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Japan Times
5 days ago
- Japan Times
Hulk Hogan, shirt-shredding superstar of pro wrestling, dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, whose flamboyance and star power helped transform professional wrestling from a low-budget regional attraction into a multibillion dollar industry, died Thursday in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71. Police and fire department personnel in Clearwater were called to Hogan's home on Clearwater Beach, where Hogan was treated for cardiac arrest, the police said in a "news alert' post on Facebook. He was taken to nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, they said. Hogan was the face of pro wrestling for decades, with his blond hair and horseshoe mustache, colorful bandannas and massive biceps, which he referred to as "24-inch pythons.' Even after his wrestling days were over, he remained in the spotlight, most recently when he spoke last year at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump/Vance shirt underneath. He was earlier involved in a high-profile lawsuit in 2012, bankrolled by billionaire Peter Thiel, against Gawker, the irreverent media company, after Gawker posted a video of Hogan having sex with a friend's wife. He won the case on invasion of privacy grounds, reaping millions in damages. Hogan's routine before a wrestling match was guaranteed to send fans into a frenzy. He would cup his hand to his ear to encourage the roaring crowd and tear off his shirt, which was pre-ripped to ease the process. Fans loved him as much for his charm and physique as for his old-fashioned grappling ability. Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea, on Aug. 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia. His father, Peter Bollea, was a construction foreman; his mother, Ruth (Moody) Bollea, was a dance teacher. He attended the University of South Florida but dropped out, choosing the wrestling mat over the classroom. He started wrestling in 1977. Like many in the sport, he was a big man, weighing 300 pounds in his prime. He was also exceptionally tall, 6-foot-8, helping to further a trend toward very big men in wrestling. He adopted the name "Hulk' because of comparisons to the muscular comic book character on the CBS television program "The Incredible Hulk.' In 1979, he made it to the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) and took on the alliterative last name Hogan. Those were the days when wrestling's good guys, or "faces,' were clean-cut all-American types, and a savvy fan could guess that a wrestler was going to turn bad by noticing his hair grow a little longer. In that environment, the longhaired, edgier Hogan clearly fit the bad guy, or "heel,' mode. He developed a rivalry with champion Bob Backlund, a traditional Midwestern milk-drinking good guy. Hogan catapulted to greater fame after appearing in the movie "Rocky III' in 1982. He played a wrestler, Thunderlips, who takes on Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) in a charity wrestler-versus-boxer match. The preening, egotistic Thunderlips batters an unprepared Rocky, throwing him out of the ring and into the crowd. Despite his brief screen time, Hogan created a character that stuck in viewers' minds, no mean feat in a film that also starred the bombastic Mr. T. After a brief time away, Hogan returned to the WWF in 1983. His popularity had grown so great that it seemed clear he was destined to be a good guy, despite his less-than-button-down appearance. His rebranding helped pave the way for broadening the face category to include all types of wrestlers. Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, testifies in court during his trial against Gawker Media in St Petersburg, Florida on March 8, 2016. | Reuters Not every hardcore wrestling fan warmed to Hogan. Some considered his main strength to be showmanship rather than wrestling ability. He was named most overrated wrestler by the insider magazine Wrestling Observer several times in his career. But the bulk of wrestling fandom was hardly concerned about a supposed lack of technical prowess and got on board with the phenomenon that became known as Hulkamania. "In blasé Manhattan, where the likes of Jackie O. and Mr. T have been observed walking the streets unhindered,' The New York Times wrote in 1984, "Hulk Hogan cannot go 10 feet.' The WWF gave Hogan a patriotic persona: He developed rivalries with the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, who represented the United States' global rivals Iran and the Soviet Union (never mind that Volkoff was actually Croatian). Hogan started arriving at matches accompanied by the song "Real American' by Rick Derringer and began urging fans to take their vitamins. Despite that exhortation, he admitted in 1994 that his physique was partly the result of taking steroids. Hogan held the WWF's title belt many times over the years, including a four-year stretch in the mid-1980s, an epic period of dominance in an ever-changing sport. He regularly filled arenas around the country, and big events at which he was the headliner, like WrestleMania, could easily fill stadiums. The thousands in the stands eagerly awaited a Hogan victory, which often involved "Hulking up': A seemingly defeated Hogan would turn things around by absorbing the blows of his opponent, each one somehow making him stronger. Hogan's finishing move was often the leg drop, in which he would bounce off the rope, leap in the air and land, leg first, on a prone opponent. Few foes lasted long after that move. Wrestling stardom is never just about in-ring performance, and Hogan excelled in another key area: on-camera interviews. He would appear to be in a passionate frenzy, but remained controlled beneath the surface, delivering the story line of the day. A trademark was calling the audience "brother' in a gravelly voice. After winning the title in 1984, Hogan told interviewer Gene Okerlund: "It is the dream of a lifetime, daddy. This is like going to the mountaintop 1,000 times over. I feel the energy. Hulkamania's running worldwide!' Shortly afterward, he was doused in champagne by Andre the Giant. But their friendship would not last forever. In 1987, in perhaps Hogan's most memorable match, at the height of Hulkamania, he was matched up against Andre at WrestleMania III, at the Silverdome in Michigan. Andre, a longtime fan favorite, had recently turned heel. Andre was said not to have lost in the ring for 15 years. But Hogan defeated him. The result of the match, like all pro-wrestling bouts, was predetermined, but that did not diminish the impact of the bout's biggest moment: Hogan body slammed the 500-pound Andre. Hogan had hit peak stardom, and crossed over into starring in movies. He played a wrestler in "No Holds Barred' (1989) and an ex-wrestler-turned-caregiver in "Mr. Nanny' (1993). He also starred as a mercenary in the television series "Thunder in Paradise.' Once his film and television career began to fade, Hogan moved to World Championship Wrestling in 1994 and developed a whole new set of rivalries, including one with Ric Flair, the dominant wrestler for years in that organization. Wrestling mostly as a heel, Hogan formed a group of wrestlers called the New World Order and called himself "Hollywood' Hogan. He returned to the newly renamed WWE in 2002, and later left and returned several more times, wrestling for other companies in between. In 2005, he appeared in the reality series "Hogan Knows Best,' along with his wife at the time, Linda (Claridge) Hogan, and his children, Brooke (Hogan) Oleksy, a singer, and Nick Hogan, a race car driver. They survive him, along with his third wife, Sky Daily, and two grandchildren. He was in the public eye in a less savory way in 2012, during his lawsuit against Gawker, backed by Thiel, the Republican political patron, whom the site had outed as gay a decade earlier. Hogan contended that by posting the video, Gawker had invaded his privacy; Gawker said it was newsworthy. A jury sided with Hogan, awarding him $140 million in 2016; the case was eventually settled for $31 million, and Gawker Media filed for bankruptcy. In 2015, a tape of Hogan using racial slurs emerged. He apologized, but was dismissed from the WWE. He returned to WWE shows in 2018. Throughout the craziness of Hulkamania, Hogan said he tried to maintain normalcy. "The moment I come home, the headband comes off the bald head, and it's just Terry: dad, father, husband, friend,' he told the talk show "The 700 Club' in 2024. "The problem is, the moment I leave the house, the moment I walk out the front door, the world doesn't want Terry. The mailman goes, 'Hey, Hulk.' So instead of saying 'Good morning, sir,' I say, 'Hey, brother, how you doing?'' This article originally appeared in The New York Times © 2025 The New York Times Company
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Hulk Hogan dies at 71: 10 lesser-known facts about the wrestling icon who defined a generation
Before he became a wrestler, he played bass in a rock band. Wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco found him because of his band, Ruckus, which was popular in the Tampa Bay area. He once said no to dying his hair red. Vince McMahon Sr. wanted him to change his hair color, but Hogan kept his famous blond look. This was one of many times he went against the grain. He left the University of South Florida to focus on music full-time, but then wrestling became his calling. He had Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French roots, which is something that people often forget about when they think of him as "All-American." He was baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in December 2023, which was a spiritual change for him just two years before he died. In 1977, he had his first wrestling match against Brian Blair. At first, he even wrestled under a mask as "The Super Destroyer." He played Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), which was a big break for him in Hollywood and made him more than just a wrestler. In 1985, he co-hosted Saturday Night Live with Mr. T. This made him even more popular with the general public. He once sued Gawker Media and won an unbelievable $115 million over a leaked private video. This case set a new standard in media privacy law. He started his own beer brand, Real American Beer, in 2024. This was a nod to his patriotic wrestling persona and his desire to be an entrepreneur. Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Wrestling has lost one of its most legendary figures. Hulk Hogan , born Terry Gene Bollea , died on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. From WrestleMania headliner to reality TV star, Hogan's influence extended far beyond the ring. To honor his memory, here are ten truly surprising facts about the man who created Hulkamania Hulk Hogan is best known for revolutionizing wrestling, but he also made an impact in music, film, and television. Beyond his iconic persona, these lesser-known facts reveal more about the man who rose to prominence in pop culture.A lot of people only know Hogan for his famous bandana and 24-inch pythons, or for slamming André the Giant. But there is a lot more to him than that. Here are 10 surprising and little-known facts about the man who helped make WWE's golden age what it Hogan's last WWE appearance was in 2025, when Raw debuted on Netflix, but his impact will never go away. WWE honored the man who led the company through the boom years of the 1980s with a heartfelt statement."One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans," they Hogan was more than just a wrestler; he was a phenomenon. He made a lasting mark on pop culture by body-slamming giants and starring in cult real name was Terry Gene passed away from cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Best Online Bachelor Of Social Work Degrees Of 2025
The University of South Florida (USF) performed well across our ranking criteria, but particularly shines when it comes to affordability. The Tampa-based institution boasts the cheapest average in-state tuition and fees on our list. Its average cost for out-of-state learners is also notably lower than average nonresident prices at our other top 10 schools—and even compares favorably with some in-state rates. USF graduates hold the least federal student loan debt on our list, and the school scores in the top three for percentage of tuition covered by institutional aid (among the highest) and percentage of students who take out loans (among the lowest). Although the school charges a distance learning fee of $30 per credit, along with some program-specific additional fees, its costs remain below most of its peers, especially for Florida residents. Pro Tip In-state students at public colleges and universities typically pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state learners or those attending private institutions. However, some state schools allow all online students to pay in-state rates regardless of residency. Earning your bachelor's in social work online can make it easier to balance your studies with outside commitments—and may even save you money. If distance learning seems like a good fit for you, here's how to start narrowing down online B.S.W. programs. Consider Your Future Goals Online B.S.W. programs can help you get the skills, knowledge and credentials you need to start a social work career or apply to a graduate social work program. But not every program is the same, so make sure you find one that can help you achieve your goals. For example, consider whether you plan to go to graduate school to earn a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). If so, opt for a CSWE-accredited bachelor's program that fulfills M.S.W. prerequisites. Some schools offer combined programs that can help you earn your B.S.W. and M.S.W. in less time. Also, consider whether a prospective program offers fieldwork, which is required for CSWE accreditation. A fieldwork component provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and make connections that can benefit you after graduation. Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options Tuition rates for the online B.S.W. programs on our list range from $105 to $673 per credit, with total tuition ranging between around $13,000 to $74,000, plus fees, textbooks and living expenses. Our top 10 online Bachelor of Social Work degrees include programs at both public and private colleges. For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that one year of in-state undergraduate tuition and required fees at a public, four-year college costs $9,750 on average as of 2023, or around $39,000 for a full bachelor's degree. Private universities average $35,248 per year in tuition and required fees, or around $141,000 for a four-year degree. Prospective students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student financial aid opportunities such as loans, grants, work-study programs and scholarships. Individual schools and departments also offer funding options like scholarships, grants and fellowships. You can seek loans and other forms of aid from private sources as well. Pro Tip Asynchronous programs allow you to engage with course material at any time of day, provided you meet assignment deadlines. If your program is asynchronous, you may communicate with classmates and instructors through formats such as discussion forums and email. An online social work bachelor's degree can qualify you for various social work careers , but distance learning is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Think about the following factors before you choose whether to earn your B.S.W. in person or online. Which Learning Style Suits You Best? Online learning works best for students with strong time management, self-discipline and organizational skills. Some learners prefer the structure and built-in accountability that comes with attending in-person classes at set times each week. What's Your Schedule? Many students choose online programs if they plan to work full time or have other commitments that would make it difficult to attend traditional in-person courses. Online programs typically provide more flexibility. This is especially true for those with asynchronous classes, which let students watch lectures and complete coursework at their convenience. What Can You Afford? In many cases, an online degree costs the same as or less than similar on-campus programs, but online students avoid expenses associated with commuting to campus and may be exempt from campus-related fees. Plus, if you plan to attend a public university in another state, you might benefit from reduced tuition. Every online bachelor of social work program differs a little, but you can expect many of the same components. In most states, for an online B.S.W. to lead to social work careers, the program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Admission Requirements Every school maintains its own admission standards, but typical requirements may include the following: High school diploma or GED certificate Letters of recommendation Personal essay or statement or statement Criminal background check Minimum GPA ACT or SAT scores Common Courses Each college or university sets its own B.S.W. curriculum, which means that course content and titles may differ among programs. Some common courses include: Human behavior and development. This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health. This course examines human development and behavior and the factors that influence them, including environment and mental health. Social work practice. This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches. This course explores the practice methods and skills social workers use, such as assessments, interventions and various therapeutic approaches. Social justice. This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas. This course looks at the inequalities various populations face, along with the ways that social workers can make a difference in these areas. Social welfare policy. This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts. This course examines the laws and policies that affect social services and the social work field. Some courses may also look at advocacy and other policy change efforts. Crisis and trauma. This course teaches students how crisis and trauma impact people and explores professional responses, such as therapeutic techniques and intervention strategies. Concentrations Most bachelor's-level social work programs offer generalist tracks only, but you can develop your own informal specialization through electives, research projects and internships. In choosing these components strategically, you can specialize in areas such as: Mental health and substance abuse and substance abuse Healthcare Child and family services Education Community services In-Person Requirements CSWE-accredited B.S.W. programs entail a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience. While fieldwork requires in-person attendance, most online programs allow you to complete these hours at a site near you. While licensed clinical social workers typically need a master's degree and licensure, graduates with a bachelor's degree still play a critical support role. Roles and responsibilities for social work degree jobs at the bachelor's level may include: Case management Patient assessments Program planning and development Patient and family education Outreach Support services Social services assistance Advocacy Depending on your state and specialization, you may need licensure to practice. Further education, on-the-job training and supervision may also be required for certain pathways. Types of Social Workers Specializations within the social work field are divided by industry, client population and social service type. The following list details the most common types of social workers . Child and family social worker: These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children. These social workers provide services to families and protect the well-being of children. Medical social worker: These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. Medical social workers may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions. These social workers deliver support and resources to clients and their families in medical settings. may work with patients navigating illnesses or chronic conditions. Mental health or substance use social worker: Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources. Social workers in these specializations help clients and their families manage various mental health conditions or addiction. They may provide counseling and intervention services or help clients find services and resources. School social worker: A specialization in school social work focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers. A specialization in focuses on issues in the school system, such as children's academic development, program development or counseling for students and teachers. Gerontological social worker: In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called geriatric social workers , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults. In this specialization, social workers support older adults as they navigate aging, health issues and residential care facilities. These professionals, also called , also advocate and develop programs for aging adults. Forensic social worker: Forensic social workers apply their expertise to legal matters, such as child custody and domestic violence cases. They may support clients in the legal system or provide assessments and consultations for the courts. Like many other fields, social work salaries vary by education, experience and location. Social work also has several types of licensure and field specializations that can impact your earning potential. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Read more B.S.W. degree requirements vary by program. However, a typical curriculum includes classes on topics such as social work practice, human behavior in the social environment and statistics for social workers, along with a fieldwork practicum. In general, if you choose a CSWE-accredited program, a B.A. in social work and a B.S.W. are equivalent degrees that cover the same topics. Some schools use the title B.S.W., while others use B.A. in social work. The highest social work license is the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential, which may be called the licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), depending on the state where you practice. This credential allows you to offer clinical services such as individual psychotherapy and requires an M.S.W. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers as a whole earned a median annual salary of $61,330 as of 2024. Salaries vary by education level, years of experience, specialization and location. If you plan to pursue a career as a social worker, an online degree in the field is worth it. This degree is a typical requirement for entry-level social work careers and can prepare you for graduate study in social work. The cost of an online bachelor's degree in social work usually aligns with other programs at the same school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state students at public colleges and universities paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and required fees during the 2022–2023 school year, while those attending private institutions paid $35,248 on average. Whether you earn your degree on campus or online, Bachelor of Social Work programs typically require about four years of full-time study. Part-time degree seekers may take longer, while students with transfer credits can often finish faster. A bachelor's degree is enough to qualify you for entry-level social work roles. Some states license social workers at the bachelor's level, while others only require licensure for master's-level social workers. If you plan to earn a social work license, look for programs with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Any college degree demands dedication and hard work, but a bachelor's degree in social work typically doesn't require advanced mathematics or technical skills that many students may find hard to master. Nonetheless, social work can be hard on an emotional level, and balancing field placements with academic work may be logistically challenging. Those who advance to master's-level social work programs may encounter heavier research, theory and statistics components than bachelor's students. Yes—to hold accreditation, an online social work degree program must include in-person fieldwork. Earning a Bachelor of Social Work online allows you to complete classroom requirements remotely, while field experience can often take place in your home area. A bachelor's in social work prepares you for entry-level social work roles in areas such as residential treatment and mental health. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you'll need a Master of Social Work. Yes—as long as it is accredited, an online social work degree entails the same academic rigor as an on-campus program and is an equally valid credential. Both on-campus and online social work students complete the same courses and fieldwork.
Atlantic
7 days ago
- Science
- Atlantic
The Sea Slug Defying Biological Orthodoxy
This week, a friend sent me our horoscope—we're both Gemini—from Seven Days, a beloved Vermont weekly, because, improbably, it was about the sea slug I'd been telling her about just days before. 'The sea slug Elysia chlorotica is a small, unassuming creature that performs a remarkable feat: It eats algae and steals its chloroplasts, then incorporates them into its own body,' the horoscope explained. Years ago I had incorporated this fact into my own view of the world, and it had changed my understanding of the rules of biology. This particular slug starts life a brownish color with a few red dots. Then it begins to eat from the hairlike strands of the green algae Vaucheria litorea: It uses specialized teeth to puncture the alga's wall, and then it slurps out its cells like one might slurp bubble tea, each bright-green cellular boba moving up the algal straw. The next part remains partially unexplained by science. The slug digests the rest of the cell but keeps the chloroplasts—the plant organelles responsible for photosynthesis—and distributes these green orbs through its branched gut. Somehow, the slug is able to run the chloroplasts itself and, after sucking up enough of them, turns a brilliant green. It appears to get all the food it needs for the rest of its life by way of photosynthesis, transforming light, water, and air into sugar, like a leaf. The horoscope took this all as a metaphor: Something I'd 'absorbed from another' is 'integrating into your deeper systems,' it advised. 'This isn't theft, but creative borrowing.' And in that single line, the horoscope writer managed to explain symbiosis—not a metaphor at all, but an evolutionary mechanism that may be more prevalent across biology than once thought. Elysia chlorotica is a bewitching example of symbiosis. It is flat, heart-shaped, and pointed at the tail, and angles itself toward the sun. Its broad surface is grooved by a web of veins, like a leaf's is. Ignore its goatish head, and you might assume this slug was a leaf, if a particularly gelatinous one. Sidney Pierce, a marine biologist retired from the University of South Florida, remembers his surprise when a grad student brought a specimen into his office in the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, on Cape Cod, more than two decades ago. Photosynthesis requires specialized equipment and chemistry, which animals simply do not have—'yet here was an animal that's figured out how to do it,' he told me. He spent the next 20-odd years trying to find the mechanism. 'Unfortunately, I didn't get all the way to the end,' he said. No one has, as my colleague Katherine J. Wu has written. The algae and the slug may have managed some kind of gene transfer, and over time, produced a new way of living, thanks not to slow, stepwise evolution—the random mutation within a body—but by the wholesale transfer of a piece of code. A biological skill leaked out of one creature into another. All of us are likely leakier than we might assume. After all, every cell with a nucleus, meaning all animal and plant cells, has a multigenetic heritage. Mitochondria—the organelles in our cells responsible for generating energy—are likely the product of an ancient symbiosis with a distant ancestor and a microbe, and have their own separate DNA. So we are walking around with the genetic material of some other ancient life form suffused in every cell. And the earliest ancestor of all plants was likely the product of a fusion between a microbe and a cyanobacterium; plants' photosynthesizing organelles, too, have distinct DNA. Lynn Margulis, the biologist who made the modern case for this idea, was doubted for years until new genetic techniques proved her correct. Her conviction about the symbiotic origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts was a monumental contribution to cell biology. But Margulis took her theory further; in her view, symbiosis was the driving force of evolution, and many entities were likely composites. Evolution, then, could be traced not only through random mutation, but by combination. 'Life did not take over the globe by combat, but by networking. Life forms multiplied and complexified by co-opting others, not just by killing one another,' she wrote, with her son, in 1986. This remains pure conjecture, and an exaggeration of the role of symbiosis beyond what mainstream evolutionary theory would support; random mutation is still considered the main driver of speciation. Yet more scientists now wonder if symbiosis may have played a larger role in the heritage of many species than we presently understand. Phillip Cleves, a geneticist at the Carnegie Institution for Science who studies the symbiotic relationship between corals and their algae symbionts, told me how, as an undergraduate, he was blown away by the fact that corals' alliance with algae made possible ecosystems—coral reefs—that support a quarter of all known marine life. The algae cells live, whole, inside coral cells, and photosynthesize as normal, sustaining the coral in nutrient-poor tropical waters. 'I realize now that that type of interaction between organisms is pervasive across the tree of life,' he said. It's probable that the ancestors of all eukaryotes were more influenced by bacteria in their environments than modern evolutionary theory has accounted for. 'All animals and plants likely require interactions with microbes, often in strong, persistent symbiotic associations,' Margaret McFall-Ngai, a leading researcher of the role of microbes in animal development, wrote in 2024. These interactions, she argued, are so fundamental to life that the animal immune system should perhaps be thought of as a sort of management system for our many microbial symbionts. Although biology has been slow to recognize symbiosis's significance, she thinks this line of research should now take center stage, and could alter how all stripes of biologists think about their work. Cleves, too, sees himself as working to build a new field of science, by training people on how to ask genetic questions about symbiotic relationships in nature: When I called him, he was preparing to teach a four-week course at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole on exactly that. Genomic research has only relatively recently been cheap enough to apply it routinely and broadly to all sorts of creatures, but now scientists can more easily ask: How do animals' interactions with microbes shape the evolution of individual species? And how does that change dynamics in an ecosystem more broadly? Elysia chlorotica is also a lesson in how easily the boundaries between an organism and its environment can be traversed. 'Every time an organism eats, a whole wad of DNA from whatever it's eating passes through the animal. So DNA gets transferred all the time from species to species,' Pierce told me. Most times it doesn't stick, but on the rare occasions when it does, it can reroute the fate of a species. 'I think it happens more than it's recognized, but a lot of times it's hard to recognize because you don't know what you're looking for. But in these slugs, it's pretty obvious,' he said. They're bright green. Still, attempts to understand what is happening inside Elysia chlorotica have mostly fallen short. Scientists such as Pierce presume that, over time, elements of the algal genome have been transferred to the slug, allowing it to run photosynthesis, yet they have struggled to find evidence. 'It's very hard to find a gene if you don't know what you're looking for,' Pierce said—plus, slug DNA is too muddled to parse a lot of the time. Slugs are full of mucus, which can ruin samples, and because the chloroplasts are embedded inside the slug cells, many samples of slug DNA end up picking up chloroplast DNA too. After years of trying, and at least one false start by a different lab, Pierce and his colleagues did manage to find a gene in the slug that was involved with chloroplast repair, hinting that a genetic transfer had occurred, and offering a clue as to how the animal manages to keep the plant organelles alive. But another research team showed that related species of photosynthesizing slugs can survive for months deprived of sunlight and actual food: They may simply be hardy. Why, then, if not to make nutrients, might the slugs be photosynthesizing? Perhaps for camouflage. Or perhaps they're stashing chloroplasts, which themselves contain useful fats and proteins, as food reserves. (Pierce, for one, is skeptical of those explanations.) Whatever benefit Elysia chlorotica derives from the chloroplasts, there couldn't be a leakier creature. It crosses the divide between plant and animal, one species and another, and individual and environment. I first read about the slug in a book titled Organism and Environment by Sonia Sultan, an evolutionary ecologist at Wesleyan University, in which she forwards the argument that we should be paying more attention to how the environment influences the way creatures develop, and how those changes are passed generationally, ultimately influencing the trajectory of species. While Elysia chlorotica is an extreme example of this, a version of it happens to us, and our bodies, all the time. Encounters with the bacteria around us reshape our microbiomes, which in turn affect many aspects of our health. Encounters with pollution can reroute the trajectory of our health and even, in some cases, the health of our offspring. Researchers think access to healthy foods—a factor of our environments—can modify how our genes are expressed, improving our lives in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand. We are constantly taking our environment in, and it is constantly transforming us.
National Geographic
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Blowing out birthday candles is surprisingly ancient
If you've been to a birthday party, you've probably seen it: the cake comes out, the candles are lit, the room sings, and the birthday person makes a wish before blowing them out. It's a moment we don't think twice about—but it didn't start as just a party tradition. From moonlit offerings in ancient Greece to protective spells in medieval Germany, birthday candles were once used to invoke blessings, ward off misfortune, and represent the delicate balance between life and death. So, how did a spiritual ritual evolve into a party trick? Here's how cultures around the world have used fire, food, and celebration to mark the passage of time. The history of birthday candles While it's commonly said that the tradition of birthday candles began in ancient Greece, there's no direct historical record of candles being placed on cakes to honor the gods. However, some scholars, such as Marie Nicola, a pop culture historian, say the idea likely stems from rituals associated with Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon. Marie Nicola Archaeological excavations at the Artemision of Ephesus, one of Artemis's major temples, have uncovered round cakes—known as noûton-gonosupahon—that were used as votive offerings. Some modern interpretations suggest that worshippers may have lit flames to mimic moonlight and carry prayers skyward during each lunar month to honor Artemis. 'The idea of fire as divine presence is incredibly old and cross-cultural. Indo-European belief systems used fire in household altars and public ceremonies,' says Nicola. As Greek customs spread, the Romans absorbed many of these practices, introducing round cakes and candlelit offerings into both temple rituals and private celebrations, including birthdays for the elite. As the Roman Empire spread across Gaul, Germania, and Britannia, so did its customs. 