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The kodkod (_Leopardus guigna_), or guiña, is the smallest cat species in the Americas, weighing just 2-3 kilograms and primarily found in Chile and a small part of Argentina. This nocturnal feline, characterized by its short legs, grayish-brown coat, and distinctive short tail, prefers dense forest habitats and is known for its agility in hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population of 26,000-100,000 individuals, the kodkod faces significant threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human conflict, particularly in areas with chicken coops. Additionally, road accidents and predation by domestic dogs pose risks, while forest fires threaten their essential vegetation cover. Interestingly, recent studies have revealed the kodkod's vocalizations, marking a new understanding of this elusive species. 
Published: Nov 19 2025, 1 ameznews.inThis week, significant findings in evolutionary biology and paleontology have emerged, revealing that kissing has been a part of primate behavior for approximately 21 million years, originating from a common ancestor of modern apes and humans. In a separate discovery, remarkable footage from British Columbia may provide the first evidence of wild wolves using tools, as they were seen manipulating crab trap lines to access bait. Additionally, researchers have uncovered 14,400-year-old paw prints in Italy, marking the oldest known evidence of humans cohabiting with domesticated dogs. Meanwhile, an exclusive clip from Apple TV's upcoming series _Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age_ explores how woolly mammoths could detect storms through infrasound, showcasing their unique adaptations. These discoveries highlight the intricate connections between ancient species and their behaviors, offering new insights into our evolutionary history.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Cambridge Dictionary has announced "parasocial" as the Word of the Year for 2025, a term that describes the one-sided emotional connections individuals form with public figures, fictional characters, or even artificial intelligence. This concept has gained prominence in recent years, particularly with the rise of social media influencers and generative AI, leading to a surge in interest and searches for the term. Colin McIntosh from the Cambridge Dictionary noted that "parasocial" reflects the zeitgeist of 2025, highlighting how a once-academic term has entered mainstream discourse. While these relationships can provide emotional fulfillment, they also raise concerns about unhealthy attachments and boundary violations, as evidenced by fan reactions to events like Taylor Swift's engagement. Experts warn that such connections can lead to significant emotional distress, akin to real relationship breakups, while also acknowledging their potential benefits in enhancing psychological well-being.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study highlights the dietary habits of the extinct giant ground sloth, _Eremotherium_, which thrived during the Ice Age, a period characterized by diverse ecosystems beyond just ice. Featured in the upcoming Apple TV series _Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age_, _Eremotherium_ is depicted as potentially hairless, sparking debate among scientists about its fur density. The series showcases the sloth consuming cannonball fruit, a peculiar edible fruit known for its skunk-like smell, still found in Central and South America today. Palaeontologist Dr. Darren Naish emphasizes that the Ice Age, which ended 11,700 years ago, was a time of significant biodiversity, with many species, including humans, still present today. The five-part series is set to premiere on November 26, 2025, offering viewers a glimpse into the fascinating world of Ice Age fauna and flora.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 11 ameznews.inScientists have identified a new species of wolf snake, named *Lycodon irwini*, in honor of the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin. Discovered on Great Nicobar Island in the Bay of Bengal, this slender, shiny black snake measures up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and features a blueish-black top with a darker underside. The species was initially reported in 2010 but was only recently recognized as distinct after researchers re-examined existing specimens and studied a living individual. With only four recorded instances of this snake, the team suggests it is endemic to Great Nicobar Island and recommends classifying it as Endangered due to habitat destruction from development. The researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of the Nicobar Islands, which may harbor additional undiscovered species. The findings are detailed in the journal *Evolutionary Systematics*.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe term "Jesus H. Christ" is often misunderstood as implying a middle name, but it actually stems from early Christian symbolism and the Greek alphabet. Dr. Dan McClellan, a Biblical scholar at the University of Birmingham, explains that the "H" originated from a Christogram, a monogram representing Jesus, derived from the Greek spelling of "Jesus" (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, _Iēsous_). The first three letters of this name were abbreviated and stylized into a sacred monogram, commonly rendered as IHS or IHC, with the latter sometimes used due to confusion between the letters S and C. As English evolved, the letter J became distinct from I, leading to the misinterpretation of the monogram as "JHC," thus creating the illusion of a middle initial. This historical misunderstanding highlights the complexities of language and symbolism in religious contexts.
Published: Nov 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNew research suggests that individuals who resemble each other may share more than just physical traits; they could also have similar DNA. This study, published in *Cell Reports*, analyzed participants from Canadian photographer François Brunelle's portfolio of doppelgängers, examining their appearance, lifestyle, and genetic material. Using facial recognition algorithms, researchers identified the most convincing lookalikes and collected DNA samples alongside biometric and lifestyle data. The findings revealed that while these doubles shared similar genotypes, they differed in DNA methylation and microbiomes. Notably, those with similar genetic backgrounds also exhibited comparable behaviors, such as smoking and education levels, indicating a potential link between DNA and behavior. Senior author Manel Esteller highlighted the implications for forensic medicine and genetic diagnosis, suggesting that understanding these connections could aid in reconstructing faces from DNA and predicting physical traits based on genetic information.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 10 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Foundational Questions Institute are leveraging advanced computer simulations to explore the enigmatic origins of the Big Bang, a phenomenon that defies conventional understanding of time and space. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, traditional equations falter in describing the event's initial moments. By employing numerical relativity—a method developed in the 1960s to analyze black hole mergers and gravitational waves—scientists aim to push the boundaries of current scientific knowledge. Professor Eugene Lim from King’s College London expressed enthusiasm for using this approach to investigate Cosmic Inflation, a rapid expansion of the universe that remains poorly understood. The research, funded by UK Research Councils and the Leverhulme Trust, could potentially unveil new insights into fundamental theories, including the cyclical universe and multiverse hypotheses. While challenging, advancements in computational power are propelling this groundbreaking work forward, with findings published in *Living Reviews in Relativity*.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of the animal kingdom's reproductive anatomy, a recent article highlights some of the most bizarre penises found in nature. The Argentine blue-bill lake duck boasts a corkscrew-shaped organ that can extend up to 42.5 centimeters, designed to navigate the female's similarly twisted anatomy. Meanwhile, the short-beaked echidna features a unique four-headed penis, allowing for multiple ejaculations without pause. Barnacles, known for their adhesive prowess, possess the longest penis relative to body size, extending up to 20 centimeters. The leopard slug engages in a dramatic mating ritual, using its bright blue penis, while various species, including koalas and sharks, have evolved to possess dual reproductive organs. In comparison, humans exhibit longer and wider penises than other primates, a notable evolutionary trait. This exploration underscores the incredible diversity and complexity of reproductive strategies across species.
Published: Nov 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent survey by Civic Science has revealed that 56% of Americans oppose teaching Arabic numerals—0 through 9—in schools, despite their ubiquitous use in daily life and global contexts. The poll, which surveyed 3,624 individuals, found that only 29% supported their inclusion in the curriculum. Civic Science's CEO, John Dick, noted that many respondents displayed a lack of understanding regarding the origins of these numerals, suggesting a tendency to respond based on bias rather than knowledge. The survey also highlighted similar prejudices when participants were asked about teaching the Big Bang theory, with 53% opposing its inclusion in science classes. Dick emphasized that both sides of the debate exhibit blind prejudice, underscoring a broader issue of uninformed responses in public opinion. This phenomenon reflects a troubling trend where individuals often choose to answer based on preconceived notions rather than factual understanding.
Published: Nov 20 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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