eznews.inA recent study from the University of Cambridge has ranked humans as the seventh most monogamous species out of 35, suggesting that while we exhibit a notable degree of faithfulness to a single reproductive partner, our mating behaviors are still quite unique compared to other mammals. Evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble, the study's author, highlights that most mammals tend to be more promiscuous, with monogamous species typically forming tight family units. The research utilized DNA analyses and ethnographic data from diverse populations, revealing that humans have a higher proportion of full siblings compared to half-siblings, indicating a tendency towards monogamy. However, Dyble notes that societal norms and cultural practices significantly influence these patterns, as many pre-industrial societies historically allowed polygamous arrangements. Overall, while humans are not universally monogamous, the study suggests that monogamy remains the dominant mating pattern for our species. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn Germany, the practice of _lüften_, or airing out spaces by opening windows and doors, is a cultural staple embraced year-round, even in winter. This ritual, often performed daily, is believed to enhance physical health and respiratory function, a notion supported by various studies. Research indicates that fresh air can improve sleep quality and reduce depressive symptoms, while also helping to curb the spread of infectious diseases, a point emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, experts caution that frequent ventilation may undermine energy efficiency in well-insulated buildings, as residents often overlook advanced heating and air recovery systems. To mitigate energy loss, the _stoßlüften_ method—opening all windows briefly—has gained popularity. Despite its benefits, the practice of _lüften_ highlights a tension between health and energy conservation, prompting calls for more mindful ventilation habits among Germans. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inKīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes located on the southeastern shore of Hawaiʻi Island, has been erupting intermittently throughout 2025, with recent activity culminating in a dramatic eruption on December 6. This eruption, originating from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, propelled rocks and molten material high into the air, ultimately leading to the failure of a US Geological Survey (USGS) webcam that had been monitoring the activity. The camera captured the final moments before it went offline, highlighting the intensity of the volcanic activity, which has been characterized by episodic fountaining not seen since the 1980s. Kīlauea, formed approximately 280,000 years ago, has covered 90 percent of its surface in lava flows over the last millennium. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is considering whether to replace the damaged camera, with plans dependent on careful assessment of the ongoing eruptions and potential hazards. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn 1967, the Soviet Union marked its 50th anniversary with a space mission that tragically ended in the death of cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov, who became known as "the man who fell from space." The plan involved launching Soyuz 1, piloted by Komarov, to rendezvous with Soyuz 2 for a spacewalk. However, prior inspections revealed 203 structural issues with Soyuz 1, which were documented in a memo that went unreported to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Despite warnings from friends and the risk of sending his colleague Yuri Gagarin in his place, Komarov chose to proceed with the flight. After launch, a solar panel failure left the craft powerless, leading to a catastrophic descent. As he plummeted, Komarov reportedly expressed his frustration with the spacecraft, uttering, "This devil ship! Nothing I lay my hands on works properly," before crashing to Earth. Official transcripts suggest his last words were more composed, stating, "I feel excellent, everything's in order." 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThis week, significant discoveries in paleontology, space exploration, and medical research have emerged. A groundbreaking fossil of the dinosaur _Diplodocus_ has revealed the presence of melanosomes, suggesting the creature may have sported a speckled color pattern, marking the first such finding in a sauropod. Meanwhile, a report from the National Academies of Sciences outlines priorities for a NASA-led human mission to Mars, emphasizing the search for life on the planet. In health news, a study indicates that scheduling cancer immunotherapy in the morning could reduce the risk of death by up to 63%. Additionally, an intensive care doctor weighed in on the plausibility of the burglars in the holiday classic _Home Alone_ surviving Kevin McCallister's elaborate traps. These findings highlight the ongoing advancements in our understanding of both ancient life and contemporary health challenges. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe prehistoric hominin species known as *Homo floresiensis*, or "hobbits," may have faced extinction around 61,000 years ago due to a significant reduction in rainfall that impacted their food sources on the Indonesian island of Flores. Standing at approximately 3 feet 6 inches tall, these small humans primarily hunted pygmy elephants called stegodons, whose populations dwindled as the region became increasingly arid. Research analyzing oxygen isotopes and calcium-to-magnesium ratios in stalagmites from nearby caves revealed a dramatic decline in annual rainfall, dropping by 37% between 76,000 and 61,000 years ago. This environmental stress likely forced the hobbits to abandon their cave home, potentially leading to competition with modern humans, who were migrating through the area at the same time. The findings suggest that climate change played a crucial role in the hobbits' disappearance, as they struggled to adapt to the changing ecosystem. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA remarkable atmospheric event unfolded over the Adriatic Sea recently, where a powerful lightning strike triggered two rare phenomena—an ELVE (Emission of Light and Very low-frequency perturbations due to Electromagnetic pulse sources) and a sprite—simultaneously above the Northern Italian town of Possagno. Italian photographer Valter Binotto, known for his expertise in capturing elusive atmospheric events, managed to photograph both phenomena at once. The ELVE appears as a red, disk-like structure, while the sprite resembles a jellyfish-like flash. Binotto, who has photographed hundreds of sprites but only three ELVEs, explained that these phenomena are challenging to capture due to their brief duration and the specific conditions required for their formation. Both events are linked to thunderstorms and are characterized by the excitation of nitrogen particles in the upper atmosphere. Binotto's work highlights the potential for capturing these mysterious occurrences with the right equipment and dedication. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe oldest known written text, the Kish tablet, dates back to around 3,500 BCE and was discovered in the ancient Sumerian city of Kish, now in modern-day Iraq. This limestone tablet features purely pictographic writing, representing a transitional phase between proto-writing and the more advanced cuneiform script. Cuneiform, which means "wedge-shaped," became the dominant writing system in the ancient Middle East, utilized by various cultures, including the Assyrians and Babylonians, for approximately 3,000 years. It involved pressing reed styluses into clay to create wedge-shaped marks that represented spoken syllables. The significance of cuneiform lies in its ability to convey complex ideas and its historical impact, producing hundreds of thousands of inscribed objects. Rediscovered in the early 19th century, these tablets have since been the focus of extensive archaeological and linguistic research, revealing insights into early human communication and civilization. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 4 ameznews.inNASA has marked the fifth anniversary of the Solar Dynamics Observatory's launch by unveiling a breathtaking five-year time-lapse video of the sun. The footage, which showcases the sun's dynamic activity, was compiled by capturing one frame every eight hours from 2010 to 2015. Each frame is presented in various colors, representing different wavelengths of solar radiation, allowing viewers to appreciate the sun's intricate behaviors and phenomena over time. This remarkable visual representation not only highlights the observatory's contributions to solar research but also enhances public understanding of our closest star's complex nature. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 4 ameznews.inPizzlies, or grolar bears, are hybrid offspring of grizzly (_Ursus arctos horribilis_) and polar bears (_Ursus maritimus_), emerging as a concerning indicator of climate change's impact on Arctic ecosystems. While rare, sightings of these hybrids have increased, prompting scientists to study their potential rise due to habitat overlap caused by warming temperatures. The first confirmed pizzly was shot in 2006 in Canada, and subsequent research has identified second-generation hybrids, highlighting a complex interbreeding dynamic. As polar bears migrate southward and grizzlies move north, their interactions are becoming more frequent, leading to both competition and mating. Experts warn that continued hybridization could threaten the polar bear population, potentially leading to their extinction as they are absorbed into the grizzly gene pool. This phenomenon underscores the drastic changes occurring in the Arctic, raising alarms about the future of these iconic species. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 5 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
