eznews.inMeet the Facetotectans, a group of enigmatic crustacean larvae that have puzzled biologists for centuries due to the absence of their adult form. Known as "y-larvae," these tiny marine creatures resemble juvenile barnacles and are often found clinging to ships and rocks. While barnacles are known for their sedentary lifestyles, some species exhibit parasitic behaviors, manipulating their hosts in bizarre ways. Recent research led by James Bernot from the University of Connecticut has confirmed that y-larvae are distantly related to barnacles and may also exhibit parasitic traits. When exposed to crustacean growth hormones, y-larvae transform into slug-like forms, suggesting a potential parasitic lifestyle, though their specific hosts remain unknown. The study aims to construct an evolutionary tree of barnacles to better understand the diverse adaptations within this ancient group, which has thrived for hundreds of millions of years. The findings are published in Current Biology. 
Published: Sep 18 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe 2025 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition has unveiled stunning images that celebrate the beauty and complexity of marine life. Notably, Yifan Ling's striking photograph of a juvenile Bigg's orca hunting a harbour seal earned him second place in the wildlife category, showcasing the Salish Sea's thriving ecosystem. The overall winner, Yury Ivanov, captured two tiny "ladybugs of the sea" on coral, highlighting the intricate details of underwater life. Third place went to Théo Maynier, whose poignant image of an octopus guarding its eggs in Martinique underscores the species' vulnerability due to overfishing, while also symbolizing hope through marine conservation efforts. The competition, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, emphasizes the diverse and often overlooked wonders of the ocean, inviting viewers to appreciate both its grandeur and fragility. For a complete list of finalists, visit the Oceanographic Magazine website.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inTwelve years after a devastating volcanic eruption nearly obliterated life on Nishinoshima, a remote Pacific island, scientists are investigating how plant life has remarkably rebounded. The island, located about 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, has experienced several eruptions since the 1970s, with a significant event beginning in November 2013 that created a new landmass from cooling lava. Despite the destruction of nearly all fauna, researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered common purslane (_Portulaca oleracea_) thriving on the island in 2019, just before another eruption. Genetic analysis revealed that these plants are closely related to those on nearby Chichijima but exhibit a loss of genetic diversity due to the "founder effect," indicating they originated from a small number of seeds. The study raises questions about how these seeds reached the island, as they are small and buoyant enough to travel via ocean currents or birds. The future of this fragile ecosystem remains uncertain amid ongoing volcanic activity.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe perennial debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza has sparked renewed interest, with a recent IFLScience poll revealing a split 50/50 opinion among staff. Advocates argue that the sweet and tart flavors of pineapple enhance the savory elements of pizza, supported by flavor chemistry that suggests such combinations can be both complementary and contrasting. Nutritionally, pineapple adds vitamins and antioxidants, making it a colorful topping choice. However, critics highlight potential downsides, including the enzyme bromelain, which can irritate the mouth, and the sugar content that may concern health-conscious diners. Traditionalists, particularly in Italy, staunchly oppose pineapple on pizza, viewing it as a culinary faux pas. Ultimately, the debate remains unresolved, with both sides presenting compelling arguments, leaving pizza lovers to explore their own preferences—perhaps even experimenting with unconventional toppings like raspberries.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 5 ameznews.inForget the wheel or the Internet; cake may be one of humanity's greatest inventions, with a history spanning thousands of years. The world’s oldest known cake, dating back approximately 4,200 years, consists of two wheat flatbreads filled with milk, honey, and sesame, making it more cake-like than bread-like. Remarkably preserved, this ancient treat was discovered in the tomb of Pepyankh the Middle, a vizier from the reign of Pepi II in ancient Egypt. The cake's longevity is attributed to its unique baking method, which involved sealing the dough in pre-heated copper molds, creating a vacuum that helped preserve it. Baked for the afterlife, such cakes symbolized renewal and provided sustenance for the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, ensuring that Pepyankh would not be left with a moldy snack. This extraordinary preservation highlights the skill of ancient bakers and the cultural significance of cake in history.