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New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced plans to sue major vape distributors for contributing to a youth vaping crisis, highlighting the public health risks associated with vaping. One reported side effect is "vaper's tongue," a temporary loss of taste that lacks scientific research but has garnered anecdotal attention from dentists. Factors such as chemical irritation, dehydration, and flavor fatigue may contribute to this condition, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Dr. Benjamin Chaffee from UCSF emphasizes the need for further research into vaping's health effects. To alleviate vaper's tongue, dentists recommend reducing or quitting vaping, staying hydrated, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Additionally, experts warn that vaping can harm oral health, potentially leading to enamel damage, tooth decay, and gum disease, as noted by Queensland's Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Mark Brown. 
Published: Feb 21 2025, 10 pm ISTeznews.inMicrosoft has introduced its new quantum chip, Majorana 1, which it claims could address significant real-world challenges within decades. The chip utilizes "topological qubits," manipulating a newly theorized state of matter to enhance error resistance, a critical issue in quantum computing due to qubits' sensitivity to environmental disturbances. Microsoft’s team has reportedly observed and controlled the Majorana quasiparticle, which is unique in being its own antiparticle, allowing for innovative computing capabilities. The Majorana 1 chip employs a superconducting nanowire to create and manipulate these quasiparticles, potentially enabling more reliable quantum computations. However, skepticism remains, as previous claims about Majorana states have faced retractions, and further validation of their findings is needed. Microsoft aims to scale the technology from eight to one million qubits, with hopes of achieving practical quantum computing within years, as detailed in their recent publication in *Nature*.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inResearchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in quantum physics by creating a quantum superposition state, or "quantum cat" state, that lasted an unprecedented 23 minutes and 20 seconds. This achievement, which is yet to undergo peer review, involved cooling 10,000 ytterbium atoms to just above absolute zero and trapping them with light, allowing precise control over their spin states. The stability of this superposition, which typically collapses in fractions of a second, could pave the way for advancements in high-precision measurements and quantum computing. Experts believe that with improved vacuum systems, the duration of such states could be extended further. This development follows other recent milestones in quantum research, including the successful superposition of a 16-microgram crystal, indicating significant progress in the field. A preprint detailing the findings is available on ArXiv.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 6 pm ISTeznews.inThe likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032, has increased to 3.1 percent, making it the most dangerous near-Earth object tracked to date, according to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies. This marks a rise from 2.6 percent just a day prior. While astronomers anticipate that further observations will likely confirm the asteroid's trajectory will miss Earth, the current odds position it as a significant concern, albeit smaller than other known threats like Apophis. The asteroid, measuring between 40 and 90 meters, could cause considerable damage if it were to impact, similar to the Tunguska Event. Experts emphasize that these fluctuating probabilities are a normal part of tracking such objects, and ongoing observations are crucial for refining predictions. The European Space Agency estimates the impact risk slightly lower at 2.8 percent, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and potential planetary defense strategies.
Published: Feb 19 2025, 11 pm ISTeznews.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, emphasizing the importance of pandemic preparedness rather than inciting panic. While the inevitability of future pandemics is acknowledged, experts stress the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks, especially as human encroachment on nature increases the likelihood of spillover events from undiscovered pathogens.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 12 am ISTeznews.inA recent study by psychologists at the University of Chicago has provided scientific insight into the phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect, which describes collective false memories. The researchers focused on visual Mandela effects (VME), testing participants' ability to identify original images of popular logos and characters, including Pikachu and the Fruit of the Loom logo. Surprisingly, participants frequently selected incorrect versions, even after being shown the correct images just minutes prior. The study revealed that these misremembered images were chosen with high confidence, suggesting a shared cognitive error among individuals. While the researchers explored various theories, including "schema theory," they found no single explanation for the consistent mistakes. The findings raise intriguing questions about the nature of memory and suggest that different images may trigger false memories for distinct reasons, leaving the door open for further investigation into this perplexing psychological phenomenon.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inA recent study challenges the stereotype of the "lazy stoner," revealing that chronic cannabis users do not exhibit reduced motivation or effort due to their consumption. Researchers surveyed 260 regular cannabis users, who reported using the drug recreationally at least three times a week, through a smartphone app that assessed their motivation levels over a week. The findings indicated that these users chose challenging tasks at similar rates whether they were high or sober, suggesting that their motivation remains intact. Interestingly, those with higher cannabis consumption were often more inclined to tackle difficult challenges. While the study noted that regular use could lead to impulsivity and decreased conscientiousness, it found no evidence of a "weed hangover" affecting motivation the following day. The research, published in *Social Psychological and Personality Science*, highlights the complexity of cannabis use and its effects on behavior.
Published: Feb 17 2025, 1 am ISTeznews.inIn a remarkable discovery, Big Bend National Park in Texas has unveiled the first new plant genus and species in a US national park since 1976. The newly identified species, named _Ovicula biradiata_ or the "wooly devil," features a fuzzy appearance and two red ray florets that resemble horns, drawing its name from both its look and its proximity to an area called Devil’s Den. First spotted by park volunteer Deb Manley in March 2023, the plant was confirmed as a member of the sunflower family after genetic analysis. However, it faces potential extinction due to climate change, with only three known locations in the park. Researchers are keeping its exact location secret to facilitate further study and assess its conservation status, as the wooly devil may possess medicinal properties similar to other plants in its family. The findings are detailed in the journal PhytoKeys.
Published: Feb 20 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inA team of scientists from two Chinese universities has successfully synthesized a material harder than diamond in the laboratory, known as lonsdaleite. This hexagonal form of carbon, discovered in a meteorite from Canyon Diablo, Arizona, exhibits superior mechanical properties compared to traditional cubic diamonds. The researchers utilized advanced pressure and temperature techniques to optimize the conditions for lonsdaleite production, overcoming previous challenges that resulted in a mix of graphite and diamonds. Their findings suggest that lonsdaleite can withstand approximately 58% more stress than diamonds, making it a promising candidate for industrial applications, including potential superconductors. The study, published in *Nature Materials*, highlights the significance of understanding lonsdaleite's formation, as natural occurrences are rare due to the extreme conditions required. The team's work opens new avenues for materials science, emphasizing the material's excellent thermal stability and ultrahigh hardness.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 5 am ISTeznews.inScientists have proposed an innovative solution to combat water scarcity in Chile's Atacama Desert by harnessing fog. This region, known as the driest nonpolar desert, receives minimal precipitation, making water access a challenge for its inhabitants, particularly in the municipality of Alto Hospicio, where many live in informal settlements without reliable water supply. Researchers suggest that fog harvesting—using fine mesh to collect moisture from fog—could provide a sustainable water source. The study indicates that a 100 square kilometer area could yield between 0.2 and 10 liters of water per square meter daily, depending on conditions. While the method could significantly improve water access for the local population, experts caution that it should complement broader water management strategies, considering factors like fog density and seasonal variability. The findings aim to encourage policymakers to integrate fog harvesting into national water strategies to enhance resilience against climate change.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 2 am IST
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