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The 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.inIn a recent Reddit post, a high school student claimed to have independently discovered a mathematical method for calculating areas under curves, only to humorously assert that Isaac Newton had "copied" him. This incident highlights a common phenomenon in mathematics and science, where individuals or teams can arrive at the same conclusions independently. The student’s method, while innovative for him, echoes established techniques like the trapezoidal rule, which has been known since the 17th century. This was similarly seen in a 1994 paper by Mary M. Tai, who introduced a model for determining areas under curves but faced criticism for not acknowledging the long-established trapezoidal rule. Despite the backlash, Tai defended her work as an independent derivation, emphasizing that her intention was not to claim a groundbreaking discovery. The light-hearted exchange underscores the importance of consulting existing literature in academia to avoid unintentional rediscoveries.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGamers who grew up in the 1990s may want to dust off their Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) as recent findings suggest that these classic consoles are running slightly faster than their original specifications. The TASBot team, known for their tool-assisted speedrunning technology, reported that after testing 143 consoles, they discovered an unusual speed increase linked to the audio processing unit (APU). This phenomenon, attributed to the ceramic resonator used in the APU, could lead to higher-pitched sounds during gameplay. While the central processing unit remains unaffected, the APU's speed appears to increase with age and temperature. Although this change is unlikely to impact speedrun records significantly, the TASBot team continues to investigate the implications of these findings, noting that further analysis is required to understand the full extent of the speed variations.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 3 ameznews.inA recent study has raised concerns over the health risks associated with glycerol, an ingredient found in sugar-free slushies, particularly for young children. Researchers reviewed 21 cases of children who experienced glycerol intoxication syndrome after consuming these drinks, with the majority being under four years old. Symptoms, which can manifest within an hour, include reduced consciousness, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. While most children recovered quickly, the study highlights a worrying trend, with cases increasing from 2018 to 2024, potentially linked to rising parental concerns about sugar intake. Current UK and Irish guidelines recommend that children under four should avoid slushies, but researchers suggest stricter measures may be necessary, advocating for recommendations based on weight rather than age. Parents are urged to be vigilant about the ingredients in these nostalgic summer treats to prevent serious health issues. The findings are published in the journal *Archives of Disease in Childhood*.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to conduct a significant study investigating the alleged link between vaccines and autism, despite extensive research debunking this myth. Vaccines have been credited with saving approximately 154 million lives over the past 50 years, with the measles vaccine being the most impactful. The skepticism surrounding vaccines largely stems from a discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which falsely claimed a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. This study was retracted due to ethical violations and scientific fraud. Despite numerous large-scale studies consistently finding no link between vaccines and autism, the CDC's new research initiative has been prompted by rising autism diagnoses, which experts attribute to improved diagnostic practices. Critics warn that questioning vaccine safety could have dire public health consequences, especially as measles cases rise in the US. The implications of this new research remain to be seen.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 1 ameznews.inResearchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a potential mechanism by which aspirin may inhibit cancer metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Initially investigating the immune response to metastasis, the team identified a gene, _Arhgef1_, that suppresses T-cell activity, which is crucial for targeting rogue cancer cells. They found that this gene's activation is linked to thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a protein produced by platelets that aspirin reduces. In experiments with melanoma-affected mice, those treated with aspirin showed significantly less metastasis compared to a control group. While these findings are promising, suggesting that aspirin could serve as a low-cost treatment option, further research in humans is necessary to confirm efficacy and assess potential side effects, such as stomach ulcers. The study highlights aspirin's potential role in cancer therapy, with implications for more accessible treatments globally. The research is published in *Nature*.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 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.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 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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