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Seals, often celebrated for their charm as marine predators, possess a surprising feature: nails on their flippers. Zookeepers occasionally take on the role of manicurists, trimming the nails of seals and sea lions, which resemble human toenails. These nails, located where the toe bones end, are essential for grooming and maintaining their fur. While fur seals regularly use their nails for this purpose, other species, like harbor seals, may require trimming in captivity due to a lack of natural wear from rocky environments. Seal nails, made of keratin, are susceptible to fungal infections, similar to human nails. Interestingly, northern true seals have developed more robust claws, which they use for catching prey, showcasing an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to thrive in their aquatic habitats. This diversity in nail and claw functionality highlights the adaptability of seals, reflecting their evolutionary history and ecological needs. 
Published: Sep 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA new theory on the origins of Earth's water suggests that the planet was initially dry before a colossal collision with a Mars-sized body, known as Theia, which also formed the Moon. Researchers from Universität Bern, Dr. Pascal Kruttasch and Professor Klaus Mezger, argue that this impact delivered essential volatile elements, such as hydrogen and carbon, necessary for life, making Earth a rare exception among rocky planets. Their study, which utilized manganese isotopes to date the early Earth, indicates that the planet's chemistry changed dramatically around 4.561 billion years ago, coinciding with the impact event. The findings imply that the conditions for life on Earth were highly improbable, as similar collisions are unlikely to occur elsewhere in the universe. This raises questions about the prevalence of life beyond Earth, suggesting that while planets may harbor water, the specific conditions for life are exceedingly rare. The study is published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 2 ameznews.inNearly 90 years after Amelia Earhart's mysterious disappearance, new insights may soon emerge as former President Donald Trump has called for the declassification of all government files related to the pioneering aviator. Earhart, who made history as the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic, vanished on July 2, 1937, while attempting to circumnavigate the globe with navigator Fred Noonan. Their plane disappeared en route to Howland Island, and despite extensive search efforts, no trace was ever found, leading to numerous theories about her fate, including crashing into the ocean or being captured by Japanese forces. Historians and aviation enthusiasts are hopeful that the release of these files could provide clarity on Earhart's fate and highlight her significant contributions to aviation. However, the timing of Trump's announcement has raised questions, coinciding with calls for the release of other sensitive government documents.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that the universe may face a dramatic end, potentially collapsing back on itself in a phenomenon known as the Big Crunch, approximately 33.3 billion years from now. This hypothesis, which had waned in popularity due to the discovery of the universe's accelerated expansion driven by dark energy, is gaining traction as new data indicates that dark energy might be changing over time. Professor Henry Tye from Cornell University emphasized the importance of understanding both the beginning and potential end of the universe, noting that while many believed it would expand indefinitely, this new model proposes a definitive collapse. The research indicates a complex interplay between dark energy and dark matter, with implications for the universe's fate. Other theories for the universe's end include the Big Rip and the Big Bounce, while future observations from the Euclid and Vera C. Rubin observatories are expected to shed more light on these cosmic mysteries.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 9 pmeznews.inJohn Searle, the influential American philosopher best known for his "Chinese room" argument, has died at the age of 93, according to the philosophy news site Daily Nous. Searle's 1980 thought experiment challenged the notion of "strong AI," positing that a computer could not truly understand language, as it merely manipulates symbols without comprehension. This argument remains relevant amid the rise of advanced AI chatbots, which can convincingly simulate human conversation but lack genuine consciousness. Despite facing controversy in his later years, including the loss of his emeritus status at the University of California, Berkeley, due to sexual harassment violations, Searle's contributions to cognitive science and philosophy have left a lasting impact. He passed away in a nursing home on September 17, as confirmed by his long-time secretary.
