eznews.inAlex Simpson, born in November 2005 in Omaha, Nebraska, defied grim expectations after being diagnosed with hydranencephaly, a rare condition where the cerebrum fails to develop, leaving her with only a small cerebellum and brainstem. Initially, doctors predicted she would not survive past six months, but she celebrated her 20th birthday this year. Hydranencephaly occurs in about one in 50,000 live births, often diagnosed via ultrasound during pregnancy. Symptoms can include excessive crying, feeding difficulties, and seizures. Alex requires round-the-clock care, including a feeding tube and tracheostomy, and has limited awareness of her surroundings. Experts believe her condition resulted from a stroke in utero that interrupted oxygen supply to her developing brain. While there is no cure, her story highlights the resilience of those living with this severe disorder and the challenges faced by their families. 
Published: Nov 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal eLife suggests that a simple optical illusion test could aid in the evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers found that changes in pupil size while viewing a spinning three-dimensional cylinder illusion correlate with autistic traits. The test involves participants watching a GIF of white and black dots, which creates the illusion of rotation. Those with a detail-focused perception, often characteristic of individuals with autism, exhibited fluctuating pupil sizes as they concentrated on individual dots, while those who perceived the image holistically showed stable pupil responses. Participants also completed a questionnaire assessing autistic traits, revealing that those with oscillating pupils scored higher on the test. While this method is not a standalone diagnostic tool, it may enhance existing evaluations and help identify individuals who may have ASD, according to the researchers.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 5 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered some of the oldest evidence of oxygen-producing lifeforms, with findings from rocks dating back at least 2.5 billion years, and biological signatures in material approximately 3.3 billion years old. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, scientists identified chemical "whispers" in these ancient rocks, revealing biological clues that were previously undetectable. This innovative approach has effectively doubled the age limit for studying molecular traces in rocks, previously capped at 1.7 billion years. Co-author Katie Maloney from Michigan State University emphasized that this technique allows for a deeper understanding of ancient life, potentially guiding the search for extraterrestrial life. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may also provide insights into the origins of the Great Oxygenation Event, a significant increase in Earth's atmospheric oxygen levels that began around 2.4 billion years ago, attributed to photosynthetic organisms.
Published: Nov 18 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe Trump administration has proposed significant changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), aiming to limit protections for endangered plants and animals while increasing the role of economic considerations in decision-making. This move seeks to reinstate modifications made during Trump's first term, which were reversed under the Biden administration. Key proposals include removing the automatic protections for newly listed threatened species and allowing economic factors to influence critical habitat designations. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated that these revisions aim to clarify regulations and respect the livelihoods of Americans reliant on land and resources. The proposals have garnered mixed reactions; while the energy industry supports the changes, conservationists warn they could jeopardize species' survival, with one expert claiming they could lead to a blueprint for extinction. Public comments on the proposals will be accepted starting November 19, with potential enactment taking two to three years.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 3 ameznews.inIdentical twins, or monozygotic twins, are often perceived as indistinguishable, sharing nearly identical genomes and always being of the same sex. However, a common belief that they have identical fingerprints has been debunked, with research indicating that the odds of two individuals having the same fingerprints are less than one in 64 billion. While genetics plays a significant role in fingerprint formation, environmental factors during fetal development, such as umbilical cord length and position in the womb, also contribute to the unique patterns. Forensic expert Simona Francese notes that even post-birth conditions like scars or skin conditions can alter fingerprints. A recent study identified specific signaling molecules that, along with variations in finger shape and skin growth timing, lead to the distinctiveness of fingerprints, highlighting how minor fluctuations can create endless variations, even among nearly identical individuals.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearchers have discovered a new type of lion roar, identified through AI technology, which could enhance conservation efforts for these iconic big cats. Traditionally, lions were thought to produce only a single, full-throated roar, but a study led by Jonathan Growcott from the University of Exeter reveals that they actually have four distinct vocalizations: moans, full-throated roars, intermediary roars, and grunts. The intermediary roar, characterized by a flatter sound with less pitch variation, was previously unclassified. This new understanding allows for more accurate monitoring of lion populations and individual identification, reducing human bias in assessments. Conducted in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, the research utilized 50 recording units over 62 days and biologgers on lions in Zimbabwe. The findings suggest a need for a shift towards passive acoustic techniques in wildlife monitoring, which could be crucial for the conservation of lions and other endangered species.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent discussion on Reddit has sparked curiosity about the energy efficiency of walking on stilts, inspired by the Banna tribe in Ethiopia, who traditionally use them for herding cattle and cultural ceremonies. While Reddit users debated the practicality of stilt walking, a study from 1981 examined its efficiency. Researchers tested three experienced stilt walkers, measuring their speed and oxygen consumption while walking at various paces. They found that stilt walking allowed for longer strides and slightly increased speeds, but the overall energy efficiency was negligible. The study concluded that the weight of the stilts, which added to the metabolic cost of walking, offset any potential benefits. Thus, while stilts may offer advantages in specific contexts, such as avoiding animal attacks or enhancing visibility, they do not significantly improve energy efficiency compared to regular walking.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNeanderthals in present-day Belgium may have resorted to cannibalism around 45,000 years ago, specifically targeting the weakest members of rival clans, according to new research. Analysis of bones found in the Goyet caves revealed a minimum of six individuals, predominantly petite females and children, indicating they were deliberately chosen as victims. The remains, which show clear signs of butchering, represent the largest collection of cannibalized Neanderthal remains in northern Europe. Isotopic studies suggest these individuals were not local, and their physical characteristics indicate they were likely not mobile, raising questions about their presence in enemy territory. The study authors propose that this exocannibalism may have been driven by competition and conflict, coinciding with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region, which could have intensified inter-group violence among Neanderthals. The findings are detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inCapybaras, the largest rodents in the world, are renowned for their laid-back demeanor and surprising friendships, even with predators like crocodilians. Native to South America, these social animals often inhabit areas frequented by caimans, yet they rarely fall prey to them, primarily due to their formidable front teeth and size, which deter potential attacks. Dr. Elizabeth Congdon, a capybara expert, notes that while baby capybaras are vulnerable to various predators, adult capybaras are generally safe, especially when easier prey is available. Their amiable nature extends beyond crocodilians, as they often coexist peacefully with birds and turtles. However, humans pose the greatest threat, as capybaras are hunted for food in some regions, leading to the establishment of farms to protect wild populations. Despite their calm exterior, capybaras can bite if provoked, reminding us that even the most relaxed creatures have their limits.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that body odor, particularly linked to testosterone levels, may influence perceptions of social status among men. Researchers collected sweaty T-shirts from 74 men, averaging 22 years old, and analyzed their testosterone through saliva samples. A group of 797 participants then rated the scents for perceived dominance and prestige. Findings revealed that shirts from men with higher testosterone were consistently rated as more dominant, although no correlation was found between testosterone levels and perceived prestige. Lead author Marlise Hofer emphasized the importance of smell as a social signal, noting that while scent positivity—assessed through intensity and pleasantness—did not correlate with testosterone, the perception of dominance did. This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that human behavior is influenced by olfactory cues, raising questions about the existence of human pheromones. The study is published in the journal *Evolution and Human Behavior*.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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