eznews.inThe German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) has revealed the winners of its annual GDT Nature Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the stunning diversity of the natural world. Over 5,000 entries were submitted across seven categories, with Peter Lindel's evocative image "A hare’s dream," featuring a European Hare, taking the top prize. Other notable winners include Radomir Jakubowski, who captured the regeneration of the Bavarian Forest, and Mohammad Murad, whose photograph of an Arabian red fox earned second place in the Mammals category. The competition also highlighted a menacing crocodile in a drying pool, which won the "Other Animals" category, and a breathtaking view of meltwater lakes in Greenland, a runner-up in the Nature’s Studio category. The competition provided a much-needed glimpse of nature's beauty during a time when many are confined indoors. 
Published: Dec 07 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA growing number of people now believe that extraterrestrial life not only exists but has also been visiting Earth for an extended period. This belief is increasingly mainstream, transcending the boundaries of fringe communities. The rise in acceptance of these ideas may be linked to various factors, including increased media coverage and a shift in public perception regarding the possibility of alien encounters. As interest in ufology expands, experts warn that this trend could have implications for societal beliefs and scientific discourse. The phenomenon reflects a broader curiosity about the universe and humanity's place within it, prompting discussions about the potential consequences of such beliefs on our understanding of reality.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study has identified three new species of live-bearing toads, known as "pustular" toads, in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains, which are renowned for their biodiversity. The species, _Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis_, _Nectophrynoides uhehe_, and _Nectophrynoides saliensis_, are characterized by their bulbous, brightly-colored bumps and the remarkable ability to give birth to over 100 juveniles at a time, a reproductive strategy that differs from the typical egg-laying process of most amphibians. Researchers utilized "museomics" to analyze historical specimens and confirm the distinctiveness of these species, which were previously grouped under _Nectophrynoides viviparus_. However, the region faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation, raising concerns about the survival of these unique toads. Conservation efforts must consider the specific ecological needs of viviparous amphibians to prevent further extinctions in this vulnerable group.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a bizarre revelation, documents from the US's Advanced Aerospace Weapons System Application Program (AAWSAP) suggest a plan to detonate nuclear devices on the Moon to search for "negative mass." This concept, which lacks experimental evidence, proposes that such mass could revolutionize space travel by reducing inertia. The documents, released following a Freedom of Information Act request, detail a speculative approach involving the creation of a tunnel through the Moon to access this elusive material. While the idea may sound like science fiction, it reflects the program's broader investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena and unconventional propulsion methods. Despite the intriguing nature of negative mass, which theoretically could exhibit strange interactions with positive mass, scientists remain skeptical, and the Moon is expected to remain untouched by nuclear experiments for the foreseeable future.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe jaguarundi, a peculiar wild cat resembling an otter more than a traditional feline, is often misidentified due to its name, which includes "jaguar." Scientifically classified as either _Herpailurus yagouaroundi_ or _Puma yagouaroundi_, it diverged from the puma lineage 4 to 7 million years ago. Characterized by its elongated body, short legs, and flat head, the jaguarundi is adept at swimming, often seen fishing in ponds. Despite its wide range across 19 countries from Mexico to northern Argentina, much about the species remains unknown, primarily due to challenges in research, such as their plain coats and low conservation priority. Currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, the jaguarundi faces threats from habitat loss and human conflict. As the IUCN prepares to reassess its status, conservationists argue that this unique species deserves greater attention and research.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 10 ameznews.inHummingbirds are the only birds capable of true backward flight, a skill that sets them apart in the avian world. While many birds can briefly flutter backwards, hummingbirds excel due to their unique wing structure and joint flexibility, allowing them to flap their wings 20 to 80 times per second in a figure-eight motion. This remarkable adaptation enables them to generate lift on the upstroke, a feat not achievable by most other species. Their stiff wings, which extend almost straight out from their bodies, facilitate agile maneuvers, including navigating through tight spaces by pulling their wings close and darting through openings. Biologist Tyson Hedrick notes that hummingbirds have evolved an insect-like flight style, combining vertebrate anatomy with extraordinary aerial capabilities. This combination of speed and agility makes hummingbirds not only the most colorful birds but also the true masters of flight.
Published: Dec 02 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a newborn underwent heart surgery in 1985 without any pain relief, as medical professionals at the time believed infants could not feel pain. Jill Lawson's son, Jeffrey, born prematurely at just 26 weeks, was subjected to this harrowing procedure while only receiving a paralytic agent, Pavulon, which left him conscious and aware of the surgery. This misguided belief persisted into the late 1980s, despite historical evidence suggesting that even 17th-century pediatricians recognized infants' capacity to experience pain. Research conducted in recent years has confirmed that babies do indeed feel pain, with studies showing similar brain responses to painful stimuli in both infants and adults. Following Jeffrey's tragic death five weeks post-surgery, Lawson became an advocate for acknowledging infant pain, leading to a significant shift in medical practices regarding pain management for newborns.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) have successfully landed rovers on Mars to investigate the potential for past or present life on the planet. However, certain areas, designated as "special regions," are off-limits for exploration due to international space treaties, specifically the UN Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which aims to prevent contamination of celestial bodies. The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has identified these regions, where conditions may support microbial life, necessitating strict planetary protection measures. Recent findings, including potential biosignatures from the Perseverance rover, underscore the importance of these guidelines, as contamination from Earth could compromise the search for extraterrestrial life. While some advocate for relaxing these restrictions to facilitate exploration, experts warn that such actions could hinder our understanding of life detection and pose risks to both Martian ecosystems and future human missions. Thus, caution is advised in exploring these scientifically intriguing yet sensitive areas.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearchers have unveiled the earliest known cases of two genetic disorders using a novel technique to measure chromosome counts in ancient DNA, which often suffers from degradation and contamination. The study, part of the Thousand Ancient British Genomes project, identified five individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies, including the first prehistoric evidence of Turner syndrome, dating back 2,500 years, and Jacob's syndrome, from around 1,200 years ago. Turner syndrome is characterized by a single X chromosome, while Jacob's syndrome involves an extra Y chromosome. The findings also revealed three cases of Klinefelter syndrome and an infant with Down syndrome. Lead author Kakia Anastasiadou noted that while the individuals were not found in unusual graves, the research offers insights into historical perceptions of gender identity. The new method also aids in identifying DNA contamination, potentially enhancing the analysis of challenging archaeological remains. The study is published in *Communications Biology*.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 5 ameznews.inNew fossil discoveries have revealed that hippopotamuses thrived in central Europe much later than previously believed, surviving until approximately 47,000 to 31,000 years ago, well into the last ice age. Previously, it was thought that these mammals went extinct around 115,000 years ago due to unfavorable climatic conditions. The findings, based on radiocarbon dating of 19 hippo fossils from the Upper Rhine Graben in Germany, indicate that these hippos coexisted with woolly mammoths and rhinos during a milder climatic phase. Genetic analysis confirmed that these ancient hippos belonged to the same species as modern African hippos, albeit with low genetic diversity, suggesting a small, isolated population. Researchers emphasize the need to reassess other European hippo fossils and explore the survival of other heat-loving species during the ice age, highlighting the complexity of climatic impacts across different regions. The study is published in *Current Biology*.
Published: Dec 02 2025, 9 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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