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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have unveiled an innovative solar-powered device that captures carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into fuel, addressing the high costs and energy demands associated with traditional carbon capture methods. Led by Professor Erwin Reisner, the team drew inspiration from photosynthesis, designing a reactor that operates at night to filter CO2 using specialized silica-amine adsorbents. During the day, concentrated sunlight triggers a chemical reaction that transforms the captured CO2 into syngas, a precursor for liquid fuels. The researchers aim to scale up the technology, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels while simultaneously reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Dr. Sayan Kar emphasized the dual benefits of this approach, suggesting it could pave the way for a circular economy reliant on recycled carbon. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature Energy*. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGeese, often underestimated as mere farm animals, possess unique adaptations that make them formidable protectors, sometimes referred to as "Guard Geese." While they lack traditional teeth, their tongues feature sharp, barbed structures known as tomia, made of cartilage rather than enamel. According to Vanessa Amaral-Rogers from the RSPB, these serrated protrusions enhance their ability to consume tough vegetation, allowing them to effectively rip roots and stems. Additionally, the tomia help geese grip small mammals and insects, showcasing their versatility as feeders. This adaptation is not exclusive to geese; similar barbed tongues are found in other bird species, reflecting convergent evolution linked to their dietary needs. Despite their non-traditional dental features, geese's tomia serve a crucial role in their survival, proving that these birds can be more intimidating than they appear.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking initiative, the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census has unveiled 866 new marine species over 16 months, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of ocean biodiversity. Among the discoveries are a new species of guitar shark, found off the coasts of Mozambique and Tanzania, and a venomous marine gastropod, _Turridrupa magnifica_, located in the South Pacific, which may hold potential for pain relief and cancer treatment. The census, which has conducted ten global expeditions using divers and submersibles, highlights the urgent need for collaboration in marine research, as only about 10% of marine life is currently documented. With an estimated 1-2 million species still undiscovered, the initiative aims to accelerate species identification through workshops and innovative methods. Experts emphasize that understanding these new species is crucial for marine conservation and climate adaptation efforts.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inAfter five years of genetic research, a mummified skeleton discovered in Chile's Atacama Desert, once thought to be extraterrestrial, has been confirmed as human. The specimen, nicknamed Ata, measures just 15 centimeters and exhibits unique deformities, including bone malformations and dwarfism, attributed to mutations in seven genes. A study published in *Genome Research* reveals that Ata, a female of South American descent, likely suffered from severe skeletal dysplasia and a bone-aging disorder, suggesting she was a pre-term birth who died at six to eight years old. The skeleton was unearthed in 2003 from an abandoned church in La Noria, sparking sensationalist theories about its origins. Researchers, including Stanford's Garry Nolan and UCSF's Atul Butte, concluded that Ata's genetic anomalies may be linked to prenatal nitrate exposure in the mining town, leaving the exact cause of her mutations an open question.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 ameznews.inQuantum computing firm D-Wave has announced it has achieved "quantum supremacy" by solving a complex magnetic materials simulation more efficiently than traditional supercomputers, claiming this task would take nearly one million years on conventional systems. Using their Advantage2 prototype, D-Wave's researchers assert that the insights gained could enhance materials in various fields, including superconductors and medical imaging. CEO Dr. Alan Baratz hailed the achievement as a significant milestone for quantum computing, distinguishing it from previous claims that lacked practical applications. However, skepticism remains, with some experts arguing that classical computers can achieve similar results. Dries Sels from New York University noted that his team had performed comparable calculations on a conventional laptop. In response, D-Wave's Dr. Andrew King emphasized the breadth and depth of their simulations. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Science, highlighting the growing impact of quantum technology.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe giant wood moth (_Endoxyla cinereus_), the heaviest moth in the world, is a remarkable yet elusive creature primarily found in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Female moths can reach a wingspan of 23 centimeters (9 inches) and weigh up to 30 grams (1.1 ounces), comparable to a standard AA battery. In contrast, males are significantly smaller, highlighting the species' sexual dimorphism. Despite their size, these moths are poor fliers; females often crawl up trees to await male suitors. The majority of their lives are spent as larvae, known as witchetty grubs, which burrow deep within trees for two to three years before emerging as adults. Once they metamorphose, females live only a few days, during which they mate and lay eggs before dying, making sightings of these giants in their adult form quite rare.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 8 ameznews.inNASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has captured a striking image of a blue jet sprite, a rare atmospheric phenomenon recently confirmed by scientists. The photograph, shared by fellow astronaut Don Pettit on Reddit, showcases what Pettit describes as "upward directed lightning" (UDL), which occurs at altitudes of 75-80 km (47-50 miles) near the edge of space. While blue jets and red sprites have been reported for decades by ground witnesses and pilots, their existence was only scientifically validated in the late 1980s through video recordings from the space shuttle. Unlike typical lightning, these phenomena result from a build-up of electrical charge that travels upwards, creating vibrant columns of light when interacting with nitrogen in the atmosphere. Despite advancements in understanding, questions remain about the conditions that trigger sprites and their connection to gravity waves, highlighting the need for further research from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial perspectives.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 3 ameznews.inResearchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) have identified approximately 40 circular sinkhole structures on the floor of Lake Michigan, following their discovery during a 2022 sonar survey. These depressions, measuring between 91 and 183 meters in diameter, were located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone beneath the lake. Similar sinkholes in Lake Huron have revealed unique microbial communities, including ancient microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments. Scientists believe that the Lake Michigan sinkholes may harbor comparable life forms, potentially offering insights into early Earth conditions. Further research is planned to explore the ecological significance of these structures and the types of microbial life they may support, as noted by GLERL scientists in discussions with local media.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of heavy water, scientists Harold Urey and Klaus Hansen ventured into uncharted territory by tasting this unique substance, which is heavier than regular water due to its deuterium content. Urey, who won a Nobel Prize for proving the existence of heavy water, organized a blind taste test with colleague Gioacchino Failla, concluding that heavy water tastes indistinguishable from ordinary distilled water. Meanwhile, Hansen, a pharmacologist, conducted self-experiments to assess the safety of high concentrations of heavy water, reporting a "burning dry sensation" but ultimately surviving the trials. While low levels of heavy water can be safely absorbed by the body, toxicity risks arise at around 20 percent concentration, with fatal effects possible at 35 percent. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that heavy water may possess a distinctly sweet taste compared to its lighter counterpart, adding another layer to its intriguing profile.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 6 ameznews.inGoogle, the world's second most popular website, can be a double-edged sword, offering valuable information while also leading users to unsettling content. A recent discussion highlights several terms that should be avoided in searches due to their disturbing implications. For instance, "oral myiasis" refers to a condition where insect larvae invade the mouth, often resulting in a foul odor, as documented in medical literature. Another alarming term is "degloving," which describes a severe injury where skin is removed from the underlying tissue, often illustrated with graphic images to deter risky behavior. Additionally, "krokodil," an opioid known for causing severe skin damage, and "Fournier's gangrene," a life-threatening infection affecting the genitals, are also cautioned against. Other terms, such as "harlequin ichthyosis," a rare genetic skin disorder, further emphasize the need for caution when using search engines for sensitive health topics.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 4 ameznews.inThe largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the blue whale, currently swims in our oceans, dwarfing even the largest land mammals like elephants. While mammals did grow larger after the extinction of dinosaurs, filling ecological niches left vacant, they are unlikely to reach the colossal sizes of creatures like the Brachiosaurus. Research by University of Georgia's John Gittleman indicates that various mammal lineages evolved to similar maximum sizes due to shared ecological roles. Among the largest land mammals was Paraceratherium, an ancient rhinoceros ancestor weighing up to 20 tonnes. However, biological constraints limit mammalian size; as endotherms, mammals expend significantly more energy to maintain body temperature compared to ectothermic dinosaurs. Consequently, while the conditions for giant mammals might exist, their biology restricts them from achieving the sizes of the largest dinosaurs, leaving the door open for reptiles, like lizards, to potentially evolve larger forms.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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