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Archaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a Medieval skeleton believed to belong to a young man, aged between 17 and 20, who suffered a gruesome death in the 13th century, likely due to a combination of torture and a botched beheading. The skeleton, found near a cathedral in northern Italy, exhibits symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting he was subjected to the notorious "breaking wheel," a brutal torture device used for public executions. This method involved systematically smashing limbs and further inflicting injuries before displaying the victim on a pole. The researchers speculate that the man may have been targeted as a suspected plague spreader, leading to his horrific fate. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed unusual fractures at the base of his skull, likely from a clumsy decapitation, marking this case as potentially the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy. 
Published: Aug 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inScientists have uncovered some of the oldest air ever studied, trapped in rock salt over 800 million years ago, revealing surprising insights into Earth's ancient atmosphere. Led by geochemist Dr. Nigel Blamey, the international team utilized a novel technique to extract tiny gas bubbles from halite samples collected in Australia. Their analysis indicated that oxygen levels at that time were between 10.3% and 13.4%, significantly higher than previous estimates of around 2%. This finding suggests that the atmosphere was conducive to the flourishing of early animal life, contrasting with the current oxygen level of 20.9%. While some researchers have raised questions about the accuracy of these measurements, suggesting oxygen levels may be closer to 6.6%, the study marks a significant advancement in directly analyzing ancient atmospheric gases, paving the way for further exploration of Earth's climatic history and its impact on life. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Kawah Ijen volcano in East Java, Indonesia, is renowned for its striking blue lava, a phenomenon caused by the combustion of sulfur gas that ignites as it escapes from volcanic fissures. This unique display is attributed to Ijen's significant sulfur deposits and the extreme heat of its hydrothermal system, which can exceed 600°C (1,112°F). While the lava itself is not entirely blue, the flames produced create a captivating sight, best viewed at night. The Ijen complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features around 22 eruption points and a highly acidic crater lake with a pH as low as 0.5. Additionally, the volcano supports a sulfur mining industry, where miners extract "Devil's Gold" from the vents, despite the hazardous working conditions. While the area’s natural beauty attracts tourists, experts advise enjoying the spectacle from a safe distance due to the associated risks. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Albatwitch, a local cryptid standing 4 to 5 feet tall, has captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike. Described as a slender, hairy creature with glowing red or yellow eyes, the Albatwitch is said to be nocturnal and mischievous, often stealing apples from picnickers at Chickies Rock. Christopher Vera, director of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society and co-founder of the annual Albatwitch Day festival, has documented around 60 sightings, including his own encounter in 2002. The origins of the Albatwitch legend are debated, with theories ranging from Native American folklore to escaped circus monkeys. Each year, the Albatwitch Day festival attracts thousands, celebrating this unique local legend with activities and merchandise. Despite numerous sightings, no photographic evidence of the creature has emerged, leaving its existence shrouded in mystery and intrigue. 
Published: Aug 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inA new trend known as "vabbing" is gaining traction on social media, particularly TikTok, where users claim that applying vaginal secretions to pulse points can enhance attractiveness, serving as a natural alternative to perfume. The trend was popularized by influencer Mandy Lee, who suggested using two fingers to collect fluids before applying them to areas like the neck and wrists. Proponents, including sex educator Shan Boodram, argue that vaginal fluids may contain copulins—chemical messengers that could stimulate sexual arousal, similar to pheromones in the animal kingdom. However, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of vabbing is limited, with research indicating that while some women produce copulins, no definitive human pheromone has been identified. Despite the lack of robust scientific backing, the trend continues to flourish online, with many users sharing their experiences and promoting its supposed benefits. 
