eznews.inGeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery by analyzing ancient salt crystals formed 1.4 billion years ago in a now-dry saline lake near Black Sturgeon Lake, Ontario. These crystals trapped air from a time before significant photosynthesis, providing a rare glimpse into the Earth's early atmosphere. Using custom-built equipment, researchers led by Professor Morgan Schaller and graduate student Justin Park reconstructed atmospheric conditions, revealing oxygen levels at 0.78 percent and carbon dioxide at 0.28 percent—far lower than today's levels. This data challenges the notion of the "boring billion," a period between 1.8 and 0.8 billion years ago characterized by little apparent change, suggesting it may have laid crucial groundwork for the emergence of complex life. The findings, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, highlight the importance of direct observational data in understanding the evolution of Earth's atmosphere and the origins of life. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 ameznews.inAir fryers have gained popularity for their perceived health benefits, but culinary experts like Jay Rayner argue that nothing compares to the rich taste of deep-fried food. However, the environmental impact of disposing of used cooking oil poses significant challenges. Pouring oil down drains can lead to fatbergs, while landfill disposal of hardened oil is not a sustainable solution. National Geographic highlights a new alternative: oil solidifiers, which convert liquid oil into solid "fat pancakes" that can be safely discarded. These solidified oils can be composted in small amounts or sent to facilities for larger quantities. Additionally, they can be repurposed for biodiesel, candles, or soap, offering a creative solution for managing cooking oil waste. As the debate over cooking methods continues, finding environmentally friendly disposal options remains crucial for both food lovers and the planet.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 11 pmeznews.inWater can exist as a liquid at temperatures well below freezing, particularly as a thin layer on ice, a phenomenon first noted by Michael Faraday in 1842. Despite its historical significance, explanations for this "premelting" effect have remained incomplete until now. A team from Peking University has identified a new amorphous ice layer (AIL) that forms at temperatures as low as -153°C (-244°F), differing from the previously recognized quasiliquid layer. Their research, utilizing machine learning and atomic force microscopy, suggests that disorder among protons at the ice surface leads to vacancies that weaken molecular binding, resulting in the AIL. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of ice but also has implications for cloud formation, skating on ice, and preserving biological materials. The study, published in *Physical Review X*, highlights the challenges of studying surface structures, which have historically hindered scientific progress in this area.
Published: Dec 22 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified the kitefin shark (_Dalatias licha_) as the largest bioluminescent vertebrate known to science, measuring nearly 1.8 meters (6 feet) long. This remarkable species, along with the blackbelly lanternshark and southern lanternshark, was studied in a dark seawater tank aboard a deep-sea trawler, where the kitefin's glowing display captivated scientists. The bioluminescence, which produces a soft blue-green light, may enhance the sharks' hunting abilities or serve as a camouflage technique in the murky depths of the ocean, although further research is needed to confirm these theories. The study highlights the significance of bioluminescence in the deep sea ecosystem, suggesting that light production plays a crucial role in the survival of various marine species. Researchers are eager to explore the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, as current analyses have not revealed the presence of luciferins or bioluminescent bacteria in the sharks' skin.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 11 ameznews.inRecent research suggests that the innate immune systems of all complex life forms, including humans, may trace their origins back to ancient microbial ancestors known as Asgard archaea. The study identified 2,610 complete defense systems within these single-celled organisms, highlighting two crucial proteins—viperins and argonautes—that play significant roles in immune responses. Viperins detect and edit foreign DNA, while argonautes chop up DNA, both serving to inhibit viral replication. The researchers concluded that eukaryotic versions of these proteins are closely related to those found in Asgard archaea, reinforcing the idea that these microbes contributed to the evolution of antiviral defense mechanisms. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, underscore the evolutionary significance of Asgard archaea in shaping the complexity of eukaryotic life and its immune systems, with implications for understanding how these defenses have been conserved throughout evolution.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 ameznews.inA new study published in *Nature* raises significant concerns about the impact of megaconstellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink, on both light pollution and astronomical research. The number of satellites in orbit has surged, with projections indicating that by 2040, up to 40% of Hubble telescope images could be compromised by satellite interference, escalating to 96% for newer telescopes. This increase in satellite numbers not only contributes to light pollution, affecting health and the environment, but also raises the risk of collisions in space, potentially leading to catastrophic debris generation. Experts, including Dr. John C. Barentine, emphasize the urgent need for updated international regulations to manage satellite launches and ensure responsible de-orbiting practices. Without effective policies, the future of astronomical observation and the safety of space missions could be jeopardized, highlighting the necessity for a coordinated global response to this growing issue.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a notable study from the Field Museum in Chicago, researchers have documented significant physical changes in urban rodents, specifically eastern chipmunks and eastern meadow voles, as they adapt to city life. Over the past 125 years, chipmunks have increased in size while their teeth have shrunk, likely due to a shift towards a diet rich in human-related food, which is less nutritious. Meanwhile, voles have developed smaller auditory bullae, possibly as an adaptation to the constant noise of urban environments. This research highlights real-time evolution driven by natural selection, where traits that enhance survival in urban settings become more prevalent. The findings underscore the impact of urbanization on wildlife, suggesting that changes in animal morphology are often unnoticed without scientific investigation. The study, published in *Integrative and Comparative Biology*, emphasizes the need to recognize and understand these rapid adaptations in the face of environmental change.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNASA's Voyager spacecraft are gradually shutting down their instruments to conserve power while continuing to gather scientific data. In March, the cosmic ray subsystem on Voyager 1 and the low-energy charged particle instruments on Voyager 2 were turned off, following the earlier deactivation of their power-hungry cameras. Voyager 2 had already ceased camera operations in 1989 after capturing stunning images of Neptune, while Voyager 1 took its last photographs in 1990, including the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth. This historic portrait of the Solar System remains unique, as no other spacecraft has replicated such a distant view. Although NASA has ruled out the possibility of reactivating the cameras due to outdated software and hardware, the Voyagers continue to provide valuable scientific data, including insights into the extreme conditions at the edge of our Solar System.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 7 ameznews.inOn September 12, 1940, an extraordinary archaeological discovery was made in Montignac, France, when an 18-year-old student named Marcel Ravidat, accompanied by his dog Robot, stumbled upon a hidden cave while exploring the woods. Initially searching for a legendary underground tunnel, Ravidat and three friends enlarged a small hole, leading them to the Lascaux cave, which housed ancient artwork dating back 17,000 to 22,000 years. The teenagers discovered a gallery adorned with nearly 600 intricate paintings of animals, including bison and horses, created by prehistoric humans using natural pigments. Although initially unaware of the significance of their find, they alerted their schoolteacher, Leon Laval, who recognized the artwork's historical value. The cave opened to the public in 1948 but was closed in 1963 due to fungal damage, prompting the creation of replicas to preserve the artwork's legacy.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn 1977, NASA launched the Voyager probes to explore the outer reaches of the Solar System and the interstellar medium. Both probes encountered the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind meets interstellar wind, measuring extreme temperatures of 30,000-50,000 kelvin (54,000-90,000 degrees Fahrenheit) in this region, often referred to as the "wall of fire." Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause on August 25, 2012, followed by Voyager 2 in 2018, marking the first spacecraft to enter interstellar space. Their findings have confirmed that the heliopause's position can fluctuate with solar activity, and both probes have provided unexpected insights, including the alignment of magnetic fields beyond the heliopause. Nearly 50 years post-launch, the Voyager spacecraft continue to transmit valuable data, enhancing our understanding of the cosmos beyond our Solar System.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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