Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Breakthrough Listen Probes 3I/ATLAS for Technosignatures Near Earth

During the closest approach of comet 3I/ATLAS to Earth on December 19, 2025, the Breakthrough Listen project conducted a search for potential technosignatures, or signs of extraterrestrial communications, using the Green Bank Telescope. Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of alien technology, the team found no credible evidence of narrowband radio signals, attributing nine detected events to known radio-frequency interference. Meanwhile, another research team investigated the comet's non-gravitational acceleration to estimate its size, concluding that the nucleus is likely around 1 kilometer in diameter. This acceleration is caused by the sublimation of volatile ices as the comet approaches the Sun, not by any technological thrust. 3I/ATLAS, detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in July 2025, is believed to be a natural comet from a different part of the galaxy, potentially offering insights into the stellar environment from which it originated. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 9 pm

Woman Self-Performs C-Section, Both Mother and Child Survive

In a remarkable case from 2003, Inés Ramírez Pérez, a 40-year-old mother from a remote village in southern Mexico, performed a self-inflicted cesarean section after enduring 12 hours of labor without medical assistance. Living in a one-room cabin without electricity or running water, Pérez had previously lost a baby to obstructed labor, prompting her desperate decision. Armed with a kitchen knife and a few glasses of liquor, she made three incisions in her abdomen and successfully delivered her baby boy, who cried immediately. After regaining consciousness, she called for help, and a local nurse arrived to assist before she was transported to a hospital eight hours away. Remarkably, both mother and child survived, highlighting the dire need for improved reproductive healthcare in rural areas to prevent such extreme measures in the future. The case was documented in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 9 pm

Hundreds of 19th-Century Black Shoes Wash Up on Beach

Hundreds of 19th-century black leather shoes have mysteriously washed up on the shores of Ogmore-By-Sea in South Wales, with the total count reaching 437 since their initial discovery by the Beach Academy during a rockpool restoration project on December 18. The shoes, primarily adult male and children's styles, are believed to date back to a shipwreck of the Italian vessel Frolic, which sank near Tusker Rock about 150 years ago while carrying cargo, including footwear. Locals have noted similar finds in the past, suggesting that erosion of the riverbank may be revealing these lost soles. Remarkably, many of the shoes remain in good condition despite their long exposure to the sea. This phenomenon echoes a separate case in North America, where human feet in shoes have washed ashore, attributed to changes in footwear design that enhance buoyancy and protect remains from scavengers. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 10 pm

The 9th Dedekind Number: 32-Year Search and Future Uncertainty

In the realm of mathematics, reputation holds little weight; a valid proof is paramount for acceptance. This principle was championed by 19th-century mathematician Richard Dedekind, who proposed a sequence of numbers now known as Dedekind numbers, beginning with five terms in 1897. Despite their intriguing nature, the search for a general formula for these numbers has stymied mathematicians for over a century. The ninth Dedekind number, a significant milestone, was finally discovered in March 2023 by two independent teams, revealing a staggering 42-digit figure. The Paderborn team utilized advanced computational methods, while Christian Jäkel from Dresden employed matrix multiplication techniques. Both teams confirmed their results, marking a historic achievement in mathematical research. However, the quest for the tenth Dedekind number remains daunting, with experts predicting it may take centuries to uncover, given the exponential complexity involved. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 7 pm

Hot vs. Cold Showers: Which Is Better?

As temperatures soar, many seek relief in showers, but the choice between hot and cold water can significantly impact health. Hot showers, typically enjoyed at temperatures around 40-41°C (104-106°F), are known for their relaxing effects, aiding sleep and relieving muscle tension. However, they can also lead to dry skin and hair, and pose risks like vasovagal syncope, where a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause fainting. Conversely, cold showers, while historically prescribed for various ailments, are linked to immune boosts and increased metabolism, potentially aiding weight loss. They may also enhance mental alertness and alleviate depressive symptoms. Experts suggest a balanced approach: a warm shower followed by a brief cold rinse to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. During heat waves, lukewarm showers are recommended to avoid exacerbating the body's struggle to regulate core temperature. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2025, 2 am

Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Environmental Impact Comparison

As the festive season approaches, many are weighing the environmental impact of choosing between a real Christmas tree and a synthetic one. While cutting down a natural tree may seem detrimental, evidence suggests that Christmas tree farming can offer ecological benefits, such as carbon capture and habitat provision. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted, promoting sustainable forestry practices. However, concerns arise over pesticide use and the displacement of natural ecosystems. Real trees, when sourced locally and disposed of responsibly—ideally as mulch—are generally more eco-friendly than artificial trees. The latter, often made from environmentally harmful PVC, have a higher carbon footprint, especially if disposed of in landfills. Ultimately, while both options have pros and cons, real trees are deemed the better choice for the planet, provided they are ethically sourced and properly managed. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 8 pm

What Happens If Bird Flu Infects Humans?

A recent study published in Springer Nature highlights the potential threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, as a candidate for a future pandemic. Researchers simulated a scenario in a fictional village in Tamil Nadu, India, where the virus could spill over from birds to humans and then spread between humans. The model demonstrated that effective control measures, such as isolating cases and quarantining households, could significantly curb infections in the early stages of an outbreak. However, once community transmission begins, more drastic public health interventions, like lockdowns and mass vaccinations, may be necessary. Currently, the CDC reports 71 bird flu infections and two deaths in the U.S. since 2024, with scientists cautioning that the virus could mutate to enable human-to-human transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of real-time simulations to respond to emerging cases effectively. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 6 pm

Animals That Form Lifelong Mating Bonds

While humans often view themselves as unique in matters of love and loyalty, the animal kingdom reveals a complex landscape of mating behaviors. Monogamy, defined as exclusive mating between pairs, is rare among mammals, with only 3 to 5 percent exhibiting this trait. Species such as the California deermouse and African wild dog exemplify true monogamy, while others, like the moustached tamarin, practice social monogamy, forming long-term bonds without exclusive mating. In contrast, many mammals, including humans, display a spectrum of monogamous behaviors, with recent studies placing humans near the top of a monogamy scale, yet still behind certain species. Birds, however, dominate the monogamous realm, with around 90 percent forming lifelong pair bonds. Ultimately, while cooperation often drives monogamous relationships in the animal world, the motivations behind these bonds—whether practical or emotional—remain a subject of intrigue and debate. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 4 pm

This Plant Could Be Evolution's Strangest Experiment

A newly studied plant, Balanophora, may resemble a mushroom but is, in fact, a flowering plant from the Balanophoraceae family, which thrives without sunlight or sexual reproduction. Found in Taiwan's mountains and Okinawa's subtropical forests, these rare parasitic plants attach to tree roots, extracting nutrients from their hosts. Researchers analyzed the genomes of seven Balanophora species and discovered a significantly reduced plastid genome, essential for various cellular processes, including amino acid production. This reduction likely occurred over 100 million years ago, making Balanophoraceae one of the oldest parasitic lineages. The ability to reproduce independently further aids their spread across Japan's islands without reliance on pollinators. The research team plans to explore other parasitic plants to understand whether the loss of photosynthesis represents an evolutionary dead end or a new ecological strategy. The findings were published in the journal *New Phytologist*. sources

Published:
Dec 24 2025, 5 pm

Moths Captured Feeding on Moose Tears for First Time

In a rare observation, a camera trap in Green Mountain National Forest, USA, has documented moths drinking the tears of a bull moose, marking only the second instance of this behavior, known as lachryphagy, occurring outside tropical regions. The footage, captured between 1:44 am and 1:48 am on June 19, 2024, shows the moths on the moose's face, with 80 images taken from over 247,000 recorded across nearly 500 sites in the northeastern US. While most butterflies and moths typically obtain nutrients from nectar, some supplement their diet through puddling, which includes drinking from various sources. The moths involved likely belong to the Geometridae family, although their exact species remains unidentified. Experts caution that while this behavior is uncommon, it could pose a risk of disease transmission to the moose, although such occurrences have not been documented in other species. The findings are detailed in the journal Ecosphere. sources

Published:
Dec 23 2025, 7 pm

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

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!