eznews.inA new study has confirmed that ammonites survived the mass extinction event 66 million years ago, with fossils found in Denmark's Stevns Klint dating back at least 68,000 years into the Paleogene era. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that ammonites vanished alongside the dinosaurs, as researchers identified specimens from three genera—_Hoploscaphites_, _Baculites_, and _Fresvillia_—that show no signs of being reburied. Notably, _Fresvillia_ had not been previously recorded in Denmark from the late Cretaceous, suggesting it thrived post-extinction. Despite this evidence, the fossils disappear from the record within 200,000 years, raising questions about the eventual extinction of these resilient mollusks. The study highlights the "Dead Clade Walking" phenomenon, where a species survives a major threat but later succumbs, leaving scientists puzzled over the factors that led to the ammonites' decline despite favorable ocean conditions. The findings are published in *Scientific Reports*. 
Published: Jan 05 2026, 8 pmeznews.inThe period between Christmas and New Year’s can be disorienting, but for the people of Kiribati, the transition was particularly unusual in 1994, as they skipped December 31 altogether. Kiribati, a remote island nation in the central Pacific, faced a unique challenge due to its location straddling the International Date Line, resulting in a 23-hour time difference between its islands. To resolve this logistical nightmare, the date line was adjusted in 1995 to encompass all of Kiribati, ensuring that the entire nation shared the same date. Consequently, some islands transitioned directly from December 30 to January 1, 1995, without experiencing New Year’s Eve celebrations. This adjustment created a distinctive bulge in the International Date Line, highlighting Kiribati's geographical peculiarity. Similar adjustments have occurred elsewhere, such as in Samoa in 2011, which also erased a day to align with trading partners.
Published: Jan 03 2026, 3 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking experiment, researchers have once again challenged Albert Einstein's views on quantum mechanics, particularly his skepticism towards the principle of complementarity. This principle, championed by Niels Bohr, posits that certain properties of quantum systems cannot be measured simultaneously. A team led by Jian-Wei Pan at the University of Science and Technology of China recreated a version of the Einstein-Bohr thought experiment using optical tweezers to manipulate a rubidium atom. Their findings confirmed Bohr's predictions, demonstrating that the diffraction patterns produced by particles align with his theory, thereby reinforcing the concept of wave-particle duality. This new setup not only validates historical debates in quantum physics but also opens avenues for exploring complex issues like entanglement and decoherence, which are crucial for advancements in quantum computing. The study was published in the journal *Physical Review Letters*.
Published: Jan 02 2026, 10 pmeznews.inRecent genetic discoveries have reshaped our understanding of human classification, revealing that humans are not as distinct from apes as previously thought. Historically, humans were categorized in the family Hominidae, separate from other primates like chimpanzees and gorillas, which were placed in the Pongidae family. However, as research has shown our close genetic ties to these great apes, the term "hominid" has been redefined to include all great apes and their extinct ancestors. In contrast, "hominin" now specifically refers to the human lineage following our split from chimpanzees approximately seven million years ago. This new classification system places humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees in the subfamily Homininae, with humans further distinguished in the Hominina subtribe, highlighting our kinship with other primates while acknowledging our unique evolutionary path.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 3 ameznews.inWhen learning a new language, many learners feel overwhelmed by the rapid speech of native speakers, leading to the impression that some languages are inherently "faster." Research supports this notion, with a 2011 study from the University of Lyon ranking Japanese as the fastest language, producing 7.84 syllables per second, closely followed by Spanish. However, a 2019 study revealed that while Japanese speakers articulate quickly, their syllables convey less information compared to languages like English, which packs more meaning into fewer syllables. This suggests a trade-off between speed and information density, with all languages balancing out at a rate of about 39 bits per second. Critics argue that the evidence for significant differences in speech tempo is inconclusive, and many studies have focused primarily on European and East Asian languages, overlooking the vast diversity of global languages.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe Antarctic midge (_Belgica antarctica_), measuring just 2-6 millimeters, holds the title of the largest terrestrial animal in Antarctica, a continent known for its extreme cold and harsh conditions. Despite its small size, this flightless insect has adapted remarkably to survive in one of the planet's most inhospitable environments, where food sources are scarce. The midge feeds on mosses and plants that thrive on nutrients from the droppings of local wildlife, such as penguins and seals. Over time, these insects have evolved to endure freezing temperatures, entering a state of quiescence for up to nine months each year. Their life cycle includes a brief adult phase, primarily focused on reproduction. However, the midge now faces additional challenges from human-induced environmental changes, including the presence of microplastics in their systems, raising concerns about their future survival.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have pioneered a novel field known as "necrobotics," utilizing the exoskeletons of langoustine tails—leftover from culinary waste—as components for robotic systems. These crustacean exoskeletons, made of chitin, offer a unique combination of rigidity and flexibility, enabling complex movements ideal for robotics. The team created a robotic gripper capable of lifting objects up to 500 grams and a swimming robot with flapping fins, demonstrating the potential of repurposing food waste into functional machines. This sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also leverages natural designs honed by evolution, suggesting that such bio-hybrid robots may outperform traditional metal and plastic counterparts. The findings, which highlight the innovative integration of sustainability in robotics, are detailed in the journal *Advanced Science*.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 12 pmeznews.inAstronomers have revised their understanding of Uranus, suggesting it may contain significantly more methane than previously believed. Traditionally classified as an ice giant, Uranus and its neighbor Neptune are thought to be composed mainly of icy materials like water, methane, and ammonia surrounding a rocky core. However, new models indicate that the interior of Uranus could consist of at least 10% methane, potentially even more than water, challenging earlier assumptions based on the elemental composition of the solar system's outer regions. The research posits that chemical reactions involving carbon-rich planetesimals during the planet's formation may have produced this methane. This finding raises questions about the planets' formation in a region rich in organic materials but poor in water. To confirm these theories, further observations of Uranus are essential, as the planet has only been visited once by NASA's Voyager 2.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 ameznews.inMicroplastics have infiltrated even the most remote regions of the Earth, including Antarctica, where researchers have discovered microplastic fragments in the digestive tracts of wild midge larvae, _Belgica antarctica_. This finding, reported by a team led by Jack Devlin from the University of Kentucky, marks the first evidence of microplastics in this unique insect, which is crucial for the Antarctic ecosystem. Although ingestion was rare, detected in fewer than 7% of the larvae, it highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. The study revealed that while the midges' survival rates remained stable even at high plastic concentrations, their fat reserves were compromised, raising concerns about their long-term health and resilience amid climate change. The research underscores the urgent need for further investigation into the ecological impacts of microplastics in pristine environments, as Antarctica's relative purity is increasingly threatened by human activity.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn the early 20th century, the allure of radioactive products captivated the public, following French physicist Henri Becquerel's discovery of uranium's radioactive properties in 1896. This fascination led to the creation of various items, including Radithor, a radium-infused drink marketed as a health tonic. American sportsman Eben Byers, who consumed over 1,400 bottles of Radithor after an injury, initially believed it alleviated his pain. However, Byers soon experienced severe health issues, including weight loss, headaches, and extensive dental decay, ultimately leading to the removal of most of his jaw. Byers' case highlighted the dangers of radiation, prompting regulatory scrutiny in the 1930s. Tragically, he died at 51, with his body severely damaged by radiation exposure. The inventor of Radithor maintained its safety until his own death from bladder cancer, with posthumous examinations revealing extensive internal damage from radiation.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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