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In a remarkable tale from Australia, Jake Gray has welcomed a gigantic huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for the past year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock many would feel at having such a large arachnid as a housemate, Gray's children have been reassured by the spider's presence, even witnessing her catch an Asian house gecko. While huntsman spiders, known for their speed and size, can produce venom, they are generally harmless to humans and prefer to flee rather than bite. Experts advise that if one encounters a huntsman, the best approach is to remain calm and safely relocate the spider outside. 
Published: Mar 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA snorkeler in Egypt's Red Sea narrowly escaped a potentially life-threatening encounter after picking up a beautiful seashell, unaware it housed a venomous cone snail. The anonymous individual shared his experience on Reddit, expressing initial excitement over the shell's beauty but later learned of the dangers associated with handling such creatures. Many users quickly identified the shell as belonging to a cone snail, particularly the textile cone, known for its potent venom that can be fatal to humans. Cone snails possess a specialized tooth that injects conotoxins, and while most species deliver mild stings, some can be deadly. With fewer than 100 recorded fatalities attributed to cone snail stings, experts advise against touching living marine creatures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and leaving natural habitats undisturbed for both personal safety and ecological health.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe discovery of the oldest hominid facial bones in Western Europe, dated between 1.1 and 1.4 million years ago, has unveiled a previously unknown human lineage, _Homo affinis (aff.) erectus_, at the Sima del Elefante site in northern Spain. This finding challenges the long-held belief that _Homo antecessor_ was the first hominid in the region. The specimen, nicknamed "Pink," exhibits primitive facial features reminiscent of _Homo erectus_, suggesting a distinct species inhabited Europe before _H. antecessor_. Researchers, including Dr. Rosa Huguet and Dr. María Martinón-Torres, emphasize that this discovery enriches our understanding of human evolution, indicating multiple species coexisted in early Pleistocene Europe. Stone tools and butchered animal remains found at the site suggest that _Homo aff. erectus_ was an adept hunter, although it remains unclear whether this species coexisted with _H. antecessor_ or was entirely replaced by it. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 11 pmeznews.inGoosebumps, a common physiological response to cold or emotional stimuli, are rooted in our evolutionary past when our hairy ancestors used piloerection to appear larger and deter predators. While modern humans have less body hair, the reflex persists, triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, which causes tiny muscles under the skin to contract. Recent research has revealed that this response also plays a role in hair follicle regeneration, suggesting a dual function: immediate protection and long-term hair growth. Additionally, some individuals experience goosebumps in response to music or emotional stimuli, linked to unique brain connectivity that enhances emotional processing. Neurologist Adam Zeman highlights studies showing that goosebumps are associated with deep brain activation related to rewarding experiences. Thus, while often dismissed as an evolutionary remnant, goosebumps may hold significant implications for understanding human emotion and potential medical advancements.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAstronomers have identified a red dwarf star in a system likely responsible for a repeating radio signal detected every 125 minutes, alongside evidence of a white dwarf companion. This discovery aligns with a previous finding from last year, enhancing understanding of the systems that generate such signals, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Recent advancements in radio telescopes have led to the classification of long-period radio transients (LPRTs), which exhibit pulsar-like characteristics but with significantly longer periods. The newly identified source, ILTJ1101+5521, was traced to a red dwarf approximately 1,600 light-years away, orbiting a white dwarf. Researchers speculate that the radio emissions may originate from the white dwarf or their interaction, but the exact cause is still unknown. The study, published in *Nature Astronomy*, highlights the need for further observations to unravel the complexities of these cosmic phenomena.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA newly discovered ancient shark species, named _Clavusodens mcginnisi_ or the "McGinnis’ nail tooth," has been unearthed in Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave system. This small shark, measuring only 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches), is recognized for its unique flat-crowned, nail-like back teeth, which were adapted for crushing crustaceans and small marine life, while its chisel-like front teeth suggest a varied diet. The species is part of the obruchevodid petalodonts, specialized cartilaginous fish from the Middle Mississippian period. The discovery honors David McGinnis, a naturalist and former National Park Service superintendent, for his contributions to paleontological stewardship. This find adds to a growing list of prehistoric fish identified in Mammoth Cave, enhancing our understanding of ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of modern sharks, according to Superintendent Barclay Trimble. The study is published in the Journal of Paleontology.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSaturn has surged ahead of Jupiter in the race for the most moons, with the recent discovery of 128 new natural satellites, bringing its total to 274. This significant finding was made by researchers using the Canada France Hawaii Telescope, which monitored Saturn from 2019 to 2021 and again in 2023. Lead researcher Dr. Edward Ashton noted that the newly identified moons are likely fragments from larger moons that were shattered in a collision within the last 100 million years. The irregular moons, including those in the Mundilfari subgroup, exhibit retrograde orbits, suggesting they were captured by Saturn's gravity rather than formed from its original dust disk. The International Astronomical Union has officially recognized these moons, but experts believe that further discoveries may be limited with current technology. Dr. Ashton emphasized that this research enhances our understanding of Saturn's complex moon system and its evolutionary history.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inDogs are often celebrated as humanity's best friend, but they can also introduce harmful microbes into homes, particularly through their water bowls. A common issue pet owners may overlook is the formation of biofilms—communities of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that thrive in moist environments. These biofilms can develop in water bowls, especially when food particles and organic matter are present, creating a breeding ground for pathogens like Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella, which can pose health risks to dogs. To mitigate this, experts recommend cleaning the bowl daily with hot, soapy water and performing a weekly deep clean using a vinegar solution. Choosing ceramic or stainless steel bowls can also help reduce biofilm build-up, while replacing any chipped or cracked bowls is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the health and safety of canine companions.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory has confirmed the discovery of approximately 40 circular structures at the bottom of Lake Michigan, identified as sinkholes. These depressions, ranging from 91 to 183 meters in diameter, were first detected during a 2022 sonar survey and further examined in an August expedition, located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone by groundwater. Similar formations in Lake Huron have been found to host unique microbial communities, offering insights into early Earth conditions. Researchers are eager to explore the Lake Michigan sinkholes, as they may harbor comparable microbial life, including strains of cyanobacteria and methane-producing Archaea, potentially revealing new and undiscovered species. Further studies are anticipated to deepen understanding of these intriguing underwater features and their ecological significance.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 2 pmeznews.inRecent research suggests that creatine, commonly associated with bodybuilding, may enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression, which affects approximately 280 million people globally. Traditional treatments, including psychotherapies and medications, do not work for all patients, with up to 25% experiencing no relief or dropping out due to side effects. The study involved 100 participants in India with moderate to severe depression, who received either creatine or a placebo alongside biweekly CBT. After eight weeks, those taking creatine showed a significant reduction in depression scores, averaging 5.8 compared to 11.9 in the placebo group. Experts highlight the substantial impact of creatine on patient well-being, though they call for larger and more diverse trials to confirm these findings. If validated, creatine could become a valuable, cost-effective addition to depression treatment strategies. The study is published in the journal *European Neuropsychopharmacology*.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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