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The elf owl, the world's smallest owl, measuring just 12.4 to 14.2 centimeters tall, is capturing hearts online with its adorable appearance and striking yellow irises. Found primarily in Mexico and parts of the southern United States, these tiny raptors inhabit diverse environments, nesting in holes in cacti and trees. While their cuteness may be disarming, elf owls are skilled nocturnal predators, primarily feeding on insects and arthropods, including moths and beetles. They exhibit remarkable hunting techniques, such as hanging upside down to catch prey and meticulously removing stingers from wasps and scorpions before consumption. Additionally, they play a unique ecological role by bringing thread snakes to their nests, which help control pest populations. Despite their diminutive size, elf owls demonstrate both charm and resourcefulness, proving that good things come in small packages. 
Published: Dec 02 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn February 2021, a university worker experienced a chilling encounter while walking home alone on a dark, snowy path. Despite feeling secure in the dark, he suddenly perceived a figure approaching, only to find the path empty upon turning around. This unsettling experience, attributed to fatigue and environmental factors, reflects a broader fascination with ghosts, as evidenced by surveys showing that nearly half of Americans and a third of Britons believe in them. Experts suggest that cognitive biases, emotional needs, and cultural influences contribute to these beliefs, particularly during uncertain times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological factors, such as context and prior beliefs, can also amplify ghostly experiences, as demonstrated in studies where participants reported more paranormal sensations in supposedly haunted locations. Ultimately, while many dismiss ghostly encounters as mere tricks of the mind, the allure of the supernatural continues to captivate human imagination.
Published: Dec 05 2024, 7 ameznews.inOpenAI's ChatGPT has sparked intrigue online due to a peculiar error: it refuses to acknowledge the name "David Mayer," regardless of how users phrase their requests. This glitch persists despite attempts to elicit a response, with variations of the name yielding no success. Other names, including Brian Hood and Jonathan Turley, also trigger the same error, leading to speculation that these individuals may have submitted GDPR requests to be forgotten. However, Jonathan Zittrain, one of the names involved, clarified that he has not made such a request. Theories abound, including the possibility that the name could be linked to David Mayer de Rothschild, though variations of his name do not produce the same error. The mystery remains unsolved, leaving users to ponder the underlying reasons for this unusual AI behavior.
Published: Dec 02 2024, 10 pmeznews.inNew research suggests that ancient Barbarian warriors may have used drug-dispensing spoons to consume narcotics before battling the Roman army. These small spoons, found at 116 Roman-era sites across Scandinavia, Germany, and Poland, were typically associated with men’s belts and discovered alongside weapons, indicating their likely role as military equipment. The study, published in *Praehistorische Zeitschrift*, posits that these spoons could have delivered various psychoactive substances, including opium, cannabis, and hallucinogenic fungi, potentially helping warriors overcome fear and boost energy in combat. The researchers highlight the possibility of a lucrative drug market catering to soldiers during this period, suggesting that battlefield drug use was a significant aspect of ancient warfare. The findings contribute to our understanding of the cultural practices of the diverse tribal groups collectively referred to as Barbarians, who frequently clashed with Roman legions.
Published: Dec 05 2024, 2 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that the use of leaded gasoline in the United States has been linked to 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. The research, led by Dr. Aaron Reuben from Duke University, highlights the extensive mental health impacts of lead exposure, particularly during childhood, which has been shown to damage brain development. While leaded gasoline was banned in the U.S. in 1996, the legacy of this toxic additive continues to affect generations, with the study estimating an additional 602 million "Psychopathology factor points" across the population. The findings suggest a cultural shift towards greater neuroticism and reduced conscientiousness, as those exposed to lead are now in their 50s and influencing societal norms. Although current lead exposure levels are lower for American children, many still face risks from contaminated water and soil, while millions globally remain at risk. The study is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 pmeznews.inFrosty, the rare white orca, has made a notable return to California's Monterey Bay, delighting whale watchers who spotted him on November 24. His distinctive pale coloration, possibly due to leucism or the rare Chediak-Higashi syndrome, sets him apart from typical orcas. While leucism involves partial loss of melanin, Chediak-Higashi syndrome is an inherited immune condition that has previously limited the lifespan of affected orcas. Frosty, a Bigg’s killer whale, was seen traveling with his mother and pod, showcasing their extensive range from the Mexican border to British Columbia. Despite concerns about his unusual coloring making him more vulnerable, orcas have no natural predators and are known for their adaptability, including feeding on large fish. Evan Brodsky from Monterey Bay Whale Watch emphasized the significance of Frosty's sightings, celebrating each encounter as a rare gift.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn a significant advancement for planetary defense, astronomers successfully predicted the impact of a small asteroid, designated 2024 XA1, which disintegrated over northeastern Siberia on October 6, 2024. This event marks the fourth predicted asteroid impact of the year and the 11th overall, showcasing improved detection capabilities. Discovered by the Kitt Peak National Observatory just 12 hours before its entry, 2024 XA1 measured approximately 70 centimeters in diameter, making it one of the smallest asteroids tracked to date. Fortunately, the fireball caused no damage or injuries, delighting onlookers in the region. The ability to forecast such impacts is crucial for planetary protection, as it enhances our understanding of potentially hazardous objects. While larger asteroids pose greater threats, smaller ones like 2024 XA1 can still yield valuable meteorites, contributing to scientific research.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 11 pmeznews.inGroundbreaking footage from the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition has unveiled unprecedented behaviors of Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, through the use of GPS-enabled collar cameras. This innovative approach has provided insights into their elusive lives, revealing the first recorded instances of mating in the canopy, geophagy (soil consumption), and even potential cannibalism, marking the first evidence of infanticide among these bears. The study highlights the bears' diverse diet, comprising over 21 plant species, which underscores their vital role in maintaining the health of the Amazon's cloud forest ecosystem. As these bears migrate and disperse seeds, they contribute significantly to forest regeneration. Researchers emphasize that these findings will enhance conservation efforts, offering a deeper understanding of the ecological needs of this keystone species, crucial for the preservation of their habitat. The study is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
Published: Dec 05 2024, 12 ameznews.inA study has revealed that two significant asteroid impacts, occurring 35.65 million years ago, did not result in long-term climate changes on Earth, despite their size and destructive potential. The impacts, which created the Popigai crater in Siberia and the Chesapeake Bay crater on the US East Coast, were among the largest on the planet. Researchers analyzed the isotopic composition of ancient marine organisms to assess climate variations over the following 150,000 years, finding no significant shifts in temperature. Co-author Professor Bridget Wade from University College London noted the surprising stability of the climate post-impacts, contrasting with the catastrophic effects expected from such events. While the study did not account for short-term climate changes, it suggests that not all asteroid collisions lead to mass extinctions or lasting environmental shifts. The findings are published in the journal *Communications Earth & Environment*.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 10 pmeznews.inIn the 1990s, Romanian-Australian economist Stefan Mandel devised a method to win the lottery repeatedly, achieving a remarkable 14 wins. His strategy involved purchasing every possible combination of numbers in lotteries where the jackpot exceeded the cost of buying all combinations. Initially successful in Romania, Mandel moved to Australia and later targeted the Virginia lottery, which had only 7,059,052 combinations. With a jackpot of $15.5 million, he mobilized a team to buy 6.4 million tickets, ensuring a win despite some logistical challenges. Although his tactics raised eyebrows and led to investigations by the FBI and CIA, no wrongdoing was found. Mandel's approach, while not explicitly against the rules, was seen as contrary to the spirit of the game. Ultimately, he amassed millions for himself and his investors before retiring to a beach house in Vanuatu.
Published: Dec 01 2024, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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