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In a remarkable journey that echoes Earth's ancient past, a jawbone from the earliest-known horse, _Sifrhippus sandrae_, along with a jaw from the oldest ancestor of modern primates and a shell from a Moon snail, were launched into space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket in August 2024. These fossils, selected by Florida Museum paleontologists Jon Bloch and Roger Portell, represent a significant chapter in Earth's history during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period 56 million years ago marked by rapid carbon release and global warming that caused many terrestrial animals to shrink in size. The horse's weight decreased from 5.4 kilograms to just 3.9 kilograms, illustrating the adaptations to rising temperatures. Geneticist Rob Ferl, who carried the fossils as part of his NASA-funded research on plant responses to zero gravity, highlighted their journey as a poignant reminder of Earth's evolutionary history and the consequences of climate change. 
Published: Dec 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inScientists have made significant strides in understanding the origins of eukaryotes, the domain of life that includes all animals, plants, fungi, and insects, which are characterized by cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. A leading theory posits that eukaryotes evolved between 1.6 and 2.2 billion years ago from archaea through a symbiotic relationship with an oxygen-using bacterium. In a groundbreaking study from the University of Texas at Austin, researchers identified a lineage of archaea known as Hodarchaeales, part of the Asgard archaea group, as the common ancestor of all eukaryotic life. These organisms, found in marine sediments, possess proteins previously thought exclusive to eukaryotes, indicating a close evolutionary link. The study's authors express excitement over uncovering the molecular blueprints of these ancient microbes, which could illuminate the emergence of complex life. The findings were published in the journal Nature in 2023.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has captivated astronomers over the past six months, yet the discovery of interstellar objects (ISOs) remains a rare feat, with only three detected to date despite an estimated seven passing through the inner Solar System annually. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, equipped with the world's largest digital camera, is set to revolutionize ISO detection when its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time begins next year. Experts predict it could uncover between five and 50 new ISOs, significantly enhancing our understanding of these cosmic visitors. The observatory's ability to image the entire visible sky repeatedly will allow it to identify ISOs by their motion, making it a uniquely effective "ISO hunter." As it also aims to discover millions of new asteroids and comets, the next few years promise to be exciting for space enthusiasts, with 3I/ATLAS remaining a standout discovery in the field.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 1 ameznews.inDuring the closest approach of comet 3I/ATLAS to Earth on December 19, 2025, the Breakthrough Listen project conducted a search for potential technosignatures, or signs of extraterrestrial communications, using the Green Bank Telescope. Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of alien technology, the team found no credible evidence of narrowband radio signals, attributing nine detected events to known radio-frequency interference. Meanwhile, another research team investigated the comet's non-gravitational acceleration to estimate its size, concluding that the nucleus is likely around 1 kilometer in diameter. This acceleration is caused by the sublimation of volatile ices as the comet approaches the Sun, not by any technological thrust. 3I/ATLAS, detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System in July 2025, is believed to be a natural comet from a different part of the galaxy, potentially offering insights into the stellar environment from which it originated.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable case from 2003, Inés Ramírez Pérez, a 40-year-old mother from a remote village in southern Mexico, performed a self-inflicted cesarean section after enduring 12 hours of labor without medical assistance. Living in a one-room cabin without electricity or running water, Pérez had previously lost a baby to obstructed labor, prompting her desperate decision. Armed with a kitchen knife and a few glasses of liquor, she made three incisions in her abdomen and successfully delivered her baby boy, who cried immediately. After regaining consciousness, she called for help, and a local nurse arrived to assist before she was transported to a hospital eight hours away. Remarkably, both mother and child survived, highlighting the dire need for improved reproductive healthcare in rural areas to prevent such extreme measures in the future. The case was documented in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHundreds of 19th-century black leather shoes have mysteriously washed up on the shores of Ogmore-By-Sea in South Wales, with the total count reaching 437 since their initial discovery by the Beach Academy during a rockpool restoration project on December 18. The shoes, primarily adult male and children's styles, are believed to date back to a shipwreck of the Italian vessel Frolic, which sank near Tusker Rock about 150 years ago while carrying cargo, including footwear. Locals have noted similar finds in the past, suggesting that erosion of the riverbank may be revealing these lost soles. Remarkably, many of the shoes remain in good condition despite their long exposure to the sea. This phenomenon echoes a separate case in North America, where human feet in shoes have washed ashore, attributed to changes in footwear design that enhance buoyancy and protect remains from scavengers.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the realm of mathematics, reputation holds little weight; a valid proof is paramount for acceptance. This principle was championed by 19th-century mathematician Richard Dedekind, who proposed a sequence of numbers now known as Dedekind numbers, beginning with five terms in 1897. Despite their intriguing nature, the search for a general formula for these numbers has stymied mathematicians for over a century. The ninth Dedekind number, a significant milestone, was finally discovered in March 2023 by two independent teams, revealing a staggering 42-digit figure. The Paderborn team utilized advanced computational methods, while Christian Jäkel from Dresden employed matrix multiplication techniques. Both teams confirmed their results, marking a historic achievement in mathematical research. However, the quest for the tenth Dedekind number remains daunting, with experts predicting it may take centuries to uncover, given the exponential complexity involved.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAs temperatures soar, many seek relief in showers, but the choice between hot and cold water can significantly impact health. Hot showers, typically enjoyed at temperatures around 40-41°C (104-106°F), are known for their relaxing effects, aiding sleep and relieving muscle tension. However, they can also lead to dry skin and hair, and pose risks like vasovagal syncope, where a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause fainting. Conversely, cold showers, while historically prescribed for various ailments, are linked to immune boosts and increased metabolism, potentially aiding weight loss. They may also enhance mental alertness and alleviate depressive symptoms. Experts suggest a balanced approach: a warm shower followed by a brief cold rinse to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. During heat waves, lukewarm showers are recommended to avoid exacerbating the body's struggle to regulate core temperature.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 ameznews.inAs the festive season approaches, many are weighing the environmental impact of choosing between a real Christmas tree and a synthetic one. While cutting down a natural tree may seem detrimental, evidence suggests that Christmas tree farming can offer ecological benefits, such as carbon capture and habitat provision. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted, promoting sustainable forestry practices. However, concerns arise over pesticide use and the displacement of natural ecosystems. Real trees, when sourced locally and disposed of responsibly—ideally as mulch—are generally more eco-friendly than artificial trees. The latter, often made from environmentally harmful PVC, have a higher carbon footprint, especially if disposed of in landfills. Ultimately, while both options have pros and cons, real trees are deemed the better choice for the planet, provided they are ethically sourced and properly managed.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study published in Springer Nature highlights the potential threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, as a candidate for a future pandemic. Researchers simulated a scenario in a fictional village in Tamil Nadu, India, where the virus could spill over from birds to humans and then spread between humans. The model demonstrated that effective control measures, such as isolating cases and quarantining households, could significantly curb infections in the early stages of an outbreak. However, once community transmission begins, more drastic public health interventions, like lockdowns and mass vaccinations, may be necessary. Currently, the CDC reports 71 bird flu infections and two deaths in the U.S. since 2024, with scientists cautioning that the virus could mutate to enable human-to-human transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of real-time simulations to respond to emerging cases effectively.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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