eznews.inDetermining the mass of the Earth has a storied history, beginning with Isaac Newton's 1687 proposal of the universal law of gravitation, which laid the groundwork for understanding gravitational forces. However, it wasn't until 1798 that the mass could be accurately calculated, following the establishment of the Royal Society's “Committee of Attraction” in 1772. Early attempts to measure Earth's density involved observing the gravitational pull of Schiehallion, a Scottish mountain, on pendulums. The breakthrough came when scientist Henry Cavendish, using equipment from the late Reverend John Michell, measured the gravitational force between two metal spheres. This experiment, combined with the newly established gravitational constant (G), allowed Cavendish to calculate Earth's mass at approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms. This monumental achievement not only satisfied scientific curiosity but also provided a basis for understanding the mass and density of other celestial bodies in the Solar System. 
Published: Nov 23 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe question of why humans ride horses but not zebras has intrigued many, leading to a deeper exploration of horse domestication. Initially, prehistoric humans hunted horses for meat, but around 4000 BCE, evidence from the Botai culture in Kazakhstan suggests the beginning of horse domestication, marked by signs of wear on horse teeth and artifacts indicating human interaction. While the Kurgan hypothesis proposed an early domestication timeline, recent genomic studies indicate that domestication likely occurred later in the Black Sea steppes. In contrast, zebras, which diverged from horses millions of years ago, have evolved traits that make them unsuitable for domestication, such as a strong flight response and natural aggression. Attempts to tame zebras have largely failed, with only rare instances of individual zebras being domesticated. Additionally, their smaller size compared to horses limits their utility for riding or transporting goods.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inVladimir Demikhov, a Soviet scientist born in 1916, is often remembered for his controversial "two-headed dog" experiments rather than his pioneering contributions to organ transplantation. Raised in a peasant family, Demikhov showed an early interest in biology, leading to his groundbreaking work in the 1930s, including the first total artificial heart prototype. His career was interrupted by World War II, but he later achieved significant milestones, such as the first successful heart-lung transplant and coronary bypass operation in dogs. However, his most infamous work involved head transplants, where he grafted the head of one dog onto another, resulting in a creature that displayed reflexive behaviors. Despite the ethical outrage and skepticism from the medical community, Demikhov continued these experiments for five years, achieving a maximum survival time of 29 days. While he eventually gained recognition for his contributions to transplantation, his legacy remains overshadowed by his controversial experiments.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inGray whales off the Oregon coast have been the focus of a seven-year study revealing their remarkable foraging behaviors, including acrobatic headstands. Researchers utilized drone footage to observe that older, larger whales are more likely to perform headstands—seen in 56.4% of sightings—while younger whales prefer side-swimming techniques. This behavior appears to be learned, as calves struggle to replicate it. The study, led by Clara Bird from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute, highlights the connection between the whales' age, body condition, and feeding strategies, particularly when targeting mysid shrimp in reef habitats. Additionally, the research uncovered that larger whales use "bubble blasts" to maintain buoyancy while foraging in shallow waters. These findings enhance understanding of gray whale behavior and habitat use, aiding in conservation efforts. The research is detailed in the journals Animal Behavior and Ecology and Evolution.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inVermont botanists have made a remarkable discovery by rediscovering the false mermaid-weed (_Floerkea proserpinacoides_), a floodplain plant not seen in the state since 1916. The elusive species, which is small and has pinhead-sized flowers, was spotted by Molly Parren, a turtle technician from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, during a visit to a streamside area. Her colleague, botanist Grace Glynn, confirmed the find after examining a photo Parren sent her. The plant's historic populations are believed to have been decimated by floods, invasive species, and development. However, the newly found specimens in Addison County highlight the importance of conservation efforts. Glynn expressed hope that further studies will help ensure the species' future in Vermont, as it only blooms for a short period each year, necessitating a more detailed survey next year.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking development, scientists have published the first peer-reviewed consensus statement on the scientific study of death in the *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences*. This collaborative effort aims to clarify the mechanisms, ethical implications, and methodological considerations surrounding death, a concept that has evolved significantly with advancements in medical technology. Lead author Sam Parnia, director of Critical Care and Resuscitation Research at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes that death is increasingly viewed as a process rather than an absolute state, as evidenced by the potential for resuscitation even after cardiac arrest. The statement also highlights the phenomenon of near-death experiences, which, while not yet scientifically proven, share common themes across cultures, suggesting a complex interplay of consciousness during the dying process. As research continues, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of consciousness and the physiological events that occur at the brink of death.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 8 ameznews.inGuatemala's rainforests are home to a remarkable diversity of cat species, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays, presenting a unique ecological puzzle for scientists. A recent study, utilizing trail camera footage and DNA analysis from 215 scat samples, reveals how these medium to large predators coexist without competitive exclusion. Researchers found that vertical foraging strategies are key, with pumas and margays hunting in trees, while jaguars and ocelots primarily hunt on the ground. The study highlights that jaguars mainly prey on peccaries and armadillos, while pumas consume a significant number of monkeys, indicating a complex dietary overlap. Margays, with the most specialized diets, primarily target smaller prey. As habitat loss and climate change threaten these ecosystems, understanding how these predators partition resources is crucial for conservation efforts, according to study author Ellen Dymit. The findings are published in the Journal of Animal Ecology.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inA recent pre-print study suggests that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which is set to exit our Solar System in 2026, may experience a significant gravitational encounter with Jupiter before its departure. The comet, discovered on July 1, 2025, is believed to have originated from the Sagittarius constellation and is moving towards Gemini. Researchers indicate that 3I/ATLAS could have been traveling for up to 10 billion years before entering our Solar System, likely coming from an old star in the Milky Way's thick disk. The study highlights the potential for Jupiter's gravity to alter the comet's trajectory during a close approach on March 16, 2026. Observations are recommended between March 9 and 22, 2026, to monitor the comet's behavior as it nears Jupiter. Further data is needed to understand the non-gravitational forces affecting its path.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 2 ameznews.inSir David Attenborough's latest documentary, _OCEAN_, features groundbreaking footage from the perspective of a bottom trawler, revealing the devastating impact of this fishing method on marine ecosystems. The film captures fish, cephalopods, and rays fleeing as the trawler's net devastates the seabed, a sight that has deeply affected marine experts like Enric Sala, who highlights the significant carbon emissions produced by bottom trawling. Research indicates that this practice can strip up to 41% of seabed fauna, with recovery taking over six years. Toby Nowlan, the film's director, compares the destruction to bulldozing ancient woodlands, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and change. As _OCEAN_ premieres ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, Attenborough's message underscores the critical importance of protecting marine environments, urging that the harmful practice of bottom trawling could end if society chooses to act. The documentary airs on June 8 on National Geographic and Disney+.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent experiment has successfully visualized the Terrell-Penrose effect, a phenomenon first predicted over 60 years ago regarding objects moving at relativistic speeds. Conducted by researchers at TU Wien, the study demonstrates how objects, such as a cube and a sphere, appear distorted when traveling close to the speed of light. As a spaceship approaches light speed, observers perceive it as shorter due to length contraction, while the spaceship itself maintains its normal dimensions. The experiment utilized high-speed cameras and laser pulses to simulate the effect, revealing that a cube appears twisted and a sphere retains its shape but with a shifted pole. This visualization aligns with Einstein's theory of special relativity, which includes predictions of apparent rotation for non-spherical objects. The findings, published in *Communications Physics*, provide compelling support for these long-standing theoretical concepts.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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