eznews.in
As humanity grapples with the uncertainties of the future, the ancient practice of sheep liver divination offers a fascinating glimpse into how our ancestors sought answers. In her book, *The Library of Ancient Wisdom*, Assyriologist Dr. Selena Wisnom explores this Mesopotamian method, where individuals would sacrifice a sheep and interpret the liver's entrails to receive divine guidance on pressing questions, from warfare to personal health. This practice reflects a belief that the gods communicated through earthly signs, allowing people to ask direct questions. Wisnom humorously recounts her own attempts at divination, including a playful inquiry about Donald Trump's presidential prospects in 2016, which she claims yielded surprisingly accurate results. While the efficacy of such predictions remains dubious, the practice reveals intriguing insights into human psychology and our enduring quest to understand the future. 
Published: Dec 24 2025, 1 ameznews.inRoyal honey, a blend of regular honey and royal jelly, has been marketed for its purported health benefits, including antifungal and antioxidant properties, as well as its reputation as an aphrodisiac. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued warnings after discovering that some royal honey products were laced with erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, raising safety concerns. While royal jelly is essential for bee fertility and may enhance sperm count in mammals, its effects on human libido remain unproven, with many claims likely stemming from placebo effects. Additionally, the nutritional value of royal jelly for humans is limited, and the skincare benefits attributed to royal honey lack scientific backing. Consumers are advised to approach royal honey with caution, considering both its high price and the risk of undisclosed additives.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 12 ameznews.inA new study by an international research team suggests that the universe may be "lopsided," challenging the long-held Copernican and cosmological principles that assert a uniform and isotropic cosmos. Historically, humanity has gradually relinquished its centrality in the universe, first recognizing that Earth orbits the Sun, and later that we are not in a privileged position within the cosmos. However, recent analyses of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation reveal significant temperature variations, notably the CMB dipole anisotropy, which indicates one side of the sky is hotter than the other. This discrepancy raises questions about the standard Lambda-CDM model of cosmology, as the expected uniformity in the CMB does not align with observed distributions of matter. While the findings warrant further investigation, they could necessitate a major reevaluation of our understanding of the universe, pending additional data from upcoming astronomical projects.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 12 ameznews.inA new study has challenged long-held beliefs about the origins of rocky planets, particularly Earth, by revealing that the stellar winds from the red giant star R Doradus are insufficient to disperse the necessary molecules across the galaxy. R Doradus, a classic example of a star that contributes to the formation of elements essential for life, was thought to push dust particles through space, aiding in planet formation. However, researchers found that the light from R Doradus does not provide enough force to propel the dust grains, which are primarily composed of silicates and alumina, at the required speeds. While some iron-bearing silicates could gain sufficient acceleration, they would overheat and vaporize before dispersing. The study suggests that while red giants are crucial for creating these elements, alternative mechanisms, such as giant convective bubbles or stellar pulsations, may be responsible for their distribution. The findings were published in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Northern Hemisphere has officially passed the winter solstice, marking the longest night and shortest day of the year. While days are gradually lengthening, early sunrises are not yet on the horizon due to a mismatch between solar time and our precise clocks, influenced by Earth's complex astronomical motions. A day is defined as 24 hours of mean solar time, but this can vary daily, with longer days near solstices and shorter ones at equinoxes. Additionally, Earth's elliptical orbit causes variations in distance from the Sun, with the closest point occurring in early January, leading to some confusion about winter temperatures. The seasons are primarily dictated by Earth's axial tilt of 23.7 degrees, which affects sunlight angles. Consequently, the latest sunrises occur weeks after the solstice, while the latest sunsets follow in summer. As we move forward, brighter mornings are on the way.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a heartwarming tale from South Africa, a Pedi lamb named Lammie became an unlikely companion to Gertjie, an orphaned white rhino, at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) in 2014. Gertjie, just three months old when his mother was killed by poachers, required emotional support, which the HESC provided by pairing him with Lammie. Despite their differences, both animals share similarities as social, hoofed mammals, making sheep ideal companions for orphaned wildlife. The HESC has successfully matched several rhinos with sheep, helping to calm their anxiety and provide emotional security. This innovative approach mirrors practices in other zoos, where animals like cheetahs have been paired with dogs for companionship. The bond between Gertjie and Lammie, along with other successful pairings, highlights the importance of emotional support in wildlife rehabilitation, showcasing the unique relationships that can form in captivity.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 10 pmeznews.inRecent research suggests that many whale species, particularly right whales, may live significantly longer than previously thought, with some potentially reaching ages of over 130 years. A study led by Greg Breed from the University of Alaska Fairbanks utilized computer modeling to estimate the lifespans of southern and North Atlantic right whales, revealing that the latter could live up to 150 years, despite current estimates suggesting a mere 22 years. This underestimation is largely attributed to the historical impact of industrial whaling, which decimated populations and left few older whales to study. The study highlights the importance of older whales in passing down survival knowledge to younger generations, emphasizing that their loss could jeopardize the species' future. With only a few hundred North Atlantic right whales remaining, conservation efforts are critical to ensure the recovery of these long-lived marine mammals.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable encounter in Sumatra, botanist Chris Thorogood documented the rare blooming of _Rafflesia hasseltii_, the world's largest flower, after a 13-year absence. This event highlights the ongoing struggle to identify and protect the planet's rarest plants, many of which are on the brink of extinction. Among them is _Encephalartos woodii_, known only from male specimens and classified as extinct in the wild, with all existing plants being genetically identical. Another rare species, _Ravenea moorei_, was rediscovered in the Comoro Islands, but remains vulnerable. The newly identified carnivorous plant _Nepenthes megastoma_ faces a dire future, with fewer than 50 individuals left. Additionally, the world's smallest water lily, _Nymphaea thermarum_, was thought extinct until recent successful propagation efforts. Lastly, the infamous corpse flower, _Amorphophallus titanum_, is critically endangered, with only about 162 individuals remaining in the wild, drawing crowds eager to experience its notorious scent.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe term "Xmas" is often criticized as a disrespectful abbreviation of "Christmas," but this perception is historically inaccurate. The letter "X" originates from the Greek letter chi (Χ), the first letter of "Christos," and has been used as a reverent shorthand for Christ's name since the early centuries of Christianity. This practice allowed scribes to save space in manuscripts, particularly during times when Christianity faced persecution in the Roman Empire. The earliest known use of "Xmas" in English dates back to 1021 CE, with variations appearing throughout history, including in a letter from King Edward VI in 1551. Critics, such as the antisemitic clergyman Gerald L. K. Smith, have misinterpreted "Xmas" as a secular or blasphemous term, but in reality, it has long served as a sacred symbol of Christ, reminding us of its deep-rooted significance in Christian tradition.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOxpeckers, the small birds often seen riding on the backs of Africa's megafauna, including rhinos, zebras, and hippos, have a complex relationship with their hosts that challenges traditional views of symbiosis. While it was long believed that these birds primarily help by eating ticks, recent studies reveal a more nuanced dynamic. Researchers found that oxpeckers not only fail to reduce tick populations but also harm rhinos by pecking at their wounds, which can impede healing. However, a 2020 study highlighted a significant benefit: the birds serve as an alarm system for black rhinos, which have poor eyesight. The presence of oxpeckers dramatically increased the rhinos' ability to detect approaching threats, with detection rates rising from 23% to 100%. This intricate balance of harm and benefit illustrates the complexities of ecological relationships, suggesting that the costs of having oxpeckers may be outweighed by their protective role.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact