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An underwater vehicle named "Boaty McBoatface" has made headlines after recovering a long-lost camera from Loch Ness, originally deployed in a 1970s quest to capture images of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The camera, which was designed to take photos when a bait line was disturbed, was discovered 180 meters underwater during a test mission by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC). Remarkably, it remained intact after 55 years. Although the developed film did not reveal any images of Nessie, the recovery marks a significant moment in the ongoing fascination with the legendary creature, first reported in the 7th century. The camera will be displayed at The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. NOC engineers emphasized the importance of such missions in advancing marine robotics and understanding ocean ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change and human impact. 
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Apr 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inResearch indicates that birthing positions such as squatting or kneeling can significantly benefit labor by widening the pelvic outlet, thereby shortening delivery times. Despite this, the majority of women in the United States still give birth on their backs, a practice that has been linked to prolonged labor and slower contractions. This position became prevalent in Western culture over the last 200 years, with its origins traced back to 17th-century France. While King Louis XIV is often cited as a catalyst for this change due to his alleged voyeuristic tendencies, it was actually the physician François Mariceau who popularized the reclining position for its comfort and accessibility for midwives. Although the king's influence on birthing practices remains debated, his promotion of this position has left a lasting legacy in modern childbirth, despite its drawbacks.
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Apr 08 2025, 11 ameznews.inMommy, a centenarian tortoise at Philadelphia Zoo, has made history by giving birth to four hatchlings, marking the first successful birth of the critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise (_Chelonoidis porteri_) in the zoo's 150-year history. Both Mommy and her mate, Abrazzo, are approximately 100 years old, making Mommy the oldest known first-time mother of her species. This milestone is part of a breeding program aimed at conserving a population that has dwindled to around 3,400 individuals due to habitat loss and invasive species. The hatchlings, which are vital for genetic diversity, will be publicly introduced on April 23, coinciding with the anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the zoo. Zoo officials emphasize the importance of these births in inspiring conservation efforts and ensuring the survival of this unique species for future generations.
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Apr 08 2025, 2 pmeznews.inResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an innovative antiviral chewing gum that could significantly reduce viral loads for common infections, including influenza and herpes simplex viruses. Led by Dr. Henry Daniell, the team aimed to target viruses in saliva, where they replicate and spread. The gum contains plant-derived proteins, specifically from lablab beans, which naturally produce an antiviral protein called FRIL. In laboratory tests, the gum demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce viral loads by over 95% for influenza and effectively neutralized herpes simplex viruses. The gum remained stable and effective even after 800 days of storage. This breakthrough could pave the way for new strategies to control viral transmission, particularly in light of recent global health challenges. The research, published in *Molecular Therapy*, also aims to explore the gum's efficacy against bird flu strains in future studies.
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Apr 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA new hypothesis suggests that early humans may have learned to create tools not by inventing the technique of knapping, but by utilizing naturally occurring sharp stones, termed "naturaliths." Researchers from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History propose that these naturally formed basalt specimens, found abundantly in regions like Northern Ireland and Oman, could have been used by hominins for cutting tasks before they developed the skill to intentionally shape stones. Professor Metin Eren argues that the presence of these sharp rocks likely influenced early tool use, allowing hominins to process food more efficiently. This theory challenges the traditional narrative of technological advancement, suggesting that the evolution of stone tools may have been a gradual process influenced by readily available resources rather than a sudden breakthrough. The findings, published in *Archaeometry*, call for further archaeological investigation into the use of naturaliths by our ancestors, potentially reshaping our understanding of early human innovation.
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Apr 08 2025, 6 ameznews.inWashington DC's cherry blossom season has reached its peak bloom, with pretty pink petals adorning the Tidal Basin. In 2025, peak bloom occurred on March 28, as defined by the National Park Service, marking the day when over 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. This annual spectacle, typically occurring between late March and early April, is deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of hanami, symbolizing the fleeting beauty of nature and new beginnings. The cherry trees were first gifted to the US in 1909 by Japan to strengthen diplomatic ties, although the initial batch was destroyed due to disease. A second donation in 1912 successfully established the trees in Washington. The cherry blossoms continue to be a cherished symbol of friendship, with Japan recently gifting an additional 250 trees in 2024, reinforcing the enduring bond between the two nations.
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Apr 03 2025, 4 ameznews.inEarth's magnetic field undergoes a reversal approximately every 200,000 to 300,000 years, where the North and South Poles switch places, a phenomenon evidenced by the "zebra stripes" found on the ocean floor. These stripes, formed alongside mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates diverge, are created as molten rock cools and solidifies, trapping magnetic iron oxide crystals (magnetite) that align with the Earth's magnetic field. As the field flips, the orientation of these crystals changes, resulting in alternating patterns that provide a permanent record of geomagnetic history. This discovery has bolstered the theory of plate tectonics, first proposed in the early 20th century, as scientists mapped these magnetic patterns and correlated them with known timelines of reversals. The last significant reversal occurred around 780,100 years ago, leading some to speculate that Earth may be overdue for another flip, although experts caution that an imminent reversal is unlikely.
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Apr 08 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of how humanity is represented visually, the Pioneer plaque, designed by Carl Sagan and his team in the 1970s, featured a nude male and female figure to symbolize our species for potential extraterrestrial civilizations. This image briefly served as the face of humanity on Wikipedia from 2003 to 2008, but it sparked significant debate among editors who criticized it for being unrepresentative and overly simplistic. Concerns included its portrayal of racial features and the lack of clothing, which many argued is a fundamental aspect of human culture. After years of contentious discussions and various proposed alternatives, the image of an Akha couple from Thailand was ultimately chosen as a more inclusive representation. This photograph, depicting both genders and showcasing human tools, has since remained the symbol of humanity on Wikipedia, reflecting a broader and more accurate depiction of our species.
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Apr 07 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study of a 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole, located in Lighthouse Reef Atoll off the coast of Belize, reveals a troubling increase in hurricane activity over the past 5,700 years. Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt found evidence of 574 storm events, indicating a rise in tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean, with projections suggesting up to 45 storms could occur this century alone. The sediment layers, resembling tree rings, highlight distinct tempestites caused by storm surges, contrasting with calmer periods. The study attributes this surge in storm frequency to human-driven climate change, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures and shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The findings underscore the urgent need to address climate change, as the region faces a stormier future. The research is published in the journal Science Advances.
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Apr 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 1954, Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh unearthed two ancient ships beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza, known as the Khufu Boats, believed to be linked to the pharaoh Khufu's journey to the afterlife. These remarkable vessels, measuring approximately 43 meters (141 feet) in length, were crafted from imported Lebanese cedar wood and ingeniously constructed without nails, using a jigsaw-like assembly method. While the prevailing theory suggests they were intended for Khufu's solar journey post-death, some scholars propose they may have served as funeral barges or pilgrimage vessels during his lifetime. After extensive excavation, the first boat was restored and displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2021, while the second was retrieved in 2009. At around 4,500 years old, these ships are the oldest known intact boats globally, showcasing the advanced maritime engineering skills of ancient Egyptians, and could potentially still sail today.
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Apr 08 2025, 12 ameznews.inFootprints discovered at Prince Charles’s Point on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, reveal that large predatory dinosaurs and their herbivorous counterparts congregated at shallow freshwater lagoons 167 million years ago. The site, part of the Kilmaluag Formation, boasts 131 dinosaur tracks, including those of theropods and sauropods, making it one of Scotland's most significant fossil locations. Researchers utilized drone technology and photogrammetry to analyze the footprints, uncovering evidence of "milling behavior" that suggests these dinosaurs preferred lagoon edges over mudflats. Notably, the site features a higher number of theropod tracks compared to sauropods, likely due to its freshwater environment. This discovery not only enhances understanding of dinosaur behavior during the Middle Jurassic but also intertwines with Scottish history, as the area was once a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. The findings are detailed in a study published in PLOS One.
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Apr 04 2025, 12 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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