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Iceland's government has lifted its summer 2023 suspension on commercial whaling, allowing hunting to resume under new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. Initially announced in June by Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir, the suspension followed a report highlighting the prolonged suffering of whales during hunts. The new rules permit hunting only within 25 meters of boats and prohibit killing whales accompanied by calves, while banning controversial methods like electrification. However, animal rights advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing that these measures do not address the inherent cruelty of whaling. Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute criticized the decision, asserting it would lead to unnecessary suffering for whales, while anti-whaling campaigner Luke McMillan dismissed the regulations as ineffective. Despite the resumption, there remains hope that Iceland may not renew the whaling permit for the last remaining company, Hvalur, in 2024. 
Published: Jun 23 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Vera C. Rubin Observatory has unveiled its first stunning images, showcasing the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae, captured by the world's largest digital camera. A mosaic of 678 images taken over seven hours reveals intricate details of these star-forming regions, located thousands of light-years away in the Milky Way. The observatory, named after pioneering astronomer Dr. Vera C. Rubin, aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, capturing more data than all previous optical telescopes combined. In its initial hours of operation, the observatory has already documented millions of galaxies and thousands of new asteroids. Future images will include breathtaking views of the Virgo Cluster, a group of at least 1,300 galaxies, highlighting their interactions through gas bridges. The observatory's camera captures a 3200-megapixel image every 40 seconds, promising to provide unprecedented insights into dark matter and dark energy. More images and insights are expected in a livestreamed event later today.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSnow, while often admired for its beauty, possesses a complex nature that can be both enchanting and destructive. Composed entirely of water, it manifests in various forms, from light and fluffy flakes to heavy, sticky clumps. Its appearance can also vary significantly, leading to the intriguing question of why snow sometimes appears blue. To explore this phenomenon, researchers at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, including Dr. Andrew Schwartz, provided insights, revealing their unique relationship with snow, which sometimes involves playful interactions. For those interested in delving deeper into such scientific inquiries, the latest episode of the "We Have Questions" podcast is available on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, offering listeners a chance to engage with the wonders of snow and its many mysteries.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs Thanksgiving approaches, many turkeys face an unfortunate fate at the dinner table, but the question arises: why don’t we eat turkey eggs? While wild turkey hens lay between nine to thirteen eggs every two weeks, the yield is not sufficient for commercial farming. In the U.S., approximately 2,500 turkey farms exist, yet turkey eggs are rarely seen in the market due to their lower production rate—taking about 32 hours to lay a single egg compared to a chicken's near-daily output. Additionally, turkeys take seven months to reach egg-laying maturity, making them less appealing to farmers. Although turkey eggs are edible and reportedly taste similar to chicken eggs, they are larger with tougher shells. Ultimately, the financial viability of raising turkeys for eggs pales in comparison to other poultry, leaving turkey eggs largely overlooked in the culinary world.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBoiling a penguin egg results in a strikingly translucent albumen that remains clear rather than turning white, a stark contrast to the familiar appearance of chicken eggs. While penguin eggs, particularly those from Gentoo penguins, have historically been consumed during Antarctic explorations, their collection is now illegal in many regions. Robert Headland from the Scott Polar Research Institute notes that Gentoo eggs are larger and have a thicker shell, with a yolk that is notably bright orange. The taste of boiled penguin eggs is described as somewhat fishy, attributed to their krill-rich diet, and they are often considered unappetizing unless enhanced with vinegar. However, they can be successfully used in dishes like pavlova, as demonstrated by Falkland Islands resident Donald Morrison. Overall, penguin eggs are a unique culinary curiosity, boiling clear and offering a distinct flavor profile.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe new COVID-19 variant, N.B.1.8.1, has been increasingly detected in the UK, with its prevalence rising from 3.97% of sequenced tests in late May, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This strain, which has been linked to symptoms such as cough, fatigue, and a notably severe sore throat dubbed "razor blade throat," is expected to spread further this summer. Although hospital admissions for COVID-19 remain low, there has been a slight increase in cases requiring hospitalization. The World Health Organization has noted that N.B.1.8.1 is growing rapidly compared to other variants, suggesting enhanced transmissibility. First identified in January 2025, the variant has since become dominant in regions like Hong Kong and China, and has been reported in several countries, including the US. Vaccination continues to offer effective protection against this emerging strain.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 4 ameznews.inIf you're looking to gauge your intellectual prowess without the time and expense of a full IQ test, the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) may be the answer. Developed by Yale Professor Shane Frederick in 2005, the CRT comprises three deceptively simple math questions designed to challenge your instinctive responses and encourage analytical thinking. The questions involve a bat and ball costing $1.10, the time it takes for machines to produce widgets, and the growth of lily pads in a lake. While the intuitive answers may seem correct, they often lead to mistakes; for instance, the ball costs 5 cents, not 10. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of students from elite institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and MIT answered all three questions correctly, highlighting the CRT's challenge and the importance of critical thinking over gut reactions.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 11 ameznews.inA recent study from MIT suggests that reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT for writing tasks may negatively impact cognitive function. The research, involving 54 college students, found that those using ChatGPT exhibited significantly lower neural activity—up to 55% less—compared to peers who wrote without AI assistance. Participants using AI struggled to recall their own work, indicating a superficial engagement with the material. Essays produced with ChatGPT were deemed technically proficient but criticized by English teachers for lacking depth and personal insight, described as "soulless." The study raises concerns about "cognitive debt," where over-reliance on AI could diminish critical thinking and creativity. As educational institutions consider integrating AI into classrooms, the findings highlight the need for a balanced approach that fosters essential cognitive skills alongside technological proficiency. The paper is currently available on arXiv, pending peer review.
Published: Jun 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAn unexpected nova, named V462 Lupi, has recently brightened dramatically in the night sky, becoming visible to the naked eye. Initially detected at a magnitude of 8.7, it has surged to 6.1, making it 11 times brighter and over 3 million times more luminous than its progenitor star. This classical nova, located in the Lupus constellation, is the result of a white dwarf star accumulating material from a companion star, leading to a sudden eruption of brightness. While astronomers have been anticipating the explosion of T Coronae Borealis, V462 Lupi's emergence offers a delightful surprise for stargazers. The nova can be seen across the Southern Hemisphere and up to 35 degrees latitude in the Northern Hemisphere, providing a unique opportunity for those south of North Carolina to witness this celestial event in the coming days.
Published: Jun 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA puzzling discovery at Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq, where Neanderthal remains were found alongside significant amounts of pollen, has sparked debate among scientists regarding ancient burial practices. Initially thought to indicate elaborate funerary rituals, recent research suggests that the pollen may have been deposited by nesting solitary bees rather than by humans or animals transporting flowers. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, highlights that the pollen mixture found around the grave is inconsistent with the idea of whole flowers being placed there, pointing instead to bees foraging from various plant species. While the "Flower Burial" hypothesis remains contentious, researchers argue that the true significance of the site lies in its unique cluster of Neanderthal burials, which may offer deeper insights into their spatial awareness and social behaviors, rather than the presence of flowers.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 12 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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