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The term "hamburger" has its roots in the German port city of Hamburg, rather than any association with pork. Hamburg served as a key departure point for European immigrants heading to America in the 19th century, particularly during the revolutionary upheavals of 1848. Many emigrants traveled on ships from the Hamburg America Line, bringing their culinary traditions with them. The word "hamburger" originally referred to a native of Hamburg, but its connection to the minced beef patty is less clear. One theory suggests that Hamburg was known for high-quality beef, which was often chopped and formed into patties. By the late 19th century, dishes called "Hamburg steaks" emerged, leading to the standalone term "hamburger" in the early 20th century. This linguistic evolution mirrors that of "frankfurter," named after Frankfurt, illustrating how food names can reflect cultural and historical ties. 
Published: Oct 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inA recent study led by Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland has unveiled a complex evolutionary response of large and medium-sized lizards to snake venom, likened to a series of Russian dolls. The research, which examined 27 species of varanid lizards, revealed that while larger lizards like Komodo dragons have developed thick, protective scales to fend off snake bites, smaller lizards have evolved biochemical defenses that make their nerves less susceptible to neurotoxins. This adaptation comes at a cost, resulting in slower nerve response times. Interestingly, lizards can lose and re-evolve these resistance traits depending on their proximity to snakes, showcasing a dynamic evolutionary process. The ongoing biological arms race sees snakes continuously developing new venoms to counteract lizard defenses. While Fry's work primarily aims to inform antivenom development, he humorously mused about the potential of genetically modifying humans to possess snake-repelling scales. The findings are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe mystery behind the iconic holes in Swiss cheese, known as "eyes," has perplexed scientists for over a century. Initially attributed to bacteria releasing carbon dioxide during fermentation, the holes began to disappear in the 21st century, raising concerns within the cheese industry. Researchers discovered that the holes are actually formed by tiny particles of hay that enter the milk during traditional milking processes. As modern milking techniques have replaced these methods, the influx of hay particles has diminished, leading to fewer holes. A 2015 study confirmed this hypothesis by demonstrating that adding ground hay to milk could control the number of holes formed during cheese ripening. This revelation not only explains the decline in Swiss cheese's signature feature but also offers a pathway to enhance cheese quality, ensuring that the beloved "King of Cheeses" retains its distinctive character for connoisseurs.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 8 pmeznews.inScientists have discovered that rocks from Canada, Greenland, and Hawai'i contain significantly lower levels of the rare isotope potassium-40 compared to other Earth materials, suggesting these rocks originated from the proto-Earth before the cataclysmic collision that formed the Moon. This collision, involving a Mars-sized body named Theia, not only created the Moon but also transformed Earth's surface into a molten state, mixing its materials. Researchers from MIT, led by Dr. Nicole Nie, analyzed ancient rocks and volcanic formations, finding potassium-40 concentrations 65 parts per million lower than typical samples, indicating a composition closer to that of the early Earth. While this discovery provides direct evidence of preserved proto-Earth materials, it raises questions about why the proto-Earth had such low potassium-40 levels and how these samples avoided contamination from Theia's influence. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature Geoscience*.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 5 pmeznews.inInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, known for its dual tails—one dust and the other ion—may soon be crossed by two spacecraft: NASA's Europa Clipper and the European Space Agency's Hera. While the ion tail, which can extend hundreds of millions of kilometers, has not yet been observed, both spacecraft are positioned to potentially enter it in the coming weeks, coinciding with a peak in the comet's activity on October 29. Hera will be in the optimal position from October 25 to November 1, but lacks the necessary instruments to study the tail. Conversely, Europa Clipper is equipped for such observations, with a window from October 30 to November 6, though its participation remains uncertain amid a government shutdown and internal restructuring at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. If neither spacecraft succeeds, ESA's JUICE mission will observe the comet on November 2 and 25, providing valuable scientific insights.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe noble false widow spider (_Steatoda nobilis_), an invasive species first described in 1875, has spread across Europe, western Asia, and the Americas, thriving due to its cold tolerance, longevity, and prolific breeding, producing up to 1,000 offspring annually. Notably, a recent observation in southern England marked only the third instance of this spider preying on a protected vertebrate, specifically a pygmy shrew (_Sorex minutus_). The spider was seen ensnaring the shrew in its web and lifting it approximately 25 centimeters before wrapping it in silk. This behavior, previously documented in other spider species, highlights the noble false widow's ability to overpower prey much larger than itself, aided by its potent venom and strong silk. Researchers emphasize the importance of public observations in understanding the ecological impact of this species, as the study detailing these findings was published in the journal *Ecosphere*.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGreenland, the world's largest island, is undergoing significant geological changes as its ice sheets continue to melt, leading to a gradual shrinkage and shape-shifting of the landmass. Research from the Technical University of Denmark reveals that over the past 20 years, Greenland has moved northwestward by approximately 2 centimeters (0.7 inches) annually. While the overall area is becoming slightly smaller, the effects are not uniform; some regions are compressing while others are expanding due to the melting ice's impact on the underlying bedrock. This dynamic is a result of the tectonic movements of the North American plate, which Greenland sits upon. Researchers utilized data from 58 GPS stations to track these changes, revealing that Greenland is not only stretching but also experiencing areas of contraction. The findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, highlight the complex interplay between ice melt and geological activity.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAstronomers at the W. M. Keck Observatory have unveiled intriguing features of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, including the confirmation of a rare "anti-solar tail." Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is the fastest of its kind observed, with an eccentricity indicating it is an interstellar visitor. Recent spectral analysis revealed unusual elemental compositions, including an extreme abundance ratio of iron and nickel, raising questions about their presence in the comet's coma. The study also noted that nickel is more concentrated near the comet's nucleus compared to cyanide, suggesting complex interactions with solar radiation. The anti-tail phenomenon, where the tail points towards the Sun, is attributed to the ejection of large dust grains that are not pushed away by solar wind. This research, which has not yet undergone peer review, highlights the comet's potential as a time capsule from the early universe and underscores the need for further observations of interstellar objects.
Published: Oct 17 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study from Brazil suggests that geomagnetic disturbances linked to solar activity may increase the risk of heart attacks on Earth. Analyzing hospital records from São José dos Campos between 1998 and 2005, researchers found a correlation between periods of geomagnetic activity and a rise in myocardial infarction (MI) cases, particularly among women. While the study's sample size is limited, it aligns with previous research indicating that geomagnetic activity can affect heart health, including changes in heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of cardiovascular well-being. Other studies have also noted a positive correlation between geomagnetic disturbances and cardiovascular diseases, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. As solar activity peaks in its 11-year cycle, experts emphasize the need for further research to understand the potential health implications of space weather on human physiology. The findings are published in the journal Communications Medicine.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNew data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the 2024-25 flu season was particularly devastating for children, resulting in 280 pediatric deaths—the highest since records began in 2004, excluding the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The median age of the deceased was seven, with 61% under nine years old, and 56% had underlying health conditions. Most fatalities were linked to influenza A viruses, known for causing more severe infections. Alarmingly, 89% of the 208 children for whom vaccination status was known were not fully vaccinated. The CDC emphasizes the importance of annual flu vaccinations for everyone over six months, especially as the upcoming season approaches. The 2024-25 season also saw an estimated 43 million illnesses and 38,000 deaths nationwide, attributed to relaxed COVID-19 precautions and the co-circulation of multiple flu strains. Experts continue to advocate for vaccination as the best defense against severe flu outcomes.
Published: Oct 16 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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