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As the festive season approaches, many chocolate lovers may notice that the chocolate from Advent calendars tastes different from regular chocolate bars. This discrepancy often arises because Advent calendar chocolates can contain higher amounts of vegetable oils, sometimes using a cheaper alternative known as compound chocolate, which replaces cocoa butter with less expensive fats like coconut or palm oil. While this allows for easier molding into festive shapes, it can result in a waxier texture and altered flavor compared to traditional chocolate. In the United States, strict regulations mean that products containing vegetable oils cannot be labeled simply as "chocolate," while the European Union has more lenient rules, permitting up to 5% vegetable oil in chocolate products. Consequently, chocolate enthusiasts are advised to check ingredient lists, especially when purchasing cheaper Advent calendars, to understand what they are consuming. 
Published: Dec 12 2025, 4 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking observation off the coast of British Columbia, scientists have documented the first instance of cooperative hunting between killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Aerial footage captured the two species sharing fish scraps after a successful hunt, prompting researchers to explore their unusual alliance. The study focused on a pod of northern resident killer whales, which were tracked alongside dolphins in 2020. Data revealed 25 interactions where the orcas followed the dolphins, suggesting a mutual benefit during the seasonal migration of Chinook salmon. The dolphins may allow the killer whales to join them due to their ability to tackle larger prey, while the orcas could provide protection against rival pods. Instances of prey-sharing were also recorded, indicating a unique interspecies relationship. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, highlight the ecological advantages of this cooperative behavior, although further research is needed to understand its motivations fully.
Published: Dec 12 2025, 4 ameznews.inNASA's Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, are on a long journey out of the Solar System and into interstellar space. Voyager 1 is set to reach a significant milestone on November 13, 2026, when it will be one full light-day away from Earth, nearly 50 years after its launch. The spacecraft is expected to cross the Oort Cloud, a theoretical region of icy bodies surrounding the Solar System, which could take centuries to enter and tens of thousands of years to traverse. Currently, Voyager 1 is 164.7 astronomical units from Earth, traveling at approximately 38,027 mph relative to the Sun. While the distance between Earth and the Voyagers fluctuates due to Earth's orbit, Voyager 1 will never again come within a day's light travel from Earth after its 2026 milestone, marking a significant point in its historic journey into the cosmos.
Published: Dec 12 2025, 5 ameznews.inResearchers have identified a new species of tiny toadlet, _Brachycephalus lulai_, in Brazil's Serra do Quiriri region, adding to the 42 known species in this genus, renowned for their diminutive size and vibrant colors. Measuring just 14 millimeters long, the bright orange _B. lulai_ was named in honor of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aiming to promote conservation efforts for the Atlantic Forest and its unique amphibian inhabitants. The species was confirmed through genetic analysis, morphological characteristics, and distinct advertisement calls. Notably, _B. lulai_ exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. Despite its limited range of approximately 8 square kilometers, the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One, highlighting the ongoing discovery of biodiversity in this rich ecosystem.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inNorovirus, often dubbed the "winter vomiting disease," is making a significant resurgence in several US states, driven by a new, highly contagious variant. Wastewater data indicates a rising trend in norovirus levels, with cases peaking earlier than usual, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that the current season remains within normal limits and fewer outbreaks than last year. The new strain, GII.17, has left many individuals vulnerable due to a lack of immunity from previous infections. Norovirus is highly infectious, requiring as few as ten virus particles to cause illness, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within 12 to 48 hours. While most recover within a few days, the virus poses serious risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children. Good hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing and careful food preparation, are essential to prevent its spread.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a culinary revelation, experts are urging home cooks to stop discarding pasta water, often referred to as "liquid gold." This starchy water, left over after boiling pasta, is rich in properties that enhance sauces, making them smoother and more cohesive. According to food scientist Abbey Thiel, the starch in pasta water acts as a functional ingredient, stabilizing emulsions and helping fats and water blend seamlessly. This results in a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings to pasta rather than sliding off. Recent experiments by Serious Eats' Daniel Gritzer confirmed that pasta cooked with its sauce and a splash of pasta water significantly outperformed other methods. To maximize this kitchen asset, Martha Stewart magazine recommends reserving some pasta water before draining, or even scooping pasta directly into the sauce. Embracing this technique could elevate home-cooked meals, making pasta dishes more flavorful and appealing.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that women who engage in sexual activity less than once a week may face a higher risk of early mortality compared to those who have sex more frequently. The research, which analyzed data from 14,542 individuals in the US, found that women with low sexual frequency were 1.7 times more likely to die from any cause by the end of 2015. While no similar correlation was observed in men, both sexes with depression showed improved survival rates linked to more frequent intercourse. The authors noted that sexual activity could enhance cardiovascular health and mitigate age-related functional decline. Although causation cannot be definitively established, previous studies indicate that sexual activity may improve mood and overall well-being. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, suggest that while a weekly sexual encounter may not guarantee longevity, it could contribute positively to health.
Published: Dec 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inA comprehensive study led by Matthew A. Killingsworth, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, reinforces the notion that increased income correlates with greater happiness. Building on a 2018 study that suggested happiness levels plateau at around $60,000 to $75,000, Killingsworth employed a refined methodology to gather data from 33,391 working-age adults in the U.S. Using the Track Your Happiness app, participants reported their feelings in real-time, revealing a linear relationship between income and both momentary well-being and overall life satisfaction. The findings indicate that higher incomes consistently lead to improved emotional states, with no discernible threshold where this effect diminishes. Killingsworth posits that greater disposable income allows individuals to alleviate suffering and enhance enjoyment, suggesting that the point at which money ceases to boost well-being may be higher than previously believed.
Published: Dec 12 2025, 12 ameznews.inA pair of vertebrae once believed to belong to woolly mammoths and discovered in Alaska have been reclassified as whale bones, marking a significant correction in paleontological records. Initially dated to between 1,900 and 2,700 years old, these fossils were thought to represent the youngest mammoth remains ever found, despite the species' extinction in the region around 13,000 years ago. However, isotopic and DNA analyses revealed the bones belonged to a common minke whale and a Northern Pacific Right whale, raising questions about how they ended up over 400 kilometers from the ocean. Researchers speculate that ancient hunter-gatherers may have transported the bones for symbolic or practical uses, although evidence for this inland behavior is scarce. The study, published in the Journal of Quaternary Science, highlights the complexities of fossil identification and the potential for historical mix-ups in museum collections.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a humorous yet chilling analysis, Dr. Daniel Funnell, an intensivist, explores the potential fatal consequences of the booby traps set by young Kevin McCallister in the beloved Christmas film _Home Alone_. While the movie is a festive classic, Funnell suggests that the injuries inflicted on the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, could have been life-threatening. From a paint can to the face, which could cause severe brain trauma, to a nail through the foot risking tetanus, the film's comedic violence raises questions about the plausibility of survival. Funnell highlights the dangers of burns, scrotal injuries, and abdominal trauma, noting that while the film is entertaining, the reality of such injuries could lead to serious medical emergencies. Ultimately, he humorously advises against replicating Kevin's security measures, emphasizing that the holiday season should not include the specter of fictional corpses.
Published: Dec 11 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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