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In a world where everyday knowledge can often surprise, the latest revelation involves the small dots, known as frits, around the edges of car windscreens. These ceramic-painted spots, along with the larger black frit band, serve crucial roles in automotive engineering. Primarily, they enhance structural integrity by providing a better grip for the urethane sealant that bonds the windscreen to the vehicle frame, while also shielding this adhesive from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the dot matrix pattern helps mitigate optical distortion, known as "lensing," by ensuring even heat distribution during the glass manufacturing process. Beyond functionality, frits also contribute to aesthetics by concealing the adhesive and creating a smoother visual transition. This clever design not only underscores the sophistication of modern windshields but also highlights how even the smallest details in automotive design can have significant impacts on safety and performance. 
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 ameznews.inExcavations at the thermal baths of San Casciano dei Bagni, near Siena, Italy, have unearthed a remarkable collection of artifacts, including two dozen statues and thousands of coins, preserved for over 2,300 years in mud. The discoveries, which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, reflect a significant historical period marked by the transition from Etruscan to Roman culture. Among the statues are depictions of Graeco-Roman deities, including Hygieia, the goddess of health, indicating the site's role as a sanctuary for healing. The burial of these artifacts, following Etruscan tradition, was linked to a lightning strike that struck the bathhouse. Plans are underway to establish a new museum and archaeological park in San Casciano, which local officials believe will boost cultural tourism and provide a fresh perspective on the region's ancient history.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAn interdisciplinary team of researchers has determined that a skull previously believed to belong to Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra's sister, actually belonged to a young boy aged 11 to 14, who likely suffered from a developmental disorder. The skull was discovered in 1929 by Austrian archaeologist Josef Keil in a sarcophagus at the ancient site of Ephesos, Turkey. Initial assessments suggested it belonged to a young woman of noble descent, leading to speculation about its connection to Arsinoë IV, who was murdered in Ephesos around 41 BCE. However, modern analysis using micro-computed tomography and genetic testing revealed the presence of a Y chromosome, confirming the individual was male. The boy exhibited significant cranial abnormalities, possibly due to a vitamin D deficiency or a genetic syndrome. While this research clarifies the identity of the remains, the search for the true resting place of Arsinoë IV continues. The findings are published in *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNocturnal lagophthalmos, a condition where individuals sleep with their eyes partially or fully open, is more common than many might think, affecting an estimated 5% to 20% of adults. This phenomenon, which derives its name from the Greek word for "hare," has historical roots, with accounts dating back to ancient China, where General Zhang Fei reportedly evaded assassins due to this trait. While generally not harmful, it can lead to dry eyes, as the eyelids do not provide the necessary protection during sleep. Symptoms of dry eye disease, which can affect up to 50% of the population, include irritation and excessive tearing. Those experiencing such symptoms are advised to consult an eye doctor for potential treatments, which may include lubricating eye drops or taping the eyelids shut at night. Despite its unsettling appearance, nocturnal lagophthalmos is rarely associated with severe eye damage.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered new insights into the origins of domestic dogs, suggesting they may have been domesticated between 27,000 and 40,000 years ago, significantly earlier than previously believed. The study, published in *Current Biology*, involved DNA analysis of a 35,000-year-old Taymyr wolf bone from Siberia. This research challenges earlier estimates, which placed the divergence of dogs from wolves at around 11,000 to 16,000 years ago, post-Ice Age. The findings indicate that the split between dog and wolf ancestors occurred around the same time that early dog-like fossils appeared. The study's lead researchers, Pontus Skoglund and Love Dalén, propose that this divergence could have happened with or without domestication, suggesting that some wolves may have coexisted with humans without being fully tamed. Notably, modern high-altitude dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, share a significant genetic link to this ancient wolf, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between dogs and their wild ancestors.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 ameznews.inA new "ghost" island has emerged in the Caspian Sea, approximately 25 kilometers off Azerbaijan's eastern coast, formed by the Kumani Bank mud volcano. Satellite images reveal that by February 2023, the island had developed from mud eruptions, measuring about 400 meters wide. However, such islands are ephemeral, often disappearing within months or years due to wave erosion. Geologist Mark Tingay noted that these islands appear suddenly but are quickly washed away. The Kumani Bank has a history of eruptions, with at least eight documented since 1861. Mud volcanoes, while not true volcanoes, can produce significant geological activity, including fireballs, as seen in previous eruptions. Scientists continue to study these phenomena to understand the processes behind their formation and the potential hazards they pose. As of December 2024, satellite images indicate that the island has significantly diminished, with only a small portion remaining above water.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 4 ameznews.inIn August 1831, the Sun appeared to take on unusual hues, coinciding with a global cooling event that lasted until 1833, reducing average temperatures by approximately 1°C (1.8°F). This phenomenon, attributed to volcanic dust scattering sunlight, has long puzzled scientists regarding its source. Recent research from the University of St Andrews has identified the Zavaritskii caldera on Simushir Island in the Kuril Islands, Russia, as the likely culprit. Through geochemical analysis of ice-core samples, researchers found a "perfect fingerprint match" of ash deposits, confirming the eruption's timing and explosive nature. Lead author Dr. Will Hutchison emphasized the significance of volcanic eruptions in influencing climate, noting that similar events could have substantial impacts today. The study underscores the need for international preparedness for future eruptions, as highlighted by the historical context of the 1831 event. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPhysicists have delved into the culinary science behind the classic Roman dish, spaghetti cacio e pepe, revealing the delicate balance required for its signature creaminess. This deceptively simple recipe comprises just pasta, pecorino cheese, and pepper, with the addition of pasta water providing essential starch. Researchers found that if the starch content exceeds 4% of the cheese's weight, the sauce hardens upon cooling, while less than 1% leads to undesirable clumping, termed the "mozzarella phase." To achieve the perfect emulsion, chefs can toast pepper in oil, add pasta water, and incorporate the cheese during the crucial _mantecatura_ step. For those struggling with consistency, a mixture of potato or corn starch can be prepared to ensure the right texture. The findings were shared in a preprint paper on ArXiv, highlighting the intersection of cooking and science.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 ameznews.inA recent discussion highlights the common habit of urinating "just in case" before leaving home, questioning its necessity. While it's advisable to go if you genuinely need to, doing so out of habit may not be beneficial. Research, including a 2015 Ig Nobel Prize-winning study, introduced the "21-second rule," suggesting that healthy bladder emptying typically takes this duration. The NHS indicates that adults should urinate 4 to 8 times daily, with variations based on age. Frequent unnecessary trips to the bathroom can lead to an overactive bladder, reducing its capacity and increasing urgency. However, bladder retraining is possible. Additionally, urine can provide valuable health insights, from hydration levels to potential medical conditions. If concerns arise regarding urination frequency or characteristics, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Ultimately, while peeing may seem tedious, it serves as an important health indicator.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inTasmania welcomed the New Year with stunning displays of auroras and bioluminescent seas, particularly from the organism _Noctiluca scintillans_, known as sea sparkles. While these natural phenomena captivate onlookers, they also signal underlying environmental issues. Biologist Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin noted that the increasing presence of sea sparkles, which have become common since the mid-1990s, is likely linked to nutrient pollution from nearby salmon farms. This nutrient overload can lead to harmful algal blooms, depleting oxygen in the water and creating dead zones. Although humans are not directly harmed by _N. scintillans_, the ecological consequences could be severe, affecting marine life and potentially entering the food chain. Local residents, including neuroscientist Dr. Emma Burrows, have observed unprecedented levels of salps and sea sparkles, raising concerns about the impact of human activity on Tasmania's fragile marine ecosystem.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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