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The Antonov An-225 Mriya, the largest aircraft ever built, met a tragic end during the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian War in February 2022. Known as "Mriya," meaning "dream" in Ukrainian, the plane measured 84 meters in length and 88.4 meters in wingspan, with a maximum takeoff weight of 629.89 tons. Initially developed in the 1980s by the USSR to transport spacecraft, it was the only one of its kind to be completed, making its maiden flight in December 1988. Mriya was renowned for its immense payload capacity, famously lifting a single piece of machinery weighing nearly 190,000 kilograms. Its destruction occurred during the Battle of Antonov Airport, where Ukrainian forces claimed it was intentionally targeted by Russian troops. Ukraine has since called for the aircraft's reconstruction at Russia's expense, highlighting its iconic status in aviation history. 
Published: Oct 19 2024, 1 ameznews.inNephrite jade has been identified as the toughest natural mineral, surpassing even steel and ceramics in durability, despite diamonds being recognized as the hardest. The distinction between hardness and toughness is crucial; while diamonds resist scratching, nephrite jade is less likely to break due to its unique fibrous structure. Historically significant, jade has been utilized since neolithic times for tools and ornamental carvings. The two main varieties of jade are nephrite, which is more common and tougher, and jadeite, prized for its color and translucence, particularly in the jewelry market. In Māori culture, nephrite jade, known as pounamu, holds great value and is used for various cultural artifacts. However, the jade mining industry, especially in Myanmar, faces ethical concerns due to dangerous working conditions, prompting interest in lab-grown alternatives as a safer option for consumers.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA common misconception is that oil is derived from dinosaurs, but experts clarify that this is not the case. Geologist Reidar Müller from the University of Oslo explains that oil originates from the remains of tiny algae and plankton, which died millions of years ago and settled on the ocean floor. Over time, these organic materials were buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high pressure and low oxygen conditions, transforming them into crude oil. While marine dinosaurs may have ended up on the ocean floor, they would not have contributed to oil formation, as their remains would have been consumed by smaller creatures before they could be buried. This misunderstanding persists despite the pressing need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Rochester and the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya challenges the popular notion of "playing it cool" in romantic pursuits, suggesting it may actually hinder sexual attraction. Researchers found that individuals are more drawn to potential partners who demonstrate reciprocal romantic interest. The study involved 101 single heterosexual participants aged 19-31, who were led to believe they were chatting with another person online. Those informed of a message from their partner rated them as more sexually attractive compared to those who received no message, indicating that uncertainty diminishes appeal. Co-author Harry Reis noted that confidence in a partner's interest enhances sexual desire, while uncertainty can lead to emotional distancing. The findings suggest that fostering clear interest may be more effective in attracting potential partners than adopting a detached demeanor.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers have uncovered significant insights into the interaction between early humans and ancient elephants in the Kashmir Valley, India, following the discovery of elephant fossils dating back 300,000 to 400,000 years. Initially found in 2000, the fossils belong to the extinct genus _Palaeoloxodon_, which was notably larger than modern African elephants. Recent analyses indicate that early humans may have used stone tools to extract nutrient-rich marrow from the elephant bones, marking the earliest evidence of animal butchery in India. The study, which includes the identification of 87 stone tools made from basalt—an imported material—suggests that these hominins were actively processing large game. The findings also reveal abnormal bone growth in the skull, possibly linked to chronic sinus infections, providing further context to the species' evolution. This research, published in two scientific journals, highlights the need for more extensive archaeological efforts in the region.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 10 pmeznews.inIn 1889, British polymath Francis Galton extolled the virtues of the "Law of Frequency of Error," now known as the Central Limit Theorem (CLT), highlighting its profound implications for understanding cosmic order. The CLT posits that the means of a large number of independent, identically distributed variables will converge towards a normal distribution, or bell curve, regardless of the original distribution of the variables. This theorem is crucial in statistics, as it allows for predictions about data sets, such as estimating that approximately 68% of values will fall within one standard deviation of the mean. Its applications are vast, from quality control in industries to practical scenarios like determining appropriate product sizes based on average measurements. Ultimately, the CLT provides a framework for discerning patterns in seemingly chaotic data, revealing an underlying order that Galton poetically described as a "supreme law of Unreason."
Published: Oct 22 2024, 7 pmeznews.inGunung Padang, an archaeological site atop an extinct volcano in West Java, Indonesia, has long been a subject of intrigue, with some theories positing it as an ancient pyramid built by a lost civilization thousands of years before Egypt's pyramids. Recent claims by archaeologists suggested the site could be over 25,000 years old, challenging established timelines of human construction. However, these assertions were met with skepticism and ultimately led to the paper's retraction in March 2024 due to flawed dating methods and misinterpretations of geological formations. Critics, including experts in archaeology and geophysics, emphasized that the site's unique rock formations are likely natural, resulting from volcanic activity rather than human craftsmanship. While Gunung Padang warrants further investigation, any claims of it rewriting human history should be approached cautiously, given the challenges of archaeological work in its tropical environment.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 8 pmeznews.inThe Atacama Giant, a colossal 119-meter anthropomorphic geoglyph located in Chile's Atacama Desert, is the largest of its kind in the world. This prehistoric figure, resembling a human with stick limbs and a spiky headpiece, has sparked various theories regarding its purpose, ranging from celestial alignments to extraterrestrial origins. Created by ancient inhabitants of the harsh desert environment, the geoglyph is part of a collection of over 5,000 similar designs, some dating back 1,200 to 500 years. The Atacama Giant, declared a Protected National Asset in 2020, showcases the ingenuity of its creators, who navigated the challenging landscape while leaving behind significant cultural markers. While its exact meaning remains elusive, local insights suggest it held great relevance for its creators, hinting at a deeper connection to their environment and beliefs. As research continues, the Atacama Giant remains a focal point for understanding ancient human expression in arid regions.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA remarkable discovery in Australia has unveiled a 16-million-year-old sawfly fossil, representing a new species named _Baladi warru_. Found in 2018 at McGraths Flat, New South Wales, this fossil is the first of its kind in Australia and dates back to the Miocene Period. Despite their name, sawflies are actually a type of wasp, distinguished by their saw-like ovipositors. The name _Baladi warru_ honors the Wiradjuri people, the traditional custodians of the land. Researchers utilized detailed morphological analysis and DNA comparisons to classify the fossil within the Perginae subfamily, revealing insights into the evolutionary history of sawflies, which originated around 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil also contained pollen from _Quintiniapollis psilatospora_, indicating the sawfly's diet, while its larvae likely fed on toxic Myrtaceae plants, showcasing the species' ecological role. The findings are published in *Systematic Entomology*.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA colossal asteroid, dubbed S2, struck Earth 3.26 billion years ago, measuring four times the height of Mount Everest and significantly larger than the asteroid that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Geological evidence from South Africa's Barberton Greenstone Belt reveals that this impact triggered massive tsunamis, heated the atmosphere, and caused oceanic upheaval. Despite the devastation, early-Earth microorganisms adapted and thrived in the aftermath, benefiting from the influx of iron and phosphorus released by the impact. Researchers, including Harvard's Nadja Drabon, suggest that such catastrophic events may have inadvertently fostered the flourishing of early life forms. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the dual nature of asteroid impacts, showing that while they can be destructive, they may also create conditions conducive to life. Further investigations into the Barberton area are planned to deepen understanding of these ancient impacts.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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