Giant Octopuses May Have Ruled the Oceans 100 Million Years Ago Fossilized jaws of ancient octopuses, discovered in Japan and Vancouver Island, have revealed that these creatures may have been apex predators in the oceans 100 million years ago. A study led by researchers at Hokkaido University, published in Science, challenges previous assumptions about the role of invertebrates in marine ecosystems, suggesting that early octopuses occupied the top of the food web alongside large marine vertebrates. The findings, based on advanced imaging and artificial intelligence analysis, indicate that these ancient octopuses were not merely elusive, soft-bodied animals but powerful hunters capable of crushing hard prey with immense force. The study focused on fossilized jaws from the Late Cretaceous period, spanning 100 to 72 million years ago. These fossils, preserved in calm seafloor sediments, retained fine wear patterns that provided insights into the feeding behavior of these extinct creatures. The researchers used high-resolution grinding tomography and a zero-shot learning AI model to digitally mine the fossils, revealing intricate details of their structure. The jaws belonged to a group of extinct finned octopuses known as Cirrata, which were likely active predators. The analysis of jaw size, shape, and wear patterns suggested that these animals could have grown to nearly 20 meters in length, surpassing the size of contemporary marine reptiles. Professor Yasuhiro Iba of Hokkaido University emphasized the significance of the findings, noting that the fossilized jaws showed extensive damage, including chipping, scratching, cracking, and polishing. These signs of wear indicated a strong biting force, with up to 10% of the jaw tip relative to the total length worn away in well-developed specimens.#science #japan #vancouver_island #hokkaido_university #cirrata
Pamela Anderson's Outdoor Living Philosophy and Collaboration with Olive Ateliers Pamela Anderson’s approach to outdoor living is deeply rooted in her personal history and aesthetic sensibilities. The actress, known for her iconic roles in television and film, has spent recent years restoring her grandmother’s waterfront property on Vancouver Island, a project she began in the late 1990s. “She had a bit of a wild taste,” Anderson recalls, referring to her late grandmother’s eclectic garden, which featured vibrant coral geraniums and quince roses. These elements, she explains, have shaped her own design philosophy, blending natural textures and colors with a sense of effortless charm. Anderson’s collaboration with Olive Ateliers, a French design brand, reflects this lived-in aesthetic. The collection, inspired by her years of travel and time spent in the South of France, emphasizes refinement over reinvention. She describes the line as a distillation of her lifelong approach to living, shaped by her grandmother’s garden and the vibrant markets of Provence, where she sourced wicker, ironstone, and oil paintings. The collection is designed for alfresco living, offering pieces that seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. When it comes to entertaining outdoors, Anderson advocates for simplicity and abundance. She often sets tables with edible centerpieces, such as whole cauliflowers and bunches of carrots, drawing inspiration from the casual, slightly undone tables of the South of France. “It’s about creating a space that feels lived-in,” she explains, emphasizing that a slightly wrinkled linen tablecloth or loosely gathered flowers can create a more inviting atmosphere than overly polished arrangements. Wicker is another key element in Anderson’s design repertoire.#pamela_anderson #olive_ateliers #vancouver_island #south_of_france #st_tropez
Pamela Anderson Launches Furniture Line Inspired by Sentimentality and Coastal Living Pamela Anderson, the actress known for her iconic role as C.J. Parker on Baywatch, has expanded her creative pursuits by launching a furniture and homewares line titled The Sentimentalist with the Los Angeles-based studio Olive Ateliers. The collection, rooted in Anderson’s sentimental nature and love for coastal living, features 40 pieces primarily crafted from wicker, designed to evoke a relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The line includes items like dog beds, inspired by her pets Lucky, Lola, and Zou Bisou Bisou, as well as functional yet decorative pieces that reflect her personal aesthetic. Anderson’s design philosophy is deeply tied to her upbringing and current home in Ladysmith, British Columbia, a town she describes as her “tiny hometown” on Vancouver Island. She purchased the property from her late grandmother nearly 30 years ago, a space that has become a sanctuary for her family, including her children and dogs. “My home has always been very important to me,” she says, emphasizing her desire to create a safe, lived-in environment. The home, which overlooks the Salish Sea, is constantly evolving with new plants, trees, and renovations, reflecting her belief in embracing change and imperfection. The The Sentimentalist collection draws heavily from Anderson’s sentimental side, a trait she has long embraced. She recalls childhood memories of her grandmother’s furniture, which she still keeps in her home, including weathered rattan and teak picnic tables. These pieces, she explains, are not about perfection but about the stories and memories they hold.#pamela_anderson #olive_ateliers #ladysmith #vancouver_island #salish_sea
