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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered the first-ever fossilized stomach contents of a sauropod, specifically a _Diamantinasaurus matildae_, dating back 94 to 101 million years. Excavated in 2017 in Queensland, Australia, the specimen revealed a cololite containing layers of plant fossils, confirming that these massive dinosaurs were herbivores. The findings suggest that sauropods relied on fermentation and gut microbes to digest food without chewing, similar to modern-day hindgut fermenters like elephants. Lead author Stephen Poropat noted that the heat generated from this digestive process could have influenced their anatomy, with long necks and tails potentially serving to dissipate heat. This discovery not only sheds light on the dietary habits of sauropods but also highlights their role as ecosystem engineers throughout their lives, impacting plant evolution and environmental dynamics. The study is published in *Current Biology*. 
Published: Jun 09 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2001, French snowboarder Marco Siffredi made history by becoming the first person to snowboard down Mount Everest after summiting the peak at 8,848 meters. Initially planning to descend via the Hornbein Couloir, he switched to the Norton Couloir due to insufficient snow. Siffredi's record was later challenged by Stefan Gatt, who reached the summit first but had to complete part of his descent on foot due to poor conditions. In 2002, Siffredi returned to attempt the Hornbein Couloir, known for its steep slopes of 45 to 55 degrees. Despite warnings from his team of sherpas about deteriorating weather, he began his descent late in the day with one oxygen tank. He was never seen again, and while avalanches and sheer drops posed significant risks, his body has never been recovered. Over 310 climbers have died on Everest, making it the mountain with the highest absolute death count, though its popularity skews fatality rates.
Published: Jun 06 2025, 12 ameznews.inAcross the globe, peculiar geological formations known as cannonball concretions are captivating observers with their egg-like appearance. Found in locations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and Rock City in Kansas, these spherical stones form when mineral-rich water seeps into rock layers, binding sediment around a solid nucleus over time. Erosion can reveal these hidden formations, leading to their discovery. In New Zealand, the Moeraki Boulders, smooth rocks steeped in Māori legend, are another example of such natural phenomena, formed through a different process. A particularly intriguing site in China's Guizhou province features a rockface that reportedly "lays" a new concretion every 30 years, a phenomenon attributed to the region's unique geology and climate. These formations, often surrounded by myth, highlight the fascinating interplay between nature and time.
Published: Jun 07 2025, 4 ameznews.inResearchers have sequenced the sex chromosomes of non-human primates, revealing that the male-specific Y chromosome is evolving significantly faster than the largely static X chromosome. The study, which included complete genomes from five great apes and one lesser ape, found that while over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences align with the human X, only 14 to 27% of ape Y chromosomes match the human version, indicating rapid evolutionary changes. The Y chromosome is shrinking due to limited genetic exchange, leading to mutations and gene loss. However, certain genes are protected by mechanisms such as palindromic sequences, which act as backups, suggesting the Y chromosome is unlikely to vanish completely. This research highlights the dynamic nature of the Y chromosome and its critical role in male existence, countering previous beliefs about its potential extinction. The findings were published in the journal *Nature*.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 6 pmeznews.inOn December 24, 2024, NASA's Parker Solar Probe achieved a record-breaking speed of 692,000 kilometers per hour (430,000 miles per hour) during its closest approach to the Sun, surpassing its previous record of 635,266 kilometers per hour set in 2023. At this astonishing velocity, the probe could traverse the United States from coast to coast in just 23.4 seconds. In contrast, the fastest speed ever reached by humans is 39,937.7 kilometers per hour (24,816.1 miles per hour), a record set during the Apollo 10 mission on May 26, 1969, when astronauts Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan conducted a "dress rehearsal" for the Moon landing. This speed was achieved during reentry, approximately 121.9 kilometers (75.7 miles) above Earth. Despite advancements in space exploration, this human speed record remains unbroken, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of robotic missions like the Parker Solar Probe.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inScientists have confirmed a remarkable phenomenon involving the nematode worm _Caenorhabditis elegans_, which forms coordinated towers in nature, functioning as a superorganism. This discovery, made by researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, marks the first documentation of such behavior occurring in the wild, as previous observations were limited to artificial settings. The towers, composed exclusively of worms in the dauer larval stage, can respond to touch and attach to passing objects, enabling them to bridge gaps that individual worms cannot cross. The team successfully recreated these towers in laboratory conditions, revealing their ability to stick together and perform complex tasks. Future research will explore the evolutionary and ecological implications of this behavior, including the dynamics of cooperation versus competition among worms. The findings, published in *Current Biology*, highlight the potential for further investigation into the social behaviors of this model organism.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inSince the extinction of the dinosaurs, mammals have flourished, with the blue whale reigning as the largest mammal and the heaviest animal ever, reaching lengths of 30 meters and weights of up to 200 tons. On land, the African elephant holds the title of the largest living mammal, measuring 7 meters long and weighing between 4 to 7 tonnes. However, the extinct _Paraceratherium_, a hornless rhino from the Oligocene epoch, is believed to be the largest land mammal ever, with estimates suggesting it could reach 7.4 meters in length and weigh around 17 tonnes. Recent discoveries, including a new species, _Paraceratherium linxiaense_, have added to the intrigue, although debates persist regarding the size of other contenders like the straight-tusked elephant _Palaeoloxodon_ and Borson’s mastodon. Despite these discussions, none of these mammals can compare to the colossal dinosaur _Patagotitan mayorum_, which dwarfed them at 37 meters long.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 4 ameznews.inWhile many pet owners wish for their animals to live forever, only a select few achieve extraordinary lifespans. Among the longest-living cats is Creme Puff, a mixed tabby from Austin, Texas, who lived an impressive 38 years and 3 days, earning her the title of the oldest cat ever recorded by Guinness World Records. Her owner, Jake Perry, also had the previous record-holder, Grandpa Rex Allen, who lived to 34. Perry attributed their longevity to a unique diet that included home-cooked meals and even red wine. Currently, the title of the world's oldest living cat belongs to Flossie, a 27-year-old feline from England, whose age was only confirmed through veterinary records. However, competition arises from Millie, a cat claimed to be 30 years old, though her age remains unverified due to lack of documentation.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inFollowing the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible during its expedition to the Titanic wreck, the US Coast Guard is investigating the incident, amidst rampant online speculation about the circumstances of the crew's deaths. A viral video on TikTok and Twitter inaccurately claims that the implosion would have generated temperatures as high as the Sun's surface, suggesting a horrific demise for the five occupants. Experts, however, have debunked this notion, clarifying that while implosions do produce heat, the temperatures inside the sub would not reach the extreme levels suggested. Jasper Graham-Jones, a marine engineering associate professor, noted that any heat generated would be negligible and unmeasurable in the surrounding cold water. Arun Bansil, a physics professor, emphasized that the crew would have died instantly due to the violent nature of the implosion, experiencing no pain or awareness of the event.
Published: Jun 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inA team of researchers has presented compelling statistical evidence suggesting the existence of a ninth planet, dubbed "Planet 9," in our solar system. Their study focused on a group of distant, unstable objects that cross Neptune's orbit, revealing that their orbits are best explained by the gravitational influence of a massive, unseen planet beyond Neptune. This follows earlier claims from 2015, which proposed that similar objects were being "herded" by a large gravitational force. The researchers conducted simulations that indicated the presence of Planet 9 significantly improved the accuracy of orbital predictions compared to models without it. While the study does not pinpoint the location of this elusive planet, the team anticipates that the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory will provide further insights into the dynamics of our solar system's outer regions. The findings have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Published: Jun 08 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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