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An 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.inHospitals across the Northern Hemisphere are facing significant pressure due to a surge in flu cases, with January marking the peak of the flu season. In Japan, the situation is particularly alarming, as the country reported its largest flu outbreak in 25 years, with over 317,000 cases diagnosed in late December. The UK is also experiencing high levels of flu activity, comparable to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting health officials to raise alarms about hospital capacity. Similar trends are observed across Europe and the US, where flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are rising, leading to increased hospital admissions. Vaccination strategies vary by country, with the CDC recommending flu shots for everyone over six months in the US, while the UK offers free vaccines to high-risk groups. The effectiveness of vaccines can fluctuate, and low uptake among healthcare workers has been noted this season, raising concerns about public health preparedness.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 8 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 sizes with masculinity and partner satisfaction. This shift could contribute to body image issues among men, as many tend to overestimate average sizes and seek enhancements. The researchers acknowledge limitations in their study, including a European bias in the selected artworks.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Mariana Trench, one of the ocean's deepest and most inaccessible regions, is home to a diverse array of unique and bizarre species that have adapted to extreme conditions, including pressures exceeding 16,000 PSI and complete darkness. Notable inhabitants include the blobfish, which appears normal at depth but deforms under lower pressures, and the goblin shark, a rare species with a lineage dating back 125 million years. The black seadevil anglerfish uses bioluminescence to attract prey, while the deepsea dragonfish boasts transparent teeth to remain stealthy. Other remarkable residents include the dumbo octopus, which uses ear-like fins to navigate, and the barreleye fish, equipped with a see-through head for spotting prey. The frilled shark, with its ancient lineage, and the gelatinous snailfish, the deepest known fish, further illustrate the trench's evolutionary marvels, showcasing life’s resilience in extreme environments.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.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.inIn 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.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 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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