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Scientists have identified a new species of hammerhead shark, named _Sphyrna alleni_, which is characterized by its exceptionally shovel-shaped head. Previously thought to be part of the bonnethead species, these sharks were found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and are notable for their unique omnivorous diet, including seagrass. The discovery emerged from a detailed examination of 23 sharks, revealing significant differences in vertebrae and genetic markers that warranted the classification of a distinct species. The name _alleni_ honors Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, for his foundation's support of shark research. The common name "Shovelbill" reflects local terminology from Belize, where the species was first identified. This finding highlights the ongoing discovery of new species and the complexities of marine biodiversity, as detailed in a study published in the journal Zootaxa. 
Published: Sep 30 2024, 5 pmeznews.inWhile Egypt is often associated with pyramids, the largest collection is actually found in Sudan, which boasts between 220 and 255 pyramids, far surpassing Egypt's estimated total of around 118. These structures were built by the ancient Kingdom of Kush, particularly during the reign of the Black Pharaohs, who ruled Egypt in the 8th century BCE. The Kushite capital of Meroë is home to approximately 200 pyramids, serving as tombs for 41 royal figures. Despite their historical significance, many of these pyramids have suffered from neglect and damage, particularly due to the actions of tomb raider Giuseppe Ferlini in the 1830s. Ongoing civil conflicts in Sudan since the 1950s have further hindered tourism and archaeological efforts, leaving the Nubian pyramids largely overlooked compared to their more famous Egyptian counterparts.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 7 pmeznews.inComputers struggle to generate truly random numbers, often producing "pseudorandom" numbers instead. This phenomenon arises because traditional computer systems are deterministic, meaning they yield the same output for the same input, as explained by MIT's Professor Steve Ward. While online gambling sites may not use genuine random numbers, this is not due to any conspiracy but rather the inherent nature of computer algorithms, which rely on complex processes like the Mersenne Twister or the Blum Blum Shub. Although pseudorandom numbers are generally sufficient for most applications, true randomness can be achieved through Hardware Random Number Generators (HRNGs) that utilize physical phenomena, such as nuclear decay or atmospheric noise. However, these systems are costly and complex, leading many gambling sites to combine both methods for optimal unpredictability and efficiency. Thus, while your Spotify shuffle may seem repetitive, it’s simply a case of pseudorandomness at work.
Published: Dec 19 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn 1961, the IBM 7094 made history by becoming the first computer to synthesize a song, performing "Daisy Bell," a tune from 1892. Developed by researchers at Bell Labs, the project showcased the groundbreaking Kelly-Lochbaum Vocal Tract, which allowed for electronic voice synthesis. The recording, notable for its eerie quality, was created by Carol Lochbaum and John Kelly, with a backing track by Max Mathews, who had to speed up an hour of output to achieve the 17-second melody. This pioneering effort was later recognized by the Library of Congress in 2009 for its significance in digital music history. The song gained further cultural relevance when it was featured in Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey," where the AI HAL sings it as it is deactivated. Recently, the recording has resurfaced online, captivating audiences with its unsettling charm.
Published: Dec 16 2024, 8 pmeznews.inAfrican elephants, the largest land mammals, possess the biggest ears in the animal kingdom, which account for 20% of their overall surface area. These impressive appendages play a crucial role in thermoregulation, allowing the elephants to maintain their optimum body temperature of 36°C (96°F) in hot environments. With extensive daily travels of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), and occasionally up to 190 kilometers (118 miles), their large ears are rich in blood vessels and thin skin, facilitating heat dissipation. In contrast, smaller ears in polar bears help conserve heat, showcasing how different species adapt to their environments. While African elephants hold the title for the largest ears overall, the long-eared jerboa, a small desert rodent, has proportionally larger ears, essential for its survival in extreme temperatures. This fascinating adaptation highlights the diverse evolutionary strategies animals employ to thrive in their habitats.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA recent multidisciplinary study has explored how ancient Mesopotamians experienced emotions, revealing both similarities and differences compared to modern interpretations. Researchers analyzed a million words from Akkadian cuneiform tablets, dating from 934-612 BCE, to map emotional sensations onto the body. While modern people often associate feelings of happiness with the heart, Mesopotamians linked it to the liver, describing it as "open" and "shining." Interestingly, anger was felt in the feet, contrasting with contemporary associations of anger with the upper body. The study highlights a shared biological basis for emotions across cultures, yet emphasizes the need for caution in drawing direct comparisons due to differences in literacy and expression. This pioneering research offers a new methodology for understanding emotional experiences in historical contexts and may contribute to broader discussions on the universality of emotions. The findings are published in the journal iScience.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 1 ameznews.inOn January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi earthquake struck northwest China, marking what is considered the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude between 8 and 8.3, primarily affected the city of Huaxian and resulted in widespread destruction, with many victims perishing from collapsing buildings and landslides. The aftermath saw further casualties due to disease and famine. Despite not being the strongest earthquake recorded, the scale of loss relative to the global population of less than half a billion at the time underscores its catastrophic impact. Comparatively, the deadliest day of warfare occurred during the US bombing raid on Tokyo in 1945, which killed around 100,000 people, while the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in approximately 66,000 and 39,000 deaths, respectively. The Shaanxi earthquake remains unmatched in its single-day death toll nearly 500 years later.
Published: Dec 18 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA significant new crack, dubbed "Super Natural," has emerged in Yosemite National Park, measuring 200 feet in length and still actively cracking. Discovered by climbers near the Royal Arches, the crack has partially detached a large rock pillar, prompting park officials to close off certain trails as a safety measure. The National Park Service initiated these closures on August 30, with no set reopening date. Supervisory Park Ranger Jesse McGahey noted that the crack emits sounds reminiscent of a frozen lake breaking, a phenomenon the park's geologist has never encountered in 15 years. The crack has shifted about an inch over the past week, raising concerns about potential rockfalls, which are common in the area due to geological factors like frost wedging. As investigations continue, parts of the park will remain inaccessible to ensure visitor safety.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 3 ameznews.inNarwhals, often dubbed the "unicorns of the sea" for their distinctive tusks, have rarely been seen in aquariums due to two disastrous attempts at captivity in North America. The first, at the New York Aquarium in 1969, involved a young calf named Umiak, who tragically died of pneumonia less than a year after being captured. The second attempt occurred at Vancouver Aquarium in 1970, where a male narwhal named Keela Luguk was brought in alongside two females and three calves. Within a month, all the calves had died, followed by the females, and Keela Luguk succumbed shortly after. The challenges of keeping narwhals in captivity stem from their extreme sensitivity to environmental changes and human-made noise, making future attempts unlikely. Growing public opposition to marine mammal captivity, spurred by documentaries like _Blackfish_, further diminishes the chances of narwhals being housed in aquariums again.
Published: Dec 17 2024, 9 pmeznews.inTuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the world's deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023, TB claimed 1.25 million lives, significantly higher than the 320,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, with the majority of cases concentrated in 30 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Despite being preventable and treatable in 85% of cases, TB remains a major health crisis, with WHO calling for urgent action to eliminate the epidemic by 2030. While TB-related deaths have generally declined in recent years, funding for prevention and research remains critically low, with only $5.7 billion allocated last year against a target of $22 billion. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB effectively.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 5 ameznews.inResearchers have discovered that the velvet ant species _Traumatomutilla bifurca_, found in Brazil, possesses ultrablack markings that absorb nearly all visible and ultraviolet light. This unique coloration is attributed to a specialized structure in the insect's cuticle, which features stacked platelets resembling an accordion. The ultrablack pigment reflects less than 0.5% of light, making it a subject of interest for applications in camouflage and solar energy. The study suggests that this coloration may serve multiple purposes, including predator deterrence, camouflage, and protection against solar radiation. Additionally, the structure contributing to the ultrablack appearance may enhance the strength of the velvet ant's exoskeleton, known for its resilience and painful sting. The findings, published in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, highlight the intriguing evolutionary adaptations of these "indestructible insects."
Published: Dec 21 2024, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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