eznews.inTime is not a constant; it varies based on gravity and speed, as demonstrated by recent research showing that Mars and the Moon experience time differently than Earth. Scientists are now set to explore this phenomenon further using an optical atomic clock, the most precise timekeeping device ever created, atop Mount Blue Sky in Colorado. This clock is over 100 times more accurate than traditional atomic clocks, capable of measuring time with an uncertainty of just eight parts per billion billion. Researchers aim to compare the clock's time with one in a lab at the University of Colorado Boulder to quantify subtle time dilation effects caused by altitude differences. This groundbreaking experiment could enhance our understanding of gravitational effects on time and has potential applications in monitoring land elevation changes and probing the limits of physics, marking a significant advancement in precision timekeeping technology. 
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for organ transplantation, the United States recorded over 48,000 organ transplants in 2024, marking a significant milestone since the first human heart transplant in 1967. As the field advances, intriguing cases have emerged suggesting that organ transplants may influence recipients' personalities and preferences. Notably, a woman who received a heart from a fast-food enthusiast developed a sudden craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken, while others reported shifts in tastes, such as a newfound love for pickles or a preference for red wine. Professor Adam Taylor from Lancaster University posits that these changes could stem from physiological adaptations linked to the transplanted organ, which may affect hormone levels and brain chemistry. Early studies indicate that around 90% of transplant recipients experience some personality changes, prompting calls for further research into this phenomenon as the number of transplants continues to rise. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 ameznews.inRecent claims suggest there are only one or two locations on Earth where visitors can walk directly on the mantle, a notion that is more nuanced than it appears. Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia, is often cited as a unique spot where tectonic forces have pushed mantle-derived rock to the surface, making it the only place where such exposure occurs at an active plate boundary. Conversely, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada, also claims to offer access to mantle rock, with its tablelands being among the oldest and most studied samples. While both sites provide remarkable geological insights, the debate continues over whether they are truly the only places for mantle walking, as other potential locations may exist but remain undiscovered. Ultimately, these sites offer a rare glimpse into Earth's geological history, attracting both scientists and tourists alike. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 7 ameznews.inAstronomers have made significant strides in understanding the Fomalhaut star system, initially thought to host a planet, Fomalhaut b, which was later identified as a debris cloud from a collision. Recent observations have revealed another collision, designated Fomalhaut cs2, marking the first direct imaging of such events outside our solar system. Paul Kalas, an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley, noted that these bright spots, which mimic planets, are actually dust clouds resulting from planetesimal collisions. The Fomalhaut system, younger than our own, offers a glimpse into a time when our solar system was similarly chaotic, filled with colliding planetesimals. Researchers estimate around 300 million such objects exist in the Fomalhaut debris belt. Future observations using the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble aim to track the evolution of cs2, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation processes. The findings are detailed in a recent study published in the journal Science. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn 2015, researchers were awarded an Ig Nobel Prize for their study on the urination patterns of animals, which revealed a fascinating "Law of Urination." Their findings indicated that animals weighing over 3 kilograms typically take about 21 seconds to empty their bladders, while smaller creatures, like rats, can do so in mere fractions of a second. This phenomenon is attributed to the gravitational forces acting on longer urethras in larger animals, which enhance urine flow rates. The study's insights extend beyond mere curiosity; they can aid in diagnosing bladder health issues. Urologist Nicole Eisenbrown highlighted the "21-second rule" as a useful benchmark for monitoring personal bladder health. Deviations from this duration may signal potential problems, such as an overactive bladder or prostate issues, underscoring the importance of understanding urination patterns for overall health. 
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 ameznews.inFifty-four years after the bizarre "Exploding Whale" incident in Oregon, the event continues to capture public interest, particularly following the release of restored footage by the Oregon Historical Society. In November 1970, an 8-ton sperm whale beached itself near Florence, prompting the highway patrol, in consultation with the Navy, to attempt an unconventional disposal method: blowing it up with dynamite. Despite warnings from local businessman Walt Umenhofer, who had explosives training, the authorities proceeded with their plan, using an excessive amount of dynamite. The explosion resulted in whale debris raining down on onlookers, cars, and buildings, leading to a chaotic scene described by a journalist as resembling "a mighty burst of tomato juice." In a quirky twist, the incident has been embraced by the community, culminating in the naming of a memorial park in honor of this unusual chapter in Oregon's history. 
Published: Dec 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inLonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise, became an enduring symbol of conservation after his death in 2012, marking the extinction of his subspecies, _Chelonoidis niger abingdonii_. Discovered in 1971 by Hungarian scientist József Vágvölgyi, George was taken to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galápagos Islands, where efforts to find a mate proved unsuccessful. Despite attempts to breed him with related tortoise subspecies, he remained solitary. Following his passing at over 100 years old, scientists collected tissue samples in hopes of cloning or generating stem cells. His genome has since been sequenced, revealing genetic relatives still exist. George's taxidermized body now resides in the Galápagos, serving as a poignant reminder of biodiversity's fragility and the urgent need for conservation efforts, as highlighted by experts who stress the importance of preserving unique species for future scientific advancements. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inA biologist at William & Mary, Jon Allen, has discovered that his long-time lab companion, a ribbon worm named “Baseodiscus the Eldest” or “B,” is at least 23 years old, potentially nearing 30, making it the oldest recorded ribbon worm. Allen first adopted B in 2005 during his doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina, rescuing it from a renovation-related fate. The worm, which measures 90 centimeters (3 feet), has been a staple in Allen's lab, often showcased to students. Curious about its age, Allen sent a tissue sample for analysis, confirming its species as _Baseodiscus punnetti_. This finding significantly extends the known lifespan of ribbon worms, a largely understudied group, and could enhance understanding of their ecological roles. Allen emphasized the importance of this research in filling knowledge gaps about the longevity of marine invertebrates, which can rival that of some of the oldest known animals, like the giant ocean quahog clam. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe exact date of Jesus Christ's birth remains uncertain, with December 25 being a traditional celebration lacking contemporary evidence. Scholars suggest that Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BCE, based on discrepancies in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke regarding historical events like the reign of Herod the Great and the census of Quirinius. The earliest mention of December 25 as Christ's birth date appears in the 3rd century CE, and the celebration of Christmas did not emerge until several centuries later. This date coincides with the Roman festival of Sol Invictus, celebrating the sun's rebirth after the winter solstice, and aligns with various pre-Christian winter solstice traditions across Europe and the Near East. Early Christians often adapted these existing celebrations, infusing them with new theological significance. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent discussion with European Space Agency astronauts, the topic of favorite fictional spacecraft emerged alongside serious space exploration missions. Veteran astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Alexander Gerst expressed a preference for the USS Enterprise-D from *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, highlighting its potential for adventure and discovery. New astronaut Rosemary Coogan chose the Millennium Falcon from *Star Wars*, while fellow astronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández opted for Rocinante from *The Expanse*. A non-scientific poll among fans revealed the top five fictional spaceships: Rocinante in fifth place, followed by Serenity from *Firefly*, the TARDIS from *Doctor Who*, and the Millennium Falcon in second. Topping the list was the Enterprise-D, which garnered 24% of the votes, celebrated for its comfort and style despite its unrealistic elements. This light-hearted exchange underscores the enduring fascination with space travel in popular culture. 
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