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe blobfish, often dubbed the world's ugliest creature, has gained notoriety for its unappealing appearance, likened to a grumpy, melted Pokémon. The infamous "Mr Blobby," a specimen collected during the 2003 NORFANZ expedition off New Zealand, became the face of the blobfish after winning an online poll in 2013, earning the title of mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. However, this perception is misleading; blobfish (_Psychrolutes marcidus_) appear quite normal in their natural deep-sea habitat, residing at depths of 600 to 1,200 meters. Their gelatinous, blob-like form is a result of decompression damage when brought to the surface, as they lack a swim bladder and are adapted to extreme pressure. Mr Blobby now resides in a jar of alcohol at the Australian Museum, a testament to his legacy as the poster fish for unconventional beauty.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe hadal zone, located over 6,000 meters beneath the ocean's surface, is one of Earth's most extreme environments, characterized by crushing pressure that would be fatal to humans. Despite these harsh conditions, various species, such as the resilient snailfish, thrive by adapting to the immense pressure. Unlike humans, who are filled with air, these fish are primarily composed of water and jelly-like substances, allowing them to maintain a balanced pressure gradient. To survive, they utilize trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which stabilizes water molecules and protects proteins from distortion under pressure. Research indicates that fish living below 3,000 meters often possess a genetic mutation in the _rft1_ gene, enhancing their ability to cope with high-pressure environments. These adaptations enable deep-sea creatures to flourish, although they struggle to survive when brought to the surface, as exemplified by the blobfish, which appears miserable outside its natural habitat.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 1 ameznews.inSkywatchers are in for a treat this October, as two comets are currently visible, with one, Comet 2025/A6 (Lemmon), brightening enough to potentially be seen with the naked eye in the coming weeks. Discovered in January, A6 Lemmon has dramatically increased in brightness since mid-August and is expected to reach magnitude 3.9 by its closest approach to Earth on October 21, making it visible in the western sky shortly after sunset. While there is optimism surrounding A6 Lemmon, historical caution remains, as many comets have failed to meet brightness expectations. Meanwhile, another comet, R2 (SWAN), is currently outshining A6 Lemmon and boasts a striking tail, although its future brightness remains uncertain. Additionally, the interstellar comet 3I (ATLAS) will make its closest approach on October 29, but is unlikely to be visible without advanced telescopes.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNASA has reached a significant milestone in the search for exoplanets, confirming a total of 6,000 such celestial bodies beyond our solar system. The journey of exoplanet discovery began in the 20th century, with the first confirmed detection occurring in 1992, when astronomers identified planets orbiting the pulsar PSR1257 + 12. The first exoplanet around a Sun-like star was discovered in 1995. Since then, advancements in telescope technology, particularly through missions like Kepler and TESS, have accelerated discoveries, with the 5,000 mark only being surpassed three years ago. NASA's acting director of the Astrophysics Division, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, emphasized that this achievement reshapes humanity's understanding of the cosmos. Looking ahead, NASA plans to utilize the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to focus on rocky planets similar to Earth, aiming to explore their atmospheres for potential signs of life.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn Peru's Madre de Dios region, wildlife is facing increasing challenges due to logging roads that fragment their forest habitat, isolating species such as red howler monkeys and tamarins. To address this issue, WWF Peru and HP Inc. have initiated a project to install nearly 20 canopy bridges, designed to facilitate wildlife movement across the 202,000-hectare forest. These bridges come in various designs, including braided ropes and PVC piping, tailored to the preferences of different species. Research by WWF's Vania Tejeda indicates that kinkajous favor x-shaped bridges, while monkeys prefer those with mesh netting. The project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of these structures as a cost-efficient solution for wildlife connectivity, costing around $200 each compared to traditional overpasses. Additionally, the bridges play a crucial role in forest regeneration by enabling species to disperse seeds, thereby supporting the ecosystem's health.
Published: Sep 18 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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