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In a surprising twist to evolutionary theory, researchers have discovered that Galápagos tomatoes are reverting to ancient traits by producing long-lost alkaloids, a type of chemical defense not seen in millions of years. Originating from South American ancestors likely transported by birds, these wild tomatoes are now synthesizing toxic compounds to protect themselves from potential threats, despite the islands' generally low predator presence. A study from the University of California, Riverside, revealed that tomatoes from the western islands, characterized by harsher conditions, are producing alkaloids with a chemical structure reminiscent of their ancient relatives, while those from the eastern islands exhibit modern traits. This reversal, confirmed through genetic analysis, challenges the conventional view of evolution as a linear progression and suggests that environmental factors can prompt species to regain lost characteristics. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, could have implications for agricultural practices and pest resistance. 
Published: Jun 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPsychologists are delving into the cognitive processes behind belief in conspiracy theories, which have proliferated in today's hyperconnected society. Research indicates that the human brain's propensity to recognize patterns can lead to illusory perceptions, where individuals connect unrelated events, fostering conspiratorial thinking. A 2017 study linked belief in various conspiracies, such as those surrounding climate change and the moon landing, to a tendency to see patterns in random data. Additionally, personality traits like narcissism, characterized by a sense of superiority and a need for uniqueness, have been identified as significant predictors of conspiratorial beliefs. Other factors, including anger and a desire for chaos, also play a role. While the interplay between these traits and external influences remains complex, understanding the psychological drivers behind conspiracy theories is crucial for addressing the real-world consequences of misinformation, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 1 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the world's oldest boomerang, dating back approximately 42,000 years, in Poland's Obłazowa Cave. Carved from mammoth tusk, this artifact is significant as it predates the oldest known Australian boomerangs by around 32,000 years, challenging the notion that such tools were exclusively developed by Aboriginal cultures. The boomerang's design resembles that of a Queensland boomerang, which does not return to the thrower, and its unique ivory composition suggests it was a highly valued item, possibly used in shamanistic rituals. Alongside the boomerang, a human finger bone and various lithic artifacts were found, hinting at ritualistic practices among early _Homo sapiens_. Despite the intriguing findings, researchers note the absence of similar artifacts across Europe raises questions about the prevalence of such rituals, suggesting further excavation is needed to uncover more about these ancient practices. The study is published in PLOS ONE.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 1 ameznews.inForensic scientists are increasingly turning to DNA phenotyping, a cutting-edge technology that reconstructs human facial features from DNA samples, to aid criminal investigations. This method involves analyzing genetic material to predict physical traits such as hair and eye color, using sophisticated algorithms and validated prediction models. While DNA phenotyping has proven effective in solving cases, such as the 2011 double homicide of Candra Alston and her daughter, it raises ethical concerns regarding accuracy and potential biases in law enforcement practices. The technique has also been instrumental in identifying victims in cold cases, exemplified by the identification of Roger Kelso in 2019. As research advances, the accuracy of DNA phenotyping continues to improve, with new markers being discovered and methods developed to estimate age from DNA. Despite its challenges, DNA phenotyping is emerging as a vital tool in modern forensic science, offering new avenues for justice and victim identification.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 9 ameznews.inAround 99 million years ago, insects became trapped in tree sap that later fossilized into amber, but their demise was caused by a microscopic killer: a parasitic fungus known as _Ophiocordyceps unilateralis_. This fungus, which manipulates its hosts like zombies, is the oldest known evidence of parasitic fungi infecting insects, marking a significant discovery in understanding the evolution of entomopathogenic fungi. Researchers, including Professor Edmund Jarzembowski from London's Natural History Museum, noted that these ancient fungi likely played a crucial role in controlling insect populations during the Mid-Cretaceous period, similar to their modern counterparts. The amber preserved vital soft tissues, allowing scientists to identify two new species: _Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae_ and _Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae_. This research highlights the complex interactions within ecosystems during the age of dinosaurs and is published in the journal *Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences*.
Published: Jun 26 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a dramatic encounter captured in Maasai Mara, Kenya, a hungry lion's attempt to hunt a hippopotamus ended in failure. The lion, keen on securing a meal, stealthily approached the hippo from behind. However, the situation took a swift turn when the hippo noticed the predator, leading to a fierce counterattack. The unexpected confrontation highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in the savannah. Footage of the incident has been shared widely, showcasing the raw power and instincts of both animals. Viewers can watch the surprising events unfold in the video below.
_Credit: Maasai Mara Sightings via Storyful_
Published: Jun 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn an unexpected twist, Earth's rotation is set to accelerate in July and August, defying the long-term trend of gradual slowing. Experts, including Leonid Zotov from Moscow State University, are puzzled by this phenomenon, as current ocean and atmospheric models fail to explain the significant increase in speed. Historically, Earth has slowed from a rapid rotation of 420 days per year 444-419 million years ago to its current pace of just over 365 days. Recent years have seen a series of record-short days, with predictions indicating that July 9, July 22, and August 5 will each be shorter by 1.30, 1.38, and 1.5 milliseconds, respectively. While the Moon's distance from Earth typically contributes to this slowing, its proximity to the equator during these months may also play a role in the acceleration. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service will continue to monitor these changes closely.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSatellite images of Scotland reveal the Great Glen Fault, a significant geological feature that runs diagonally from northeast to southwest. This strike-slip fault, formed during the Caledonian Orogeny around 430 to 390 million years ago, marks the boundary where two blocks of the Earth's crust have slid past each other. The fault aligns with the Great Glen, a 100-kilometer valley that includes famous lochs such as Loch Ness. The rugged terrain surrounding the fault has historically influenced human activity, fostering the dominance of Scottish clans and serving as a strategic battleground during the Jacobite uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries. Fortresses like Fort William and Fort Augustus were established along this natural divide. While the fault remains geologically active, resulting in minor earthquakes, the region is now much quieter, both militarily and geologically, compared to its tumultuous past.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAstronomers have revised their understanding of Uranus, suggesting it may contain significantly more methane than previously believed. Traditionally classified as an ice giant, Uranus and its neighbor Neptune were thought to be composed mainly of icy materials like water and ammonia surrounding a rocky core. However, new models indicate that Uranus could have an interior with at least 10% methane, potentially even more than water, challenging earlier assumptions based on the elemental composition of the solar system's outer regions. The research, which has not yet undergone peer review, posits that chemical reactions involving carbon-rich planetesimals during the planet's formation may have produced this methane. This finding raises questions about the planets' formation in a region rich in organic materials but poor in water. To confirm these theories, further observations of Uranus are essential, as current data remains limited. The study is available on arXiv.
Published: Jun 25 2025, 1 ameznews.inA groundbreaking theory proposed by Dr. Gunther Kletetschka from the University of Alaska Fairbanks suggests that time may have three dimensions, fundamentally altering our understanding of the universe. This model posits that these three time dimensions are the core fabric of reality, with the familiar three dimensions of space being mere byproducts. Kletetschka argues that if we could navigate these multiple time dimensions, we might experience various versions of reality, akin to the multiverse concept. His theory, which avoids paradoxes found in previous models, is said to be experimentally testable, predicting specific masses for subatomic particles and potential differences in the speed of light and gravitational waves. Kletetschka's work aims to bridge quantum mechanics and gravitational theory, a long-sought goal in physics. The findings are detailed in an open-access paper published in *Reports in Advances of Physical Sciences*.
Published: Jun 24 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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