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Natural history museums are facing scrutiny for the conspicuous absence of penis bones, or bacula, from their displays, a phenomenon attributed to Victorian-era prudishness. While many mammals possess this unique bone, which provides structural support during mating, it is rarely showcased in UK and European museums. Jack Ashby, Assistant Director at the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge, highlights that the only specimen on display with its baculum is an elephant seal. He argues that this omission misrepresents animal anatomy and reflects outdated societal norms. The baculum can be significant in size, with walrus bones reaching over 60 centimeters, making their absence even more perplexing. Ashby’s new book, *Nature’s Memory*, delves into how human biases have shaped natural history collections, suggesting it may be time for museums to embrace the baculum and present a more accurate depiction of the animal kingdom. 
Published: May 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA newly discovered species of worm, named _Pararosa vigarae_, has captivated scientists with its remarkable ability to contract its body to just one-fifth of its normal length, resembling an accordion. This unique worm, found off the Northwest coast of Spain at a depth of 30 meters, measures approximately 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) when fully extended. It belongs to the order Heteronemertea, which includes the longest animal on Earth, _Lineus longissimus_. The worm's name honors Rosa Vigara, wife of the study's senior author, Dr. Aida Verdes, as a gift for their golden wedding anniversary. In addition to its accordion-like contraction, _P. vigarae_ is a predatory worm that uses venom to hunt. Verdes' research aims to uncover the toxins that make nemerteans effective predators, highlighting the ongoing discovery of unique species in well-explored regions. The findings are published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
Published: May 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inDespite a plethora of reports on extraterrestrial intelligence, the evidence remains largely anecdotal or unconvincing, leading many to dismiss the possibility of alien life as improbable. However, significant investment in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is justified by several compelling factors. Firstly, rocky planets similar to Earth are abundant, with recent data from telescopes like Kepler and TESS revealing numerous potential candidates for life. Secondly, life on Earth emerged remarkably early, suggesting that similar conditions elsewhere could foster life. Additionally, extremophiles demonstrate life's resilience in harsh environments, indicating that extraterrestrial life could thrive under diverse conditions. The lack of detected signals may stem from limited search methods or the vastness of space, rather than a lack of intelligent civilizations. Ultimately, while the existence of advanced alien life remains unproven, the scientific rationale for continued exploration is strong.
Published: May 07 2025, 7 pmeznews.inScientists have successfully created the first-ever CRISPR-Cas9 modified spider, specifically targeting the common house spider, *Parasteatoda tepidariorum*. This groundbreaking research, published in *Angewandte Chemie*, utilizes the revolutionary gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to incorporate a red fluorescent protein gene sequence into spider silk proteins. Spider silk, known for its remarkable strength—five times stronger than steel of the same weight—offers significant potential for materials science. The research team developed an injection solution to modify the spiders, allowing for the creation of genetically altered offspring that exhibit glowing silk under specific light conditions. Professor Dr. Thomas Scheibel, a senior author of the study, emphasized the promise of this technique for enhancing the tensile strength of spider silk, marking a significant advancement in the application of gene editing in arachnids.
Published: May 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAxial Seamount, an underwater volcano located 480 kilometers off the coast of the continental US and 1.5 kilometers beneath the ocean surface, is showing signs of a potential eruption. Researchers announced at the American Geophysical Union conference that the volcano, part of the Cobb–Eickelberg Seamount chain, has inflated to levels similar to those preceding its last eruptions in 2015. While the eruption forecast window is set between July 2024 and the end of 2025, predicting volcanic eruptions remains imprecise. Although the volcano has surpassed its previous inflation levels, earthquake activity in the area remains low, which complicates predictions. If Axial Seamount erupts, it is unlikely to impact life on land, but it presents a unique opportunity for oceanographers to study volcanic activity at mid-ocean spreading centers, as such events have never been directly observed in this region.
Published: May 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe perineal raphe, a seam-like structure of thicker skin running from the penis through the scrotum to the anus, is a notable feature in both males and females, formed around seven weeks into fetal development. A study highlights that the penile and scrotal raphe can vary in shape and thickness, with anomalies including pearly or pigmented variations. Prior to this developmental stage, male and female fetuses exhibit similar genital structures. As male fetuses progress, testosterone production leads to the fusion of urogenital swellings, resulting in the formation of the scrotum and the underside of the penis. This raphe serves as a reminder of our shared embryonic origins, as it is also present in females, extending from the anus to the labia majora. Thus, the raphe is not a sign of surgical intervention but rather a natural remnant of early genital development.
