eznews.in
Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the deadliest infectious disease globally, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. In 2023, TB caused 1.25 million deaths, significantly surpassing the 320,000 fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, with 87% of cases concentrated in just 30 countries, particularly India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Despite being preventable and treatable in 85% of cases, TB remains a major health crisis, with nearly half of untreated patients succumbing to the disease. WHO emphasizes the urgent need for action to meet the UN's goal of ending the global TB epidemic by 2030, although funding for prevention and research remains critically low. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the ongoing toll of TB an "outrage," urging countries to fulfill their commitments to combat the disease. 
Published: Apr 25 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inLong-distance runners and walkers are notably prone to gastrointestinal distress, often resulting in embarrassing incidents during races. French walker Yohann Diniz famously soiled himself yet finished eighth in the 2016 Olympics, while Paula Radcliffe's roadside relief during the 2005 London Marathon was captured on camera. A study from 1992 revealed that 62% of long-distance athletes had stopped for bowel movements during training, with 12% experiencing fecal incontinence while running. Contributing factors include reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs during intense exercise, difficulty controlling the anal sphincter under physical strain, and the jostling of the body while running. Stress and dietary choices, such as Radcliffe's pre-race salmon, can also exacerbate these issues. Overall, up to 90% of endurance racers report some gastrointestinal symptoms, highlighting a significant challenge faced by athletes in this demanding sport.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 5 am ISTeznews.inThe reliance on satellites has surged in recent years, with a staggering 11,780 currently orbiting Earth, according to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. These satellites play a crucial role in telecommunications, weather forecasting, and monitoring environmental disasters. However, the rapid increase in satellite numbers, particularly in low-Earth orbit (LEO) where 8,110 satellites reside—6,050 of which are from SpaceX's Starlink—has raised significant concerns. Issues include light pollution affecting astronomy and the growing risk of space debris, with nearly 3,000 defunct satellites posing collision threats. Experts warn of a potential Kessler Syndrome scenario, where collisions create a cascade of debris, jeopardizing safe passage through near-Earth space. As satellite deployment continues to expand, the balance between technological advancement and environmental safety remains a pressing challenge.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 9 am ISTeznews.inOn April 7, 2025, the star HIP 16271 was occulted by Uranus, providing astronomers with a rare opportunity to study the planet's atmosphere in detail for the first time in three decades. Located approximately 400 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, HIP 16271 is not visible to the naked eye but was instrumental in revealing insights into Uranus, an ice giant with a complex atmosphere. The occultation, observed by a collaborative team of 30 astronomers across 15 observatories from Colorado to Hawaii, allowed researchers to measure the light curve as the star's light was refracted by Uranus' atmosphere. This data will enhance understanding of the planet's atmospheric temperature, density, and orbital properties, aiding future missions. NASA scientists emphasized the importance of collaboration in this endeavor, which also sets the stage for upcoming occultations, including a significant event in 2031 with a brighter star.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 8 am ISTeznews.inIn a rare medical case, a baby boy in Brazil was born with a 12-centimeter "true" human tail, a condition documented in the Journal of Pediatric Case Reports. The infant, who remains anonymous, was born prematurely but without complications, although he was found to be jaundiced. Medical examinations revealed a rounded appendage supported by a fibrous cord in the lumbosacral region. True human tails, which are embryonic remnants that fail to be absorbed during development, are extremely rare, with only about 40 cases recorded in scientific literature. The tail was surgically removed without complications, and the boy was found to have no associated conditions, such as spina bifida, which is often linked to true tails. The mother had been treated for a urinary tract infection during pregnancy and smoked, but no direct cause for the tail was identified. Following the procedure, the boy is reported to be healthy.
Published: Apr 21 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inUrogynaecologist Dr. Teresa Irwin has raised concerns about the practice of peeing in the shower, despite its environmental benefits, which could save significant amounts of toilet water annually. While proponents argue that synchronizing showers with urination can conserve water—potentially saving 2,190 liters per person each year—Dr. Irwin warns that this habit may lead to bladder issues. She explains that associating the sound of running water with the urge to urinate can condition the bladder to respond whenever water is heard, potentially causing problems for those with pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a pelvic floor therapist, echoes these concerns, noting that peeing in the shower can lead to unexpected urination troubles later in life. Both experts advise against the habit, suggesting that it may hinder effective bladder emptying and create unwanted associations that could affect bladder control outside the shower.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 3 am ISTeznews.inThe White House has dismissed speculation about extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the January 28 sighting of a Chinese high-altitude balloon, which the US and Canada claim was for espionage, while China insists it was for meteorological purposes. Since then, three additional objects have been downed, including one over Alaska and another over Canada. The US military has launched a task force to analyze the debris and determine the origins of these objects. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, leading to the postponement of a planned state visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 1 am ISTeznews.inA recent social media discussion has sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." Initially raised by an X user, the question prompted a flurry of humorous responses, but many sought a serious explanation. The dobby border serves several practical functions, including enhancing the towel's absorbency, preventing fraying, and maintaining an even structure, which ensures the towel remains lightweight and effective for drying. According to Towel Hub, this woven strip not only contributes to durability but also adds an aesthetic touch, making towels more appealing for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery clarified, attention may now shift to other intriguing questions, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 5 am ISTeznews.inA recent exploration into the world of parasitic nematodes, specifically the Mermithidae family, reveals a chilling relationship with spiders that could rival a scene from the film *Alien*. These worms, which typically target insects, can also infect spiders, entering their hosts either through direct penetration or via prey. A 2024 study identified mermithid infections in several spider species, noting that these parasites can cause abnormal genital development and alter growth patterns. Remarkably, infected spiders exhibit behavior changes, often seeking water—essential for the worms' emergence into their adult stage. An anecdote from writer Mike Gray highlights a bizarre incident where a huntsman spider, possibly infected, fell into a cup of coffee, leading to the worm's exit. This unsettling dynamic underscores the complex and often gruesome interactions within ecosystems, prompting a reconsideration of our perceptions of spiders.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 6 am ISTeznews.inPsychologists from the University of Oslo have unveiled a compelling optical illusion that not only deceives the eyes but also triggers unconscious reflexes in the brain. The illusion features a white background with black dots and a central hazy black hole, which some viewers perceive as expanding. In a study published in *Frontiers in Human Neuroscience*, researchers found that while 80% of participants experienced the illusion, 14% did not perceive any expansion with the black hole, and 20% failed to do so when the hole was colored. The study revealed that pupil dilation occurred in response to the illusion, mimicking the body's reaction to actual darkness, suggesting that our visual perception influences physiological responses. Dr. Bruno Laeng emphasized that pupil adjustments are not solely based on light levels but also on perceived and imagined stimuli, opening avenues for further research into the interplay between perception and physiological changes.
Published: Apr 26 2025, 4 am IST
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact