eznews.inWerribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating a significant milestone with the recent achievement of Jabulani, a southern white rhinoceros calf, who has crossed the one-tonne mark. Born underweight and with concerns about his survival, Jabulani's success is particularly noteworthy given that his mother, Kipenzi, was raised without maternal care herself. Initially weighing just 55 kilograms at birth, Jabulani has thrived thanks to Kipenzi's nurturing instincts and a diet that includes both milk and grass. The zoo's breeding program is crucial for the southern white rhino, which faces threats from poaching and habitat loss, while its northern counterpart is critically endangered. Despite initial doubts about Kipenzi's ability to care for her calf, she has proven to be a dedicated mother, and Jabulani's rapid growth has been described as miraculous. The zoo hopes that Kipenzi will eventually accept Kifaru, the male rhino, as a mate to ensure the continuation of the species. 
Published: Dec 25 2025, 5 ameznews.inResearchers have developed an innovative electronic nose (e-nose) capable of detecting and identifying specific strains of household mold, such as _Stachybotrys chartarum_ (black mold) and _Chaetomium globosum_, with over 98% accuracy. Utilizing UV-activated nanowires, the device detects microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by mold, allowing for rapid and cost-effective indoor air quality monitoring. Traditional mold detection methods can be time-consuming and expensive, often requiring laboratory analysis or trained dogs. The e-nose, however, offers a quicker alternative, although its effectiveness in real-world environments may be challenged by interference from household materials. Researchers are optimistic about the potential to expand the technology to identify other common molds, such as penicillium, pending further study. The findings are detailed in the journal *Advanced Sensor Research*.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA study from the University of Queensland has established a link between lower intelligence and prejudiced attitudes towards same-sex couples, marking the first such analysis outside the United States. Researchers examined data from 11,564 Australians, utilizing the 2012 and 2015 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) surveys to assess cognitive abilities and attitudes towards equal rights for homosexual couples. The findings indicate that individuals with lower cognitive abilities are more likely to oppose equal rights, particularly when verbal skills were evaluated. This research builds on previous studies that have correlated low IQ with various forms of prejudice, including racism. The authors suggest that enhancing educational participation and cognitive skills among youth could be vital in combating prejudice against same-sex couples, emphasizing the need for further exploration of cognitive ability's role in shaping societal attitudes.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 4 pmeznews.inHundreds of old leather shoes have mysteriously appeared on beaches in Ogmore-By-Sea, south Wales, with the total count reaching 437 since their initial discovery by the Beach Academy on December 18. The shoes, primarily black leather and resembling 19th-century styles, have been found embedded in rockpools during a restoration project. Locals recall similar finds in previous years, suggesting a recurring phenomenon. The leading theory attributes the shoes to the shipwreck of the Frolic, which sank near Tusker Rock about 150 years ago while carrying cargo from Italy. Erosion of the riverbank is believed to have released these long-trapped items. While the shoes are in surprisingly good condition, they are notably devoid of feet, unlike a separate phenomenon in North America where human feet in shoes have washed ashore due to buoyancy from modern footwear design.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe quest for extraterrestrial life continues to intrigue scientists, with recent developments offering tantalizing possibilities. NASA's Confidence of Life Detection (CoLD) scale outlines a systematic approach to identifying potential biosignatures, with the Perseverance Rover's 2024 discovery of the Bright Angel formation on Mars being a notable highlight. This formation contains organic materials that suggest the past presence of life. Additionally, a new amino acid was discovered on asteroid Bennu, while exoplanet K2-18b sparked debate over potential biosignatures in its atmosphere. Despite conflicting reports, the search for life remains active, with upcoming missions like the European Space Agency's Rosalyn Franklin rover set to explore Mars in 2028 and plans for a mission to Saturn's moon Enceladus. While definitive answers remain elusive, the scientific community is optimistic about future discoveries in the ongoing search for life beyond Earth.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent discussion on Reddit has sparked curiosity about the hypothetical scenario of losing one electron from every atom in the human body. Redditor Spectre1442 posed the question in the AskPhysics subreddit, prompting a response that highlights the catastrophic consequences of such an event. Removing an electron would create a significant charge imbalance, causing every atom to repel one another, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the body. The energy released from this imbalance could be staggering, estimated to range from 10^17 to 10^20 joules—comparable to the energy of the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear bomb ever detonated. This means that the individual would not only explode but could potentially devastate a city-sized area. Experts caution that this scenario is purely theoretical and underscores the immense power of electrostatic forces.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study led by Italian scientist Liberato De Caro has reignited debate over the Shroud of Turin, suggesting it may date back to the time of Jesus Christ, contrary to previous radiocarbon dating that placed its origin between 1260 and 1390 CE. De Caro's research, published in 2022 but gaining media attention only now, utilized wide-angle X-ray scattering to analyze the cloth's cellulose, indicating it has aged slowly due to stable environmental conditions. However, the study's conclusions hinge on the assumption that the Shroud was preserved at specific temperature and humidity levels for centuries. Caution is warranted, as De Caro's past work faced scrutiny and retraction due to methodological concerns and potential bias. While the findings are intriguing, further investigation is essential to substantiate claims regarding the Shroud's authenticity and age.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA newly discovered species of ladybird spider, named *Eresus rubrocephalus*, has captivated scientists with its striking red head, a first for its genus. Found in a cork oak forest in Morocco, this spider exhibits unique features, including red hairs on its head and front body, and tear-drop shaped black dots, diverging from the typical black-headed appearance of its relatives. Researchers noted significant differences in male reproductive anatomy, alongside genetic analysis that confirmed its status as a new species. The name *rubrocephalus* reflects its distinctive red head, combining Latin and Greek roots. This discovery underscores the ongoing potential for biodiversity exploration, even within well-studied animal groups. As new species continue to emerge, the scientific community is reminded of the richness of Earth's ecosystems, marking what some consider a golden age of scientific discovery. The findings are detailed in the journal *Animals*.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 5 ameznews.inCousin marriages, once common in various cultures and historical contexts, have become taboo in the West, largely due to the influence of the Catholic Church, which imposed strict marriage rules during the Middle Ages. Despite this, a 2021 study revealed that globally, cousin marriages are more prevalent today than in prehistory, particularly in regions like North and sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. However, these unions carry genetic risks; children of first cousins face a 6% chance of inheriting autosomal recessive disorders, compared to 3% for non-related parents. This increased risk arises from the shared genetic material, which can lead to inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease. Historical examples, like the Habsburg dynasty, illustrate the potential consequences of inbreeding, including physical deformities and health issues among descendants.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of animal behavior, researchers have revealed that the toad-headed agama (_Phrynocephalus mystaceus_), a lizard known for its striking cheek flaps, may use these vibrant displays not for courtship, but as a defense mechanism against predators. A study published in the *Biological Journal of the Linnean Society* observed the lizards in controlled environments, finding that while they engaged in various social interactions, the cheek flaps were not utilized during mating rituals. However, when presented with images of potential threats, such as hawks and other lizards, the agamas exhibited a significant increase in cheek-flaring behavior, particularly when faced with a simulated attack. This suggests that the colorful flaps serve as a startling display to deter predators, a theory that warrants further investigation to understand the effectiveness of this unique defense strategy.
Published: Dec 29 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact