Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Aztec Day of the Dead and Celtic Halloween Origins

Despite being separated by an ocean and millennia, the Aztecs and Celts have influenced modern celebrations of death and the afterlife, notably Halloween and Día de los Muertos. The Celts, during the late Bronze Age, celebrated Samhain at the end of October, believing the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, a tradition that persisted even as Christianity sought to suppress it. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III established November 1 as All Hallows’ Day, merging Samhain with Christian observance. Meanwhile, the Aztecs honored Mictēcacihuātl, the queen of the underworld, with month-long feasts, a tradition that also faced suppression by Spanish conquistadores. Ultimately, the Church integrated these customs, leading to a November celebration that combined both cultures. Today, symbols like La Catrina and candy skulls reflect this rich fusion, as contemporary festivities continue to honor both Celtic and Aztec legacies. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 9 pm

"Resilient Bacteria May Have Originated in Space: 'Hide and Seek'"

Before launching spacecraft to other worlds, space agencies prioritize sterilization to prevent the contamination of extraterrestrial environments with Earthly life. However, some bacteria, like *Tersicoccus phoenicis*, discovered in NASA's clean room during the Phoenix lander mission, have shown resilience against sterilization processes. This bacterium can enter a dormant state under harsh conditions, making it difficult to detect and raising concerns about its potential survival in space. Researchers from the University of Houston have found that resuscitation-promoting factors from related species can revive this dormant bacterium, suggesting that dormancy may be a common trait among Actinobacteria, which includes pathogens like tuberculosis. The implications of these findings extend beyond space exploration, potentially affecting health standards in hospitals and food industries. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the behavior of these bacteria in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 3 am

Do Bees Explode After Mating? Yes, They Do!

In a rather unusual discussion at the Australian Senate in 2016, biosecurity officials revealed the startling and somewhat humorous truth about honeybee reproduction: male drones, or bees, die after mating due to a violent process that involves their endophallus exploding inside the queen. During an inquiry into the biosecurity risks of importing bee semen, NSW Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan inquired about the harvesting process, leading to the revelation that bees do not survive mating. Tim Chapman from the Department of Agriculture explained that the act of mating is so intense that it results in the drone's death, as the endophallus is ejected from its body. This explosive mating ritual is not only fatal for drones but can also be exacerbated by extreme heat, causing them to "explosively ejaculate to death," according to researchers from the University of British Columbia. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 12 am

Could a Meteorite Have Melted This Tesla's Windscreen?

On October 19, South Australian veterinarian Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith experienced a bizarre incident when his Tesla Model Y was struck by an unidentified object while driving near Spencer Gulf. The impact caused significant damage to the car's windscreen, which melted and sagged inward, leading to speculation that it could be the first recorded case of a meteorite hitting a moving vehicle. Melville-Smith described the event as a "deafening explosion," initially believing they had crashed. The South Australian Museum has requested access to the car for analysis, although experts remain skeptical about the meteorite theory, citing the lack of a visible fireball and the unusual nature of the damage. Some suggest it could be space debris instead. Despite the uncertainty, Melville-Smith credits the car's self-driving technology for preventing a potential crash during the incident. sources

Published:
Oct 30 2025, 10 pm

Zombie Worms Are Vanishing, and It's Troubling News

As Halloween approaches, researchers are raising alarms about the mysterious decline of "zombie worms," or _Osedax_, known for their unique ability to consume whale bones. A recent study led by Fabio De Leo from Ocean Networks Canada revealed a concerning absence of these creatures in a decade-long experiment involving a humpback whale carcass in Barkley Canyon, British Columbia. Despite their gruesome feeding habits, which involve boring into bones and relying on symbiotic bacteria for digestion, zombie worms play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity within deep-sea ecosystems. Their disappearance could disrupt the connectivity of these habitats, potentially leading to a loss of various _Osedax_ species. Researchers suggest that climate change, particularly the expansion of oxygen minimum zones due to ocean warming, may be the underlying cause of this alarming trend, threatening the delicate balance of whale-fall ecosystems along the northeast Pacific Margin. sources

Published:
Nov 01 2025, 1 am

Blue Dogs Found in Chernobyl: What's Happening?