Published: May 10 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe enduring stereotype of pirates wearing eye patches, often depicted alongside hooks and parrots, lacks historical evidence, according to experts. While some theories suggest that eye patches could have aided vision during battles by allowing one eye to adjust to darkness, pirate historian Dr. Rebecca Simon asserts that there are no primary sources from the 17th and 18th centuries to support this claim. Instead, these portrayals stem largely from popular fiction, notably Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," which introduced characters like Long John Silver. Real-life pirates, such as Blackbeard, inspired these fictional depictions with their flamboyant appearances and theatrical tactics, but in reality, pirates typically dressed like ordinary sailors, albeit with better-maintained clothing due to theft. Thus, the iconic image of the eye-patch-wearing pirate is more a product of imagination than historical fact.
Published: May 10 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking experiment, researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan have successfully stimulated cicadas to perform Pachelbel’s Canon in D, showcasing the potential of insect cyborgs. By using electrodes similar to muscle-toning devices, the team created a biological speaker that allowed the cicadas to produce music before flying away unharmed. This innovative approach falls under biomimetics, which seeks to solve human challenges by mimicking nature. The cicadas, capable of reaching volumes of 120 decibels with minimal electrical input, could serve as low-power acoustic actuators for disaster signaling or environmental monitoring. Authors Yuga Tsukuda and Naoto Nishida emphasized the importance of maintaining the insects' natural agency, noting that their unpredictable variations added a unique charm to the performance. While the applications remain experimental, the research hints at a future where cicada cyborgs could play a vital role in communication and safety.
Published: May 10 2025, 4 ameznews.inResearchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a protein called MTCH2, or "Mitch," which may hold the key to combating obesity. In experiments with mice, silencing this protein led to significant fat reduction and increased athletic performance, even when the mice were fed high-fat diets. The study, published in The EMBO Journal, indicates that silencing Mitch in human cells enhances fat and carbohydrate burning while inhibiting the formation of new fat cells. This dual action occurs as Mitch regulates metabolic processes and mitochondrial fusion, essential for energy production. However, the potential for gene therapy targeting Mitch as a weight-loss solution remains uncertain, as previous research linked its deletion to cognitive impairments. While this discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding obesity, further research is needed to explore its implications for human treatment.
Published: May 10 2025, 8 ameznews.inA new study has concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic was likely triggered by wildlife trade in China, echoing the origins of the SARS outbreak in 2002. Researchers found that the ancestor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, originated in Western China or Northern Laos and traveled up to 2,700 kilometers before emerging in humans, a distance too great for natural dispersal by bats alone. The study, led by UC San Diego's Joel Wertheim, analyzed the genomes of SARS-related viruses, revealing that they have circulated in Asia for thousands of years. The findings suggest that the virus was likely transported by wild animal traders, similar to how SARS-CoV-1 was spread by infected civets and raccoon dogs. This research challenges the lab-leak theory and highlights the increasing risk of zoonotic spillover events due to wildlife trade and habitat loss, emphasizing the need for monitoring bat populations to prevent future outbreaks.
Published: May 10 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Klamath River, once a vital habitat for salmon and a lifeline for Indigenous tribes, has undergone the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, with four major dams dismantled by October 2024. This monumental effort, highlighted in the BBC's _Our Changing Planet_, aims to restore the river's ecosystem after decades of ecological damage caused by the dams, which hindered fish migration and led to significant population declines, including a 90% drop in fall chinook salmon. Presenter Liz Bonnin noted the extensive environmental impact, including effects on orca populations. The removal, driven by local tribes' advocacy, marks a crucial first step in habitat restoration, with projects underway to rejuvenate the river's ecosystem. Remarkably, just days after the dams' removal, Chinook salmon were spotted returning to the river, symbolizing hope for the restoration of both the river and the cultural heritage of the tribes that depend on it.
Published: May 07 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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