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In 1968, researcher John B. Calhoun conducted a famous experiment known as “Universe 25,” in which he created a "mouse utopia" with unlimited food, water, and no predators. At first, the mouse population grew rapidly, but as overcrowding increased, their social behaviors began to deteriorate.

Mice formed aggressive cliques, mothers neglected or attacked their offspring, and some individuals became isolated and apathetic.
Despite the continued abundance of resources, reproduction eventually ceased altogether, and the population collapsed to extinction.
Calhoun described this phenomenon as a "behavioral sink," suggesting that social breakdown, rather than material scarcity, was responsible for the collapse.

On May 19, 1956 at 3:37pm, residents of Lincoln witnessed a (simulated) mushroom cloud form over the flightine at Lincoln Air Force Base during the Armed Forces Day open house. This was during the Cold War when the threat of nuclear attack was on the minds of many Lincoln citizens, and civil defense wanted to make them aware of the threat. At the time, former Nebraska Governor Val Peterson was National Director of the Office of Civil Defense, and a great deal of effort was put forth in attempts to educate the public about nuclear fallout ("Duck and Cover" by this time was less emphasized).

Back on base, this was a 400-pound simulator that created a fireball that could rise 2,500 feet in the air and create a mushroom cloud as a "demonstrative" nuclear bomb. Besides airshows, it was also used in combat maneuvers. The base's Jet Scoop newspaper stressed that there was no hazard of radiation with the simulated cloud.

The shot went off as planned, although it was said that people quickly lost interest as, according to the Lincoln Journal, there was just too much to see. 35,000 showed up to the base to view aircraft and other demonstrations that weekend.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 

The Battle of Alcatraz Begins (1946)
The Battle of Alcatraz followed an escape attempt from Alcatraz Island's federal penitentiary by six inmates who got stuck inside a cellhouse after failing to secure a key to the prison yard. Trapped, the inmates took the guards prisoner and took control of the cellhouse. The US Marines were called in, and two guards and three inmates died in the ensuing confrontation. Two inmates were later executed for their role in the incident.

The Potsdam Conference

Held in Potsdam, Germany, from July 17 to August 2, 1945, the Potsdam Conference was a meeting between the three principal Allies in World War II—the US, UK, and USSR. Although the summit was largely devoted to establishing post-war order after the surrender of Nazi Germany, the Allies also used it to issue a statement outlining terms for Japan's surrender and threatening "prompt and utter destruction" if Japan failed to comply.

The Historian's Den
Alan Turing’s contributions to cryptography during World War II were pivotal in shortening the war and saving countless lives. As a leading figure at Bletchley Park, he developed techniques to break the Nazi Enigma code, allowing the Allies to intercept and decipher German military communications. His work laid the foundation for modern computing, influencing the development of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Turing faced persecution due to his sexuality, leading to his tragic death in 1954. Decades later, he was posthumously pardoned, and his legacy as a visionary mathematician and war hero was widely recognized.
Beyond his work in cryptography, Turing had a deep interest in biology, particularly in patterns found in nature. His fascination with daisies and other natural forms led him to develop the concept of morphogenesis, which explains how biological structures develop and take shape. His research in mathematical biology provided insights into the formation of patterns in living organisms, influencing fields such as genetics and developmental biology. Additionally, Turing was an accomplished runner, competing at an Olympic level, with marathon times close to those of professional athletes. His diverse talents and intellectual curiosity continue to inspire scientists and historians today.