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The blue whale, measuring 33.5 meters and weighing over 150,000 kilograms, holds the title of the largest animal ever to inhabit Earth. In contrast, dinosaurs, despite their massive size, had surprisingly short lifespans. Recent research indicates that large sauropods, such as the Patagotitan mayorum, which reached lengths of 37 meters and weighed around 70 tons, likely lived only 30 to 50 years. This is significantly shorter than the lifespans of modern large animals like elephants and blue whales, which can exceed 70 years. Professor Paul Barrett from the London Natural History Museum explains that rapid growth rates in dinosaurs limited their longevity. Predation, starvation, and environmental factors were common causes of death, suggesting that even the mightiest dinosaurs faced harsh realities in their prehistoric world. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the lifespans of these ancient giants, highlighting the complexities of their existence. 
Published: Sep 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Atlas blue butterfly (_Polyommatus atlantica_), native to the mountain ranges of Morocco and northeast Algeria, has officially been identified as the animal with the highest number of chromosomes, boasting a remarkable 229 pairs. This discovery, confirmed by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona through genome sequencing, is striking given that many of its relatives possess only 23 or 24 pairs. The butterfly's high chromosome count, which has evolved rapidly over just 3 million years, may enhance genetic diversity, potentially aiding adaptation to environmental changes. However, this complexity could also increase vulnerability to extinction, particularly as the species faces threats from climate change and habitat loss. The findings, published in *Current Biology*, highlight the importance of understanding the evolutionary advantages of such chromosomal structures for future conservation efforts.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFrom the 1930s to the 1970s, thousands of tons of chemicals were dumped off the coast of Los Angeles, raising environmental concerns that persist today. Initially believed to involve the carcinogenic pesticide DDT, recent research by the Schmidt Ocean Institute has revealed that the mysterious halos surrounding the barrels are linked to highly caustic alkaline waste, not DDT. The remotely operated vehicle SuBastian collected sediment samples, revealing low microbial diversity and a pH level of 12, indicating an alkaline environment. This discovery suggests that the barrels contained more hazardous materials than previously thought, prompting researchers to reconsider the scope of pollutants in the area. The findings highlight the long-term impact of industrial waste on marine ecosystems, with experts emphasizing the need for further investigation into the contents of these barrels to fully understand their environmental consequences. The study is published in PNAS Nexus.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 10 ameznews.inComet 3I/ATLAS, the fastest known interstellar object, is exhibiting unusual behavior as it approaches the Sun, notably releasing dust in a sunward direction rather than the typical tail formation. This phenomenon, observed by astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope, suggests that the comet is experiencing significant sublimation on its sunlit side, while the night side remains inactive. Two theories have emerged: the comet may be spinning with its pole facing the Sun, or its surface has been extensively weathered over billions of years, stripping it of hydrogen and affecting tail formation. Discovered on July 1, 2023, by the NASA-funded ATLAS, Comet 3I/ATLAS is set to come within 210 million kilometers of the Sun on October 30, 2025, and will be visible from Earth until September before reappearing in December. This comet is only the third interstellar object observed, following ’Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 7 ameznews.inResearchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered seven new species of troglobitic spiders in Israel's caves, adding to the unique biodiversity found in these dark, humid environments. Five of the newly identified species possess reduced eyes, while two are completely blind, showcasing adaptations to their subterranean habitat. The study, which involved sampling around 200 spiders from approximately 100 caves between 2014 and 2022, revealed that these new species are more closely related to Mediterranean cave spiders than to those found in the same caves in Israel. The findings suggest that these spiders evolved from ancestors that once lived above ground, potentially facing extinction due to historical climate changes. The researchers emphasize the importance of preserving Israel's unique underground ecosystems for future exploration and conservation efforts. The study is published in *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers from CQUniversity has examined the popular Australian children's cartoon _Bluey_, revealing its significant role in teaching resilience to young viewers. The study analyzed the first three seasons, focusing on how the show addresses coping mechanisms through storytelling, using the Grotberg Resilience Framework, which categorizes resilience into three types: "I am," "I have," and "I can." The researchers found that nearly half of the episodes featured resilience as a primary or secondary theme, with parental figures often modeling emotional responses to challenges. For instance, in one episode, a character learns to cope with disappointment through emotional coaching from their mother. The findings suggest that _Bluey_ not only entertains but also equips children with essential life skills, encouraging parents to engage in discussions about the characters' feelings to reinforce these lessons. The study highlights the show's potential to foster resilience in children through relatable narratives and family dynamics.
Published: Sep 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFor the first time, the invasive bay barnacle (_Amphibalanus improvisus_) has been detected in the Canadian Arctic, raising concerns about the region's ecological health. This discovery, made through environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, highlights the changing dynamics of Arctic waters, previously thought too cold for such species. The barnacle, known for its disruptive impact on ecosystems, likely arrived via ships that transport ballast water and can carry non-native species. Increased shipping traffic in Arctic Canada, which has surged by over 250% since 1990, combined with rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, has weakened the thermal barrier that once protected the region. Lead author Elizabeth Boyse from the British Antarctic Survey emphasized that climate change is central to this issue, as warmer waters allow invasive species to thrive. Researchers now aim to assess whether the barnacles are larval or breeding populations and monitor their potential ecological impact.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe bumblebee bat, or Kitti's hog-nosed bat, is the world's smallest bat and mammal, measuring just 3 centimeters and weighing around 2 grams. Native to the limestone caves of western Thailand and southeast Myanmar, this fragile species faces significant threats, including habitat fragmentation and human encroachment. Genetic studies indicate that the isolated populations in Thailand and Myanmar rarely interbreed, increasing the risk of inbreeding and reducing genetic diversity. Human activities, such as industrial pollution and tourism, further jeopardize their survival. While the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has upgraded their status from endangered to near-threatened, researchers estimate only about 3,800 individuals remain, primarily studied in Thailand. However, there is hope that healthier populations may exist in Myanmar, and with increased awareness and conservation efforts, the bumblebee bat could still have a future.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 3 ameznews.inMarine biologists face significant challenges in studying elusive species like beaked whales, which are among the least understood mammals due to their cryptic behavior and preference for deep offshore waters. A recent study led by Raphael Barbosa Machado aimed to enhance knowledge of cetacean biodiversity in Brazil, focusing on these deep-diving whales that can plunge to depths of 3,000 meters. Utilizing advanced hydrophones for passive acoustic monitoring, the researchers successfully captured nine audio recordings and visually confirmed four sightings of beaked whales, linking sounds to at least three different species. This groundbreaking work marks the first documentation of beaked whale vocalizations in Brazilian waters and is expected to aid in conservation efforts by improving understanding of these mysterious creatures. The findings, published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, highlight the importance of acoustic monitoring in unraveling the secrets of the western South Atlantic Ocean's biodiversity.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA newly identified meteor shower, the chi Cygnids, is set to peak this month, specifically between September 13 and 15, after gradually intensifying since late August. First observed by astronomer Peter Jenniskens in 2015, this rare event occurs only once every five years, with predictions suggesting visibility of one or two shooting stars per hour during its peak. While the chi Cygnids may not rival more famous meteor showers like the Perseids in brilliance, their rarity adds to their allure. The meteors are expected to radiate from the star Chi Cygni in the constellation Cygnus, which will be prominently visible in the evening sky. With the Moon rising late on the peak nights, stargazers in dark locations may have an excellent opportunity to witness this unique celestial phenomenon. The source of the chi Cygnids remains uncertain, though an asteroid named 2020RF is a potential candidate for the debris responsible for the shower.
Published: Sep 09 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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