eznews.inThe title of the world's largest rock is contested, primarily between Uluru and Mount Augustus in Australia. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sandstone monolith that rises 348 meters (1,142 feet) and spans 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles) around its base, making it an iconic symbol of Central Australia. Formed around 550 million years ago from seabed deposits, Uluru's distinct shape emerged through erosion. In contrast, Mount Augustus, located over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of Perth, stands at 860 meters (2,820 feet) and covers 4,795 hectares (11,850 acres), making it the world's largest monocline—a geological structure formed by folded layers of rock. While Uluru is a more uniform monolith, Mount Augustus's complexity disqualifies it from being a simple "rock." Additionally, the largest freestanding boulder, Giant Rock in California, measures 5,800 square feet and stands seven stories high, adding another layer to the debate. 
Published: Dec 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inNASA has appointed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as its new administrator, following a tumultuous nomination process influenced by his ties to the private space sector and Elon Musk. Initially nominated after the 2024 election, Isaacman's candidacy faced setbacks due to a feud between Musk and Donald Trump, leading to a temporary withdrawal of his nomination. However, he was renominated and confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 67-30. Isaacman aims to advance NASA's scientific programs, despite concerns over potential reductions in public investment and his past legal issues, including a brief arrest for fraud. The Trump administration's budget proposals threaten significant cuts to NASA's ambitious Moon landing plans, including the Lunar Gateway project. As Isaacman takes the helm, the agency's future and its role in space exploration remain uncertain amid ongoing ideological challenges.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a surprising revelation, dogs living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant have shown rapid evolutionary changes over the past 40 years, according to a recent study. Researchers found that these dogs exhibit distinct genetic differences compared to their counterparts in less radioactive areas, suggesting a unique adaptation to their harsh environment. Elaine Ostrander, a geneticist involved in the study, noted that the DNA profiles of these dogs allow for their identification as a separate population. While the specific health implications of these genetic variations remain unclear, other species in the area, such as wolves and tree frogs, have also shown signs of adaptation, including potential cancer resistance and darker pigmentation, respectively. The study highlights how environmental changes, particularly radiation exposure, can drive swift evolutionary processes, although the exact mechanisms behind these adaptations require further investigation.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 ameznews.inEarth is a dynamic planet, constantly reshaped by tectonic movements, as illustrated by a new study from Australian and Chinese geologists. They have created a one-minute video showcasing the movement of Earth's tectonic plates over the past 1.8 billion years, beginning with the present-day continents and tracing back to the formation of supercontinents like Pangaea and Rodinia. Contrary to the notion of a "boring billion" years of geological stability, the study suggests this period was marked by significant tectonic activity. Looking ahead, Africa's Great Rift could eventually split the continent in two, potentially forming a new ocean in 5 to 10 million years. Furthermore, projections indicate that a new supercontinent may emerge in about 200 million years, with scenarios including "Amasia," where continents cluster around the North Pole, or "Aurica," where they gather at the equator. The findings are detailed in the journal Geoscience Frontiers.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 3 ameznews.inAs Christmas approaches, the festive spirit often overshadows the darker aspects of the season, particularly in Central European folklore where the figure of Krampus emerges. This half-goat, half-demon creature serves as a counterbalance to Saint Nicholas, punishing misbehaving children on December 6, known as Krampusnacht. While good children receive gifts from Santa, those deemed naughty face Krampus's wrath, which includes a birch stick and the threat of being taken away in his sack. The legend, rooted in pre-Christian pagan traditions, has evolved over centuries, intertwining with Christian practices. Cultural anthropologist Deborah Hyde notes that Krampus symbolizes the chaotic elements of winter festivities, contrasting with the purity associated with Santa Claus. This duality reflects broader philosophical themes, suggesting that while Christmas embodies peace and generosity, it also acknowledges the lurking presence of darkness and chaos.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAstronomers at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland have captured a rare flash of light on the Moon, caused by a small object crashing into its surface. The event occurred at 03:09 am UTC on December 12, 2025, and was observed live by PhD student Andrew Marshall-Lee using the Armagh Robotic Telescope. The impact, likely linked to the ongoing Geminid meteor shower, involved a meteoroid approximately the size of a golf ball striking the Moon at speeds around 35 km/s, resulting in a brief but intense burst of light. This marks the first recorded lunar impact flash from Ireland and only the second in the British Isles. The object is thought to be associated with the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which sheds debris that can collide with the Moon, as the lunar surface lacks an atmosphere to mitigate such impacts. Further observations may reveal more collisions during the meteor shower's peak.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNASA has unveiled a timelapse video showcasing the Perseverance rover's record-breaking drive on Mars, as engineers confirm its operational lifespan could extend until at least 2031. Launched in July 2020 and landing in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, Perseverance's primary mission is to search for signs of ancient microbial life and collect samples for future return to Earth. The rover has achieved significant milestones, including producing oxygen and discovering potential biosignatures in Martian mudstone. Utilizing advanced autonomous navigation systems, known as ENav, Perseverance has completed over 90% of its journeys independently, allowing it to traverse challenging terrains more efficiently than previous rovers. On its 1,540th Martian day, the rover covered 1,350.7 feet (411.7 meters), surpassing its previous record. NASA's tests indicate that Perseverance remains in excellent condition, ready for further exploration of Mars.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable discovery on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, researchers have found that bees used hollowed-out tooth sockets in fossilized skulls as nesting sites, marking the first known instance of this behavior. The findings, which date back to the late Quaternary period, emerged from a cave system rich in limestone, where tens of thousands of fossils, including rare species of rodents, sloths, and new bird and lizard species, were unearthed. Lead author Lazaro Viñola López noted that the unexpected bee nests, resembling modern mud structures, were initially mistaken for dirt. CT scans revealed these cavities contained pollen grains, suggesting they provided a safe environment for developing bees against predators. While the bees themselves were not preserved, the nests have been classified as _Osnidum almontei_. The ongoing research aims to document the cave's vertebrate diversity, which currently exceeds 50 species, including several new to science.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRecent insights reveal that the often-overlooked pinky toe plays a crucial role in human mobility and balance. While many regard it as a superfluous appendage, experts assert that the pinky toe contributes significantly to our ability to walk and run efficiently. Research indicates that shorter toes, including the pinky, enhance running efficiency by reducing energy expenditure, while sprinters may benefit from longer toes for short bursts of speed. Podiatrist Dr. Bruce Pinker emphasizes that the pinky toe aids in balance and propulsion, functioning as part of a "tripod" system alongside the big toe and heel. Although individuals can adapt to life without a pinky toe, its absence can lead to an altered gait and increased risk of falls. As awareness grows, it may be time to appreciate the vital functions of this small but significant digit.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 2 ameznews.inA remarkable discovery in Italy has reshaped our understanding of Neanderthal facial anatomy, particularly regarding their nasal cavity. Researchers studying the Altamura Man, a well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton embedded in rock, utilized endoscopic technology to digitally reconstruct the nasal cavity, revealing that it lacks previously hypothesized cold-adaptation features. Contrary to earlier beliefs that Neanderthals had specific structures to cope with cold climates, the findings indicate that their nasal cavity is largely similar to that of modern humans, devoid of unique traits once thought to be characteristic of the species. This revelation not only clarifies the anatomical features of Neanderthals but also resolves the paradox of their appearance, suggesting they had distinct adaptations for cold environments. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights that Neanderthals developed their own methods for managing airflow in cold climates, challenging long-held assumptions in palaeoanthropology.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 8 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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