eznews.inFlat-Earthers continue to promote their unconventional theories, often resorting to dubious experiments to support their claims. Recently, a viral Reddit post by Greg Pagel challenged one of their key assertions: that a flat horizon indicates a flat Earth. Pagel analyzed the horizon from his coastal hometown, calculating that the curvature of the Earth over a distance of 13.5 kilometers should produce an arc of approximately 0.12 degrees—too subtle to perceive with the naked eye. He emphasized that the horizon appears flat not because the Earth is a disc, but due to its immense size. Critics quickly pointed out that the existence of satellite imagery from Google Earth further undermines flat-Earth claims. Additionally, the phenomenon of boats disappearing below the horizon reinforces the spherical nature of our planet, as such an occurrence would be impossible on a flat surface. 
Published: Jan 03 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe common crane, the UK's tallest bird, is making a remarkable comeback after facing extinction in the 16th century, thanks to conservation efforts that include the creation of nesting "runways" at RSPB Lakenheath in Suffolk. With 30 breeding pairs now recorded, the restoration of wetlands has significantly aided their recovery. Other notable conservation successes include the establishment of a vast nature reserve at RSPB Geltsdale, which has seen a surge in bird populations, and the eradication of invasive rats on Ramsey Island, leading to a dramatic increase in Manx shearwater numbers. Additionally, RSPB Frampton Marsh has become a vital habitat for over 25,000 wintering waterbirds, while peatland restoration in the Cairngorms has supported the recovery of rare species like the capercaillie. Despite ongoing environmental challenges, the RSPB emphasizes the importance of these achievements in fostering hope for wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 8 pmeznews.inTeachers have been marking students' work with red ink for over 4,000 years, as evidenced by an Ancient Egyptian writing board currently housed at The Met in New York. Dating back to the Egyptian Middle Kingdom, this gessoed board allowed for reuse, similar to slate tablets used in classrooms until the early 20th century. The writing on the board is in hieratic, a cursive form of Egyptian script developed around 3000 BCE, which was more practical than traditional hieroglyphics. The board belonged to a student named Iny-su, who practiced writing a formal letter to his brother, invoking the gods of Thebes in the process. However, his master scribe found several errors in his phrasing and spelling, leading to corrections in red ink. Despite the critiques, Iny-su's effort in mastering this complex task is commendable, earning him at least an A for effort.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 12 pmeznews.inHumans often pride themselves on their unpredictability, yet a fascinating linguistic phenomenon known as Zipf's law suggests otherwise. This statistical principle, first noted by George Kingsley Zipf around 80 years ago, reveals that the frequency of word usage in nearly all languages—be it English, Hindi, or Mandarin—follows a predictable pattern. For instance, the most commonly used word, "the," appears twice as often as the next most frequent word, and this trend continues down the ranks. Remarkably, Zipf's law even applies to undeciphered languages, such as those in the enigmatic Voynich Manuscript, and has been observed in extensive texts, including Charles Darwin's _On the Origin of Species_. While various theories attempt to explain this phenomenon, including the balance of effort minimization in communication, the exact reasons behind Zipf's law remain elusive, prompting deeper reflection on the nature of language and human expression.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 3 ameznews.inA recent study has identified the year 536 CE as potentially the worst time in human history, primarily due to extreme weather events that led to widespread famine. Researchers, examining ice cores from the European Alps, suggest that a volcanic eruption—likely from Iceland—created a "mystery cloud" that obscured the sun, triggering a "volcanic winter." This climatic shift resulted in crop failures across the globe, with reports of snow in summer in China and severe droughts in Peru. Historical accounts, including those from Byzantine historian Procopius, describe a pervasive dread caused by the sun's obscuration. The aftermath of this environmental catastrophe contributed to significant social upheaval, including the collapse of empires and political instability across Eurasia. The findings underscore the profound impact of climate events on human societies, marking the century following 536 CE as a particularly grim period in history.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 10 ameznews.inDNA analysis from over 100 individuals buried in Çatalhöyük's East Mound suggests that the ancient inhabitants had a matrilocal social structure, where women played a significant role in household formation. This Neolithic settlement, one of the oldest known, thrived for at least 1,200 years, yet little is known about its civilization due to a lack of written records. The research indicates that kinship ties were less relevant in burial practices, with bodies in close proximity showing only slight genetic relatedness. Dr. Eva Rosenstoick from the University of Bonn noted that female lineages were more prominent than male ones, hinting at a society where women held greater status. While the findings challenge previous notions of a matriarchal society, they do suggest that women had more influence compared to later settlements. The study, published in *Science*, also revealed that genetic diversity increased over time, likely due to extensive trade.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 7 ameznews.inA newly described species of spider-like arachnid, _Chimerarachne yingi_, dating back 100 million years, has intrigued scientists with its unique features, including a tail-like appendage. While it shares characteristics with modern spiders, such as spinnerets and a palpal organ for sperm transfer, it also possesses a segmented abdomen and a flexible, whip-like tail, known as a flagelliform telson. This tail may have served various functions, including sensory navigation, predator distraction, or even as a defensive mechanism. Researchers utilized microscopy and 3D imaging to analyze two male fossils, contributing to the understanding of spider evolution and suggesting that spider traits developed in a mosaic fashion. Although _Chimerarachne_ is not a direct ancestor of modern spiders, it represents an early branch or close relative, highlighting the complexity of arachnid evolution. This discovery adds a fascinating chapter to the history of spiders, though it may not ease the fears of arachnophobes.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 8 ameznews.inIn May 2018, a statue of the Virgin Mary at a church in New Mexico reportedly began "weeping" olive oil during a noon mass on Pentecost Sunday, drawing large crowds seeking spiritual experiences. Church officials from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces confirmed the phenomenon, with business manager Judy Ronquillo stating it occurred multiple times. Experts analyzed the liquid, finding it to be olive oil mixed with perfume, akin to chrism used in Christian rites, but the source remained unexplained. While some skeptics suggested a hoax to attract visitors, diocesan officials denied this, citing surveillance footage. Weeping statues have been a recurring phenomenon in Catholicism, with many cases in Italy involving alleged blood tears, some later debunked as hoaxes. The Church typically investigates such claims swiftly, with only a few instances receiving official recognition.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 6 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that the occupant of one of the most extravagant Paleolithic burials, known as "Il Principe," may have endured a horrific death after being mauled by a large predator, likely a bear. Discovered in 1942 in Italy's Arene Candide Cave and dated to approximately 27,900 to 27,300 years ago, the teenage boy's grave contained opulent items such as carved antlers and mammoth ivory pendants, initially suggesting high social status. However, the boy's skeletal injuries, including a smashed collarbone and severe skull fractures, indicate a violent encounter with an animal. Remarkably, signs of healing on the bones suggest he survived for two to three days post-attack, likely succumbing to internal injuries. Researchers propose that the lavish burial may have been a ritualistic response to this traumatic event rather than a reflection of social rank, as similar burials often involve individuals with unusual injuries.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe concept of "indigo children," popularized by Nancy Ann Tappe, describes a group of supposedly "highly evolved" individuals characterized by traits such as strong intuition, creativity, and a questioning nature. Advocates claim these children possess unique abilities, including psychic tendencies, and are seen as the next stage of humanity. However, critics argue that the broad characteristics attributed to indigo children often overlap with common childhood behaviors and neurological conditions like ADHD and autism. This phenomenon emerged during a time of heightened medical scrutiny and increased diagnoses of mental health disorders, leading some to view the indigo label as a way for parents to rationalize or deny their children's challenges. Experts caution that embracing the indigo identity may delay necessary treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing genuine psychological needs rather than romanticizing atypical behaviors. Ultimately, the notion lacks scientific backing, raising concerns about its validity and potential consequences for affected children.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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