eznews.inNew research has revealed that the black-spotted pond frog (_Pelophylax nigromaculatus_) can consume giant hornets, often dubbed "murder hornets," without suffering significant harm from their venomous stings. Conducted by ecologist Shinji Sugiura at Kobe University, the study involved placing individual frogs in a cage with various hornet species, including the formidable Asian giant hornet. Remarkably, the frogs demonstrated a high success rate in attacking and eating the hornets—93% for the yellow hornet, 87% for the yellow vented hornet, and 79% for the Asian giant hornet—despite being stung during the process. Footage captured during the experiment showed frogs with hornet stingers lodged in their mouths, yet they appeared unaffected. This extraordinary tolerance to venom suggests that these frogs could serve as a model for studying pain resistance and venom tolerance in vertebrates, prompting further investigation into their physiological mechanisms. The findings are published in the journal Ecosphere. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArtifacts from the San José, dubbed the "holy grail of shipwrecks," have been recovered from the Caribbean Sea after lying on the seabed for over 300 years. Among the treasures are golden coins, fine porcelain, and a large cannon, all part of a research project initiated by the Colombian government. The San José, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1708, is believed to hold relics worth up to $17 billion, although this figure is debated. Following its identification in 2015, various stakeholders, including the US, Spain, and Indigenous groups, have claimed ownership. The recovery phase of the project, "Toward the Heart of the San José," has begun, with researchers analyzing the artifacts to gain insights into production technologies and trade routes of the era. The investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the ship's sinking during a British ambush in the War of Spanish Succession.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe internet meme suggesting that "everything turns into crabs" is rooted in a fascinating evolutionary phenomenon known as carcinization, which describes the process by which various species independently evolve crab-like forms. First coined in 1916, carcinization exemplifies convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to adapting to comparable ecological niches. This has occurred at least five times among decapod crustaceans, resulting in creatures like porcelain and coconut crabs. The crab body plan, characterized by a broad, flattened shape and effective pincers, offers advantages such as protection from predators and efficient movement in various environments. Historical evidence suggests that during the Cretaceous period, lobster-like creatures evolved into more crab-like forms, enhancing their survival and adaptability. Thus, the meme humorously reflects a deeper truth about nature's tendency to favor the crab-like design in the evolutionary landscape.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA puzzling discovery at Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq has reignited debates about Neanderthal burial practices, as researchers investigate a grave filled with pollen. Initially thought to indicate cultural funerary rituals, the presence of pollen has led to alternative theories, including the possibility that solitary bees may have contributed to the pollen accumulation. Excavations in the 1950s and 60s uncovered nine Neanderthal skeletons, with one individual notably surrounded by a diverse mix of pollen species. Recent palynological analysis suggests that the pollen's composition is inconsistent with it being placed intentionally, pointing instead to bees foraging in the area. While the "Flower Burial" hypothesis remains contentious, researchers emphasize that the significance of the site lies in its unique clustering of Neanderthal remains, which may offer deeper insights into their spatial awareness and social behaviors, rather than the floral associations. The findings are detailed in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn 1979, magicians Michael Edwards and Steve Shaw, under the guidance of skeptic James Randi, orchestrated Project Alpha, a hoax aimed at exposing the lack of scientific rigor in parapsychology research. The duo infiltrated the McDonnell Laboratory for Psychical Research, where they employed magic tricks to manipulate experiments, including spoon-bending and ghost photography, while researchers mistakenly interpreted their antics as evidence of paranormal phenomena. Despite Randi's warnings about equipment tampering, the investigators failed to implement adequate controls, leading to misleading results. In 1983, the trio revealed their deception, sparking mixed reactions; some hailed it as a critique of parapsychology, while others condemned their interference in legitimate research. This incident raises important questions about the integrity of scientific experiments and the potential for deception among participants, highlighting the need for rigorous controls in research methodologies.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPepper, often taken for granted as a common seasoning, boasts a rich history that traces back to the Malabar Coast of India, where it grows as small green berries on the flowering vine _Piper nigrum_. This fruit, which is processed into various forms such as black, white, green, and red pepper, has been integral to Asian cuisine for millennia. Introduced to Europe following Alexander the Great's conquests in the 4th century BCE, pepper became a highly sought-after commodity, often referred to as "black gold" due to its immense value. The spice was traded extensively along the Silk Road, with various cultures vying for control over its lucrative trade. Unlike chili peppers, which are native to the Americas, pepper's distinct flavor comes from the compound piperine, known for its health benefits. Today, while its monetary value has diminished, pepper continues to enhance the culinary experiences of billions worldwide.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAn amateur astronomer, Scott Tilley, has detected an unusual signal from SpaceX's classified satellite network, Starshield, while monitoring satellites from his home in British Columbia. Tilley stumbled upon the signal in the 2,025-2,110 MHz frequency range, typically reserved for uplinking data to satellites, not for downlinking transmissions to Earth. His findings suggest that 170 out of 193 catalogued Starshield satellites are emitting signals in this band, potentially breaching international regulations. SpaceX, which signed a $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to develop this network, has not commented on the specifics of the project. Experts speculate that the unusual emissions could be a tactic to obscure the satellites' activities or a regulatory oversight by SpaceX. The implications of these transmissions raise questions about compliance with international frequency regulations and the coordination of satellite operations.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA remarkable dinosaur trackway in West Gold Hill, Colorado, showcases a complete loop created by a single sauropod, with drones mapping its 95-meter (315-foot) length. This trackway, consisting of at least 131 footprints, is unique due to its almost 360° change in direction, suggesting insights into the sauropod's movement patterns. Although the prints are not as distinct as those found at other sites, likely due to glacial erosion, researchers believe they were made by the same two feet. The sauropod, possibly a juvenile _Diplodocus_ or _Camarasaurus_, appears to have been limping, favoring its left leg. While the reason for the abrupt turn remains speculative—potentially due to a predator or environmental disturbance—the findings contribute to our understanding of sauropod locomotion and behavior during the Late Jurassic period. The study is published in the journal Geomatics.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inChocolate has captivated humans for over 5,000 years, originating from the cacao tree in the Amazon. The first true chocolate bar was created in 1847 by Fry & Sons, who combined cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter, paving the way for modern chocolate. The introduction of milk chocolate by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter in the 1870s further diversified the chocolate landscape, leading to various types, including dark, white, and even ruby chocolate. However, American chocolate, particularly brands like Hershey’s, has sparked debate due to its unique flavor profile, attributed to butyric acid—a by-product of a milk-stabilization process used in the early 20th century. While this tangy taste evokes nostalgia for many Americans, it can be off-putting to Europeans accustomed to creamier chocolates. Legal definitions of chocolate vary globally, with differing cocoa content requirements, reflecting the evolving nature of this beloved treat amid rising global demand.
Published: Dec 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe reputation of dodo meat as foul-tasting may stem from a misunderstanding of historical accounts, according to Jan den Hengst, author of *The Dodo: The Bird That Drew the Short Straw*. While the dodo, or *Raphus cucullatus*, was nicknamed "wallowbird" due to claims of its unpalatable meat, Hengst's research into Dutch sources from 1598 to 1602 suggests that the negative descriptions were misinterpreted. The terms "lothsome" and "fulsome" originated from an English translation of the Dutch phrase "de walgch," which more accurately described nausea from overindulgence or toughness rather than disgust. Reports indicate that sailors salted leftover dodo meat for later consumption, implying it was not entirely undesirable. The toughness of older dodos, which had no natural predators, may have contributed to mixed reviews. As discussions of de-extinction continue, the dodo remains a symbol of lost culinary history.
Published: Dec 10 2025, 5 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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