eznews.inA groundbreaking discovery of enormous shark fossils in northern Australia has reshaped our understanding of the evolution of these apex predators. Previously believed to have first emerged around 100 million years ago in North America and Europe, new research indicates that gigantic lamniform sharks actually originated approximately 115 million years ago in the Southern Hemisphere. The fossils, found in the Darwin Formation, include vertebrae from a massive Cardabiodontid shark, estimated to measure between 6 to 8 meters and weigh over 3 tons. This suggests that these early sharks occupied top predator roles alongside marine reptiles like *Kronosaurus*. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about the evolutionary timeline of lamniform sharks and highlight their significant presence in ancient marine ecosystems. The study, published in *Communications Biology*, underscores the importance of Australia in the history of these formidable creatures. 
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 pmeznews.inSaltwater crocodiles, the largest living reptiles with the strongest bite force of any animal, have long puzzled researchers regarding their ability to traverse vast distances across the South Pacific. A study conducted by a team from the University of Queensland, which included the late Steve Irwin, tracked 27 adult crocodiles using sonar transmitters over a year, yielding 1.2 million data points. The findings revealed that these crocodiles exploit changing tides to "surf" ocean currents, allowing them to travel significant distances—over 590 kilometers (367 miles) in some cases—by resting on riverbanks during low tides. This behavior not only explains their successful colonization of numerous islands but also suggests that crocodilians may have historically crossed major marine barriers. Notably, one crocodile journeyed 590 kilometers in 25 days, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability despite being poor swimmers.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 8 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered a cave in Spain, known as Des-Cubierta, that appears to have held ritual significance for Neanderthals, who repeatedly returned to stash horned animal skulls over generations. The site contains 35 crania from species such as aurochs and steppe rhinoceroses, alongside Neanderthal teeth and stone tools, indicating a symbolic function for the skulls, possibly as trophies or ritual items. Although attempts to date the skulls have been unsuccessful, uranium-series dating of charcoal suggests they were collected between 135,000 and 50,000 years ago. The skulls are dispersed within several meters of sediment, indicating a prolonged practice rather than a single event. Researchers emphasize that this behavior reflects a culturally motivated tradition among Neanderthals, although the exact purpose of the skull collection remains uncertain. The findings are detailed in the journal *Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences*.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 5 ameznews.inAround 3,200 years ago, the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Near East thrived with interconnected civilizations, marked by advancements in trade, culture, and technology during the Bronze Age. However, this prosperity abruptly ended in the 12th century BCE, leading to what is known as the "Bronze Age Collapse." Major societies, including the Assyrian Empire, New Kingdom of Egypt, and Mycenaeans, faced a period of stagnation and decline, characterized by wars, rebellions, and the loss of writing systems. Various theories have emerged to explain this collapse, including invasions by the enigmatic "Sea Peoples," internal political instability, and environmental changes that caused droughts and food shortages. Archaeologist Eric Cline suggests that a combination of these factors created a "perfect storm" of calamities, illustrating that even the most advanced civilizations are vulnerable to collapse.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 2 pmeznews.inAs winter sets in, many cat owners are experiencing a surprising phenomenon known as "cat zapping," where petting their feline companions results in a small electric shock. This occurs due to the principles of static electricity, particularly the triboelectric effect, which generates static charges when two surfaces, like a hand and a cat's fur, rub against each other. A recent study led by Laurence Marks from Northwestern University sheds light on this process, explaining that the uneven distribution of electric charges during petting leads to these shocks. The frequency of zaps increases in colder months, primarily due to lower humidity levels, which prevent static charges from dissipating. As indoor heating further dries the air, both humans and cats become more susceptible to static electricity, making those unexpected shocks more common. So, if you find yourself zapping your cat this winter, rest assured, it’s a natural consequence of the season.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Earth, which currently rotates on its axis every 24 hours, may one day become tidally locked to the Moon, resulting in one hemisphere permanently facing the lunar body. While this scenario is unlikely to occur within our lifetimes, it raises intriguing questions about the future of our planet. If the Earth were to suddenly stop spinning, the consequences would be catastrophic, with debris and water being flung eastward at speeds of up to 1,600 kilometers per hour, potentially leading to a molten surface. Currently, the Earth's rotation is gradually slowing, primarily due to tidal friction caused by the Moon, which is drifting away at approximately 4 centimeters per year. NASA estimates that this slowing could accelerate due to climate change, potentially leading to a day length increase of up to 2.62 milliseconds per century. However, any significant changes will take millions of years, and the Earth is expected to be engulfed by the Sun in about 7.6 billion years, long before tidal locking occurs.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 2 ameznews.inThe common swift, a remarkable bird, has been confirmed to fly for nearly ten months without landing, a feat first suggested by Welsh ornithologist Ronald Lockley in the 1970s. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden tracked 13 adult swifts using tiny data loggers, revealing that these birds spend over 99.5% of their time in the air, only landing for two months to breed. Notably, three swifts managed to remain airborne throughout their entire migration from Sweden to the Sahara and back. The study suggests that differences in feather molting may explain why some swifts land while others do not. Common swifts have evolved to be highly efficient flyers, with streamlined bodies and long wings that minimize energy expenditure. While it remains uncertain if they sleep while gliding, their extraordinary endurance has garnered admiration, highlighting the incredible capabilities of these small birds. The findings were published in Current Biology.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 11 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified the opah, or moonfish, as the first fully warm-blooded fish, a finding that challenges conventional understanding of fish physiology. A 2015 study revealed that the opah circulates heated blood throughout its body, allowing it to maintain a temperature approximately 5°C warmer than the surrounding cold ocean water. This unique adaptation, facilitated by a counter-current heat exchange system in its gills, enhances the fish's ability to swim faster and see better, giving it a competitive edge as an agile predator in the deep sea. Previously thought to be slow-moving, the opah's newfound reputation highlights its active hunting capabilities, particularly in pursuit of squid. While other fish can generate heat in specific body parts, the opah stands out as the only known species with full-body endothermy, although research suggests there may be at least five related species.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 11 pmeznews.inNaked mole-rats, or *Heterocephalus glaber*, are unique mammals that exhibit characteristics akin to cold-blooded species, despite being warm-blooded. These nearly hairless rodents, native to East Africa, live in large, eusocial colonies, with a single breeding female and a few males, while the rest of the group remains reproductively suppressed. Unlike most mammals, naked mole-rats cannot maintain a steady body temperature, relying instead on their environment for thermoregulation. They huddle together to conserve heat and bask in sun-warmed tunnels, making them essentially cold-blooded in behavior. Remarkably, they also show resistance to cancer and insensitivity to certain chemical stimuli. Recent studies suggest that while they can initiate heat production, they struggle to retain it, challenging traditional classifications of thermoregulation in mammals. This complexity highlights the naked mole-rat's status as an evolutionary oddity within the mammalian kingdom.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 12 ameznews.in"The Martian," directed by Ridley Scott and based on Andy Weir's novel, is being praised as one of the most scientifically accurate sci-fi films to date, with NASA even using it to promote upcoming manned missions to Mars in the 2030s. While the film's portrayal of a dust storm on Mars is criticized for its inaccuracy—given the planet's low atmospheric pressure—other elements, such as the travel time to Mars and the potential for growing plants in Martian soil, are deemed accurate. Experts consulted for the film confirmed that while the concept of taking off from Mars remains a significant challenge, the use of inflatable habitats is a viable option for future missions. Overall, the film scores five factual elements against three fictional ones and one tie, solidifying its reputation as a commendable blend of science and entertainment, especially when compared to less accurate predecessors like "Armageddon."
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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