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Domestic cats can trace their lineage back to North African wildcats, with the first domestication occurring around 2,000 years ago, significantly later than previously believed. Earlier theories suggested that cats were domesticated during Neolithic times in the Levant, supported by archaeological findings of ancient cat burials. However, recent genomic analysis of 70 ancient cats revealed that specimens older than 2,000 years were actually European wildcats, not domestic cats. Researchers, including study author Marco de Martino, concluded that while early humans coexisted with wildcats, true domestication did not occur until the emergence of cats descended from North African wildcats. By the first century BCE, these domestic cats had rapidly spread throughout the Roman Empire, reaching as far as the British Isles. This research, published in the journal Science, shifts the timeline of cat domestication from thousands of years ago to a much more recent period. 
Published: Nov 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inA satirical story about a diver who allegedly got his penis stuck in a giant clam has resurfaced, highlighting the importance of being cautious with one's anatomy. The fictional tale, published by the satirical site World News Daily Report in March 2018, describes a character named Sean Madison, who, under the influence of drugs, attempts this ill-fated encounter, only to suffer a severe allergic reaction afterward. Despite the humorous premise, the article serves as a cautionary reminder to avoid such risky behavior. The accompanying image, which depicts a young man with a swollen face, is actually of Austin Hatfield, who was hospitalized after attempting to kiss a cottonmouth snake. This incident underscores the potential dangers of reckless actions, particularly involving one's genitals, and reinforces the message: leave the clams—and other hazardous creatures—alone. 
Published: Nov 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a thought-provoking study, researchers from Loughborough University and the University of Zurich have highlighted the disconnect between humanity's ancient biology and modern life, echoing Edward O. Wilson's assertion that we possess "Palaeolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology." The study reveals that the chronic stressors of contemporary urban living—such as traffic, social media, and constant notifications—trigger the same biological responses as ancient threats like predators, but unlike those fleeting dangers, modern stressors persist, leading to a state of continuous tension. This unrelenting stress is linked to various health issues, including infertility, compromised immune function, and cognitive decline. As urban populations are projected to rise significantly by 2050, the researchers advocate for a reevaluation of our relationship with nature, suggesting that integrating natural spaces into urban environments could mitigate these health risks and enhance well-being. The findings are published in the journal Biological Reviews. 
Published: Nov 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe enduring myth that microwaves heat food by targeting the "resonant frequency" of water has persisted for nearly 78 years since the first commercial microwave was introduced. In reality, microwaves, produced by a magnetron, heat food through dielectric heating, where the electric field causes water molecules and other food components to vibrate, generating heat. The frequency of 2.45 GHz is not specifically tuned to water but is effective for heating a variety of substances, including fats and proteins, due to its penetration depth and ease of production. Experts clarify that microwaves do not cook food from the inside out; rather, they heat the exterior first, with heat then conducting inward. Additionally, ice can absorb microwaves, but its hydrogen bonds limit molecular rotation, causing it to heat more slowly. Understanding these principles dispels common misconceptions about microwave cooking. 
Published: Nov 28 2025, 2 ameznews.inA thought-provoking question posed on Reddit by user gothreepwood101 has sparked a discussion about the physics of a hypothetical metal pole stretching from the English to the French coast. The query revolves around whether pulling one end of the pole would cause the other end to move instantly. Contrary to initial assumptions, the answer is no; such movement cannot occur faster than the speed of light, which is the universe's ultimate speed limit. Instead, when one end is pulled, the force travels through the pole as a wave at the speed of sound in the material, which is significantly slower. For instance, if the pole were made of iron, the force would take approximately 6.43 seconds to reach the other end, while light would cover the same distance in just 0.00011 seconds, highlighting the vast difference in speed between sound and light. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe East Antarctic Plateau holds the title of the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures at Russia's Vostok Station plummeting to -89.2°C (-128.6°F) on July 23, 1983. Recent satellite data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, covering 2004 to 2016, revealed even lower temperatures of around -98°C (-144.4°F) in the region during the polar night, particularly at altitudes of 3,800 to 4,050 meters (12,467 to 13,287 feet). These extreme conditions are exacerbated by a strong Antarctic polar vortex, which traps cold air. While these temperatures are naturally occurring, scientists have achieved even colder conditions in laboratory settings, nearing absolute zero. In 2021, German researchers set a record by cooling rubidium atoms to 38 picokelvins, a state where atomic movement is nearly halted, showcasing the bizarre phenomena of quantum physics. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNative American rock art in southern Texas, particularly the Pecos River style (PRS), showcases a remarkable continuity of artistic conventions over 4,000 years, reflecting a shared cosmology among Indigenous groups across the Americas. Researchers, including Carolyn Boyd, highlight that these ancient murals, some dating back nearly 6,000 years, depict complex metaphysical concepts such as circular time and the universe's layered structure. The PRS features consistent motifs, including human and animal figures, arranged in expansive compositions, with a specific color application order. This visual language illustrates a "pan-New World metaphysics," suggesting that sophisticated religious and philosophical ideas existed among foragers long before urban societies emerged. The enduring nature of these beliefs is evidenced by modern Indigenous peoples recognizing the figures and concepts depicted in the art, linking them to their ancestral heritage. The findings are detailed in the journal Science Advances. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA curious capuchin monkey named Route caused a stir on August 13 when a mysterious 911 call was traced back to a zoo in Paso Robles, California. After losing connection, police investigated the source, only to discover that the call had been made after Route, a 10-month-old monkey, had snatched a cellphone from assistant director Lisa Jackson while they were riding in a golf cart. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office noted that capuchin monkeys are known for their inquisitive nature, often pushing buttons on devices. Jackson recounted that she thought nothing of Route's antics at the time. While the incident may have consumed police resources, it highlights the intelligence of these animals, reminiscent of long-tailed macaques in Bali, which have been observed stealing and bartering for high-value items from tourists. Fortunately, Route's mischief did not escalate beyond a simple phone call. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers studying the ancient Chinchorro culture of Chile's Atacama Desert, known for its mummies that predate those of Ancient Egypt, have found that their average brain size was approximately 12 percent smaller than that of modern Chileans. This discovery, based on CT scans of 68 mummified heads, suggests that childhood malnutrition and poor living conditions may have affected their development. The Chinchorro, who thrived in one of the planet's harshest environments until around 3,500 years ago, relied heavily on marine resources for sustenance. The study revealed that while brain size remained relatively stable from hunter-gatherer to agricultural lifestyles, a significant increase in cranial volume occurred in the last 150 years, coinciding with improved nutrition and public health. The findings highlight the critical role of early-life nutrition in cognitive development and physical growth, marking a notable shift in stature among Chileans over the past century. 
Published: Nov 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAstronomers and space enthusiasts are captivated by the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Recent images from NASA, ESA, and China's Tianwen-1 orbiter have showcased the comet's features, with NASA's Perseverance rover capturing a faint glimpse from Mars. The comet passed Mars at a distance of 19 million miles, allowing for detailed observations by multiple NASA spacecraft, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is set to observe 3I/ATLAS between November 2 and 25, using five instruments, although data from these observations won't be available until February 2026 due to the spacecraft's thermal constraints and distance from Earth. Looking ahead, ESA is developing the Comet Interceptor mission, aimed at studying pristine comets from the outer solar system, potentially including interstellar visitors. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
