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Science classes often overlook a curious feature of human anatomy: the small hole located on the bottom of the eyelid, known as the lacrimal punctum. This tiny, almond-shaped opening, typically about 2 millimeters from the inner corner of the lower eyelid, is entirely normal and varies in size among individuals. Contrary to popular belief, the punctum does not produce tears; instead, it serves as part of the eye's drainage system, channeling tears from the eye to the lacrimal sac and ultimately into the nose, which explains the runny nose that often accompanies crying. Interestingly, medical procedures can involve inserting tiny plugs into these holes to alleviate dry eyes. However, the drainage system can malfunction, causing tears or even blood to escape from the punctum, leading to unusual "party tricks." Despite its small size, the lacrimal punctum plays a significant role in eye health and function. 
Published: Jul 04 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe bog turtle, North America's smallest turtle species, measuring just 11.4 centimeters long, is facing critical endangerment due to habitat loss and slow reproduction rates. Found primarily in wetlands, these adorable creatures can live over 60 years but are notoriously difficult to locate as they often hide underwater or in mud. The species is listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act and critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their decline is attributed to habitat degradation from development and natural changes, such as tree encroachment. Conservationists are actively working to restore bog turtle habitats and monitor populations, aiming to delist the species by 2050. As a keystone species, bog turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems, underscoring the importance of their conservation efforts.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe White House has dismissed speculation about extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with high-altitude balloons, leading to the postponement of a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Published: Jul 16 2025, 3 ameznews.inIFLScience requires your contact information to communicate about its products and services. Subscribers have the option to unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For details on how to unsubscribe and to understand the organization's privacy practices, including its commitment to safeguarding your personal information, IFLScience encourages users to review its Privacy Policy.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe allure of space and the ocean's depths captivates humanity, challenging our bodies and technology in extreme environments. In a new podcast episode, co-hosts Dr Alfredo Carpineti and Katy Evans delve into this fascination by engaging with astronauts and deep-sea explorers, including Luca Parmitano, Dr Kathy Sullivan, and Victor Vescovo. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards associated with their respective explorations, highlighting the similarities and differences between venturing into space and the oceanic abyss. Listeners can tune in to this insightful conversation and subscribe to the podcast on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and Amazon Music, to explore these profound questions further.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn 2017, a Reddit post sparked curiosity about whether giraffes are more prone to lightning strikes than other animals. While there are documented cases of giraffes being killed by lightning—five incidents between 1996 and 2010, including a notable event at Disney World—zoologist Luis Villazon notes that this translates to a mortality rate of 0.003 per thousand giraffes annually, significantly higher than the fatality rate for humans in the US. A 2020 study from Rockwood Conservation in South Africa highlighted the vulnerability of giraffes, as their height makes them likely targets for lightning. However, giraffes may exhibit behaviors to mitigate risk, such as seeking shelter during storms, though evidence for this is limited. Additionally, their four-legged anatomy increases susceptibility to ground currents, which are responsible for many lightning-related fatalities in both animals and humans.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Simulation Hypothesis, which posits that our reality may be a computer-generated simulation akin to a video game, has gained traction among some prominent figures, including Elon Musk and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who suggests the odds of living in a simulation are "better than 50-50." However, critics argue that the hypothesis lacks scientific validity, as it cannot be confirmed or disproven, rendering it more a form of pseudoscience than a legitimate theory. Rooted in philosophical skepticism, the idea echoes René Descartes' Evil Demon hypothesis and modern variations like the Brain-in-a-Vat scenario. Swedish philosopher Nick Boström's statistical reasoning suggests that if advanced civilizations can create simulations, we are likely among the simulated beings. Yet, theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder contends that the hypothesis is vague and lacks a coherent framework, likening its appeal to religious beliefs that attribute meaning and purpose to human experiences through a hypothetical programmer.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe oldest known bone spear tip in Europe, dating back 70,000 to 80,000 years, has been discovered in a cave in southwest Russia, likely crafted by Neanderthals as a hunting weapon. This significant find is notable due to the scarcity of bone tools from the Middle Paleolithic associated with Neanderthal sites, as most examples appear only after the arrival of modern humans around 45,000 years ago. The spear tip, described as a "unique pointy bone artefact," was analyzed using advanced techniques, revealing it had been intentionally shaped and possibly hafted onto a wooden shaft. Residue on the bone suggests it was used in a hunting context, likely fired once for a successful kill. The study indicates that some Neanderthal groups in Europe independently developed bone-tipped weapons, showcasing their skill and innovation, and is published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inHuman skin is intricately patterned with what are known as Blaschko lines, a phenomenon first described by German dermatologist Alfred Blaschko in 1901. These lines, which map the pathways of skin cell migration during embryonic development, become visible under certain conditions and do not cross the body's anterior midline. They form distinctive shapes, including a V at the back and wavy lines along the limbs and face. Skin conditions such as lichen striatus and genetic disorders like incontinentia pigmenti can cause lesions that align with these lines, illustrating a form of cutaneous mosaicism where different genetic cell populations coexist. A rarer form, chimerism, occurs when two fertilized eggs merge, leading to unique pigmentation patterns. Despite popular belief, there is no evidence that cats can see these invisible stripes, debunking a common myth about feline vision.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inAstronomers have discovered a unique celestial body, 2020 VN40, which orbits the Sun in a 10:1 resonance with Neptune, taking 1,648 years to complete one orbit compared to Neptune's 165 years. Unlike Pluto, which is in a stable 3:2 resonance with Neptune, 2020 VN40's orbit is highly inclined at over 33 degrees, ensuring no risk of collision with the gas giant. This finding, part of the Large inclination Distant Objects (LiDO) survey, reveals a complex relationship between distant objects in the Solar System and Neptune, suggesting that even remote regions are influenced by its gravitational pull. Researchers, including lead author Rosemary Pike from the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, believe this discovery could reshape our understanding of the Solar System's evolution. The study highlights the existence of many small bodies on large, tilted orbits, opening new avenues for exploration into the Solar System's past.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inPigeons with missing toes and deformed feet are increasingly common in urban areas, a phenomenon that a 2019 study from France attributes to human activity, particularly hairdressing salons. Researchers from the Center for Ecology and Conservation Sciences in Paris examined 46 sites in the city, finding that 20% of adult pigeons had mutilated toes. Contrary to assumptions that infections were to blame, the study revealed no significant correlation between foot injuries and disease, as both pale and dark-feathered pigeons were equally affected. Instead, the injuries were linked to densely populated neighborhoods with high levels of air and noise pollution, as well as the presence of synthetic fibers and hair. The researchers suggest that pigeons may inadvertently wrap these materials around their toes while foraging, leading to circulation issues and tissue damage. Lead author Frédéric Jiguet emphasized that pigeons are victims of human pollution, challenging the negative perceptions often associated with these urban birds.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 11 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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