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Around 5 billion years ago, our Sun ignited by converting hydrogen into helium, surrounded by a disk of material that included hydrogen and complex molecules. This chaotic environment led to the formation of planets, with Jupiter emerging as the first, likely within the first 3 million years, boasting a mass equivalent to 318 Earths. Following Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus formed, although the latter two were influenced by the gas already captured by the first two giants. In the inner Solar System, rocky planets, including Mars, took longer to develop due to collisions among protoplanets. Earth and Uranus are contenders for the title of the youngest planet, both having undergone significant collisions that shaped their current forms. Earth's collision with the Mars-sized Theia formed the Moon, while Uranus's impact altered its rotation and magnetic field, complicating the definition of planetary youth. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking move for sustainable luxury fashion, a new partnership between VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. aims to create a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather using fossilized _Tyrannosaurus rex_ collagen. This innovative material, dubbed _T. rex_ leather, promises to replicate the durability and tactile qualities of high-end leather while addressing ethical concerns associated with conventional leather production, which is linked to significant environmental damage, including deforestation and biodiversity loss. The process involves engineering cells with synthetic DNA, allowing them to merge freely, resulting in a product that goes beyond mere imitation. VML describes _T. rex_ leather as a pioneering step in sustainable materials, inspired by ancient biology. As the fashion industry seeks alternatives to fossil fuel-derived vegan options, the prospect of _T. rex_ leather raises excitement for eco-conscious consumers looking to make a stylish statement amid the climate crisis. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA team of astronomers has identified a potential candidate for the elusive Planet Nine, a hypothetical ninth planet in our Solar System, located far beyond Neptune. This follows a 2016 study by Caltech astronomers who suggested that several distant objects were being influenced by a massive, unseen gravitational force. While the existence of Planet Nine remains unconfirmed, it could help explain various anomalies in the orbits of Kuiper belt objects and align our Solar System with the more common planetary configurations observed in other star systems. The researchers analyzed decades of data from two infrared sky surveys, initially identifying 13 candidates before narrowing it down to one promising object. However, further observations are necessary to determine its orbit and confirm whether it is indeed Planet Nine. The findings are detailed in a pre-print paper available on arXiv, pending peer review. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIceland's government has lifted its summer 2023 suspension on commercial whaling, allowing hunting to resume under new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. Initially announced in June by Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir, the suspension followed a report highlighting the prolonged suffering of whales during hunts. The new rules restrict hunting to within 25 meters of boats and prohibit killing whales accompanied by calves, while banning controversial methods like electrification. However, animal rights advocates have criticized the decision, arguing that no method can render whaling humane. Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute expressed disappointment, stating that the regulations would still lead to unnecessary suffering. With only one commercial whaling company, Hvalur, remaining in Iceland, there is cautious optimism that future hunting permits may not be issued, as advocates continue to push for an end to the practice altogether. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe reopening of King Casimir IV Jagiellon's tomb in 1973 has sparked intrigue and concern, as a team of archaeologists discovered a hazardous environment teeming with potentially dangerous fungi. Following the death of the Polish king in 1492, the tomb became a breeding ground for pathogens, leading to a grim outcome for the researchers; of the twelve scientists present, ten died shortly after the excavation. This incident echoes the infamous "Curse of the Mummy," popularized by the death of Lord Carnarvon after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, which some attribute to fungal spores. A 2015 study highlighted the presence of various molds, including Aspergillus and Penicillium, in the crypt, raising alarms about the health risks posed to those who work in such environments. While the supernatural elements of tomb curses may be exaggerated, the biological threats from ancient crypts appear to be very real. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a controversial move following a devastating bushfire, the Victorian government has euthanized between 600 to 700 koalas in Budj Bim National Park, sparking public outrage and political backlash. Officials argue that the mass cull was a necessary measure to prevent prolonged suffering among the animals, many of which were left severely injured or sick after a lightning strike ignited the fire in March, destroying their habitat and food sources. Critics, including animal welfare advocates, question the ethics of using helicopter snipers for such a drastic action, suggesting that more humane alternatives could have been explored. They also highlight concerns over transparency and the ongoing clearing of blue gum plantations, which has exacerbated koala overpopulation in the park. However, some experts, like Associate Professor Desley Whisson, defend the decision as a compassionate response to prevent a slow, painful death for the surviving koalas. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe colour of nasal mucus, or snot, can provide valuable insights into an individual's immune health, according to researchers from York St John University. Clear mucus is typical for a healthy nose, while white mucus often indicates congestion and the onset of an infection. Yellow mucus suggests the immune system is actively combating an infection, as white blood cells release enzymes that change its colour. A green hue indicates a heightened immune response, often associated with bacterial infections. Pink or red mucus may signal the presence of blood due to irritation, while brown or orange can result from environmental debris or dried blood. Rarely, black mucus may indicate serious conditions like fungal infections. Understanding these variations in mucus can help individuals gauge their health and the effectiveness of their immune response during illness. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAn analysis of a 108-million-year-old humerus bone from the species *Kryoryctes cadburyi* suggests that its owner was likely an aquatic or semi-aquatic animal, potentially indicating that the common ancestor of all monotremes, which include the platypus and echidnas, lived a lifestyle more akin to that of the platypus. This finding, derived from non-destructive CT scans, reveals that the bone's thick walls and heavy structure resemble those of modern platypuses and other semi-aquatic mammals, hinting at an evolutionary shift where echidnas adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle. The study, led by Professor Suzanne Hand from the University of New South Wales, highlights the rarity of monotreme fossils and the challenges in understanding their evolutionary history. The research underscores the significance of *Kryoryctes cadburyi*, named after the chocolate company, in shedding light on the ancient lineage of these unique mammals. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inResearch indicates that birthing positions such as squatting or kneeling can significantly benefit labor by widening the pelvic outlet, thereby shortening delivery times. Despite this, the majority of women in the United States still give birth on their backs, a practice that has been linked to prolonged labor and slower contractions. This position became prevalent in Western culture over the last 200 years, with its origins traced back to 17th-century France. While King Louis XIV is often cited as a catalyst for this change due to his alleged voyeuristic tendencies, it was actually the physician François Mariceau who popularized the reclining position for its comfort and accessibility for midwives. Although the king's influence on birthing practices remains debated, his promotion of this position has left a lasting legacy, which continues to dominate in Western childbirth today. 
Published: Apr 25 2025, 5 ameznews.inIn a remarkable incident in Peru, Rosa Isabel Céspedes Callaca, 36, was initially declared dead following a severe car accident on April 25. After her family began funeral preparations, she reportedly showed signs of life during the service on April 26, prompting cemetery staff to call for medical assistance. Transferred back to the hospital, Callaca was found to have a faint pulse, leading her family to suspect she had been in a deep coma rather than truly deceased. The regional health director confirmed an investigation into the hospital's handling of the case is underway. Experts note that biological processes can continue after apparent death, complicating definitions of mortality. Tragically, despite being placed on a respirator, Callaca was pronounced dead again within hours, leaving her family seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding her initial declaration of death. 
Published: Apr 29 2025, 9 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
