eznews.inAstronomers have made significant strides in understanding the Fomalhaut star system, initially thought to host a planet, Fomalhaut b, which was later identified as a debris cloud from a collision. Recent observations have revealed another collision, designated Fomalhaut cs2, marking the first direct imaging of such events outside our solar system. Paul Kalas, an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley, noted that these bright spots, which mimic planets, are actually dust clouds resulting from planetesimal collisions. The Fomalhaut system, younger than our own, offers a glimpse into a time when our solar system was similarly chaotic, filled with colliding planetesimals. Researchers estimate around 300 million such objects exist in the Fomalhaut debris belt. Future observations using the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble aim to track the evolution of cs2, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation processes. The findings are detailed in a recent study published in the journal Science. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn 2015, researchers were awarded an Ig Nobel Prize for their study on the urination patterns of animals, which revealed a fascinating "Law of Urination." Their findings indicated that animals weighing over 3 kilograms typically take about 21 seconds to empty their bladders, while smaller creatures, like rats, can do so in mere fractions of a second. This phenomenon is attributed to the gravitational forces acting on longer urethras in larger animals, which enhance urine flow rates. The study's insights extend beyond mere curiosity; they can aid in diagnosing bladder health issues. Urologist Nicole Eisenbrown highlighted the "21-second rule" as a useful benchmark for monitoring personal bladder health. Deviations from this duration may signal potential problems, such as an overactive bladder or prostate issues, underscoring the importance of understanding urination patterns for overall health.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 ameznews.inFifty-four years after the bizarre "Exploding Whale" incident in Oregon, the event continues to capture public interest, particularly following the release of restored footage by the Oregon Historical Society. In November 1970, an 8-ton sperm whale beached itself near Florence, prompting the highway patrol, in consultation with the Navy, to attempt an unconventional disposal method: blowing it up with dynamite. Despite warnings from local businessman Walt Umenhofer, who had explosives training, the authorities proceeded with their plan, using an excessive amount of dynamite. The explosion resulted in whale debris raining down on onlookers, cars, and buildings, leading to a chaotic scene described by a journalist as resembling "a mighty burst of tomato juice." In a quirky twist, the incident has been embraced by the community, culminating in the naming of a memorial park in honor of this unusual chapter in Oregon's history.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inLonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise, became an enduring symbol of conservation after his death in 2012, marking the extinction of his subspecies, _Chelonoidis niger abingdonii_. Discovered in 1971 by Hungarian scientist József Vágvölgyi, George was taken to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galápagos Islands, where efforts to find a mate proved unsuccessful. Despite attempts to breed him with related tortoise subspecies, he remained solitary. Following his passing at over 100 years old, scientists collected tissue samples in hopes of cloning or generating stem cells. His genome has since been sequenced, revealing genetic relatives still exist. George's taxidermized body now resides in the Galápagos, serving as a poignant reminder of biodiversity's fragility and the urgent need for conservation efforts, as highlighted by experts who stress the importance of preserving unique species for future scientific advancements.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inA biologist at William & Mary, Jon Allen, has discovered that his long-time lab companion, a ribbon worm named “Baseodiscus the Eldest” or “B,” is at least 23 years old, potentially nearing 30, making it the oldest recorded ribbon worm. Allen first adopted B in 2005 during his doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina, rescuing it from a renovation-related fate. The worm, which measures 90 centimeters (3 feet), has been a staple in Allen's lab, often showcased to students. Curious about its age, Allen sent a tissue sample for analysis, confirming its species as _Baseodiscus punnetti_. This finding significantly extends the known lifespan of ribbon worms, a largely understudied group, and could enhance understanding of their ecological roles. Allen emphasized the importance of this research in filling knowledge gaps about the longevity of marine invertebrates, which can rival that of some of the oldest known animals, like the giant ocean quahog clam.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe exact date of Jesus Christ's birth remains uncertain, with December 25 being a traditional celebration lacking contemporary evidence. Scholars suggest that Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BCE, based on discrepancies in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke regarding historical events like the reign of Herod the Great and the census of Quirinius. The earliest mention of December 25 as Christ's birth date appears in the 3rd century CE, and the celebration of Christmas did not emerge until several centuries later. This date coincides with the Roman festival of Sol Invictus, celebrating the sun's rebirth after the winter solstice, and aligns with various pre-Christian winter solstice traditions across Europe and the Near East. Early Christians often adapted these existing celebrations, infusing them with new theological significance.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent discussion with European Space Agency astronauts, the topic of favorite fictional spacecraft emerged alongside serious space exploration missions. Veteran astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Alexander Gerst expressed a preference for the USS Enterprise-D from *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, highlighting its potential for adventure and discovery. New astronaut Rosemary Coogan chose the Millennium Falcon from *Star Wars*, while fellow astronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández opted for Rocinante from *The Expanse*. A non-scientific poll among fans revealed the top five fictional spaceships: Rocinante in fifth place, followed by Serenity from *Firefly*, the TARDIS from *Doctor Who*, and the Millennium Falcon in second. Topping the list was the Enterprise-D, which garnered 24% of the votes, celebrated for its comfort and style despite its unrealistic elements. This light-hearted exchange underscores the enduring fascination with space travel in popular culture.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inBermuda, an island formed from a volcano active 30-35 million years ago, presents a geological puzzle as it lacks the typical features of volcanic islands. Researchers Dr. William Frazer and Professor Jeffrey Park have discovered a unique subsurface structure beneath Bermuda, revealed through seismic wave analysis, which suggests a layer of less dense material that supports the island without the presence of a traditional mantle plume. This layer, approximately 20 kilometers thick and 50 kilograms per cubic meter less dense than the surrounding mantle, allows Bermuda to float and causes the crust to bend upwards. Unlike other volcanic islands, Bermuda shows no recent volcanic activity or elevated heat flow, leading the authors to propose that its geological support is enduring. Their findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, challenge existing theories about mantle plumes and suggest that Bermuda's formation may be linked to its unique volcanic rock composition and mantle characteristics.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inOxpeckers, the small birds often seen riding on the backs of Africa's megafauna, including rhinos, zebras, and hippos, have a complex relationship with their hosts that challenges traditional views of symbiosis. While it was long believed that these birds primarily help by eating ticks, recent studies reveal a more nuanced dynamic. Researchers found that oxpeckers do not significantly reduce tick populations and can actually harm rhinos by pecking at their wounds, slowing healing. However, a 2020 study indicated that the presence of red-billed oxpeckers significantly enhances the ability of black rhinos to detect approaching threats, acting as an alarm system for the visually impaired animals. This relationship illustrates a delicate balance of costs and benefits, as rhinos tolerate the birds' harmful behaviors in exchange for crucial protective advantages in a landscape where they face increasing dangers from humans.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inComet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar visitor, will reach its closest point to Earth today, December 19, at a distance of 270 million kilometers (168 million miles). Although this is still far from Earth, it marks the closest approach the comet will ever make as it journeys out of the Solar System. The comet, which peaked in brightness in late October, is currently visible in the constellation Leo, near the star Rho Leonis and close to Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation. Observers can spot it using a telescope, as it appears as a faint dot with a magnitude of 11.2. Ideal viewing conditions are enhanced by the new Moon, which minimizes moonlight interference. For those unable to observe it directly, major observatories and The Virtual Telescope Project will provide online coverage, including a livestream starting December 20 at 4 am UTC.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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