eznews.in
A new working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower and colleagues reveals a significant shift in the U-shaped happiness curve, traditionally indicating that well-being peaks in youth and old age, with a midlife low. The research indicates that young adults are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining and happiness increasing with age, a trend that began around 2017. This change has been observed globally, affecting over 80 countries, including the US, where alarming statistics show that one in nine young women report daily mental health struggles. Blanchflower emphasizes that this decline in youth well-being cannot be attributed to COVID-19 or labor market issues, suggesting a need for further investigation into the underlying causes, potentially linked to factors like social media. The paper, which has not yet undergone peer review, highlights a concerning trend that warrants urgent attention. 
Published: Oct 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inA recent study suggests that prehistoric human infants likely resembled their parents from birth, providing valuable insights into the facial morphology of early _Homo_ species. Researchers examined three fragmented infant skulls from South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back 2.31 to 1.95 million years, and found that two could be identified as _Homo habilis_ and _Homo erectus_. The third specimen, while not definitively assigned to a species, displayed distinct features that set it apart from earlier hominins, indicating that taxonomic diversity was evident even in infancy. This finding contributes to a growing understanding of early _Homo_ childhood, complementing evidence of prehistoric toys and tools used by young humans. Such discoveries are helping anthropologists piece together the experiences of early members of our genus, as detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inAn international team of astronomers has successfully created the first 3D map of an exoplanet, WASP-18b, using a technique known as spectroscopic eclipse mapping. This hot Jupiter, ten times the mass of Jupiter, orbits its star in just 23 hours and is tidally locked, presenting only one side to its star. By analyzing the light emitted at various wavelengths, the researchers were able to track atmospheric variations before and after the planet passed behind its star. Their findings revealed a hot spot in the atmosphere, surrounded by a cooler ring, with less water vapor in the hotter region, suggesting that extreme temperatures may be breaking down water molecules. Lead author Ryan Challener emphasized the challenges of this mapping technique, while co-author Dr. Anjali Piette noted its potential to provide insights into the 3D structures of exoplanets. The study is published in *Nature Astronomy*.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA small, often overlooked hole located on the lower eyelid, known as the lacrimal punctum, plays a crucial role in the eye's drainage system. Measuring about 2 millimeters, this almond-shaped opening does not produce tears but instead facilitates their drainage from the eye into the lacrimal sac and subsequently into the nose, explaining the runny nose that often accompanies crying. While some may find the concept of the lacrimal punctum unremarkable, it can also be involved in medical procedures aimed at treating dry eyes by inserting tiny plugs to retain moisture. Interestingly, the drainage system can sometimes malfunction, causing tears or other fluids to escape from the punctum, leading to unusual phenomena such as the ability to squirt liquids from the eye—a feat famously achieved by Turkish record-holder İkler Yilmaz. Despite its small size, the lacrimal punctum is a fascinating aspect of human anatomy.
Published: Oct 29 2025, 5 ameznews.inA new species of rhino, named _Epiatheracerium itjilik_, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, specifically in Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut. This ancient rhino, which lived approximately 23 million years ago during the Early Miocene, is notable for being the northernmost rhino species identified to date. The name "itjilik," meaning "frosty" in Inuktitut, reflects the icy conditions of its discovery site, although the region was once a temperate forest. The fossil, which is remarkably well-preserved with about 75% of the skeleton recovered, suggests that _E. itjilik_ was relatively small, akin to the modern Indian rhinoceros, but lacked a horn. Researchers believe this find provides new insights into rhino evolution, indicating that species may have migrated between North America and Europe more recently than previously thought, challenging earlier assumptions about the North Atlantic Land Bridge's role in species dispersal.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 11 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that Neanderthals may have engaged in symbolic behavior, previously thought to be exclusive to _Homo sapiens_. Researchers discovered a crayon-like piece of ocher, over 42,000 years old, among 16 ocher fragments from Neanderthal sites in Crimea and Ukraine. Microscopic and chemical analyses indicated that some pieces were intentionally modified through grinding and scraping, with one particular fragment shaped into a pointed tool, suggesting it was used for drawing. The study's authors, including Francesco d’Errico, propose that these ocher tools were likely employed for marking skin, clothing, or stone, reflecting cultural practices and communication. This evidence challenges the outdated perception of Neanderthals as primitive, supporting the notion that they possessed the capacity for artistic expression and cultural complexity, a view bolstered by other findings, such as ancient cave engravings attributed to Neanderthals. The research is published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 3 ameznews.inMany people find themselves waking up at 3 or 4 a.m., a phenomenon affecting approximately one in three individuals, particularly since the pandemic. Sleep experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including stress, erratic schedules, and poor sleep hygiene. Cognitive therapist Greg Murray notes that while stress doesn't directly cause awakenings, it heightens awareness of them. As sleep cycles progress, individuals often reach lighter stages of sleep in the early morning, making them more susceptible to waking. Experts recommend strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in morning light exposure, and keeping a bedside to-do list to alleviate nighttime worries. If these methods fail and sleep disturbances persist for over three months, consulting a specialist for treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be necessary, as chronic sleep issues can develop into habitual patterns.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 4 ameznews.inConfusion has arisen regarding why flights traveling west against the Earth's rotation do not experience significantly shorter travel times. A post from a flat Earth group questioned how a plane flying at 300 mph does not reach its destination 1,400 mph faster, given the Earth's rotation speed of approximately 1,670 kilometers per hour at the equator. However, this misunderstanding stems from a lack of grasp on physics, particularly inertia. When a plane takes off, it moves with the Earth's atmosphere, which rotates along with the planet due to frictional forces. Consequently, flying west typically takes longer than flying east, primarily due to jet streams—fast-moving air currents influenced by the Earth's rotation and solar heating. Thus, while the Earth's rotation does affect flight times indirectly, it does not allow planes to simply wait for the ground to pass beneath them.
Published: Oct 31 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearchers exploring the Southern Ocean have unveiled 30 new species, including the bizarre carnivorous "death-ball" sponge, which traps prey with its hook-covered, ping-pong-like balls. Discovered at a depth of 3,601 meters, this sponge is among nearly 2,000 specimens collected during two research cruises using the underwater ROV SuBastian. The expedition, part of The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, also identified a new iridescent scale worm and various sea pens, sea stars, and black corals, alongside the first footage of a juvenile colossal squid. Dr. Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at the Census, emphasized the Southern Ocean's under-explored biodiversity, with only 30% of samples assessed so far. The initiative aims to document 100,000 new marine species, highlighting the importance of accelerating species discovery for scientific and public benefit, according to Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 11 pmeznews.inGenetic analysis of the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, has revealed the existence of three distinct subspecies, a finding that could be pivotal in conservation efforts for this endangered species. Found only in New Zealand and its surrounding islands, the hoiho has seen its population plummet to an estimated 2,600 to 3,000 mature individuals, with fewer than 150 breeding pairs on the mainland. Factors such as habitat loss, bycatch mortality, and a disease known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have contributed to this decline. Researchers from the University of Otago and other institutions analyzed the DNA of 249 penguins, uncovering significant genetic divergence among the subspecies, which separated between 5,000 and 16,000 years ago. This discovery may inform targeted conservation strategies, particularly for the vulnerable northern population, which faces an imminent risk of extinction without urgent intervention.
Published: Oct 30 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact