eznews.inIn a remarkable display of tolerance towards nature, Australian resident Jake Gray has welcomed a gigantic huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for over a year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock that such a large spider might evoke, Gray reassured his children by naming her and even expressed hopes for her continued growth. While huntsman spiders, known for their speed and size, can appear intimidating, experts note they are generally harmless and prefer to flee rather than bite. With a bite that typically results in mild effects, these spiders serve as natural pest controllers, making them more of a housemate than a threat in Australian homes. 
Published: Dec 20 2025, 10 ameznews.inA newly identified species of carnivorous pitcher plant, _Nepenthes megastoma_, has been discovered on Palawan Island in the Philippines, but it faces a dire future with fewer than 50 known specimens remaining. Named for its large mouth, this plant traps insects in its bell-shaped pitcher, breaking them down into a nutrient-rich liquid. Despite its remarkable adaptations for survival in harsh environments, including vertical pollination and water retention, _N. megastoma_ is critically endangered due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and the impacts of climate change. Researcher John Charles Altomonte highlighted the irony of these resilient plants being threatened by the very species that has encroached upon their habitat. With only about 19 mature clumps and 12 non-flowering plants left, the survival of _N. megastoma_ hangs in the balance, vulnerable to extreme weather events and illegal harvesting. The findings are detailed in the journal Phytotaxa.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 8 ameznews.inRecent research has pinpointed the Zagros Mountains, spanning modern-day Iran, northern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey, as the primary location where Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred during the Late Pleistocene. This mountainous region, rich in biodiversity and archaeological sites, provided an ideal environment for both species to coexist and interact. Notable sites, such as the Shanidar Cave, which contains well-preserved Neanderthal remains, support this finding. The Zagros Mountains served as a crucial corridor for human migration out of Africa, facilitating encounters between the two species. Genetic studies reveal that 1 to 4 percent of the genomes of all non-African humans today carry Neanderthal DNA, influencing various traits and health conditions. This research, published in *Scientific Reports*, enhances our understanding of human evolution and the lasting impact of these ancient interspecies interactions.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe Long-Term Evolution Experiment (LTEE), initiated by Richard Lenski in 1988, has reached a remarkable milestone of 80,000 generations, making it the longest-running evolution study in history. The experiment involves 12 distinct lines of non-pathogenic *Escherichia coli* bacteria, which have been cultivated to observe evolutionary changes over time. Each day, 1% of the bacteria are transferred to a new growth medium, allowing for rapid reproduction and mutation. Key findings include the continuous increase in fitness of the bacteria, even in a stable environment, and the emergence of "hypermutator" strains that exhibit higher mutation rates. The LTEE has produced over 100 research papers, providing insights into natural selection and adaptation, and demonstrating the power of evolution in a controlled laboratory setting. With no plans to conclude the experiment, it continues to yield valuable data on evolutionary processes.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPet nutrition has become increasingly complex, with concerns over the sourcing of ingredients, such as Antarctic krill, and debates about the safety of raw meat versus the viability of vegan diets for pets. Amidst this, many pet owners are puzzled by their cats and dogs' penchant for eating grass. A 2019 study found that 71% of cats sampled had eaten plants at least six times, with most owners reporting that this behavior was not linked to illness. Instead, it may stem from an evolutionary trait aimed at combating intestinal parasites. Similarly, a 2008 study revealed that 68% of dogs regularly consume plants, with only a small percentage doing so when unwell. While neither species requires grass in their diet, experts suggest that it may provide gastrointestinal benefits or simply be a matter of preference, although pet owners should avoid allowing them to eat chemically treated grass.
Published: Dec 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inTitan, Saturn's largest moon, is unique in the Solar System for its lakes and rain, composed not of water but of methane and hydrocarbons due to its frigid temperatures. While earlier studies suggested the presence of a hidden ocean beneath its icy surface, new research indicates that Titan may instead possess a slushy layer rather than a global ocean. This conclusion stems from detailed modeling that accounts for Titan's deformation under Saturn's gravitational pull, revealing a 15-hour delay in peak deformation and greater energy dissipation than expected for a moon with a deep ocean. The findings suggest that Titan's subsurface environment could be more akin to Arctic sea ice or aquifers, potentially enhancing its habitability. NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, set to launch in 2034, aims to further explore Titan's intriguing chemistry and assess its potential for supporting life. The study is published in the journal Nature.
Published: Dec 18 2025, 10 ameznews.inNew genetic research suggests that Italians who reach the age of 100 may owe their longevity to ancient hunter-gatherer DNA rather than solely to the Mediterranean diet. A study analyzing the genomes of 333 centenarians and 690 healthy controls found a significant correlation between Western Hunter-Gatherer (WHG) ancestry and centenarian status, with those over 100 exhibiting higher proportions of WHG ancestry and related mutations. This contrasts with other ancient genetic ancestries, which showed no link to long life. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the findings indicate that WHG DNA may play a role in longevity, potentially countering the effects of pro-inflammatory genes that emerged with Neolithic populations. The study highlights the complex interplay of genetics and lifestyle in determining lifespan and is published in the journal GeroScience. Further research is needed to clarify how these ancient genetic influences contribute to modern longevity.
Published: Dec 17 2025, 5 ameznews.inTime is not a constant; it varies based on gravity and speed, as demonstrated by recent research showing that Mars and the Moon experience time differently than Earth. Scientists are now set to explore this phenomenon further using an optical atomic clock, the most precise timekeeping device ever created, atop Mount Blue Sky in Colorado. This clock is over 100 times more accurate than traditional atomic clocks, capable of measuring time with an uncertainty of just eight parts per billion billion. Researchers aim to compare the clock's time with one in a lab at the University of Colorado Boulder to quantify subtle time dilation effects caused by altitude differences. This groundbreaking experiment could enhance our understanding of gravitational effects on time and has potential applications in monitoring land elevation changes and probing the limits of physics, marking a significant advancement in precision timekeeping technology.
Published: Dec 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a landmark achievement for organ transplantation, the United States recorded over 48,000 organ transplants in 2024, marking a significant milestone since the first human heart transplant in 1967. As the field advances, intriguing cases have emerged suggesting that organ transplants may influence recipients' personalities and preferences. Notably, a woman who received a heart from a fast-food enthusiast developed a sudden craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken, while others reported shifts in tastes, such as a newfound love for pickles or a preference for red wine. Professor Adam Taylor from Lancaster University posits that these changes could stem from physiological adaptations linked to the transplanted organ, which may affect hormone levels and brain chemistry. Early studies indicate that around 90% of transplant recipients experience some personality changes, prompting calls for further research into this phenomenon as the number of transplants continues to rise.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 6 ameznews.inRecent claims suggest there are only one or two locations on Earth where visitors can walk directly on the mantle, a notion that is more nuanced than it appears. Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia, is often cited as a unique spot where tectonic forces have pushed mantle-derived rock to the surface, making it the only place where such exposure occurs at an active plate boundary. Conversely, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada, also claims to offer access to mantle rock, with its tablelands being among the oldest and most studied samples. While both sites provide remarkable geological insights, the debate continues over whether they are truly the only places for mantle walking, as other potential locations may exist but remain undiscovered. Ultimately, these sites offer a rare glimpse into Earth's geological history, attracting both scientists and tourists alike.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 7 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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