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Dogs 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.inAntarctica, the coldest and most remote continent on Earth, is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, established in 1959, which prohibits territorial claims, military activity, and resource extraction, designating the region for peaceful scientific research. Despite this, seven countries—Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK—have made formal claims, leading to geopolitical tensions, particularly among Argentina, Chile, and the UK. While the US and other nations maintain a presence through research stations, they do not recognize these claims, eyeing potential future resources, including an estimated 200 billion barrels of oil beneath the ice. The Treaty’s provisions can be renegotiated in 2048, raising concerns about future exploitation. Unique methods of claiming territory include passport stamps and even surgical procedures, such as appendix removals for those stationed there, highlighting the extreme conditions of life in this icy expanse.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 6 ameznews.inNASA has released a stunning 40-second video showcasing the expansion of Kepler's supernova remnant, which has been under observation for 25 years. This supernova, first spotted by astronomer Johannes Kepler in 1604, was so bright it could be seen during the day for over three weeks. Initially lost to view, it was rediscovered in 1941, and recent observations from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have provided new insights into its behavior. Graduate student Jessye Gassel, who led the research, emphasized the significance of watching the remnants collide with previously ejected material, highlighting the ongoing story of this cosmic event. Kepler's supernova is classified as a type Ia, resulting from a white dwarf star drawing material from a companion. Understanding supernovae is crucial, as they produce elements essential for the formation of stars and planets, shedding light on our cosmic history, according to NASA's Brian Williams.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 1 ameznews.inFor 140 years, the reproductive habits of Antarctic sea spiders, known for their impressive size due to a phenomenon called "polar gigantism," remained a mystery. However, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have made a breakthrough by observing these creatures in their natural habitat. They discovered that unlike other sea spider species that carry their eggs, Antarctic sea spiders (_Colossendeis megalonyx_) attach their eggs to the rocky seabed, where they develop over several months, camouflaged by microscopic algae. This finding, described by PhD student Aaron Toh as a stroke of luck, not only resolves a long-standing enigma but also suggests that these sea spiders could provide insights into the evolution of paternal care in arthropods. Professor Amy Moran noted that the simpler care methods employed by male sea spiders may illuminate the evolutionary transition to more complex parental behaviors. The study is published in the journal Ecology.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 9 pmeznews.inA recent discovery of 773,000-year-old human remains in Morocco may illuminate a crucial chapter in the human evolutionary story, potentially representing a population of hominins that lived just before the divergence of modern humans from Neanderthals and Denisovans. Unearthed at the Grotte à Hominidés site near Casablanca, these fossils include partial jawbones and vertebrae, showcasing a blend of ancient and modern traits. This find challenges previous theories that suggested the common ancestor of these lineages resided in Eurasia, as all known early _Homo sapiens_ fossils prior to 90,000 years ago have been found in Africa. Professor Jean-Jacques Hublin, who led the research, posits that these remains could represent a late form of _Homo erectus_, hinting at an African origin for modern humans. The study, published in *Nature*, underscores the significance of Africa in the early stages of human evolution.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 4 ameznews.inOn April 23, 1972, NASA's Apollo 16 mission saw astronauts John W. Young and Charles M. Duke depart the Moon's surface, carrying 95 kilograms of lunar rock back to Earth. Their journey was not without challenges; a malfunction in the Command Module's engine forced pilot Ken Mattingly to delay the lunar landing while he worked to restore the correct orbit. Despite the setback, Young and Duke successfully explored the Moon, although they had to cancel one planned excursion, including a lighthearted "Moon Olympics" event. Duke left behind a family photograph, a piece of beta cloth, and a medallion as mementos, intending to inspire his children by saying they could "go to the moon" with him. These items remain on the lunar surface, a testament to the mission's legacy and the personal touch of the astronauts involved.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe Simulation Hypothesis, a concept suggesting that our reality may be a computer-generated simulation akin to a video game, has gained traction among some prominent figures, including Elon Musk and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who posits that the odds of living in a simulation are "better than 50-50." However, critics argue that the hypothesis lacks scientific validity, as it cannot be confirmed or disproven, rendering it more a form of pseudoscience than a legitimate theory. Rooted in philosophical skepticism, the idea echoes René Descartes' Evil Demon hypothesis, which questions the nature of reality. Swedish philosopher Nick Boström's statistical reasoning further popularized the notion, suggesting that simulated consciousnesses could outnumber real ones. Yet, experts like theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder contend that the hypothesis is vague and lacks a coherent framework, likening its appeal to religious beliefs that posit a higher power controlling our fates.
Published: Jan 08 2026, 2 ameznews.inA groundbreaking study from Stanford Medicine has established a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting over 5 million people globally. The research reveals that while EBV infects fewer than 1 in 10,000 B cells in healthy individuals, this figure rises to 1 in 400 in lupus patients. The study identifies a "molecular switch" gene activated by EBV in infected B cells, triggering a cascade of pro-inflammatory responses that lead to the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Senior author William Robinson emphasized the significance of this finding, suggesting it could apply to all lupus cases. However, the study notes that not all EBV-infected individuals develop lupus, indicating that specific strains of the virus may be responsible for this transformation. The findings, published in *Science Translational Medicine*, could also have implications for understanding other autoimmune diseases linked to EBV, such as multiple sclerosis.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 ameznews.inResearchers at New York University have launched an interactive "multilingual calculator" designed to help individuals assess their multilingual abilities. The tool, which covers nearly 50 languages, including American Sign Language, prompts users to answer questions about their language learning history and proficiency. Based on these responses, it generates a profile indicating the user's dominant language and overall multilingualism score, ranging from monolingual to "perfect polyglot." Senior author Esti Blanco-Elorrieta noted that many users are surprised to discover they are more multilingual than they believed, challenging the misconception that fluency must be equal across all languages. The calculator aims to provide a nuanced understanding of language experience, moving beyond simplistic labels like "monolingual" or "bilingual." The study, published in the journal Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, suggests that self-reported language proficiency is a reliable measure of linguistic ability.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 9 pmeznews.inThe microscopic world is a realm filled with bizarre and fascinating entities, often so distant from our everyday experiences that they can be difficult to comprehend. To engage with this intriguing domain, readers are invited to participate in a quiz hosted on Playbuzz, which challenges them to identify various objects based solely on their appearances under a microscope. This interactive experience not only tests one's observational skills but also highlights the extraordinary details that lie hidden from the naked eye. For those seeking to delve deeper into the wonders of microscopy, further content is available, although it requires a subscription for full access.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 10 pmeznews.inTokyo has lost its title as the world's most populous city, with Jakarta now taking the lead, according to the United Nations' World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report. Jakarta's population is estimated at nearly 42 million, followed closely by Dhaka at almost 40 million, while Tokyo's population stands at 33 million. This shift is attributed to a new methodology for defining urban areas, which has significantly increased Jakarta's population count. Additionally, Japan's ongoing demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and an aging population, have contributed to Tokyo's fall from first to third place since 2000. Projections indicate that by 2050, Tokyo's population may shrink to 30.7 million, further dropping its rank among global megacities. Meanwhile, Dhaka and Shanghai are expected to experience rapid growth, with Dhaka projected to surpass Jakarta as the largest city by mid-century.
Published: Jan 07 2026, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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