eznews.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 pmeznews.inA security camera in Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, captured alarming footage of a massive flock of yellow-throated blackbirds crashing to the ground, sparking widespread concern and speculation about the incident's authenticity. The video, recorded on February 7, shows hundreds of birds falling, with local media confirming the event and fact-checking site Snopes verifying its legitimacy. While many birds recovered, others did not survive the fall, leading to further distressing footage of the aftermath. Experts suggest that the birds were likely fleeing a predator, such as a hawk, which caused the tightly-packed flock to panic and dive towards the ground, resulting in fatalities among those at the bottom. Ecologist Dr. Richard Broughton noted that this behavior resembles that of starlings during predator evasion, describing the flock's movement as a wave reacting to an aerial threat.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent Reddit discussion sparked curiosity about whether showering is more hygienic than bathing, with one user humorously referring to bathwater as "butthole and foot soup." While there is limited scientific research on the topic, studies suggest that showers are generally more hygienic, as they allow used water to drain away quickly, reducing the risk of lingering bacteria. A review of seven studies indicated that showers were more effective in removing _C. difficile_ spores from the skin of infected patients compared to baths. However, surveys show that many people feel cleaner after showering, though this perception is subjective. Interestingly, some research indicates that bathing may offer benefits for mental and physical health, such as reduced stress and improved mood. Ultimately, while hygiene differences are minimal, bathing could have additional health advantages, warranting further investigation into the effects of both practices.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn the 17th century, a peculiar legend emerged about a "pig-faced woman," a figure said to possess the body of a woman and the face of a pig, often attributed to witchcraft. Early tales depicted her as cursed, with a choice given to her husband that ultimately restored her human appearance. As the legend evolved, it shifted from romantic narratives to sensational stories of a pig-faced lady living in London, attracting crowds eager to witness this oddity. By the 18th century, the fascination with curiosities led to newspaper coverage and public gatherings, where onlookers would chant for her to stop her carriage. The phenomenon escalated with the rise of freak shows, where bears were dressed as pig-faced women, drawing both intrigue and criticism. Notable figures like Charles Dickens commented on the absurdity of such exhibitions, highlighting the bizarre intersection of entertainment and exploitation in Victorian society.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 7 pmeznews.inOn September 12, 1940, an extraordinary archaeological discovery was made in Montignac, France, when an 18-year-old student, Marcel Ravidat, and his dog, Robot, uncovered the entrance to the Lascaux cave. Initially exploring the woods, Ravidat followed his dog as it investigated a small hole, which led him to a cave filled with prehistoric artwork dating back 17,000 to 22,000 years. Joined by three friends, they expanded the hole and discovered a gallery adorned with nearly 600 intricate paintings of animals, including bison and horses, created using natural pigments. Although initially unaware of the significance of their find, they alerted their schoolteacher, Leon Laval, who recognized the artwork's ancient origins. The cave opened to the public in 1948 but was closed in 1963 due to fungal damage. Today, replicas of the cave allow visitors to appreciate this remarkable glimpse into prehistoric human creativity.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inComet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar visitor, will reach its closest point to Earth today, December 19, at a distance of 270 million kilometers (168 million miles). Although this is still far from Earth, it marks the closest approach the comet will ever make as it journeys through the Solar System. The comet, which peaked in brightness after its closest passage to the Sun in late October, is currently visible in the constellation Leo, near the star Rho Leonis and close to Regulus. Observers can spot it using a telescope, as it appears as a faint dot with a magnitude of 11.2. Ideal viewing conditions are enhanced by the new Moon, which minimizes moonlight interference. For those unable to observe it directly, major observatories and The Virtual Telescope Project will provide online coverage, including a livestream starting December 20 at 4 am UTC.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn the remote Australian Red Center, approximately 1,500 kilometers from the nearest city, lies the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, a highly secretive military communications base operated by Australia and the United States. Established in 1966 during the Cold War, it was initially presented as a space research facility but has since been revealed to be a key site for the CIA's intelligence operations, particularly in monitoring Soviet missile capabilities. Today, the base employs around 1,000 personnel, split evenly between Australians and Americans, yet remains off-limits to the public, with strict security measures in place. Pine Gap is believed to play a crucial role in global surveillance and military coordination, notably during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. Despite ongoing protests against its operations and a plethora of conspiracy theories surrounding it, the facility continues to be vital for U.S. intelligence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 11 ameznews.inA rare case of bird flu has been confirmed in a resident of the South West of England, marking the first human infection with the H5N1 strain in the UK. The individual, who has had regular contact with infected birds, is reported to be in good health, and health authorities have assessed the risk to the public as very low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has traced all contacts of the infected person, who is currently self-isolating, with no evidence of further transmission. Experts emphasize that while avian flu can occasionally jump to humans, such occurrences are extremely rare, and human-to-human transmission is even less common. Professor Isabel Oliver from UKHSA reassured the public, stating that robust monitoring systems are in place to detect and manage such cases. Scientists agree that the current strain does not show signs of efficient human transmission, underscoring the need for a calm and measured response.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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