eznews.inBirds often perch on power lines, taking advantage of the unobstructed views they provide for spotting predators and prey. While it may seem surprising that they don’t get electrocuted, the reason lies in their ability to avoid completing an electrical circuit. Birds perched on a single wire are safe because they are not grounded; they do not create a path for electricity to flow. However, larger birds, such as raptors, are at risk of electrocution if they touch two wires or a wire and a grounded object simultaneously. Studies estimate that millions of birds are killed by electrocution in the U.S. each year, with bald and golden eagles being particularly vulnerable. The phenomenon highlights the complex relationship between wildlife and human infrastructure, as well as the importance of understanding electrical safety in nature. 
Published: Nov 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe question of why humans ride horses but not zebras has intrigued many, leading to a deeper exploration of horse domestication. Initially, prehistoric humans hunted horses for meat, but around 4000 BCE, evidence from the Botai culture in Kazakhstan suggests the beginning of horse domestication, marked by signs of wear on horse teeth and artifacts indicating human interaction. While the Kurgan hypothesis proposed an early domestication timeline, recent genomic studies indicate that domestication likely occurred later in the Black Sea steppes. In contrast, zebras, which diverged from horses millions of years ago, have evolved traits that make them unsuitable for domestication, including a strong flight response and natural aggression. Although there are rare instances of individual zebras being tamed, their size and temperament render them impractical for riding or heavy transport, solidifying horses' unique role in human history.
Published: Nov 05 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent study has identified five distinct sleep profiles among young adults, revealing that sleep quality is influenced by various factors beyond mere duration. Researchers analyzed over 700 participants, finding that the first profile, characterized by poor sleep and associated mental health issues, explained nearly 90% of the correlation between sleep disturbances and mental health disorders. In contrast, a second group exhibited resilience to sleep difficulties despite facing attention problems. The third profile highlighted individuals who manage sleep issues with medication, while the fourth and fifth profiles were marked by insufficient sleep and disturbances, respectively. These findings underscore the complexity of sleep and its significant links to mental health, cognition, and brain function, suggesting that a holistic approach is essential for effective treatment and assessment. The study, published in PLOS Biology, emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider the multifaceted nature of sleep in their evaluations.
Published: Nov 05 2025, 4 ameznews.inDr. Kary Mullis, who invented the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, revolutionized DNA analysis in the 1980s, a process that amplifies tiny DNA samples for easier study. Mullis conceived the idea during a drive in May 1983, inspired by his experiences with oligonucleotides and possibly influenced by his use of LSD, which he claimed helped him visualize the concept. Despite initial skepticism from colleagues at Cetus, where he worked, Mullis successfully demonstrated PCR in December 1983, using a simpler bacterial DNA instead of human DNA. His work led to significant advancements in various fields, including disease testing and forensic science, earning him a share of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. However, Mullis was a controversial figure, known for his erratic behavior and unconventional scientific views, including skepticism about climate change and HIV's role in AIDS. He passed away in 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy in molecular biology.
Published: Nov 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe kori bustard (_Ardeotis kori_), recognized as the world's heaviest flying bird, can weigh between 11 to 19 kilograms (24 to 42 pounds), with males reaching a maximum recorded weight of 18.14 kilograms (40 pounds). This species, native to South and East Africa, boasts a wingspan of up to 2.75 meters (9 feet) and primarily forages on the ground, consuming a varied diet that includes insects, reptiles, and seeds. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the kori bustard as Near Threatened, noting its largely sedentary nature with occasional local movements. In contrast, the great bustard (_Otis tarda_), the second heaviest flying bird, weighs slightly less and is known for its long migratory patterns, traveling over 4,000 kilometers between Mongolia and China. Meanwhile, the southern African ostrich holds the title for the heaviest bird overall, weighing up to 156 kilograms (343 pounds).
