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A recent study suggests that the Kasta tomb, believed to be the burial site of Hephaestion, Alexander the Great's closest companion, may have been intentionally designed to align with the winter solstice. Discovered in 2012 near Amphipolis, Greece, the tomb is the largest of its kind from ancient Macedonia and contains the remains of five individuals. Research led by Demetrius Savvides utilized a 3D model to simulate solar movements, indicating that sunlight fully illuminated the tomb's inner chamber from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on December 21, potentially symbolizing themes of renewal and life associated with the goddess Cybele. However, historian Juan de Lara from Oxford University has raised concerns about the study's conclusions, noting that the ancient Macedonian lunisolar calendar could mean the solstice date varied annually, suggesting the illumination might be coincidental rather than a deliberate design feature. The findings are published in the Nexus Network Journal. 
Published: May 30 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed the remarkable navigation abilities of harbor seals (_Phoca vitulina_) in low-visibility ocean conditions. Researchers aimed to understand whether these seals rely on their vision or other senses, such as their whiskers, to determine their direction in murky waters filled with particles like sand and phytoplankton. To investigate, they created three computer simulations that mimicked different underwater environments, allowing seals named Nick, Luca, and Miro to indicate their perceived movement direction by tapping a red ball. While Nick and Luca quickly adapted to the task, Miro took longer to learn but ultimately matched their performance. The seals demonstrated a good degree of accuracy in determining their heading, although not as proficient as humans or rhesus macaques. The study highlights the cognitive capabilities of these marine mammals and sets the stage for future research on how they navigate amidst drifting particles. The findings are published in *The Journal of Experimental Biology*.
Published: Jun 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Great Glen Fault, a significant geological feature in Scotland, stretches diagonally from northeast to southwest, marking a striking reminder of the Earth's ever-changing landscape. Formed during the Caledonian Orogeny, approximately 430 to 390 million years ago, this strike-slip fault resulted from the horizontal movement of Earth's crustal blocks. It aligns with the Great Glen, a 100-kilometer valley that hosts famous lochs, including Loch Ness. The fault has shaped Scotland's geography and human history, creating harsh conditions in the Highlands that fostered the dominance of Scottish clans, while the more fertile Lowlands supported larger settlements like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Historically, the Great Glen served as a strategic battleground during the Jacobite uprisings, evidenced by fortresses such as Fort William and Fort Augustus. Although the fault remains geologically active, modern-day earthquakes are typically minor, reflecting a quieter era in both military and geological terms.
Published: Jun 02 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHawai'i's Kilauea volcano, renowned for its persistent activity over the past 30 years, has recently erupted spectacularly, sending lava fountains soaring up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) into the sky. This latest episode, which began in December 2024, marks the 23rd phase of volcanic activity and features vigorous fountaining not seen since the mid-1980s. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the current eruption is characterized by episodic fountaining from the north and south vents of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which is steeped in local mythology as the home of the volcanic goddess Pelehonuamea. The eruptions have produced tephra and "Pele’s hair," a form of volcanic glass, while also releasing approximately 83,000 tons of sulfur dioxide daily. As episode 23 concludes, observers anticipate the onset of episode 24 in the coming days.
Published: May 29 2025, 11 pmeznews.inDespite being a common experience, the phenomenon of tickling, or gargalesis, remains one of the greatest mysteries in science, perplexing thinkers for over 2,000 years. Researchers, including neuroscientist Konstantina Kilteni, highlight the lack of understanding surrounding why certain body areas are more sensitive, why some enjoy tickling while others do not, and why we cannot tickle ourselves. Existing studies suggest that individuals with autism perceive ticklish sensations differently, potentially offering insights into neurological differences. The evolutionary purpose of tickling is also questioned, as it appears to be a behavior shared among various species, including apes and rats. Kilteni's innovative tickling lab aims to standardize research methods, allowing for a deeper exploration of the brain's response to tickling. This research could not only clarify the mechanics of tickling but also enhance our understanding of brain development and social bonding. The findings are detailed in a recent publication in *Science Advances*.
Published: May 29 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA man living in Australia under the alias John Vincent Damon has been identified as escaped US prisoner William Leslie Arnold, thanks to DNA evidence gathered by US Marshals in Nebraska. Arnold, who was just 16 when he murdered his parents and buried them in their backyard, confessed to the crime two weeks later. He received two life sentences in 1959 but escaped from the Nebraska State Penitentiary in 1967. After living in Chicago, California, and eventually Australia, Arnold raised a family, who believed him to be an orphan. The truth emerged when his son submitted DNA to a genealogical database, leading to a match with Arnold's brother. Deputy US Marshal Matthew Westover, who took on Arnold's cold case in 2020, confirmed the identity, revealing the dark past of a man described as a "great father" by his family. Arnold passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in deception.
Published: May 30 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the unexpected consequences of accidental LSD overdoses through three case reports. One notable case involved a 15-year-old girl with bipolar II disorder who, after consuming a dose ten times higher than intended at a party, experienced erratic behavior and a subsequent seizure-like episode. Remarkably, her mental health improved significantly over the following years, with no symptoms of bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. Another case featured a woman who unknowingly ingested a high dose at a festival while pregnant, but both she and her child remained unharmed. The most extreme case involved a woman who mistakenly snorted 55 milligrams of pure LSD, resulting in severe vomiting and a prolonged altered state, yet she later reported positive effects on her chronic pain, leading to a reduction in morphine use. The authors caution that these anecdotal cases do not warrant experimentation with high doses.
Published: May 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA recent case study from St George's Medical School in London highlights the potential long-term dangers of excessive ecstasy use, despite the drug often being considered relatively safe compared to substances like alcohol and tobacco. The subject, referred to as "Mr A," consumed over 40,000 MDMA tablets between the ages of 21 and 30, far exceeding the previous lifetime intake record of 2,000. Following three collapses at parties, he ceased use but experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including panic attacks, anxiety, and memory impairment. Although some symptoms improved after reducing cannabis use, significant cognitive deficits persisted, suggesting that the effects of prolonged ecstasy use may not be fully reversible. The study underscores the risks associated with high-dose MDMA consumption, including potential serotonin syndrome and lasting neurological impacts, raising concerns about the drug's safety profile for heavy users.
Published: Jun 02 2025, 1 ameznews.inA new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is under monitoring by the World Health Organization after being detected in several countries, including the USA. Virologist Lara Herrero notes that this variant has rapidly increased in prevalence, comprising 10.7% of sequences by late April 2025, and is dominant in Hong Kong and China. While there is no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, it may spread more easily and evade prior immunity. In a significant policy shift, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that healthy children and pregnant women will no longer be advised to receive COVID vaccines, a move that has sparked controversy and confusion among health experts. Critics argue that limiting vaccine access could jeopardize public health, especially as new variants emerge. Meanwhile, the CDC has yet to include NB.1.8.1 in its monitoring dashboard due to low case numbers.
Published: May 30 2025, 8 ameznews.inHells Canyon, straddling the border of eastern Oregon and western Idaho, is recognized as North America's deepest river gorge, plunging to a maximum depth of 2,436 meters (7,993 feet). Recent geological research reveals that this impressive feature is relatively young, having formed approximately 2.1 million years ago due to a significant shift in the Snake River's course, which enhanced its erosive power. In contrast, the Grand Canyon, carved over 5 to 6 million years, reaches a depth of 1,857 meters (6,093 feet). The construction of the Hells Canyon Dam complex in the 1960s and '70s sparked controversy over hydroelectric power and its environmental impact, particularly on salmon migration. While Hells Canyon is often touted as the deepest gorge, a rival, the "Great Gorge" beneath Alaska's Ruth Glacier, may exceed it in depth, with estimates suggesting it could reach 2,465 meters (8,087 feet). The findings are detailed in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.
Published: May 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inCocky Bennett, a sulfur-crested cockatoo from Sydney, Australia, lived an astonishing 120 years before his death in 1916, making him one of the longest-living animals on record. Born during George Washington's presidency, Cocky outlived two of his owners and spent his early years traveling the South Sea Islands with Captain George Ellis. After Ellis's death, Cocky retired with the Bowden family, eventually becoming a local celebrity at the Sea Breeze Hotel, where he entertained patrons with his humorous catchphrases. Despite suffering from a viral disease that left him nearly bald and with a twisted beak, Cocky maintained his lively personality until the end. His legacy extended beyond his life; a collection box attached to his cage raised funds for St. George Hospital, resulting in three hospital beds named in his honor. Cocky’s remarkable lifespan and vibrant character left an indelible mark on the community.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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