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At a recent physics conference, researchers reported the detection of gravitational waves from the largest known black hole merger, designated GW231123. This event involved a black hole of 103 solar masses merging with another of 137 solar masses, resulting in a combined mass of 225 solar masses, surpassing theoretical expectations and raising questions about black hole formation. The missing 15 solar masses were converted into energy, including the gravitational wave signal. The event's distance remains uncertain, estimated between 700 million and 4.1 billion light years. Professor Mark Hannam from Cardiff University noted that such massive black holes challenge existing stellar evolution models. The black holes also exhibited rapid spins, complicating detection and interpretation. GW231123 was identified during the fourth observing run of the LIGO, VIRGO, and KAGRA detectors, with findings presented at the GR-Amaldi conference in Glasgow, where a unique dance was choreographed to celebrate the discovery. 
Published: Jul 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study reveals that ant-eating mammals, known as myrmecophages, have evolved independently 12 times since the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. This dietary specialization emerged following the K-Pg extinction event, which allowed ant and termite populations to flourish, prompting various mammal species to adapt to this abundant food source. Researchers analyzed dietary data from over 4,000 mammal species, identifying 20 obligate ant and termite eaters, including anteaters and aardvarks. The study highlights that myrmecophagy evolved across all major mammal groups, with insectivorous ancestors making the transition more frequently than carnivorous ones. Interestingly, few myrmecophagous species have reverted to more general diets, with the exception of the elephant shrew. While this specialization may provide advantages as social insects dominate ecosystems, it also risks creating evolutionary dead ends for these mammals, particularly in the face of climate change. The findings are published in the journal *Evolution*.
Published: Jul 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inA recent social media trend has revealed that only a select group of individuals can produce a unique sound in their ears, known as "ear rumbling," a phenomenon linked to the voluntary control of the tensor tympani muscle. This muscle, which dampens loud noises, can be contracted to create a rumbling sound, often likened to distant thunder. While this ability has been recognized since at least 1884, many were unaware that it was not universally experienced. Enthusiasts have formed a subreddit, "Ear Rumblers Assemble," where they share experiences and tips, such as using facial contortions to trigger the sound. For those unable to produce the sound voluntarily, simulating it can be achieved by contracting nearby muscles, like a clenched fist. This quirky discovery adds to a growing list of intriguing human body phenomena, following revelations about the absence of internal monologues in some individuals.
Published: Jul 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inHumans only confirmed the existence of other galaxies about a century ago, thanks to Edwin Hubble's discovery of Cepheid variables in Andromeda, which allowed for distance measurement. Since then, advancements in astronomical technology have revealed that there are approximately 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe. Notably, Andromeda is on a collision course with the Milky Way, expected to occur in about 4 billion years at a speed of 250,000 mph. A recent, yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study utilizing data from the Gaia and Hubble space telescopes has examined the dynamics of the Local Group of galaxies, highlighting uncertainties that could significantly impact the likelihood of a merger. The researchers found that while the inclusion of nearby galaxies increases merger probabilities, other factors could reduce them, suggesting a nearly 50% chance that the Milky Way and Andromeda may not collide in the next 10 billion years. Further observations are needed to clarify these predictions.
Published: Jul 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals that despite the ubiquitous presence of the letter "g," many people struggle to recognize its two distinct forms, particularly the "looptail" g commonly found in print. Researchers conducted experiments with 38 volunteers, who were asked to identify letters with multiple printed forms. The results were striking: most participants failed to recall the looptail g, with only two able to write it accurately. When scanning text for the looptail g, only one participant could reproduce it correctly, while half defaulted to the more familiar open tail g. Furthermore, in a task to identify the letter among similar shapes, only seven out of 25 participants succeeded. The study suggests that the lack of formal instruction in writing the looptail g may hinder recognition, raising concerns about the reading skills of children raised in a digital environment. The findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception & Performance.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAstronomers have discovered that our galaxy, along with 400 others, is being pulled towards an unseen entity known as the Great Attractor, located in a region of space obscured by cosmic dust and the Milky Way's galactic plane. This phenomenon was first hinted at in 1929 when Edwin Hubble established that galaxies are moving away from us, supporting the expanding universe theory. Recent studies suggest that the Milky Way is part of the Virgo Supercluster, which is likely within an even larger structure containing around 100,000 galaxies, termed the Laniakea Supercluster. The Great Attractor serves as a central gravitational point for our local area of the universe, although the ongoing expansion will eventually isolate galaxies from this cluster. Despite its ominous name, the Great Attractor is not a cause for concern but rather a destination for our galaxy and its neighbors.
Published: Jul 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPhysicists have made a groundbreaking observation of the Transverse Thomson Effect, a phenomenon theorized over 174 years ago. This effect, related to the Seebeck effect, involves the interaction of temperature gradients and electrical currents, potentially enhancing temperature management in various applications. The research team from two Japanese institutes utilized a bismuth-antimony semimetal, applying a current, temperature gradient, and magnetic field at right angles to each other. Their findings revealed that the Transverse Thomson Effect can induce uniform heating or cooling across the material, with the ability to reverse these changes by altering the magnetic field direction. Although the effect is currently estimated to be about 15% as strong as the original Thomson Effect discovered by Lord Kelvin, researchers believe it could be amplified in other materials. The study, published in *Nature Physics*, offers new insights that may aid in the ongoing search for dark matter.
Published: Jul 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered the first known trilobite fossil from Roman times at a 2,000-year-old settlement in Galicia, Spain. Discovered in a refuse heap linked to a high-status household, the fossil, dating back over 450 million years, appears to have been intentionally modified for use as a magical pendant or bracelet, likely intended to protect its wearer. The trilobite, sourced from central Iberia, may have been transported to Galicia by traders. Researchers suggest that the modifications on the fossil indicate its use as an amulet, a practice supported by historical evidence of trilobites being used as talismans in other cultures. Alternatively, the fossil could have served as a game piece in ancient Roman board games. This find highlights the Romans' fascination with prehistoric remains, as exemplified by Emperor Augustus, who is known to have collected fossils. The study is published in *Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences*.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn Utah's Fishlake National Forest, a colossal organism known as Pando, meaning "I spread," spans 42.6 hectares (105.3 acres) and consists of approximately 47,000 genetically identical quaking aspen stems (_Populus tremuloides_). Recent genetic analysis suggests Pando could be between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Researchers, intrigued by the genetic variations among its clones, found 4,000 unique mutations, revealing a complex relationship between proximity and genetic diversity. Despite expectations, the genetic similarities among nearby stems were weaker than anticipated, indicating a mosaic of mutations across Pando. The organism's triploid nature, with three chromosome copies, allows for asexual reproduction, potentially contributing to its longevity. As scientists continue to study Pando, they hope to uncover more about the secrets of its remarkable lifespan, which dwarfs even the Roman Empire in age.
Published: Jul 20 2025, 12 ameznews.inA hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park has created a new pool of chalk blue water, measuring approximately 4 meters in diameter and reaching temperatures of 43°C (109°F). Discovered by USGS geologists in April 2025 within the Norris Geyser Basin, the site is noted for its intense geothermal activity. The explosion, which likely occurred on Christmas Day 2024, was evidenced by scattered rocks and fine dust around the rim of the new hole, indicating a violent release of pressure from superheated water beneath the surface. Satellite imagery revealed no visible feature as of December 19, 2024, but by early January 2025, a depression had formed, eventually filling with water. Acoustic signals detected in the area suggest ongoing geological activity, although no significant seismic events accompanied the initial explosion, highlighting the dynamic nature of Yellowstone's geothermal landscape.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA new study from physicists at The University of Arizona suggests that some asteroids, particularly 33 Polyhymnia, may contain heavy elements beyond the current periodic table, classified as Compact Ultradense Objects (CUDOs). These asteroids exhibit mass densities exceeding that of osmium, the densest naturally occurring element. The researchers employed the relativistic Thomas-Fermi model to predict the properties of elements with atomic numbers above 110, theorizing that superheavy elements could exist in the cores of dense asteroids. While stable superheavy elements have yet to be discovered, the team posits that those near atomic number 164 could account for the high mass density observed in Polyhymnia. This research opens up intriguing possibilities for space mining and the existence of previously unobserved elements within our Solar System, sparking interest among physicists and tech enthusiasts alike. The findings were published in The European Physical Journal Plus.
Published: Jul 19 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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