Published: Nov 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe jaguarundi, a peculiar wild cat resembling an otter more than a traditional feline, is often misidentified due to its name, which includes "jaguar." Scientifically classified as either _Herpailurus yagouaroundi_ or _Puma yagouaroundi_, it diverged from the puma lineage 4 to 7 million years ago. Characterized by its elongated body, short legs, and flat head, the jaguarundi is adept at swimming, often seen fishing in ponds. Despite its wide range across 19 countries from Mexico to northern Argentina, much about the species remains unknown, primarily due to challenges in research, such as their plain coats and low conservation priority. Currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, the jaguarundi faces threats from habitat loss and human conflict. As the IUCN prepares to reassess its status, conservationists argue that this unique species deserves greater attention and research.
Published: Nov 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNew research suggests that the violent mating practices of hadrosaurs, or duck-billed dinosaurs, may have led to injuries that could help paleontologists determine the sex of these ancient creatures. A study led by Professor Eileen Murphy from Queen’s University Belfast examined around 500 vertebrae from hadrosaurs across Eurasia and North America, revealing a consistent pattern of healed fractures in the upper tail region. The researchers ruled out predation and tail fighting as causes, concluding that these injuries likely resulted from males mounting females during copulation, applying intense pressure around the cloaca, where sexual organs are located. The presence of healed fractures indicates that these mating injuries were not fatal, suggesting that such rough sex did not significantly impact species survival. If the mating hypothesis is validated, it could allow scientists to identify female specimens, providing new insights into the differences between male and female dinosaurs.
Published: Nov 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA remarkable astronomical event has unfolded with the comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), which not only survived a perilous close encounter with the Sun on October 8 but also transformed from a green hue to a striking golden color. Initially considered the dimmest of three visible comets, K1 (ATLAS) was expected to disintegrate due to the Sun's intense heat, yet it emerged intact and brighter, reaching a magnitude of 9, making it observable with binoculars or small telescopes. This comet, originating from the Oort cloud, is noted for its unusual carbon-poor composition, with only two other known comets sharing similar characteristics. Astrophotographer Dan Bartlett captured its stunning appearance, showcasing a golden tail illuminated by sunlight. K1 (ATLAS) is set to make its closest approach to Earth on November 24, 2025, when it will be visible from the Northern Hemisphere, near Ursa Major.
Published: Nov 04 2025, 11 pmeznews.inWhile the Big Bang model remains the dominant explanation for the universe's origins, alternative theories continue to intrigue cosmologists. The Big Bang was supported by the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson in 1964, which earned them a Nobel Prize. However, historical perspectives included the notion of a static universe, which was prevalent before Edwin Hubble's observations of distant galaxies. Among the alternatives are the "Big Bounce" theory, suggesting a cyclical universe of expansions and contractions, and Roger Penrose's Conformal Cyclic Cosmology, which posits repeated cycles of universe creation without a big crunch. Another idea, eternal inflation, proposes that while some regions of the universe undergo rapid inflation, others develop into bubble universes with distinct physical laws. Despite their appeal, these theories currently lack robust evidence, leaving the Big Bang and inflation as the most substantiated models of cosmic evolution.
Published: Nov 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAstronomers studying interstellar object 3I/ATLAS have observed unexpected changes as it nears perihelion, including a second color shift and signs of non-gravitational acceleration. Initially spotted on July 1, 2023, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, this comet has been confirmed as the third interstellar visitor to our Solar System, following 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Recent observations indicate that 3I/ATLAS has brightened significantly, now visible with small telescopes, and exhibits a distinctly bluer hue. The comet's acceleration, measured at 1.36 astronomical units from the Sun, suggests it is losing mass due to outgassing, a typical cometary behavior. While some speculate about extraterrestrial origins, most astronomers dismiss these claims. As the comet continues its journey, further observations are anticipated to clarify its unusual characteristics and behavior, with the European Space Agency's Juice spacecraft poised to gather more data in November.
Published: Nov 04 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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