, not next year.

It’s part of a larger strategy from General Motors, which now offers 13 different electric models ranging from the workhorse Silverado EV to the luxury Cadillac Lyriq. In just one year, GM more than doubled its share of the U.S. EV market to 15.5 percent, signaling a serious shift in the industry.

While skeptics still point to the environmental cost of battery production, researchers say EVs offer long-term climate advantages. 

A study from MIT found gas-powered cars emit around 350 grams of carbon per mile over their lifespan, compared to about 200 grams for EVs, even when charged from the traditional grid.

The savings don’t stop there. Charging at home, especially with solar, can drop fuel costs well below what you’d pay at the pump, and electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts.

In an era where affordability matters more than ever, the Equinox EV is showing that you don’t need to break the bank to go electric. 

For drivers priced out of the Tesla ecosystem or just ready for something new, this might be the moment to make the switch.

Related: A Shocking EV Shift Just Hit Tesla Where It Hurts

Motocross Star, 16, Dies in Tragic Mid-Race Crash After Being 'Run Over'

A rising teenage motocross star named Aidan Zingg is being remembered in tributes after he died in a fatal crash during a race.

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Kawasaki Team Green rider Aidan Zingg Zingg lost his life following injuries sustained during a crash at Mammoth Motocross in Mammoth Lakes, California. Zingg’s dedication and kind demeanor will forever be remembered," Kawasaki Racing wrote on X.

According to TMZ, Zingg died during a race on June 28 at the 2025 Mammoth Motocross event in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Zingg was a "16-year-old motocross prodigy from Washington," the publication Dirt Bike Lover reported, adding that he was "known for his remarkable talent and fierce determination." 

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Kawasaki Team Green rider Aidan Zingg

Zingg lost his life following injuries sustained during a crash at Mammoth Motocross in Mammoth Lakes, California. Zingg’s dedication and kind demeanor will forever be remembered 💚🕊️ pic.twitter.com/EqpEp8did8

— Kawasaki Racing (@RaceKawasaki) June 29, 2025

Zingg "went down in a corner during a race," Dirt Bike Lover reported, adding that, after crashing, "he was reportedly run over by multiple bikes and remained unconscious on the track for two laps before the race was red flagged."

Check in with Aidan Zingg on his 2024 season and plans for 2025.

🔗: https://t.co/hbu1fbmnOC@MonsterEnergy / #MonsterArmy pic.twitter.com/8pEHxjjf4Q

— Monster Army (@MonsterArmy) December 24, 2024

Zingg "had quickly made a name for himself in the national amateur circuit and had recently signed with Kawasaki’s prestigious Team Green program," that site reported.

The Mammoth Motorcross event concluded June 29. "Every summer since 1968, racers have flocked to Mammoth Lakes for this classic event – the oldest continuous running motocross in the USA. The track has changed a little over the years, but the fun hasn’t. Many racers have honed their skills and made a name for themselves on this track," the website says.

Motocross reporter Kellen Brauer wrote on X, "Honestly at a loss for words hearing about Aidan Zingg passing today. It took me out of it here at Southwick as soon as I heard and I still just can't believe it. My heart hurts for his family and friends. The moto community lost a genuinely good kid. May he rest in peace."

Disney Cruise Turns to Chaos When Child Falls Overboard and Dad Jumps In

What was meant to be a magical return from paradise quickly turned into a high-stakes emergency aboard the Disney Dream after a child reportedly fell overboard on June 29, and her father jumped in after her.

The incident occurred as the ship was cruising back to Fort Lauderdale from a four-night Bahamian voyage that included a stop at Disney’s private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

Mid-journey, the onboard intercom blared a code no cruise guest wants to hear: “Mr. M.O.B.” signaling a man overboard, The Street reported.

According to a statement from Disney Cruise Line to USA Today, the crew acted within minutes. Life preservers were thrown, a rescue boat was deployed, and both passengers, the young girl and her father, were pulled safely back onto the vessel.

“We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions,” Disney said, adding that the company remains committed to the safety of all guests. “This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

The cruise ship "Disney Dream" arrives in the port of Hambug this morning. According to cruise schedule operator Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH), the ship is calling at the port for the first time on a cruise.

picture alliance/Getty Images

One passenger, Kevin Furuta, wrote on Facebook that the child had fallen from Deck 4, which features a jogging track and is lined with plexiglass safety barriers. Despite those precautions, she somehow made it overboard. 

“Her dad went in after her,” Furuta wrote. “Thankfully the DCL rescue team was on it immediately.”

At the time of the fall, the ship was still en route, nowhere near port. Social media reports confirmed the rescue took place while the Disney Dream was moving through open water between The Bahamas and Florida.

Cruise ships like the Dream are equipped with overboard detection systems designed to immediately alert crew members when someone enters the water. In this case, it appears those systems, coupled with rapid response from the staff, prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy.

The identities of the father and daughter have not been released. Both were said to be in stable condition following the incident.

What began as a dream vacation nearly turned into a nightmare, but thanks to the fast-acting crew and a father’s instinct, this story ended with everyone safely back on board.

Related: Disney Just Made Family Vacations Way Cheaper With This Free Dining Deal

Airport Traveler 'Violently' Kicked 25-Pound Beagle Named Freddie, Officials Say

The beagle named Freddie is supposed to sniff out illegal vegetables and other contraband at the airport.

But one traveler took it out on the animal, officials say.

They've accused the man of "violently" kicking the 25-pound beagle named "Freddie."

Now he's pleaded guilty, they say.

The man "pled guilty to federal charges Wednesday (June 25) after kicking a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture detector dog that alerted to undeclared agriculture products in his baggage at Washington Dulles International Airport on Tuesday," CBP wrote in a June 26 press release.

The agency included a photo of "Freddie" with the release.

Freddie.

Customs and Border Enforcement

Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, 70, "pled guilty during an initial appearance in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia to harming animals used in law enforcement (18USC1368)," the release says.

"He was credited with time served, ordered to pay the veterinarian’s fee, and to immediately report to CBP for removal from the United States. Marie departed the United States on a flight to Egypt at 12:30 p.m. today," the release says.

CBP "agriculture detector dog Freddie" is a 5-year-old beagle.

He and his handler "were inspecting baggage from travelers who arrived from Cairo, Egypt when Freddie alerted to one of Marie’s suitcases. As the CBP canine handler started questioning Marie, he violently kicked Freddie with sufficient force to lift the 25-pound beagle off the ground," the release says.

CBP officers "immediately descended upon Marie, handcuffed him, and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations agents for prosecution," the release says. "A veterinarian determined that Freddie suffered contusions to his right forward rib area."

CBP agriculture specialists "conducted a subsequent baggage examination of Marie’s luggage based on Freddie’s alert and discovered 55 pounds of beef meat, 44 pounds of rice, 15 pounds of eggplant, cucumbers, and bell peppers, two pounds of corn seeds, and a pound of herbs. All agriculture products were prohibited from entering the United States and seized," according to the release. 

“Being caught deliberately smuggling well over one hundred pounds of undeclared and prohibited agriculture products does not give one permission to violently assault a defenseless Customs and Border Protection beagle,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C., in the release. 

“We rely heavily on our K9 partners and Freddie was just doing his job. Any malicious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and CBP will continue to work with our investigating and prosecuting partners to deal swift and severe justice to perpetrators.”

Related: Thousands of American Airlines Passengers Hit With Delays Amid Major Outage