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A recent online discussion sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." Initially raised by a user on social media, the question led to a flurry of humorous responses, with some suggesting they serve as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" for quicker drying. However, the consensus among those seeking a factual explanation is that these woven strips enhance the towel's durability and absorbency, preventing fraying and maintaining an even structure. According to Towel Hub, the dobby border not only contributes to the towel's performance but also adds an aesthetic touch, ensuring that towels remain soft, lightweight, and efficient for drying. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex enigmas, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers. 
Published: Sep 11 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study conducted at a music festival in the Netherlands has shed light on why some individuals attract more mosquitoes than others. Researchers observed 465 participants, examining factors such as hygiene, diet, and sleeping arrangements. They found that mosquitoes were less drawn to those who used sunscreen and maintained regular showering habits. Notably, participants who consumed beer and those who did not sleep alone were significantly more appealing to the insects. The study, which has not yet undergone peer review, suggests that a sober lifestyle, including abstaining from alcohol and applying sunscreen, may reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites. While the research debunks myths about blood type influencing mosquito attraction, it highlights the role of skin microbiota, particularly the presence of Streptococci. The findings indicate that lifestyle choices can impact mosquito attraction, although further research is needed to explore additional factors.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inMine spiders have gained attention as enthusiasts discover the remarkable arachnids that inhabit dark, remote caves and abandoned mines. Among these is the Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider, _Califorctenus cacachilensis_, identified in Baja California Sur, Mexico, where its existence was first hinted at by a shed exoskeleton. 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 relatively mild venom. Field entomologist Jim Berrian noted that while the spider's bite is not lethal, it effectively hunts prey in its underground habitat. Other cave-dwelling spiders, such as the cave orb-weaver (_Meta menardi_), also thrive in these environments, employing silk webs to capture unsuspecting insects. As researchers continue to explore these subterranean realms, millions of undiscovered spider species may still await identification.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inThe European wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) is facing a critical threat in Scotland due to hybridization with domestic cats (_F. catus_), which has been occurring for the past 60 years. This interbreeding has led to "hybrid swarms" that dilute the genetic integrity of the wildcat population, which is already endangered, with estimates suggesting only 30 to 430 individuals remain in the wild. Habitat loss and persecution have further exacerbated their decline, confining them to the Scottish Highlands. The rise of hybrids complicates conservation efforts, raising questions about species identity and the viability of future generations. Additionally, domestic cats pose risks to local wildlife through hunting and the spread of toxic substances from flea treatments. Conservationists advocate for stricter regulations on pet ownership, including microchipping and neutering, to mitigate these impacts and protect Scotland's last wild felids.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a striking demonstration of the vulnerabilities within the peer-review process, a blogging neuroscientist known as Neuroskeptic successfully tricked four scientific journals into publishing a fabricated study about "midi-chlorians," fictional microscopic life forms from the Star Wars universe. The hoax, submitted under the pseudonyms Dr. Lucas McGeorge and Dr. Annette Kin, was riddled with factual inaccuracies and even included references to the Sith legend of Darth Plagueis. The journals that fell for the ruse include the International Journal of Molecular Biology: Open Access and the Austin Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, among others. This incident underscores the growing concern over "predatory journals," which often prioritize quick publication over rigorous peer review, allowing dubious research to slip through the cracks. Neuroskeptic's experiment highlights the need for greater scrutiny in the open-access publishing model, which, while democratizing access to research, can also be exploited by unscrupulous individuals.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 12 ameznews.inAt the onset of the Second World War in 1939, the British government initiated a tragic and controversial campaign that led to the mass euthanasia of pets, fearing that food rationing would force owners to abandon or starve their animals. The National Air Raid Precautions Animals Committee recommended that pet owners either relocate their animals to the countryside or, if that was not feasible, have them humanely destroyed. This grim directive was accompanied by a pamphlet that included an advertisement for a bolt gun, underscoring the stark reality of the situation. Within a week of the war's declaration, over 400,000 pets were euthanized, with the total reaching approximately 750,000 by the war's end. While many believed they were acting in their pets' best interests, reports soon emerged indicating that convenience, rather than necessity, often motivated these decisions. Those pets that survived the initial wave largely endured until the war concluded.
Published: Sep 07 2025, 12 ameznews.inRecent surveys indicate that approximately 66% of individuals, particularly students, have experienced "blackout drinking," a phenomenon where significant periods of time are forgotten after consuming alcohol. Historically, understanding this issue has been challenging due to the need for subjects to recall their blackout experiences, often leading to ethically questionable research methods. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, researcher Donald Goodwin conducted controversial experiments involving alcoholics, revealing that many retained a degree of control during blackouts, even engaging in complex activities without memory of them. His findings suggested that while short-term memory might remain intact, the hippocampus, crucial for forming long-term memories, is impaired by alcohol. This research has shaped current understanding of blackouts, indicating that the brain fails to create lasting memories rather than simply losing access to them.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA record-breaking reticulated python, initially believed to be the longest snake ever captured, has died just three days after its capture in Paya Terubong, Malaysia. Found under a fallen tree near a highway construction site, the female python was estimated to weigh 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and was initially thought to measure 8 meters (26 feet) long, surpassing the current record holder, Medusa, at 7.67 meters (25.2 feet). However, a remeasurement revealed the Malaysian python was actually 7.5 meters (24.6 feet). Plans to return the snake to the wild were thwarted when it died while laying an egg. Speculation about the cause of death included stress from capture, with experts suggesting rough handling may have led to injuries. Snake expert Raymond Hoser emphasized that snakes do not die without reason, pointing to the potential harm caused during the capture process.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration has celebrated the 10th anniversary of gravitational wave discovery by releasing data on its clearest signal to date, known as GW250114, detected on January 14, 2025. This event, akin to the first observed gravitational wave, GW150914, involved the collision of black holes with masses between 30 to 40 solar masses, located approximately 1.3 billion light-years from Earth. The clarity of GW250114, described as a "fire alarm" compared to previous signals, allowed researchers to measure the areas of the black holes involved, confirming Stephen Hawking's area theorem. The total surface area of the two parent black holes was 240,000 square kilometers, while the final black hole's area increased to 400,000 square kilometers. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 80, this detection marks a significant advancement in gravitational wave science, enabling precise tests of general relativity and furthering our understanding of black hole physics.
Published: Sep 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers at Stanford University have made a significant advancement in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, enabling four paralyzed patients to communicate by decoding their "inner speech" into words. This innovative device, which implants a chip in the motor cortex, allows for real-time interpretation of internal monologues with a vocabulary of 125,000 words and an accuracy rate of up to 70%. Unlike previous BCIs that required physical effort to produce speech, this system taps into the brain's speech hotspots, offering a more comfortable and efficient means of communication. However, the technology raises ethical concerns regarding mental privacy, as it could inadvertently reveal users' thoughts. Experts emphasize the need for robust regulatory measures to protect individuals' rights and data privacy as this promising yet nascent technology develops. The findings were published in the journal Cell, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of life for those unable to speak.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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