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This week, significant scientific discoveries have emerged, including the world's largest dinosaur tracksite in Bolivia, which boasts at least 16,600 footprints, setting multiple world records for trackways and swimways. In a groundbreaking development, researchers may have identified the first exomoon, indicated by the wobbling of a brown dwarf orbiting a Sun-like star. Additionally, scientists have provided a precise understanding of how time passes on Mars, revealing that it does not remain constant due to variations in speed and gravity. Meanwhile, a rare sighting of a seven-arm octopus, known as the "blob octopus," has occurred in the deep sea, marking only the fourth observation of this elusive creature in 40 years. Lastly, the article explores Christougenniatikophobia, the fear of Christmas, highlighting the challenges faced by those who experience this condition during the festive season. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 4 pmeznews.inInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to make its closest approach to Earth this month, passing at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometers (168 million miles) on December 19, 2025. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, the comet was initially traveling at 137,000 miles per hour, accelerating to 153,000 miles per hour as it neared the Sun. Astronomers estimate its nucleus measures between 1,400 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter. While 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, having already passed Mars safely, it offers a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe it with binoculars or telescopes. The comet will be visible in the eastern sky before dawn, near the star Regulus in the constellation Leo. Following its Earth flyby, 3I/ATLAS will encounter Jupiter on March 16, 2026, which may alter its trajectory. 
Published: Dec 03 2025, 11 pmeznews.inHero of Alexandria, a mathematician and engineer from nearly 2,000 years ago, created remarkable machines that showcased an advanced understanding of physics, leaving a legacy that continues to intrigue scholars today. While details of his life remain unclear, Hero is credited with significant advancements in technologies such as the steam engine and windmill, and he is believed to have invented the first vending machine. His theatrical contraptions, including a thunder machine and intricate puppet shows, captivated audiences, blurring the line between science and magic. Hero's writings, possibly including the *Catoptrica*, explored optics and mechanics, influencing future scientists like Galileo and Newton. His focus on entertainment and wonder, rather than practical applications, set him apart from contemporaries like Archimedes. Despite the loss of many ancient texts, Hero's innovative spirit paved the way for future discoveries in physics and engineering. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 4 pmeznews.inResearchers at George Washington University have explored what they term "The Grandmother Hypothesis," revealing that people often neglect key areas while washing, leading to a less healthy skin microbiome. The study focused on the microbial communities on the skin of 129 students, comparing samples from frequently cleaned areas like forearms and calves to neglected spots such as behind the ears, between toes, and in the navel. Findings indicated that regularly cleaned regions exhibited a more diverse and potentially healthier microbiome. Director Keith Crandall noted that these neglected areas tend to harbor different bacteria due to insufficient washing. The research highlighted significant variations in bacterial diversity across skin regions, with no notable differences based on gender, age, or ethnicity. While the balance of microbes is crucial for skin health, the relationship between microbiome health and overall well-being remains an area for further study, providing a reference point for understanding healthy adult microbiomes. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA newly discovered species of bird, _Chromeornis funkyi_, dating back 120 million years, has baffled scientists with its unusual throat contents—over 800 stones, some of which are clay balls. This sparrow-sized bird, identified by Dr. Jingmai O’Connor at Chicago’s Field Museum, exhibited characteristics similar to the larger fossil bird _Longipteryx_, yet its throat stones suggest a unique and tragic cause of death. Unlike typical gizzard stones used for digestion, the positioning and volume of these stones indicate they may have choked the bird. O’Connor speculates that the bird could have ingested the stones while ill, leading to a fatal blockage. Such findings are rare in paleontology, with O’Connor noting that while some fossils reveal clear causes of death, this case stands out as particularly perplexing. The research is detailed in the journal *Palaeontologica Electronica*. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent social media discussion sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." While some users humorously speculated that these lines served as "face/butt delineation" or "racing stripes" to enhance drying speed, the consensus leaned towards their practical benefits. Experts explain that these woven strips not only prevent fraying but also improve the towel's absorbency and durability. The dobby border helps maintain an even structure, ensuring that towels remain soft, lightweight, and efficient for drying. Additionally, these borders contribute to the towel's aesthetic appeal, making them suitable for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex questions, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA team of researchers has discovered a massive, rotating cosmic structure located 140 million light-years from Earth, embedded within a larger filament. This elongated formation, measuring 5.5 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide, contains 14 galaxies that exhibit a surprising alignment in their rotation, challenging existing cosmological models. The galaxies appear to be rotating in a common direction, suggesting a significant connection between their angular momentum and the surrounding cosmic filament. This discovery, described as one of the largest rotating structures ever found, offers insights into how galaxies acquire their spin and evolve. The researchers, led by scientists from the University of Oxford, emphasize that understanding the cold atomic hydrogen gas within these filaments could illuminate the relationship between low-density gas and galaxy growth. The findings are detailed in a study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 
Published: Dec 05 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe world's oceans are teeming with over 33,000 fish species, showcasing remarkable diversity in size and behavior. Among the largest is the whale shark (_Rhincodon typus_), which can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long, with a record individual reaching 18.8 meters (62 feet). This gentle giant is a filter feeder, consuming krill and small organisms. Following closely is the basking shark (_Cetorhinus maximus_), also measuring up to 12 meters and capable of filtering an astonishing 4 million pounds of water per hour. Other notable species include the giant oarfish (_Regalecus glesne_), known for its long, tape-like body and deep-sea habitat, and the largetooth sawfish (_Pristis pristis_), which can reach 7 meters (23 feet) and is critically endangered. Tiger sharks (_Galeocerdo cuvier_), reaching 5.5 meters (18 feet), are notorious predators, known for their diverse diet. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inOverhead power lines in the US are often adorned with large, colorful balls, typically in shades of yellow, orange, red, or white, which serve a crucial safety function. Contrary to popular belief, these markers are not weights or weather sensors; instead, they are designed to enhance visibility for pilots, helping to prevent collisions with the often hard-to-see power lines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates their installation in areas with higher air traffic, such as near airports, mountain passes, and over bodies of water. The balls, usually over 91 centimeters in diameter, are placed at intervals of approximately 61 meters along the highest wire. While these markers significantly reduce the risk of accidents, incidents still occur, highlighting the importance of aviation safety measures. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn Switzerland, trains are permitted to have up to 255 axles, and while they can exceed 257 axles, a peculiar regulation prohibits them from having exactly 256 axles. This unusual restriction stems from the limitations of the country's axle counting system, which uses an 8-digit binary number. When the count reaches 256, it rolls over to zero, causing trains with that exact number of axles to go undetected, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the tracks. As mathematician Matt Parker explains, this counting error could allow multiple trains to occupy the same section of track simultaneously, increasing the risk of collisions. To avoid such hazards, Swiss authorities have opted to enforce the 256-axle limit rather than update the existing hardware, which would be a costly endeavor. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 9 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
