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In the competitive world of reproduction, sperm must navigate a challenging race to fertilize an egg, often facing rivals from the same mating event. Surprisingly, the fruit fly _Drosophila bifurca_ boasts the longest sperm in the animal kingdom, measuring 6.35 centimeters—about 20 times its body length—thanks to tightly packed testes that constitute 10% of its mass. This adaptation allows the sperm to displace competitors effectively. In contrast, mouse sperm, while longer than that of elephants, measures around 124 micrometers, reflecting a balance between size and quantity, as mice produce approximately 9.5 million sperm per ejaculation. Elephants, despite their size, have shorter sperm at 56 micrometers but compensate with staggering quantities, releasing up to 200 billion sperm. This highlights a fascinating evolutionary strategy: while size varies, the success of sperm relies on a combination of length, quantity, and competitive advantage in the reproductive arena. 
Published: Sep 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inResearchers have uncovered a remarkable behavior in striped marlin (_Kajikia audax_), revealing how these fast ocean predators coordinate their group hunting tactics through rapid color changes. Utilizing drone technology, the study documented that marlin become significantly brighter in their striped patterns just before attacking schools of Pacific sardines (_Sardinops sagax_), signaling to their companions to avoid joining the attack and potentially getting injured. This behavior, observed for the first time in group-hunting predators, suggests that the color change serves as a warning mechanism among the fish. The marlin, which can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh between 113-204 kilograms, exhibit this striking transformation before returning to their normal coloration post-attack. The findings, published in *Current Biology*, open avenues for further research into color-changing behaviors in other fish species and their social interactions during hunting.
Published: Sep 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study by researchers at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) has revealed that ice can generate electricity when bent, a phenomenon known as flexoelectricity. While ice in its common hexagonal form is not piezoelectric, the team found that bending ice produces an electric potential, similar to the charge buildup observed during ice particle collisions in thunderstorms. This discovery suggests that ice could play a significant role in the formation of lightning. The researchers also identified a ferroelectric layer on ice's surface at temperatures below -113 °C, allowing for natural electric polarization that can be reversed with an external electric field. This dual mechanism of electricity generation—ferroelectricity at low temperatures and flexoelectricity at higher temperatures—opens avenues for future research into potential electronic devices utilizing ice in cold environments. The findings are published in *Nature Physics*.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn December 2024, a group of flat-Earthers, led by Colorado pastor Will Duffy, embarked on a journey to Antarctica for what they dubbed "The Final Experiment," aimed at conclusively proving the Earth’s flatness. The expedition was designed to showcase the phenomenon of the midnight Sun, which occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer and contradicts flat Earth theories. Despite their expectations, the results were not as anticipated; while some participants acknowledged the reality of the midnight Sun, they stopped short of accepting that the Earth is a globe. Notably, Jeran Campanella, a prominent flat-Earther, admitted to being wrong about the 24-hour sunlight, yet others, like Austin Whitsitt, remained skeptical, suggesting alternative explanations. Ultimately, the experiment failed to debunk the spherical Earth theory, leaving the flat-Earthers clinging to their beliefs despite the overwhelming evidence presented.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe "H" in "Jesus H. Christ" is often misunderstood, but it does not stand for a middle name like Hector. According to Dr. Dan McClellan, a biblical scholar at the University of Birmingham, the "H" is believed to have originated from a Christogram, a monogram that combines letters and symbols to represent Jesus. This practice of using Christograms is prevalent in various artifacts, including artworks, coins, and gravestones, and even appears in the name of Jesus Christ himself. The explanation sheds light on the historical and symbolic significance of the name, moving beyond the casual use of the initial in modern vernacular. For a deeper understanding, viewers can check out Dr. McClellan's insights in a video available online.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inSince the extinction of dinosaurs, mammals have flourished, with significant growth and diversification. The blue whale holds the title of the largest mammal and animal ever, reaching lengths of around 30 meters and weighing up to 200 tons. On land, the African elephant is the largest living mammal, measuring 7 meters long and weighing between 4 to 7 tonnes. However, the extinct _Paraceratherium_, a hornless rhino from the Oligocene epoch, is believed to be the largest land mammal ever, measuring 7.4 meters in length and weighing approximately 17 tonnes. Recent discoveries, including a new species, _Paraceratherium linxiaense_, have shed light on these ancient giants, although debates persist regarding their size compared to other extinct species like the straight-tusked elephant _Palaeoloxodon_. Despite these discussions, none of these mammals rival the sheer size of the dinosaur _Patagotitan mayorum_, which dwarfed them at 37 meters long.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe nature of time remains a perplexing topic in philosophy, with no consensus on its definition, according to Giuliano Torrengo, an Associate Professor at the University of Milan. He notes that while we all experience time, its essence is elusive, leading to various interpretations. Philosophers like Heraclitus and Parmenides have long debated whether time is a constant flow or a uniform reality shaped by perspective. In the realm of physics, Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek describes time as a variable in equations that govern the universe, yet questions arise about its existence outside human perception. Some argue that time is merely a construct emerging from change, while others, including Kant, suggest it may not exist independently at all. Ultimately, whether time is real or an illusion, it remains integral to our understanding of existence, shaping how we perceive the world around us.
Published: Sep 03 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released an AI-generated video to illustrate the potential consequences of a Mount Fuji eruption in the 21st century, coinciding with the newly established Volcano Disaster Preparedness Day on August 26. While there is no immediate threat of an eruption, experts suggest that one could occur within the next century, posing significant risks to Tokyo, located about 100 kilometers away. The video highlights that volcanic ash could reach the capital within hours, potentially crippling transportation networks, including airports and railways, and leading to logistical chaos. Accumulated ash could also overwhelm drainage systems and water treatment facilities, risking power outages and health issues for residents, particularly vulnerable groups. The last confirmed eruption of Mount Fuji occurred over 300 years ago, but its history of activity raises concerns about future eruptions and their impact on the densely populated region.
Published: Sep 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNew research has revealed that male jaguars, traditionally viewed as solitary creatures, may engage in social behaviors similar to those of lions and cheetahs to enhance their mating opportunities and secure prey. Analyzing over 7,000 records from studies in Venezuela and Brazil, researchers documented 105 interactions among male jaguars, including 70 instances of cooperation, such as patrolling territories and sharing kills. Unlike their lion and cheetah counterparts, jaguar coalitions typically consist of just two males and do not involve collaborative hunting or raising cubs. However, these partnerships can last for years, with one pair observed cooperating for over seven years. The study suggests that these alliances primarily aim to improve reproductive success by allowing males to invade territories and access females. The findings, published in *Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology*, highlight the complex social dynamics of jaguars and underscore the need for further research to aid in their conservation.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 9 ameznews.inA significant debate in human evolution has intensified following the revised submission of a study on _Homo naledi_, a small-brained ancestor believed to have engaged in burial practices. Initially popularized by a Netflix documentary, the claim faced skepticism from experts who found the evidence insufficient. The skeletons, discovered in South Africa's Rising Star Cave, were dated between 241,000 and 335,000 years ago. In the latest revision, researchers led by Lee Berger addressed previous criticisms by enhancing their methodology and providing new data suggesting intentional burial in human-made pits. One peer reviewer has shifted to a supportive stance, citing improved clarity and rigor in the study, while another remains cautious due to uncertainties about how _H. naledi_ accessed the cave. Despite these advancements, many scholars remain skeptical, particularly given the species' small brain size, raising ongoing questions about the implications for our understanding of early human behavior and funerary customs.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 7 ameznews.inResearch into the lives of female Neanderthals reveals intriguing parallels with modern experiences, particularly regarding maturity and social roles. Genetic studies suggest that female Neanderthals may have reached menarche earlier than contemporary humans, and evidence indicates they often migrated to their partner's community after forming relationships. Childbirth for Neanderthal women was likely as painful as it is today, with anatomical studies showing a pelvis structure that may have complicated delivery. However, they possibly benefited from communal support akin to midwifery. Furthermore, evidence of bone trauma and wear suggests that Neanderthal women actively participated in hunting and other labor-intensive activities, challenging the notion of a strict gender division in prehistoric societies. Overall, while much remains unknown, these findings highlight the complexity and resilience of female Neanderthals, offering a glimpse into their shared responsibilities and social structures.
Published: Sep 04 2025, 1 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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