eznews.inA recent study led by scientists at the University of Barcelona has revealed that red devil spiders, specifically the endemic species _Dysdera tilosensis_ found in the Canary Islands, experienced a dramatic reduction in genome size after colonizing the archipelago. Over a few million years, the genome of _D. tilosensis_ shrank to 1.7 billion base pairs, nearly half that of its mainland relative, _Dysdera catalonica_, which has 3.3 billion. This unexpected downsizing challenges the common evolutionary trend of genome expansion in isolated populations, often driven by the Founder Effect. Researchers suggest that the stable population dynamics in the Canary Islands may have maintained strong selective pressures, leading to the elimination of non-essential DNA. The findings, published in *Molecular Biology and Evolution*, indicate that a smaller genome does not equate to reduced complexity or adaptability, as _D. tilosensis_ exhibits greater genetic diversity despite its streamlined genome. 
Published: Oct 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study led by MIT's Nicole Nie has uncovered what may be the first direct evidence of materials from the "proto-Earth," challenging previous assumptions about the planet's early history. The research, published in *Nature Geoscience*, reveals a unique potassium isotopic anomaly in ancient rocks from Greenland and Canada, suggesting they may contain remnants from before the catastrophic "Great Impact" that formed the Moon. This collision, which occurred over 4.5 billion years ago, is believed to have introduced vital volatile elements necessary for life. While the findings provide a tantalizing glimpse into Earth's formative years, Nie cautions that the exact chemical composition of the early planet remains elusive, indicating that the current inventory of meteorites used for comparison is incomplete. The study highlights the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of Earth's origins and its transformation into a life-sustaining world.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2015, Professor Adam Zeman coined the term "aphantasia" to describe the condition of individuals who cannot visualize images in their minds. Nearly a decade later, Zeman has published a comprehensive review of over 50 studies exploring this phenomenon, which affects an estimated 1-5% of the population. He emphasizes that aphantasia is not a disorder but rather a different way of processing information, with some individuals experiencing subtypes that affect memory and facial recognition. Personal accounts, such as that of 43-year-old Mary Wathen, reveal the challenges faced by those with aphantasia, including difficulty picturing loved ones. However, Wathen also notes advantages, such as enhanced verbal communication skills. The ongoing research highlights the diversity of human imagination and the need for educational approaches that accommodate various learning styles. The findings are detailed in the journal *Trends in Cognitive Sciences*.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Earth spins at approximately 1,000 miles per hour, yet we do not feel this motion due to the effects of gravity and inertia. Unlike the sensation of being pushed outward on a spinning roundabout, which is attributed to centrifugal force, our experience on Earth is dominated by gravity, which exerts a force of about 9.8 m/s². The slight reduction in weight at the equator, caused by the Earth's bulge and rotation, is negligible compared to gravitational pull. Additionally, the atmosphere moves in sync with the Earth, preventing us from feeling strong winds. The planet's smooth rotation means we only notice changes in motion, such as during earthquakes. If the Earth were to suddenly stop, however, the forces experienced would be significant, highlighting the contrast between constant velocity and sudden acceleration.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe winners of the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced, with UK amateur photographer Ken Jensen taking the top prize for his humorous image titled “Ouch!” featuring a Golden Silk Monkey caught in a clumsy moment. Jensen captured the photograph in 2016 during a trip to Yunnan, China, where the monkey's aggressive antics led to an unexpected slip. He expressed joy at his image bringing smiles worldwide while supporting wildlife conservation. The competition, established in 2015, donates 10% of its net revenue to Save Wild Orangutans, a charity focused on protecting orangutans in Borneo. The Affinity Photo People’s Choice Award went to John Speirs for his whimsical shot of a pigeon in Scotland, while other notable winners included Chee Kee Teo and Vicki Jauron for their charming wildlife images. Additionally, ten “Highly Commended Winners” were recognized for their delightful contributions.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inJason Moore has been crowned the winner of the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards for his captivating photograph titled "Air Guitar Roo," which features a female Western grey kangaroo striking a playful pose. Captured in the outer suburbs of Perth during the early morning light, Moore's image showcases the kangaroo amidst vibrant wildflowers. He described the experience as a delightful session, noting that while kangaroos are typically docile, this particular moment brought him joy and inspiration. The competition attracted over 5,300 entries from 1,842 participants across 85 countries. Other notable winners included Jacek Stankiewicz, who won the Junior Award for "Dispute," and Vittorio Ricci, awarded for "Unexpected Plunge." The awards also recognized various categories, including Creatures Under the Sea, won by Otter Kwek for an otter's graceful twirl, and the Amazing Internet Portfolio Award, claimed by Tímea Ambrus for a series of humorous squirrel images.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe winners of the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced, highlighting the year's most amusing wildlife images. Jennifer Hadley clinched the top prize with her photograph titled “Not so cat-like reflexes,” capturing a lion cub's comical fall from a tree in Tanzania's Serengeti. Hadley described the moment as unexpected, noting the collective gasp from her group as the cub tumbled but ultimately landed safely. In addition to the grand prize, Hadley also won the Affinity Photo 2 People’s Choice Award for another humorous shot of two penguins titled "Talk to the Fin." This year's competition attracted 5,000 entries from 85 countries, with awards spanning various categories, including underwater and land creatures. Other notable images included a highly commended squirrel and a raccoon waving at the camera, showcasing the delightful and often humorous side of wildlife photography.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inArchaeologists at Pompeii have revised their initial interpretation of the skeleton dubbed the "unluckiest guy in history," revealing that the skull remains intact, indicating he did not die from being crushed by a boulder during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The remains, discovered in the Vicolo dei Balconi area, belong to a man under 30 who sought refuge from volcanic debris in a back alley. The skeleton was found at first-story level, suggesting a thick layer of ash had already fallen when a stone block was violently dislodged by the eruption. Initial examinations revealed leg lesions, hinting at a possible disability that may have hindered his escape. This find adds to the ongoing excavations at Pompeii, which have unveiled numerous artifacts and remains, including a horse preserved in volcanic ash, as researchers continue to uncover the town's tragic history.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA recent study led by Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland has unveiled a complex evolutionary response of large and medium-sized lizards to snake venom, likened to a series of Russian dolls. The research, which examined 27 species of varanid lizards, revealed that while larger lizards like Komodo dragons have developed thick, protective scales to fend off snake bites, smaller lizards have evolved biochemical defenses that make their nerves less susceptible to neurotoxins. This adaptation comes at a cost, resulting in slower nerve response times. Interestingly, lizards can lose and re-evolve these resistance traits depending on their proximity to snakes, showcasing a dynamic evolutionary process. The ongoing biological arms race sees snakes continuously developing new venoms to counteract lizard defenses. While Fry's work primarily aims to inform antivenom development, he humorously mused about the potential of genetically modifying humans to possess snake-repelling scales. The findings are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe mystery behind the iconic holes in Swiss cheese, known as "eyes," has perplexed scientists for over a century. Initially attributed to bacteria releasing carbon dioxide during fermentation, the holes began to disappear in the 21st century, raising concerns within the cheese industry. Researchers discovered that the holes are actually formed by tiny particles of hay that enter the milk during traditional milking processes. As modern milking techniques have replaced these methods, the influx of hay particles has diminished, leading to fewer holes. A 2015 study confirmed this hypothesis by demonstrating that adding ground hay to milk could control the number of holes formed during cheese ripening. This revelation not only explains the decline in Swiss cheese's signature feature but also offers a pathway to enhance cheese quality, ensuring that the beloved "King of Cheeses" retains its distinctive character for connoisseurs.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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