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Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky has sparked debate with his assertion that humans lack free will, a conclusion drawn from decades of studying human and primate behavior. While the concept of free will is widely accepted and underpins notions of morality and responsibility, Sapolsky advocates for determinism, arguing that individuals cannot be held accountable for actions beyond their control. In his new book, *Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will*, he posits that free will would require biological independence from an organism's history, which he deems impossible. Critics, including philosopher Saul Smilansky and neuroscientist Peter U. Tse, warn that denying free will could lead to harmful societal consequences, such as increased aggression and reduced moral responsibility. Despite acknowledging these concerns, Sapolsky maintains that embracing determinism could foster a more humane understanding of human behavior and societal mechanisms. 
Published: Oct 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inComet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is currently at its best visibility, making its closest approach to Earth today, October 21. While it is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, it does not match the brilliance of notable comets like Hale-Bopp or NEOWISE. Observers in dark areas should have no trouble spotting the comet, which features a thin tail and a green hue. For those in less optimal viewing conditions, binoculars or telescopes are recommended. Dr. Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society advises looking for the comet in the evening sky, where it will move past the bright star Arcturus. The comet will continue to brighten as it approaches the Sun, with its closest passage on November 4. For those unable to view it in person, the Virtual Telescope Project plans to livestream observations on October 24.
Published: Oct 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn 1997, Santino, a male chimpanzee at Furuvik Zoo in Gävle, Sweden, gained notoriety for his unusual behavior of throwing rocks at visitors. Unlike typical primate antics, Santino meticulously gathered and stored rocks in his enclosure during quiet mornings, preparing for the arrival of guests. When the zoo opened, he would unleash a barrage of stones, prompting zoo staff to describe the scene as a "hailstorm." Cognitive zoologist Mathias Osvath noted that this behavior demonstrated advanced planning, as Santino's calm preparation contrasted sharply with his agitated state during the rock-throwing. By 1998, as his rock supply dwindled, he ingeniously began chipping away at concrete to create new projectiles. Santino's actions not only showcased his intelligence but also highlighted the complexities of chimpanzee behavior, contributing to our understanding of their cognitive abilities and social strategies.
Published: Oct 22 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe emergence of new COVID-19 subvariants, notably Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), is contributing to a rise in cases globally, with notable increases reported in the UK, Canada, and the European Union. The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a peak in cases towards the end of August, driven primarily by these Omicron offshoots. While these variants spread efficiently, they generally cause less severe illness compared to earlier strains like Delta. Symptoms to watch for include cough, sore throat, and fatigue, with some reporting unique symptoms like "razor blade throat" for Nimbus. Public health officials recommend vaccination as the best defense, with varying eligibility guidelines across regions. Precautionary measures such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded spaces remain crucial in mitigating the spread of respiratory infections during this season.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs scientists continue to explore the cosmos, the question of extraterrestrial life remains increasingly perplexing. Despite the discovery of numerous exoplanets in habitable zones and life on Earth thriving in extreme conditions, the Fermi Paradox—highlighted by astrophysicist Michael Hart in 1974—questions why we have yet to encounter alien civilizations. Hart's analysis suggested that if advanced civilizations existed, they should have colonized the galaxy within a few million years, given the Milky Way's age of 13.6 billion years. A recent study, however, proposes that the expansion of civilizations may not be uniform due to the universe's dynamics, particularly in dark matter-dominated scenarios where reachable planets are diminishing. This research indicates that aliens may still be in the early stages of expansion, suggesting that contact could become more likely in the distant future, rather than being a cause for concern today. The findings are available on the preprint server arXiv.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inScientists have embarked on a groundbreaking expedition to explore the depths of the ocean, revealing nearly 30,000 previously undocumented organisms in the hadal zone, which lies between 6,939 and 9,775 meters below sea level. The Japan "Ring of Fire" Expedition utilized crewed submersibles to investigate three subduction trenches: Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara. Dr. Denise Swanborn, the study's lead author, emphasized that this research represents one of the most detailed surveys of biodiversity in these extreme environments, linking species occurrences to factors such as depth, nutrient supply, and historical seismic disturbances. Notable discoveries included a crinoid meadow at 9,100 meters and unique deep-sea creatures like the winged Pseudoliparis fish. The findings, published in the Journal of Biogeography, provide invaluable insights into the complex ecosystems of the ocean's deepest regions, highlighting the importance of understanding these habitats and their inhabitants.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe elusive saola, often referred to as the "Asian unicorn," has not been photographed in over two decades, with the last sighting recorded in 2013 in Quảng Nam province, Vietnam. While some estimates suggest there may be around 100 saolas remaining, others fear the species could already be extinct. Nguyen Quoc Dung from Vietnam's Forest Inventory and Planning Institute noted that proving the existence of saolas is challenging due to their remote habitat. Recent research indicates that saolas are divided into two genetically distinct populations, presenting a potential opportunity for conservation through a breeding program. Scientists are now exploring innovative methods, including environmental DNA from leeches, to locate these rare animals. If successful, this could lead to restoring genetic diversity or even de-extinction efforts. Despite the challenges, researchers remain hopeful that the saola still roams the forests of Vietnam.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNearly 90% of US adults have at least one risk factor for a newly identified condition known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, yet 90% are unaware of it, according to a survey by the American Heart Association (AHA). Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA's chief medical officer for prevention, emphasized the prevalence of simultaneous heart, kidney, and metabolic risk factors. Only 12% of respondents had heard of CKM syndrome, but 72% expressed interest in learning more. Research indicates that almost 90% of US adults meet the criteria for CKM syndrome, with older adults, men, and Black individuals at higher risk. The AHA plans to release its first guidelines on CKM syndrome in 2026, aiming to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of these health issues. Sanchez highlighted the importance of coordinated treatment, noting that managing these conditions together can significantly improve overall health outcomes.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent study from George Washington University has validated the "Grandmother Rule" regarding body washing, emphasizing the importance of cleaning often-neglected areas such as behind the ears, between the toes, and in the navel. Researchers examined the skin microbiomes of 129 students, comparing samples from well-washed areas like forearms and calves to those less frequently cleaned. The findings revealed that regularly cleaned regions exhibited a more diverse and healthier microbiome, while neglected areas harbored a less beneficial microbial community. Keith Crandall, the study's lead, noted that an imbalance in skin microbes can lead to conditions like eczema and acne. Although the relationship between microbiome health and overall well-being requires further exploration, this research serves as a crucial reference for understanding healthy skin microbiomes in adults. The study is published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inFridges are celebrated for their thoughtful design, featuring shelves, crisper drawers, and even ice machines. However, experts warn that the door shelves, often seen as ideal for storing butter, milk, and eggs, are actually the worst place for these items. Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian, explains that the warm air entering the fridge when the door is opened causes temperature fluctuations that can accelerate spoilage. Instead, sensitive items like milk and eggs should be stored on the back of the bottom shelf, where temperatures remain consistent. Leftovers are best kept on the top shelf to avoid contamination from drips. The fridge door is better suited for less temperature-sensitive items such as condiments and jams, but caution is advised to prevent smaller jars from toppling and breaking. Proper organization can enhance food safety and reduce waste in your refrigerator.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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