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The peregrine falcon has been crowned the fastest animal in the world during its spectacular dives, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour), according to the National Audubon Society. This remarkable speed surpasses that of the cheetah, the fastest land animal, which can run at 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). While the peregrine falcon excels in diving, it is outpaced in level flight by the Brazilian free-tailed bat, which can fly nearly 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). The falcon's impressive diving technique is crucial for hunting, primarily targeting other birds. Once endangered due to pesticide use, the species has rebounded but is now facing declining numbers in the U.S. for the first time in decades, with potential causes including pesticide exposure, reduced prey availability, and the spread of avian influenza. 
Published: Dec 28 2024, 3 ameznews.inA patient in Louisiana has become severely ill from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking the first serious human case of bird flu in the U.S. since the outbreak began in 2024, according to the CDC. The virus has shown mutations affecting its ability to attach to cells, identified as the D1.1 genotype, distinct from strains affecting livestock. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, which occurred post-infection, suggesting they arose during the patient's illness rather than prior to transmission. While the CDC acknowledges these mutations are concerning, they emphasize that the overall risk to the public remains low. The agency highlights the importance of genomic surveillance and containment measures for avian influenza outbreaks, noting that there have been 66 confirmed human cases since the outbreak began, predominantly in California.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 6 pmeznews.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 air-filled 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: Dec 23 2024, 11 pmeznews.inGogottes, also known as concretions, are striking natural formations found primarily in the Fontainebleau region of France, where they have captivated observers with their abstract, swirling shapes. Formed approximately 30 million years ago when a layer of quartz was left behind after water receded, these unique structures emerged as silica-rich water permeated the sand, bonding it into hard sandstone over millennia. Their unusual designs have sparked pareidolia, leading people to see familiar shapes within them, further enhancing their allure. Historically, gogottes have been highly prized; King Louis XIV famously adorned the gardens of Versailles with these natural sculptures. Today, they continue to be celebrated for their geological significance and aesthetic appeal, with notable specimens displayed in institutions like the Natural History Museum in London and the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 12 ameznews.inA remarkable discovery in 1822 near Klütz, Germany, involving a white stork with a spear embedded in its neck, significantly advanced European understanding of bird migration. For centuries, theories about the winter whereabouts of birds ranged from hibernation to fantastical notions of flying to the Moon or engaging in mythical battles with pygmies. The stork, which had traveled an astonishing 3,200 kilometers to Africa before returning to Germany, provided concrete evidence of migratory behavior, debunking the bizarre beliefs that birds transformed into different species for the winter. This stork, later dubbed the "arrow stork" (_Pfeilstorch_), became a symbol of the shift in scientific understanding, although its fate was grim, as it was killed and stuffed shortly after its discovery. The incident marked a pivotal moment in ornithology, moving Europe closer to grasping the complexities of avian migration.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 5 pmeznews.inThe Euphrates River, once a lifeline for millions in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, is drying up at an alarming rate, primarily due to chronic droughts and climate change, rather than apocalyptic predictions. A 2021 report from Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources warned that the river system could run dry by 2040, with satellite data revealing a significant loss of freshwater in recent years. This environmental crisis threatens the livelihoods of approximately 60 million people who depend on the river for water. As international cooperation over water management has stalled, tensions are rising, raising fears of potential "water wars" in the region. Additionally, the lack of clean water is exacerbating health crises, with increasing cases of waterborne diseases reported in Iraq. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management in a region historically rich in resources but now facing severe scarcity.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 12 pmeznews.inMoqui marbles, peculiar iron concretions found across the deserts of Utah and neighboring states, have intrigued scientists for decades. Ranging in size from a pea to a grapefruit, these spherical formations are composed of iron oxide and sandstone, formed millions of years ago through groundwater processes beneath ancient rock layers. Named after the Hopi Tribe's legend of ancestral spirits playing marbles, the marbles became visible only after weathering eroded their outer layers. Research indicates that the oldest marbles date back 25 million years, while others are as young as 2 to 5 million years. Similar structures have been discovered globally, including in Mongolia and even on Mars, where they are dubbed "blueberries." These Martian formations may provide evidence of past water on the planet, suggesting a shared geological history between Earth and Mars.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking achievement, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Telesat have successfully established the first-ever 5G connection to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, marking a significant advancement in global communications. This innovative use of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology could transform connectivity for remote and underserved regions, enhancing emergency response coordination, rural healthcare, and industrial operations. The connection, maintained as the satellite traversed the sky, utilized Amarisoft's 5G technology and demonstrated the potential for reliable telehealth services, remote surgeries, and improved in-flight internet. ESA's Head of Telecom Systems, Alberto Ginesi, highlighted the importance of open standards developed by the 3GPP, suggesting that mobile devices may soon connect directly to satellites, reducing reliance on terrestrial infrastructure and fostering greater interconnectivity among service providers. This experiment paves the way for future projects like IRIS², promising a new era of mobile coverage.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 4 ameznews.inA new study suggests that the Earth may contain trillions of metric tons of natural hydrogen, potentially revolutionizing the energy landscape. Researchers, using modified geological models, estimate vast untapped reserves beneath the Earth's surface, with significant discoveries already made in Mali. While hydrogen is seen as a clean energy source, its extraction has been challenging, often relying on costly "green" hydrogen production methods. The study indicates that even a small fraction of the estimated hydrogen could meet global demand for the next 200 years, surpassing the energy potential of all proven natural gas reserves. However, uncertainties remain regarding the accessibility of these reserves and the actual presence of hydrogen, as some experts speculate it may have leaked over time. The findings, published in *Science Advances*, highlight the need for further research into this promising yet largely untested resource.
Published: Dec 25 2024, 4 ameznews.inResearchers have proposed a new theory regarding the construction of Stonehenge, suggesting it was built as a political statement to unify Neolithic Britain amid rising immigration from Europe. The study highlights the Altar Stone, sourced from northern Scotland, as a significant element in this narrative, emphasizing the monument's unique use of stones from hundreds of kilometers away, unlike other prehistoric sites that typically used local materials. This ambitious project aimed to forge a shared identity among diverse communities but ultimately failed, as the Indigenous population was replaced by incoming settlers by the time Stonehenge was completed. The findings, published in *Archaeology International*, indicate that the monument's construction coincided with a cultural upheaval, reflecting a response to a legitimacy crisis caused by the influx of new peoples. Professor Mike Parker Pearson noted that the similarities between Stonehenge and ancient Scottish structures suggest a deeper cultural connection.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at Caltech have quantified the speed of human thought, estimating it at just 10 bits of information per second, a stark contrast to the estimated 109 bits per second of sensory data processed by the brain. This study, published in the journal *Neuron*, highlights the paradox of our cognitive capabilities: while our senses absorb vast amounts of information, our conscious thought operates at a significantly slower pace. For instance, an advanced typist produces around 120 words per minute, translating to 10 bits per second when accounting for the predictability of language. The findings suggest that this slow processing speed may be sufficient for survival, as our ancestors thrived in environments where changes occurred at a manageable rate. The researchers emphasize that this disparity between sensory input and cognitive output raises intriguing questions about human cognition and the potential limitations for developing brain-computer interfaces.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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