Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Languages of North America's First Inhabitants

A new study reveals that all North American languages can be traced back to two ancient Siberian mother tongues, introduced to the continent approximately 24,000 and 14,000 years ago. Renowned linguist Johanna Nichols from the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed 60 North American languages, identifying 16 linguistic features that helped categorize them into families. The first wave of Siberian immigrants settled along the west coast, creating a distinct group of languages characterized by unique pronouns, while the second wave, arriving after an ice-free corridor formed, contributed to the languages of the Clovis culture. Nichols' research indicates that the structural properties of these ancient languages continue to influence modern linguistic diversity in North America, underscoring the lasting impact of prehistoric migration patterns. The findings are detailed in the American Journal of American Anthropology. sources

Published:
Jul 07 2025, 5 am

"Runner's Diarrhea: Why Marathoners Frequently Experience It"

In a remarkable display of determination, runner Tamara Torlakson completed her personal best marathon despite a mid-race bowel movement, opting to continue running rather than stop. As she crossed the finish line, she humorously announced to her family, "I pooped my pants." This incident highlights a common issue among long-distance athletes, with studies revealing that a significant percentage experience gastrointestinal distress during races. Research indicates that 62% of long-distance runners have had to stop for a bowel movement during training, while 12% reported fecal incontinence while running. Factors contributing to this phenomenon include reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs during intense exercise, difficulty controlling the anal sphincter under physical strain, and the stress of competition. Notable past incidents include French walker Yohann Diniz and marathoner Paula Radcliffe, both of whom faced similar challenges during their events. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 11 pm

Childbirth vs. Kicked in the Balls: Which Hurts More?

In the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, the comparison between childbirth and getting kicked in the testicles remains a contentious topic. Childbirth is often cited as the pinnacle of pain, involving hours of intense contractions and the physical trauma of delivering a baby through a narrow birth canal, which can lead to severe complications and long recovery times. Conversely, a blow to the testicles can induce immediate, excruciating pain that radiates throughout the abdomen, potentially resulting in nausea or even hospitalization. Experts suggest that the evolutionary design of testicles, which are sensitive and located externally for temperature regulation, contributes to their vulnerability and the intensity of pain experienced. Ultimately, pain is subjective, and while some may argue for one experience over the other, the conclusion often leans towards a tie, leaving both sides to acknowledge the unique suffering associated with their respective experiences. sources

Published:
Jul 07 2025, 1 am

Trump Opens 82% of Alaska Reserve to Drilling, Threatening Wilderness

The Trump administration's initiative to reverse Biden-era protections in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve has gained momentum, potentially opening vast areas to oil and gas extraction. On July 1, the US Senate approved a budget bill mandating a minimum of five lease sales in the reserve, which spans approximately 23 million acres and is home to diverse wildlife, including polar bears and migratory birds. The Biden administration had previously expanded protections across 28 million acres in 2024, a move criticized by the Trump administration as overly restrictive. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the need for energy independence, stating that the 2024 rule hindered responsible development. However, conservationists and Alaska Native groups express deep concerns over the potential environmental impact and disregard for indigenous rights, arguing that the push for drilling prioritizes corporate interests over the health of the planet and local communities. sources

Published:
Jul 05 2025, 10 am

"Ancient Inscription in Lost Language Finally Deciphered"

A recent study has shed light on a long-obscured inscription at Arslan Kaya, a 2,600-year-old monument in Turkey, believed to be a dedication to an ancient Mother goddess. The statue, which has suffered significant erosion and damage over the centuries, features an inscription in "tall narrow Phrygian characters" that had previously eluded deciphering. Mark Munn, a Professor of Ancient Greek History at Penn State, utilized new photographs to analyze the inscription, concluding it likely refers to "Materan," a title for the goddess Matar. This finding is significant as Arslan Kaya is unique among Phrygian monuments for having both an image of the Mother goddess and an inscription naming her. Munn suggests the inscription may have originally been part of a longer text detailing the monument's creator and the goddess's epithet, contributing valuable insights into the poorly understood Phrygian language and culture. The research is published in the journal Kadmos. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 5 pm

"New Pattern Found in Unpredictable Prime Numbers"

Mathematicians have long grappled with the elusive nature of prime numbers, which are defined as integers greater than one that have no divisors other than one and themselves. The ancient Greek mathematician Eratosthenes devised a "sieve" method to identify primes, a technique that remains effective today. However, a recent breakthrough by a team of mathematicians, including Ken Ono from the University of Virginia, has revealed a novel connection between prime numbers and integer partitions, suggesting that these partitions can detect primes in infinitely many ways. This discovery, which earned Ono recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Cozzarelli Prize, could reshape understanding in number theory and has implications for cryptography, particularly as quantum computing advances. While the immediate security of online transactions remains intact, the mathematical community is preparing for potential challenges posed by future developments in computing technology. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 9 pm

Why You Can Live in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Not Chernobyl

The catastrophic nuclear events of the 20th century—Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan and the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine—differ significantly in their aftermath and long-term effects on human habitation. In August 1945, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in an estimated 129,000 to 226,000 deaths, primarily among civilians, and subsequent health issues like leukemia and developmental disabilities among survivors. Conversely, the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in April 1986 due to a reactor explosion, released over 400 times more radioactive material than the bombs, leading to long-lasting environmental contamination. While immediate casualties were lower, the long-term health impacts are still being assessed, with the UN predicting thousands of future deaths from radiation exposure. The key difference lies in the nature of the explosions and the amount of fissile material involved, rendering Chernobyl uninhabitable due to its persistent radioactive waste. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 6 pm

Why Are Huge Roman Shoes Found at Hadrian's Wall?

Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable collection of ancient footwear at Magna, a site near Hadrian's Wall in northern England, suggesting the presence of unusually large individuals in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago. Elizabeth Greene, an Associate Professor of Classics, noted that the newly discovered shoes are significantly larger than those previously found at Vindolanda, with some soles exceeding 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, including a record size of 32.6 cm (12.8 inches). This discovery, part of a larger excavation yielding around 5,000 shoes, highlights the diversity of the population along the Roman frontier. However, experts warn that climate change poses a threat to these organic finds, which are crucial for understanding historical variations in culture and physicality. Andrew Birley, CEO of the Vindolanda Charitable Trust, emphasized the importance of preserving such artifacts to appreciate the rich tapestry of past societies. sources

Published:
Jul 05 2025, 8 pm

"Unnoticed Eyelid Hole: What Is Its Purpose?"

Science classes often overlook a curious feature of human anatomy: the small hole located on the bottom of the eyelid, known as the lacrimal punctum. This tiny, almond-shaped opening, typically about 2 millimeters from the inner corner of the lower eyelid, is entirely normal and varies in size among individuals. Contrary to popular belief, the punctum does not produce tears; instead, it serves as part of the eye's drainage system, channeling tears from the eye to the lacrimal sac and ultimately into the nose, which explains the runny nose that often accompanies crying. Interestingly, medical procedures can involve inserting tiny plugs into these holes to alleviate dry eyes. However, the drainage system can malfunction, causing tears or even blood to escape from the punctum, leading to unusual "party tricks." Despite its small size, the lacrimal punctum plays a significant role in eye health and function. sources

Published:
Jul 04 2025, 12 am

DNA Identifies Six Living Relatives of Leonardo Da Vinci

Researchers from the Leonardo DNA Project claim to have identified six living descendants of the Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, as detailed in their new book, _Genìa Da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo’s DNA_. The authors, Alessandro Vezzosi and Agnese Sabato, reconstructed a family tree spanning nearly 700 years and 21 generations, revealing 15 male-line descendants linked to da Vinci's father and half-brother. Genetic analysis conducted by David Caramelli and forensic anthropologist Elena Pilli confirmed that all six descendants share matching Y chromosome segments, suggesting an unbroken male lineage for at least 15 generations. However, the research is not peer-reviewed, and confirmed DNA from da Vinci himself has yet to be identified. While da Vinci is not believed to have had children, the study aims to explore his biological legacy and its potential links to his extraordinary creativity and health. sources

Published:
Jul 06 2025, 7 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!