eznews.inPet nutrition has become increasingly complex, with concerns over the sourcing of ingredients, such as Antarctic krill, and debates about the safety of raw meat versus the viability of vegan diets for pets. Amidst this, many pet owners are puzzled by their cats and dogs' penchant for eating grass. A 2019 study found that 71% of cats sampled had eaten plants at least six times, with most owners reporting that this behavior was not linked to illness. Instead, it may stem from an evolutionary trait aimed at combating intestinal parasites. Similarly, a 2008 study revealed that 68% of dogs regularly consume plants, with only a small percentage doing so when unwell. While neither species requires grass in their diet, experts suggest that it may provide gastrointestinal benefits or simply be a matter of preference, although pet owners should avoid allowing them to eat chemically treated grass. 
Published: Dec 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inTitan, Saturn's largest moon, is unique in the Solar System for its lakes and rain, composed not of water but of methane and hydrocarbons due to its frigid temperatures. While earlier studies suggested the presence of a hidden ocean beneath its icy surface, new research indicates that Titan may instead possess a slushy layer rather than a global ocean. This conclusion stems from detailed modeling that accounts for Titan's deformation under Saturn's gravitational pull, revealing a 15-hour delay in peak deformation and greater energy dissipation than expected for a moon with a deep ocean. The findings suggest that Titan's subsurface environment could be more akin to Arctic sea ice or aquifers, potentially enhancing its habitability. NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, set to launch in 2034, aims to further explore Titan's intriguing chemistry and assess its potential for supporting life. The study is published in the journal Nature.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inNew genetic research suggests that Italians who reach the age of 100 may owe their longevity to ancient hunter-gatherer DNA rather than solely to the Mediterranean diet. A study analyzing the genomes of 333 centenarians and 690 healthy controls found a significant correlation between Western Hunter-Gatherer (WHG) ancestry and centenarian status, with those over 100 exhibiting higher proportions of WHG ancestry and related mutations. This contrasts with other ancient genetic ancestries, which showed no link to long life. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the findings indicate that WHG DNA may play a role in longevity, potentially countering the effects of pro-inflammatory genes that emerged with Neolithic populations. The study highlights the complex interplay of genetics and lifestyle in determining lifespan and is published in the journal GeroScience. Further research is needed to clarify how these ancient genetic influences contribute to modern longevity.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 5 ameznews.inTime is not a constant; it varies based on gravity and speed, as demonstrated by recent research showing that Mars and the Moon experience time differently than Earth. Scientists are now set to explore this phenomenon further using an optical atomic clock, the most precise timekeeping device ever created, atop Mount Blue Sky in Colorado. This clock is over 100 times more accurate than traditional atomic clocks, capable of measuring time with an uncertainty of just eight parts per billion billion. Researchers aim to compare the clock's time with one in a lab at the University of Colorado Boulder to quantify subtle time dilation effects caused by altitude differences. This groundbreaking experiment could enhance our understanding of gravitational effects on time and has potential applications in monitoring land elevation changes and probing the limits of physics, marking a significant advancement in precision timekeeping technology.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for organ transplantation, the United States recorded over 48,000 organ transplants in 2024, marking a significant milestone since the first human heart transplant in 1967. As the field advances, intriguing cases have emerged suggesting that organ transplants may influence recipients' personalities and preferences. Notably, a woman who received a heart from a fast-food enthusiast developed a sudden craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken, while others reported shifts in tastes, such as a newfound love for pickles or a preference for red wine. Professor Adam Taylor from Lancaster University posits that these changes could stem from physiological adaptations linked to the transplanted organ, which may affect hormone levels and brain chemistry. Early studies indicate that around 90% of transplant recipients experience some personality changes, prompting calls for further research into this phenomenon as the number of transplants continues to rise.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 ameznews.inRecent claims suggest there are only one or two locations on Earth where visitors can walk directly on the mantle, a notion that is more nuanced than it appears. Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia, is often cited as a unique spot where tectonic forces have pushed mantle-derived rock to the surface, making it the only place where such exposure occurs at an active plate boundary. Conversely, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada, also claims to offer access to mantle rock, with its tablelands being among the oldest and most studied samples. While both sites provide remarkable geological insights, the debate continues over whether they are truly the only places for mantle walking, as other potential locations may exist but remain undiscovered. Ultimately, these sites offer a rare glimpse into Earth's geological history, attracting both scientists and tourists alike.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 7 ameznews.inAstronomers have made significant strides in understanding the Fomalhaut star system, initially thought to host a planet, Fomalhaut b, which was later identified as a debris cloud from a collision. Recent observations have revealed another collision, designated Fomalhaut cs2, marking the first direct imaging of such events outside our solar system. Paul Kalas, an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley, noted that these bright spots, which mimic planets, are actually dust clouds resulting from planetesimal collisions. The Fomalhaut system, younger than our own, offers a glimpse into a time when our solar system was similarly chaotic, filled with colliding planetesimals. Researchers estimate around 300 million such objects exist in the Fomalhaut debris belt. Future observations using the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble aim to track the evolution of cs2, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation processes. The findings are detailed in a recent study published in the journal Science.
Published: Dec 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn 2015, researchers were awarded an Ig Nobel Prize for their study on the urination patterns of animals, which revealed a fascinating "Law of Urination." Their findings indicated that animals weighing over 3 kilograms typically take about 21 seconds to empty their bladders, while smaller creatures, like rats, can do so in mere fractions of a second. This phenomenon is attributed to the gravitational forces acting on longer urethras in larger animals, which enhance urine flow rates. The study's insights extend beyond mere curiosity; they can aid in diagnosing bladder health issues. Urologist Nicole Eisenbrown highlighted the "21-second rule" as a useful benchmark for monitoring personal bladder health. Deviations from this duration may signal potential problems, such as an overactive bladder or prostate issues, underscoring the importance of understanding urination patterns for overall health.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 8 ameznews.inFifty-four years after the bizarre "Exploding Whale" incident in Oregon, the event continues to capture public interest, particularly following the release of restored footage by the Oregon Historical Society. In November 1970, an 8-ton sperm whale beached itself near Florence, prompting the highway patrol, in consultation with the Navy, to attempt an unconventional disposal method: blowing it up with dynamite. Despite warnings from local businessman Walt Umenhofer, who had explosives training, the authorities proceeded with their plan, using an excessive amount of dynamite. The explosion resulted in whale debris raining down on onlookers, cars, and buildings, leading to a chaotic scene described by a journalist as resembling "a mighty burst of tomato juice." In a quirky twist, the incident has been embraced by the community, culminating in the naming of a memorial park in honor of this unusual chapter in Oregon's history.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 1 pmeznews.inLonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise, became an enduring symbol of conservation after his death in 2012, marking the extinction of his subspecies, _Chelonoidis niger abingdonii_. Discovered in 1971 by Hungarian scientist József Vágvölgyi, George was taken to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galápagos Islands, where efforts to find a mate proved unsuccessful. Despite attempts to breed him with related tortoise subspecies, he remained solitary. Following his passing at over 100 years old, scientists collected tissue samples in hopes of cloning or generating stem cells. His genome has since been sequenced, revealing genetic relatives still exist. George's taxidermized body now resides in the Galápagos, serving as a poignant reminder of biodiversity's fragility and the urgent need for conservation efforts, as highlighted by experts who stress the importance of preserving unique species for future scientific advancements.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 9 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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