Published: Sep 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA new paper by Professor Rajendra Gupta from the University of Ottawa suggests that the universe's fundamental forces may be weakening over time, potentially explaining the accelerated expansion of the universe and the elusive nature of dark matter. Gupta posits that both phenomena could be "cosmic illusions" resulting from changing constants of nature, rather than the existence of dark energy and dark matter. His model, known as covarying coupling constants (CCC), proposes that the strength of forces like gravity and electromagnetism varies locally, allowing for a unified explanation of galactic rotation and gravitational lensing without invoking dark matter. While Gupta's hypothesis offers a fresh perspective, it faces skepticism from the scientific community, particularly due to its divergence from established physics and reliance on discredited concepts like "tired light." Critics emphasize the need for extraordinary evidence to support such claims, which Gupta acknowledges as a challenge.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA comprehensive study led by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology has revealed that female mammals live, on average, 12% longer than males, a trend consistent across 72% of mammalian species examined. In contrast, male birds tend to outlive females by about 5%, aligning with the heterogametic sex hypothesis, which suggests that having two X chromosomes in females may offer a survival advantage. The research, which analyzed 1,176 captive species, also highlighted that reproductive strategies play a significant role in lifespan differences; polygamous mammals often see males dying earlier due to traits developed for mating success, while monogamous birds exhibit longer male lifespans. Additionally, the study found that the sex more involved in offspring care, typically females in mammals, tends to live longer, reinforcing the evolutionary advantages of female longevity. The findings, published in *Science Advances*, underscore the deep evolutionary roots of these lifespan disparities.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe emergence of new COVID-19 subvariants, specifically Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), has led to a notable increase in cases across several countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US. These variants, both offshoots of the Omicron lineage, have not introduced new Greek letter names due to their classification as subvariants. While they are adept at spreading, they generally cause less severe illness compared to earlier variants like Delta. Symptoms to watch for include cough, sore throat, and fatigue, with some reporting unique symptoms like "razor blade throat" for Nimbus. Health authorities continue to recommend vaccination as the best defense against severe illness and long COVID, with varying eligibility guidelines across regions. Precautionary measures such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded spaces remain crucial in curbing transmission.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of the animal kingdom's reproductive anatomy, a recent article highlights some of the most bizarre penises found in nature. The Argentine blue-bill lake duck boasts a corkscrew-shaped organ that can reach 42.5 centimeters, designed to navigate the female's similarly twisted anatomy. Meanwhile, the short-beaked echidna features a unique four-headed penis, allowing for multiple ejaculations without pause. Barnacles, known for their adhesive prowess, possess retractable penises that can extend up to eight times their body length, earning them a Guinness World Record. The leopard slug engages in a dramatic mating ritual, using bright blue penises that emerge from the sides of their heads. Other species, including koalas and certain sharks, have dual reproductive organs, while humans stand out among primates with relatively larger and longer penises. This exploration underscores the incredible diversity and complexity of reproductive strategies in the animal world.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a surprising twist to the recovery of Mount St Helens after its catastrophic 1980 eruption, researchers have found that a brief visit from local gophers significantly accelerated the regrowth of plant life in the devastated landscape. Initially, the area was left barren, with ash and pumice hindering plant roots from accessing essential nutrients. However, a team from the University of California Riverside discovered that the gophers, often deemed pests, played a crucial role by digging up old soil and bringing it to the surface, fostering a thriving ecosystem. Six years post-visit, over 40,000 plants flourished in the gopher-affected areas, while surrounding regions remained desolate. The study also highlighted the vital role of mycorrhizal fungi in aiding tree regrowth, as they efficiently transported nutrients from fallen needles. This research, published in *Frontiers in Microbiomes*, underscores the unexpected long-term ecological impact of these small mammals.
Published: Oct 02 2025, 9 ameznews.inBlue Babe, a steppe bison (Bison priscus), lived approximately 50,000 years ago in Ice Age Alaska before being killed by a lion. Its remarkably preserved remains were discovered by gold miners in 1979, making it the only known Pleistocene bison recovered from permafrost. Researchers, led by palaeontologist Dale Guthrie, later prepared a unique dinner featuring a stew made from a portion of Blue Babe's neck, celebrating the bison's historical significance. The meat, described as having a "strong Pleistocene aroma," was well-aged yet tough, and the stew was enhanced with vegetables and spices. Despite the ancient origins, diners reported no adverse effects after the meal, which was enjoyed by a group of about a dozen on April 6, 1984. The bison's remains also revealed evidence of predation, with lion tooth fragments found in its neck, indicating a swift freezing process that preserved the muscle tissue.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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