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In a 2008 study, researchers discovered that cows and deer tend to align their bodies in a north-south direction while grazing or resting, suggesting a potential connection to the Earth's magnetic field. The team analyzed satellite images and animal behavior, concluding that climatic factors like wind and sun were not significant influences on this alignment. However, a follow-up study involving 34 cows with neodymium magnets found no directional preference, leading researchers to believe that the animals' orientation may be more closely related to sun positioning for thermoregulation rather than magnetoreception. This conclusion aligns with observations of similar behavior in other species, indicating that the previously reported magnetic alignment could be skewed by environmental conditions. As such, while the phenomenon is intriguing, further research is necessary to fully understand the reasons behind this behavior, and cows should not be relied upon as a compass alternative. 
Published: Jan 14 2025, 7 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 ameznews.inChina's recent launch of an experimental reusable spaceplane on December 14 has sparked intrigue as it is being trailed by six unidentified objects, some of which are emitting signals. This marks the spaceplane's third mission, yet the specifics of its purpose remain undisclosed. Amateur astronomer Scott Tilley observed these "mysterious wingmen" four days into the mission, with varying signal emissions noted. Chinese state media reported that the spacecraft will conduct technology verification and space science experiments during its orbital period before returning to a designated landing site in China. Analysis of the signals from these objects suggests limited data transmission, with some resembling previous emissions from Chinese space vehicles. The exact role of these additional satellites and the nature of China's testing efforts continue to be unclear, raising questions about the implications for space exploration and technology.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 2 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed a significant increase in cases of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following COVID-19, with incidence rates now 15 times higher than before the pandemic. Researchers from the US National Institutes of Health found that individuals with a history of COVID are nearly eight times more likely to develop ME/CFS. The study, which analyzed data from the RECOVER Initiative involving over 11,000 participants, indicated that 4.5% of those infected met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, compared to just 0.6% of uninfected individuals. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive impairments, which overlap with those experienced by long COVID patients. The findings highlight the urgent need for healthcare providers to recognize and manage post-COVID ME/CFS effectively, as early diagnosis can significantly improve patients' quality of life. The study is published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Published: Jan 15 2025, 3 ameznews.inA recent online discussion has sparked claims that a 1562 painting, often misattributed to "Peter·Bruce Gale," depicts dinosaurs coexisting with humans, reminiscent of the animated series _The Flintstones_. This theory emerged from a misinterpretation of Pieter Bruegel the Elder's work, _The Suicide of Saul_, which illustrates biblical events rather than prehistoric life. Critics have pointed out that the figures in the background, thought to be dinosaurs, are more likely poorly rendered camels, as Bruegel had never seen the animals. The misconception highlights a broader trend of internet users seeking evidence of time travel or historical inaccuracies, despite a lack of credible support. Experts emphasize that the painting's context and the artist's intent do not support the notion of humans and dinosaurs cohabiting, reinforcing that such claims are unfounded and based on artistic misinterpretations.
Published: Jan 14 2025, 12 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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