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In Switzerland, trains are permitted to have up to 255 axles, and while they can exceed 257 axles, a peculiar regulation prohibits them from having exactly 256 axles. This unusual restriction stems from the limitations of the country's axle counting system, which uses an 8-digit binary number. When the count reaches 256, it rolls over to zero, causing trains with that exact number of axles to go undetected, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the tracks. As mathematician Matt Parker explains, this counting error could allow multiple trains to occupy the same section of track simultaneously, increasing the risk of collisions. To avoid such hazards, Swiss authorities have opted to enforce the 256-axle limit rather than update the existing hardware, which would be a costly endeavor. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 9 ameznews.inSpiders, ranging from the tiny jumping spider to the formidable Goliath birdeater, exhibit remarkable diversity in size and behavior. The Goliath birdeater (_Theraphosa blondi_), primarily found in the rainforests of northern South America, is recognized as the world's largest spider by mass, with females reaching up to 28 centimeters in leg span and weighing 175 grams. Despite its name, the Goliath primarily preys on insects and amphibians rather than birds. In contrast, the giant huntsman spider (_Heteropoda maxima_), discovered in Laos, boasts the longest leg span at 30 centimeters but is lighter and slimmer. Both species are nocturnal, with the Goliath being more aggressive and skittish. While neither poses a lethal threat to humans, they face dangers from habitat loss due to deforestation, which increases human-spider encounters and threatens their survival.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inNeanderthals in present-day Belgium may have resorted to cannibalism around 45,000 years ago, specifically targeting the weakest members of rival clans, according to new research. Analysis of bones found in the Goyet caves revealed a minimum of six individuals, predominantly petite females and children, suggesting they were deliberately chosen as victims. The remains, which show clear signs of butchering, represent the largest collection of cannibalized Neanderthal remains in northern Europe. Isotopic studies indicate these individuals were not local, and their physical characteristics suggest they were not particularly mobile, implying they did not wander into enemy territory. The researchers propose that this act of exocannibalism may have been driven by competition and conflict, coinciding with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region, which likely intensified inter-group violence among Neanderthals. The findings are detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inScientists have developed a new method to map the Milky Way galaxy "from the inside out," addressing the challenges posed by our position within it. Traditional mapping techniques have struggled to reveal the intricate structures of the inner spiral arms due to dust obscuring our view. The latest study, led by Dr. Carlos Viscasillas Vázquez from Vilnius University, utilizes stellar spectroscopy to analyze the chemical compositions of stars, allowing researchers to explore the Scutum and Sagittarius spiral arms in unprecedented detail. This innovative approach revealed a previously unknown spur connecting the two arms and highlighted how these structures influence star formation. The research builds on data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia observatory, which has significantly advanced our understanding of the galaxy, despite its retirement earlier this year. The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, mark a significant step in uncovering the complexities of our galactic home.
Published: Dec 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA remarkably preserved dinosaur embryo, estimated to be between 66 and 72 million years old, has been discovered inside a fossilized egg at a museum in China, where it had been stored for over a decade. Named "Baby Yingliang," this specimen is one of the most complete dinosaur embryos ever found and belongs to the oviraptorosaur group of toothless theropods. Measuring approximately 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) long, Baby Yingliang exhibits a posture similar to that of modern bird embryos, known as "tucking," which is crucial for hatching. This finding suggests that such behaviors may have originated in theropod ancestors long before the evolution of birds. Researchers emphasize that while this unique specimen provides valuable insights, further discoveries are needed to draw definitive conclusions about dinosaur embryonic development. The study detailing this discovery was published in the journal iScience.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 12 ameznews.inSound behaves differently across various celestial bodies due to their unique atmospheric properties, which influence how sound waves travel. On Earth, sound travels at approximately 340 meters per second, while on Venus, it moves faster at around 410 meters per second, resulting in voices sounding deeper, akin to "bass Smurfs," according to Professor Tim Leighton. Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has a denser but colder atmosphere, causing sound to travel more slowly at just over 200 meters per second. Mars presents a different scenario, with sound traveling at about 240 meters per second, leading to high-pitched auditory experiences due to its thin atmosphere. Meanwhile, the gas giants, like Jupiter, may have sound speeds reaching theoretical limits of 36 kilometers per second in their extreme metallic hydrogen cores. Thus, while sound can be heard on these worlds, the experience would vary dramatically from what we know on Earth.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is peaking earlier than anticipated, with rising cases reported across Asia and Europe. Symptoms of flu, as outlined by the UK's National Health Service, include a sudden high temperature, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, headache, and loss of appetite, with some experiencing nausea and diarrhea. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms typically appear abruptly and are more intense, potentially leading to serious complications. While most individuals can recover at home, it is crucial to seek medical advice for severe symptoms or if flu is suspected in vulnerable populations. Although this year's flu vaccine may not be a perfect match for the circulating strain, it can still mitigate the severity of illness. Experts warn of a challenging winter ahead, urging individuals to take proactive health measures amid confusion surrounding vaccination guidance.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 4 ameznews.inGemina, a Baringo giraffe born on July 16, 1986, at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, became a beloved figure at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where she spent most of her life. Notable for her distinctive "crooked" neck, which became apparent around age three, Gemina underwent numerous examinations, but veterinarians could not determine the cause of her condition. Standing at 3.6 meters (12 feet), she lived a full life, giving birth in 1991, though her calf tragically died of pneumonia. Gemina's unique appearance made her a local celebrity, inspiring many, including a young boy with scoliosis. She passed away in January 2008 at the age of 21, a significant achievement for a captive giraffe. Rich Block, the zoo's CEO, praised her as an "animal ambassador" who showed that differences can be celebrated. While other giraffes have exhibited similar conditions, none matched Gemina's fame and impact.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 2 ameznews.inA thick blanket of radiation fog has enveloped California's Central Valley, expected to persist for several days. This phenomenon, known as tule fog, is a common occurrence during the fall and winter months, forming on clear, calm nights when the ground cools rapidly, causing moisture to condense into tiny droplets. Following heavy rainfall in late November, the region's damp valleys have been particularly affected, with the fog stretching nearly 400 miles from Bakersfield to north of Sacramento. While visibility can drop to as little as 10 feet, prompting Dense Fog Advisories from the National Weather Service, the fog also plays a crucial role in agriculture, aiding crops like almonds and peaches in their winter dormancy. Despite concerns over a decline in winter fog in recent years, this week's weather highlights its continued significance in the Central Valley's seasonal cycle.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 3 ameznews.inInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, coming within 269 million kilometers (167 million miles), or 1.8 astronomical units. As this cosmic event approaches, astronomers are seizing the opportunity to capture stunning images of the comet, which was first observed by the Hubble Space Telescope in July when it was 365 million kilometers away. Recent observations from the European Space Agency's JUICE mission and NASA's STEREO spacecraft have revealed intriguing features, including the comet's coma and dual tails—one of dust and another of plasma. Notably, 3I/ATLAS has even "photobombed" other comet observations, showcasing its prominence in the night sky. As the comet draws nearer, astronomers anticipate a wealth of new images, providing a unique glimpse into an object that predates our Solar System and offers insights into the galaxy's history.
Published: Dec 06 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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