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A new study suggests that the world’s oldest wooden spears, discovered in Schöningen, Germany, were likely crafted by Neanderthals around 200,000 years ago, challenging previous estimates of their age at 400,000 years. This remarkable assemblage, which includes nine complete spears and other weapons, represents the only fully preserved collection of wooden Paleolithic tools. Researchers, led by Dr. Jarod Hutson, determined the spears' age by analyzing the deposits they were found in, revealing insights into Neanderthal behavior during a time when they were developing collective hunting strategies. The findings indicate that Neanderthals targeted entire family groups of wild horses, suggesting a high level of social cooperation in their hunting practices. While an even older spearhead fragment from Clacton, England, hints at earlier hunting capabilities, the Schöningen spears provide crucial evidence of the social dynamics and intelligence of Neanderthals, paralleling early modern humans. The study is published in *Science Advances*. 
Published: May 10 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a remarkable medical case from 2012, a 57-year-old quadriplegic man exhibited a heart rate of 600 beats per minute (bpm), significantly exceeding the theoretical maximum of 300 bpm. Admitted to the hospital for dizziness and chest pressure, he was treated for acute coronary syndrome. On the third day, he experienced episodes of chest pain and tachyarrhythmia, during which his heart rate spiked to 600 bpm for approximately 20 seconds before normalizing. While previous cases of extreme heart rates have been documented, including one involving a Danish audiologist who reportedly died laughing with a heart rate between 250 and 500 bpm, the mechanisms behind such high rates remain unclear. The medical team speculated that factors like bypass tracts and altered cardiac myocyte action potential duration could contribute to these phenomena, with atrial fibrillation being a likely explanation for this extraordinary case.
Published: May 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inA recent study from researchers in the UK and the Netherlands has revealed that time perception can significantly slow down during exercise, challenging the notion of time as a constant. Participants in the study, while engaged in stationary cycling, reported that time felt about nine percent slower, with the effect intensifying as physical exertion increased. For instance, after cycling 2,500 meters, participants perceived time to have stretched by as much as 25 percent. This phenomenon may be linked to heightened sensory awareness and discomfort during strenuous activity, akin to the way time seems to slow during threatening situations. The findings, published in the journal *Brain and Behavior*, suggest potential implications for enhancing exercise motivation and performance by understanding how our perception of time can be manipulated during physical activity. Lead researcher Andrew Edwards emphasized the importance of these insights for promoting healthier exercise habits and improving enjoyment levels.
Published: May 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study has applied palaeontological techniques to assess the bite force of the Rancor from _Star Wars_, concluding that it could indeed chomp through a femur with a force of 44,000 Newtons, comparable to that of a _Tyrannosaurus rex_. The research, led by Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager from the University of Birmingham and Dr. Thomas Clements from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, was inspired by a scene where Luke Skywalker uses a leg bone to distract the Rancor. Their findings, published in the Journal of Geek Studies, utilized computer simulations and biomechanical modeling to analyze the fictional creature's capabilities. While the Rancor's bite force surpasses that of modern predators like the great white shark and saltwater crocodile, the authors note that the _T. rex_ could potentially match or exceed it. The study highlights the intersection of creativity and science, showcasing how unconventional inspirations can lead to innovative research methods.
Published: May 10 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent social media discussion has sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." Initially raised by an X user, the question led to a flurry of humorous responses, with some suggesting they serve as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" for faster drying. However, the consensus among those seeking a serious answer is that these woven strips enhance the towel's durability and absorbency, preventing fraying and maintaining an even structure. According to Towel Hub, the dobby border balances thickness and performance, ensuring towels remain soft, lightweight, and efficient for drying. Beyond their practical benefits, these borders also add an aesthetic touch, making towels suitable for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex enigmas, such as dark energy and the purpose of screensavers.
