eznews.inScientists have made significant strides in understanding the origins of eukaryotes, the domain of life that includes all animals, plants, fungi, and insects, which is characterized by cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. A leading hypothesis suggests that eukaryotes evolved between 1.6 and 2.2 billion years ago from archaea through a symbiotic relationship with an oxygen-using bacterium. In a groundbreaking study from the University of Texas at Austin, researchers identified a lineage of archaea known as Hodarchaeales, part of the Asgard archaea group, as the common ancestor of all eukaryotic life. These organisms, found in marine sediments, possess proteins previously thought exclusive to eukaryotes, indicating a close evolutionary link. The study, published in *Nature*, aims to unravel the molecular blueprints of these ancient microbes to shed light on the emergence of complex life on Earth. 
Published: Dec 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAcrylamide, a chemical formed during high-temperature cooking of starchy foods, has resurfaced in public discourse amid concerns about its potential cancer risks. Found in items like burnt toast, fried potatoes, and coffee, acrylamide is produced through the Maillard reaction, which gives food its appealing brown color and flavor. Despite alarming headlines since a 2002 warning from Sweden, scientific evidence linking acrylamide to cancer in humans remains inconclusive. While animal studies indicate it may cause DNA damage, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other health organizations have stated that current dietary levels do not pose a significant risk. Recommendations to reduce acrylamide intake include opting for certain cooking methods and ingredient choices, such as using processed potato products instead of fresh ones. Ultimately, while caution is advised, the evidence does not warrant widespread alarm over acrylamide in food.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent video featuring a conspiracy theorist has sparked debate as she challenges viewers to question the existence of dinosaurs, asking, "If dinosaurs actually existed, wouldn't their bones be everywhere?" While her premise raises eyebrows, it overlooks the substantial evidence supporting dinosaur existence. Fossils have been discovered on all continents, but their distribution is uneven due to the rare conditions required for fossilization. According to Dr. David Button from the Natural History Museum, most dinosaur fossils originate from animals that lived near water bodies, where sedimentation facilitated their preservation. Fossilization is unlikely in mountainous or jungle environments, leading to an estimated 71% of dinosaur species remaining undiscovered. This highlights the complexities of paleontology, where the conditions for fossil formation significantly limit our understanding of the prehistoric world.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Catholic Church has officially appointed a "Moon Bishop," with Bishop John Noonan overseeing the lunar territory, a role stemming from a 1917 Canon Law that designates newly discovered lands as part of the diocese from which the expedition launched. Following the Apollo 11 mission, which took off from Orlando, Florida, the first Moon Bishop was William Donald Borders, who humorously informed Pope Paul VI of his unusual title during a meeting. While the position may seem whimsical, it underscores the Church's historical response to space exploration. Father John Giel, chancellor for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Orlando, noted that the title holds little practical significance, as there are currently no inhabitants on the Moon to govern. The story highlights the lighthearted nature of Bishop Borders and the unique intersection of faith and space exploration.
Published: Dec 28 2025, 1 ameznews.inAs of November 2013, astronomers have identified 3,538 exoplanets, many of which exhibit extraordinary characteristics. Among them, Kepler-78b, located just 550,000 miles from its star, defies current planetary formation theories, with surface temperatures reaching 4,300°F. WASP-12b, a gas giant, is being actively torn apart by its parent star, with an estimated 10 million years left before its complete disintegration. TrES-2b, known as the "dark planet," reflects only 1% of light, while HD 189773b, a blue gas giant, experiences glass rain due to extreme atmospheric conditions. 55 Cancri e, rich in carbon, may have formed diamond under its intense heat, while PSR B1620-26b, the oldest known exoplanet, orbits two dead stars and dates back 12.7 billion years. Lastly, TrES-4, the largest exoplanet discovered, is a "puffy" planet with a density akin to cork, while Gliese 436 b features burning ice due to extreme pressure and temperature.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe age of the universe, estimated at approximately 13.8 billion years, is supported by various evidence, including the cosmic microwave background and the universe's expansion. However, the Methuselah star, or HD 140283, has sparked debate due to its potential age of around 16 billion years, suggesting it could predate the universe itself. Located about 200 light-years away in the constellation Libra, this metal-poor star is believed to have formed before heavier elements were prevalent. Initial age estimates were challenged by refined distance measurements, which placed its age between 13.7 billion and 12.2 billion years, aligning it with the universe's age. While the Methuselah star remains the oldest known star, further studies may either confirm its status or identify other contenders, such as J22132050-5137385, which is estimated to be around 13.6 billion years old.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRecent research has revealed that two "puppies" recovered from Siberian permafrost, initially thought to be early domesticated dogs, are actually ancient wolves. Discovered in 2011 and 2015 near Tumat, the specimens date back approximately 14,000 years and were found alongside woolly mammoth remains, suggesting a possible connection to early human activity. Genetic analysis confirmed the cubs were female siblings from the same litter, estimated to have died at just seven to nine weeks old. Notably, their stomach contents included woolly rhinoceros tissue, indicating they hunted formidable prey. Despite their black fur, a trait linked to modern dogs, the Tumat Puppies belong to a now-extinct wolf population, complicating the narrative of dog domestication. Researchers emphasize that while these findings may disappoint those hoping for a link to early pet dogs, they provide valuable insights into Ice Age wolf behavior and ecology. The study is published in the journal Quaternary Research.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 7 pmeznews.inRecent research from UC Santa Barbara reveals that atmospheric rivers, crucial streams of water vapor influencing global weather patterns, have shifted approximately 6° to 10° closer to the poles over the past 40 years. This movement means that affected areas are now farther north in the Northern Hemisphere and farther south in the Southern Hemisphere. The study attributes this shift to cooling in the eastern tropical Pacific, although the full implications remain unclear. Atmospheric rivers, such as the "Pineapple Express," are responsible for about 50% of precipitation on the US West Coast, but their poleward movement could lead to increased droughts and heatwaves in regions that previously relied on them, while higher latitudes may experience heavier rainfall and flooding. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the potential impacts on ocean systems and global weather dynamics. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 12 ameznews.inFlat-headed cats, one of the world's rarest feline species, have been detected and filmed in southern Thailand for the first time in nearly 30 years, raising hopes for their conservation. Last documented in 1995 and long thought to be "possibly extinct," the species was confirmed through a study utilizing camera traps set up by Thailand's Department of National Parks and Panthera Thailand. The project yielded 13 detections in 2024 and 16 in 2025, including photographic evidence of a female with her cub, indicating successful reproduction. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, hailed this as a significant conservation milestone, emphasizing the importance of protecting natural habitats. With an estimated global population of 2,500, flat-headed cats are classified as endangered by the IUCN. The findings underscore the need for further exploration in areas where rare species may still exist, prompting a reassessment of conservation strategies.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn a remarkable find during a 2007 subsistence hunt, Inuit whalers in Alaska discovered fragments of a harpoon embedded in the carcass of a bowhead whale, dating back to the late 1800s. Scientists estimated the whale's age at around 115 years, highlighting the species' exceptional longevity, which can exceed 200 years. Bowhead whales, which can grow up to 18.8 meters and weigh as much as 90,710 kilograms, have rebounded from near extinction due to commercial whaling, with current populations estimated between 10,000 and 23,000. The harpoon, identified as an exploding lance popular in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was traced to a period between 1885 and 1895. This discovery adds to the understanding of bowhead whales, the longest-living mammals on Earth, and underscores their significance as a vital food source for Indigenous Peoples in Alaska.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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