eznews.in
The Moon illusion, a perplexing optical phenomenon that has intrigued thinkers from ancient Greece to modern scientists, causes the Moon to appear larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky. Aristotle speculated that this effect was due to the Earth's atmosphere magnifying the Moon's light, but contemporary understanding attributes it to the human visual system's misperception of size and distance. Theories suggest that nearby objects, such as trees and buildings, create a context that makes the Moon seem closer and larger, while its elevation in the sky removes these reference points, leading to a perception of reduced size. Despite various explanations, including comparisons to the Ponzo illusion, the exact cause remains elusive. NASA acknowledges the mystery but encourages people to appreciate the beauty of the Moon, regardless of whether it is a trick of the mind or a genuine spectacle. 
Published: Jul 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inAn explosive eruption at Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on July 7 has generated an ash cloud soaring 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky, marking the volcano's second eruption in less than a month. The eruption, which occurred at 11:05 AM Central Indonesia Time, was accompanied by a loud explosion and pyroclastic flows extending up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the north and northeast. Observations prior to the eruption indicated rising emissions and lava filling the crater. While no casualties have been reported, authorities have advised residents to stay at least 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the volcano and to wear masks due to falling ash. The volcano has been on high alert since a previous eruption in June, and ongoing seismic activity suggests that further eruptions may be imminent, as magma continues to rise towards the surface.
Published: Jul 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inDespite popular belief, walking on clouds is impossible; attempting to do so would result in a fall through the vapor, leaving one drenched, unless caught in a cumulonimbus cloud. These towering storm clouds, which can reach heights of 20,000 meters (60,000 feet), are notorious for producing thunder, lightning, and hail. A remarkable account of survival comes from Lieutenant Colonel William Rankin, who, in 1959, ejected from his malfunctioning jet at 14,300 meters (47,000 feet) and fell into a cumulonimbus cloud. With no pressure suit and facing extreme conditions, Rankin endured violent updrafts, hail, and near suffocation for 40 minutes before his parachute deployed. He eventually landed in a tree, suffering frostbite and decompression injuries but ultimately survived. Rankin's extraordinary experience highlights the dangers of these formidable clouds, and he remains one of only two individuals known to have survived such an ordeal.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inA newly discovered rock art panel on the western bank of the River Nile may represent an authority figure from Ancient Egypt's First Dynasty, according to a study by Dr. Dorian Vanhulle. Found at Gebel Qurna, near Aswan, the engraving features an ornate boat being pulled by five figures, with a seated individual in a palanquin, possibly depicting a member of a Protodynastic ruling family. The artwork, which lacks a serekh inscription, suggests it was commissioned by early political rulers during the transition from the Protodynastic to Early Dynastic periods, around the time of Narmer, Egypt's first pharaoh. Vanhulle notes that the boat's design and the seated figure's features, including a possible headdress, align with motifs from this era, indicating the panel's role in asserting territorial dominance and political power as the Egyptian state began to form. The findings are published in the journal Antiquity.
Published: Jul 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inResearchers at Cornell University have pinpointed the causes of a prolonged drought affecting the southwestern United States for nearly 40 years, attributing it primarily to climate change and human activity. Traditionally a semi-arid region with seasonal rainfall, the Southwest has faced increasing water demand from a growing population and agriculture, exacerbating drought conditions. While earlier theories suggested that natural climate patterns like La Niña were to blame, the new study reveals that even under El Niño conditions, rainfall would not have increased due to a consistent warming trend linked to climate change and emissions from aerosols. This research highlights the significant influence of human-induced factors on precipitation patterns, suggesting that drought conditions are likely to persist as global temperatures rise. The findings, published in *Nature Geoscience*, offer critical insights for water management and future planning in the region.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study has explored the intriguing question of what happens when a paper airplane is launched from the International Space Station (ISS). Researchers simulated the flight of a paper airplane made from A4 paper at an altitude of 400 kilometers, finding that it would initially fly well but quickly lose orbit, entering Earth's atmosphere within approximately 3.5 days. The study revealed that while the plane would experience significant aerodynamic heating, it could serve as a low-cost tool for measuring atmospheric density due to its sensitivity to drag. The findings suggest that such paper planes could be deployed multiple times for simultaneous data collection, potentially aiding in the understanding of low-Earth orbit conditions. This research aligns with ongoing efforts to develop sustainable spacecraft materials and methods to mitigate space debris, highlighting innovative pathways for future space exploration. The study is published in *Acta Astronautica*.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inOn July 10, 2025, the Northern Hemisphere will witness the Buck Moon, the first full moon of astronomical summer, peaking at 8:37 PM UTC. While it will be below the horizon during peak illumination for many in North America, viewers can catch a glimpse as it rises above the southern horizon at sunset. This full moon appears low in the sky, making it an ideal opportunity to observe the Moon Illusion, an optical phenomenon where the Moon seems larger near the horizon than when it is higher up. Despite various theories, including the influence of nearby objects on perception, scientists have yet to fully explain this illusion, which even astronauts in orbit experience. Regardless of its cause, the Moon Illusion adds a captivating element to the night sky, providing a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered that a naturally occurring sugar, 2-deoxy-D-ribose, may offer a promising treatment for male pattern baldness, a condition affecting up to 40% of the population. In a study using a mouse model of testosterone-driven hair loss, the sugar demonstrated hair regrowth comparable to minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine. The research, led by Professor Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield, initially focused on the sugar's potential to enhance wound healing through increased blood vessel formation. Mice treated with the sugar gel showed 80 to 90% hair regrowth within weeks, similar to those treated with minoxidil, although combining both treatments did not yield additional benefits. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, the findings suggest that deoxyribose could also address other hair loss causes, such as chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans, potentially providing a cost-effective alternative to existing treatments.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, scientists have inserted a human "language gene" into mice, revealing significant changes in their vocalizations that provide insights into the evolution of communication. Mouse pups with the human variant of the NOVA1 gene exhibited distinct high-pitched squeaks when calling for their mothers, differing from their wild-type counterparts. As adults, these genetically modified mice produced more complex calls to attract mates, suggesting that such vocal changes could influence evolutionary outcomes. The research indicates that the human-specific NOVA1 variant, which differs by a single amino acid from that of other animals, affects RNA binding in genes related to vocalization. Notably, Neanderthals and Denisovans lacked this variant, raising questions about their capacity for complex speech compared to modern humans. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, suggest that the evolution of this gene may have conferred significant advantages in vocal communication for early humans.
Published: Jul 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThis summer is set to be notably shorter for fans of the season, lasting just 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes in the Northern Hemisphere—15 minutes less than last year. The variation in season lengths is attributed to the Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt, which affects sunlight exposure, rather than its distance from the Sun. Currently, the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer during aphelion, the farthest point from the Sun, while the Southern Hemisphere enjoys summer at perihelion, its closest approach. This results in the Northern Hemisphere having about four extra days of summer. However, as Earth's orbit shifts over time, this trend will change, with summers in the Northern Hemisphere projected to be six hours longer in a millennium. For now, while this year's summer may feel brief, next year will offer an additional three minutes of summer enjoyment.
Published: Jul 08 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact