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The European cave spider (_Meta menardi_) has gained attention as interest in cave-dwelling arachnids rises, revealing a variety of impressive species that thrive in dark, abandoned spaces. Among these is the recently identified Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider (_Califorctenus cacachilensis_), discovered in an abandoned mine in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This new genus, related to the venomous Brazilian wandering spider, boasts a leg span of approximately 10 centimeters and a stocky body, making it a formidable predator despite its non-lethal venom. Field entomologist Jim Berrian noted that miners likely cohabited with these spiders, as the mine was once active. Additionally, cave orb-weavers like _Meta menardi_ are common in the UK, employing webs as tripwires to catch prey. Recent discoveries of blind spider species in Israeli caves highlight the extreme adaptations of these creatures to their dark environments. 
Published: Sep 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a remarkable incident from 2017, a stowaway rat aboard a Miami to Berlin flight sparked panic among passengers before being captured by a sniffer dog and handed over to scientists at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut. Initially thought to be a mere nuisance, the rat's unexpected journey has provided valuable insights into global disease transmission. Researchers, led by Professor Rainer Ulrich, discovered that the rat carried a strain of _Staphylococcus aureus_ closely related to human variants, highlighting the potential for rats to transmit pathogens to humans. While the rat did not harbor any major infectious diseases, its journey underscores the risks posed by animals hitching rides on planes, emphasizing the need for immediate capture and thorough pathogen screening of stowaways. This study serves as a crucial reminder of the role rats play in the global spread of diseases, as air travel accelerates the movement of both people and pathogens.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 6 ameznews.inThis week, scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by injecting phosphor particles into succulents, causing them to glow for hours, reminiscent of scenes from _Avatar_. In paleontology, new fossils of the ankylosaur _Spicomellus afer_ reveal it was adorned with massive spikes fused to its bones, some nearly a meter long, marking a unique form of armor among vertebrates. Meanwhile, a historical incident involving physicist Anatoli Bugorski, who survived being struck in the head by a proton beam in 1978, has been re-examined through 3D digital analysis, shedding light on his extraordinary survival. Additionally, the phenomenon of glowing seafood, particularly shrimp, has garnered attention, with experts explaining how refrigeration can lead to bioluminescence in frozen marine life. These diverse scientific discoveries highlight the ongoing intrigue in both biology and physics.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent online discussion sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." While some users jokingly suggested they served as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" to aid drying, the consensus leaned towards their practical benefits. These woven strips enhance the towel's absorbency, prevent fraying, and maintain an even structure, ensuring the towel remains lightweight and efficient for drying. According to Towel Hub, the dobby border not only contributes to durability but also adds an aesthetic touch, making towels suitable for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex questions, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 11 pmeznews.inGeologists have uncovered evidence of a significant climatic shift during the Carnian pluvial event, approximately 232 million years ago, which marked the onset of a prolonged wet period lasting 1-2 million years. This era, characterized by increased rainfall and humidity, coincided with the emergence and diversification of dinosaurs. Research conducted in the Eastern Alps and the UK revealed layers of sediment that indicate this global phenomenon, with similar deposits found across South America, China, and Australia. The cause is believed to be linked to massive volcanic eruptions from the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, which released greenhouse gases and triggered global warming. While the humid conditions initially led to extinctions due to acid rain and habitat loss, they ultimately allowed dinosaurs to thrive and expand their ecological dominance, shaping the future of terrestrial life. This event is considered pivotal in the evolutionary history of modern fauna.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIstanbul-based illustrator and paleoartist C. M. Kosemen has sparked intrigue with his unsettling re-imaginings of contemporary animals, depicted solely from their skeletal structures, much like how dinosaurs are illustrated. His artwork reveals a stark contrast to familiar representations, showcasing creatures such as elephants and baboons in a terrifying light, devoid of the soft tissue that typically defines their appearance. Kosemen's work highlights the challenges of reconstructing animals based solely on bones, often leading to exaggeratedly thin depictions. This phenomenon mirrors historical inaccuracies in paleontology, such as the misinterpretation of velociraptors and the amusing case of a woolly rhinoceros skeleton mistaken for a unicorn in the 17th century. Kosemen's illustrations serve as a reminder of the limitations of skeletal depictions and the potential for misrepresentation in the realm of paleoart. For more of his work, visit his website.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAn international team of researchers has unveiled new insights from NASA's Perseverance rover, which last year sampled mudstone with unusual mineral formations, suggesting potential biosignatures. The analysis focused on the Bright Angel formation, revealing iron phosphate and iron sulfide organized in nodules, alongside features linked to organic carbon formed under habitable conditions. Notably, these minerals are clustered in specific zones, supporting the hypothesis of past life on Mars. While the findings are exciting, they remain at the initial stage of NASA's Confidence of Life Detection scale, indicating only a possible signal. The team emphasizes the need for further analysis, ideally on Earth, to confirm the origins of these signatures. The Sapphire Canyon sample, which is sealed for future return, could provide crucial insights, although the Mars Sample Return mission faces potential cancellation. The research is detailed in the journal Nature.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMicrofiber cloths, essential tools for professionals in cleaning, offer superior cleaning capabilities due to their unique structure and composition. Defined as fibers finer than one denier, these synthetic materials, often made from polyester and polyamide, can absorb up to seven times their weight in water. Their effectiveness stems from a combination of factors, including a larger surface area, sharp angular edges that trap dirt, and powerful capillary action enhanced by van der Waals forces. However, despite their advantages, microfiber cloths contribute to microplastic pollution, shedding tiny fibers during washing. Experts recommend washing them with cold water, avoiding detergents, and using microfiber filters in washing machines to mitigate environmental impact. While the development of non-shedding textiles is a long-term goal, current solutions focus on reducing microfiber release during laundry.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe European wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) is facing a critical threat in Scotland due to hybridization with domestic cats (_F. catus_), which has been occurring for the past 60 years. This interbreeding has led to "hybrid swarms" that dilute the genetic integrity of the wildcat population, which is already endangered, with estimates suggesting only 30 to 430 individuals remain in the wild. Habitat loss and persecution have further exacerbated their decline, confining them to the Scottish Highlands. The rise of hybrids complicates conservation efforts, raising questions about species identity and the viability of future generations. Additionally, domestic cats pose risks to local wildlife through hunting and the spread of toxic substances from flea treatments. Conservationists advocate for stricter regulations on pet ownership, including microchipping and neutering, to mitigate these impacts and protect Scotland's last wild felids.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 2 ameznews.inA new clinical trial challenges the long-held belief that cannabidiol (CBD) mitigates the intoxicating effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), suggesting instead that CBD may enhance THC's effects. Conducted by Geert J. Groeneveld and colleagues, the double-blind study involved 37 healthy adults who consumed THC alongside varying doses of CBD. Participants reported feeling significantly "higher" and less alert when THC was combined with 450 milligrams of CBD, while lower doses of CBD showed no notable impact. The findings indicate that rather than counteracting THC's effects, higher doses of CBD may amplify them, contradicting the notion of a balancing "entourage effect." The researchers are continuing to explore the effects of pure CBD, but caution that these results pertain only to oral consumption, leaving inhalation effects unexamined. The study is published in *Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics*.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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