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Since their discovery in 1843, the classification of _Prototaxites_ has sparked debate among scientists, with theories suggesting they could be early land plants, giant fungi, or even a new kingdom of life. While most now agree they are a type of fungus, a recent study of _Prototaxites taiti_ fossils from the well-preserved Rhynie chert in Scotland challenges this view. Researchers found that _P. taiti_ lacks key structural components typical of fungi, such as chitin and beta-glucan, and exhibits unique features not seen in any known living fungi. This led them to propose that _P. taiti_ represents a distinct lineage of multicellular life, separate from existing groups, which thrived for millions of years before extinction. The study, currently under peer review, suggests that the ecosystems surrounding _Prototaxites_ were composed of different life forms, indicating a complex prehistoric environment. 
Published: Mar 26 2025, 2 ameznews.inA buoyancy dilemma involving a ping pong ball and an iron ball has sparked debate on Reddit, where user Veiy posed the question of which way a scale would tip when the two are placed in water. The crux of the issue lies in the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle, which states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Both balls displace the same amount of water, generating equal buoyant forces. However, when suspended by strings, the ping pong ball's buoyant force counteracts the downward force on the water, resulting in a lighter beaker, while the iron ball's weight increases the beaker's overall weight. Consequently, the beaker with the ping pong ball rises, while the one with the iron ball descends. Without strings, both beakers balance, as they experience equal downward forces.
Published: Mar 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study published in BJU International has revealed a significant increase in the depiction of human penis size in art over the past seven centuries, particularly from the 20th century onwards. Researchers analyzed 232 paintings of nude males from 21 countries, focusing on the penis-to-ear and penis-to-nose ratios to assess changes in perceived ideal size. Findings indicated that while penis sizes were relatively small in the 15th and 16th centuries, they began to grow larger from the 19th century, culminating in an average ratio of 1.5761 in the 21st century. The study suggests that the rise in perceived size may be influenced by the internet and pornography, which often associate larger sizes with masculinity and partner satisfaction. The researchers caution that these evolving ideals could exacerbate body image issues among men, as many tend to overestimate average sizes and seek potentially harmful enhancements.
Published: Mar 27 2025, 11 ameznews.inOver 111 years after its tragic sinking, the Titanic remains a source of intrigue, with surprising revelations about its wreckage. Notably, despite extensive exploration since its rediscovery in 1985, no human remains have ever been found on board. James Cameron, who has visited the site 33 times, noted, “We’ve seen clothing and pairs of shoes, but we’ve never seen any human remains.” The absence of bodies can be attributed to several factors, including the buoyancy of lifejackets, which may have carried bodies away from the wreck site, and deep-sea scavengers that consumed flesh and exposed bones. Additionally, the Titanic lies below the calcium carbonate compensation depth, where bones dissolve in the ocean's chemistry. While some speculate that sealed areas of the ship may still contain preserved remains, the likelihood of finding recognizable bodies diminishes as time passes.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRecent claims circulating online and in tabloids suggest that Nostradamus predicted Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine would lead to World War III. These interpretations reference a passage that ominously forecasts "seven months of the Great War," which some speculate could relate to the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Nostradamus is said to have foreseen a famine so severe that it would drive humanity to cannibalism, with soaring wheat prices as a catalyst. However, experts argue that Nostradamus's predictions are often vague and open to interpretation, allowing for "postdictions" that seem relevant only after events occur. For instance, a passage linked to Hitler's rise is similarly ambiguous, demonstrating how easily Nostradamus's words can be retrofitted to fit historical events. Ultimately, analysts conclude that Nostradamus did not accurately predict the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the interpretative nature of his writings.
Published: Mar 25 2025, 2 ameznews.inWhen you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in the absence of light, as the cells at the back of your eyes continue to generate weak internal signals that mimic light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, these patterns arise from random activity in the retinal cells, which the brain interprets as visual stimuli. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as retinal detachment or neurological conditions, especially if the patterns change or become more pronounced. Applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce phosphenes, but caution is advised. If you experience persistent or altered visual disturbances, consulting a medical professional is recommended.
Published: Mar 27 2025, 5 ameznews.inA hidden pantry pest, the rice weevil, may be lurking in your rice, often entering in its larval form within the grains. While these tiny insects are common and pose no health risks if consumed, they can lead to significant damage if left unchecked. Rice weevils thrive on grains like rice and corn, with females laying eggs inside the grains, leading to infestations if rice is improperly stored. Industrial rice production employs fumigation to combat these pests, but it is not always foolproof. Studies suggest that heat sterilization can help minimize infestations, particularly in raw milled rice. For consumers, washing rice can help remove any weevils, and proper storage in airtight containers can prevent infestations. While the presence of rice weevils may be unsettling, they are not harmful, and some even advocate for insects as a sustainable protein source for the future.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Arctic Sea has recorded its lowest winter ice maximum since satellite monitoring began 47 years ago, covering just 14.33 million square kilometers, which is 1.3 million square kilometers below the 1981-2010 average. This alarming data, released by the National Snow and Ice Data Center, highlights a concerning trend, with previous record lows occurring in the last decade. The maximum ice extent was reached 10 days later than the historical average, and temperatures in the region were 1 to 2 °C above normal. The ongoing climate crisis is underscored by the fact that 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to call for urgent action to combat climate change. He emphasized the need for countries to transition to renewable energy to avert further environmental degradation, stating, "This is climate breakdown – in real-time."
Published: Mar 29 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe early European colonization of America, often romanticized, was marked by rival factions with conflicting agendas, as exemplified by the case of Thomas Morton and his book, *New English Canaan*, published in 1637. Morton, a lawyer and social reformer, criticized the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, portraying them as intolerant and hypocritical. His book, which highlighted the contrast between Puritan theocracy and the more harmonious lifestyles of Indigenous peoples, was swiftly banned, making it likely the first book censored in America. Morton, who had previously co-founded the settlement of Merrymount and promoted trade with Indigenous communities, clashed with the Puritans over their strict societal norms and his hedonistic celebrations, including the controversial erection of a maypole. The Puritan authorities' crackdown on Morton’s publication underscores the political tensions and ideological divides that characterized early colonial life, revealing a complex narrative of governance and censorship in the New World.
Published: Mar 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inT Coronae Borealis, known as the Blaze Star, is anticipated to go nova soon, with the first potential date for its eruption set for March 27, 2025. This binary star system, comprising a red giant and a white dwarf, experiences periodic brightness increases approximately every 80 years due to the white dwarf accumulating material from its companion, leading to a thermonuclear explosion. Historical records indicate previous eruptions in 1787, 1866, and 1946, with a possible earlier event noted in a medieval manuscript from 1217. While precise predictions for such stellar explosions remain elusive, recent research has suggested additional possible dates, including November 10, 2025, and June 25, 2026, with the possibility of extending into 2027. The unpredictability of T Coronae Borealis's nova adds to its intrigue, prompting both professional astronomers and citizen scientists to monitor the star closely for insights into future eruptions.
Published: Mar 27 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed a significant increase in cases of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) linked to COVID-19, with incidence rates now 15 times higher than before the pandemic. Researchers from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with a history of COVID-19 are nearly eight times more likely to develop ME/CFS. The study, part of the NIH's RECOVER Initiative, assessed 11,785 participants post-COVID and identified that 4.5% met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, compared to just 0.6% of uninfected individuals. Symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, dizziness, and cognitive impairments were prevalent among those affected, mirroring those seen in 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: Mar 29 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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