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A stalled atmospheric river is set to unleash unprecedented rainfall across the central United States, with forecasters warning of potentially catastrophic flash floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high-risk alert for excessive rainfall from Arkansas to Kentucky, extending up to Ohio, predicting that some areas could receive four months' worth of rain in just five days. AccuWeather estimates that over a foot of precipitation may fall in certain regions, significantly exceeding the rainfall that caused deadly floods in Kentucky earlier this year. More than 46 million people are expected to be affected, with 13 million in high-risk zones. The NWS advises communities to prepare for severe disruptions and urges residents near rivers and streams to remain vigilant for rising water levels, with recommendations to seek higher ground if necessary. The situation is exacerbated by a blocked atmospheric river, which is expected to deliver multiple rounds of intense thunderstorms throughout the week. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inArchaeologists from the University of Milan have uncovered a Medieval skeleton believed to belong to a young man, aged between 17 and 20, who suffered a gruesome death in the 13th century. Found near a cathedral in northern Italy, the skeleton exhibits symmetrical wounds on the arms and legs, suggesting he was subjected to the notorious torture method known as "the wheel." This brutal device, used for public executions, involved the systematic smashing of limbs, followed by further torture before the victim was displayed on a pole. The researchers speculate that the man may have been targeted as a suspected plague spreader, reflecting societal discrimination of the time. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed linear fractures at the base of his skull, likely from a botched beheading. If confirmed, this discovery would mark the first archaeological evidence of wheel torture in medieval northern Italy, highlighting the horrific realities of historical punishment.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOff the coast of Brazil, Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, lies 96 kilometers from São Paulo and is notorious for its high concentration of venomous snakes, particularly the critically endangered golden lancehead (_Bothrops insularis_). This island is strictly off-limits to the public, with access controlled by the Brazilian Navy to protect both humans and the island's unique snake population. The golden lancehead, which has evolved to possess venom three to five times more toxic than its mainland relatives, primarily preys on migratory birds. With an estimated population of 2,000 to 4,000 snakes inhabiting just 63 acres of forest, the island is home to roughly five snakes per square meter. While a lighthouse once housed a family who reportedly fell victim to the snakes, there have been no confirmed deaths in recent years, thanks to strict regulations and local warnings about the island's dangers.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captivated audiences with its stunning images, but the future of astronomical observation promises even more groundbreaking advancements. A new generation of giant Earth-based telescopes, including the Giant Magellan Telescope, Thirty Meter Telescope, and Extremely Large Telescope, are set to begin operations between 2027 and 2029, boasting collecting areas significantly larger than the JWST's 25.4 square meters. Meanwhile, the Vera Rubin Telescope is expected to commence operations next year, offering a comprehensive sky survey. In the realm of radio astronomy, the Square Kilometer Array will revolutionize our understanding of the universe with its vast collecting area. Additionally, smaller, specialized telescopes like TOLIMAN and the Huntsman Telescope are being developed to target specific astronomical questions. Together, these instruments will enhance our exploration of the cosmos, paving the way for unprecedented discoveries in the coming years.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inFishermen in Georgia's Dmanisi region made a remarkable discovery while fishing on Bashplemi Lake in autumn 2021, unearthing a stone tablet inscribed with an unknown ancient language. Researchers believe the tablet, made of basalt and dating back to the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age, features 39 unique symbols arranged in seven horizontal lines, potentially forming an alphabet. Initial analyses suggest similarities with scripts from the Middle East, India, and ancient Georgian symbols, including Proto-Kartvelian and Colchian runes. The inscription was meticulously crafted using a conic drill and smooth tools, and while its exact meaning remains elusive, scholars speculate it could relate to military spoils, construction projects, or religious offerings. The findings, published in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, highlight the tablet's significance in understanding ancient writing traditions in the region.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 8 ameznews.inGenghis Khan, born Temüjin near Lake Baikal, is a historical figure known for uniting Mongolia and establishing an empire stretching from China to the Adriatic Sea. Despite his military prowess, he is often noted for his extensive lineage, with studies suggesting that around 8% of men in the former Mongol Empire, or one in 200 globally, may be his descendants. A pivotal 2003 genetic study revealed a unique Y-chromosomal lineage shared by nearly one in 12 men in Asia, likely linked to Khan. This genetic spread is attributed to cultural factors rather than mere biological selection, as Khan's conquests decimated local populations while his lineage continued to rule for centuries. Although estimates suggest he fathered around 16 million descendants, the exact number remains speculative, as no direct DNA from Khan has been recovered. Other historical figures, like Niall of the Nine Hostages, also have notable lineages, but none rival Khan's prolific legacy.