eznews.in
Golden moles, long celebrated for their unique iridescent fur, are no longer the sole mammals known to exhibit this striking feature, according to a new study. While iridescence has been documented in various birds and insects, its presence in mammals has been largely unexplored, primarily associated with the Chrysochloridae family, to which golden moles belong. Researchers examined 14 species from the Royal Museum for Central Africa, discovering iridescence in all of them, including the African grass rat and the giant otter shrew. This marks the first recorded instance of iridescence in six of these species. The study revealed that the shiny fur results from a thin-film mechanism similar to that found in golden moles, suggesting that the smooth surfaces of their hairs may aid in burrowing and keeping fur clean, rather than serving a mating purpose, as golden moles are blind. The findings are detailed in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 
Published: Oct 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWhile the world predominantly uses Celsius to measure temperature, the United States sticks to Fahrenheit, with scientists favoring the Kelvin scale, which sets absolute zero at 0 K, or -273.15°C. Absolute zero represents a state where atomic movement ceases entirely, yet it remains unattainable due to the third law of thermodynamics, which states that reaching this temperature requires an infinite number of steps to remove energy. Despite advancements in cooling techniques, such as using helium and laser cooling, scientists have only managed to approach absolute zero, achieving temperatures just above it. Techniques like nuclear demagnetization and matter-wave lenses have pushed the boundaries further, but absolute zero remains a theoretical limit. Additionally, the concept of "negative temperatures" is often misunderstood; these systems are not colder than absolute zero but rather exhibit unique properties where added energy decreases entropy.
Published: Oct 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inMagnets, often a childhood fascination, are remarkable for their ability to generate electricity and their role in the electromagnetic force, which combines magnetism and electricity. Every object, including humans, exhibits some magnetic properties due to the spin of electrons, although most materials cancel these out. Earth's magnetic field, generated by geodynamic processes in its outer core, varies in strength from 25,000 to 65,000 nanoTesla at the surface, significantly weaker than typical refrigerator magnets. The strongest magnetic fields on Earth are produced in laboratories, such as the MagLab in Florida, which can generate up to 100 tesla, requiring extreme cooling to prevent overheating. While experiments have achieved even higher fields—up to 2,800 tesla—they often result in equipment destruction. Such powerful magnetic fields enable groundbreaking research into electron behavior and potential advancements in fusion power generation, underscoring the enduring allure of magnets.
Published: Oct 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2021, the Saint Louis Zoo mourned the loss of a remarkable resident, a 62-year-old female ball python, believed to be the oldest snake in zoo care. A year prior, she made headlines by laying a clutch of viable eggs, an extraordinary feat for a snake of her age, especially as she had not been in contact with a male for 15 years. Ball pythons, native to central and western Africa, typically live up to 30 years in captivity, making her longevity exceptional. Mark Wanner, the zoo's herpetology manager, noted her potential historical significance as the oldest snake to produce eggs. Following her death, two of her eggs hatched, with one surviving, prompting the zoo to investigate whether this was a case of parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction. This phenomenon, once thought rare, is increasingly recognized in various species, including some that can reproduce without male contact.
Published: Oct 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inScientists from the University of Colorado Boulder have successfully revived ancient microbes trapped in Alaskan permafrost for up to 40,000 years. During their research at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility, they collected samples of dormant microbes and warmed them to simulate future climate conditions. Initially, microbial activity was slow, with colonies expanding at a rate of one in every 100,000 cells per day. However, by the sixth month, some colonies began forming visible biofilms, indicating they were alive. While the researchers noted little risk of these microbes causing infections, their findings highlight potential dangers as climate change could lead to the awakening of more permafrost microbes. With significant permafrost reserves across the Northern Hemisphere and parts of the Southern Hemisphere, the study underscores the broader implications of a warming planet on ancient ecosystems. The research is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences.
Published: Oct 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Atacama Desert in Chile, known as one of the driest places on Earth, is currently experiencing a spectacular bloom of colorful flowers, a phenomenon triggered by a rare combination of warm temperatures, sunlight, and significant rainfall. This year, unusual downpours linked to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation have resulted in some high-elevation areas receiving up to 60 mm of rain, leading to a vibrant display in Llanos de Challe National Park. According to Ana María Mujica, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, such blooms typically occur every five to seven years, but recent events have defied this pattern, with blooms appearing in 2015, 2017, and unexpectedly in 2022 during La Niña. This year's bloom is expected to last until early November, with some resilient species potentially enduring until January, highlighting the unpredictable nature of climate patterns in the region.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking initiative is challenging a 200-year-old medical protocol for treating otitis media with effusion (OME), commonly known as glue ear, which affects 80% of children by age four. Traditionally, treatment involved surgical procedures that have changed little over the years, often leading to prolonged hearing loss and developmental delays in children. However, Dr. Tamsin Holland Brown and her team are exploring the use of affordable bone conduction headsets, which bypass the fluid-filled middle ear, providing a temporary solution for children awaiting surgery. Initial trials in the UK showed significant improvements in speech discrimination, and the initiative has expanded to Malawi, where similar devices have already transformed the educational experiences of local children. Plans are underway to replicate this success in Rwanda, aiming to provide comprehensive hearing care and support for children with chronic conductive hearing loss, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions in global health challenges.
Published: Oct 11 2025, 3 ameznews.inNew research indicates that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world's largest oceanic current, may shift its location over the coming centuries, potentially impacting global climate and ecosystems. The ACC, which flows clockwise around Antarctica, is primarily driven by the Southern Westerly Winds and plays a vital role in heat distribution, the carbon cycle, and nutrient movement across oceans. An international team of scientists analyzed core samples from the Scotia Sea, revealing that the ACC was significantly stronger during past warm periods, with speeds over three times greater than today. This increase in velocity is linked to changes in Earth's orbit and solar radiation. The study also found that the ACC shifted southward by approximately 600 kilometers during these warm periods, bringing warmer waters closer to Antarctic ice sheets. Researchers warn that similar shifts could occur in the future, with potential ripple effects on ecosystems and climate systems worldwide.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking mission, the Slocum Sentinel Glider, nicknamed "Redwing," has embarked on the first-ever global circumnavigation by an autonomous underwater vehicle. Launched on October 10 from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, Redwing will traverse approximately 73,000 kilometers (about 45,000 miles) over five years, echoing the historic route of the Magellan Expedition. The glider will make significant stops in locations such as Gran Canaria, Cape Town, and New Zealand, while collecting vital ocean data on salinity, depth, and temperature. Designed by Teledyne Marine and Rutgers University, Redwing utilizes gravity and buoyancy for propulsion, supplemented by a dual-thruster system for navigating strong currents. This mission not only aims to enhance scientific understanding of ocean systems and climate change but also serves as an educational tool for students and researchers. Despite the challenges ahead, the team is optimistic about Redwing's capabilities.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inScientists have identified miassite as the first unconventional superconductor found in nature, differing from the three known natural superconductors that adhere to the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory. Miassite, a rare mineral composed of 17 rhodium and 15 sulfur atoms (Rh17S15), was discovered near the Miass River in Russia, where it is difficult to find due to its reactivity with oxygen and lack of well-formed crystals. While conventional superconductors operate near absolute zero, miassite exhibits unconventional superconductivity characteristics, despite its low critical temperature of -267.75°C. Researchers, led by Ruslan Prozorov from Ames National Laboratory, conducted tests to confirm its unconventional properties, including the "London penetration depth" and sensitivity to defects. Their findings, published in *Communications Materials*, suggest that miassite could enhance understanding of unconventional superconductivity, paving the way for future discoveries in the field.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inMaps of the world may suggest a balanced distribution of land and water, but a closer look reveals a different reality. When viewed from the Pacific Ocean, Earth can appear predominantly water, while the opposite side showcases significant landmasses in Africa, Europe, and Asia. This uneven distribution can be traced back to the ancient supercontinent Pangea, which existed from 336 to 175 million years ago. Continents are still drifting apart, with the Atlantic Ocean widening and pushing the Americas away from Europe and Africa. However, they remain clustered together, covering only 57% of Earth's surface. Over the next tens of millions of years, Eurasia will shift eastward while the Americas move west, potentially leading to the formation of a new supercontinent. Until then, from certain vantage points, Earth resembles a vast blue marble, with its landmasses appearing minimal against the expansive oceans.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact