eznews.inA curious question about whether the smell of feces or flatulence is due to actual poop molecules entering the nose has intrigued both scientists and the public alike. Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, an Australian doctor, conducted a light-hearted experiment after a nurse inquired if her flatulence could contaminate the sterile environment of an operating theatre. Collaborating with microbiologist Luke Tennent, they tested the bacteria present in flatulence by having a participant fart into Petri dishes, both clothed and unclothed. The results showed that only the dish exposed to the naked fart contained gut bacteria, while the clothed fart did not. Kruszelnicki concluded that while farting naked near food is ill-advised, inhaling the gas from a clothed person poses no health risk. The smell of poop is attributed to gases produced in the intestines, rather than any actual fecal matter, providing some relief to those concerned about the origins of these odors. 
Published: Nov 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOn July 1, the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope confirmed the discovery of an interstellar comet named 3I/ATLAS, previously designated A11pl3Z. This object is moving at an impressive speed of approximately 58 kilometers (36 miles) per second, nearly double that of its predecessors, ‘Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. Initial brightness observations suggest 3I/ATLAS could be around 20 kilometers in size, although further studies are needed to refine this estimate. Astronomers worldwide are currently investigating its physical properties, with the comet expected to remain visible from Earth until September before passing behind the Sun. It will re-emerge for observation in December. NASA noted that archival data from various telescopes has aided in understanding the comet's characteristics, highlighting the potential presence of around 10,000 interstellar objects within Neptune's orbit, many of which remain undetected.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAt Calgary Zoo, daily dental care is essential for Lobi, a male hippo whose lower canines are prone to gingivitis. To maintain his oral health, zookeepers first spray water into his mouth to remove debris before using a human-sized electric toothbrush for a thorough clean. Following this, a syringe of hydrogen peroxide is applied to keep Lobi's teeth and gums healthy, allowing him to continue his impressive pumpkin-chomping feats. In the wild, hippos benefit from a mutualistic relationship with barbels, fish that clean their teeth and skin by eating parasites and debris. However, zoo animals like Lobi lack access to such natural dental care, necessitating human intervention. Dental consultant Peter Kertesz notes that while brushing can help, diet plays a crucial role in preventing decay, with trauma being a more common issue for zoo animals than cavities, particularly those on unnatural diets.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inScientists have discovered that urban raccoons in the United States are evolving shorter snouts compared to their rural counterparts, indicating a process of self-domestication influenced by human presence. Researchers from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock analyzed thousands of raccoon images from 2000 to 2024, revealing a 3.56 percent reduction in snout length among city-dwelling raccoons. This change is part of a phenomenon known as domestication syndrome, which includes traits like decreased aggression and smaller physical features. Lead author Dr. Raffaela Lesch noted that urban raccoons thrive on readily available food from human waste, adapting to their new environment by becoming less aggressive and more "pet-like." This trend mirrors similar adaptations seen in urban foxes. If these changes persist, raccoons could evolve into a new domesticated species, humorously dubbed the "trash panda." The findings are published in *Frontiers in Zoology*.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMoss spores have successfully reproduced after nine months of exposure to the harsh conditions of space on the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone as the first land plant to demonstrate such resilience. Conducted by Professor Tomomichi Fujita and his team from Hokkaido University, the experiment involved attaching spreading earthmoss (_Physcomitrium patens_) spores to the ISS, where they faced extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and vacuum. Remarkably, 86% of the spores germinated upon return, with survival rates increasing to 97% for those shielded from UV exposure. This research suggests that moss could potentially pioneer life on other planets, such as Mars, although challenges remain regarding the suitability of Martian soil. The findings, published in *iScience*, highlight the intrinsic mechanisms that allow these spores to endure space conditions, paving the way for future extraterrestrial ecosystems.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a significant milestone for the nuclear energy sector, California-based startup Valar Atomics has achieved cold criticality with its NOVA Core reactor at the Nevada National Security Site, marking the first instance of a venture-backed company reaching this stage. The event, which occurred on November 17, 2025, demonstrates a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction without generating heat, allowing engineers to test the reactor's core functionality safely. Valar Atomics, supported by $130 million in funding from prominent tech investors and technical assistance from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, views this achievement as a pivotal moment in American nuclear engineering. CEO Isaiah Taylor described it as "the dawn of a new era," aligning with the U.S. Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program aimed at accelerating advanced nuclear reactor development. This initiative, part of a broader effort dubbed "Manhattan Project 2.0," seeks to revitalize the nuclear industry and achieve criticality in multiple startups by mid-2026.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 4 ameznews.inWhile bats are predominantly insectivores, with around 70% of species consuming vast quantities of insects, recent studies reveal that some spiders also prey on these flying mammals. Historically, instances of spiders consuming dead bats were attributed to necrophagy, but a 2013 study documented over 50 cases of live bat predation by spiders across all continents except Antarctica. Notably, orb-weaving spiders from the Nephilidae family, particularly the giant golden orb-weavers, are the most frequent bat predators, utilizing their exceptionally strong silk to ensnare their prey. Other spider families, including tarantulas and hunting spiders, have also been observed capturing bats. However, the nature of these encounters varies, with some bats dying in webs without being consumed, raising questions about the distinction between predation and accidental capture. This phenomenon highlights the complex interactions within ecosystems, where even larger vertebrates can fall victim to arachnid hunters.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 ameznews.inNew research reveals that Greco-Roman sculptors aimed to engage all the senses, including smell, in their artworks. Dr. Cecilie Brøns, the study's author, highlights that ancient texts frequently describe the practice of anointing statues with fragrant oils and perfumes, such as rose-scented myron rhodion. Notable figures like Cicero and Kallimachos documented rituals where statues, including those of the goddess Artemis and Queen Berenice II, were adorned with aromatic substances. Two methods of applying these scents were identified: ganosis, which involved mixing waxes and oils, and kosmesis, which used protective oils. Brøns emphasizes that these practices were not merely metaphorical but part of actual rituals. Additionally, these statues were often brightly colored and adorned with jewelry, enhancing their sensory appeal. Ultimately, the use of perfumes aimed to evoke the essence of life, allowing viewers to imagine the scents that would accompany these lifelike representations.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inAn international team of scientists has uncovered ice core samples from the Allan Hills region of East Antarctica, dating back 6 million years, making them the oldest directly dated ice samples on Earth. These ice cores, which contain tiny bubbles of ancient air, provide a unique glimpse into the planet's atmospheric conditions during a time when Earth was significantly warmer. Lead researcher Sarah Shackleton described the cores as "time machines," allowing scientists to explore the distant past. The team drilled between 100 and 200 meters deep to retrieve these samples, which revealed a cooling trend of approximately 12°C over the past 6 million years. This discovery surpasses initial expectations of finding ice only up to 3 million years old, highlighting the region's potential for uncovering even older climate records. The findings are detailed in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking 1981 patent, inventor William O. Holmes proposed a novel use for toilets in emergency situations, particularly during high-rise hotel fires. Inspired by the dangers of toxic smoke inhalation, which is the leading cause of death in house fires, Holmes suggested that a tube inserted through the water trap of a toilet could provide trapped individuals with access to fresh air. The design involves a snorkel-like mouthpiece connected to a filter, allowing users to breathe while flushing the toilet to clear sewer gases. This system could potentially buy precious minutes for occupants until help arrives, as the toilet's built-in fresh-air vent, typically extending through the roof, could further enhance air quality. While unconventional, Holmes's invention highlights the importance of innovative thinking in life-saving scenarios, demonstrating that even toilets can play a critical role in survival during emergencies.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 11 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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