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In January 1992, a storm in the Pacific Ocean led to the accidental release of 28,800 plastic bath toys, dubbed the "Friendly Floatees," from a freighter en route from China to America. The toys, which included yellow ducks, red beavers, green frogs, and blue turtles, escaped their packaging due to rough seas and began drifting across the ocean. Oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer seized the opportunity to study ocean currents, enlisting beachcombers to track the toys' movements. The Floatees provided valuable data, helping to develop the Ocean Surface Currents Simulation (OSCAR) model, which accurately predicted their paths. Over the years, some toys washed ashore in Alaska, Washington, and even the UK, while others became trapped in Arctic ice. This unique study, which Ebbesmeyer termed "Flotsametrics," has significantly advanced oceanographic research and inspired further exploration into the impact of plastic waste in our seas. 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 6 ameznews.inA TikTok video by creator @zachdfilms3 has sparked interest in the historical fact that the English alphabet once included 27 letters, with the ampersand ("&") serving as the 27th. In the video, zachdfilms3 explains that the ampersand, which represented the word "and," was recited after the letter Z as "per se &." This symbol was part of nursery rhymes and was recognized in English by 1835, but it fell out of use by the late 19th century. The evolution of the English language has seen the loss of other letters, such as thorn (þ) and wynn (ƿ), while U and J were only added in the 1500s. Experts suggest that while standardized spelling may reduce the likelihood of losing more letters, changes in language are always possible, as seen with modern simplifications like "drive thru."
Published: Feb 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe mystery surrounding the alarming discovery of human feet washing ashore in the Salish Sea since 2007 has been resolved, revealing a less sinister explanation than previously speculated. Over 21 feet, often still in sneakers, were found by beachgoers, prompting theories of serial killers or mafia activity. However, coroner Barb McLintock clarified that the phenomenon is linked to advancements in sneaker design, which have made them lighter and more buoyant. When bodies sink, scavengers tend to consume the softer tissues around the ankles, leading to the detachment of feet before significant decomposition occurs. This explains why the phenomenon surged after 2007, as modern running shoes float better than their predecessors, allowing detached feet to wash ashore. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the natural processes at play rather than jumping to conclusions about foul play.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 10 ameznews.inMany popular prehistoric creatures, such as pterodactyls, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs, are often mistakenly classified as dinosaurs, but they do not meet the criteria. Paleontologist Danny Barta explains that pterosaurs, including Pteranodons, diverged from dinosaurs around 250 million years ago, lacking key anatomical features like the hip socket hole found in dinosaurs. Similarly, mosasaurs, which lived in water and gave birth to live young, are more closely related to modern snakes than to dinosaurs. Other notable non-dinosaurs include Dimetrodon, a synapsid predating dinosaurs by 60 million years, and crocodilians, which branched off before dinosaurs evolved. Tanystropheus, with its long neck, also fails to qualify due to its sprawling leg position and earlier existence in the Triassic period. Despite their non-dinosaur status, these creatures played significant roles in their ecosystems and continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inCrater Lake, located in Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching a depth of 592 meters (1,943 feet). Formed approximately 7,700 years ago from 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 in its waters for over a century. Crater Lake National Park, which encompasses the lake, is home to diverse wildlife, including elk and bald eagles, and is considered sacred by the Klamath Tribes, who have lived in the area for over 13,000 years. The lake rarely freezes, with the last occurrence recorded in 1949, and is also known for seasonal pollen accumulation on its surface.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study published in BJU International has revealed a significant increase in the depiction of human penis size in art over the past seven centuries, particularly from the 20th century onwards. Researchers analyzed 232 paintings of nude males from 21 countries, focusing on the penis-to-ear and penis-to-nose ratios to assess changes in perceived ideal size. They found that while penis sizes were relatively small in the 15th and 16th centuries, there was a marked increase in size representation starting in the 19th century, culminating in an average ratio of 1.5761 in the 21st century. The study suggests that the rise of the internet and pornography may have influenced these perceptions, leading to unrealistic ideals and contributing to body image issues among men. Despite its limitations, including a European bias, the findings highlight the evolving cultural standards of masculinity and their psychological impact.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 11 ameznews.inDespite the common fear of spiders, experts urge homeowners to reconsider before exterminating these creatures, as they play a vital role in pest control. Spiders are estimated to eliminate between 400-800 million metric tons of prey annually, primarily targeting household pests like flies and cockroaches, which can pose greater risks to human health. While many people believe myths about spiders, such as swallowing them in sleep, these arachnids are generally harmless and prefer to remain hidden. Most spider bites occur only when they feel threatened, and the majority of species lack the ability to pierce human skin. By maintaining insect populations and contributing to local biodiversity, spiders help sustain a balanced ecosystem within homes. Therefore, rather than squashing these misunderstood creatures, it may be more beneficial to let them be, as they are likely more afraid of humans than we are of them.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, researchers have fully sequenced the sex chromosomes of non-human primates for the first time, revealing significant evolutionary differences between the rapidly changing Y chromosome and the relatively static X chromosome. The study, which included complete genomes from five great apes and one lesser ape, found that while over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences align with the human X chromosome, only 14 to 27% of Y chromosomes do, indicating a high rate of mutation and degradation. This rapid evolution of the Y chromosome, which is shrinking and accumulating mutations, raises concerns about its potential extinction. However, certain genes are protected by mechanisms such as palindromic sequences, which may ensure the Y chromosome's survival. Despite fears of its disappearance, study author Kateryna Makova asserts that the Y chromosome is unlikely to vanish in the near future, providing a crucial safety net for male existence. The findings are published in *Nature*.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inResearchers at Stanford University have unveiled a promising, low-cost method for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using common minerals like olivine. The technique involves heating these silicate minerals in conventional cement kilns, transforming them into reactive materials that can absorb and permanently store CO2. This process, inspired by traditional cement-making, significantly accelerates the natural weathering of silicates, which typically takes centuries. While current lab tests show rapid carbon capture, scaling up production to millions of tons annually is essential for meaningful impact on climate change. The researchers suggest that existing cement production facilities could utilize mine tailings rich in silicates, potentially tapping into vast reserves of these minerals. This innovative approach not only aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but could also enhance agricultural productivity by improving soil health. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature*.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inA recent study has shed light on the mysterious condition of Long COVID, which can persist for months or years after initial infection. Researchers followed 24 COVID-19 patients for up to 900 days, focusing on T cells—immune cells that may play a crucial role in the condition. Unlike previous studies, this research utilized PET scans to observe T cell behavior, revealing patterns of long-term activation in various body parts, including the lungs and gut. This suggests that some individuals may harbor reservoirs of the virus, complicating their recovery. While the findings are not definitive—raising questions about whether the T cells are responding to remnants of the virus or active particles—they represent a significant advancement in understanding Long COVID. Experts believe this research could pave the way for targeted therapies, offering hope to millions affected by the condition. The study is published in *Science Translational Medicine*.
Published: Feb 19 2025, 4 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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