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In a recent episode of the podcast _We Have Questions_, Dr. Selena Wisnom explores the ancient practice of liver divination, a method once employed by the Assyrians and Babylonians to predict the future by examining the livers of sheep. While modern scientists may view this practice with skepticism, Wisnom argues that it offers valuable insights into the early intersections of science and spirituality. This ancient technique, which sought to unveil divine intentions regarding personal and societal matters, is highlighted as a fascinating aspect of Mesopotamian history. Interestingly, Wisnom notes that liver divination has even been credited with predicting significant contemporary events, such as the election of Donald Trump. The episode invites listeners to reflect on the historical significance of such practices and their role in shaping early scientific thought. The full discussion is available on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 
Published: Dec 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe first X-ray image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has revealed a unique signature not previously observed in other interstellar objects, according to data from the XRISM X-ray telescope. Unlike its predecessors, 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS is noted for its speed, age, and activity, and is now confirmed to emit X-rays due to interactions between solar plasma and the comet's coma. This emission, which occurs as high-energy electrons are released, spans approximately 400,000 kilometers and includes signatures of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, suggesting a distinct source rather than background noise. Observations were delayed due to the comet's proximity to the Sun, but as it moves closer to Earth, further X-ray insights are anticipated. Researchers emphasize that the X-ray emissions are a normal phenomenon for comets, dispelling any unfounded theories regarding unusual activity.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of the animal kingdom's reproductive anatomy, a recent article highlights some of the most bizarre penises found in nature. The Argentine blue-bill lake duck boasts a corkscrew-shaped organ that can reach 42.5 centimeters, designed to navigate the female's similarly twisted anatomy. Meanwhile, the short-beaked echidna features a unique four-headed penis, allowing for multiple ejaculations without pause. Barnacles, known for their adhesive prowess, possess the longest penis relative to body size, extending up to 20 centimeters. The leopard slug engages in a dramatic mating ritual, using a bright blue penis that emerges from its head. Other species, such as koalas and certain sharks, have dual reproductive organs, while humans, with comparatively larger and wider penises than other primates, stand out in the evolutionary narrative. This exploration underscores the remarkable diversity and complexity of reproductive strategies across species.
Published: Dec 13 2025, 4 ameznews.inOn September 26, 1983, the world narrowly avoided a nuclear catastrophe, thanks to the quick thinking of Soviet engineer Stanislav Petrov. While on duty at the Serpukhov-15 nuclear early-warning center, Petrov received an alert indicating that the United States had launched a single nuclear missile towards Moscow. Instead of escalating the situation by notifying his superiors, Petrov suspected a system malfunction, reasoning that the U.S. would not initiate a nuclear strike with just one missile. His decision ultimately averted a potential retaliatory strike that could have led to widespread devastation. This incident is one of many near-misses in the nuclear age, highlighting the precarious balance of power and the potential for catastrophic misunderstandings. Despite the presence of sophisticated fail-safes, history shows that miscommunication and errors can bring nations to the brink of disaster, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with nuclear weapons.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inNew research has revealed that the black-spotted pond frog (_Pelophylax nigromaculatus_) can consume giant hornets, often referred to as "murder hornets," without suffering significant harm from their venomous stings. Conducted by ecologist Shinji Sugiura at Kobe University, the study involved placing individual frogs in a cage with various hornet species, including the formidable Asian giant hornet (_Vespa mandarinia_). Remarkably, the frogs demonstrated a high success rate in attacking and eating the hornets—93% for the yellow hornet, 87% for the yellow vented hornet, and 79% for the Asian giant hornet—despite being stung during the process. Unlike mammals, which can suffer severe consequences from similar stings, the frogs appeared largely unaffected, suggesting they possess a unique tolerance to hornet venom. This discovery could pave the way for further research into venom resistance in vertebrates, as published in the journal Ecosphere.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inCrashing sardine stocks off southern Africa have led to a catastrophic decline in African penguin populations, with an estimated 62,000 breeding birds—nearly 95% of the population—perishing between 2004 and 2011. Research from the University of Exeter and South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment highlights how environmental changes and overfishing have decimated sardine numbers, which fell below 25% of their historical maximum. This decline has severely impacted penguins, particularly during their annual moult when they cannot hunt. The situation has prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to reclassify African penguins from "Endangered" to "Critically Endangered" in 2024, with extinction possible by 2035 if trends continue. Experts advocate for improved fisheries management to mitigate the crisis, emphasizing the need to reduce sardine exploitation during periods of low biomass.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 3 ameznews.inAstrobiologists face the challenge of predicting what alien life might resemble, relying solely on Earth's biodiversity as a reference. While some speculate about silicon-based life, carbon remains the more plausible foundation due to its ability to form complex molecules essential for life. Research into extremophiles, such as lichens, suggests that life could thrive in harsh extraterrestrial environments, similar to those found on Earth. Additionally, examining evolutionary traits that have repeatedly emerged on our planet, like eyes and streamlined bodies, may provide insights into potential alien adaptations. Some scientists propose that extraterrestrial beings could share similarities with humans due to the universal principles of natural selection. Furthermore, studies of exoplanets indicate that life could take on unexpected forms, such as purple organisms thriving around red dwarf stars. Ultimately, while alien life may follow familiar biological principles, its appearance and characteristics could be vastly different from what we know.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe common swift, a remarkable bird, has been confirmed to fly for nearly ten months without landing, a feat first suggested by Welsh ornithologist Ronald Lockley in the 1970s. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden tracked 13 adult swifts using data loggers, revealing that these birds spend over 99.5% of their time in the air, only landing for about two months to breed. Notably, three swifts managed to remain airborne throughout their entire migration from Sweden to the Sahara and back. The study suggests that differences in feather molting may explain why some swifts land while others do not. Common swifts have evolved to be highly efficient flyers, with streamlined bodies and long wings that minimize energy expenditure. While it remains uncertain if they sleep while flying, their extraordinary endurance has garnered admiration, earning them a new fanbase. The findings were published in *Current Biology* in 2016.
Published: Dec 14 2025, 7 ameznews.inThis weekend marks the peak of the Geminids meteor shower, renowned for its spectacular display, with an anticipated rate of 150 meteors per hour. The visibility will be enhanced by a waning Moon, making it an ideal time for stargazers. The Geminids originate from the peculiar asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which behaves more like a comet, moving closer to the Sun than any other known asteroid. Initially thought to be a dead comet, Phaethon may be releasing sodium rather than water vapor, contributing to its comet-like tail. Notably, it has the highest light polarization in the Solar System and spins rapidly on its axis, though its rotation is gradually slowing. Discovered in 1983, Phaethon is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, but poses no threat to Earth for at least the next 400 years.
Published: Dec 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAmerican astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and English physicist Brian Cox have addressed the recent excitement surrounding interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, particularly the unfounded speculation that it could be an alien spacecraft. Detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, 2025, the comet is believed to be around 7 to 8 billion years old, originating from a distant star system. In a discussion on the podcast StarTalk, Cox emphasized the significance of studying such an ancient object, arguing that its natural history is far more intriguing than the notion of extraterrestrial involvement. Both Tyson and Cox humorously dismissed the alien theory, noting that if it were a spacecraft, it would be an odd design, behaving just like a comet. As 3I/ATLAS approaches its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025, the scientists encourage a focus on its scientific value rather than sensational claims.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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