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Researchers studying the ancient Chinchorro culture of Chile's Atacama Desert, known for its mummies that predate those of Ancient Egypt, have found that their average brain size was approximately 12 percent smaller than that of modern Chileans. This discovery, based on CT scans of 68 mummified heads, suggests that childhood malnutrition and poor living conditions may have affected their development. The Chinchorro, who thrived in one of the planet's harshest environments until around 3,500 years ago, relied heavily on marine resources for sustenance. The study revealed that while brain size remained relatively stable from hunter-gatherer to agricultural lifestyles, a significant increase in cranial volume occurred in the last 150 years, coinciding with improved nutrition and public health. The findings highlight the critical role of early-life nutrition in cognitive development and physical growth, marking a notable shift in stature among Chileans over the past century. 
Published: Nov 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA curious capuchin monkey named Route caused a stir on August 13 when a mysterious 911 call was traced back to a zoo in Paso Robles, California. After losing connection, police investigated the source, only to discover that the call had been made after Route, a 10-month-old monkey, had snatched a cellphone from assistant director Lisa Jackson while they were riding in a golf cart. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office noted that capuchin monkeys are known for their inquisitive nature, often pushing buttons on devices. Jackson recounted that she thought nothing of Route's antics at the time. While the incident may have consumed police resources, it highlights the intelligence of these animals, reminiscent of long-tailed macaques in Bali, which have been observed stealing and bartering for high-value items from tourists. Fortunately, Route's mischief did not escalate beyond a simple phone call.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAstronomers and space enthusiasts are captivated by the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Recent images from NASA, ESA, and China's Tianwen-1 orbiter have showcased the comet's features, with NASA's Perseverance rover capturing a faint glimpse from Mars. The comet passed Mars at a distance of 19 million miles, allowing for detailed observations by multiple NASA spacecraft, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is set to observe 3I/ATLAS between November 2 and 25, using five instruments, although data from these observations won't be available until February 2026 due to the spacecraft's thermal constraints and distance from Earth. Looking ahead, ESA is developing the Comet Interceptor mission, aimed at studying pristine comets from the outer solar system, potentially including interstellar visitors.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), operational from October 2007 to mid-2022, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, particularly through its study of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the afterglow of the Big Bang. Recently, the ACT team published its final data release, reinforcing concerns over the Hubble Tension, a discrepancy in the measurement of the universe's expansion rate. While two methods—galaxy distance and recession velocity versus CMB data—should yield similar results, they currently produce conflicting values. ACT's findings align with those from the European Space Agency's Planck satellite, further solidifying the discrepancy. Notably, the new data has invalidated 30 extended cosmological models previously proposed to resolve this tension. Enhanced polarization maps from ACT, due to its larger size and sensitivity, provide deeper insights into the early universe, although questions about the universe's expansion persist.
Published: Nov 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inEach December, American internet users are often puzzled by the sight of people in elaborate beast-like costumes parading through Alpine streets, a spectacle rooted in the ancient tradition of Krampusnacht, or "Krampus Night." Celebrated on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, this event is particularly prominent in southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Italy and the Czech Republic. Central to the festivities is Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon figure who punishes misbehaving children, contrasting with the benevolent St. Nicholas. Historically, Krampusnacht featured raucous "Krampus runs," where costumed participants would chase children, but modern celebrations have evolved into more theatrical street parades. The origins of Krampus can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan traditions, and despite the rise of Christianity, the character has remained a vibrant part of local folklore, intertwining with the modern image of Santa Claus.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inParents are often familiar with the minor injuries that children can sustain while exploring their surroundings, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. One key indicator of a worsening infection is the presence of tracking lines, or lymphangitis, which appear as red lines extending from a wound, signaling that the infection may be spreading to the lymphatic system. Common bacterial culprits include _Streptococcus_ and _Staphylococcus_, typically harmless until they breach the skin barrier. Other risk factors for lymphangitis include diabetes and immune system disorders. If tracking lines are observed, prompt medical attention is essential, as early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications like sepsis, a severe condition affecting thousands of children annually. Symptoms of sepsis include rapid heart rate, fever, and confusion, making awareness of these signs vital for timely intervention.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 12 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered four new species of fungi on the Hungarian steppe, including one named _Tulostoma shaihuludii_, which resembles the sandworms from Frank Herbert's _Dune_. This new species, part of the stalked puffball genus _Tulostoma_, was identified after 25 years of sample collection in the Pannonian steppe, a region known for its sandy soil and grassy thickets, ideal for gasteroid fungi. The findings, published in the journal MycoKeys, highlight the biodiversity of the area, which has recorded 19 species of _Tulostoma_ so far, with more likely undiscovered. The study underscores the rarity of these fungi, many of which are red-listed for conservation. In a related discovery, researchers have also gained insights into the anatomy of the Kalahari dwarf worm lizard, _Zygaspis quadrifrons_, revealing unique features through advanced imaging techniques. These findings raise questions about other hidden species in similar habitats.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 1 pmeznews.inNew evidence suggests that the iconic _Tyrannosaurus rex_ may have been capable of swimming, despite its massive size and tiny arms. Sir David Attenborough's series _Prehistoric Planet_ explores this possibility, showcasing the dinosaur in a doggy paddle-like motion. Fossilized swim traces, including claw marks found in Spain's Cameros Basin and similar tracks in Utah, indicate that _T. rex_ and other theropods could navigate water when necessary. Notably, the dinosaur's bones, filled with pneumatic cavities, would have enhanced its buoyancy, making it a proficient swimmer. Dr. Darren Naish, a scientific consultant for the series, posits that _T. rex_ likely used swimming to expand its feeding opportunities. While it may not have swum like modern aquatic animals, it probably employed a technique akin to that of emus, keeping its head above water while using its powerful legs to paddle.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 4 ameznews.inFossils of hominin foot bones, dating back 3.4 million years and discovered in Ethiopia, have been linked to a newly identified species, _Australopithecus deyiremeda_. This finding adds to the growing evidence that multiple hominin species coexisted during this period, complicating the narrative of human evolution. Initially, the famous fossil known as Lucy, classified as _Australopithecus afarensis_, was thought to represent a direct ancestor of modern humans. However, the discovery of the Burtele foot, which exhibits features more akin to earlier tree-dwelling apes, suggests a more complex evolutionary landscape. Researchers, including Professor Yohannes Haile-Selassie, noted that _A. deyiremeda_ likely occupied a different ecological niche, primarily consuming fruits and nuts, while _A. afarensis_ adapted to a mixed diet. This raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary relationships between these species and their potential roles in the human lineage. The study is published in *Nature*.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 ameznews.inPsychological research reveals a phenomenon known as the "left-cheek bias," where individuals tend to present their left cheek more prominently in portraits and selfies, a trend dating back to the 1970s. Initial studies by Christopher McManus and Nicholas Humphrey analyzed 1,474 European portraits, finding a significant 60% preference for left-side exposure. Subsequent research, including a 2015 study, confirmed this bias in selfies, while mirror selfies showed a right-cheek preference. The reasons behind this bias remain debated, with theories suggesting that the left side of the face may express more emotion or be perceived as more attractive. Gender differences in this bias are inconclusive, and context also plays a role, as seen in variations among different professional fields. As selfie culture continues to thrive, the left-cheek bias remains a fascinating aspect of human behavior, prompting ongoing psychological exploration.
Published: Nov 27 2025, 9 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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