eznews.inWhen you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur due to the normal functioning of the eyes, which continue to generate weak internal signals in the absence of light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, these signals are interpreted by the brain as light, creating the illusion of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying retinal issues or neurological conditions if they become more pronounced or persistent. In such cases, consulting a medical professional is advisable. The phenomenon can also be triggered by applying pressure to the eyeball, although this should be avoided. Overall, while phosphenes are a common experience, changes in their nature warrant attention. 
Published: Nov 19 2024, 1 ameznews.inIn the latest episode of "Break It Down," scientists unveil a series of intriguing discoveries, including the first close-up image of a star beyond the Milky Way. Researchers suggest that the challenges of weight regain may be linked to the "memories" of fat cells, while a puzzling phenomenon regarding the Earth's inner core appears to involve a freezing process. Additionally, groundbreaking footage captures a giant virus infecting a cell for the first time. In lighter news, the world’s thinnest spaghetto has been measured at an astonishing 200 times narrower than a human hair. The episode also features Dadu, a remarkable dog that survived alone on a remote island for nearly a year and has since captured the hearts of many. Listeners can access the episode on popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 1 ameznews.inResearchers have finally unraveled the mystery behind certain metal alloys, specifically Invar, which do not expand when heated, a phenomenon first noted by Charles-Edouard Guillaume in 1895. This unique behavior occurs only in specific ratios of iron and nickel, such as 13 iron atoms to 7 nickel atoms, and is attributed to the interplay between magnetism and atomic vibrations. A team led by Caltech's Stefan Lohaus discovered that magnetic effects organize the atoms in a way that counteracts the typical expansion caused by increased heat. Their findings suggest that as temperature rises, some electrons flip their spin states, allowing atoms to come closer together, balancing the vibrations that would normally push them apart. This research, published in *Nature Physics*, could have significant implications for manufacturing precise instruments and building resilient infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 4 ameznews.inFerdinand Magellan is widely recognized for leading the first successful circumnavigation of the globe from 1519 to 1522, yet his legacy may be contested by an unsung figure, Enrique of Malacca. An enslaved man of Southeast Asian origin, Enrique accompanied Magellan on his expedition and is believed to have effectively circumnavigated the globe himself, having traveled from his homeland to Europe and back to Southeast Asia. Magellan's journey, which included navigating the treacherous Strait of Magellan and enduring severe hardships in the Pacific, ultimately ended in tragedy when he was killed in the Philippines in 1521. His crew, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, completed the voyage and returned to Spain in 1522. This narrative not only challenges the traditional view of exploration but also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of non-European individuals in shaping history.
Published: Nov 20 2024, 7 pmeznews.inThe Slender-billed Curlew (_Numenius tenuirostris_), a migratory shorebird, has been declared almost certainly extinct, marking the first known bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Once breeding in Siberia and wintering around the Mediterranean, the curlew's loss is particularly alarming given its extensive range. The last confirmed sighting occurred in Morocco in 1995, with subsequent searches proving fruitless. Factors contributing to its decline include habitat loss from agricultural practices in Siberia and pollution in Mediterranean wetlands, compounded by hunting and previous disease outbreaks. Experts emphasize the need for international cooperation to protect migratory species, as the extinction highlights broader conservation challenges. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and BirdLife International stress that the curlew's demise underscores the urgent need for action against climate change and habitat destruction to prevent further losses among vulnerable bird populations.
Published: Nov 18 2024, 9 pmeznews.inShanay Timpishka, known as La Bomba or the Boiling River, is a remarkable tributary of the Amazon River in Peru, renowned for its dangerously high temperatures, reaching an average of 86°C (186.8°F). Long dismissed by skeptics, including academics and the fossil fuel industry, the river's existence was validated in 2011 by geothermal scientist Andrés Ruzo, who was inspired by local Indigenous legends. Ruzo discovered that the river, which flows for 6.24 kilometers (3.9 miles), heats up as it passes through a hot spring beneath a rock resembling a snake's head, linked to local folklore. His research revealed that the river's extreme temperatures arise independently of volcanic activity, possibly due to geothermal energy from melting Andean glaciers. However, the area faces threats from logging and development, prompting Ruzo to advocate for its protection, emphasizing its cultural and scientific significance.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 2 ameznews.inThe oldest firearm discovered in the continental United States, a bronze cannon, has been unearthed at the site of the first Native American uprising in Arizona, dating back to 1541. Brought by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado during his ill-fated expedition in search of seven legendary golden cities, the cannon was intended to protect the first European settlement in the American Southwest, San Geronimo III. However, it was never fired, as the settlement was attacked by the Sobaipuri O’odham tribe before the weapon could be loaded. Researchers suggest that this hackbut, a type of wall gun, may predate Coronado's journey, yet it remained unused and buried for nearly 480 years. The findings highlight the cannon's significance as both a relic of early European colonization and a symbol of the first successful Native American resistance in the region, as detailed in a study published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 11 pmeznews.inAn emergency warning regarding the future of Antarctica has been issued by nearly 500 polar scientists at a summit in Australia, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent catastrophic sea-level rise. The researchers emphasized that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, if fully melted, could raise global sea levels by approximately 50 meters (164 feet), posing significant risks to coastal cities. Recent studies indicate alarming trends, including record-low sea ice and extreme heatwaves, with Antarctica currently losing around 17 million tonnes of ice every hour—over six times the rate of 30 years ago. The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership warns that without immediate and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, coastal areas could face an 80-centimeter (31-inch) rise by 2100. The scientists stress that every fraction of a degree in temperature matters, urging societies to set and meet targets to mitigate this impending crisis.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn a rare occurrence, a third oarfish has washed up on California's shores, with a 2.7 to 3-meter specimen discovered by Scripps Oceanography PhD candidate Alison Laferriere at Grandview Beach in Encinitas. This follows two other strandings in recent months, including a 3.7-meter oarfish found in San Diego in August and another in Huntington Beach in September. Historically, only 20 oarfish have been recorded in California since 1901, making this surge notable. Oarfish, the longest bony fish, typically inhabit deep ocean waters and are often associated with superstitions linking them to natural disasters. However, scientists at Scripps are investigating potential environmental factors, such as changes in ocean conditions and the recent El Niño cycle, that may explain the increased strandings. They aim to use the samples from these fish to gain insights into their biology and ecology, as opportunities to study them are rare.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 12 ameznews.inEmophilia, a term coined by Daniel Jones in 2011, describes a tendency to fall in love quickly and frequently, akin to the rapid romantic connections seen in classic Disney films. While the concept has faced skepticism, Jones argues that emophilia is distinct from anxious attachment, emphasizing that it represents a desire for the thrill of new relationships rather than a need for dependency. Recent studies suggest that emophiliacs may overlook red flags in partners and could be more prone to infidelity, complicating their romantic lives. Despite potential risks, such as tumultuous relationships and early divorces, experts recommend strategies for emophiliacs to foster healthier connections, including setting clear relationship criteria and practicing self-awareness. Jones aims to raise awareness about emophilia, highlighting that individuals may experience love at varying paces, and encourages those interested to assess their own emophilia tendencies through a survey available on his research group's website.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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