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A groundbreaking discovery of enormous shark fossils in northern Australia has reshaped our understanding of the evolution of these apex predators. Previously believed to have first emerged around 100 million years ago in North America and Europe, new research indicates that gigantic lamniform sharks actually originated approximately 115 million years ago in the Southern Hemisphere. The fossils, found in the Darwin Formation, include vertebrae from a massive Cardabiodontid shark, estimated to measure between 6 to 8 meters and weigh over 3 tons. This suggests that these early sharks occupied top predator roles alongside marine reptiles like *Kronosaurus*. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about the evolutionary timeline of lamniform sharks and highlight their significant presence in ancient marine ecosystems. The study, published in *Communications Biology*, underscores the importance of Australia in the history of these formidable creatures. 
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe first confirmed exoplanet discovery occurred in 1992, when astronomers Aleksander Wolszczan and Dale Frail identified planet-sized bodies orbiting the pulsar PSR1257 + 12. This was followed by the detection of a "hot Jupiter" orbiting a Sun-like star in 1995. Since then, advancements in space-based observatories like Kepler and TESS have led to the discovery of over 6,000 exoplanets. Additionally, astronomers have identified "rogue planets," which drift through space without a host star, with surveys suggesting they may outnumber stars in the Milky Way. Detecting these rogue planets is challenging, often relying on microlensing techniques. A notable mystery, termed the "Einstein desert," highlights a lack of observed gravitational lensing events for mid-mass objects, raising questions about the dynamics of planetary ejection. Future observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Nancy Roman Space Telescope are expected to shed light on these enigmatic celestial bodies.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 7 pmeznews.inResearchers have identified key psychological traits that may predict an individual's likelihood of believing in conspiracy theories, according to a study led by Adrian Furnham from the Norwegian Business School. The findings indicate that individuals who perceive the world as fundamentally unjust and exhibit a low tolerance for ambiguity are more inclined to endorse such beliefs. The study surveyed 253 participants from various countries, revealing that younger males, particularly those with religious and right-wing views, are more susceptible to conspiracy thinking. The researchers emphasized that intolerance for ambiguity was a stronger predictor of conspiracy beliefs than demographic factors like age or education. This suggests that understanding the "cover-up" perspective inherent in many conspiracy theories is crucial for addressing these beliefs. The study highlights the need for further exploration of the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy thinking, as it increasingly influences public discourse and policymaking.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 11 pmeznews.inA recent analysis highlights a significant communication challenge for potential spacecraft traveling near light speed, revealing that maintaining contact with Earth would become increasingly difficult. Researchers David Messerschmitt and colleagues explored two scenarios involving a hypothetical spacecraft accelerating at 1g. Initially, communication would be feasible, but as the craft approaches light speed, messages from Earth would lag and eventually fail to reach it. Time dilation would also affect onboard experiences, allowing the crew to perceive a journey to the galaxy's center as taking just 20 years, despite it being 26,000 light-years away. In a second scenario, while decelerating, the spacecraft could receive accumulated messages from Earth, but these would not be timely. The study underscores the need for interstellar missions to operate autonomously, as crews would be largely isolated from Earth after a certain point.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 9 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable discovery, a male mountain gazelle with six legs has been spotted at Nahal HaBashor nature reserve in Israel, raising interest among wildlife enthusiasts. The condition, known as polymelia, results in the presence of extra limbs, which can sometimes hinder survival. Despite this anomaly, the gazelle appears to be thriving, having successfully bred with three females and produced a fawn. The mountain gazelle (_Gazella gazella_), classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, has a dwindling population of approximately 2,500 individuals, primarily found in Israel's hilly terrains. While the extra limbs do not seem to affect the gazelle's health, it still faces threats from habitat loss, poaching, and predation by feral dogs. Amir Balaban, Director of Urban Nature at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, noted that the gazelle is healthy and strong, defying expectations regarding its condition.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 2 pmeznews.inEvery 300,000 years, the Earth's magnetic poles undergo a dramatic flip, a phenomenon that has not occurred for 780,000 years. The magnetic poles, which form part of the Earth’s magnetosphere—a protective shield against solar wind and cosmic radiation—are in a constant state of flux. Recent studies by the British Geological Society indicate that while the inner core of the Earth does not generate a magnetic field, it plays a crucial role in the dynamics of pole reversals. Simulations suggest that for a reversal to occur, the magnetic field from the outer core must diffuse into the inner core, a process that is rarely successful. Although there has been a slight decrease in the magnetosphere's strength over the past two centuries, scientists assert there is no immediate threat of a pole reversal. Historically, such events have not led to mass extinctions, although they could disrupt technology.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 12 pmeznews.inA rare all-black gentoo penguin chick has been spotted on Rongé Island, Antarctica, marking a notable instance of melanism in the species, which typically features a classic tuxedo pattern. The chick, photographed by Laura Bogaard of Black Bawks Data Science Ltd, stands out against its sibling, showcasing a unique coloration that is not entirely uniform. Bogaard expressed her excitement upon discovering the chick, noting its charming pink toenails and playful demeanor. This sighting is part of ongoing research by Oceanites Inc., which has documented penguin populations in Antarctica for over three decades. Interestingly, this year has seen two melanistic gentoo chicks identified within a 12-mile radius, a significant occurrence given that only two cases of melanism have been previously published. As gentoos play a crucial role in the Antarctic ecosystem, monitoring their populations is vital for understanding the impacts of climate change.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 7 ameznews.inA kick to the testicles is notoriously painful, comparable to a severe migraine for those without them, but can such an injury be fatal? While it is possible, deaths from testicular trauma are exceedingly rare and typically occur under exceptional circumstances. Historical records, such as a case from 1843 in Germany, document fatalities linked to severe testicular injuries, but modern medical insights suggest that while external genital trauma is uncommon and rarely life-threatening, it can lead to serious long-term consequences. Recent cases illustrate that complications, such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome following an injury, can be fatal if untreated. Another case involved a man who died from a scrotal hematoma after being struck by a car. Experts emphasize that prompt medical evaluation is crucial, as untreated injuries can lead to tissue necrosis and, in rare instances, death. Overall, while serious, the likelihood of fatality from such injuries remains low.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 7 ameznews.inDogs have been integral to Antarctic exploration since 1899, when Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink brought 70 dogs to the continent for the first winter overwintering. They played crucial roles during the "Heroic Age" of exploration, assisting in sled-pulling and even serving as food in dire situations, as recounted by explorer Douglas Mawson. However, by 1994, an international ban under the Antarctic Treaty prohibited the presence of dogs, citing concerns over their impact on native wildlife and the potential transmission of diseases like canine distemper to seals. While dogs had been a source of morale and support for scientists, advancements in mechanical transport rendered them unnecessary for scientific work. The last dogs departed Antarctica in February 1994, marking the end of nearly a century of canine presence on the continent, which has remained dog-free ever since.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 10 pmeznews.inWyoming's "mummy zone" has gained attention for its remarkable dinosaur discoveries, with two newly unearthed carcasses of the duckbilled dinosaur _Edmontosaurus annectens_ marking significant paleontological firsts. These specimens, preserved with intricate details of their fleshy surfaces, were rapidly buried by floodwaters shortly after death, a process facilitated by the region's cyclical monsoon conditions. This unique preservation method, known as "clay templating," creates a thin clay mask around the carcasses, allowing for an unprecedented glimpse into the appearance of large prehistoric reptiles. Senior author Paul Sereno from the University of Chicago emphasized the importance of these findings, stating they provide a complete view of a large dinosaur for the first time. The team plans to continue searching for similarly preserved specimens in this unique area, which has yielded numerous surprises over the years. The study is published in the journal *Science*.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 8 ameznews.inHumans often pride themselves on their unpredictability, yet a fascinating linguistic phenomenon known as Zipf's law suggests otherwise. This statistical principle, first noted by George Kingsley Zipf around 80 years ago, reveals that the frequency of word usage in nearly all languages—be it English, Hindi, or Mandarin—follows a predictable pattern. For instance, the most commonly used word, "the," appears twice as often as the next most frequent word, and this trend continues down the ranks. Remarkably, Zipf's law even applies to undeciphered languages, such as those in the enigmatic Voynich Manuscript, and has been observed in the works of notable authors like Charles Darwin. While various theories attempt to explain this phenomenon, including the balance of effort minimization in communication, the exact reasons behind Zipf's law remain elusive, prompting reflection on the inherent structure of human language.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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