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Researchers from the Leonardo DNA Project claim to have identified six living descendants of the Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, as detailed in their new book, _Genìa Da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo’s DNA_. The authors, Alessandro Vezzosi and Agnese Sabato, reconstructed a family tree spanning nearly 700 years and 21 generations, revealing 15 male-line descendants linked to da Vinci's father and half-brother. Genetic analysis conducted by David Caramelli and forensic anthropologist Elena Pilli confirmed that all six descendants share matching Y chromosome segments, suggesting an unbroken male lineage for at least 15 generations. However, the research is not peer-reviewed, and confirmed DNA from da Vinci himself has yet to be identified. While da Vinci is not believed to have had children, the study aims to explore his biological legacy and its potential links to his extraordinary creativity and health. 
Published: Jul 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe "wholphin," a hybrid of a bottlenose dolphin and a false killer whale, exemplifies the fascinating phenomenon of cetacean hybridization. The first known wholphin was born in 1981 at Tokyo SeaWorld but lived only 200 days. A more successful hybrid, Kekaimalu, was born in 1985 from an unexpected pairing between a male false killer whale and a female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Despite the size disparity—bottlenose dolphins average 2 meters while false killer whales can exceed 5 meters—these species often socialize and forage together in the wild. Kekaimalu was fertile, producing at least three offspring with male bottlenose dolphins. Recent discoveries include a hybrid dolphin in Hawaii and a beluga-narwhal hybrid, known as a narluga, found in Greenland. These cases challenge the notion that different species cannot interbreed, highlighting the complexities of cetacean genetics. 
Published: Jul 27 2025, 5 ameznews.inA powerful earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia at 11:25 am local time on July 30, marking it as the sixth strongest earthquake recorded. The quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, affecting regions from Alaska to Japan and South America, prompting the evacuation of millions, including two million in Japan alone. Waves of up to 4 meters (13 feet) were reported in Severo-Kurilsk, approximately 550 kilometers from the epicenter, although most warnings have since been downgraded. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties from the earthquake, tsunami, or the subsequent volcanic eruption of Klyuchevskaya Sopka, which began shortly after the quake. This seismic event highlights the ongoing activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high volcanic and earthquake activity, which accounts for a significant portion of the world's seismic events. 
Published: Jul 31 2025, 7 ameznews.inBoosting your Wi-Fi signal can often be as simple as rearranging your home environment, as various common objects can interfere with connectivity. Metal objects and mirrors can deflect signals, creating dead zones, while large water containers absorb radio frequencies, impacting both indoor and outdoor connections. Microwaves, operating on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as Wi-Fi, can disrupt signals when in use. Additionally, large barriers can weaken the router's signal, so it’s advisable to avoid placing the device behind furniture. Cordless phones and Bluetooth devices can also cause interference, particularly when positioned close to the router. Other electronic devices, such as baby monitors and fluorescent lights, may emit frequencies that hinder performance. By making these adjustments, users can significantly enhance their Wi-Fi experience, or, if all else fails, they might consider the unconventional solution of a tinfoil hat. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a recent online discussion, users humorously explored the idea of a magnet-powered truck, prompting a reminder of fundamental physics principles that render such a concept impractical. While the notion of using magnets to propel vehicles might seem innovative, it fundamentally contradicts Newton's laws of motion. Specifically, Newton's First Law states that an object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an external force, while his Third Law highlights that forces between two objects are equal and opposite. In this scenario, the magnet and the truck are part of the same system, negating any potential propulsion. Comparisons were drawn to other forces, such as a rubber band, to illustrate why the idea fails. Ultimately, the consensus is clear: the laws of physics firmly establish that a magnet truck is not a viable mode of transportation. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn March 2011, a powerful magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off Japan's east coast, marking the most intense seismic event in the country's history. The quake shifted the Earth's axis by approximately 17 centimeters and moved the main island by about 2.4 meters. This seismic activity also altered the Earth's rotation, shortening the length of a day by roughly 1.8 microseconds. Dr. Richard Gross from NASA explained that such earthquakes can change the Earth's rotation by redistributing its mass, similar to how a spinning ice skater accelerates by pulling in their arms. While earthquakes significantly impact rotation speed, other factors, including seasonal weather and the Moon's gradual distancing from Earth, also play a role. Historical studies of ancient corals reveal that Earth once spun faster, with 420 days in a year around 444-419 million years ago, before the Moon's influence slowed its rotation. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Falkland Islands, often associated with their abundant sheep population, once hosted a unique native mammal—the Falkland Islands wolf (_Dusicyon australis_), which became the first canid to be driven to extinction by human activity. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s, this curious creature, resembling a mix of wolf and fox, thrived on the islands. Charles Darwin, who visited in 1833, expressed bewilderment at the wolf's existence, noting the rarity of such a large, unique quadruped in such a remote location. Recent research suggests that earlier settlers may have introduced the wolf to the islands, contradicting previous theories of its arrival. However, by 1876, the wolf had vanished, primarily due to hunting by settlers who viewed it as a threat to their livestock. This extinction is part of a broader trend, with at least 680 species lost to human actions since the 16th century, raising concerns about a potential sixth mass extinction. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNew video evidence has bolstered a theory regarding the Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine experienced hikers perished in 1959 on Kholat Syakhl Mountain, known as "Death Mountain." Researchers Johan Gaume and Alexander M. Puzrin previously proposed that the hikers were victims of a rare slab avalanche, which could explain the peculiar circumstances surrounding their deaths. Initial investigations revealed the hikers' tent had been cut open from the inside, with some bodies found near a fire and others in a ravine. Critics had dismissed the avalanche theory, citing the mountain's slope and conditions as unsuitable for such events. However, recent expeditions conducted by the researchers confirmed the slope's steepness and filmed two recent avalanches, suggesting that the conditions for an avalanche were indeed present. While the researchers do not claim to have solved every aspect of the mystery, they assert that their findings provide a credible explanation for the tragic event. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn August 1993, a group of seven hikers, led by experienced mountaineer Lyudmila Korovina, embarked on a trek in the Khamar-Daban mountain range in Buryatia, Siberia. After successfully reaching the summit, they were caught in severe weather while descending. The following day, they failed to meet another group, prompting concern. Only one hiker, Valentina Utochenko, emerged alive, found by tourists in a distressed state, reportedly covered in dried blood. Utochenko recounted a harrowing experience where group members exhibited bizarre symptoms, including convulsions and bleeding, before collapsing. Despite a delayed search, the bodies were discovered two days later, partially mummified and showing signs of hypothermia. Theories surrounding their deaths range from hallucinations due to hypothermia to more sinister explanations, but the true cause remains elusive. Utochenko's traumatic experience and the mystery of the incident have drawn comparisons to the infamous Dyatlov Pass case. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA golden retriever named Bumper and a black Labrador retriever named Peanut have demonstrated the ability to detect Parkinson's disease (PD) through scent, potentially paving the way for early diagnostic tests. Trained to differentiate between the sebum of individuals with and without PD, the dogs underwent a year-long training process involving 205 samples. In a double-blind study, Peanut identified the disease in 80% of cases, while Bumper achieved a 70% success rate, both significantly outperforming previous canine detection rates for other conditions. Study author Claire Guest emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, as symptoms can manifest up to 20 years before a confirmed diagnosis. Although only two out of ten dogs showed the necessary aptitude for training, the findings suggest that, with further refinement, trained dogs could assist in validating clinical methods and facilitate earlier interventions for difficult-to-diagnose PD cases. The study is published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. 
Published: Jul 30 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA melting glacier on Wilczek Island in Russia's Franz Josef Land archipelago has revealed a significant prehistoric whale graveyard, according to scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI). The researchers discovered numerous whale skeletons as they studied the region's permafrost, noting that the glacier has retreated dramatically over the past two decades, exposing several square kilometers of land. Some of the skeletons are well-preserved, indicating a rapid sea level change in the area over the last few thousand years. While the exact number and species of the whales remain undisclosed, images suggest multiple large individuals are present. This discovery highlights the dual impact of climate change, which not only threatens wildlife habitats and raises sea levels but also uncovers ancient landscapes previously hidden beneath ice. Similar prehistoric whale graveyards have been found globally, including notable sites in Chile and along Russia's northeastern coast. 
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