Published: May 10 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent study by Dr. Juan de Lara from the University of Oxford has shed new light on the Parthenon, one of Greece's most iconic architectural marvels, originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines archaeology, 3D technology, and optics, de Lara reconstructed the temple's interior lighting, revealing that it was a dark, atmospheric space designed to evoke a sense of the divine. Contrary to previous assumptions of bright, open interiors, his findings suggest that light entered through roof openings and windows, creating a dramatic effect as it illuminated the statue of Athena, crafted by Phidias in 438 BCE. This research not only enhances our understanding of ancient Greek religious practices but also emphasizes the role of architecture in shaping spiritual experiences. With over three million annual visitors to the Acropolis, de Lara hopes his work will provide a more profound appreciation of this historic site.
Published: May 10 2025, 5 ameznews.inAustralia's unique mammalian fauna has revealed an unexpected trait: many species glow under ultraviolet (UV) light, a phenomenon known as photoluminescence. While the reasons behind this glow remain unclear, researchers from James Cook University have identified various luminescent molecules in the fur of seven native mammals, including bandicoots and possums, which emit different colors under UV light. Notably, the coppery brushtail possum's fur contains an intriguing non-luminescent molecule that produces a purple hue. Despite the long-standing knowledge of photoluminescent mammals, interest surged after the discovery of glowing flying squirrels in 2019, prompting further investigations during the pandemic. The evolutionary purpose of this glow is still debated, as it may not provide clear advantages in the wild. However, the study highlights the potential for these findings to enhance our understanding of animal behavior and diet, with implications for future research. The full study is published in PLOS One.
Published: May 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Trump administration's proposed Discretionary Budget Request, released on May 2, outlines significant cuts to scientific research funding, slashing at least $36 billion from agencies like NASA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NASA faces a historic 24% budget reduction, jeopardizing missions such as the Mars Sample Return and the Lunar Gateway project, while the NIH's budget could plummet from $48 billion to $27 billion, impacting vital health research. The administration's rationale for these cuts includes a desire to realign research priorities and eliminate what it deems "woke" programs, although critics argue that such reductions could stifle innovation and have long-term economic repercussions. The proposal, which also includes cuts to climate monitoring and health services, must still be approved by Congress, where bipartisan skepticism has emerged regarding its feasibility.
Published: May 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inHumanity faces an uncertain future as Earth grapples with escalating climate disasters and biodiversity loss, driven largely by human activity. A recent study led by Alexander Farnsworth from the University of Bristol predicts that in approximately 250 million years, Earth could become virtually uninhabitable, with temperatures soaring between 40 to 70 °C due to increased carbon dioxide levels and solar radiation. Meanwhile, researchers Kazumi Ozaki and Christopher Reinhard estimate that the planet's oxygen-rich atmosphere may only last another billion years, as rising solar luminosity will deplete atmospheric CO2, leading to a dramatic drop in oxygen levels. This scenario could mirror conditions from 2.5 billion years ago, characterized by low oxygen and high methane. Ultimately, the definitive end of life on Earth may coincide with the Sun's transformation into a red giant in about five to seven billion years, marking a stark reminder of the planet's impermanence.
Published: May 10 2025, 3 ameznews.inRat-tailed maggots, the larval stage of certain hoverfly species, are often spotted in damp environments like ponds and compost heaps. These intriguing creatures, characterized by their elongated breathing tubes, thrive in decaying organic matter, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling. According to Dr. Erica McAlister from the London Natural History Museum, the maggots undergo a remarkable transformation, eventually pupating into adult hoverflies, which are vital pollinators. While they may appear unappealing, rat-tailed maggots are harmless unless they cause myiasis, a rare condition where larvae infect human tissues. Their adult forms, including the batman hoverfly, contribute significantly to ecosystems by controlling pest populations and facilitating plant pollination. Observers are encouraged to leave these maggots undisturbed, as they are essential for environmental health, with billions migrating annually to support biodiversity.
Published: May 06 2025, 1 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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