eznews.inNew research reveals that Southeast Asian societies were practicing mummification as early as 10,000 years before the Egyptians developed their embalming techniques. This mortuary tradition, likely initiated by the descendants of the first modern humans in Eurasia, continues among some Indigenous groups in Australia and Highland New Guinea. The study, which analyzed 54 pre-Neolithic burials dated between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago, found evidence of smoke-drying methods used for preservation. Researchers utilized advanced techniques to confirm that some mummies from Vietnam date back to 14,000 years ago. Unlike the arid conditions that facilitated mummification in Egypt and Chile, Southeast Asia's humid climate necessitated significant human effort. The findings suggest a cultural connection between ancient Southeast Asian mummification practices and contemporary Indigenous communities, indicating that these traditions may have deep ancestral roots. The study is published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. 
Published: Sep 16 2025, 1 ameznews.inThe White House has dismissed speculation regarding extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with high-altitude balloons.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe "dark forest hypothesis," a concept gaining traction in discussions about the Fermi paradox, posits a chilling explanation for humanity's lack of contact with extraterrestrial life. Originating from Liu Cixin's sci-fi novel _The Dark Forest_, the theory suggests that intelligent civilizations, aware of the potential threats posed by others, may choose to remain silent to avoid detection. In this metaphorical dark forest, every civilization acts as a cautious hunter, aware that revealing their existence could lead to their destruction by more aggressive species. The hypothesis implies that if even one civilization adopts a predatory stance, others will likely follow suit, opting for silence over risk. This unsettling perspective contrasts sharply with humanity's more open approach to communication, raising questions about the survival strategies of advanced life forms in a universe filled with potential dangers.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn April 1989, the International Gold Council expressed alarm over a claim made by mathematician AK Dewdney in *Scientific American*, which suggested that gold could be created from nothing using the Banach-Tarski Paradox. This mathematical concept posits that an ideal solid can be divided and reassembled into two identical copies, seemingly defying the laws of physics. However, the claim was a ruse; the supposed inventor, Arlo Lipof, was an anagram for "April fool," and the paradox cannot actually produce gold. The Banach-Tarski Paradox, rooted in set theory, illustrates the counterintuitive nature of infinity, where an uncountably infinite set can be derived from a countably infinite one. While the paradox raises questions about the foundations of mathematics, belief in its principles, particularly the Axiom of Choice, remains prevalent among mathematicians, despite its seemingly absurd implications.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIFLScience is set to host an exciting virtual event, CURIOUS Live, on May 24, 2025, featuring neuroscientist Dr. Austin Lim, author of _Horror On The Brain_. This exclusive event will delve into the intersection of science fiction and real neurological phenomena, showcasing astonishing true stories, such as a woman who perceives dragons instead of faces and a patient unable to feel pain. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Lim during a live Q&A session, as well as receive tips for crafting compelling horror and sci-fi narratives. The event is available exclusively to IFLScience All-Access members, who will also gain access to future events and additional member benefits. Interested participants can sign up for membership to secure their spot and enjoy a range of premium features, including access to past CURIOUS Live talks on YouTube.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe platypus, native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, is renowned for its unique characteristics, including being the most venomous mammal on Earth. While its venom is not lethal to humans, it is excruciatingly painful, with victims often relying on strong painkillers as no antivenom exists. A notable case from 1992 involved a 57-year-old man who described the pain from a platypus sting as "much worse" than shrapnel wounds sustained in battle. More recently, a 62-year-old woman suffered severe hand pain after being stung while rescuing a platypus, leading to an infection that required surgery. Platypuses are monotremes, laying eggs rather than giving birth, and males possess venomous spurs that are particularly active during breeding season. Their venom, a complex mix of peptides, showcases convergent evolution, reflecting the unique evolutionary history of Australia's isolated wildlife.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 12 ameznews.inNASA has addressed claims by Harvard professor Avi Loeb that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS could be an alien spacecraft sent to the Solar System. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is notable for its high speed and large size, with a nucleus measuring approximately 5.6 kilometers. Loeb speculated that the object might be a probe from an advanced civilization, potentially posing a threat to Earth, referencing the "Dark Forest" hypothesis, which suggests preemptive strikes by intelligent life. However, NASA scientists, including Tom Statler, have emphasized that 3I/ATLAS exhibits typical cometary behavior, reinforcing its classification as a natural body rather than an artificial one. While the object is intriguing, NASA asserts that it poses no danger to Earth, and ongoing observations will continue to clarify its nature as it approaches the Sun.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPlanet Earth's oceans contain an astonishing amount of gold, estimated at around 20 million tons, or approximately $2.13 quadrillion in value. Scientists have found that there is about one gram of gold dissolved in every 100 million metric tons of seawater, with slightly higher concentrations in areas like the Mediterranean Sea. This gold enters the oceans through weathering of rocks on land and hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. However, extracting gold from seawater is currently not cost-effective; methods developed over the years, including a sponge-like material that can absorb trace amounts of gold, have proven too expensive to scale profitably. As a result, the ocean remains a glittering reservoir of gold that is largely untapped, leading experts to suggest that those seeking precious metals might find better prospects in asteroid mining, where vast quantities of valuable materials are believed to exist.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, spanning 38 kilometers (24 miles), is recognized as the longest continuous bridge over water globally, supported by approximately 9,500 concrete pilings. The southbound section opened on August 30, 1956, followed by the northbound bridge in 1969, facilitating access between New Orleans and surrounding communities. Constructed in just 14 months using innovative assembly-line techniques, the bridge significantly reduced commute times and enhanced tourism, allowing visitors to explore the north shore's attractions. The southbound bridge features 2,246 spans, while the northbound has 1,506, with both supported by precast pile bents averaging 27.4 meters (90 feet) in length. Although the Causeway's title as the longest bridge was challenged by China's Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in 2011, it remains the longest continuous bridge over water, following the establishment of separate categories for bridge length.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNASA's Perseverance rover team has announced what they describe as the "clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars," during a highly anticipated press conference. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy revealed that a year ago, the rover collected a sample believed to contain signs of microbial life, which has since undergone rigorous analysis by the scientific community. Unlike previous findings that were met with skepticism, this evidence has reportedly not been easily explained away, suggesting a significant breakthrough in the search for extraterrestrial life. Associate Administrator Nicky Fox emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating it brings humanity closer to answering the profound question of whether we are alone in the universe. The findings, particularly intriguing "leopard spots" observed in Martian mudstone, have sparked excitement among scientists, marking a pivotal moment in Mars exploration.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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