eznews.in
The tiny handles on maple syrup bottles, often deemed impractical for pouring, have sparked curiosity about their purpose. These features are believed to be skeuomorphs—design elements that mimic older objects without serving a functional role. Dating back to the 1930s, the handles were likely introduced as a marketing strategy during the Great Depression, evoking nostalgia for larger stone jugs once used for various liquids, including liquor and molasses. Jean-François, curator at the Canada Museum of History, noted that syrup companies aimed to connect their product with the romanticized image of 19th-century crocks. This trend mirrors other skeuomorphic examples, such as the floppy disk icon for saving files and the shutter sound in digital cameras. Ultimately, the handles serve as a reminder of a bygone era rather than a practical addition to modern syrup packaging. 
Published: Apr 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), located in deep underground caverns in Texas and Louisiana, currently holds 396.4 million barrels of crude oil, with a maximum capacity of 714 million barrels. Established after the 1973 energy crisis to protect against supply disruptions, the SPR serves as a crucial tool in U.S. energy security and geopolitics. Managed by the Department of Energy, it allows for the release of oil to stabilize domestic prices or support international allies, as seen in the coordinated release of 60 million barrels in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the SPR faces criticism for inefficiencies and potential political misuse, particularly regarding emergency releases aimed at influencing voter sentiment. As global energy dynamics shift, experts are calling for a reevaluation of the SPR's role and effectiveness in contemporary energy policy.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 ameznews.inA 2015 YouGov poll revealed that over 40 percent of Americans believe humans and dinosaurs co-existed, reminiscent of the animated duo Fred Flintstone and Dino. Specifically, 27 percent thought it "probably" happened, while 14 percent were certain of it. In contrast, only 25 percent rejected this notion outright. The divide appears influenced by religious beliefs, with 56 percent of "born-again" Christians supporting the idea, compared to just 22 percent who do not. Conversely, 51 percent of non-born-again Americans dismiss the coexistence claim. Scientifically, evidence shows that non-avian dinosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago, long before the emergence of the genus Homo, which appeared between 3 and 2.5 million years ago. While birds, descendants of theropod dinosaurs, still exist today, it is unlikely that poll respondents were considering this when expressing their views on human-dinosaur coexistence.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOn January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi province of northwest China experienced a catastrophic earthquake, believed to be the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The quake, caused by the slipping of the Weinan and Huashan faults, had its epicenter near Huaxian. While records indicate that about one-third of the victims died from collapsing structures and landslides, many others succumbed to disease and famine in the aftermath. Despite its magnitude of 8 to 8.3, the Shaanxi earthquake is not the strongest recorded but remains the deadliest, surpassing the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed around 655,000. Given the global population of less than half a billion at the time, the relative loss of life on that day is unparalleled. Nearly 500 years later, no single day has matched the devastation of that fateful Thursday.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inScientists have developed a self-injectable contraceptive shot that forms an implant within the body, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional birth control methods. This innovative technology combines the long-term drug release of contraceptive implants with the ease of injectable administration, eliminating the need for daily pills and enhancing accessibility, particularly in areas with limited medical infrastructure. The contraceptive, levonorgestrel, is delivered through a tiny needle, minimizing discomfort for patients. Co-lead author Vivian Feig emphasized the goal of providing diverse, easy-to-administer contraceptive options, especially for women in developing regions. The new method, known as Self-aggregating Long-acting Injectable Microcrystals (SLIM), has shown promise in rodent tests, with plans for preclinical studies to assess its performance in humans. Researchers believe SLIM could also be adapted for other medications, potentially improving treatments for conditions like HIV and tuberculosis. The findings are published in *Nature Chemical Engineering*.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers at Brown University reveals that Americans have lower survival rates than Europeans, a trend consistent across all wealth levels. Despite wealthier Americans living longer than their poorer counterparts, their life expectancy still lags behind that of wealthy Europeans. Over the past six decades, the U.S. has seen a significant transfer of wealth from the middle class to the rich, exacerbating inequality and contributing to declining life expectancy, particularly among the poorest citizens. The study, which analyzed data from over 73,000 adults aged 50 to 85, found that even the wealthiest Americans have mortality rates comparable to the poorest in several European countries. Researchers emphasize that systemic issues, including economic inequality and lifestyle factors, affect health outcomes across all socioeconomic groups. The findings call for policymakers to address these disparities, suggesting that improvements in health could be achieved by learning from the better outcomes observed in other nations.
Published: Apr 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inAn underwater vehicle named "Boaty McBoatface" has made a remarkable discovery in Loch Ness, recovering a long-lost camera trap originally set up in 1970 to capture images of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The camera, which was found 180 meters underwater, was designed by Professor Roy Mackal and featured a clockwork Instamatic with an inbuilt flash, intended to take photos when a bait line was disturbed. The camera remained intact after 55 years submerged, a testament to its durable housing. The unexpected find occurred during a test mission by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), where Boaty McBoatface inadvertently became entangled with the camera's mooring. Although no images of Nessie were captured, the recovered camera and film will be displayed at The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, adding a fascinating chapter to the legend of Nessie while aiding ongoing marine research efforts.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe term "Disease X," popularized by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2018, refers to unknown pathogens that could potentially trigger a global epidemic akin to COVID-19. The concept gained traction during the pandemic, with some experts suggesting COVID-19 itself could be viewed as the "first Disease X." Currently, the WHO maintains a priority list of known pathogens that pose a risk, but Disease X remains a "known unknown," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding future threats. Recent discussions at the 2024 World Economic Forum, led by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have reignited public interest, though some conspiracy theories have emerged. While the inevitability of future pandemics is acknowledged, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness rather than panic. As humanity's interaction with nature increases, so does the risk of spillover events, prompting global efforts to enhance pandemic readiness based on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inEarth's magnetic north pole is undergoing significant and accelerating movement, drifting eastward from Canada towards Siberia at an increasing rate. Since the 1830s, it has shifted approximately 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles), with the pace of movement rising from less than 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) per year in 1990 to around 50 to 60 kilometers (31 to 37 miles) annually by 2005. If this trend continues, the pole could move an additional 660 kilometers (410 miles) in the next decade, potentially causing compasses to point east of true north by 2040. Meanwhile, the south magnetic pole is also drifting eastward over Antarctica. These changes are attributed to the dynamics of Earth's molten outer core, which generates the planet's magnetic field. While the shifting poles are unlikely to affect daily life, they necessitate recalibrations of GPS and satellite navigation systems. Scientists continue to study these phenomena, as the last complete pole reversal occurred 780,000 years ago.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA Tasmanian woman, Jenny Forward, experienced excruciating pain after being spurred by a platypus while attempting to rescue the animal from a roadside gutter. Describing the agony as "worse than childbirth," Forward recounted how the creature, which she initially thought was injured, impaled her hand with its venomous spurs. The incident occurred near Kingston, Tasmania, and Forward struggled to detach the platypus from her hand due to the intense pain. While platypus venom is not lethal to humans, it can cause severe and lingering discomfort, as evidenced by past medical cases. Despite her ordeal, Forward remains committed to wildlife conservation and plans to advocate for the protection of platypuses, which are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and pollution. She expressed her intention to collaborate with local authorities to safeguard the species and its environment.
Published: Apr 05 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact