Trending Science

Listen as Radio

Is One in 200 People Related to Genghis Khan?

Genghis Khan, born Temüjin near Lake Baikal, is a polarizing historical figure known for uniting Mongolia and establishing an empire stretching from China to the Adriatic Sea. While he is often remembered for his military conquests, a 2003 genetic study revealed that nearly one in 12 men in Asia share a Y-chromosomal lineage likely linked to him, suggesting that about 16 million people today may be his descendants. This genetic legacy stems from cultural practices rather than mere biological selection, as Khan's conquests decimated local populations and established his lineage as "genetically fit." Officially, he had at least nine children, but estimates suggest he fathered many more, possibly through numerous concubines. Despite his genetic impact, Khan's legacy is marred by the estimated 40 million deaths during his campaigns, highlighting the duality of his historical significance as both a progenitor and a conqueror. sources

Published:
Nov 05 2025, 6 pm

Dixon Entrance: Overlooked US Border Dispute Explained

A long-standing maritime border dispute between the United States and Canada centers on the Dixon Entrance, a strait between Alaska and British Columbia. The origins of the conflict date back to the 1825 Treaty of Saint Petersburg, which vaguely defined the boundary, leaving significant ambiguity regarding territorial waters. The discovery of gold in the Klondike in 1896 reignited tensions, as access to the gold fields required navigation through the disputed waters. A 1903 arbitration favored the U.S., but failed to clarify maritime boundaries, leading to overlapping claims. Today, the dispute is exacerbated by the importance of salmon fishing, a vital industry for both nations and local Indigenous communities. Overfishing and regulatory challenges threaten salmon populations, raising ecological concerns. As both countries maintain conflicting definitions of their maritime borders, the situation remains unresolved, with the salmon caught in the middle of this geopolitical tug-of-war. sources

Published:
Nov 07 2025, 10 am

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Visible to Amateur Telescopes!

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is now visible from Earth, offering a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe this ancient celestial body. After recently passing its closest point to the Sun, the comet can be spotted in the eastern sky before dawn, positioned near Venus and the star Spica. Dr. Franck Marchis from the SETI Institute notes that November is an ideal month for viewing, as the comet's brightness may reach magnitude 10, making it detectable with standard telescopes or good binoculars. While it won't be as spectacular as the famed Hale-Bopp comet, 3I/ATLAS, which formed 10 billion years ago, presents a chance for enthusiasts to contribute to scientific research. Observers can utilize stargazing apps for guidance, and those unable to view it in person can follow the Virtual Telescope Project's live streams in the coming weeks. sources

Published:
Nov 03 2025, 11 pm

"Listen to Earth's Largest Organism's Eerie Rumbles"

An innovative "acoustic portrait" of Pando, a colossal clonal aspen colony in Utah, aims to raise awareness about this remarkable organism and the threats it faces. Comprising around 47,000 genetically identical stems, Pando is considered the largest living organism on Earth, with roots believed to date back between 16,000 and 80,000 years. At a recent Acoustical Society of America conference, researchers Jeff Rice and Lance Oditt presented recordings of Pando's sounds, including rustling leaves and potential vibrations from its root system. These sounds not only serve as an artistic expression but also hold scientific potential, offering insights into the health of the ecosystem and the intricate hydraulic systems within Pando. While the project seeks to educate the public about Pando's unique nature, it also addresses common misconceptions about the tree, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in conservation efforts. sources

Published:
Nov 06 2025, 9 pm

"Keck Observatory Discovers Odd Feature on Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS"

Astronomers at the W. M. Keck Observatory have made intriguing discoveries about interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, our third known interstellar visitor, first spotted by ATLAS on July 1, 2025. This comet, which boasts an eccentricity of 6.1 to 6.2, is noted for its unusual "anti-solar tail," a phenomenon where the tail points towards the Sun, potentially due to large dust grains ejected from its sunlit side. Recent spectral analysis revealed an unexpected abundance of nickel and cyanide, with nickel concentrated near the comet's nucleus, raising questions about its origins. The study, which has not yet undergone peer review, suggests that the presence of these metals is puzzling given the low temperatures at which they were detected. As researchers continue to investigate 3I/ATLAS, they hope to gain insights into the comet's composition and the environments from which it originated. sources

Published:
Nov 07 2025, 12 am

Two Meteors Strike the Moon Days Apart

A Japanese astronomer, Daichi Fujii, has made a remarkable discovery by capturing two meteor impacts on the Moon within just two days. Using his equipment, Fujii recorded a brief flash of light on October 30 and another on November 1, both occurring in the shadowed regions of the lunar surface. Unlike Earth, where meteors burn up in the atmosphere, the Moon's lack of atmosphere allows these celestial objects to strike its surface, creating visible craters. Fujii speculates that these meteors may be linked to the ongoing Taurid meteor showers, particularly the Southern Taurids, which peak around November 2. Such observations are crucial for understanding the risks astronauts may face during lunar missions and for studying the historical frequency of asteroid impacts. The Moon is estimated to be hit by approximately 20 asteroids for every one that strikes Earth, highlighting its dynamic and hazardous environment. sources

Published:
Nov 07 2025, 12 am

Chinese Mars Craft Shares Fascinating Gif of Comet 3I/ATLAS

In a remarkable achievement, China's Tianwen-1 orbiter has captured stunning images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Mars orbit. Discovered by astronomers on July 1, 2023, this comet is believed to be a 10-billion-year-old relic from another era of the universe, traveling at approximately 58 kilometers per second. The Tianwen-1 team successfully adapted its high-resolution cameras, originally designed for Martian surface photography, to photograph this faint object, which is 10,000 to 100,000 times dimmer than typical targets. The images reveal the comet's nucleus and its surrounding coma, with researchers noting unusual features such as a rare anti-tail and a peculiar chemical composition. As 3I/ATLAS re-emerges from behind the Sun, Earth-based telescopes are once again observing it, promising further insights into its behavior and the effects of its solar encounter. sources

Published:
Nov 07 2025, 1 am

"New Live-Bearing Toad Species Can Carry Over 100 Babies"

Amphibians, particularly the tree toads of Tanzania, exhibit a fascinating reproductive strategy by giving birth to live young instead of following the typical egg-to-tadpole metamorphosis. This unique trait was first noted in 1905 by German researcher Gustav Tornier, who identified the Nectophrynoides genus as live-bearing. Recent research has revealed three new species—Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, Nectophrynoides uhehe, and Nectophrynoides saliensis—through "museomics," which analyzes DNA from museum specimens. These brightly colored toads inhabit the biodiverse Eastern Arc Mountains, now threatened by habitat fragmentation. While live birth may enhance embryo survival, it is energetically costly and results in fewer offspring compared to egg-laying species. Conservation efforts must consider the specific ecological needs of these unique amphibians to prevent further extinctions, as highlighted by study author Christoph Liedtke. The findings are detailed in the journal Vertebrate Zoology. sources

Published:
Nov 06 2025, 10 pm

"Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Exhibits Extreme Negative Polarization"

A team of astronomers has unveiled the first polarimetric observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing it exhibits extreme negative polarization. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is travelling at nearly double the speed of previous interstellar visitors, with an estimated nucleus size of 5.6 kilometers and a mass exceeding 33 billion tons. As it approached the Sun, the comet displayed outgassing and a distinctive green tinge, but has since vanished from view, likely due to a coronal mass ejection. The polarimetric data indicates that 3I/ATLAS does not fit into existing categories of comets, suggesting it may share characteristics with trans-Neptunian objects. The findings, which highlight a unique negative polarization behavior, could expand our understanding of interstellar bodies. The research has been submitted to The Astrophysical Journal Letters and is currently available on the preprint server arXiv. sources

Published:
Nov 06 2025, 10 pm

Astronauts Stranded in Space After Space Junk Incident

In June 2024, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore found themselves unexpectedly stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months due to a malfunction of their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, far exceeding their planned eight-day mission. While they accepted the potential for delays, their extended stay highlighted the risks of space travel. Meanwhile, three astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station—Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui, and Chen Dong—are facing a similar predicament after their Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was reportedly struck by space debris, prompting the China Manned Space Agency to postpone their return, originally scheduled for November 5. This incident underscores the growing concern over space debris, which poses significant risks to spacecraft and could lead to catastrophic chain reactions in orbit, known as the Kessler Effect. As the astronauts await their return, they can at least enjoy barbecued meals thanks to a new oven delivered to the station. sources

Published:
Nov 06 2025, 10 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!