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Antarctica's Onyx River, the continent's longest waterway at 32 kilometers (20 miles), is a unique meltwater stream that flows inland from the Wright Lower Glacier into Lake Vanda, rather than towards the ocean. This semi-permanent river, which only forms during the Austral summer when temperatures rise enough to melt the ice, exemplifies endorheic drainage, as glaciers block its path to the sea. While rain is scarce in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the melting glacier provides sufficient water, leading to occasional flood events. The Onyx River is ecologically significant, supporting a diverse micro-ecosystem, including tardigrades, nematodes, and algae, although it lacks fish. Climate change is impacting the river's flow season, making it longer but potentially reducing water volume. Despite its modest length compared to major global rivers, the Onyx River plays a crucial role in Antarctica's unique environment. 
Published: Nov 23 2024, 2 pmeznews.inOver 3,200 years ago, the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions experienced a flourishing of interconnected civilizations during the Bronze Age, marked by advancements in technology, trade, and culture. However, this prosperity collapsed around the 12th century BCE, leading to a period of stagnation and decline known as the "Bronze Age Collapse." Major societies, including the New Kingdom of Egypt and the Hittite Empire, faced widespread destruction, with cities abandoned and writing systems lost. Historians suggest multiple factors contributed to this downfall, including invasions by the enigmatic "Sea Peoples," internal political instability, and environmental changes that caused droughts and food shortages. Archaeologist Eric Cline describes this collapse as a "perfect storm of calamities," highlighting that no civilization, regardless of its power, is immune to decline. The fall of these once-great societies serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human achievement.
Published: Nov 20 2024, 8 pmeznews.inThe understanding of smoking's health risks has evolved significantly since the 1960s, when then US Surgeon General Luther L. Terry released a landmark report linking cigarette smoking to lung and laryngeal cancer. Prior to this, despite early warnings dating back to 1602, the dangers of tobacco were largely ignored, with many doctors even endorsing smoking. The rise in lung cancer cases in the 20th century prompted epidemiological studies, including significant case-control and cohort studies, which established a clear correlation between smoking and adverse health outcomes. Animal studies further demonstrated the carcinogenic properties of tobacco smoke. By the 1960s, mounting evidence led to increased public awareness and regulatory efforts, culminating in the 1964 report that changed perceptions of smoking. Today, smoking is recognized as a leading cause of cancer, with the World Health Organization attributing over 8 million deaths annually to tobacco use, prompting ongoing public health campaigns to reduce smoking rates globally.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA controversial and outdated method of treating snake bites, which involves using the anuses of live chickens, has resulted in the deaths of 74 birds during a single treatment session. The bizarre practice, documented in a 1928 article in The Indian Medical Gazette, was employed by Dr. Kubab in India after a man was bitten by a cobra. Despite the alarming poultry casualty count, the effectiveness of the treatment is highly questionable, as experts argue that the venom is likely too deep in the tissue to be extracted in this manner. The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers of traditional remedies, with medical professionals warning that such methods can delay proper care and potentially worsen the situation. While the practice has historical roots, modern medicine strongly advises against it, emphasizing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for snake bites.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inResearchers at the University of Birmingham have unveiled a groundbreaking computer model that reveals the shape of a single photon for the first time. This innovative approach simplifies the complex interactions between light and matter, allowing the team to visualize the photon, which is traditionally understood as both a particle and a wave. The model not only aids in comprehending how photons interact with their environment but also has significant implications for various technologies, including telecommunications and medical devices. Dr. Benjamin Yuen, the study's lead author, emphasized that this work transforms previously overlooked data into valuable insights, paving the way for advancements in light-matter interactions. Co-author Professor Angela Demetriadou noted that understanding the geometry and optical properties of photons could enhance the development of better sensors, photovoltaic cells, and quantum computing. The findings are published in the journal *Physical Review Letters*.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 11 pmeznews.inA study led by the University of Southern Mississippi has revealed that the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill is accelerating the corrosion of historical shipwrecks, including the German U-boat U-166, which sank during World War II. The spill released over 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, causing extensive environmental damage. Researchers found that the influx of crude oil has fueled the growth of anaerobic bacteria on the seafloor, which thrive on the oil's carbon and sulfur. This bacterial boom produces a corrosive biofilm that significantly degrades metal structures. Experiments showed that carbon steel disks placed near the wrecks experienced greater corrosion compared to those in cleaner waters. The study highlights the need for further research into the interactions between oil spills, biofilms, and marine metal degradation, emphasizing the cultural significance of the U-166 and the broader implications of the ongoing environmental disaster.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 12 pmeznews.inGasoline and diesel fuel, both derived from crude oil, serve distinct purposes in the automotive industry due to their differing chemical properties and engine requirements. Gasoline powers light-duty vehicles like cars and pickup trucks, utilizing spark plugs to ignite a fuel-air mixture, while diesel fuels heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and trucks, igniting through high compression without a spark. Diesel engines are more efficient and durable, making them ideal for long-haul transport, despite being noisier and producing more harmful particulate pollution. Conversely, gasoline engines are preferred for personal vehicles due to their quieter operation and lower initial costs. As the automotive landscape evolves, hybrid and electric vehicles are emerging as cleaner alternatives, promising reduced emissions and lower maintenance costs, although gasoline and diesel vehicles will continue to be prevalent for the foreseeable future.
Published: Nov 18 2024, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study published in BJU International has revealed a significant increase in the depiction of penis size in art over the past seven centuries, particularly from the 19th century onwards. Researchers analyzed 232 paintings of nude males, focusing on the penis-to-ear and penis-to-nose ratios to assess changes in perceived ideal size. They found that while penis sizes were relatively small in the 15th and 16th centuries, the average ratio rose dramatically to 1.5761 in the 21st century. The study suggests that the rise in perceived size may be influenced by the internet and pornography, which often associate larger penises with masculinity and sexual satisfaction. This shift could contribute to body image issues among men, as many tend to overestimate average sizes and seek potentially harmful enhancements. The study acknowledges its limitations, including a European bias in the selected artworks.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 2 ameznews.inDespite extensive exploration of the Titanic wreck since its rediscovery in 1985, no human remains have ever been found, a fact that continues to intrigue and perplex. James Cameron, who has visited the site 33 times, noted the absence of remains, despite finding clothing and shoes that suggest bodies were once present. Several factors contribute to this mystery: many victims' lifejackets kept their bodies buoyant, leading to their swift dispersal by storms and ocean currents. Additionally, deep-sea scavengers likely consumed flesh, leaving bones that dissolve below the calcium carbonate compensation depth, which is over 3,000 feet deep. While some speculate that sealed areas of the ship, like the engine room, may still contain preserved remains, the likelihood of discovering recognizable bodies diminishes as time passes, leaving the fate of over 1,500 victims shrouded in uncertainty.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 10 ameznews.inThe configuration of standard six-sided dice, where opposite faces sum to seven, has a long and intriguing history. This design, which pairs one with six, two with five, and three with four, became prevalent in the Egyptian New Kingdom around the 16th century BC and was adopted by the Greeks in the 1st millennium BCE. While earlier dice often featured consecutive values on opposite sides, the "sevens" arrangement likely emerged from aesthetic preference rather than mathematical necessity. It allows for symmetrical pairing and has significant cultural resonance, as the Greeks valued harmonic combinations. By the end of the Middle Ages, laws were enacted to standardize this configuration, solidifying its universal acceptance. Ultimately, the enduring popularity of this design can be attributed to tradition, as it became a rule of play that, if violated, was seen as undermining the integrity of the game.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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