eznews.inThe presence of air in potato chip packets, often perceived as excessive, serves crucial purposes, primarily protecting the chips from crushing during transport and accommodating atmospheric pressure changes, especially during air travel. However, rather than regular air, manufacturers use nitrogen, which prevents oxidation and keeps chips fresh and crunchy. Despite this, artist Henry Hargreaves conducted an informal experiment suggesting that the inflated packaging may not be as effective as claimed, finding that chips with more air were more prone to breakage. He advocates for vacuum-sealing as a more efficient method for transport, which could also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting excess air. While the industry maintains its practices for quality preservation, Hargreaves' findings raise questions about the necessity of current packaging methods and their environmental impact.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 12 pmeznews.inParents are often familiar with the minor injuries that children can sustain while exploring their surroundings, but it's crucial to recognize when these injuries may signal a more serious issue. One key indicator of a worsening infection is the presence of tracking lines, or lymphangitis, which appear as red lines extending from the wound, suggesting the infection is spreading to the lymphatic system. Commonly caused by bacteria like _Streptococcus_ or _Staphylococcus_, these infections can escalate if not treated promptly. Symptoms may include fever, headache, and muscle pain, and in severe cases, untreated lymphangitis can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if tracking lines are observed, as early intervention with antibiotics can prevent complications. Awareness of these signs is essential for ensuring children's health and safety.
Published: Jan 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe location of the biblical Garden of Eden, a significant symbol in Christianity and Judaism, is speculated to be near the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in present-day Iraq and Iran, close to the Persian Gulf. According to Genesis, the garden was watered by four rivers, two of which are identifiable today as the Tigris and Euphrates. The other two, Pishon and Gihon, remain uncertain, with some theologians suggesting they could refer to the Ganges and Nile, though this is debated due to geographical distances. While the Garden of Eden is often viewed through a symbolic lens, the search for humanity's origins points to Africa, particularly the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa and Ethiopia, where early human fossils have been discovered. However, whether these sites correspond to the paradise described in biblical texts remains an open question.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 3 pmeznews.inHospitals across the Northern Hemisphere are facing significant pressure due to a surge in flu cases, with January marking the peak of the flu season. In Japan, the situation is particularly alarming, as the country reported its largest flu outbreak in 25 years, with over 317,000 cases diagnosed in late December. The UK is also experiencing high levels of flu activity, comparable to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting health officials to raise alarms about hospital capacity. Similar trends are observed across Europe and the US, where flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are rising, leading to increased hospital admissions. Vaccination strategies vary by country, with the CDC recommending flu shots for everyone over six months in the US, while the UK offers free vaccines to high-risk groups. The effectiveness of vaccines can fluctuate, and low uptake among healthcare workers has raised concerns about public health preparedness.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe quest to resurrect the dodo bird has advanced with a new collaboration between Colossal Biosciences and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. This partnership aims to restore the dodo's native habitats in Mauritius, crucial for the species' potential rewilding. Dodos, which became extinct in the 17th century due to hunting and introduced predators, are being studied through the genome of the Nicobar Pigeon, their closest living relative. Dr. Beth Shapiro, a key figure in the project, has successfully sequenced the dodo's genome, while genetically modified chickens are being developed as surrogates. Colossal is also focused on the genetic rescue of the endangered pink pigeon, which faces a lack of genetic diversity. By utilizing historical samples and gene-editing techniques, the initiative hopes to bolster the pink pigeon population and prevent it from facing a fate similar to that of the dodo.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a world where humans diligently maintain their dental hygiene, the question arises: why don’t wild animals need to brush their teeth? Peter Kertesz, a dental consultant for ZSL London Zoo and other wildlife facilities, explains that while animals do experience dental issues, their natural diets often prevent decay. Kertesz, who has treated a wide range of species from elephants to dolphins, notes that trauma is the most common dental problem among animals, particularly in controlled environments like zoos where they live longer and receive better care. He emphasizes that brushing alone does not prevent decay; rather, a natural diet is crucial. Interestingly, some animals, like a rock hyrax, can suffer severe dental decay when fed an unnatural diet, highlighting the importance of tailored nutrition for each species. Ultimately, understanding an animal's natural habitat and dietary needs is key to their dental health.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 11 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered intricate tattoos on 1,200-year-old mummies from the ancient Chancay culture in Peru, revealing remarkable artistry through laser-stimulated fluorescence imaging. The tattoos, primarily featuring geometric patterns and some animal forms, were likely applied using cactus needles or sharpened bones, showcasing a precision of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters—exceeding modern tattooing techniques. This discovery, led by Michael Pittman from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, suggests that such detailed body art was reserved for a select few, possibly indicating higher societal status or ceremonial significance. The findings highlight the importance of tattooing in Chancay culture, paralleling their renowned textiles and pottery, which share similar geometric designs. The study, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, emphasizes the cultural value of tattoos as a significant art form within this pre-Hispanic civilization.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent post on X by user @Kairo_Anatomika has sparked widespread interest in fat-tailed sheep, a breed known for its distinctive large fatty tails that can drag on the ground if not managed. This breed, which accounts for about a quarter of the world's sheep population, has its origins in harsh desert climates across the Middle East, Northern Africa, Northern India, and Central Asia. Historically, shepherds even used wheeled carts to support these sheep's heavy tails, a practice dating back to the time of Herodotus in the fifth century. The fat stored in their tails serves as an energy reserve, while the unique texture of the tail fat has made it a culinary staple in various cuisines. The fascination with fat-tailed sheep highlights a broader human interest in unusual animal traits, drawing parallels to the human gluteus maximus, which plays a crucial role in locomotion and body shape.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 9 ameznews.inArchaeologists have confirmed the existence of a vast underground tunnel system, known as the Chincana, beneath Cusco, Peru, extending over a mile from the Temple of the Sun to the Sacsahuaman fortress. This discovery, announced at a recent press conference, follows extensive research that included analyzing historical texts from the 16th to 18th centuries, which provided clues about the tunnels' locations. Notably, a 1594 account by a Spanish Jesuit indicated that the main tunnel ran beneath Cusco Cathedral. Researchers employed acoustic prospecting and ground-penetrating radar to map the tunnels, identifying several branches leading to significant sites. While the exact purpose of the Chincana remains unclear, archaeologists plan to excavate key points to explore the tunnels further, with access anticipated in March or April. This discovery adds to the rich history of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, before Spanish conquest.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 2 ameznews.inA significant aquifer has been discovered beneath Oregon's Cascade Range, containing an estimated 81 cubic kilometers (19.4 cubic miles) of water, potentially addressing regional water shortages. However, experts caution that this resource may not be a long-term solution, as its recharge depends on the declining snowpack in the Cascades. Dr. Leif Karlstrom from the University of Oregon emphasized the aquifer's non-renewable nature, while Dr. Gordon Grant from the US Forest Service highlighted the need to understand its implications for volcanic activity, as interactions between magma and underground water can lead to explosive eruptions. The discovery, made using drilling data from the 1980s and 90s, reveals a complex network of water-filled cracks rather than a single body of water. Researchers stress the importance of further study to grasp the aquifer's potential and its relationship with the region's geological history.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 7 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews