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The platypus, native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, is renowned for its unique characteristics, including being the most venomous mammal on Earth. While its venom is not lethal to humans, it is excruciatingly painful, with victims often relying on strong painkillers as no antivenom exists. A notable case from 1992 involved a 57-year-old man who described the pain from a platypus sting as "much worse" than shrapnel wounds sustained in battle. More recently, a 62-year-old woman suffered severe hand pain after being stung while rescuing a platypus, leading to an infection that required surgery. Platypuses are monotremes, laying eggs rather than giving birth, and males possess venomous spurs that are particularly active during breeding season. Their venom, a complex mix of peptides, showcases convergent evolution, reflecting the unique evolutionary history of Australia's isolated wildlife. 
Published: Sep 11 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn April 1989, the International Gold Council expressed alarm over a claim made by mathematician AK Dewdney in *Scientific American*, which suggested that gold could be created from nothing using the Banach-Tarski Paradox. This mathematical concept posits that an ideal solid can be divided and reassembled into two identical copies, seemingly defying the laws of physics. However, the claim was a ruse; the supposed inventor, Arlo Lipof, was an anagram for "April fool," and the paradox cannot actually produce gold. The Banach-Tarski Paradox, rooted in set theory, illustrates the counterintuitive nature of infinity, where an uncountably infinite set can be derived from a countably infinite one. While the paradox raises questions about the foundations of mathematics, belief in its principles, particularly the Axiom of Choice, remains prevalent among mathematicians, despite its seemingly absurd implications.
Published: Sep 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIFLScience is set to host an exciting virtual event, CURIOUS Live, on May 24, 2025, featuring neuroscientist Dr. Austin Lim, author of _Horror On The Brain_. This exclusive event will delve into the intersection of science fiction and real neurological phenomena, showcasing astonishing true stories, such as a woman who perceives dragons instead of faces and a patient unable to feel pain. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Lim during a live Q&A session, as well as receive tips for crafting compelling horror and sci-fi narratives. The event is available exclusively to IFLScience All-Access members, who will also gain access to future events and additional member benefits. Interested participants can sign up for membership to secure their spot and enjoy a range of premium features, including access to past CURIOUS Live talks on YouTube.
Published: Sep 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNASA has addressed claims by Harvard professor Avi Loeb that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS could be an alien spacecraft sent to the Solar System. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is notable for its high speed and large size, with a nucleus measuring approximately 5.6 kilometers. Loeb speculated that the object might be a probe from an advanced civilization, potentially posing a threat to Earth, referencing the "Dark Forest" hypothesis, which suggests preemptive strikes by intelligent life. However, NASA scientists, including Tom Statler, have emphasized that 3I/ATLAS exhibits typical cometary behavior, reinforcing its classification as a natural body rather than an artificial one. While the object is intriguing, NASA asserts that it poses no danger to Earth, and ongoing observations will continue to clarify its nature as it approaches the Sun.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPlanet Earth's oceans contain an astonishing amount of gold, estimated at around 20 million tons, or approximately $2.13 quadrillion in value. Scientists have found that there is about one gram of gold dissolved in every 100 million metric tons of seawater, with slightly higher concentrations in areas like the Mediterranean Sea. This gold enters the oceans through weathering of rocks on land and hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. However, extracting gold from seawater is currently not cost-effective; methods developed over the years, including a sponge-like material that can absorb trace amounts of gold, have proven too expensive to scale profitably. As a result, the ocean remains a glittering reservoir of gold that is largely untapped, leading experts to suggest that those seeking precious metals might find better prospects in asteroid mining, where vast quantities of valuable materials are believed to exist.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, spanning 38 kilometers (24 miles), is recognized as the longest continuous bridge over water globally, supported by approximately 9,500 concrete pilings. The southbound section opened on August 30, 1956, followed by the northbound bridge in 1969, facilitating access between New Orleans and surrounding communities. Constructed in just 14 months using innovative assembly-line techniques, the bridge significantly reduced commute times and enhanced tourism, allowing visitors to explore the north shore's attractions. The southbound bridge features 2,246 spans, while the northbound has 1,506, with both supported by precast pile bents averaging 27.4 meters (90 feet) in length. Although the Causeway's title as the longest bridge was challenged by China's Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in 2011, it remains the longest continuous bridge over water, following the establishment of separate categories for bridge length.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNASA's Perseverance rover team has announced what they describe as the "clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars," during a highly anticipated press conference. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy revealed that a year ago, the rover collected a sample believed to contain signs of microbial life, which has since undergone rigorous analysis by the scientific community. Unlike previous findings that were met with skepticism, this evidence has reportedly not been easily explained away, suggesting a significant breakthrough in the search for extraterrestrial life. Associate Administrator Nicky Fox emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating it brings humanity closer to answering the profound question of whether we are alone in the universe. The findings, particularly intriguing "leopard spots" observed in Martian mudstone, have sparked excitement among scientists, marking a pivotal moment in Mars exploration.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 4 ameznews.inThe Salmon River in Alaska, once known for its pristine waters, has turned a troubling orange hue due to climate change and thawing permafrost, raising alarms about environmental and public health. This transformation has released toxic contaminants, including heavy metals like aluminum, iron, and cadmium, into the river, threatening local ecosystems and the health of Indigenous communities reliant on the river for sustenance. Recent studies reveal that nine out of ten tributaries tested exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency toxicity thresholds, with alarming implications for fish populations and water quality. The decline in salmon harvests, which have plummeted to their lowest levels in over 60 years, underscores the socio-economic impact of this ecological crisis. As permafrost continues to thaw, scientists warn that more Arctic rivers may face similar fates, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inEarwax, often regarded as one of the body's more unpleasant secretions, serves crucial protective functions for the ears, shielding them from dirt, bacteria, and moisture. Its color can indicate health issues; for instance, green or black earwax may signal infections or blockages, while brown with red streaks could suggest injuries. Interestingly, the smell of earwax can also provide health insights, with a sweet scent potentially indicating maple syrup urine disease, and a musky odor linked to Parkinson's disease. Research has shown that earwax can be a valuable diagnostic tool, as its lipid-rich composition allows for the detection of metabolic changes associated with various health conditions, including cancer. While the relationship between earwax characteristics and certain diseases is still being explored, it highlights the potential of this bodily secretion as a non-invasive health indicator.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe European cave spider (_Meta menardi_) has gained attention as interest in cave-dwelling arachnids rises, revealing a variety of impressive species that thrive in dark, abandoned spaces. Among these is the recently identified Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider (_Califorctenus cacachilensis_), discovered in an abandoned mine in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This new genus, related to the venomous Brazilian wandering spider, boasts a leg span of approximately 10 centimeters and a stocky body, making it a formidable predator despite its non-lethal venom. Field entomologist Jim Berrian noted that miners likely cohabited with these spiders, as the mine was once active. Additionally, cave orb-weavers like _Meta menardi_ are common in the UK, employing webs as tripwires to catch prey. Recent discoveries of blind spider species in Israeli caves highlight the extreme adaptations of these creatures to their dark environments.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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