eznews.inFor the first time, the invasive bay barnacle (_Amphibalanus improvisus_) has been detected in the Canadian Arctic, raising concerns about the region's ecological health. This discovery, made through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, highlights the changing dynamics of Arctic waters, previously thought too cold for such species. The barnacle, known for its disruptive impact on ecosystems, likely arrived via ships that transport ballast water and can carry non-native species. Increased shipping traffic in Arctic Canada, which has surged by over 250% since 1990, combined with rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, has weakened the thermal barrier that once protected the region. Lead author Elizabeth Boyse from the British Antarctic Survey emphasized that climate change is central to this issue, as warmer waters allow invasive species to thrive. Researchers now aim to assess whether the barnacles are larval or breeding populations and monitor their potential ecological impact. 
Published: Sep 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe bumblebee bat, or Kitti's hog-nosed bat, is the world's smallest bat and mammal, measuring just 3 centimeters and weighing around 2 grams. Native to the limestone caves of western Thailand and southeast Myanmar, this fragile species faces significant threats, including habitat fragmentation and human encroachment. Genetic studies indicate that the isolated populations in Thailand and Myanmar rarely interbreed, increasing the risk of inbreeding and reducing genetic diversity. Human activities, such as industrial pollution and tourism, further jeopardize their survival. While the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has upgraded their status from endangered to near-threatened, researchers estimate only about 3,800 individuals remain, primarily studied in Thailand. However, there is hope that healthier populations may exist in Myanmar, and with increased awareness and conservation efforts, the bumblebee bat could still have a future.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 3 ameznews.inMarine biologists face significant challenges in studying elusive species like beaked whales, which are among the least understood mammals due to their cryptic behavior and preference for deep offshore waters. A recent study led by Raphael Barbosa Machado aimed to enhance knowledge of cetacean biodiversity in Brazil, focusing on these deep-diving whales that can plunge to depths of 3,000 meters. Utilizing advanced hydrophones for passive acoustic monitoring, the researchers successfully captured nine audio recordings and visually confirmed four sightings of beaked whales, linking sounds to at least three different species. This groundbreaking work marks the first documentation of beaked whale vocalizations in Brazilian waters and is expected to aid in conservation efforts by improving understanding of these mysterious creatures. The findings, published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, highlight the importance of acoustic monitoring in unraveling the secrets of the western South Atlantic Ocean's biodiversity.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA newly identified meteor shower, the chi Cygnids, is set to peak this month, specifically between September 13 and 15, after gradually intensifying since late August. First observed by astronomer Peter Jenniskens in 2015, this rare event occurs only once every five years, with predictions suggesting visibility of one or two shooting stars per hour during its peak. While the chi Cygnids may not rival more famous meteor showers like the Perseids in brilliance, their rarity adds to their allure. The meteors are expected to radiate from the star Chi Cygni in the constellation Cygnus, which will be prominently visible in the evening sky. With the Moon rising late on the peak nights, stargazers in dark locations may have an excellent opportunity to witness this unique celestial phenomenon. The source of the chi Cygnids remains uncertain, though an asteroid named 2020RF is a potential candidate for the debris responsible for the shower.
Published: Sep 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Royal Observatory of Greenwich has announced the winners of the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year award, celebrating 17 years of exceptional astrophotography. This year's overall winners, Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, and Chuhong Yu, captured a stunning image of the Andromeda Galaxy's core at AstroCamp Observatory in Spain, expressing their surprise and gratitude for the recognition. The competition features nine categories, each with a winner, runner-up, and highly commended entry, culminating in a £10,000 prize for the overall winner. Notable categories include the Annie Maunder Open Category, which encourages artistic interpretations of astronomy. Dr. Ed Bloomer, a judge and astronomer at the Royal Observatory, praised the thought-provoking nature of this year's entries. The winning images will be showcased in an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London, opening on September 12, 2025.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA disturbing video has emerged showing a man extracting a writhing mass of "daddy longlegs" from a cave wall, a term that encompasses around 6,000 species of arachnids belonging to the Opiliones order. While the sight may evoke fear, this clustering behavior is typical among these creatures, as they often gather in groups for warmth in the cool, dark environments of caves and to protect themselves from potential predators. The phenomenon highlights the fascinating yet unsettling aspects of arachnid behavior, as these creatures adapt to their surroundings for survival. The video has sparked a mix of fascination and horror among viewers, illustrating the complex relationship humans have with the natural world.
Published: Sep 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inBlack holes, known for their ability to lose mass and energy over time through Hawking radiation, may eventually explode into nothingness. Smaller black holes emit more radiation, leading to a potential explosion, particularly for primordial black holes (PBHs) formed shortly after the Big Bang. While it is estimated that a standard PBH would explode roughly every 100,000 years, researchers suggest that if PBHs possess a hypothetical dark electric charge, their explosion rate could increase to once every decade. This would make them detectable with current telescopes, offering a unique opportunity to study the universe's fundamental properties. Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst emphasize that observing Hawking radiation from these PBHs could provide insights into dark matter and other cosmic mysteries. Their findings, published in *Physical Review Letters*, highlight the importance of exploring these scenarios to uncover the universe's hidden secrets.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 9 pmeznews.inEurope's most significant volcanic threat, the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy, has experienced heightened seismic activity over the past two decades, particularly since early 2022. This 13-kilometer-wide caldera, located beneath densely populated areas including Pozzuoli and parts of Naples, has seen a dramatic increase in tremors, with over 54,000 earthquakes recorded between January 2022 and March 2025—more than four times the number previously detected. Despite concerns, researchers using AI to analyze seismic data report no signs of an imminent eruption, as the quakes are shallow and linked to an underground hydrothermal system rather than magma movement. The last major eruption occurred in 1538, reshaping the landscape and burying nearby villages. While the current unrest mirrors past uplift patterns, scientists assure that there is no immediate danger, allowing residents to breathe a little easier. The findings are detailed in the journal Science.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 12 ameznews.inA personalized mRNA vaccine targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has shown promising results in a phase 1 clinical trial, inducing significant immune responses and potentially delaying cancer relapse. The vaccine, known as adjuvant autogene cevumeran, was administered to 16 patients post-surgery, alongside immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Remarkably, half of the participants exhibited a robust T cell response, with none showing signs of cancer progression after 18 months, compared to a median recurrence time of 13.4 months in non-responders. PDAC is notoriously aggressive, accounting for a significant number of cancer deaths in the U.S., and current treatments have limited efficacy. This trial suggests that mRNA-based neoantigen vaccines could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in treating this challenging cancer. The study, published in *Nature*, emphasizes the need for larger trials to further explore this innovative approach.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 3 ameznews.inA small clinical trial of a vaccine targeting triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has shown promising results, with researchers reporting robust immune responses among the 16 participants who received three doses. TNBC, which accounts for 10-15% of breast cancer cases, is known for its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. The vaccine, developed by Anixa Biosciences in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, targets the protein α-lactalbumin, prevalent in many TNBC tumors. Participants experienced minimal side effects, primarily skin irritation at the injection site, and 75% exhibited a T cell immune response. Following these encouraging findings, the team is recruiting for further trials to assess the vaccine's efficacy in combination with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, as well as its safety in patients at high genetic risk for breast cancer. The results were presented at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options for this challenging cancer type.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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