eznews.inThe reputation of dodo meat as foul-tasting may stem from a misunderstanding, according to Jan den Hengst, author of *The Dodo: The Bird That Drew the Short Straw*. While the dodo, or *Raphus cucullatus*, has been dubbed "wallowbird" due to claims of its unpalatable meat, Hengst's research into Dutch accounts from 1598 to 1602 suggests that the negative descriptions were misinterpreted. The terms "lothsome" and "fulsome" originated from an English translation of the Dutch phrase "de walgch," which more accurately describes nausea from overindulgence or toughness, rather than disgust. Historical records indicate that sailors salted leftover dodo meat for later consumption, implying it was not entirely undesirable. The toughness of the meat may have been due to the age of the birds, as dodos had no natural predators until humans arrived. As discussions of de-extinction continue, the dodo remains a symbol of lost culinary history. 
Published: Nov 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA rare case of bird flu has been confirmed in a resident of the South West of England, marking the first human infection with the H5N1 strain in the UK. The individual, who has had regular contact with infected birds, is reported to be in good health, and health authorities have assessed the risk to the public as very low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has traced all contacts of the infected person, who is currently self-isolating, and found no evidence of further transmission. Experts emphasize that while avian flu can occasionally jump to humans, such occurrences are extremely rare, with fewer than 1,000 cases globally since 2003. They advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds but stress that the current strain does not appear capable of efficient human-to-human transmission. Monitoring and preventive measures remain in place to address any potential risks.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) has reported the first human case of the H3N8 bird flu, involving a four-year-old boy from Henan province who fell ill earlier this month. The child developed symptoms on April 5 and was hospitalized on April 10, with tests confirming the H3N8 strain on April 24. While the virus is commonly found in animals such as horses and dogs, it has never been documented in humans before. Experts, including Erik Karlsson from the Institut Pasteur, express concern over potential mutations that could enhance the virus's ability to infect humans, although the NHC assesses the risk of a widespread outbreak as low, given that close contacts of the boy tested negative. The NHC advises the public to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and to maintain good hygiene practices, including wearing masks and seeking medical attention if unwell.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with Cambodian authorities to investigate two confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu, including the death of an 11-year-old girl, marking the first human case in Cambodia in nine years. Her father has also tested positive, raising concerns, although experts emphasize that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. Human infections are rare, typically occurring in individuals with direct contact with infected birds. WHO officials describe the situation as "worrying," particularly due to the virus's spread among birds and increasing reports of cases in mammals. Despite the alarming context, the risk to the general public remains low, with only eight human cases reported globally, all linked to bird contact. Antivirals and vaccines are available but would need updates to match the circulating strain. The WHO urges vigilance as it monitors the virus for potential mutations that could enable human transmission.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 11 pmeznews.inQuantum mechanics and general relativity, the cornerstones of 20th-century physics, have proven their accuracy but reveal limitations, particularly in understanding black holes and the Big Bang. The quest for a unified theory that reconciles quantum properties with gravity continues, with candidates like string theory and loop quantum gravity leading the charge. A recent preprint by researchers from MIT and the Kavli Institute explores the Hilbert space of quantum gravity, revealing that in a closed universe, this space is one-dimensional, suggesting the absence of an external observer. While the study does not definitively address the existence of a deity, it raises intriguing questions about the nature of existence within such a universe. Although it does not resolve the unification challenge, it may offer insights into black hole physics, with a notable footnote that has captured the attention of physicists, including Professor Brian Cox.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable turn of events, a human Go player has triumphed over the AI program KataGo, winning 14 out of 15 matches, despite the dominance of machine-learning algorithms in the game. This victory was facilitated by a team of researchers who developed AI "adversaries" to exploit KataGo's weaknesses, revealing that even advanced systems can have significant vulnerabilities. The strategy involved creating distractions on the board to trick the AI into making critical errors, leading to a staggering 97-99 percent success rate against KataGo. Kellin Pelrine, one of the researchers, successfully applied this strategy to defeat the AI without further assistance. The study highlights broader implications, warning that while AI capabilities may improve, they do not always ensure robustness, a concern particularly relevant for safety-critical systems like autonomous vehicles and automated trading. The findings have been detailed in a preprint study available online.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs Thanksgiving approaches, many may ponder the size of their holiday turkey, and the record for the heaviest turkey is a staggering 39.09 kilograms (86 pounds), set by a turkey named Tyson in a competition held in London on December 12, 1989. Tyson, brought by Philip Cook of Leacroft Turkeys Ltd, was auctioned for £4,400 (approximately $6,692) to charity. While Tyson remains unmatched, other notable turkeys have been captured in the U.S., including a 14.32-kilogram (31.56 pounds) Merriam’s turkey in 2006 and a 17.06-kilogram (37.61 pounds) Eastern turkey in 2015. However, potential cooks should note that standard ovens typically accommodate birds up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), making Tyson impractical for most households. Additionally, caution is advised when deep-frying turkeys, as accidents can occur with frozen birds, leading to dangerous explosions. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast safely!
Published: Nov 25 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn the late 1960s, British scholar John Marco Allegro controversially claimed that Jesus was not a historical figure but a metaphorical representation of a mushroom, specifically the Fly agaric. Allegro, a prominent philologist and archaeologist, gained notoriety after his groundbreaking work on the Dead Sea Scrolls, which he helped decipher following their discovery in 1947. His subsequent publications, including *The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross* and *Dead Sea Scrolls and the Christian Myth*, posited that early Christianity was a cover for a secret cult that utilized hallucinogenic mushrooms for spiritual experiences. Allegro argued that the Gospels misrepresented these shamanistic practices, suggesting that the figure of Jesus was a construct rather than a real person. His theories, however, were met with skepticism and criticism, with some viewing them as a reaction to earlier dismissals of his work on the Scrolls.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn Germany, the practice of _lüften_, meaning "to air," is a cultural staple that involves opening windows and doors to refresh indoor air, regardless of the season. Many Germans engage in this ritual daily, often as part of their morning routine, and it is sometimes mandated in tenancy agreements. There are various methods, including _stoßlüften_ (shock ventilation), where windows are opened simultaneously for a brief period, and _querlüften_ (cross-ventilation), which promotes airflow by opening windows on opposite sides of a room. Scientific studies support the health benefits of _lüften_, linking it to improved sleep quality and reduced depressive symptoms, while also helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. However, experts caution that frequent ventilation can undermine energy efficiency in well-insulated buildings, prompting a recommendation for more mindful practices. As such, while _lüften_ is beneficial, it should be approached with care to balance health and energy conservation.
Published: Nov 25 2025, 12 pmeznews.inNeanderthals in present-day Belgium may have resorted to cannibalism around 45,000 years ago, specifically targeting the weakest members of rival clans, according to new research. Analysis of bones found in the Goyet caves revealed a minimum of six individuals, predominantly petite females and children, suggesting they were deliberately chosen as victims. The remains, which show clear signs of butchering, represent the largest collection of cannibalized Neanderthal remains in northern Europe. Isotopic studies indicate these individuals were not local, and their physical characteristics suggest they were not particularly mobile, likely making them easy targets. The study authors propose that this exocannibalism may have been driven by competition and conflict, coinciding with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region, which could have intensified inter-group violence. The findings are detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Nov 21 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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