eznews.in
Material scientist Brian Haidet has taken to his YouTube channel, AlphaPhoenix, to explore the unconventional method of weighing a plane while it is in flight. Typically, aircraft are weighed using scales placed under their landing gears and wing support points, but Haidet devised a homemade scale using load cells to measure the downward force exerted by a flying plane. In a series of experiments, he first tested his device with paper airplanes before moving to an airport, where he measured pressure changes in a box to estimate the weight of a full-scale aircraft. Despite challenging conditions, he successfully detected signals from passing planes, ultimately estimating the weight of an Airbus A320 at around 2 tons—significantly less than its actual weight. Haidet expressed excitement over his findings, noting the achievement of measuring an airplane's weight while airborne, despite acknowledging potential errors in his calculations. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNew research has confirmed that humans were present in the Americas as early as 23,000 years ago, based on ancient footprints found at White Sands, New Mexico. These prints, the oldest known in North America, were previously dated using seeds and pollen, but faced skepticism regarding their age. Professor Vance Holliday from the University of Arizona conducted further studies at a nearby lakebed, revealing sediment layers that corroborated the original dating of the footprints. Despite this confirmation, researchers are puzzled by the absence of cultural artifacts from this period, which predates the well-documented Clovis culture by 10,000 years. Holliday speculates that these early hunter-gatherers may have existed in small, transient populations that ultimately became extinct, with the Clovis culture representing the first significant, widespread human adaptation in North America. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. 
Published: Jun 19 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study highlights a troubling correlation between lax gun laws and increased pediatric firearm deaths in the United States, revealing over 7,400 excess deaths from 2011 to 2023. Conducted by Dr. Jeremy Faust and colleagues, the research analyzed data following the landmark 2010 Supreme Court case _McDonald v. Chicago_, which weakened state gun control measures. The findings indicate that states with the most permissive gun laws experienced 6,029 excess firearm deaths among children, while those with strict laws saw a decrease of 55 deaths. The study also noted a disproportionate impact on Black children, who are now more likely to die from gun violence in these permissive states. The authors emphasize the need for policy changes to address this public health crisis, asserting that gun laws significantly affect children's safety. The study is published in JAMA Pediatrics, underscoring the urgent call for collective action to combat pediatric firearm mortality. 
Published: Jun 19 2025, 1 ameznews.inSharks, known for their status as apex predators and robust immune systems, have revealed a surprising aspect of their biology: their pancreas plays a crucial role in immune defense. Unlike mammals, sharks lack lymph nodes and tonsils but can produce antibodies and protective cells. A study led by Thomas Hill at the University of Maryland examined nurse sharks and discovered immune cell clusters in their pancreases, specifically B cells, which are vital for antibody production. Initially thought to be a sampling error, further analysis confirmed these clusters were effective in identifying B cells to combat infections. Immunizing sharks with a protein and the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated that their pancreases produced specific antibodies, suggesting a unique immune response mechanism. This finding raises questions about the function of human pancreases and their susceptibility to inflammation, hinting at evolutionary links to ancient species like sharks. The research is published in The Journal of Immunology. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, the Natural History Museum in London, and the University of Cambridge sheds light on the migration of _Homo sapiens_ from Africa, the species' ancestral home for over 200,000 years. While small groups had previously attempted to leave, they left no genetic legacy, suggesting their efforts were unsuccessful. The research indicates a significant ecological shift around 70,000 years ago, enabling humans to adapt to diverse environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This newfound ecological flexibility likely prepared them for successful migrations out of Africa around 60,000 years ago, despite challenging conditions. The study posits that a cultural Renaissance, characterized by increased social interaction and idea exchange, may have played a crucial role in this expansion. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature*. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA team of scientists has developed a new type of wood that glows in the dark, inspired by the natural phenomenon known as "foxfire," which is caused by bioluminescent fungi. Led by fungal researcher Francis Schwarze at Empa's Cellulose & Wood Materials lab in St. Gallen, the project aims to find sustainable uses for Swiss hardwood, which is often burned. The glowing effect is achieved using the ringless honey fungus, _Desarmillaria tabescens_, which produces luciferin, allowing the wood to emit a green light when exposed to air. This biohybrid wood, which retains its strength while absorbing moisture, glows for about ten days after incubation. The researchers are now working to enhance its luminosity for potential applications, including luminous park signs and home decor. The study is published in the journal *Advanced Science*. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNew research has shed light on the travel behavior of wild chacma baboons (_Papio ursinus_) in South Africa, revealing that their straight-line movements, known as progressions, are driven by social bonds rather than survival instincts. Observations in Da Gama Park showed that these baboons often travel in single file, with a consistent order that reflects their social hierarchy. Contrary to previous assumptions that they might be following a leader or competing for resources, the study found that higher-ranking baboons tend to walk in the middle of the group, while lower-ranking individuals are often positioned at the front or back. This suggests that baboons prefer to travel alongside their friends, fostering social connections during their journeys. The findings, published in *Behavioral Ecology*, highlight the importance of social relationships in animal behavior, emphasizing that these primates prioritize companionship over mere survival. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 11 pmeznews.inMount Everest, towering at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), pales in comparison to the Solar System's giants, with the tallest mountains exceeding 20,000 meters (65,600 feet). Notably, Iapetus, a moon of Saturn, features an equatorial ridge of mountains reaching around 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) high, with its distinct dark and light hemispheres. The ridge's formation remains debated, with theories suggesting it resulted from Iapetus's rapid rotation or material from a collapsed ring. Meanwhile, Olympus Mons on Mars stands as the Solar System's tallest volcano at 40 kilometers (25 miles), characterized by a broad base and gentle slopes. Recent geological evidence indicates that Olympus Mons may still be active, with signs of volcanic activity detected as recently as four million years ago. Its potential for water and heat makes it a prime candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. 
Published: Jun 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable archaeological find, seven ancient funerary urns containing human and turtle remains have been unearthed in the Brazilian Amazon, following the fall of a tree in a remote area. Discovered at the Cochila Lake archaeological site, these urns, two of which are notably large, are believed to date back to pre-Hispanic times, although their exact cultural affiliation remains uncertain. Archaeologist Geórgea Layla Holanda noted that the urns, buried approximately 40 centimeters deep, lacked ceramic lids, suggesting they were sealed with organic materials that have since decomposed. The contents, which include human bones and animal remains, may provide insights into ancient funerary customs and dietary practices. The urns were excavated with local villagers' assistance and are now undergoing analysis in Tefé, potentially shedding light on a previously unknown multicultural society that thrived in the region. 
Published: Jun 16 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a significant geological revelation, Zealandia, officially recognized as a continent in 2017, has been the subject of a comprehensive review detailing its tectonic history and geological evolution. Spanning approximately 5 million square kilometers, with 95% submerged, Zealandia is primarily represented by New Zealand and New Caledonia. Dr. Nick Mortimer, an Emeritus Geologist, highlighted that Zealandia was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent before separating 85 to 60 million years ago. Its unique geological structure features small landmasses and extensive submarine shelves, contributing to its underwater dominance. The region is geologically complex, straddling the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, which results in frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Experts emphasize that Zealandia's geological record is crucial for understanding past ocean-climate systems and the evolution of life, while many questions about its formation and features remain unanswered. The findings are published in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics. 
Published: Jun 18 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
