Trending Science

Listen as Radio

New Fermi Paradox Solution: Great Filter Approaches Us

A new perspective on the Fermi Paradox, which questions the absence of detectable alien civilizations despite the vastness of the universe, has been proposed by astronomer Michael Garrett from the University of Manchester. He suggests that the "Great Filter," a concept positing a significant barrier to the development of advanced life, may lie in humanity's near future rather than its past. Garrett warns that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to catastrophic outcomes for civilizations, potentially resulting in their self-destruction before they can establish interplanetary presence. He argues that as AI becomes weaponized and evolves into Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), it may prioritize computational efficiency over biological survival, posing existential risks. This scenario implies that civilizations may have a limited lifespan of 100-200 years post-AI adoption, significantly reducing the likelihood of contact with other intelligent life forms. Garrett's findings are detailed in the journal Acta Astronautica. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 11 am

Nature's First Unconventional Superconductor Discovered

Scientists 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. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 10 pm

Why Are Continents Clustered on One Side of Earth?

Maps 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. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 10 pm

Comet 3I/ATLAS Loses Water and Contains Cyanide

Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System, is providing valuable insights into its formation conditions as it traverses space. Recent observations reveal an unusual abundance of nickel compared to iron, with 3I/ATLAS emitting more nickel than Solar System comets and its interstellar counterpart, Comet 2I/Borisov. A preliminary study indicates the comet is releasing hydrogen cyanide, a common prebiotic molecule, while NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has detected hydroxyl (OH) gas, a chemical marker for water, suggesting the comet emits approximately 40 kilograms of water per second. This high level of activity implies that 8% of its surface is active, indicating it may be billions of years older than the Solar System and likely originates from the thick disk of the Milky Way. As researchers continue to study this intriguing object, they anticipate further revelations about the nature of comets and planetary formation. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 11 pm

More Mammals Found with Iridescent Fur Than Previously Thought

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. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 8 pm

"New Radio Arc Reveals Lowest Mass Dark Object Yet"

Astronomers have achieved a remarkable feat by setting two records with the highest resolution detection of a gravitationally lensed radio arc, revealing a small kink that suggests the presence of the smallest gravitational mass ever observed at cosmic distances. This discovery involves JVAS B1938+666, an elliptical galaxy located 6.5 billion light-years away, which magnifies the light from a distant object over 11 billion light-years away. Utilizing the Very Long Baseline Interferometry technique, 22 telescopes were linked to capture intricate details of the lensed arc, including a dark object estimated to be around one million times the mass of the Sun. This finding could provide insights into the nature of dark matter, as researchers explore whether it is smooth or clumpy. The results are detailed in two papers published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and Nature Astronomy. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 8 pm

CDC Director Advocates Splitting MMR Shots, But It's Unwise

The acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jim O’Neill, has supported President Donald Trump's suggestion for parents to request the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as three separate shots, a move that has sparked concern among health professionals. This idea, rooted in discredited claims by former doctor Andrew Wakefield, has been widely debunked, with numerous studies showing no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Experts argue that splitting the vaccine would not only increase the number of shots required but also heighten the risk of children contracting these diseases before receiving full vaccination. The MMR vaccine is praised for its safety and effectiveness, providing comprehensive protection against three diseases simultaneously. Health professionals emphasize that there is no scientific basis for changing the current vaccination schedule, which is crucial for maintaining public health and preventing outbreaks. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 9 pm

Rising Belief in Alien Visits May Pose Challenges

The question of extraterrestrial life continues to intrigue many, with a growing number of people believing in the existence of aliens and their potential visits to Earth. In the U.S., belief in UFO sightings as evidence of alien life has risen from 20% in 1996 to 34% in 2022, while a recent YouGov poll indicated that 32% of Britons share this belief. Despite this increasing public interest, the scientific community remains skeptical, citing a lack of credible evidence. Scholars like Tony Milligan argue that the rise in belief is fueled by populism and distrust in institutions, leading to conspiracy theories about government cover-ups. This skepticism is compounded by the portrayal of UFOs in media, which often distorts historical narratives and undermines legitimate scientific inquiry. As digital media amplifies misinformation, experts call for a new approach to engage with the public's fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life. sources

Published:
Oct 08 2025, 6 pm

"Confusion Over 'Jeff' Listed Among Nuclear Superpowers"

A recent online stir has left many puzzled over the inclusion of "Jeff" on a list of nuclear superpowers, alongside countries like North Korea. This confusion stems from a misinterpretation of an acronym rather than a reference to an individual. "Jeff" stands for the Joint Evaluated Fission and Fusion (JEFF) Project, an international initiative aimed at compiling nuclear data. The erroneous listing likely resulted from a data mishap, leading to the impression that Jeff is the tenth largest nuclear weapons holder. In reality, the global nuclear arsenal comprises nine recognized nations: Russia, the USA, China, the UK, France, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and India. While the mention of Jeff has sparked humorous speculation, experts assure that there is no cause for alarm regarding a nuclear threat from this fictional entity. sources

Published:
Oct 10 2025, 3 pm

Moai Statues of Rapa Nui "Walked," Physics Reveals

Recent research has confirmed that the iconic Moai statues of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, could indeed "walk" to their locations, a claim rooted in local oral traditions. A team led by Professor Carl Lipo from Binghamton University demonstrated this by moving a 4.35-ton replica statue 100 meters in just 40 minutes using ropes to create a wobbling motion. This method aligns with the island's unique road structures, which are believed to have been designed to facilitate the movement of these colossal figures. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggests that the Rapa Nui people employed sophisticated engineering techniques, challenging previous theories about how the statues were transported. Lipo emphasized the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui, stating that their methods were consistent with the resources available to them, and called for further evidence to disprove the walking theory. sources

Published:
Oct 09 2025, 11 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!