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NASA 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 while navigating the Trump administration's controversial budget proposals, which threaten significant cuts to key projects, including the Lunar Gateway. Critics express concern over his past legal issues and the potential prioritization of private interests over public investment in space exploration. As NASA seeks to return to the Moon by 2027, Isaacman’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for the agency's future and its role in global space exploration. 
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 could 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.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 colliding with 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 may be associated with the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which is known for shedding debris that creates the meteor shower. With the Geminid shower still active, further lunar impacts could be on the horizon.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAstronomers have proposed that the Milky Way may be part of a much larger cosmic structure than previously understood, potentially reshaping our comprehension of the universe's evolution. Their research suggests that the Milky Way, which is part of the Local Group and the Virgo Supercluster, resides within an even larger "basin of attraction" (BoA) that could be ten times its volume. This BoA, characterized by a common flow of galaxies rather than gravitational binding, was mapped using data from 56,000 galaxies. The study indicates a 60% chance that the Milky Way is not in Laniakea, as previously thought, but in the Shapley concentration. The findings challenge existing cosmological models, which limit the size of such structures, and highlight the interconnectedness of the universe. Further observations are needed to confirm these results, which could significantly alter our understanding of cosmic architecture. The study is published in *Nature Astronomy*.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inResearchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified a potential "seventh sense" in humans, termed "remote touch," which allows individuals to detect objects buried in granular materials, akin to certain shorebirds. In a study presented at the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning, volunteers demonstrated a remarkable 70.7% accuracy in locating hidden objects in sand using only their fingertips, with a detection range of up to 6.9 cm. This ability, derived from sensing minute displacements in the sand, could have significant applications, such as locating archaeological artifacts or exploring extraterrestrial terrains. The research also involved a robotic tactile sensor, which, while less accurate at 40%, achieved a greater detection range. This interdisciplinary study highlights the potential for advancements in robotics and assistive technologies, paving the way for safer exploration in challenging environments. The findings are detailed in IEEE Xplore.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 11 ameznews.inHumans, like many animals, possess bilateral symmetry, which is evident in our two eyes, ears, hands, feet, and nostrils. While the function of two eyes and ears is clear—enhancing vision and sound localization—the purpose of having two nostrils is less obvious. However, experts explain that we breathe predominantly through one nostril at a time, a phenomenon known as the nasal cycle, which allows each nostril to rest and maintain moisture. This cycle aids in our sense of smell, as different scents are detected more effectively depending on which nostril is dominant. Research indicates that this dual-nostril system enhances our ability to locate odors, similar to how we pinpoint sounds. Ultimately, having two nostrils not only supports our respiratory health by providing a backup during congestion but also contributes to our evolutionary design, ensuring we remain adept at navigating our environment.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSome of the longest-living animals on Earth, such as certain sponges, can exceed 2,000 years in age. In 2015, scientists discovered the largest sponge, measuring the size of a minivan, at a depth of 2,134 meters in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. While colonial organisms like sponges can live for millennia, the oldest known individual non-colonial animal is Ming the clam, which was 507 years old when it was inadvertently killed by researchers in 2006. This giant ocean quahog clam (_Arctica islandica_), found off Iceland, was dated using growth rings, revealing its birth around 1499 CE during the Ming dynasty. Despite its long lifespan, Ming's life ended prematurely due to mishandling. Marine biologists suggest that the clam's longevity is linked to its low metabolism and genetic factors, highlighting the delicate balance between discovery and conservation in marine research.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe FBI has confirmed that a team of codebreakers has successfully deciphered the notorious 340 cipher used by the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer active in California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Zodiac Killer, who claimed at least five victims, sent cryptic messages to the press, with the 340-character cipher remaining unsolved for over 51 years. The breakthrough was achieved by David Oranchak, Sam Blake, and Jarl Van Eycke, who utilized software to analyze the cipher's structure, revealing phrases such as "I hope you are having lots of fun in trying to catch me" and references to the gas chamber. While the FBI acknowledged the solution, they emphasized that the investigation into the Zodiac Killer remains ongoing, and the deciphered message did not provide any new leads on the killer's identity. The team expressed disappointment that the cipher contained no actionable information, describing it as "attention-seeking garbage."
Published: Dec 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inAstronomers have detected the third interstellar visitor, comet 3I/ATLAS, which contains vital molecules for life, including methanol and hydrogen cyanide. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System on July 1, 2025, this comet is believed to be older than the Solar System itself, having traveled through space for billions of years. As it approaches its closest point to Earth, scientists are racing to study its unique chemistry, which shows an unusually high abundance of methanol—around 8% of its vapor—compared to just 2% in typical Solar System comets. While these molecules are not direct evidence of life, they are considered essential building blocks for forming complex organic compounds. The findings suggest that interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and the potential for similar building blocks existing elsewhere in the galaxy.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a striking revelation about bee reproduction, researchers have found that the mating process of male drones is not only explosive but also fatal. When a queen bee, after reaching sexual maturity, embarks on a nuptial flight, she emits pheromones that attract eager drones. During copulation, the male's endophallus violently ejects into the queen, producing a sound audible to humans, but this act ultimately leads to the drone's demise as it becomes paralyzed and dies after mating. Alarmingly, extreme heatwaves have been shown to exacerbate this issue, causing drones to "explosively ejaculate to death." Experts suggest that simple interventions, such as providing cooling stations or insulating hives, could mitigate these risks. As the plight of these drones highlights the harsh realities of nature, it underscores the importance of ensuring their survival in a changing climate.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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