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Scientists have made significant strides in understanding the origins of eukaryotes, the domain of life that includes all animals, plants, fungi, and insects, which is characterized by cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. A leading hypothesis suggests that eukaryotes evolved between 1.6 and 2.2 billion years ago from archaea through a symbiotic relationship with an oxygen-using bacterium. In a groundbreaking study from the University of Texas at Austin, researchers identified a lineage of archaea known as Hodarchaeales, part of the Asgard archaea group, as the common ancestor of all eukaryotic life. These organisms, found in marine sediments, possess proteins previously thought exclusive to eukaryotes, indicating a close evolutionary link. The study, published in *Nature*, aims to unravel the molecular blueprints of these ancient microbes to shed light on the emergence of complex life on Earth. 
Published: Dec 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed a surprising link between a person's finger length ratio and their alcohol consumption habits. Researchers found that individuals with a longer ring finger compared to their index finger tend to consume more alcohol. This correlation, observed in a study of 258 students, suggests that prenatal hormone exposure—specifically testosterone and estrogen—may influence drinking behavior. Professor John Manning from Swansea University noted that a longer fourth digit indicates higher testosterone levels, while a longer second digit suggests greater estrogen exposure. Although the study highlights a pattern, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing that finger ratios alone do not determine drinking outcomes. Manning stressed the importance of understanding the factors behind alcohol use, given its significant social and economic implications. The findings are published in the American Journal of Human Biology.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 8 ameznews.inGeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery with a meteorite found in Somalia, known as the El Ali meteorite, which contains at least two new minerals, elaliite and elkinstantonite, previously only created in laboratories. This revelation, presented by Professor Chris Herd at the University of Alberta's Space Exploration Symposium, suggests that the geological conditions of the meteorite differ significantly from those found on Earth. The El Ali meteorite, weighing 15 tonnes and composed of nearly 90% iron and nickel, has a rich history in local folklore, known as "Nightfall" among the Saar people. Despite being discovered in 2020, it has only recently gained attention. Herd hopes that the newly identified minerals could have practical applications, while the meteorite itself has reportedly been sold to China, raising questions about its future use and the economic implications for Somalia.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inAstronomers are looking ahead to a century filled with exciting celestial events, including multiple opportunities to view Jupiter and Saturn simultaneously through backyard telescopes. Notable highlights include the close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis on April 13, 2029, which will pass just 32,000 km from Earth, allowing for a rare viewing opportunity. Halley's Comet is set to return in 2061, expected to be significantly brighter than its last appearance in 1986. Additionally, the star V Sagittae is predicted to explode in brightness by the late 21st century, potentially becoming as bright as Sirius. The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in March 2080 promises to be particularly spectacular, with the planets appearing closer than they have in 800 years. While many events are predictable, the century will also likely bring unforeseen astronomical phenomena, keeping stargazers eagerly anticipating the skies.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 6 ameznews.inAcrylamide, a chemical formed during high-temperature cooking of starchy foods, has resurfaced in public discourse amid concerns about its potential cancer risks. Found in items like burnt toast, fried potatoes, and coffee, acrylamide is produced through the Maillard reaction, which gives food its appealing brown color and flavor. Despite alarming headlines since a 2002 warning from Sweden, scientific evidence linking acrylamide to cancer in humans remains inconclusive. While animal studies indicate it may cause DNA damage, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other health organizations have stated that current dietary levels do not pose a significant risk. Recommendations to reduce acrylamide intake include opting for certain cooking methods and ingredient choices, such as using processed potato products instead of fresh ones. Ultimately, while caution is advised, the evidence does not warrant widespread alarm over acrylamide in food.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent video featuring a conspiracy theorist has sparked debate as she challenges viewers to question the existence of dinosaurs, asking, "If dinosaurs actually existed, wouldn't their bones be everywhere?" While her premise raises eyebrows, it overlooks the substantial evidence supporting dinosaur existence. Fossils have been discovered on all continents, but their distribution is uneven due to the rare conditions required for fossilization. According to Dr. David Button from the Natural History Museum, most dinosaur fossils originate from animals that lived near water bodies, where sedimentation facilitated their preservation. Fossilization is unlikely in mountainous or jungle environments, leading to an estimated 71% of dinosaur species remaining undiscovered. This highlights the complexities of paleontology, where the conditions for fossil formation significantly limit our understanding of the prehistoric world.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Catholic Church has officially appointed a "Moon Bishop," with Bishop John Noonan overseeing the lunar territory, a role stemming from a 1917 Canon Law that designates newly discovered lands as part of the diocese from which the expedition launched. Following the Apollo 11 mission, which took off from Orlando, Florida, the first Moon Bishop was William Donald Borders, who humorously informed Pope Paul VI of his unusual title during a meeting. While the position may seem whimsical, it underscores the Church's historical response to space exploration. Father John Giel, chancellor for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Orlando, noted that the title holds little practical significance, as there are currently no inhabitants on the Moon to govern. The story highlights the lighthearted nature of Bishop Borders and the unique intersection of faith and space exploration.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inAs of November 2013, astronomers have identified 3,538 exoplanets, many of which exhibit extraordinary characteristics. Among them, Kepler-78b, located just 550,000 miles from its star, defies current planetary formation theories, with surface temperatures reaching 4,300°F. WASP-12b, a gas giant, is being actively torn apart by its parent star, with an estimated 10 million years left before its complete disintegration. TrES-2b, known as the "dark planet," reflects only 1% of light, while HD 189773b, a blue gas giant, experiences glass rain due to extreme atmospheric conditions. 55 Cancri e, rich in carbon, may have formed diamond under its intense heat, while PSR B1620-26b, the oldest known exoplanet, orbits two dead stars and dates back 12.7 billion years. Lastly, TrES-4, the largest exoplanet discovered, is a "puffy" planet with a density akin to cork, while Gliese 436 b features burning ice due to extreme pressure and temperature.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe age of the universe, estimated at approximately 13.8 billion years, is supported by various evidence, including the cosmic microwave background and the universe's expansion. However, the Methuselah star, or HD 140283, has sparked debate due to its potential age of around 16 billion years, suggesting it could predate the universe itself. Located about 200 light-years away in the constellation Libra, this metal-poor star is believed to have formed before heavier elements were prevalent. Initial age estimates were challenged by refined distance measurements, which placed its age between 13.7 billion and 12.2 billion years, aligning it with the universe's age. While the Methuselah star remains the oldest known star, further studies may either confirm its status or identify other contenders, such as J22132050-5137385, which is estimated to be around 13.6 billion years old.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRecent research has revealed that two "puppies" recovered from Siberian permafrost, initially thought to be early domesticated dogs, are actually ancient wolves. Discovered in 2011 and 2015 near Tumat, the specimens date back approximately 14,000 years and were found alongside woolly mammoth remains, suggesting a possible connection to early human activity. Genetic analysis confirmed the cubs were female siblings from the same litter, estimated to have died at just seven to nine weeks old. Notably, their stomach contents included woolly rhinoceros tissue, indicating they hunted formidable prey. Despite their black fur, a trait linked to modern dogs, the Tumat Puppies belong to a now-extinct wolf population, complicating the narrative of dog domestication. Researchers emphasize that while these findings may disappoint those hoping for a link to early pet dogs, they provide valuable insights into Ice Age wolf behavior and ecology. The study is published in the journal Quaternary Research.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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