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 9 ameznews.inWashington DC's cherry blossom season has reached its peak bloom, with pretty pink petals adorning the Tidal Basin. In 2025, peak bloom occurred on March 28, as defined by the National Park Service, marking the day when over 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. This annual spectacle, typically occurring between late March and early April, is deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of hanami, symbolizing the fleeting beauty of nature and new beginnings. The cherry trees were first gifted to the US in 1909 by Japan to strengthen diplomatic ties, although the initial batch was destroyed due to disease. A second donation in 1912 successfully established the trees in Washington. The cherry blossoms continue to be a cherished symbol of friendship, with Japan recently gifting an additional 250 trees in 2024, reinforcing the enduring bond between the two nations.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 4 ameznews.inDespite the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, North America is bracing for an unseasonably cold spell due to the recent collapse of the polar vortex. This atmospheric upheaval is expected to bring below-normal temperatures and even snowfall to the Midwest and Northeast, with parts of the eastern US and southeastern Canada potentially experiencing freezing conditions in mid-April. The polar vortex, a low-pressure system of cold air, can be disrupted by various factors, allowing frigid air to escape southward. Following significant pressure changes initiated by the polar vortex disturbance in mid-March, forecasts indicate that while the eastern half of North America will face cooler weather, the western regions will enjoy warmer temperatures. Meteorologists had previously warned of a "rough and stormy pattern" for eastern North America, and current icy conditions in eastern Canada suggest their predictions are proving accurate.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study published in PLOS One, researchers from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) revealed the results of an unprecedented experiment where they dropped alligators 2,000 meters into the Gulf of Mexico to observe deep-sea scavengers. The study aimed to understand how these creatures would respond to an unusual food source, as alligators are typically found in freshwater. Remarkably, giant pink isopods were quick to penetrate the tough hides of the alligators, consuming one within 24 hours. Another alligator was stripped of all soft tissue in just 51 days, leading to the discovery of a new species of bone-eating worm, a first for the Gulf region. However, the fate of a third alligator remains a mystery, as it vanished, likely taken by a large predator, possibly a Greenland or sixgill shark. The findings highlight the adaptability of deep-sea ecosystems in utilizing available food sources.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 6 ameznews.inA recent study by researchers from the University of Zürich and Harvard University has revealed that the vocalizations of bonobos, the most vocal of the great apes, exhibit structural similarities to human language. Analyzing 700 recordings, the team identified over 300 contextual features in bonobo calls, which include a range of high-pitched whistles, hoots, and softer peeps. Notably, bonobo communication demonstrates compositionality, a linguistic feature where calls combine in meaningful ways, akin to human language. The study highlights two forms of compositionality: trivial, where meanings are additive, and nontrivial, where one term modifies another's meaning. Remarkably, bonobos utilize four compositional structures, three of which are nontrivial, suggesting a level of complexity previously unrecognized. This research not only underscores the advanced communication skills of bonobos but also offers insights into the evolution of human language, given our shared DNA of approximately 98.8% with these primates.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study of a 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole, located in Lighthouse Reef Atoll off the coast of Belize, reveals a troubling increase in hurricane activity over the past 5,700 years. Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt found evidence of 574 storm events, indicating that the frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean has risen significantly, with projections suggesting up to 45 storms could occur this century alone. The sediment layers, resembling tree rings, highlight distinct tempestites caused by storm surges, contrasting with the calmer gray-green sediments. This increase in storm activity is attributed to human-driven climate change, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures and shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The findings, published in *Science Advances*, underscore the urgent need to address climate change as the region braces for a stormier future.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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