eznews.inHumans have long been captivated by the color red, a hue associated with blood, passion, and ritual. Archaeological evidence suggests that our ancestors began using ocher, a natural earth pigment rich in iron oxide, between 500,000 and 330,000 years ago, coinciding with the evolution of _Homo sapiens_. This vibrant pigment became integral to cultural practices across Africa, with its use expanding significantly around 160,000 years ago. Experts like Rimtautas Dapschauskas propose that ocher's appeal may stem from both practical applications—such as in sunscreen and adhesives—and its symbolic significance in rituals. The preference for red over other colors, despite the availability of various pigments, indicates a deep psychological connection to the color. As humans migrated from Africa, they carried this affinity for red ocher, which later became a staple in cave art, reflecting its enduring impact on human culture and expression. 
Published: Oct 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inScientists at the University at Buffalo have made a significant breakthrough in reversing aging in skeletal muscle cells by overexpressing a protein known as NANOG. This innovative approach allows for the rejuvenation of senescent muscle cells without reverting them to an embryonic state, a method previously employed in anti-aging research. The study demonstrated that NANOG not only reversed age-related deterioration but also enhanced DNA repair mechanisms in human myoblasts, the precursors to muscle cells. In animal experiments, NANOG increased the number of muscle stem cells in prematurely aging mice, suggesting its potential for developing new therapies to combat age-related disorders. Professor Stelios T. Andreadis, the study's lead author, emphasized the goal of identifying druggable targets that could mimic NANOG's anti-aging effects. This research, published in the journal Science, adds to the growing body of work aimed at halting and reversing the aging process.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inGorillas, despite their impressive size and strength, possess the smallest penises relative to body size among mammals, measuring only about 3 centimeters (1.1 inches). This peculiar trait is linked to their social structure, which is hierarchical and polygynous, allowing dominant males to mate without the need for larger genitalia. Unlike their chimpanzee relatives, who live in multi-male groups and require larger testes to compete for female attention, gorillas rely on physical dominance to secure mating rights. Interestingly, research suggests that the genetic traits associated with gorilla sperm, which is characterized by low motility and poor function, may also be present in some human males with low sperm counts. This raises questions about the evolutionary factors influencing genital size across species, with humans exhibiting a paradox of larger penises but smaller testes, reflecting a complex interplay of social and reproductive strategies.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inSharks, fascinating creatures of the ocean, do not possess bones; their skeletons are composed entirely of cartilage, the same flexible material found in human ears and noses. This characteristic places them in the category of cartilaginous fishes, which also includes rays and skates. Unlike bony fish, sharks lack swim bladders and instead rely on a large liver filled with low-density oils for buoyancy, allowing for agile swimming. While their jaws are reinforced with partially calcified cartilage, their teeth are the only hard structures, made of dentin and enameloid. The absence of bones is attributed to their evolutionary history; studies show that sharks' genomes lack the necessary genes to convert cartilage into bone, a trait that has remained unchanged for millions of years. Sharks typically have 200 to 400 cartilaginous structures, contrasting with humans, who have 206 true bones.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAn animation depicting the close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis to Earth has sparked significant interest, particularly as it is set to come within 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles) of our planet on April 13, 2029. Despite the asteroid's proximity, NASA assures there is no risk of impact during this flyby or during another close approach in 2036. The animation, shared by the Facebook page Cosmoknowledge, highlights the asteroid's trajectory, which will allow it to be visible from the Eastern Hemisphere without telescopes. Following a 2021 flyby that refined its orbit, NASA has ruled out any potential impact for at least the next century. The upcoming 2029 encounter will also provide an opportunity for further study, as NASA plans to utilize spacecraft that previously returned samples from asteroid Bennu to gather more data on Apophis, named after the Egyptian serpent deity.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAstronomers at the W. M. Keck Observatory have confirmed the presence of a rare "anti-tail" on interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a comet discovered on June 1, 2023, as it traverses our Solar System. Unlike typical comet tails that point away from the Sun, this anti-tail appears to extend towards it, an optical illusion resulting from the comet's trajectory and the observer's perspective. While anti-tails have been documented before, their occurrence remains uncommon, and this particular observation may represent a new type not previously recorded. The study also revealed intriguing elemental distributions within the comet's coma, with nickel concentrated closer to the nucleus than cyanide. As 3I/ATLAS continues its journey, astronomers anticipate further discoveries, although some experts, like Avi Loeb, speculate about its potential non-natural origins, prompting debate within the scientific community.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThis week, astronomers at the W. M. Keck Observatory have identified an unusual "anti-tail" and a striking 594-kilometer feature on interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, marking a significant discovery in the study of interstellar visitors. In a groundbreaking study, researchers have demonstrated that a 10-week brain training program can significantly enhance levels of the vital neurochemical acetylcholine, a first in the field. Meanwhile, marine biologists have unveiled 14 new ocean species, including popcorn-like parasites and bizarre worms, as part of an initiative to document the vast diversity of marine life. Additionally, ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan shared insights on astronaut training and the future of space exploration during an interview at the European Space Research and Technology Centre. These developments highlight ongoing advancements in both space exploration and biological research.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAirborne laser technology has uncovered four extensive dry-stone structures on the Karst Plateau, straddling Italy and Slovenia, believed to have been used by early humans to herd wild animals for hunting. While the precise dating of these walls remains uncertain, their design and location suggest a sophisticated understanding of landscape and animal behavior, challenging previous assumptions about the capabilities of pre-agricultural societies. The structures, made from locally sourced limestone, feature low walls that converge into deep enclosures, effectively directing prey towards hunters. The largest structure, known as KO1, would have required significant labor, indicating a coordinated effort among a larger community. The findings suggest that these walls may date back to the early Holocene, potentially marking a pivotal moment in European prehistory and highlighting the complexity of human adaptation in response to environmental changes. The study is published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 4 pmeznews.inScientists have unveiled 14 new marine species, including popcorn-like parasites and ghostly crustaceans, as part of the Ocean Species Discoveries project aimed at accelerating the documentation of marine life. This initiative seeks to address the significant knowledge gap in marine biodiversity, with estimates suggesting around 2 million species exist, yet only a small fraction have been formally described. Among the newly identified species is _Veleropilina gretchenae_, a mollusk found at a depth of 6,465 meters in the Aleutian Trench, and _Zeaione everta_, a parasitic isopod with a unique appearance resembling popped popcorn. The project emphasizes the need for faster and more efficient taxonomy, as approximately 91% of ocean species remain unclassified and over 80% of the ocean is unexplored. The findings highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding of the planet's oceans, with the study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Taftan volcano in southeastern Iran, a 3,940-meter stratovolcano, is exhibiting signs of volcanic unrest for the first time in millions of years, with its summit swelling by approximately 9 centimeters between July 2023 and May 2024. Previously considered faintly active, Taftan has not erupted in recorded human history, with the last major eruption estimated to have occurred around 700,000 years ago. Recent research suggests that the swelling may be due to magma being pushed upward by hot water and steam deep underground, although no specific triggering events have been identified. This unexpected activity indicates that Taftan is more active than previously thought, prompting calls for enhanced monitoring and updated geological hazard assessments in the region. The findings underscore the need for vigilance as scientists reassess the volcano's risk profile. The study is published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Published: Oct 18 2025, 11 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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