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In a remarkable find during a 2007 subsistence hunt, Inuit whalers in Alaska discovered fragments of a harpoon embedded in the flesh of a bowhead whale, revealing a connection to the late 19th century. The weapon, identified as an exploding lance popular in New Bedford, was traced back to between 1885 and 1895, suggesting the whale was approximately 115 years old at the time of its death. Bowhead whales, known for their impressive size—reaching up to 18.8 meters and weighing as much as 90,710 kilograms—are among the longest-living mammals, with lifespans potentially exceeding 200 years. Following a significant decline due to commercial whaling, their population has rebounded to between 10,000 and 23,000 individuals since the whaling ban in 1921, although Indigenous subsistence hunting continues. This discovery adds to the understanding of bowhead whales' longevity and the historical context of whaling practices. 
Published: Oct 04 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Highlander cat, one of the newest feline breeds, was developed in 2004 with the aim of creating a domestic cat that mimics the appearance of wild cats while maintaining a gentle temperament. This breed is a cross between the Desert Lynx, which resembles a bobcat, and the Jungle Curl, known for its distinctive curled ears. Highlanders are notable for their muscular build, weighing between 4.5 and 9 kilograms, and are among the largest domestic cat breeds, second only to the Maine Coon. Their unique features include curled ears, a boxy muzzle, and sometimes polydactylism, where they have extra toes. Despite their imposing size, they are described as playful and sociable. Recognized as an Advanced New Breed by The International Cat Association (TICA) since 2008, Highlanders are still working towards broader recognition, with some registries citing potential health risks due to their mixed ancestry.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inArchaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a Medieval skeleton believed to belong to a young man, aged between 17 and 20, who suffered a gruesome death in the 13th century, likely due to a combination of torture and a botched beheading. The skeleton, found near a cathedral in northern Italy, exhibits symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting he was subjected to "the wheel," a notorious torture device that involved the systematic breaking of limbs. This method was often reserved for those accused of serious crimes, such as plague spreading. Forensic analysis also revealed unusual fractures at the base of the skull, indicative of a clumsy decapitation. If confirmed, this case would represent the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy, highlighting the brutal realities of historical punishment.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers at the BARKS Lab in Hungary are investigating why domesticated dogs, despite their close relationship with humans, lack the ability to speak. Over thousands of years, dogs have been shaped by domestication, softening their wild instincts, yet they still do not possess language like humans. The study aims to explore the cognitive and neural prerequisites for speech, examining what skills dogs may have or lack. While dogs demonstrate impressive auditory comprehension—recognizing names and differentiating tones—they may not have the evolutionary need for language, as they effectively communicate through body language and social cues. The researchers caution against attempts to make dogs talk, citing ethical concerns and the potential disruption of the human-canine bond. Their findings, published in *Biologia Futura*, suggest that while dogs have some capacity for vocalization, the complexities of human language may remain out of reach.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 10 pmeznews.inTexas is currently witnessing a remarkable bloom of the "pink meanie" jellyfish, scientifically known as _Drymonema larsoni_, along its coastline. These striking creatures can grow to impressive sizes, with tentacles reaching up to 70 feet and weights of 50 pounds. Jace Tunnell, director of community engagement at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute, recently showcased one of these jellyfish in a YouTube video, emphasizing their beauty while cautioning viewers to admire them from a distance, as he experienced a sting during his demonstration. First identified in the early 2000s, the pink meanie is distinct from the Lion’s Mane jellyfish and thrives on a diet of other jellyfish, particularly moon jellyfish. As summer transitions to fall, the presence of moon jellyfish contributes to the pink meanie's current abundance, but they are expected to disappear as water temperatures drop. Beachgoers are encouraged to enjoy this rare spectacle safely.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA remarkable tale of longevity has emerged from Australia, where Number 16, a mygalomorph spider, has been celebrated as the world's oldest spider, living to the age of 43. This spider, part of a long-term study initiated in 1974 by researcher Barbara York Main, outlived her peers, who typically reached only 28 years. Number 16's life was characterized by sustainable living, as she thrived in her burrow while taking only what she needed from her environment. Tragically, her life ended not from old age but due to parasitism by a wasp, highlighting the harsh realities of nature. Researchers suggest that her lifestyle offers valuable lessons in sustainability for humanity, emphasizing the importance of low-impact living in preserving biodiversity. As we strive for more sustainable practices, the legacy of Number 16 serves as a poignant reminder of the balance we must maintain with our environment.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNeanderthals, often mischaracterized as brutish scavengers, demonstrated remarkable intelligence and social organization in their hunting practices, particularly of formidable prey like mammoths and straight-tusked elephants. Archaeologist Matt Pope highlights the challenge of proving mammoth hunting due to the lack of definitive evidence, such as cut marks on bones. However, the presence of adult mammoth remains at Neanderthal sites suggests targeted hunting rather than mere scavenging. Neanderthals utilized advanced tools, including long wooden spears, and displayed strategic planning in their hunts, leveraging their understanding of the landscape to ambush prey effectively. Their physical strength and social cooperation further enhanced their hunting capabilities. As they thrived for approximately 400,000 years, Neanderthals adapted their techniques and technologies, showcasing a sophisticated approach to survival that challenges long-held stereotypes about their intelligence and abilities.
Published: Oct 08 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a significant boost for the vulnerable fossa species, Chester Zoo in the UK has welcomed a litter of four adorable pups, born in July 2025. The pups, two males and two females, are the offspring of resident female Shala and Zaza, a seven-year-old male from San Diego Zoo, chosen for his genetic compatibility. Fossa, the largest predator in Madagascar, are unique carnivores that resemble a mix between cats and dogs but are more closely related to mongooses. With only about 2,600 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat destruction, these births are crucial for conservation efforts. Mark Brayshaw, Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo, emphasized the importance of these pups for understanding the species' biology and behaviors, which will aid in safeguarding their future in the wild. The fossa's secretive nature makes these births particularly special for conservationists.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Albatwitch, a local cryptid standing 4 to 5 feet tall, has captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike. Described as a slender, hairy creature with glowing red or yellow eyes, the Albatwitch is said to be nocturnal and mischievous, often stealing apples from picnickers at Chickies Rock. Christopher Vera, director of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society and co-founder of the annual Albatwitch Day festival, has documented around 60 sightings, including his own encounter in 2002. The origins of the Albatwitch legend are debated, with theories ranging from Native American folklore to escaped circus monkeys. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the creature has become a symbol of local pride, drawing thousands to the festival each year, where enthusiasts share stories and theories about this elusive being. As the 12th annual festival approaches, the search for the Albatwitch continues, with hopes of capturing definitive proof.
Published: Oct 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of dental notches found in ancient hominins, previously thought to be evidence of tooth-picking behavior. Researchers analyzed over 531 teeth from 27 primate species, including both extinct and living varieties, using advanced imaging techniques. They discovered that only 4% of the specimens exhibited the characteristic V-shaped grooves, which were similar to those seen in ancient human fossils. However, the modern relatives of these primates do not engage in tooth-picking, leading the authors to suggest that many of the grooves in ancient hominins may have resulted from dietary habits, particularly the consumption of acidic fruits that erode enamel. This finding underscores the importance of examining non-human primates before attributing cultural behaviors to our ancestors, reminding us that biological factors can often explain what we might initially interpret as evidence of human-like sophistication. The study is published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology.
Published: Oct 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recently discovered woolly rhino horn, measuring an impressive 164.7 centimeters (5 feet 4 inches), has set a record as the longest of its kind ever found, surpassing previous specimens by 30.7 centimeters. Unearthed by researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences and the M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutia, this horn likely belonged to a female woolly rhinoceros, as indicated by its smaller skull and mass. The woolly rhinoceros (_Coelodonta antiquitatis_), which roamed northern Eurasia during the last Ice Age, is now extinct. The horn's age was determined using a method akin to counting tree rings, revealing that the rhino lived over 40 years, making it the oldest of its species discovered to date. This finding provides valuable insights into the longevity and adaptability of woolly rhinos in harsh Ice Age conditions, as permafrost continues to yield ancient relics.
Published: Oct 09 2025, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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