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A playful video featuring two young Andean bears, Coya and Ransisku, at Queens Zoo in New York has sparked interest and amusement as they appear to engage in a seesaw-like game with a tree branch. Filmed by visitor Ursula McDermott, the bears' antics highlight their natural curiosity and playful behavior, which is typical for their age. Andean bears, the only bear species native to South America, are known for their elusive nature, making observations of their behavior rare. While some speculate whether the bears are using the branch as a tool, experts note that such behavior is part of their instinct to explore and interact with their environment. Mike Allen, Director of the Queens Zoo, emphasized that this playful interaction is a normal part of their development as they learn about their habitat and each other. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inDiscovered just five and a half months ago, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has captivated scientists and the public alike, being only the third known interstellar object in our Solar System. Recent studies have highlighted its non-gravitational acceleration, a phenomenon often misinterpreted as evidence of artificial propulsion, such as a spacecraft engine. In reality, this acceleration results from outgassing—when the comet's icy core sublimates as it approaches the Sun, releasing jets of gas and dust that alter its trajectory. Researchers have measured this acceleration at approximately half a micron per second squared, a minor deviation that nonetheless provides insights into the comet's mass, estimated at 44 million metric tons before its solar encounter. This suggests that 3I/ATLAS's nucleus may be smaller than previously thought, measuring around 375 meters (1,230 feet). The findings were published in the journal Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA remarkable discovery at the renowned Hell Creek fossil site in North Dakota has revealed a mosasaur tooth, suggesting that these ancient marine predators adapted to freshwater environments without losing their impressive size. The tooth, unearthed by Trissa Ford in 2022, was initially thought to belong to a _Tyrannosaurus rex_ but was identified by marine reptile expert Dr. Nathan Van Vranken as belonging to a mosasaur from the _Prognathodontini_ subfamily. This finding raises intriguing questions about the mosasaur's habitat, as Hell Creek is nearly 2,000 kilometers from the ocean. Dr. Melanie During, part of the research team, posits that the mosasaur adapted to riverine conditions, potentially preying on dinosaurs like hadrosaurs. The study highlights the adaptability of these creatures, drawing parallels to modern-day crocodiles, and suggests that the Loch Ness Monster could be more akin to a mosasaur than previously thought. The findings are detailed in a recent publication in BMC Zoology. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inPet nutrition has become increasingly complex, with concerns over the sourcing of ingredients, such as Antarctic krill, and debates about the safety of raw meat versus the viability of vegan diets for pets. Amidst this, many pet owners are puzzled by their cats and dogs' penchant for eating grass. A 2019 study found that 71% of cats sampled had eaten plants at least six times, with most owners reporting that this behavior was not linked to illness, but rather an evolutionary trait to combat intestinal parasites. Similarly, a 2008 study revealed that 68% of dogs consumed plants regularly, with only a small percentage doing so when unwell. While neither species requires grass in their diet, experts suggest that it may serve a biological purpose or simply be a matter of preference. However, pet owners should ensure their animals avoid chemically treated lawns. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inA remarkable atmospheric event unfolded over the Adriatic Sea recently, where a powerful lightning strike triggered two rare phenomena: an Emission of Light and Very low-frequency perturbations (ELVE) and a red sprite. Captured simultaneously in a stunning photograph by award-winning Italian photographer Valter Binotto, the ELVE appears as a red disk, while the sprite resembles a jellyfish-like flash. Binotto, who has photographed hundreds of sprites but only three ELVEs, explained that these phenomena occur due to intense electromagnetic impulses generated by lightning, exciting nitrogen particles in the upper atmosphere. Both events are classified as Transient Luminous Events and are notoriously difficult to capture, lasting mere milliseconds. Binotto's dedication and use of a modified astrophotography camera highlight the potential for documenting these elusive occurrences, which have fascinated scientists since their discovery in the late 1980s. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inLonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise, became an enduring symbol of conservation after his death in 2012 at the age of over 100. Discovered in 1971 by Hungarian scientist József Vágvölgyi, George was the sole survivor of his subspecies, which had been decimated by human activity, including whaling and the introduction of invasive goats. Despite efforts to find a mate, George never produced offspring, leading to the extinction of his subspecies. Following his passing, scientists collected tissue samples in hopes of using them for cloning or stem cell research. His genome has since been sequenced, revealing genetic relatives still exist. George's taxidermized body now resides in the Galápagos Islands, serving as a poignant reminder of biodiversity's fragility and the importance of conservation efforts, as highlighted by Galápagos Conservancy President Johannah Barry. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inA professor from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Wolfgang Goymann, explores the duality of human nature, likening it to ancient deities that embody both creation and destruction. He argues that while humans possess unparalleled intelligence, this has not shielded us from folly, making us potentially the smartest yet most reckless species. Goymann highlights that intelligence is not exclusive to humans, citing the cognitive abilities of insects and birds, which can perform complex tasks like mathematics and selective reproduction. He raises concerns about humanity's role in potentially causing a sixth mass extinction, a fate not unique to us, as past extinctions were also triggered by living organisms. However, he emphasizes that our awareness of this threat sets us apart. Goymann concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting that redirecting resources from military spending to environmental solutions could help avert disaster, underscoring the potential for human ingenuity to address pressing global challenges. 
Published: Dec 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inResearch from the University of East Anglia reveals that polar bears are genetically adapting to climate change, though this development raises concerns about their survival. Analyzing blood samples from 17 polar bears in Greenland, scientists found significant differences in gene activity between those in warmer southeastern regions and their colder northeastern counterparts. The study highlighted changes linked to heat stress, aging, and metabolism in the warmer population, suggesting a rapid genetic response to environmental challenges. Dr. Alice Godden, the lead researcher, emphasized that while this adaptation offers a glimmer of hope, it does not mitigate the species' risk of extinction. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts and global action to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the study points to broader trends, such as the interbreeding of polar bears and grizzlies due to habitat overlap, further complicating the species' future. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 1 ameznews.inSrinivasa Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematician from a poor village in India, is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to mathematics, particularly in analytic number theory. Despite lacking formal training, his groundbreaking results, including insights into the Zeta-function and rapid calculations of pi, caught the attention of prominent mathematician G.H. Hardy in 1913. Hardy recognized Ramanujan's genius, comparing him to historical greats like Euler. Their collaboration flourished at Cambridge, but Ramanujan faced significant personal challenges, including health issues exacerbated by cultural misunderstandings and racism in England. Tragically, he died at just 32, yet his work continues to influence modern physics, with recent studies revealing connections between his formulas and contemporary theories in quantum mechanics and string theory. Ramanujan's legacy endures, as mathematicians still explore the depths of his "Lost Notebook" and other discoveries, underscoring the timeless beauty of his mathematical insights. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inSheep, along with other prey animals like goats and deer, possess a unique rectangular pupil shape that enhances their survival instincts. Unlike humans, who have round pupils, sheep's horizontal pupils allow for nearly 360-degree vision, crucial for spotting predators. According to Marty Banks, a principal investigator at UC Berkeley, this design lets in more light, improving their ability to see their surroundings, particularly when fleeing danger. The narrow vertical shape of their pupils also sharpens horizontal contours, aiding in navigation as they escape threats. While most predators have vertical slit pupils, the animal kingdom showcases a variety of pupil shapes, with cats and humans having circular and vertical pupils, respectively. Interestingly, the mongoose defies this trend, possessing horizontal pupils despite being a predator, highlighting the complexity of evolutionary adaptations in vision across species. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