'Alongside that came the symbolic use of candles in birth rites. And later, Christianity,' says Nicola. How candles became a birthday tradition The modern custom of placing candles on birthday cakes is often attributed to the German Kinderfest, a traditional festival celebrating children. According to Margit Grieb, associate professor of German Studies at the University of South Florida, the connection is indirect—but meaningful. 'Margit Griebinasmuch as People back then believed that children were especially vulnerable on their birthdays to succumb to evil spirits,' she explains. Lighting candles may have served as a form of spiritual protection. According to The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, the candles were left to burn throughout the day until the evening meal, and their smoke was believed to carry the child's wishes to heaven. Early Christians rejected birthdays for being pagan and self-celebratory, says Nicola. While candles, used to honor saints, guide spirits, and mark sacred times, were retained in Christian liturgy, cakes were not. But in the late medieval period, cakes reemerged as festive foods, mostly in elite homes, and in non-liturgical, non-pagan contexts. 'In the 1600s, Protestant regions saw a pivot away from saints' feast days and a growing interest in personal milestones,' says Nicola. 'Birthdays, baptism anniversaries, and confirmations became new touchstones for celebration.' One of the earliest references to the birthday candle tradition comes from German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who recounts his 52nd birthday in Gotha as a guest of Prince August of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg in his autobiography, Tage-Und Jahreshefte. He describes a large cake with about 50 flaming candles, leaving no room for candles to represent the coming years, unlike children's birthday cakes. This record, written by a Protestant, reinforced how ingrained the ritual had become by the mid-18th century, says Nicola. While Catholics lit candles for saints, Protestants re-situated it. 'In many traditions, including early Christian mysticism, [breath] was tied to the soul. Blowing out a candle while making a silent intention carries echoes of votive prayer, only here, it's domestic, child-centered, and delightfully secular,' she adds. Before the 18th century, there were relatively few references to birthday cakes and candles, as it was more common at children's birthdays to put lit candles on the cake, says Grieb. 'Even today, a birthday cake with candles is a much more common element of an adult birthday celebration in the U.S. than in Germany.' The symbolism evolved. Lit candles came to represent inner light and personal growth, according to Nicola. Cakes were topped with lit candles, one for each year of life, plus an additional candle said to represent the 'light of life.' Other records describe the surrounding candles as the Light of Life, and the middle candle as the 'one to grow on'. In Switzerland, researchers for The Folk-lore Journal documented the ritual among the Swiss middle class in 1881, although there was no record of prayers or wishes being made. A birthday cake had lit candles around it, with each candle representing a year of the celebrant's life. The celebrant blows out the candles before the cake is eaten. Unlike the Germans, the Swiss did not let the candles burn down; instead, they blew them out before they did. 'The Folk Lore Journal is the earliest reference that documents the full birthday candle ritual,' says Nicola, '… which is proof of a cultural tradition that likely originated from Germany.' She adds that the tradition was likely practiced decades before 1881, but it does not appear in the documentation. How birthday candles became a global tradition In the 19th century, German immigrants brought the birthday candle tradition with them to the U.S., says Nicola. References to the German candle-on-cake custom began appearing in American publications, with German-language papers like the Philadelphia Demokrat, New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, and Milwaukee Herold, which published Kinderfest announcements, serving as the catalyst. The early 1800s witnessed a distinct variation of the tradition. Unlike the Germans and Swiss, guests, rather than celebrants, blew out the candles, which had different meanings in different states. However, by 1909, the ritual had reverted to the host blowing out their own candles. It was believed that the wish only came true if the birthday celebrant successfully blew out all the candles in one breath. Between 1900 and 1920, candles on cakes were the norm among the U.S. and U.K. middle class, says Nicola. By the 1920s, age-appropriate candles, often sold with matching candle holders, had gone mainstream, becoming a universal concept. They were mass-produced and sold by department stores like Sears, Roebuck and Co. The media also played a significant role in the widespread adoption of the birthday candle tradition. In 1931, Disney's short film 'The Birthday Party,' featuring Mickey Mouse, became a cultural memory embedded in greeting cards, birthday songs, and TV shows. After World War II, American consumer culture exported the candle-blowing tradition globally, 'through tourism, kids' media, and brands like Hallmark and Betty Crocker,' says Nicola. Postwar Japan had adopted the tradition by the 1950s, while entertainment exports from the United States spread the tradition to other parts of the globe.
