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A recent study suggests that prehistoric human infants likely resembled their parents from birth, providing valuable insights into the facial morphology of early _Homo_ species. Researchers examined three fragmented infant skulls from South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back 2.31 to 1.95 million years, and found that two could be identified as _Homo habilis_ and _Homo erectus_. The third specimen, while not definitively assigned to a species, displayed distinct features that set it apart from earlier hominins, indicating that taxonomic diversity was evident even in infancy. This finding contributes to a growing understanding of early _Homo_ childhood, complementing evidence of prehistoric toys and tools used by young humans. Such discoveries are helping anthropologists piece together the experiences of early members of our genus, as detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*. 
Published: Oct 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent study suggests that Earth, which has existed for approximately 4.5 billion years, faces a grim future as it evolves into a new supercontinent, dubbed Pangea Ultima, in about 250 million years. Researchers, led by Alexander Farnsworth from the University of Bristol, predict that rising carbon dioxide levels—potentially doubling current concentrations—combined with increased solar radiation, will create extreme temperatures between 40 to 70 °C (104 to 158 °F). This scenario, exacerbated by the continentality effect, would render much of the planet uninhabitable for mammals, including humans, who would struggle to regulate body heat in such conditions. While the study highlights a distant threat, co-author Eunice Lo emphasizes the urgency of addressing the current climate crisis driven by human emissions, underscoring the need for immediate action to achieve net-zero emissions to mitigate impending environmental challenges. The findings are published in *Nature Geoscience*.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe bowhead whale, known as the world's longest-living mammal, can reach ages of up to 200 years, prompting researchers to investigate the genetic mechanisms behind its remarkable longevity. A recent study led by scientists at the University of Rochester identified a cold-activated protein called CIRBP, which is present at significantly higher levels in bowhead whales compared to other mammals. This protein plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage, particularly double-strand breaks that can lead to cancer. The research utilized tissue samples from the endangered species, provided by the Alaskan Iñupiat Inuit, to grow whale cells in the lab, revealing their superior DNA repair capabilities. The findings suggest that enhancing CIRBP activity in humans could potentially improve DNA repair and resistance to aging-related diseases. While further research is needed, the study opens exciting avenues for understanding longevity and cancer resistance, inspired by this extraordinary cetacean.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a crucial public service announcement, experts warn that flour can pose a significant explosion risk due to its combustible nature. This warning follows a 1981 incident at a General Foods factory in Banbury, UK, where an overfilled cornstarch bin ignited, injuring nine workers and causing extensive damage. Dust explosions can occur when five elements—fuel (like flour), oxygen, heat, confinement, and dispersion—are present. The fine particles of flour have a large surface area, allowing them to ignite rapidly when suspended in the air. While the risk at home is minimal unless flour is mishandled, industrial settings must implement strict safety measures, including specialized vacuum systems and controls on ignition sources. Additionally, it is a dangerous myth that flour can extinguish fires; it is, in fact, a fire hazard and should never be used as a substitute for proper fire extinguishers.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a unique planetary system, TOI-2267, featuring two stars and three Earth-sized planets, challenging previous assumptions about planetary stability in binary systems. The compact binary consists of two small, cool stars located approximately 1.2 billion kilometers apart, with two planets orbiting one star and a third transiting the other. This configuration makes TOI-2267 the first known binary system to host transiting planets around both stars. Researchers, led by Sebastián Zúñiga-Fernández from the University of Liège, emphasize that this finding not only sets records for the coldest and most compact star pair with planets but also provides a valuable opportunity to test and refine models of planet formation in complex environments. The study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlights the potential for understanding the diverse architectures of planets in our galaxy.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a significant breakthrough, researchers have traced the origins of mummified baboons discovered in Egypt back to the Horn of Africa, specifically around Eritrea, where the ancient port of Adulis likely existed. These baboons, dated to Egypt's Late Period (800–540 BCE), were found at Gabbanat el-Qurud, a site known as the "Valley of the Monkeys." The study, led by Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz, utilized advanced genetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes from the mummies, marking the first successful extraction of ancient DNA from non-human primates. The findings suggest that the baboons, revered in ancient Egypt as offerings to the god Thoth, may have been transported via trade routes linked to Adulis, which was known for luxury goods. Kopp posits that the historically elusive port of Punt, often cited as the baboons' origin, may actually be synonymous with Adulis, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient trade networks. The study is published in the journal eLife.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inFor millennia, the ancient Egyptian trading partner known as Punt has intrigued historians due to its significance as a source of gold, ivory, and exotic timbers, yet its precise location remained elusive. Recent research led by Professor Nathaniel Dominy from Dartmouth College has utilized isotopic analysis of mummified baboons to shed light on this mystery. While earlier studies suggested origins in Ethiopia or Eritrea, Dominy's comprehensive investigation of 155 baboons indicates that two mummified specimens, dating back 2,000-2,400 years, were raised in Egypt, while others from up to a thousand years earlier likely originated from regions encompassing modern Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. This aligns with the prevailing theory that Punt was situated in the Horn of Africa, although the possibility of a Yemeni location remains. The Egyptian-Punt trade is considered a precursor to economic globalization, marking a significant step in ancient maritime trade networks.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a significant breakthrough, researchers have traced the origins of mummified baboons discovered in Egypt back to the Horn of Africa, specifically around Eritrea, where the ancient port of Adulis likely existed. These baboons, dating from Egypt's Late Period (800–540 BCE), were found at Gabbanat el-Qurud, a site known as the "Valley of the Monkeys." The study, led by Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz, utilized advanced genetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes to establish the baboons' origins, which were previously linked to the legendary trading hub of Punt. Kopp suggests that Punt and Adulis may refer to the same location, highlighting the complexities of ancient trade routes and the cultural significance of these primates in ancient Egypt, where they were mummified as offerings to the god Thoth. The findings, published in the journal eLife, illuminate the interplay between biology and history in understanding ancient practices.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAn international team of astronomers has successfully created the first 3D map of an exoplanet, WASP-18b, using a technique known as spectroscopic eclipse mapping. This hot Jupiter, ten times the mass of Jupiter, orbits its star in just 23 hours and is tidally locked, presenting only one side to its star. By analyzing the light emitted at various wavelengths, the researchers were able to track atmospheric variations before and after the planet passed behind its star. Their findings revealed a hot spot in the atmosphere, surrounded by a cooler ring, with less water vapor in the hotter region, suggesting that extreme temperatures may be breaking down water molecules. Lead author Ryan Challener emphasized the challenges of this mapping technique, while co-author Dr. Anjali Piette noted its potential to provide insights into the 3D structures of exoplanets. The study is published in *Nature Astronomy*.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA small, often overlooked hole located on the lower eyelid, known as the lacrimal punctum, plays a crucial role in the eye's drainage system. Measuring about 2 millimeters, this almond-shaped opening does not produce tears but instead facilitates their drainage from the eye into the lacrimal sac and subsequently into the nose, explaining the runny nose that often accompanies crying. While some may find the concept of the lacrimal punctum unremarkable, it can also be involved in medical procedures aimed at treating dry eyes by inserting tiny plugs to retain moisture. Interestingly, the drainage system can sometimes malfunction, causing tears or other fluids to escape from the punctum, leading to unusual phenomena such as the ability to squirt liquids from the eye—a feat famously achieved by Turkish record-holder İkler Yilmaz. Despite its small size, the lacrimal punctum is a fascinating aspect of human anatomy.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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