Dogs with blue fur have been spotted in Chernobyl, but researchers from the Dogs of Chernobyl program assure that the unusual coloration is not due to radiation exposure. Instead, the dogs were likely rolling in a blue chemical substance from a nearby broken portable toilet. Dr. Jennifer Betz, Veterinary Medical Director for the program, confirmed that the dogs appear healthy and that the dye is mostly harmless, provided they do not ingest it. This incident follows a similar occurrence in 2021, when blue dogs were seen near an abandoned chemical plant in Russia, attributed to copper sulfate. The Dogs of Chernobyl initiative, part of the nonprofit Clean Futures Fund, has been monitoring and sterilizing the descendants of pets left behind after the 1986 nuclear disaster, having sterilized over 1,000 animals since 2017. The region continues to support a thriving wildlife population, including wolves that have developed protective mutations against cancer. sources

Published:
Oct 29 2025, 9 am

Investigating the Loch Ness Monster: Science, Story, Belief

In a recent exploration of Loch Ness, skipper Steve Glew showcased his skills by simultaneously navigating his boat and capturing footage of what he claims could be the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Known for its iconic status among cryptids, Nessie has fascinated the public for nearly a century, yet definitive evidence of its existence remains elusive. Glew, who has spent years conducting tours and collaborating with scientists, reported a peculiar sighting in 2019, describing two distinct humps surfacing in the water before disappearing. His footage, which he insists shows a creature moving in a serpentine manner, has reignited interest in the legend. A team of investigators, eager to delve into the mystery, visited Loch Ness to uncover the truth behind the creature, engaging with fellow monster hunters and examining decades of scientific research. The quest continues, leaving the question of Nessie's existence tantalizingly open. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 10 pm

"I Am The Allergen": Rare Condition Makes Others Allergic To You

A rare and perplexing condition known as "People Allergic To Me" (PATM) has emerged, where individuals report that others react with sneezing and coughing in their presence, as if they are allergens themselves. This phenomenon, first noted in online forums around 2007, has gained some scientific attention in recent years, particularly from researcher Irene Gabashvili, who linked PATM to gut biome issues. A 2023 study from Japan identified elevated levels of toluene, a harmful volatile organic compound, in the skin gases of PATM sufferers, suggesting a physiological basis for the reactions they provoke. Despite this breakthrough, there are currently no established treatments or diagnoses for PATM, leaving those affected feeling isolated and distressed. Many report severe mental health impacts, including feelings of guilt and depression, as they navigate a world where their presence seems to trigger allergic responses in others. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 5 pm

Jupiter Mission to Study Comet 3I/ATLAS This Weekend

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to be observed by the European Space Agency's JUICE spacecraft, which is currently en route to Jupiter. Having recently passed its closest approach to the Sun, the comet is now on the far side of the star, making detailed observations from Earth difficult due to solar glare. JUICE, designed to study Jupiter's icy moons, will take advantage of its position in deep space to observe 3I/ATLAS from November 2 to 25, with a close approach on November 4 at a distance of 64 million kilometers. The spacecraft will utilize five instruments, including a camera and a UV spectrometer, for remote sensing. Although data transmission will be slow, with results expected in February 2026, this mission presents a unique opportunity to study the comet during its peak activity, while Earth-based observations will improve as the comet moves away from the Sun. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 11 pm

Being High Constantly Doesn't Equal Laziness

A recent study challenges the stereotype of the "lazy stoner," revealing that chronic cannabis users do not exhibit reduced motivation or effort due to their consumption. Researchers surveyed 260 regular cannabis users, who reported using the drug recreationally at least three times a week, through a smartphone app that assessed their motivation levels. Participants consistently chose challenging tasks over easier ones, regardless of whether they were high or sober. The findings suggest that heavy users may even be more motivated than moderate users. While cannabis use was linked to increased impulsivity and decreased conscientiousness, it did not correlate with feelings of paranoia or a "weed hangover." The study, published in the journal *Social Psychological and Personality Science*, indicates that chronic users consume cannabis primarily for enjoyment, experiencing positive emotions such as awe and gratitude, rather than a lack of ambition. sources

Published:
Oct 31 2025, 8 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!