eznews.inFossils of hominin foot bones, dating back 3.4 million years and discovered in Ethiopia, have been linked to a newly identified species, _Australopithecus deyiremeda_. This finding adds to the growing evidence that multiple hominin species coexisted during this period, complicating the narrative of human evolution. Initially, the famous fossil known as Lucy, classified as _Australopithecus afarensis_, was thought to represent a direct ancestor of modern humans. However, the discovery of the Burtele foot, which exhibits features more akin to earlier tree-dwelling apes, suggests a more complex evolutionary landscape. Researchers, including Professor Yohannes Haile-Selassie, noted that _A. deyiremeda_ likely occupied a different ecological niche, primarily consuming fruits and nuts, while _A. afarensis_ adapted to a mixed diet. This raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary relationships between these species and their potential roles in the human lineage. The study is published in *Nature*. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inPsychological research reveals a phenomenon known as the "left-cheek bias," where individuals tend to present their left cheek more prominently in portraits and selfies, a trend dating back to the 1970s. Initial studies by Christopher McManus and Nicholas Humphrey analyzed 1,474 European portraits, finding a significant 60% preference for left-side exposure. Subsequent research, including a 2015 study, confirmed this bias in selfies, while mirror selfies showed a right-cheek preference. The reasons behind this bias remain debated, with theories suggesting that the left side of the face may express more emotion or be perceived as more attractive. Gender differences in this bias are inconclusive, and context also plays a role, as seen in variations among different professional fields. As selfie culture continues to thrive, the left-cheek bias remains a fascinating aspect of human behavior, prompting ongoing psychological exploration.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inAs winter sets in, a new trend has emerged where people are airing their duvets outside in the cold, particularly in colder regions like Scandinavia. Proponents claim this practice refreshes bedding and may enhance sleep quality by reducing moisture trapped in linens. However, experts express skepticism about its effectiveness. While airing can help eliminate some moisture, it does not significantly kill bacteria or dust mites, as freezing temperatures do not eradicate most common bacteria. Additionally, bedding left outside can absorb pollen, potentially worsening allergies. The consensus among experts is that regular washing at high temperatures remains the most effective method for maintaining clean bedding. Although airing duvets outside may be environmentally friendly and provide some benefits, it should not replace traditional laundering practices for optimal hygiene and comfort.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inEyelid twitching, often depicted in cartoons as a sign of stress or madness, is medically known as "myokymia" and is a common, usually harmless condition. Triggered by factors such as fatigue, stress, or excessive caffeine, these twitches can occur multiple times a day and may affect either eyelid. Experts recommend rest and reducing caffeine intake as effective remedies. While myokymia is typically benign, another condition called benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) remains less understood, with potential links to brain function. Other triggers include alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and eye strain, but hormonal changes related to menopause are not directly linked to eyelid twitching. In rare cases, twitching may indicate more serious health issues, such as Parkinson's disease or brain tumors, but these usually present additional symptoms. If twitching persists or is accompanied by other signs, medical advice should be sought.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNeuroscientists have identified five distinct epochs in human brain development, echoing Shakespeare's poetic division of life into ages. Analyzing brain scans from nearly 4,000 individuals, researchers pinpointed four significant turning points at ages 9, 32, 66, and 83, marking crucial shifts in brain structure and function. The first turning point at age 9 signals the onset of adolescence, characterized by increased white matter and refined cognitive abilities, albeit with heightened mental health risks. By age 32, the brain reaches a peak in structural maturity, while the longest phase, spanning from 32 to 66, sees the stabilization of intelligence and personality. At 66, brain networks begin to reorganize, and by 83, connectivity declines, leading to more isolated brain regions. This research, published in *Nature Communications*, enhances our understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders linked to brain wiring changes throughout life.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 3 ameznews.inMars is set to join an exclusive group of planets known to exhibit lightning, previously limited to Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Researchers have uncovered audio evidence of electrical discharges on the Red Planet, recorded by the SuperCam microphone on NASA's Perseverance rover. Over two Martian years, the rover captured 55 events linked to dust devils and convective fronts during periods of strong winds. While these discharges differ from Earth’s thunderstorms, they indicate an electrically active Martian atmosphere, driven by triboelectric charging from airborne dust. This phenomenon could influence the planet's chemical conditions, potentially affecting the preservation of organic materials and the overall habitability of Mars. Furthermore, these electrical events pose risks to equipment and future astronauts, highlighting the need for specialized instruments to further investigate these atmospheric dynamics. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inWater freezes at 0°C (32°F), forming a regular crystalline structure as its molecules cluster into hexagonal patterns. In contrast, oils, which are non-polar and hydrophobic, do not freeze in the same manner. When cooled, oils become more viscous but do not form neat crystals like water. Instead, they consist of long-chain lipid molecules that hinder regular crystallization, although some oils, like cocoa butter, can solidify at higher temperatures (34°C or 93.2°F). While oils can appear solid at low temperatures, they lack a defined freezing point, similar to glass. This characteristic is beneficial for vehicles, as oils do not freeze like water; however, their increased viscosity at low temperatures can impede engine lubrication, leading to potential wear during startup, according to motor oil manufacturer Valvoline.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable feat of ancient science, Eratosthenes of Cyrene calculated the Earth's circumference around 240 BCE, using only a stick and observations of shadows. Despite the modern resurgence of flat-Earth beliefs, Eratosthenes' work demonstrated the Earth's spherical nature, a concept widely accepted in his time. He noted that on June 21, sunlight reached the bottom of a well in Syene, while in Alexandria, shadows were longer, indicating a 7° angle difference. By measuring the distance between the two cities, he estimated the Earth's circumference to be approximately 250,000 stadia, accurate to within 1.4 percent of the actual figure. Although some assumptions were flawed, such as the cities not being on the same meridian, his method remains a testament to the ingenuity of ancient scholars, showcasing how simple tools can yield profound insights into our planet's dimensions.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn the icy expanse of Antarctica, gentoo penguins navigate extreme conditions while engaging in unique courtship rituals centered around pebble collection. Males select a nesting site and gather pebbles to attract females; if successful, the pair collaborates to build a nest that can reach up to 20 centimeters tall and 25 centimeters wide. These nests, primarily made of pebbles, provide insulation for eggs and hatchlings, which typically emerge after about 35 days. Interestingly, both gentoo and Adélie penguins sometimes pilfer pebbles from each other's nests, leading to playful disputes. This nesting behavior has even been mirrored in captivity, as seen at Edinburgh Zoo, where penguins return to their chosen nests year after year. The concept of "pebbling" has also inspired a trend in human social media, where the term is used to describe sharing thoughtful gestures with friends.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 8 pmeznews.inCuttlefish, renowned for their remarkable polarization vision, possess a unique W-shaped pupil that has intrigued scientists for years. Initially thought to serve as camouflage or aid in distance perception, a 2012 study revealed that this distinctive pupil shape only appears in bright light, expanding into a circular form in dim conditions. This adaptation helps cuttlefish navigate their shallow aquatic habitats, where light intensity varies significantly. The W-shaped pupil reduces glare from sunlight, creating a more uniform visual field that enhances their ability to detect predators and prey lurking in darker areas. Researchers concluded that this pupil shape not only improves contrast sensitivity but may also provide camouflage and assist in focusing on objects at varying distances. While cuttlefish eyes are certainly unusual, they are part of a broader spectrum of diverse ocular adaptations found across the animal kingdom.
Published: Nov 26 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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