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Tasmania 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 pmeznews.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.inThe Great Pyramid of Giza, often thought to have four sides, actually features eight due to its unique concave design, which was confirmed by British Air Force pilot P. Groves in 1926 through aerial photography. This subtle indentation along the pyramid's faces enhances its stability, allowing it to withstand natural forces such as earthquakes and heavy rain, which it has experienced over its 4,500-year history. Akio Kato, a researcher from Kanagawa University, notes that the pyramid's structure, with its inclined layers and reinforced base, contributes to its long-term durability. While the Ancient Egyptians demonstrated remarkable engineering skills, some internal corridors may have been abandoned due to instability, leaving it uncertain whether the pyramid's extra sides were a deliberate design feature or an unintended consequence. The ongoing exploration of the pyramid continues to reveal mysteries about its construction and purpose.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 12 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered a remarkable behavior in striped marlin (_Kajikia audax_), one of the ocean's fastest predators, which can swim at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Utilizing drone technology, the study revealed that attacking marlin change color, becoming significantly brighter in their stripes just before striking at schools of sardines. This rapid color change serves as a warning signal to nearby marlin, helping to prevent accidental injuries during group hunts. The footage analyzed included 12 clips showing the marlin's hunting behavior, highlighting the unique social signaling linked to their color adaptation. This phenomenon, previously unobserved in group-hunting predators, suggests a sophisticated method of communication among marlin. The findings, published in *Current Biology*, open avenues for further research into whether this color change occurs during solitary hunts or in other social contexts.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inArchaeologists Dr. Médard Thiry and Dr. Anthony Milnes have proposed that La Ségognole 3, a cave shelter near Paris known for its Palaeolithic art, may contain the oldest three-dimensional map of its surrounding landscape. Their research suggests that the cave's floor has been deliberately modified to resemble the nearby River Ecole valley, with features designed to direct water flow, enhancing the realism of engravings depicting horses and a stone vulva. This intricate work, which includes grooves and basins, indicates advanced abstract thinking and a potential community belief system among its creators. While similar representations from the Palaeolithic are rare, the findings could signify a significant cultural development, possibly aiding in hunting or ritual practices. Despite limited attention from the archaeological community, the study, published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology, challenges existing perceptions of Ice Age human capabilities and their relationship with the landscape.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA new study led by physicist Kaden Hazzard from Rice University suggests the potential existence of "paraparticles," a type of particle previously thought to be impossible. Traditionally, particles are classified as either bosons or fermions, but Hazzard and his team argue that mathematical methods indicate the possibility of these new particles, which could exhibit unique exchange statistics distinct from known particles. The concept of parastatistics has been debated since the early days of quantum mechanics, but past theories deemed them physically indistinguishable from ordinary particles, leading to their neglect. However, Hazzard's research opens the door to exploring these exotic particles, particularly in contexts like magnetic flux. While the findings are preliminary, they highlight an exciting avenue for future research in theoretical physics and mathematics, with the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in particle physics. The study is published in the journal Nature.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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