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Uranus, often overlooked by NASA, has been explored by a probe only once, with Voyager 2 providing stunning images of the ice giant. However, the Hubble Space Telescope has been diligently monitoring the planet from 2002 to 2022, revealing insights into its complex atmosphere as it orbits the Sun over 84 Earth years. Unique for its extreme axial tilt of 97.77 degrees, likely due to a past collision, Uranus experiences prolonged seasons, with one pole basking in sunlight for nearly a quarter of its year while the other endures a 21-year winter. Recent observations indicate that methane, which gives Uranus its teal hue, is unevenly distributed, particularly depleted at the poles. As the planet approaches its summer solstice in 2030, changes in aerosol and haze structures have been noted, highlighting the influence of solar radiation on its atmospheric dynamics. Observations will continue as Uranus transitions through its seasons. 
Published: Apr 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers from the University of Zürich and Harvard University has revealed that the vocalizations of bonobos, the most vocal of the great apes, exhibit structural similarities to human language. Analyzing 700 recordings, the team identified over 300 contextual features in bonobo calls, which include a range of high-pitched whistles, hoots, and softer peeps. Notably, bonobo communication demonstrates compositionality, a linguistic feature where calls combine in meaningful ways, akin to human language. The study highlights two forms of compositionality: trivial, where meanings are additive, and nontrivial, where one term modifies another's meaning. Remarkably, bonobos utilize four compositional structures, three of which are nontrivial, suggesting a level of complexity previously unrecognized. This research not only underscores the advanced communication skills of bonobos but also offers insights into the evolution of human language, given our shared DNA of approximately 98.8% with these primates.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study of a 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole, located in Lighthouse Reef Atoll off the coast of Belize, reveals a troubling increase in hurricane activity over the past 5,700 years. Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt found evidence of 574 storm events, indicating that the frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean has risen significantly, with projections suggesting up to 45 storms could occur this century alone. The sediment layers, resembling tree rings, highlight distinct tempestites caused by storm surges, contrasting with the calmer gray-green sediments. This increase in storm activity is attributed to human-driven climate change, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures and shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The findings, published in *Science Advances*, underscore the urgent need to address climate change as the region braces for a stormier future.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOn Monday, SpaceX launched its Fram2 mission, marking a historic first as four astronauts embarked on a pole-to-pole orbit, a route previously untraveled by humans. However, the mission's start was marred by space motion sickness, with private astronaut Chun Wang reporting that all crew members experienced nausea and vomiting shortly after entering microgravity. Despite the discomfort, the crew managed to conduct some activities, including a movie night and communication with Earth, while adjusting to their new environment. The mission includes 22 scientific experiments aimed at advancing long-duration space exploration and understanding human health in space, such as taking X-rays and growing mushrooms in microgravity. After the initial challenges, the crew reported feeling refreshed by the second day and is expected to remain in space for three to five days before returning to Earth, where they will exit the spacecraft without additional assistance to aid research on astronaut recovery.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inGeologists have discovered that cratonic thinning, a process believed to have occurred hundreds of millions of years ago, is currently happening beneath the North American Craton, also known as Laurentia. This phenomenon involves the gradual loss of the craton's base as large portions of its lowest layer drip into the mantle, primarily beneath the American Midwest. Researchers, led by Professor Junlin Hua from the University of Texas at Austin, utilized full-waveform seismic tomography to observe these changes in real-time, linking them to the remnants of the ancient Farallon Plate, which has been redirecting material flow in the mantle. While this thinning may sound alarming, experts assure that cratons are resilient structures that have endured for billions of years, and the process is expected to slow and eventually halt as the Farallon sinks deeper. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature Geoscience*.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA 24-year-old American, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, has been arrested after attempting to visit North Sentinel Island, home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe, known for their voluntary isolation. Polyakov set sail from South Andaman Island early on March 29, carrying a coconut and a can of cola as offerings. He reportedly lingered near the island for an hour, attempting to attract the Sentinelese's attention before briefly stepping ashore to leave his offerings and collect sand samples. Access to the island is strictly prohibited by Indian authorities to protect the tribe, which has faced threats from outsiders in the past, including fatal encounters. Experts have condemned Polyakov's actions as reckless, emphasizing the risk posed to the Sentinelese, who lack immunity to common diseases. The incident has raised concerns about the enforcement of protective measures for the tribe, prompting calls for stronger action from Indian authorities.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA stalled atmospheric river is set to unleash unprecedented rainfall across the central United States, with forecasters warning of potentially catastrophic flash floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high-risk alert for excessive rainfall from Arkansas to Kentucky, extending up to Ohio, predicting that some areas could receive four months' worth of rain in just five days. AccuWeather estimates that over a foot of precipitation may fall in certain regions, significantly exceeding the rainfall that caused deadly floods in Kentucky earlier this year. More than 46 million people are expected to be affected, with 13 million in high-risk zones. The NWS advises communities to prepare for severe disruptions and urges residents near rivers and streams to remain vigilant for rising water levels, with recommendations to seek higher ground if necessary. The situation is exacerbated by a blocked atmospheric river, which is expected to deliver multiple rounds of intense thunderstorms throughout the week.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGoogle has become synonymous with online searching, with the term "Google it" widely used even when referring to other search engines. The company, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1996, was initially called "Backrub," reflecting its focus on backlinks to rank web pages. In 1997, after realizing the need for a more fitting name, they settled on "Google," a play on the mathematical term "googol," which denotes a vast number (1 followed by 100 zeros). This name was suggested during a brainstorming session when Sean Anderson misspelled "googol" while checking domain availability, leading to the registration of "google.com" on September 15, 1997. Contrary to popular belief, the name does not stand for "Global Organization of Oriented Group Language of Earth," but rather symbolizes Google's mission to organize the immense amount of information available online.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 2 ameznews.inEaster, unlike Christmas, does not have a fixed date, with its timing determined by the lunar calendar. For Western Christians, Easter 2024 will be celebrated on March 31, followed by April 20 in 2025, and April 5 in 2026. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full Moon following the Northern spring equinox, which this year fell on March 20. Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with its date linked to the Jewish Passover, which also follows lunar cycles. In contrast, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, a date chosen by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 336 CE, likely to coincide with pagan winter solstice festivities. Despite calls for Easter to adopt a solar calendar for simplicity, such as the Easter Act of 1928 in the UK, traditional practices remain deeply entrenched.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn navigating life's myriad choices, from selecting a partner to hiring an employee, the "37 Percent Rule" offers a mathematical strategy to optimize decision-making. Originating from the 1960 "Secretary Problem," this rule suggests that individuals should reject the first 37% of options they encounter and then select the next choice that surpasses all previously seen. Mathematician Thomas S. Ferguson's analysis indicates that this approach yields a 37% probability of choosing the best option, a significant improvement over random selection. While the strategy may seem counterintuitive—especially if the ideal choice appears early—it can be adjusted for varying standards of acceptability. For instance, aiming for a partner in the top 5% increases success rates to 57% by rejecting the first 22%. Ultimately, while the 37% threshold is a guideline, it highlights the balance between patience and opportunity in decision-making.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered that a hardy lichen species, _Diploschistes muscorum_, could potentially survive the harsh conditions on Mars, offering hope for future human colonization of the planet. Mars is considered the most viable option for extraterrestrial habitation due to its relatively stable surface and proximity to the habitable zone, where liquid water can exist. The study, published in IMA Fungus, tested two lichen species under simulated Martian conditions, revealing that _D. muscorum_ maintained metabolic activity and defense mechanisms despite extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation. While the findings are promising, further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of Martian conditions on these organisms. Lead author Kaja Skubała emphasized that this research enhances our understanding of lichen adaptation and their potential role in future extraterrestrial environments, although it is premature to send lichen to Mars just yet.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 12 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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