eznews.inPepper, often taken for granted as a common seasoning, boasts a rich history that traces back to the Malabar Coast of India, where it grows as small green berries on the flowering vine _Piper nigrum_. This fruit, which is processed into various forms such as black, white, green, and red pepper, has been integral to Asian cuisine for millennia. Introduced to Europe following Alexander the Great's conquests in the 4th century BCE, pepper became a highly sought-after commodity, often referred to as "black gold" due to its immense value. The spice was traded extensively along the Silk Road, with various cultures vying for control over its lucrative trade. Unlike chili peppers, which are native to the Americas, pepper's distinct flavor comes from the compound piperine, known for its health benefits. Today, while its monetary value has diminished, pepper continues to enhance the culinary experiences of billions worldwide. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAn amateur astronomer, Scott Tilley, has detected an unusual signal from SpaceX's classified satellite network, Starshield, while monitoring satellites from his home in British Columbia. Tilley stumbled upon the signal in the 2,025-2,110 MHz frequency range, typically reserved for uplinking data to satellites, not for downlinking transmissions to Earth. His findings suggest that 170 out of 193 catalogued Starshield satellites are emitting signals in this band, potentially breaching international regulations. SpaceX, which signed a $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to develop this network, has not commented on the specifics of the project. Experts speculate that the unusual emissions could be a tactic to obscure the satellites' activities or a regulatory oversight by SpaceX. The implications of these transmissions raise questions about compliance with international frequency regulations and the coordination of satellite operations.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA remarkable dinosaur trackway in West Gold Hill, Colorado, showcases a complete loop created by a single sauropod, with drones mapping its 95-meter (315-foot) length. This trackway, consisting of at least 131 footprints, is unique due to its almost 360° change in direction, suggesting insights into the sauropod's movement patterns. Although the prints are not as distinct as those found at other sites, likely due to glacial erosion, researchers believe they were made by the same two feet. The sauropod, possibly a juvenile _Diplodocus_ or _Camarasaurus_, appears to have been limping, favoring its left leg. While the reason for the abrupt turn remains speculative—potentially due to a predator or environmental disturbance—the findings contribute to our understanding of sauropod locomotion and behavior during the Late Jurassic period. The study is published in the journal Geomatics.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inChocolate has captivated humans for over 5,000 years, originating from the cacao tree in the Amazon. The first true chocolate bar was created in 1847 by Fry & Sons, who combined cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter, paving the way for modern chocolate. The introduction of milk chocolate by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter in the 1870s further diversified the chocolate landscape, leading to various types, including dark, white, and even ruby chocolate. However, American chocolate, particularly brands like Hershey’s, has sparked debate due to its unique flavor profile, attributed to butyric acid—a by-product of a milk-stabilization process used in the early 20th century. While this tangy taste evokes nostalgia for many Americans, it can be off-putting to Europeans accustomed to creamier chocolates. Legal definitions of chocolate vary globally, with differing cocoa content requirements, reflecting the evolving nature of this beloved treat amid rising global demand.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe reputation of dodo meat as foul-tasting may stem from a misunderstanding of historical accounts, according to Jan den Hengst, author of *The Dodo: The Bird That Drew the Short Straw*. While the dodo, or *Raphus cucullatus*, was nicknamed "wallowbird" due to claims of its unpalatable meat, Hengst's research into Dutch sources from 1598 to 1602 suggests that the negative descriptions were misinterpreted. The terms "lothsome" and "fulsome" originated from an English translation of the Dutch phrase "de walgch," which more accurately described nausea from overindulgence or toughness rather than disgust. Reports indicate that sailors salted leftover dodo meat for later consumption, implying it was not entirely undesirable. The toughness of older dodos, which had no natural predators, may have contributed to mixed reviews. As discussions of de-extinction continue, the dodo remains a symbol of lost culinary history.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 5 ameznews.inA new working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower and colleagues challenges the long-held belief that high school years are the happiest of our lives, revealing a significant shift in the U-shaped happiness curve. Traditionally, this curve indicated that happiness peaks in youth and old age, with a midlife low. However, recent findings suggest that young adults are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining and happiness increasing with age, a trend that began around 2017. Blanchflower noted alarming statistics, such as one in nine young women in the U.S. reporting daily poor mental health, alongside rising rates of self-harm and suicide attempts among youth. This decline in well-being is not confined to the U.S., as similar patterns have emerged in over 80 countries worldwide. The reasons behind this downturn remain unclear, with Blanchflower suggesting that factors like social media may play a role.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAndy the goose, born without feet in 1987 in Harvard, Nebraska, became a symbol of resilience and compassion after inventor Gene Fleming crafted prosthetic shoes for him, allowing him to walk and capturing the hearts of many, including Nike, which provided him with a lifetime supply of sneakers. However, tragedy struck in October 1991 when Andy went missing, only for his dismembered remains to be discovered in a local park, still wearing his shoes. Despite a $10,000 reward for information leading to his killer, the perpetrators were never held criminally responsible. Andy's story, which even featured on _The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson_, highlights the impact of animal prosthetics, inspiring advancements that have transformed the lives of other animals in need, from elephants to tortoises, showcasing a hopeful side to human-animal relationships amidst the sorrow of Andy's untimely death.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inCinnamon, a beloved spice with a rich history, is derived from the dried bark of tropical trees, primarily _Cinnamomum verum_, or Ceylon cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka. This evergreen tree has been cultivated for centuries, with its bark processed into prized quills that can fetch high prices, sometimes exceeding $27 per pound. While true cinnamon is celebrated for its delicate aroma, many consumers unknowingly purchase cheaper alternatives, such as Cassia cinnamon, which lacks the subtlety of its true counterpart. Historically, cinnamon was highly sought after, influencing trade routes and the Age of Exploration. Its medicinal properties have been recognized across cultures, from ancient Egypt to traditional Chinese medicine, although modern research on its health benefits remains inconclusive. Despite this, cinnamon's enduring popularity suggests it holds a special place in culinary and medicinal practices worldwide.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 6 ameznews.inNeanderthals in present-day Belgium may have resorted to cannibalism around 45,000 years ago, specifically targeting the weakest members of rival clans, according to new research. Analysis of bones found in the Goyet caves revealed a minimum of six individuals, predominantly petite females and children, indicating they were deliberately chosen as victims. The remains, which show clear signs of butchering, represent the largest collection of cannibalized Neanderthal remains in northern Europe. Isotopic studies suggest these individuals were not local, and their physical characteristics imply they were not particularly mobile, likely making them easy targets. The study authors propose that this exocannibalism reflects a predatory behavior linked to competition and warfare, coinciding with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region, which may have heightened tensions and violence among Neanderthal groups. The findings are detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inTigers are facing significant threats from habitat loss and poaching, yet new research highlights the positive impact of protected areas on their survival. A study conducted in the Leuser Ecosystem on Sumatra, the last refuge for critically endangered Sumatran tigers (_Panthera tigris sondaica_), reveals promising results. Researchers deployed 133 camera traps between 2023 and 2024, identifying 27 individual tigers, including three sets of cubs, indicating a healthy ecosystem capable of supporting both tigers and their prey. The number of tiger sightings was nearly three times higher than previous surveys, suggesting effective conservation efforts. Dr. Joe Figel, a conservation biologist, emphasized the importance of these findings, attributing the success to the collaboration of local communities and government agencies in preserving vital forest habitats. The study, published in *Frontiers in Conservation Science*, underscores the potential for conservation initiatives to benefit critically endangered species.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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