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A new NASA study has revealed a surprising uptick in solar activity, reversing a long-term decline that had led astronomers to believe the Sun was entering a "deep solar minimum." Historically, sunspots, which are areas of intense magnetic activity, have been tracked since ancient times, with significant observations made since the invention of the telescope in 1608. The Sun operates on an approximately 11-year cycle, but recent findings indicate that after a steady decrease in activity from the 1980s to 2008, solar parameters such as wind speed and magnetic field strength are now on the rise. Lead author Jamie Jasinski noted that this unexpected resurgence suggests the Sun is "slowly waking up," with implications for increased solar storms that could disrupt communications and power grids on Earth. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, challenges previous assumptions about the Sun's long-term behavior. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAstronomers have identified a new interstellar object, provisionally named A11pl3Z, which is on a trajectory that will take it out of the Solar System, suggesting it originated from beyond our celestial neighborhood. Detected by the ATLAS sky survey on July 1, A11pl3Z has an exceptionally high orbital eccentricity, estimated to be above 6, making it distinct from previous interstellar visitors like 'Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. While the exact nature of A11pl3Z—whether it is a comet or asteroid—remains unclear, its orbit is notably more extreme than its predecessors. Currently located just inside Jupiter's orbit, A11pl3Z is expected to reach its closest approach in October, although it will not come within 50 million kilometers of Earth. As it brightens, astronomers will have several months to study this intriguing object, despite its faintness making it currently undetectable by amateur telescopes. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable discovery, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have unearthed two bottles in a Frederiksberg basement, containing a century-old residue that reveals insights into Denmark's dairy history. The residue, identified as lactic acid bacteria used in butter production from the 1890s, allowed scientists to extract and sequence DNA, uncovering the presence of _Lactococcus cremoris_, a bacterium still utilized in modern Danish dairies for milk acidification. This research highlights the evolution of butter production, particularly as Denmark began exporting to England in the late 1800s, necessitating standardized flavors and hygiene practices. The study also revealed contamination from less desirable bacteria, indicating the challenges faced by the dairy industry at the time. Co-author Nathalia Brichet noted that while the findings reflect advancements in dairy standardization, they also underscore the hygiene conditions of the past, which differ significantly from today’s standards. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA rare stratospheric warming event is developing over Antarctica, potentially influencing global weather patterns. The Southern Polar Vortex, a mass of cold air that typically traps frigid temperatures near the pole, is showing signs of instability, with declining wind speeds and rising temperatures indicating a warming event may be imminent. While such events are common in the Northern Hemisphere, they are less frequent in the south due to fewer geographical obstacles. The current weakening of the vortex is occurring earlier and more sharply than usual, suggesting significant weather changes could follow. Forecasts indicate that southern Australia may experience increased cold fronts and low-pressure systems, alongside early-season heatwaves. Although the broader global impacts remain uncertain, past events, such as the record-breaking 2019 warming, have demonstrated that disturbances in the Antarctic stratosphere can have far-reaching effects, including anomalies in North America and Europe. 
Published: Sep 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inA 16-year-old reticulated giraffe named Mahiri at Banham Zoo in Norfolk has successfully learned to use an inhaler to manage her long-term nasal condition, which causes discomfort and discharge from her nostrils. Initially treated with oral steroids, zookeepers sought a more sustainable solution, leading to the introduction of inhaler therapy three years ago. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Elliott Simpson-Brown explained that the inhaler mimics the effects of steroids but targets the airways more effectively. The training process required patience and trust-building, as giraffes can be wary of new experiences. After extensive training, Mahiri now confidently uses the inhaler, with hopes that it will eventually replace her steroid treatment. The next step for her care team is to identify the underlying cause of her condition through diagnostic samples, as they continue to monitor her progress. 
Published: Sep 15 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNew research reveals that Southeast Asian societies were practicing mummification as early as 10,000 years before the Egyptians developed their embalming techniques. This mortuary tradition, likely initiated by the descendants of the first modern humans in Eurasia, continues among some Indigenous groups in Australia and Highland New Guinea. The study, which analyzed 54 pre-Neolithic burials dated between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago, found evidence of smoke-drying methods used for preservation. Researchers utilized advanced techniques to confirm that some mummies from Vietnam date back to 14,000 years ago. Unlike the arid conditions that facilitated mummification in Egypt and Chile, Southeast Asia's humid climate necessitated significant human effort. The findings suggest a cultural connection between ancient Southeast Asian mummification practices and contemporary Indigenous communities, indicating that these traditions may have deep ancestral roots. The study is published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 1 ameznews.inThe White House has dismissed speculation regarding extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with high-altitude balloons. 
Published: Sep 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe "dark forest hypothesis," a concept gaining traction in discussions about the Fermi paradox, posits a chilling explanation for humanity's lack of contact with extraterrestrial life. Originating from Liu Cixin's sci-fi novel _The Dark Forest_, the theory suggests that intelligent civilizations, aware of the potential threats posed by others, may choose to remain silent to avoid detection. In this metaphorical dark forest, every civilization acts as a cautious hunter, aware that revealing their existence could lead to their destruction by more aggressive species. The hypothesis implies that if even one civilization adopts a predatory stance, others will likely follow suit, opting for silence over risk. This unsettling perspective contrasts sharply with humanity's more open approach to communication, raising questions about the survival strategies of advanced life forms in a universe filled with potential dangers. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn April 1989, the International Gold Council expressed alarm over a claim made by mathematician AK Dewdney in *Scientific American*, which suggested that gold could be created from nothing using the Banach-Tarski Paradox. This mathematical concept posits that an ideal solid can be divided and reassembled into two identical copies, seemingly defying the laws of physics. However, the claim was a ruse; the supposed inventor, Arlo Lipof, was an anagram for "April fool," and the paradox cannot actually produce gold. The Banach-Tarski Paradox, rooted in set theory, illustrates the counterintuitive nature of infinity, where an uncountably infinite set can be derived from a countably infinite one. While the paradox raises questions about the foundations of mathematics, belief in its principles, particularly the Axiom of Choice, remains prevalent among mathematicians, despite its seemingly absurd implications. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIFLScience is set to host an exciting virtual event, CURIOUS Live, on May 24, 2025, featuring neuroscientist Dr. Austin Lim, author of _Horror On The Brain_. This exclusive event will delve into the intersection of science fiction and real neurological phenomena, showcasing astonishing true stories, such as a woman who perceives dragons instead of faces and a patient unable to feel pain. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Lim during a live Q&A session, as well as receive tips for crafting compelling horror and sci-fi narratives. The event is available exclusively to IFLScience All-Access members, who will also gain access to future events and additional member benefits. Interested participants can sign up for membership to secure their spot and enjoy a range of premium features, including access to past CURIOUS Live talks on YouTube. 
Published: Sep 14 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
