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Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of the Medieval Wall System (MWS), a vast network of fortifications stretching 4,000 kilometers across modern-day China, Mongolia, and Russia, built between 826 and 1,125 years ago by various warring dynasties, notably the Jin dynasty. A recent excavation focused on the Mongolian section, revealing that this part of the wall was not primarily military but rather a symbolic structure marking Jin control. Researchers found that the Mongolian Arc consisted mainly of shallow ditches and earth mounds, suggesting it was designed to manage border crossings and civilian movement rather than to repel invaders. Despite significant resources allocated for its construction and maintenance, including the presence of military personnel, the MWS ultimately failed to protect the Jin dynasty, which fell to the Mongols in the 13th century, leading to the wall's decline into obscurity. The findings were published in the journal *Antiquity*. 
Published: May 29 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inThe Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, which posits that all probabilistic outcomes occur in parallel universes, faces potential challenges from new research conducted by a team at Hiroshima University. In a sophisticated upgrade of the classic double-slit experiment, the researchers employed an interferometer to analyze photon behavior. By manipulating the polarization of light through glass plates on two paths, they aimed to determine whether photons could travel through both slits simultaneously, a phenomenon known as delocalization. Preliminary findings suggest that, under certain conditions, photons appeared to traverse both paths, casting doubt on the Many-Worlds Interpretation. This revelation is likely to spark significant debate regarding the experimental methodology and the interpretation of results. The study, which is currently awaiting peer review, adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding quantum mechanics and its interpretations.
Published: May 29 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inA young woman in France tragically died from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) nearly eight years after a lab accident involving mouse brains. The 24-year-old researcher sustained a minor cut on her thumb while handling samples containing human prion proteins in May 2010. Symptoms began in November 2017, including severe pain, depression, and hallucinations, leading to her death 19 months later. Doctors confirmed vCJD through analysis of her cerebrospinal fluid and blood, a rare and fatal condition caused by misfolded prion proteins that induce abnormal protein folding in the brain. While vCJD is typically linked to consuming infected animal tissue, the case study suggests the risk from the lab incident was "negligible." The woman's family has accused the laboratory of manslaughter, claiming inadequate safety measures, and the study emphasizes the urgent need for improved protocols to prevent prion transmission in research and medical settings.
Published: May 29 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inA 58-year-old woman in the US succumbed to iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD), a rare prion disease linked to a hormone treatment she received as a child. The woman, who had been treated with cadaveric human growth hormone from 1971 to 1980, experienced a rapid neurological decline, marked by tremors, slurred speech, and loss of motor control, before slipping into unconsciousness and requiring life support. Prions, misfolded proteins that can remain dormant for decades, are notorious for causing severe brain damage and cognitive decline, with no known cure. Although cases of prion diseases are rare, with around 300 reported annually in the US, researchers caution that vigilance is necessary as some individuals may still be at risk from past medical treatments. This case highlights the lingering effects of historical medical practices, as detailed in a study published in the CDC's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Published: May 29 2025, 6 pm ISTeznews.inFor the first time, researchers have captured a photograph of a living Upemba lechwe (_Kobus anselli_), a critically endangered antelope species, during an aerial survey of the Kamalondo Depression in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its sole habitat. Lead author Manuel Weber from Upemba National Park described the fleeting moment when he photographed the animal, marking the first published image of the species since its identification in 2005. The survey, the first in over 50 years, revealed a stark decline in numbers, estimating fewer than 100 individuals remain, a drastic drop from earlier estimates of 5,000 to 20,000 in the 1970s. Poaching has significantly contributed to this decline, prompting calls for immediate protective measures. Weber hopes the photograph will raise awareness and galvanize conservation efforts, stating, “This may be our only chance to save this species.” The findings are published in the African Journal of Ecology.
Published: May 29 2025, 4 pm ISTeznews.inSir David Attenborough's latest documentary, _OCEAN_, features groundbreaking footage from the perspective of a bottom trawler, revealing the devastating impact of this fishing method on marine ecosystems. The film captures fish, cephalopods, and rays fleeing as the trawler's net devastates the seabed, a sight that has deeply affected marine conservationists like Enric Sala, who highlights that bottom trawling produces carbon emissions comparable to global aviation. Research indicates that this practice can strip up to 41% of seabed fauna, with recovery taking over six years. Toby Nowlan, the film's director, compares the destruction to bulldozing ancient woodlands, emphasizing the urgent need for change. As _OCEAN_ airs ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, it aims to raise awareness and prompt action to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, challenging viewers to confront the hidden devastation beneath the waves.
Published: May 29 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inThe Ordovician period, spanning approximately 485 to 444 million years ago, was marked by a remarkable surge in marine biodiversity, known as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). During this time, deep-sea creatures underwent rapid diversification, with new body plans emerging, including starfish and corals, as they adapted to various ecological niches. However, this flourishing era ended with the Late Ordovician mass extinction, characterized by a series of cooling events followed by warming, which led to significant species loss—about 60% of genera and 85% of species. Unlike other mass extinctions, the ecological impact of this event was relatively minimal, as key functional groups survived, allowing ecosystems to quickly rebound. Despite its severity in terms of species loss, the Ordovician extinction remains lesser-known, partly due to its ancient timeline and lack of relatable terrestrial impacts, unlike the more famous end-Cretaceous extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Published: May 26 2025, 7 pm ISTeznews.inIn the latest episode of IFLScience's podcast "We Have Questions," the intriguing question of why animals don’t brush their teeth is explored. While humans adhere to a strict dental hygiene routine, wild animals, such as bonobos, often display seemingly perfect teeth without any brushing. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, the podcast features insights from Peter Kertesz, a dental consultant for ZSL London Zoo and various wildlife facilities. Kertesz, alongside dental nurse Monika Mazurkiewicz, provides dental care for a range of species, from elephants to dolphins. The episode sheds light on the unique dental needs of non-human species and the reasons behind their lack of a brushing routine. Listeners can access the episode on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, offering a fascinating look into the world of animal dentistry.
Published: May 26 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inA 30-year-old man, referred to as "Mr. X," was hospitalized after injecting a homemade "mushroom tea" made from magic mushrooms, leading to the fungus growing in his veins. The case, detailed in the Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, began when Mr. X sought to self-medicate for opioid dependence and depression, having recently stopped his bipolar disorder medication. After researching the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, he prepared the tea for injection, a method not typically used. Days later, he was found by his family in a critical state, suffering from jaundice, nausea, and organ failure, and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. Blood cultures revealed the injected fungus was growing in his bloodstream, raising questions about its potential impact on his mental state. The case underscores the risks of using drugs outside of prescribed methods and the need for public education on such dangers.
Published: May 26 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inSalicylic acid, the active component of aspirin, is a crucial plant hormone that aids in growth, development, and disease resistance, and may hold the key to enhancing plant resilience against climate change. A recent study published in *Science Advances* examined its role in Arabidopsis, a mustard family member, revealing that environmental stresses like heat and drought trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can either harm or alert plants to stress. Researchers found that these ROS stimulate the formation of an alarm molecule, MEcPP, leading to increased salicylic acid production, vital for plant defense mechanisms. "It's like plants use a painkiller for aches and pains," noted co-author Wilhelmina van de Ven. The findings could significantly impact food security and environmental health, as enhancing salicylic acid production may bolster plants' ability to cope with climate-related challenges, benefiting ecosystems and human life alike. The team plans further research on MEcPP's role in plant stress responses.
Published: May 26 2025, 9 am IST
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