Published: Aug 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study has explored the interactions between dolphins and whales, aiming to determine whether these encounters are playful or merely instances of harassment. Researchers analyzed 199 documented interactions involving 19 species, primarily through social media footage and two animal-borne videos from humpback whales in Australia. Co-author Olivia Crawley noted the intrigue of observing behaviors such as bow riding and close touches. The findings suggest that approximately 25% of these interactions can be classified as positive or playful, particularly among humpback whales, where about a third of encounters exhibited friendly behaviors. Notably, eight instances of deliberate touching were recorded, with interactions continuing below the water's surface. While negative interactions were rare, the study highlights the complexity of social behaviors in marine mammals, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics within marine ecosystems. The research is published in Discover Animals. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA new study highlights the challenges in researching long COVID due to the absence of a standardized definition for the condition, which affects individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. The research, which analyzed studies from the US, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, and Puerto Rico, found that varying definitions led to prevalence estimates ranging from 15% to 42% among a cohort of 4,575 patients. This inconsistency complicates comparisons across studies and may hinder understanding of the condition, according to lead researcher Lauren Wisk from UCLA. The lack of an objective diagnostic test further complicates matters, as diagnoses rely on patient-reported symptoms, risking mislabeling and misguiding care. The authors suggest that a more concise list of symptoms could enhance clarity and improve research outcomes. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open, underscoring the urgent need for a unified approach to long COVID. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a surprising case reported in the ACG Case Reports Journal, a 59-year-old man undergoing a routine colonoscopy was found to have a ladybug residing in his colon. The clinical team, led by researchers from Wolters Kluwer Health, noted that the ladybug, identified as _Harmonia axyridis_, likely survived the digestive process due to the rapid transit facilitated by a polyethylene glycol laxative used for bowel preparation. This unusual discovery raises questions about how the insect entered the man's body, with the authors suggesting it may have slipped in while he was sleeping. The case highlights the unexpected findings that can occur during colonoscopies, as gastrointestinal specialist Dr. Keith Siau noted similar instances involving cockroaches. Such occurrences remind us of the intricate relationship between humans and nature, even within our own bodies. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inBathing habits have varied significantly throughout history and across cultures, from the communal baths of ancient Rome to the avoidance of water in early-modern Europe due to health fears. In contemporary society, regular bathing is often seen as essential. Notably, Amou Haji, dubbed the "world's dirtiest man," lived for over 50 years without bathing, believing that clean water would harm him. His death shortly after his first wash in 2022 sparked speculation about the effects of his hygiene practices, although he was 94 years old. Other historical figures, like Kailash Singh, who abstained from bathing for 35 years, and Nathaniel Bentley, known as "Dirty Dick," illustrate the extremes of non-washing. Experts warn that neglecting hygiene can lead to skin issues and infections, while excessive washing can also cause skin problems. Ultimately, the frequency of bathing should be tailored to individual needs, balancing cleanliness with skin health. 
Published: Aug 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe world's freshwater ecosystems are home to some truly fearsome creatures, rivaling the horrors of the deep sea. Among them is the giant freshwater stingray (_Urogymnus polylepis_), which can grow over 2 meters wide and weigh up to 300 kilograms, boasting a formidable barb that can inflict painful wounds. Another unsettling inhabitant is the diving bell spider (_Argyroneta aquatica_), the only spider that lives almost entirely underwater, using a silk structure to breathe. The Goliath tigerfish (_Hydrocynus goliath_), known for its impressive size and razor-sharp teeth, poses a threat to smaller prey, though it rarely targets humans. Lastly, the notorious candiru catfish has a reputation for allegedly invading human orifices, though this is largely exaggerated; however, some species have been known to latch onto humans, causing painful injuries. These creatures remind us that terror can lurk in both salt and fresh waters. 
Published: Aug 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inScientists have identified over 300 previously uncharted underwater canyons off the coast of Antarctica, utilizing advanced high-resolution bathymetric data. This research, conducted by teams from University College Cork and the University of Barcelona, revealed 332 submarine trenches—five times more than earlier studies had documented. Some of these canyons plunge more than 4,000 meters into the ocean, with the most intricate systems located in East Antarctica, characterized by complex, branching structures. In contrast, the western canyons are shorter and steeper. This disparity suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is significantly older than its western counterpart. The findings underscore the importance of these canyons in ocean circulation and marine ecosystems. The study highlights the need for continued exploration of the seafloor, as much of it remains unmapped, which could lead to further discoveries and enhance climate change models. The research is published in the journal Marine Geology. 
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