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In 1993, a nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a Neanderthal, dubbed the "Altamura man," was discovered in the Lamalunga cave in southern Italy, embedded in rock and covered in a unique formation known as "cave popcorn." This phenomenon, characterized by tiny calcite deposits, typically occurs in wet areas of caves where water flows, indicating a moist environment. Researchers believe the Neanderthal likely fell into a sinkhole, leading to starvation or dehydration before his remains were covered by the calcite. Analysis of the skeleton, which dates back between 128,000 and 187,000 years, revealed that the individual was an adult male who had lost a tooth weeks prior to his death. Due to the delicate nature of the find, scientists opted to study the skeleton in situ, preserving its integrity for future research. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inBathing habits have varied significantly throughout history and across cultures, from the communal baths of ancient Rome to the avoidance of water in early-modern Europe due to health fears. In contemporary society, regular bathing is often seen as essential. Notably, Amou Haji, dubbed the "world's dirtiest man," lived for over 50 years without bathing, believing that clean water would harm him. His death shortly after his first wash in 2022 sparked speculation about the effects of his long-standing hygiene practices, although he was 94 years old. Other historical figures, like Kailash Singh, who abstained from bathing for 35 years, and Nathaniel Bentley, known as "Dirty Dick," illustrate the extremes of non-washing. Experts warn that neglecting hygiene can lead to skin issues and infections, while excessive washing can also cause skin problems. Ultimately, the frequency of bathing should be tailored to individual needs, balancing cleanliness with skin health.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inA new theory proposed by Russian physicist Alexander Berezin offers a chilling perspective on the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have yet to encounter extraterrestrial civilizations. Berezin's "First in, last out" hypothesis suggests that once a civilization achieves interstellar travel, it may inadvertently eliminate others, prioritizing its own expansion over the existence of less advanced life forms. He likens this to a construction crew demolishing an anthill, emphasizing that advanced civilizations may not even notice the life they destroy. Berezin posits that humanity could be the first to reach this stage of development and warns that if his theory holds true, we may also become the destroyers of countless civilizations. He hopes to be proven wrong, suggesting that the discovery of alien life before humanity embarks on a path of destruction could lead to a more benevolent future.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 1 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.inA groundbreaking astrophotography collaboration has produced a stunning image titled "The Fall of Icarus," featuring skydiver Gabriel C. Brown silhouetted against the turbulent surface of the Sun. Captured by astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy, the photograph showcases the Sun in hydrogen alpha light, revealing intricate sunspots and active regions. The duo's creative process involved meticulous planning, including a paramotor flight that allowed Brown to jump at the precise moment McCarthy commanded, ensuring perfect alignment with the sunspots. Despite facing multiple technical challenges during their initial attempts, the pair's perseverance paid off, resulting in a remarkable visual masterpiece that elevates the standards of astrophotography. McCarthy's limited edition prints of this extraordinary image are available for purchase on his website.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inEvolutionary biologists have traced the origins of kissing to an ancestor of large apes, suggesting that this intimate behaviour emerged around 21 million years ago. Research led by Dr. Matilda Brindle at Oxford University examined lip-touching among Afro-Eurasian primates, including chimps and bonobos, finding that such displays of affection are prevalent in most large apes. The team employed statistical modelling to simulate evolutionary pathways, confirming that kissing likely existed in ancestral primates. While the exact reasons for its evolution remain unclear, one theory posits that it evolved from grooming behaviours, fostering intimacy and trust. Interestingly, a 2015 survey revealed that kissing is present in only 46% of human cultures, indicating that while it may have deep evolutionary roots, its significance varies widely across societies. The findings, published in *Evolution and Human Behaviour*, contribute to understanding the complex interplay between biology and culture in human behaviour.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 8 ameznews.inRenaissance art is characterized by traits such as realism, symbolism, and distinctive features like prominent foreheads, which can still be recognized in modern scenes. This cultural revolution fostered a new appreciation for beauty, leading some women to adopt extreme beauty practices, including the use of toxic makeup known as Venetian ceruse. This lead-based cosmetic, favored for its ability to create a pale complexion, was often mixed with vinegar and applied liberally, despite its severe health risks. Lead is a neurotoxin linked to cognitive decline and other serious health issues, including hair loss and nausea. Notably, Queen Elizabeth I is believed to have used Venetian ceruse to conceal smallpox scars, and her declining health and eventual death have been speculated to be linked to lead poisoning. This historical cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the dangers of following beauty trends without considering their potential consequences.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn the late 1980s, exposure to the Elephant’s Foot, a solidified mass of molten material from the Chernobyl disaster, could have been fatal, with radiation levels reaching an astonishing 10,000 roentgens per hour. This infamous relic, formed after Reactor 4 exploded on April 26, 1986, due to design flaws and operational errors, is located in the basement of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The meltdown produced a hazardous mixture of metal, sand, and uranium, which eventually cooled into what are known as fuel-containing materials (FCMs). Over the years, the Elephant’s Foot has lost some of its potency, allowing scientists and clean-up crews to safely visit the site. Notably, Kazakhstani nuclear expert Artur Korneyev, who photographed the mass in 1996, faced health issues from his radiation exposure, underscoring the lasting dangers of this catastrophic event. Today, the material is less dense, resembling sand, making sample collection easier.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe intriguing notion of launching adversaries into the Sun has been explored by Michael J. I. Brown, an associate professor of astronomy at Monash University. While the idea may seem straightforward, the physics involved complicates matters significantly. Earth’s rapid velocity of approximately 67,000 miles per hour relative to the Sun means that simply aiming a rocket at the star would result in a miss of nearly 100 million kilometers. To successfully reach the Sun, a rocket would need to counteract this sideways motion, requiring speeds of 7,000 kilometers per second—far beyond current human capabilities. NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which has approached within 6.1 million kilometers of the Sun, utilized gravity assists from Venus to adjust its trajectory. Thus, while theoretically possible, sending someone into the Sun remains a complex challenge, requiring advanced technology and careful planning.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 3 ameznews.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 figures and technical assistance from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, views this achievement as a pivotal moment in American nuclear engineering. Isaiah Taylor, the company's CEO, emphasized that this breakthrough heralds a new era characterized by rapid development and private-sector collaboration in nuclear technology. This accomplishment aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program, aimed at revitalizing nuclear energy innovation, with a goal of having three startups achieve criticality by July 2026.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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