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Discovered just five and a half months ago, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has captivated scientists and the public alike, being only the third known interstellar object in our Solar System. Recent studies have highlighted its non-gravitational acceleration, a phenomenon often misinterpreted as evidence of artificial propulsion, such as a spacecraft engine. In reality, this acceleration results from outgassing—when the comet's icy core sublimates as it approaches the Sun, releasing jets of gas and dust that alter its trajectory. Researchers have measured this acceleration at approximately half a micron per second squared, a minor deviation that nonetheless provides insights into the comet's mass, estimated at 44 million metric tons before its solar encounter. This suggests that 3I/ATLAS's nucleus may be smaller than previously thought, measuring around 375 meters (1,230 feet). The findings were published in the journal Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThis week, significant discoveries in paleontology and space exploration have made headlines. A 120-million-year-old dinosaur trackway has unveiled the fastest Cretaceous theropod, capable of sprinting at approximately 45 kilometers per hour, akin to a professional cyclist. Meanwhile, the fossil known as "Little Foot," one of the most complete early hominin skeletons, may represent an unidentified human relative, challenging existing evolutionary classifications. In a notable shift for NASA, billionaire Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as the agency's new administrator, following a tumultuous nomination process. Additionally, a rare event was captured as astronomers observed a flash of light on the Moon, likely caused by a collision with an unidentified object. Lastly, astronauts shared their thoughts on the best fictional spaceships, highlighting the enduring fascination with space travel in popular culture.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inTuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the deadliest infectious disease globally, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. In 2023, TB caused 1.25 million deaths, significantly surpassing the 320,000 fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, a slight increase from 2022, with 87% of cases concentrated in just 30 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Despite being preventable and treatable in 85% of cases, TB remains a major health crisis, with WHO calling for urgent action to eliminate the epidemic by 2030. While TB-related deaths have generally declined since 2021, funding for prevention and research remains critically low, with only $5.7 billion allocated last year against a target of $22 billion. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB effectively.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inSt. Augustine, located in northeastern Florida, holds the title of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. This predates the establishment of Roanoke and Jamestown by 20 and 42 years, respectively, marking a significant chapter in American history often overshadowed by English narratives. Menéndez's expedition aimed to establish a Spanish settlement and displace a French fort nearby, leading to the city's founding on August 28, the feast day of Saint Augustine, after whom the city is named. Over the centuries, St. Augustine has transitioned through British and Spanish rule before becoming part of the United States, yet it has remained continuously settled. The city's rich history reflects the diverse European influences that shaped early American settlements, challenging the dominant English-centric historical perspective.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHumanity's capacity for significant change, both positive and negative, is evident in various contexts, from the climate crisis to the successful eradication of smallpox. A recent study has revealed that our activities, particularly the use of very low frequency (VLF) radio waves, have inadvertently influenced the Earth's radiation belts, known as the Van Allen belts. These belts, discovered in the 1950s, act as a protective shield against harmful cosmic rays and solar winds. Research from NASA's Van Allen Probes, which concluded in 2019, indicates that VLF signals, used in submarine communications, can alter the motion of charged particles in space, effectively creating a barrier that pushes these particles away. This phenomenon has led to the inner edge of the radiation belts shifting outward, suggesting potential applications for VLF technology in protecting Earth from solar storm particles.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Sexologies* has identified the missionary position, enhanced by a pillow under the woman's pelvis, as the most effective for heterosexual women seeking orgasm. Conducted by researchers at New H Medical in New York, the study assessed clitoral blood flow across five sexual positions, including variations of face-to-face and kneeling/rear entry. While blood flow increased in all positions except for kneeling/rear entry, the missionary position with a pillow proved most successful. However, the study's limitations are notable; it involved only one heterosexual couple, both medical professionals, which raises questions about the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the research focused solely on blood flow as an indicator of arousal, rather than directly measuring orgasm. Previous studies have echoed these findings, suggesting a preference for face-to-face positions among larger populations.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn mythology, the belly of a whale symbolizes death and rebirth, but in reality, the chances of being swallowed by one are exceedingly slim. The blue whale, the largest animal ever, primarily consumes tiny krill and lacks the physical capacity to swallow a human due to its narrow throat and absence of teeth. Toothed whales, like sperm whales, could theoretically ingest a person, as they prey on giant squid. However, such incidents are rare; the most famous tale involves a whaler named James Bartley, who allegedly survived being swallowed, though this story is widely regarded as a myth. More credible accounts involve near misses, such as lobster diver Michael Packard, who was briefly caught in a humpback whale's mouth in 2021, and kayaker Adrián Simancas, who experienced a similar incident in 2025. These encounters highlight the increasing overlap between human activities and whale habitats, posing risks to both parties.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable display of tolerance towards nature, Australian resident Jake Gray has welcomed a gigantic huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for over a year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock that such a large spider might evoke, Gray reassured his children by naming her and even expressed hopes for her continued growth. While huntsman spiders, known for their speed and size, can appear intimidating, experts note they are generally harmless and prefer to flee rather than bite. With a bite that typically results in mild effects, these spiders serve as natural pest controllers, making them more of a housemate than a threat in Australian homes.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inA newly identified species of carnivorous pitcher plant, _Nepenthes megastoma_, has been discovered on Palawan Island in the Philippines, but it faces a dire future with fewer than 50 known specimens remaining. Named for its large mouth, this plant traps insects in its bell-shaped pitcher, breaking them down into a nutrient-rich liquid. Despite its remarkable adaptations for survival in harsh environments, including vertical pollination and water retention, _N. megastoma_ is critically endangered due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and the impacts of climate change. Researcher John Charles Altomonte highlighted the irony of these resilient plants being threatened by the very species that has encroached upon their habitat. With only about 19 mature clumps and 12 non-flowering plants left, the survival of _N. megastoma_ hangs in the balance, vulnerable to extreme weather events and illegal harvesting. The findings are detailed in the journal Phytotaxa.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 8 ameznews.inRecent research has pinpointed the Zagros Mountains, spanning modern-day Iran, northern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey, as the primary location where Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred during the Late Pleistocene. This mountainous region, rich in biodiversity and archaeological sites, provided an ideal environment for both species to coexist and interact. Notable sites, such as the Shanidar Cave, which contains well-preserved Neanderthal remains, support this finding. The Zagros Mountains served as a crucial corridor for human migration out of Africa, facilitating encounters between the two species. Genetic studies reveal that 1 to 4 percent of the genomes of all non-African humans today carry Neanderthal DNA, influencing various traits and health conditions. This research, published in *Scientific Reports*, enhances our understanding of human evolution and the lasting impact of these ancient interspecies interactions.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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