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The East Antarctic Plateau holds the title of the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures at Russia's Vostok Station plummeting to -89.2°C (-128.6°F) on July 23, 1983. Recent satellite data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, covering 2004 to 2016, revealed even lower temperatures of around -98°C (-144.4°F) in the region during the polar night, particularly at altitudes of 3,800 to 4,050 meters (12,467 to 13,287 feet). These extreme conditions are exacerbated by a strong Antarctic polar vortex, which traps cold air. While these temperatures are naturally occurring, scientists have achieved even colder conditions in laboratory settings, nearing absolute zero. In 2021, German researchers set a record by cooling rubidium atoms to 38 picokelvins, a state where atomic movement is nearly halted, showcasing the bizarre phenomena of quantum physics. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA thought-provoking question posed on Reddit by user gothreepwood101 has sparked a discussion about the physics of a hypothetical metal pole stretching from the English to the French coast. The query revolves around whether pulling one end of the pole would cause the other end to move instantly. Contrary to initial assumptions, the answer is no; such movement cannot occur faster than the speed of light, which is the universe's ultimate speed limit. Instead, when one end is pulled, the force travels through the pole as a wave at the speed of sound in the material, which is significantly slower. For instance, if the pole were made of iron, the force would take approximately 6.43 seconds to reach the other end, while light would cover the same distance in just 0.00011 seconds, highlighting the vast difference in speed between sound and light. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNative American rock art in southern Texas, particularly the Pecos River style (PRS), showcases a remarkable continuity of artistic conventions over 4,000 years, reflecting a shared cosmology among Indigenous groups across the Americas. Researchers, including Carolyn Boyd, highlight that these ancient murals, some dating back nearly 6,000 years, depict complex metaphysical concepts such as circular time and the universe's layered structure. The PRS features consistent motifs, including human and animal figures, arranged in expansive compositions, with a specific color application order. This visual language illustrates a "pan-New World metaphysics," suggesting that sophisticated religious and philosophical ideas existed among foragers long before urban societies emerged. The enduring nature of these beliefs is evidenced by modern Indigenous peoples recognizing the figures and concepts depicted in the art, linking them to their ancestral heritage. The findings are detailed in the journal Science Advances. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA curious capuchin monkey named Route caused a stir on August 13 when a mysterious 911 call was traced back to a zoo in Paso Robles, California. After losing connection, police investigated the source, only to discover that the call had been made after Route, a 10-month-old monkey, had snatched a cellphone from assistant director Lisa Jackson while they were riding in a golf cart. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office noted that capuchin monkeys are known for their inquisitive nature, often pushing buttons on devices. Jackson recounted that she thought nothing of Route's antics at the time. While the incident may have consumed police resources, it highlights the intelligence of these animals, reminiscent of long-tailed macaques in Bali, which have been observed stealing and bartering for high-value items from tourists. Fortunately, Route's mischief did not escalate beyond a simple phone call. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers studying the ancient Chinchorro culture of Chile's Atacama Desert, known for its mummies that predate those of Ancient Egypt, have found that their average brain size was approximately 12 percent smaller than that of modern Chileans. This discovery, based on CT scans of 68 mummified heads, suggests that childhood malnutrition and poor living conditions may have affected their development. The Chinchorro, who thrived in one of the planet's harshest environments until around 3,500 years ago, relied heavily on marine resources for sustenance. The study revealed that while brain size remained relatively stable from hunter-gatherer to agricultural lifestyles, a significant increase in cranial volume occurred in the last 150 years, coinciding with improved nutrition and public health. The findings highlight the critical role of early-life nutrition in cognitive development and physical growth, marking a notable shift in stature among Chileans over the past century. 
Published: Nov 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAstronomers and space enthusiasts are captivated by the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Recent images from NASA, ESA, and China's Tianwen-1 orbiter have showcased the comet's features, with NASA's Perseverance rover capturing a faint glimpse from Mars. The comet passed Mars at a distance of 19 million miles, allowing for detailed observations by multiple NASA spacecraft, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is set to observe 3I/ATLAS between November 2 and 25, using five instruments, although data from these observations won't be available until February 2026 due to the spacecraft's thermal constraints and distance from Earth. Looking ahead, ESA is developing the Comet Interceptor mission, aimed at studying pristine comets from the outer solar system, potentially including interstellar visitors. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), operational from October 2007 to mid-2022, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, particularly through its study of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the afterglow of the Big Bang. Recently, the ACT team published its final data release, reinforcing concerns over the Hubble Tension, a discrepancy in the measurement of the universe's expansion rate. While two methods—galaxy distance and recession velocity versus CMB data—should yield similar results, they currently produce conflicting values. ACT's findings align with those from the European Space Agency's Planck satellite, further solidifying the discrepancy. Notably, the new data has invalidated 30 extended cosmological models previously proposed to resolve this tension. Enhanced polarization maps from ACT, due to its larger size and sensitivity, provide deeper insights into the early universe, although questions about the universe's expansion persist. 
Published: Nov 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inEach December, American internet users are often puzzled by the sight of people in elaborate beast-like costumes parading through Alpine streets, a spectacle rooted in the ancient tradition of Krampusnacht, or "Krampus Night." Celebrated on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, this event is particularly prominent in southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Italy and the Czech Republic. Central to the festivities is Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon figure who punishes misbehaving children, contrasting with the benevolent St. Nicholas. Historically, Krampusnacht featured raucous "Krampus runs," where costumed participants would chase children, but modern celebrations have evolved into more theatrical street parades. The origins of Krampus can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan traditions, and despite the rise of Christianity, the character has remained a vibrant part of local folklore, intertwining with the modern image of Santa Claus. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inParents are often familiar with the minor injuries that children can sustain while exploring their surroundings, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. One key indicator of a worsening infection is the presence of tracking lines, or lymphangitis, which appear as red lines extending from a wound, signaling that the infection may be spreading to the lymphatic system. Common bacterial culprits include _Streptococcus_ and _Staphylococcus_, typically harmless until they breach the skin barrier. Other risk factors for lymphangitis include diabetes and immune system disorders. If tracking lines are observed, prompt medical attention is essential, as early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications like sepsis, a severe condition affecting thousands of children annually. Symptoms of sepsis include rapid heart rate, fever, and confusion, making awareness of these signs vital for timely intervention. 
Published: Nov 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered four new species of fungi on the Hungarian steppe, including one named _Tulostoma shaihuludii_, which resembles the sandworms from Frank Herbert's _Dune_. This new species, part of the stalked puffball genus _Tulostoma_, was identified after 25 years of sample collection in the Pannonian steppe, a region known for its sandy soil and grassy thickets, ideal for gasteroid fungi. The findings, published in the journal MycoKeys, highlight the biodiversity of the area, which has recorded 19 species of _Tulostoma_ so far, with more likely undiscovered. The study underscores the rarity of these fungi, many of which are red-listed for conservation. In a related discovery, researchers have also gained insights into the anatomy of the Kalahari dwarf worm lizard, _Zygaspis quadrifrons_, revealing unique features through advanced imaging techniques. These findings raise questions about other hidden species in similar habitats. 
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