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A recent study has raised the likelihood of our Solar System hosting the elusive "Planet Nine" to 40 percent, following simulations of wide-orbit planet formation. Initially proposed in 2016 by Caltech astronomers, the existence of Planet Nine is suggested by the unusual clustering of distant objects beyond Neptune, which may be influenced by a massive, unseen planet. Researchers from Rice University and the Planetary Science Institute conducted simulations of various planetary systems, revealing that chaotic interactions among giant planets can lead to the trapping of planets in wide orbits. Their findings indicate that Solar Systems like ours have a reasonable chance of capturing such planets, with a probability of 5-10 percent. The study also highlights the potential for discovering more wide-orbit planets around high-metallicity stars and emphasizes the importance of upcoming observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in the search for Planet Nine. The research is detailed in the journal Nature Astronomy. 
Published: Jun 20 2025, 5 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, researchers from Tel Aviv University have demonstrated that female Egyptian cotton leafworm moths can respond to sounds produced by plants, marking the first evidence of such an acoustic interaction. The team, led by Professor Yossi Yovel, conducted experiments where moths were presented with options of laying eggs based on the sounds emitted by dehydrated tomato plants. The results showed that the moths preferred the sound-emitting plants over silent ones, indicating that they use these ultrasonic signals to make critical decisions about egg-laying sites. In a control experiment, the moths showed no preference when unable to hear any sounds, further confirming the influence of auditory cues. The researchers believe this discovery opens the door to exploring a vast, uncharted realm of acoustic interactions between plants and animals, suggesting that many more forms and roles await investigation. The findings are detailed in a preprint published in eLife.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe perineal raphe, a seam-like structure of thicker skin running from the penis through the scrotum to the anus, is a common anatomical feature in both males and females. Formed around seven weeks into gestation, this line is a remnant of the shared embryonic development of male and female genitalia. Prior to this stage, male and female fetuses exhibit similar genital structures, including the urogenital tubercle and swellings. As male fetuses develop, testosterone triggers the fusion of these structures, leading to the formation of the scrotum and the underside of the penis. Variations in the raphe's appearance, such as its shape and thickness, can occur among individuals. Interestingly, females also possess a raphe extending from the anus to the labia majora, highlighting the shared origins of human anatomy. Thus, the raphe serves as a reminder of our common developmental pathway before sexual differentiation.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe discovery of fire is often regarded as a pivotal moment in human history, enabling advancements in food preparation, tool manufacturing, and warmth. Recent research from Tel Aviv University challenges the long-held "cooking hypothesis," suggesting that early humans primarily used fire not for cooking but for preserving meat, particularly from large animals like elephants and hippos. This preservation helped protect food from scavengers and bacteria, providing a crucial energy source. The study, which analyzed nine prehistoric sites dating back 1.8 million to 800,000 years, indicates that fire use was sporadic and purposeful, rather than a routine practice. Researchers propose that once fire was harnessed for preservation, it was also occasionally used for cooking, aligning with a broader theory of human adaptation to hunting large game. The findings, published in *Frontiers in Nutrition*, offer new insights into the motivations behind early fire use and its role in human evolution.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 1 pmeznews.inResearch from the UK's National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has revealed that deep-sea currents, previously thought to be steady and unchanging, are actually highly dynamic and influenced by seasonal variations. Over four years, scientists deployed 34 sensors 2.5 kilometers below the surface off Mozambique, uncovering that near-seabed currents fluctuate significantly, with intensity changes and even reversals occurring within hours. Dr. Ian Kane noted that these currents behave similarly to weather patterns, challenging previous assumptions about their stability. The study highlights the role of underwater topography, such as canyons, in shaping these currents, which are also affected by surface conditions like the Northeast Madagascar Current. Understanding these currents is crucial for tracking sediment, nutrients, and pollutants, thereby impacting marine ecosystems and pollution management. The findings, published in *Nature Geoscience*, underscore the need for deeper insights into oceanic processes.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inOrcas, or killer whales, are easily identifiable by their striking black-and-white coloration, featuring a distinctive "eye patch" that resembles a masked supervillain. This unique pigmentation serves as an evolutionary advantage, primarily through countershading, which camouflages them from both prey and potential threats. The white underbelly blends with sunlit waters from below, while the black top merges with the ocean depths from above. Additionally, the contrasting patches, such as the grey "saddle patch" and the eye patch, exemplify disruptive patterning, effectively breaking up their outline to enhance stealth during hunting. Notably, orca pigmentation varies significantly across global populations, allowing researchers to identify and track different pods based on their unique markings. For instance, orcas in the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean exhibit distinct patterns and behaviors, underscoring their adaptability and dominance as apex predators in marine ecosystems.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMount Shasta, a striking stratovolcano in Northern California, stands at 4,322 meters and is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its association with a myriad of bizarre legends and spiritual beliefs. While the mountain attracts outdoor enthusiasts, it is also a pilgrimage site for those seeking mystical experiences, with numerous New Age activities and metaphysical shops catering to visitors. Indigenous tribes, including the Shasta and Wintu, have long revered the mountain, embedding it in their spiritual narratives, which often clash with modern myths, such as the existence of the underground city of Telos, home to the mythical Lemurians. Additionally, Mount Shasta has gained notoriety for UFO sightings, including a notable incident in 2020 involving a lenticular cloud mistaken for an alien spacecraft. This blend of natural wonder and supernatural lore underscores the mountain's role as a focal point for both spiritual seekers and conspiracy theorists alike.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 8 ameznews.inOn June 5, the Japanese private company ispace will attempt to land its Resilience spacecraft on the Moon, following its launch on January 15. The landing is scheduled for approximately 3:17 pm EDT (7:17 pm UTC) and will be livestreamed for global audiences. This mission, dubbed Mission 2, follows an unsuccessful attempt in 2023 when communication was lost just before touchdown. If successful, it will mark Japan's first private lunar landing and the third commercial success overall. The Resilience lander aims to touch down in the Mare Frigoris region, known for its unique geological features, while a 5-kilogram rover named Tenacious onboard is prepared to explore the lunar surface and collect samples. Ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada emphasized the mission's significance in building a cislunar economy and contributing to sustainable life on Earth. Alternative landing sites are also being considered should conditions change.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inSkinwalker Ranch, located in western Uintah County, Utah, has become a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts, featuring tales of UFOs, shapeshifting beings, and unexplained animal mutilations. Named after Navajo legends of malevolent shamans, the ranch gained notoriety after the Sherman family, who purchased it in 1994, reported a series of bizarre encounters, prompting their sale of the property in 1996 to UFO enthusiast Robert Bigelow. Despite extensive investigations by Bigelow's National Institute for Discovery Science, no conclusive evidence of the alleged phenomena was found. The ranch was later sold to Brandon Fugal, who allowed the History Channel to film a series exploring these claims. While the Pentagon's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program showed interest in the site, skeptics argue that the evidence remains scant, with previous owners denying any unusual experiences. Ultimately, many believe the phenomena attributed to Skinwalker Ranch may be illusory.
Published: Jul 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOn July 14-15, 1965, NASA's Mariner 4 made history as the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars, capturing the first close-up images of the Red Planet and marking a pivotal moment in space exploration. This mission laid the groundwork for numerous subsequent missions to Mars and beyond, with various space agencies now actively studying the planet from orbit and the ground. The rapid advancements in space exploration, from the launch of Sputnik in 1957 to Mariner 4's success, highlight a remarkable era of scientific achievement. While the focus of the 1960s was on lunar missions, both American and Soviet programs sought to explore other planets, with Mariner 4 ultimately succeeding where earlier missions had failed. Originally intended to last eight months, Mariner 4 operated for over three years, contributing valuable data and setting the stage for future interplanetary exploration.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inA recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals that despite the ubiquitous presence of the letter "g," many people struggle to recognize its two distinct forms, particularly the "looptail" g commonly found in print. Researchers conducted experiments with 38 volunteers, who were largely unable to recall or accurately reproduce the looptail g, with only two participants able to write it correctly. When asked to identify the letter from similar-looking options, only seven out of 25 succeeded. The findings suggest that the lack of formal instruction in writing the looptail g may hinder recognition, particularly for children raised in a digital environment where they are less likely to practice handwriting. This raises concerns about potential reading disadvantages linked to the prevalence of screen-based learning. The study highlights the complexities of letter recognition and the impact of educational practices on literacy. The research is published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception & Performance.
Published: Jul 15 2025, 4 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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