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A long-elusive inscription on the ancient Arslan Kaya monument in Turkey has been deciphered, revealing a dedication to a Mother goddess, referred to as "Materan." For 2,600 years, the statue, which features eroded carvings of sphinxes and lions, has resisted interpretation due to its damaged state. Archaeologist William Mitchel Ramsay, who first documented the site in 1884, described the inscription as "hopelessly obliterated." However, Professor Mark Munn from Penn State utilized recent photographs to analyze the inscription, concluding it likely references the goddess Matar. This finding is significant as Arslan Kaya is unique among Phrygian monuments for having both an image of the goddess and an inscription naming her. Munn suggests the inscription may have originally been part of a longer text detailing the monument's creator and the goddess's epithet, contributing valuable insights into the poorly understood Phrygian language and culture. The research is published in the journal Kadmos. 
Published: Dec 01 2024, 1 ameznews.inFrosty, the rare white orca, has made a notable return to California's Monterey Bay, delighting whale watchers who spotted him on November 24. His distinctive pale coloration, possibly due to leucism or the rare Chediak-Higashi syndrome, sets him apart from typical orcas. While leucism involves partial loss of melanin, Chediak-Higashi syndrome is an inherited immune condition that has previously limited the lifespan of affected orcas. Frosty, a Bigg’s killer whale, was seen traveling with his mother and pod, showcasing their extensive range from the Mexican border to British Columbia. Despite concerns about his unusual coloring making him more vulnerable, orcas have no natural predators and are known for their adaptability, including feeding on large fish. Evan Brodsky from Monterey Bay Whale Watch emphasized the significance of Frosty's sightings, celebrating each encounter as a rare gift.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for planetary defense, astronomers successfully predicted the impact of a small asteroid, designated 2024 XA1, which disintegrated over northeastern Siberia on October 6, 2024. This event marks the fourth predicted asteroid impact of the year and the 11th overall, showcasing improved detection capabilities. Discovered by the Kitt Peak National Observatory just 12 hours before its entry, 2024 XA1 measured approximately 70 centimeters in diameter, making it one of the smallest asteroids tracked to date. Fortunately, the fireball caused no damage or injuries, delighting onlookers in the region. The ability to forecast such impacts is crucial for planetary protection, as it enhances our understanding of potentially hazardous objects. While larger asteroids pose greater threats, smaller ones like 2024 XA1 can still yield valuable meteorites, contributing to scientific research.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 pmeznews.inGroundbreaking footage from the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition has unveiled unprecedented behaviors of Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, through the use of GPS-enabled collar cameras. This innovative approach has provided insights into their elusive lives, revealing the first recorded instances of mating in the canopy, geophagy (soil consumption), and even potential cannibalism, marking the first evidence of infanticide among these bears. The study highlights the bears' diverse diet, comprising over 21 plant species, which underscores their vital role in maintaining the health of the Amazon's cloud forest ecosystem. As these bears migrate and disperse seeds, they contribute significantly to forest regeneration. Researchers emphasize that these findings will enhance conservation efforts, offering a deeper understanding of the ecological needs of this keystone species, crucial for the preservation of their habitat. The study is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
Published: Dec 05 2024, 12 ameznews.inA study has revealed that two significant asteroid impacts, occurring 35.65 million years ago, did not result in long-term climate changes on Earth, despite their size and destructive potential. The impacts, which created the Popigai crater in Siberia and the Chesapeake Bay crater on the US East Coast, were among the largest on the planet. Researchers analyzed the isotopic composition of ancient marine organisms to assess climate variations over the following 150,000 years, finding no significant shifts in temperature. Co-author Professor Bridget Wade from University College London noted the surprising stability of the climate post-impacts, contrasting with the catastrophic effects expected from such events. While the study did not account for short-term climate changes, it suggests that not all asteroid collisions lead to mass extinctions or lasting environmental shifts. The findings are published in the journal *Communications Earth & Environment*.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 10 pmeznews.inIn the 1990s, Romanian-Australian economist Stefan Mandel devised a method to win the lottery repeatedly, achieving a remarkable 14 wins. His strategy involved purchasing every possible combination of numbers in lotteries where the jackpot exceeded the cost of buying all combinations. Initially successful in Romania, Mandel moved to Australia and later targeted the Virginia lottery, which had only 7,059,052 combinations. With a jackpot of $15.5 million, he mobilized a team to buy 6.4 million tickets, ensuring a win despite some logistical challenges. Although his tactics raised eyebrows and led to investigations by the FBI and CIA, no wrongdoing was found. Mandel's approach, while not explicitly against the rules, was seen as contrary to the spirit of the game. Ultimately, he amassed millions for himself and his investors before retiring to a beach house in Vanuatu.
Published: Dec 01 2024, 2 pmeznews.inThe elf owl, the world's smallest owl, measuring just 12.4 to 14.2 centimeters tall, is capturing hearts online with its adorable appearance and striking yellow irises. Found primarily in Mexico and parts of the southern United States, these tiny raptors inhabit diverse environments, nesting in holes in cacti and trees. While their cuteness may be disarming, elf owls are skilled nocturnal predators, primarily feeding on insects and arthropods, including moths and beetles. They exhibit remarkable hunting techniques, such as hanging upside down to catch prey and meticulously removing stingers from wasps and scorpions before consumption. Additionally, they play a unique ecological role by bringing thread snakes to their nests, which help control pest populations. Despite their diminutive size, elf owls demonstrate both charm and resourcefulness, proving that good things come in small packages.
Published: Dec 02 2024, 11 pmeznews.inWisdom, the world's oldest known wild bird, has made headlines by laying an egg at the age of 74 after finding a new mate following the loss of her partner of 60 years. First banded by biologists in 1956 at Midway Atoll, Wisdom's age is estimated to be at least 74, as albatrosses typically do not lay eggs before the age of five. Over her lifetime, she is believed to have laid 50-60 eggs, with around 30 successfully fledging. After her longtime mate Akeakamai did not return in 2021, Wisdom was seen courting again earlier this year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed her recent egg-laying, noting that while albatrosses mate for life, they can find new partners if necessary. The incubation period for albatross eggs is about 64-65 days, with hatching expected in January or February.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study involving 3,483 twins aged over 45 from Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and the US has revealed a correlation between higher fruit and vegetable intake and reduced depressive symptoms. Conducted by researchers at UNSW Sydney, the study found that within twin pairs, those consuming more fruits and vegetables reported fewer signs of depression, suggesting that a diet rich in these foods may offer protective benefits against mental health issues. However, the researchers caution that the study does not establish a direct causal relationship, as lifestyle factors such as exercise and alcohol consumption could also play a role. Notably, the research highlighted that potato consumption did not correlate with improved mental health, possibly due to common unhealthy preparation methods. The findings underscore the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable intake, particularly in regions like Scandinavia, where consumption falls below recommended levels. The study is published in *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 7 pmeznews.inAn "unknown disease" has claimed the lives of 143 individuals in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between November 10 and November 25. Symptoms reported include fever, headache, cough, and anemia, but details about the illness remain scarce. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team to collaborate with local health authorities to collect samples and investigate the outbreak. Local officials indicate that women and children appear to be the most affected, although it is premature to determine the specific demographics at risk. The region's healthcare system is already under pressure due to a significant mpox outbreak, which has seen over 47,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths this year. Civil society leaders have raised concerns about the inadequate supply of medicines in this rural area, complicating the response to the emerging health crisis.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 pmeznews.inDespite the iconic images of astronauts on the Moon, none capture the stars in the background, leading to speculation about a conspiracy. However, the absence of stars in Apollo mission photographs is due to practical reasons. Astronauts landed during the lunar day when the brightness made stars invisible to the naked eye. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin confirmed they did not see stars without optical aids. The photography techniques used, including fast shutter speeds and small apertures, prioritized capturing the brightly lit lunar surface and astronauts, resulting in starless images. The only exception was Apollo 16, which utilized a telescope to observe star clusters and nebulae. Michael Collins, orbiting the Moon alone, described a profound experience of seeing stars from his command module, highlighting the stark contrast between the black void of space and the absence of the Moon's presence.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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