eznews.in
Microplastics have infiltrated even the most remote regions of the Earth, including Antarctica, where researchers have discovered microplastic fragments in the digestive tracts of wild midge larvae, _Belgica antarctica_. This finding, reported by a team led by Jack Devlin from the University of Kentucky, marks the first evidence of microplastics in this unique insect, which is crucial for the Antarctic ecosystem. Although ingestion was rare, detected in fewer than 7% of the larvae, it highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. The study revealed that while the midges' survival rates remained stable even at high plastic concentrations, their fat reserves were compromised, raising concerns about their long-term health and resilience amid climate change. The research underscores the urgent need for further investigation into the ecological impacts of microplastics in pristine environments, as Antarctica's relative purity is increasingly threatened by human activity. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inAbout 50 kilometers south of Saudi Arabia's Tayman Oasis lies Al Naslaa, a striking geological formation featuring a massive boulder, approximately 9 meters across, split perfectly down the middle. This unusual divide, appearing as if cut by a laser, has sparked speculation about extraterrestrial involvement, though geological explanations abound. The rock, which also features ancient petroglyphs depicting Arabian horses and ibexes, is believed to date back thousands of years. Theories regarding its split include natural processes such as fault line activity, freeze-thaw weathering, or even human intervention using metal tools. The boulder rests on pedestals known as mushroom rocks, formed by weathering. Al Naslaa serves as both a natural wonder and a potential archaeological site, inviting visitors to explore its mysteries in the Tayma Oasis, near the Al Knanafah Wildlife Sanctuary.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, named NU-9, has demonstrated the ability to halt neurodegeneration in mice before symptoms manifest, raising hopes for future human trials. Unlike existing medications that target amyloid-β, NU-9 works by neutralizing a toxic subtype of this protein, identified as ACU193+ oligomers, which contributes to early cellular dysfunction and inflammation. Researchers emphasize the importance of early intervention, as many clinical trials fail due to late-stage treatment initiation. The study, led by neurobiology professor William Klein, highlights NU-9's potential to reduce neuroinflammation and levels of another protein linked to cognitive decline, TDP-43. While the challenge remains to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier in humans, advancements in blood tests may pave the way for timely treatment. Further animal studies are planned to explore NU-9's efficacy in models that better reflect human Alzheimer’s progression. The findings are published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inCrater Lake, located in Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching a depth of 592 meters (1,943 feet), deep enough to submerge six Statues of Liberty. Formed approximately 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama after a significant volcanic eruption, the lake is filled solely by rainfall and snowmelt, resulting in its strikingly clear blue waters. The lake features two islands, Wizard Island and Phantom Ship, the latter resembling a ghostly vessel. Notably, the "Old Man of the Lake," a 9-meter tree stump, has been bobbing vertically for over a century. Crater Lake National Park, home to diverse wildlife including elk and bald eagles, is also significant to the Klamath Tribes, who have lived in the area for over 13,000 years and regard the lake as sacred. The lake rarely freezes, with the last occurrence recorded in 1949, and occasionally displays natural pollen on its surface during summer.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRecent viral posts have suggested that the "52-hertz whale," often dubbed the world's loneliest whale, has found companionship, but these claims lack substantial evidence. The 52-hertz whale was first identified in 1989 by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, which noted its unique call at a frequency much higher than that of any known whale species. Despite its solitary reputation, experts like Christopher Clark from Cornell University suggest that the whale may not be as isolated as believed, as other blue whales could potentially recognize its calls. While past studies indicated the possibility of multiple whales producing similar sounds, no new evidence has emerged in the last decade. A 2021 documentary hinted at a potential sighting of a blue-fin whale hybrid, which could explain the unusual calls, adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of this enigmatic creature.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inChina's ultra-high-speed maglev train, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), has set a new speed record, reaching over 623 kilometers (387 miles) per hour during a recent test on a full-scale track in Datong, Shanxi province. This achievement surpasses the previous record and demonstrates the effectiveness of maglev technology, which uses magnetism for propulsion and levitation, significantly reducing friction. The test was conducted in a low-vacuum tube, further enhancing speed by minimizing air resistance. CASIC has ambitious plans to develop trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per hour, with future aspirations of achieving 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) per hour. While maglev trains are costly and energy-intensive, they represent a significant advancement in transportation technology, contrasting with the stalled Hyperloop projects outside China.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe source of the River Nile, the longest river in the world, remains a complex and historically intriguing question. While it is commonly accepted that the Nile has two primary sources—the Blue Nile, which originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and contributes two-thirds of the river's discharge, and the White Nile, which flows from the African Great Lakes—historical attempts to pinpoint its exact origins have proven elusive. Ancient Romans, under Emperor Nero, and Egyptians during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II sought to trace the river's source, with the former reaching areas near present-day South Sudan and Uganda. However, the Egyptians primarily identified the Blue Nile, neglecting the White Nile's significance. Modern explorations reveal that the White Nile can be traced back to the Kagera and Semliki rivers in the Ruwenzori Mountains, highlighting the Nile's intricate network of tributaries rather than a singular source.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 9 ameznews.inA recent discovery of ancient wolf bones on a remote island in the Baltic Sea has shed new light on the domestication of dogs from their wild ancestors. Dating back 3,000 to 5,000 years, these bones indicate that the wolves lived in close proximity to humans, suggesting a symbiotic relationship rather than one of conflict. Researchers, led by Dr. Linus Girdland-Flink from the University of Aberdeen, found that the wolves exhibited smaller body sizes and low genetic diversity, characteristics often associated with domestication. The findings imply that these wolves may have been cared for by humans, sharing food and possibly being transported to the island by boat. This challenges previous assumptions about human-wolf interactions and highlights the complexity of early domestication processes. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of the human-canine bond.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA rare basking shark, measuring eight meters and weighing approximately four to five tons, has washed ashore on a remote beach in Wales, prompting an investigation by the Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) team. Initially mistaken for a whale due to its decomposed state, the creature was identified through photographs and collaboration with the London Natural History Museum. Basking sharks, known for their slow cruising just below the surface while feeding on zooplankton, are seldom found dead on UK shores, making this discovery significant. Strandings Coordinator Mat Westfield noted that while they often receive reports of live sightings, the logistics of removing a carcass from such an inaccessible location are challenging. The team plans to bury the shark on-site, as previous attempts to dispose of large marine animals have ended in disaster. The investigation aims to gather vital data to aid in the conservation of this endangered species.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the late 1890s, two boys discovered a mysterious, gelatinous creature on Anastasia Island, Florida, measuring 5.5 meters long and 2.1 meters wide. They alerted Dr. DeWitt Webb, who speculated it was an enormous octopus-like being, later named _Octopus giganteus_ by Yale's Professor Addison Emery Verrill. However, further analysis revealed it to be the remains of a whale. The identity of the St Augustine Monster sparked decades of debate until a 2004 study of the "Chilean Blob" confirmed that both were decomposed whale blubber, specifically from a sperm whale, _Physeter macrocephalus_. This finding established that many globsters, previously thought to be unknown species, are actually the remains of large cetaceans. Despite this clarification, the fascination with such enigmatic sea creatures continues, as evidenced by recent discoveries like a faceless blob found on a Welsh beach.
Published: Dec 30 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact