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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.inChinese researchers have developed a novel stealth technology for military aircraft that utilizes plasma, the fourth state of matter, to enhance invisibility to radar. Traditional stealth methods often involve altering an aircraft's shape, which can compromise aerodynamics. However, the new approach focuses on creating plasma around specific parts of the aircraft, either through radioactive materials or electrical ionization, to absorb electromagnetic waves and prevent radar reflection. This innovative technique, reported by the South China Morning Post, could be adapted to various aircraft designs without the limitations of conventional stealth technology, such as that seen in the F-22 Raptor or B-2 Spirit. The researchers, including Tan Chang, assert that their methods have been successfully tested, potentially paving the way for a new generation of stealth military jets. Plasma stealth technology has also reportedly been employed in Russian missiles like the 3M22 Zircon and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that Australopithecines, ancient hominins predating the _Homo_ genus, may have possessed the manual dexterity to use tools as far back as 3.2 million years ago. Researchers analyzed 3D models of the hands of various Australopithecine species, including the well-known _Australopithecus afarensis_, or Lucy. Contrary to previous beliefs that these creatures lacked the necessary hand structure for complex tasks, findings indicate they were capable of "power grasping" and "in-hand manipulation." While Lucy's hands exhibited a blend of ape-like and human traits, the study posits that she may have engaged in rudimentary tool-making and used her hands for climbing. The research highlights that both _A. sediba_ and _A. afarensis_ displayed manual capabilities akin to those of later human ancestors, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history than previously understood. The study is published in the Journal of Human Evolution.
Published: Oct 09 2024, 2 ameznews.inIn 1978, the USS Stein, a US Navy frigate, experienced a critical emergency that necessitated an immediate return to base due to a malfunction in its submarine detection radar. Upon inspection of the sonar dome, engineers discovered extensive damage, including large tears and embedded teeth, suggesting an encounter with a powerful creature. Navy biologist F.G. Wood speculated that the damage was caused by a colossal squid, which could reach lengths of up to 45 meters (150 feet). This creature, known for its large hooks used to capture prey, may have attacked the Stein, mistaking it for a whale or approaching the surface due to illness. While the exact identity of the "Stein Monster" remains uncertain, it highlights the potential for undiscovered marine life lurking in the depths of the ocean.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 6 ameznews.inTennessee has passed a controversial bill prohibiting the release of chemicals into the atmosphere, a move critics argue is rooted in debunked "chemtrail" conspiracy theories. The legislation, which aims to ban the intentional injection of substances to manipulate weather or temperature, was supported by witnesses who cited unfounded claims of secret government programs. Environmental experts, including Scott Banbury from the Sierra Club, dismissed these theories, emphasizing that such activities are not occurring. The bill's proponents suggest it addresses geoengineering, a contentious topic among scientists, but experts like Rutgers professor Alan Robock noted that if geoengineering were happening, it would be visibly evident. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Bill Lee, raising questions about its enforceability and practical implications, as experts highlight the lack of any real threat from the so-called chemtrails.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 11 ameznews.inA stunning new time-lapse video, shared by ESA Earth Observation, captures a year of Earth's twilight in just 11 seconds, showcasing the daily transition between day and night as the planet orbits the Sun. The footage, compiled from images taken by Meteosat Second Generation satellites from September 2023 to September 2024, illustrates the shifting length of daylight throughout the seasons. The line marking this transition, known as the "terminator," is influenced by Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees, which causes variations in sunlight exposure. The video highlights key astronomical events, including the equinoxes, when day and night are nearly equal, and the solstices, which represent the longest and shortest days of the year. Interestingly, the phenomenon of equilux, when day and night are truly equal, occurs a few days before and after the equinoxes, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding of seasonal changes.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 9 ameznews.inIn a devastating blow to cultural heritage, the ancient geoglyphs of Alto Barranco in Chile's Atacama Desert have suffered significant damage from off-road vehicles, including 4x4s and motorcycles. These monumental artworks, created by Indigenous peoples between 900 and 1450 CE, were meticulously crafted by removing darker stones to reveal lighter sand beneath. Despite their preservation for centuries due to the desert's arid conditions, recent years have seen increasing vehicle tracks scar the site, prompting concerns from archaeologists and the Atacama Desert Foundation. While organizers of the Atacama Rally deny responsibility, attributing the damage to unauthorized off-road activities, experts warn that insufficient protective measures are in place. Luis Pérez, director of the Regional Museum of Iquique, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the damage is irreversible and constitutes a crime against national monuments.
Published: Oct 08 2024, 2 ameznews.inScientists have made a remarkable discovery regarding the comb jelly, _Mnemiopsis leidyi_, revealing that these creatures can fuse together to form a single individual when injured. Observations in a seawater tank led to the identification of an unusually large jelly, prompting researchers to investigate further. Dr. Kei Jokura from the University of Exeter noted that previous studies from 1937 hinted at this phenomenon, which encouraged the team to conduct their own experiments. Remarkably, nine out of ten attempts resulted in successful fusions, with the combined jellies exhibiting synchronized muscle contractions and shared digestive tracts. This suggests that ctenophores may lack the ability to distinguish between themselves and others, allowing for rapid merging of their nervous systems. Future research will focus on understanding the nervous system interactions in these fused jellies, as detailed in the journal *Current Biology*.
Published: Oct 07 2024, 9 pmeznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe physical strain and potential complications. Conversely, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, often described as doubling one over and causing nausea, due to the high concentration of nerve endings in the area. While both experiences are undeniably painful, the subjective nature of pain complicates comparisons. Experts suggest that the evolutionary design of both reproductive systems contributes to their respective discomforts, with childbirth being a lengthy ordeal and testicular trauma delivering sharp, acute pain. Ultimately, the conclusion remains ambiguous, with many agreeing that both experiences are profoundly painful, leading to a consensus that it’s a tie in the battle of the sexes.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 8 ameznews.inThunderstorms are not only a source of lightning but also significantly increase background radioactivity, according to recent findings from the Space Environmental Center on Mount Aragats, Armenia. During a particularly stormy 2023, the center recorded 56 instances of Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs), where radiation levels surged to ten times the normal background, with some peaks reaching up to 100 times. Researchers discovered that these enhancements occur when electric fields within thunderclouds exceed a critical threshold, accelerating atmospheric electrons and creating Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches. This process generates high-energy gamma rays and neutrons, which can interact with atomic nuclei. The study highlights the complex interplay between thunderstorms and radiation, revealing that TGEs are most prevalent in late spring and summer nights. An open-access database of the 2023 observations has been created for further research, with findings published in the journal Physical Review D.
Published: Oct 08 2024, 4 pmeznews.inThe mystery behind the infamous "man-eating" lions of Tsavo, Kenya, has been partially unraveled, revealing that dental issues may have driven them to prey on humans. Research led by Dr. Bruce Patterson from The Field Museum indicates that one of the lions had a painful infection in a canine tooth, impairing its ability to hunt traditional prey like zebras and wildebeests. This condition likely made humans, who are easier to catch, a more appealing target. The second lion, while also having dental damage, may have learned to hunt humans from its injured companion. Isotopic analysis showed that humans constituted about 30% of the first lion's diet in its later years. Contrary to previous beliefs that drought forced the lions to seek human prey, the study found no evidence of bone-crunching wear on their teeth, suggesting that dental pain was a significant factor in their predation on humans.
Published: Oct 12 2024, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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