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Phantom traffic jams, often referred to as "ghost jams," occur without any visible cause, leaving drivers perplexed as they navigate through seemingly clear roads. Mathematician Benjamin Seibold explains that these jams are emergent phenomena, where minor disturbances, such as a driver braking slightly, can trigger a chain reaction of stop-and-go waves that propagate backward through traffic. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent when vehicle density exceeds 35 meters apart, leading to significant slowdowns, especially at merging points or on uninterrupted roads. Research indicates that these stop-and-go waves can travel for miles, with average durations of 4 to 20 minutes and lengths of 2.5 to 5 kilometers. Despite the frustrations they cause, better driving practices, such as maintaining adequate space between vehicles, can help mitigate their occurrence. However, even optimal driving cannot fully prevent these jams once traffic density reaches a critical threshold. 
Published: Apr 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent discovery has revealed that super-Earths, planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, are more common in the universe than previously believed. This finding emerged from the microlensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-0007, where a planet approximately one-third heavier than Earth was detected orbiting 1.5 billion kilometers from its star, which is 60% the mass of the Sun. Researchers utilized the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) to analyze data from various microlensing events, suggesting that there could be around 35 billion super-Earths in the outer regions of star systems across our galaxy. This challenges the notion that our Solar System is typical, indicating that many planetary systems may not resemble our own. The study, published in the journal Science, highlights the potential for future research to further understand the formation and evolution of these distant worlds.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered ancient graffiti depicting battling gladiators in the ruins of Pompeii, providing a glimpse into the mindset of Roman children. Found in the Casa del Secondo Cenacolo Colonnato, these charcoal drawings are believed to have been created by children aged 5 to 7, as evidenced by the outline of a small hand discovered nearby. Researchers suggest that these young artists were likely familiar with the violent spectacles of the amphitheater, including gladiatorial games and executions, which may have influenced their perceptions of society. The findings, published in Pompeii’s Excavations e-Journal, highlight the potential impact of early exposure to violence on behavior, drawing parallels to modern studies. Additionally, excavations revealed the remains of a man and woman in the House of the Painters at Work, further enriching our understanding of life in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA kick to the testicles is notoriously painful, but can it be fatal? While the short answer is yes, such outcomes are exceedingly rare and typically occur under exceptional circumstances. Historical records, including a case from 1843, document instances of death linked to testicular injuries, often due to severe complications like Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or extensive hematomas. More recent cases highlight that while external genital trauma is uncommon and rarely life-threatening, it can lead to serious long-term consequences if not treated promptly. Medical experts emphasize that the primary risk of fatality arises from untreated injuries, which can result in tissue necrosis. Fortunately, the anatomy of the male genitalia offers some protection, allowing it to evade direct impact. For those concerned about potential injuries, seeking medical advice is crucial to avoid dire outcomes.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSnakes, known for their unique physiology and hunting styles, exhibit fascinating and varied defecation habits influenced by their predatory behaviors. There are two main categories of snakes: ambush hunters, which tend to be heavier and eat less frequently, and active hunters, which are smaller, more agile, and consume food more regularly. Ambush hunters, such as Sumatran short-tailed pythons, can hold waste for months, sometimes retaining up to 10% of their body weight in feces, while active hunters defecate every few days due to their higher metabolic rates. Snakes possess a cloaca, a single opening for waste and reproduction, and their waste often appears as dry, chalky urates. Despite their peculiarities, much about snake physiology and behavior remains unknown, but as they gain popularity as pets and invasive species, further research may shed light on their intriguing biology.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a startling display of aggression, a group of bottlenose dolphins was observed hunting and killing a young common dolphin in Cardigan Bay, Wales, during a wildlife-watching trip. Dylan Coundley-Hughes, an intern with the Sea Watch Foundation, captured footage of the incident, which he described as both remarkable and heartbreaking. While aggressive behavior among dolphin species is not unprecedented, this marks the first recorded instance of bottlenose dolphins attacking a common dolphin in the area. Experts suggest that such interspecific aggression may arise from competition for similar prey, as both species share overlapping diets. Professor Peter Evans of the Sea Watch Foundation noted that while infanticide among bottlenose dolphins is known, the motives behind this particular incident remain unclear. A postmortem on the common dolphin calf is expected to provide further insights, as researchers monitor the potential for similar encounters in the future.
Published: Apr 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAntarctica, known for its frigid temperatures and vast ice sheets, is also home to significant volcanic activity, particularly in West Antarctica and Marie Byrd Land, where 138 volcanoes have been identified. While most are dormant, eight or nine are active, with Mount Erebus being the most notable. This towering volcano, the southernmost active one on Earth, features a persistent lava lake and emits gas laden with tiny gold crystals, estimated to yield around 80 grams of gold daily. The 1979 Air New Zealand Flight 901 disaster, which resulted in the loss of all 257 passengers when the plane collided with Mount Erebus, highlighted the dangers posed by the volcano, particularly due to "whiteout" conditions that obscured its visibility. As climate change accelerates ice melt, scientists warn that reduced pressure on magma chambers could trigger eruptions, potentially exacerbating ice loss and contributing to rising sea levels.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAs we mark 25 years since the Y2K phenomenon, reflections on the future envisioned by early 20th-century inventors reveal strikingly accurate predictions for 2025. Archibald Montgomery Low, a pioneering inventor often dubbed the "father of radio guidance systems," made notable forecasts in his 1925 book, _The Futur__e_. Among his insights were the concepts of smartphones, described as "automatic telephones," and the prevalence of moving sidewalks in public spaces. Low also anticipated the rise of television as a replacement for newspapers and the advent of wireless alarm clocks, optimistically set to wake users at 9:30 am. He foresaw renewable energy sources like wind and tide being harnessed for human use, while also predicting online banking and the potential misuse of technology by criminals. Although some of his visions, such as universal synthetic felt onesies, missed the mark, his foresight into modern technology remains remarkably relevant.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inTobacco use is linked to a myriad of serious health issues beyond the well-known risk of lung cancer, affecting nearly every organ in the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that tobacco can lead to gum disease, as smoking weakens the immune system and promotes harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, tobacco use is a significant contributor to erectile dysfunction, primarily by reducing nitric oxide availability, which is crucial for achieving an erection. The American Cancer Society reports that smoking accounts for approximately 20% of all cancer cases, with links to various cancers including those of the mouth, kidneys, and pancreas. Furthermore, tobacco increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels and promoting clotting. Reproductive health is also compromised, with tobacco linked to fertility issues and complications during pregnancy. However, quitting smoking can lead to improvements in many of these health concerns.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe role of the US President, often described as the world's toughest job, comes with a substantial salary of $400,000 annually, placing the holder among the top 5 percent of earners in the country. In addition to this salary, the President receives a $50,000 expense allowance, a $100,000 travel budget, and $19,000 for official entertainment, with any unspent funds returned to the Treasury. The President and their family also reside rent-free in the White House, a 55,000-square-foot residence featuring numerous amenities. While the presidential salary has seen nominal increases since the 1999 amendment, its value has diminished when adjusted for inflation. Notably, some Presidents, including Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy, have opted to forgo their salaries, with Trump donating his earnings to various government agencies while still generating significant income from his business ventures.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 5 ameznews.inA new study has shed light on the phenomenon of "mind blanking," where individuals suddenly find themselves devoid of thoughts. Led by Athena Demertzi and a team from France, Australia, and Belgium, the research analyzed 80 studies, including brain activity recordings of participants reporting moments of "thinking of nothing." Findings indicate that people experience mind blanking 5-20% of the time, with those having ADHD reporting it more frequently. The study highlights that mind blanking often occurs after intense focus, sleep deprivation, or physical exertion, and is linked to various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Brain imaging revealed that during these episodes, the brain may enter a "local sleep" state, characterized by slow waves and reduced activity in key areas. The researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of this complex experience, which varies significantly among individuals, to enhance our understanding of consciousness. The study is published in *Trends in Cognitive Sciences*.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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