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In a fascinating study of the western black widow spider (_Latrodectus hesperus_), researchers have uncovered the intricate mating strategies employed by these arachnids, particularly the role of pheromones in attracting mates. Males, which typically die after a single breeding season, must locate females by following airborne pheromones emitted from their webs. Upon arrival, males engage in "web bundling," a courtship behavior that signals their identity and reduces female aggression. The study revealed that female black widows produce two key pheromones, which, intriguingly, emit a scent reminiscent of "cheesy feet." Researchers found that these pheromones are produced in greater quantities during the summer months, aligning with the peak availability of sexually mature males. This sophisticated chemical communication enhances the females' chances of successful mating, showcasing their ability to adapt scent signals based on seasonal changes. The findings were published in the *Journal of Chemical Ecology*. 
Published: Oct 01 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights the detrimental impact of misinformation and disinformation on romantic relationships, revealing that political differences exacerbated by false information can lead to breakups. Associate Professor Emily Van Duyn conducted in-depth interviews with 28 individuals who ended relationships over political disagreements, finding that these splits were often rooted in divergent perceptions of reality shaped by misleading information. One case involved a couple whose shared political views fractured after one partner became engrossed in conspiracy theories, leading to a breakdown in communication and mutual understanding. While the study's findings are based on a small sample and do not suggest a widespread epidemic of relationship failures due to misinformation, they underscore the potential for such false narratives to disrupt shared identities and realities in partnerships. The research also points to the role of online algorithms in perpetuating these issues by encouraging users to delve deeper into misleading content.
Published: Oct 01 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, China, has officially opened to the public, claiming the title of the world's highest bridge. Spanning 2,980 meters (9,777 feet) and perched 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Beipan River, the bridge connects the regions of Liuzhi and Anlong, significantly reducing travel time across the canyon from an hour to just 90 seconds. Prior to its opening, the bridge underwent rigorous load testing, with 96 trucks simulating various traffic conditions to ensure structural integrity. The bridge also features a glass walkway and offers adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and paragliding. While it holds the record for the highest bridge based on deck height, Guinness World Records distinguishes between "highest" and "tallest," with the Millau Viaduct in France currently recognized as the tallest bridge overall.
Published: Oct 01 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn 2013, 13-year-old Jahi McMath underwent a routine tonsillectomy at Children’s Hospital Oakland, California, but complications led to her being declared brain-dead two days later. Despite this diagnosis, her family, troubled by her warm body and occasional movements, sought legal recourse, arguing that their religious beliefs dictated that life continues as long as the heart beats. They successfully transferred her to a New Jersey hospital, where she remained on life support for most of 2014, sparking widespread media attention and debate over the definition of death. While some medical professionals, including neurologist Dr. Alan Shewmon, suggested she exhibited signs of life, the hospital maintained its original diagnosis. Jahi was ultimately pronounced dead in June 2018 after experiencing complications. Her case has raised critical questions about the criteria for determining death, highlighting the tensions between medical definitions, cultural beliefs, and ethical considerations in an evolving landscape of medical technology.
Published: Oct 01 2025, 12 ameznews.inHigh-speed cameras have unveiled the origins of the mysterious will-o’-the-wisps, or ignis fatuus, a phenomenon that has fascinated and frightened humanity for centuries. These ethereal blue lights, often seen in wetlands, are linked to the oxidation of methane produced by decaying organic matter. While previous theories suggested that swamp gas ignited due to phosphine, new research identifies small electrical discharges, termed microlightning, as the ignition source. This occurs when methane bubbles, charged as they move through water, create sparks that facilitate oxidation without combustion, emitting blue-violet light instead of heat. The study highlights the role of transient electrical discharges in natural processes, suggesting that encouraging microlightning could help mitigate methane's greenhouse gas effects. Published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, the findings offer a fresh perspective on the interplay between folklore and science, hinting that these lights may play a beneficial role in our ecosystem.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new genetic analysis of ancient teeth has challenged the long-held belief that Native Americans descended from the Jōmon people of Japan, who lived from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. This theory, based on similarities in stone tools, suggested that the First Peoples migrated to North America via the Bering Land Bridge approximately 15,000 years ago. However, a study led by Professor Richard Scott from the University of Nevada-Reno found minimal genetic links between Native Americans and the Jōmon population, indicating that the origins of Native Americans likely lie elsewhere, possibly in Siberia. The research also coincides with the discovery of ancient human footprints in New Mexico, dating back 23,000 to 21,000 years, suggesting that humans arrived in the Americas much earlier than previously thought. Scott emphasized that the Jōmon are an unlikely source for Indigenous Americans, marking a significant shift in understanding their origins.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed the first naturally mummified big cats—seven cheetahs—inside a cave in northern Saudi Arabia, dating back over 4,000 years. The specimens, found in the Lauga cave network, were preserved due to the cave's stable temperature and humidity, creating ideal conditions for mummification. The oldest skeletal remains are approximately 4,223 years old, while the youngest mummified specimen is around 127 years old. These cheetahs are genetically linked to both the northwest African and critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, both of which are now extinct in the Arabian Peninsula. This discovery is significant as it provides insights into the historical range of cheetahs and could inform future rewilding efforts in the region. Unlike modern cheetahs, which do not inhabit caves, these ancient felids may have entered the caves through steep slopes, becoming trapped. The findings are detailed in a preprint paper on Research Square.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA new species of opossum, named *Marmosa chachapoya*, has been discovered in the Peruvian Andes by a research team originally seeking a rare squirrel. The tiny marsupial, measuring just 25 centimeters in total length, features distinctive reddish-brown fur and striking black markings around its eyes, resembling a mask. Collected at an elevation of 2,664 meters, this species is believed to inhabit montane forests, although only one specimen has been found to date. Lead researcher Silvia Pavan emphasized the need for further exploration and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo, which is home to various undiscovered species. The findings underscore the importance of scientific research in understanding and protecting the unique wildlife of the Andes. The study has been published in *American Museum Novitates*.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 4 ameznews.inMicrofiber cloths, essential tools for professionals in cleaning and other fields, are made from synthetic fibers finer than one denier, allowing them to effectively trap dirt and bacteria. These cloths can absorb up to seven times their weight in water and, when used with disinfectants, can significantly outperform traditional cleaning methods, particularly in high-germ areas like toilets and showers. Their superior cleaning ability stems from their large surface area, sharp angular edges, and unique physical properties, including capillary action and van der Waals forces, which enhance their dirt-attracting capabilities. However, microfiber cloths contribute to microplastic pollution, shedding tiny fibers during washing. To mitigate this, experts recommend washing with cold water, avoiding detergents, and using microfiber filters in washing machines. While the development of non-shedding textiles is a long-term goal, current solutions focus on reducing microfiber release into the environment.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study from Brazil suggests that geomagnetic disturbances linked to solar activity may increase the risk of heart attacks on Earth. Conducted by the National Institute for Space Research, the study analyzed hospital records from São José dos Campos between 1998 and 2005, focusing on 1,340 myocardial infarction (MI) cases. Researchers found a correlation between geomagnetic disturbances and a rise in MI hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among women, despite fewer cases overall. This aligns with previous studies indicating that geomagnetic activity can affect heart rate variability, a key health indicator. While the findings are not definitive and call for further research, they contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that space weather may have significant implications for cardiovascular health. The study is published in the journal Communications Medicine, highlighting the need for more comprehensive investigations into the relationship between solar activity and human health.
Published: Sep 30 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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