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In 1997, Santino, a male chimpanzee at Furuvik Zoo in Gävle, Sweden, gained notoriety for his unusual behavior of throwing rocks at visitors. Unlike typical primate antics, Santino meticulously gathered and stored rocks in his enclosure during quiet mornings, preparing for the arrival of guests. When the zoo opened, he would unleash a barrage of stones, prompting zoo staff to describe the scene as a "hailstorm." Cognitive zoologist Mathias Osvath noted that this behavior demonstrated advanced planning, as Santino's calm preparation contrasted sharply with his agitated state during the rock-throwing. By 1998, as his rock supply dwindled, he ingeniously began chipping away at concrete to create new projectiles. Santino's actions not only showcased his intelligence but also highlighted the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, contributing to our understanding of their cognitive abilities and social strategies. 
Published: Oct 22 2025, 8 ameznews.inAn amateur astronomer, Scott Tilley, has detected an unusual signal from SpaceX's classified satellite network, Starshield, while monitoring satellites from his home in British Columbia. Tilley stumbled upon the signal in the 2,025-2,110 MHz frequency range, which is typically reserved for uplinking data to satellites, not for downlinking transmissions to Earth. His findings suggest that 170 out of 193 catalogued Starshield satellites are emitting signals in this band, potentially breaching national licensing requirements. SpaceX, which signed a $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to develop this network, has not commented on the specifics of the project. Experts speculate that the unusual emissions could be a tactic to obscure the satellites' activities or simply a regulatory oversight by SpaceX. The implications of these transmissions raise questions about compliance with international regulations designed to prevent interference in satellite communications. 
Published: Oct 22 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking conservation effort, Chester Zoo has successfully microchipped 80 critically endangered achoque salamanders, native to Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico. These elusive amphibians, also known as Lake Pátzcuaro salamanders (_Ambystoma dumerilii_), are notoriously difficult to identify visually, making individual tracking a challenge. Project lead Adam Bland highlighted the unique biology of these creatures, which can absorb or expel microchips, complicating tagging efforts. The initiative received support from the Monasterio de la Virgen Inmaculada de la Salud, where nuns have been breeding the salamanders to combat their declining numbers. Following a thorough safety assessment, the microchips were found to have no adverse effects, paving the way for future monitoring of wild populations. This collaborative effort aims to enhance conservation strategies for the species, which is believed to have only about 150 adults remaining in its natural habitat. 
Published: Oct 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inComet 3I/ATLAS is set to reach its closest approach to the Sun on October 29, at a distance of 203 million kilometers (126 million miles), marking a peak in its activity as it releases gases and dust not seen in millions of years. Researchers David Jewitt and Jane Luu, using data from the Nordic Optical Telescope, have observed the comet's unique anti-tail and estimated it is shedding approximately 180 kilograms (397 pounds) of dust every second—equivalent to the weight of two kangaroos. This emission rate surpasses that of Comet 2I/Borisov, which released only 70 kilograms (154 pounds) at a similar distance. Comet 3I/ATLAS is distinguished by its high speed and eccentric orbit, possibly making it twice as old as the Solar System. Although currently obscured by the Sun, it will soon be visible again, with spacecraft set to capture further observations. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 1 ameznews.inComet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is currently at its best visibility, making its closest approach to Earth today, October 21. While it is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, it does not match the brilliance of notable comets like Hale-Bopp or NEOWISE. Observers in dark areas should have no trouble spotting the comet, which features a thin tail and a green hue. For those in less optimal viewing conditions, binoculars or telescopes are recommended. Dr. Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society advises looking for the comet in the evening sky, where it will move past the bright star Arcturus. The comet will continue to brighten as it approaches the Sun, with its closest passage on November 4. For those unable to view it in person, the Virtual Telescope Project plans to livestream observations on October 24. 
Published: Oct 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe emergence of new COVID-19 subvariants, notably Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), is contributing to a rise in cases globally, with notable increases reported in the UK, Canada, and the European Union. The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a peak in cases towards the end of August, driven primarily by these Omicron offshoots. While these variants spread efficiently, they generally cause less severe illness compared to earlier strains like Delta. Symptoms to watch for include cough, sore throat, and fatigue, with some reporting unique symptoms like "razor blade throat" for Nimbus. Public health officials recommend vaccination as the best defense, with varying eligibility guidelines across regions. Precautionary measures such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded spaces remain crucial in mitigating the spread of respiratory infections during this season. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs scientists continue to explore the cosmos, the question of extraterrestrial life remains increasingly perplexing. Despite the discovery of numerous exoplanets in habitable zones and life on Earth thriving in extreme conditions, the Fermi Paradox—highlighted by astrophysicist Michael Hart in 1974—questions why we have yet to encounter alien civilizations. Hart's analysis suggested that if advanced civilizations existed, they should have colonized the galaxy within a few million years, given the Milky Way's age of 13.6 billion years. A recent study, however, proposes that the expansion of civilizations may not be uniform due to the universe's dynamics, particularly in dark matter-dominated scenarios where reachable planets are diminishing. This research indicates that aliens may still be in the early stages of expansion, suggesting that contact could become more likely in the distant future, rather than being a cause for concern today. The findings are available on the preprint server arXiv. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inScientists have embarked on a groundbreaking expedition to explore the depths of the ocean, revealing nearly 30,000 previously undocumented organisms in the hadal zone, which lies between 6,939 and 9,775 meters below sea level. The Japan "Ring of Fire" Expedition utilized crewed submersibles to investigate three subduction trenches: Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara. Dr. Denise Swanborn, the study's lead author, emphasized that this research represents one of the most detailed surveys of biodiversity in these extreme environments, linking species occurrences to factors such as depth, nutrient supply, and historical seismic disturbances. Notable discoveries included a crinoid meadow at 9,100 meters and unique deep-sea creatures like the winged Pseudoliparis fish. The findings, published in the Journal of Biogeography, provide invaluable insights into the complex ecosystems of the ocean's deepest regions, highlighting the importance of understanding these habitats and their inhabitants. 
Published: Oct 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe elusive saola, often referred to as the "Asian unicorn," has not been photographed in over two decades, with the last sighting recorded in 2013 in Quảng Nam province, Vietnam. While some estimates suggest there may be around 100 saolas remaining, others fear the species could already be extinct. Nguyen Quoc Dung from Vietnam's Forest Inventory and Planning Institute noted that proving the existence of saolas is challenging due to their remote habitat. Recent research indicates that saolas are divided into two genetically distinct populations, presenting a potential opportunity for conservation through a breeding program. Scientists are now exploring innovative methods, including environmental DNA from leeches, to locate these rare animals. If successful, this could lead to restoring genetic diversity or even de-extinction efforts. Despite the challenges, researchers remain hopeful that the saola still roams the forests of Vietnam. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNearly 90% of US adults have at least one risk factor for a newly identified condition known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, yet 90% are unaware of it, according to a survey by the American Heart Association (AHA). Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA's chief medical officer for prevention, emphasized the prevalence of simultaneous heart, kidney, and metabolic risk factors. Only 12% of respondents had heard of CKM syndrome, but 72% expressed interest in learning more. Research indicates that almost 90% of US adults meet the criteria for CKM syndrome, with older adults, men, and Black individuals at higher risk. The AHA plans to release its first guidelines on CKM syndrome in 2026, aiming to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of these health issues. Sanchez highlighted the importance of coordinated treatment, noting that managing these conditions together can significantly improve overall health outcomes. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 5 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
