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A small, often overlooked hole located on the lower eyelid, known as the lacrimal punctum, plays a crucial role in the eye's drainage system. Measuring about 2 millimeters, this almond-shaped opening does not produce tears but instead facilitates their drainage from the eye into the lacrimal sac and subsequently into the nose, explaining the runny nose that often accompanies crying. While some may find the concept of the lacrimal punctum unremarkable, it can also be involved in medical procedures aimed at treating dry eyes by inserting tiny plugs to retain moisture. Interestingly, the drainage system can sometimes malfunction, causing tears or other fluids to escape from the punctum, leading to unusual phenomena such as the ability to squirt liquids from the eye—a feat famously achieved by Turkish record-holder İkler Yilmaz. Despite its small size, the lacrimal punctum is a fascinating aspect of human anatomy. 
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 ameznews.inIn a significant breakthrough, researchers have traced the origins of mummified baboons discovered in Egypt back to the Horn of Africa, specifically around Eritrea, where the ancient port of Adulis likely existed. These baboons, dated to Egypt's Late Period (800–540 BCE), were found at Gabbanat el-Qurud, a site known as the "Valley of the Monkeys." The study, led by Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz, utilized advanced genetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes from the mummies, marking the first successful extraction of ancient DNA from non-human primates. The findings suggest that the baboons, revered in ancient Egypt as offerings to the god Thoth, may have been transported via trade routes linked to Adulis, which was known for luxury goods. Kopp posits that the historically elusive port of Punt, often cited as the baboons' origin, may actually be synonymous with Adulis, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient trade networks. The study is published in the journal eLife.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inFor millennia, the ancient Egyptian trading partner known as Punt has intrigued historians due to its significance as a source of gold, ivory, and exotic timbers, yet its precise location remained elusive. Recent research led by Professor Nathaniel Dominy from Dartmouth College has utilized isotopic analysis of mummified baboons to shed light on this mystery. While earlier studies suggested origins in Ethiopia or Eritrea, Dominy's comprehensive investigation of 155 baboons indicates that two mummified specimens, dating back 2,000-2,400 years, were raised in Egypt, while others from up to a thousand years earlier likely originated from regions encompassing modern Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. This aligns with the prevailing theory that Punt was situated in the Horn of Africa, although the possibility of a Yemeni location remains. The Egyptian-Punt trade is considered a precursor to economic globalization, marking a significant step in ancient maritime trade networks.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a significant breakthrough, researchers have traced the origins of mummified baboons discovered in Egypt back to the Horn of Africa, specifically around Eritrea, where the ancient port of Adulis likely existed. These baboons, dating from Egypt's Late Period (800–540 BCE), were found at Gabbanat el-Qurud, a site known as the "Valley of the Monkeys." The study, led by Gisela Kopp from the University of Konstanz, utilized advanced genetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes to establish the baboons' origins, which were previously linked to the legendary trading hub of Punt. Kopp suggests that Punt and Adulis may refer to the same location, highlighting the complexities of ancient trade routes and the cultural significance of these primates in ancient Egypt, where they were mummified as offerings to the god Thoth. The findings, published in the journal eLife, illuminate the interplay between biology and history in understanding ancient practices.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that prehistoric human infants likely resembled their parents from birth, providing valuable insights into the facial morphology of early _Homo_ species. Researchers examined three fragmented infant skulls from South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back 2.31 to 1.95 million years, and found that two could be identified as _Homo habilis_ and _Homo erectus_. The third specimen, while not definitively assigned to a species, displayed distinct features that set it apart from earlier hominins, indicating that taxonomic diversity was evident even in infancy. This finding contributes to a growing understanding of early _Homo_ childhood, complementing evidence of prehistoric toys and tools used by young humans. Such discoveries are helping anthropologists piece together the experiences of early members of our genus, as detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inAn international team of astronomers has successfully created the first 3D map of an exoplanet, WASP-18b, using a technique known as spectroscopic eclipse mapping. This hot Jupiter, ten times the mass of Jupiter, orbits its star in just 23 hours and is tidally locked, presenting only one side to its star. By analyzing the light emitted at various wavelengths, the researchers were able to track atmospheric variations before and after the planet passed behind its star. Their findings revealed a hot spot in the atmosphere, surrounded by a cooler ring, with less water vapor in the hotter region, suggesting that extreme temperatures may be breaking down water molecules. Lead author Ryan Challener emphasized the challenges of this mapping technique, while co-author Dr. Anjali Piette noted its potential to provide insights into the 3D structures of exoplanets. The study is published in *Nature Astronomy*.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA new working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower and colleagues reveals a significant shift in the U-shaped happiness curve, traditionally indicating that well-being peaks in youth and old age, with a midlife low. The research indicates that young adults are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining and happiness increasing with age, a trend that began around 2017. This change has been observed globally, affecting over 80 countries, including the US, where alarming statistics show that one in nine young women report daily mental health struggles. Blanchflower emphasizes that this decline in youth well-being cannot be attributed to COVID-19 or labor market issues, suggesting a need for further investigation into the underlying causes, potentially linked to factors like social media. The paper, which has not yet undergone peer review, highlights a concerning trend that warrants urgent attention.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inA new species of rhino, named _Epiatheracerium itjilik_, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, specifically in Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut. This ancient rhino, which lived approximately 23 million years ago during the Early Miocene, is notable for being the northernmost rhino species identified to date. The name "itjilik," meaning "frosty" in Inuktitut, reflects the icy conditions of its discovery site, although the region was once a temperate forest. The fossil, which is remarkably well-preserved with about 75% of the skeleton recovered, suggests that _E. itjilik_ was relatively small, akin to the modern Indian rhinoceros, but lacked a horn. Researchers believe this find provides new insights into rhino evolution, indicating that species may have migrated between North America and Europe more recently than previously thought, challenging earlier assumptions about the North Atlantic Land Bridge's role in species dispersal.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that Neanderthals may have engaged in symbolic behavior, previously thought to be exclusive to _Homo sapiens_. Researchers discovered a crayon-like piece of ocher, over 42,000 years old, among 16 ocher fragments from Neanderthal sites in Crimea and Ukraine. Microscopic and chemical analyses indicated that some pieces were intentionally modified through grinding and scraping, with one particular fragment shaped into a pointed tool, suggesting it was used for drawing. The study's authors, including Francesco d’Errico, propose that these ocher tools were likely employed for marking skin, clothing, or stone, reflecting cultural practices and communication. This evidence challenges the outdated perception of Neanderthals as primitive, supporting the notion that they possessed the capacity for artistic expression and cultural complexity, a view bolstered by other findings, such as ancient cave engravings attributed to Neanderthals. The research is published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inMany people find themselves waking up at 3 or 4 a.m., a phenomenon affecting approximately one in three individuals, particularly since the pandemic. Sleep experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including stress, erratic schedules, and poor sleep hygiene. Cognitive therapist Greg Murray notes that while stress doesn't directly cause awakenings, it heightens awareness of them. As sleep cycles progress, individuals often reach lighter stages of sleep in the early morning, making them more susceptible to waking. Experts recommend strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in morning light exposure, and keeping a bedside to-do list to alleviate nighttime worries. If these methods fail and sleep disturbances persist for over three months, consulting a specialist for treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be necessary, as chronic sleep issues can develop into habitual patterns.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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