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Psychologists are delving into the cognitive processes behind belief in conspiracy theories, which have proliferated in today's hyperconnected society. Research indicates that the human brain's propensity to recognize patterns can lead to illusory perceptions, where individuals connect unrelated events, fostering conspiratorial thinking. A 2017 study linked belief in various conspiracies, such as those surrounding climate change and the moon landing, to a tendency to see patterns in random data. Additionally, personality traits like narcissism, characterized by a sense of superiority and a need for uniqueness, have been identified as significant predictors of conspiratorial beliefs. Other factors, including anger and a desire for chaos, also play a role. While the interplay between these traits and external influences remains complex, understanding the psychological drivers behind conspiracy theories is crucial for addressing the real-world consequences of misinformation, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Published: Jun 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAfter five years of genetic research, a mummified skeleton discovered in Chile's Atacama Desert has been confirmed as human, dispelling theories of extraterrestrial origins. The specimen, known as Ata, was found in 2003 and initially sparked sensational media interest due to its unusual 15-centimeter height and distinct deformities. A study published in *Genome Research* reveals that Ata, a female of South American descent, suffered from severe skeletal dysplasia and a bone-aging disorder, resulting in multiple mutations in genes linked to bone and facial malformations. Senior author Garry Nolan from Stanford University, who led the analysis, noted that while the extraordinary appearance of Ata fueled speculation, the findings confirm a purely earthly origin. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to nitrates in the mining town of La Noria may have contributed to the genetic anomalies, although the exact cause remains unclear.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 4 ameznews.inResearch from Stanford University and other institutions has revealed a troubling rise in the use of computer vision (CV) technology for surveillance, highlighting a five-fold increase in academic papers linked to downstream surveillance patents over the past four decades. Initially developed for military and law enforcement purposes, CV now analyzes images and videos to interpret human behavior, often obscured by complex language that normalizes surveillance practices. The study indicates that major players in this field include Microsoft and several prominent universities, with the US leading in surveillance activities, followed by China and the UK. Dr. Abeba Birhane, a co-author of the study, warns that this pervasive data gathering threatens individual privacy and freedoms, urging researchers to adopt a more ethical approach and empower communities to advocate for change. The findings, published in *Nature*, aim to inform policymakers and activists about the implications of CV in society.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent survey of 312 neuroscientists has revealed a surprising openness to the concept of brain preservation and memory extraction, suggesting that the idea, often relegated to science fiction, may hold more scientific merit than previously thought. Led by Dr. Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, the study found that 70.5% of respondents believe long-term memories are stored in structural features of the brain, such as synaptic strengths and neuronal connectivity, collectively known as the connectome. The survey indicated a 40% probability that memories could be extracted from preserved brains using advanced techniques like aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation. While there is no consensus on the feasibility of fully emulating a brain to restore memory and consciousness, the findings suggest a significant portion of the scientific community sees potential in this area. The Aspirational Neuroscience group is even offering a $100,000 prize for the first team to decode a memory from a preserved brain, highlighting the ongoing quest to unlock the mysteries of human memory.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA long-held belief that non-human animals, particularly apes, have never asked questions is being challenged by recent findings. While apes like Koko the gorilla, trained in sign language, demonstrated impressive communication skills—learning over 1,000 signs and understanding 2,000 English words—they have not been documented asking direct questions. In contrast, two African gray parrots, Alex and Apollo, have shown the ability to ask questions. Alex, who lived from 1976 to 2007, famously inquired about his reflection and learned the word "gray" through interaction with a human. Apollo, hatched in 2020, has also been observed asking questions like "what's that called?" and "what color?" While apes may exhibit behaviors that suggest questioning, such as pointing at objects, experts argue that parrots currently hold the distinction of being the only animals documented to ask direct questions.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the world's oldest boomerang, dating back approximately 42,000 years, in Poland's Obłazowa Cave. Carved from mammoth tusk, this artifact is significant as it predates the oldest known Australian boomerangs by around 32,000 years, challenging the notion that such tools were exclusively developed by Aboriginal cultures. The boomerang's design resembles that of a Queensland boomerang, which does not return to the thrower, and its unique ivory composition suggests it was a highly valued item, possibly used in shamanistic rituals. Alongside the boomerang, a human finger bone and various lithic artifacts were found, hinting at ritualistic practices among early _Homo sapiens_. Despite the intriguing findings, researchers note the absence of similar artifacts across Europe raises questions about the prevalence of such rituals, suggesting further excavation is needed to uncover more about these ancient practices. The study is published in PLOS ONE.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 1 ameznews.inForensic scientists are increasingly turning to DNA phenotyping, a cutting-edge technology that reconstructs human facial features from DNA samples, to aid criminal investigations. This method involves analyzing genetic material to predict physical traits such as hair and eye color, using sophisticated algorithms and validated prediction models. While DNA phenotyping has proven effective in solving cases, such as the 2011 double homicide of Candra Alston and her daughter, it raises ethical concerns regarding accuracy and potential biases in law enforcement practices. The technique has also been instrumental in identifying victims in cold cases, exemplified by the identification of Roger Kelso in 2019. As research advances, the accuracy of DNA phenotyping continues to improve, with new markers being discovered and methods developed to estimate age from DNA. Despite its challenges, DNA phenotyping is emerging as a vital tool in modern forensic science, offering new avenues for justice and victim identification.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inAround 99 million years ago, insects became trapped in tree sap that later fossilized into amber, but their demise was caused by a microscopic killer: a parasitic fungus known as _Ophiocordyceps unilateralis_. This fungus, which manipulates its hosts like zombies, is the oldest known evidence of parasitic fungi infecting insects, marking a significant discovery in understanding the evolution of entomopathogenic fungi. Researchers, including Professor Edmund Jarzembowski from London's Natural History Museum, noted that these ancient fungi likely played a crucial role in controlling insect populations during the Mid-Cretaceous period, similar to their modern counterparts. The amber preserved vital soft tissues, allowing scientists to identify two new species: _Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae_ and _Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae_. This research highlights the complex interactions within ecosystems during the age of dinosaurs and is published in the journal *Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences*.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a dramatic encounter captured in Maasai Mara, Kenya, a hungry lion's attempt to hunt a hippopotamus ended in failure. The lion, keen on securing a meal, stealthily approached the hippo from behind. However, the situation took a swift turn when the hippo noticed the predator, leading to a fierce counterattack. The unexpected confrontation highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in the savannah. Footage of the incident has been shared widely, showcasing the raw power and instincts of both animals. Viewers can watch the surprising events unfold in the video below.
_Credit: Maasai Mara Sightings via Storyful_
Published: Jun 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a surprising twist to evolutionary theory, researchers have discovered that Galápagos tomatoes are reverting to ancient traits by producing long-lost alkaloids, a type of chemical defense not seen in millions of years. Originating from South American ancestors likely transported by birds, these wild tomatoes are now synthesizing toxic compounds to protect themselves from potential threats, despite the islands' generally low predator presence. A study from the University of California, Riverside, revealed that tomatoes from the western islands, characterized by harsher conditions, are producing alkaloids with a chemical structure reminiscent of their ancient relatives, while those from the eastern islands exhibit modern traits. This reversal, confirmed through genetic analysis, challenges the conventional view of evolution as a linear progression and suggests that environmental factors can prompt species to regain lost characteristics. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, could have implications for agricultural practices and pest resistance.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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